Life through a Lens

[Ladybugsmom]

Originally Posted by dolt45

No fair! You guys are circumnavigating to get awesome shots. That's cheatin'. (ok, maybe not... nice ones ladies!)

My goal in life was to visit all seven continents... CHECK! If I had unlimited time and money, I'd love to see every square inch of our beautiful planet, and photograph it all...
I still need to see more of Asia (Nepal, India, and China are on my bucket list), but then, the goal is every US state.
Don't worry, I'll put up pics...

[Ladybugsmom]

Dolt45, you HAVE to go to Africa if you like birds! I never was much into bird-watching until I went there. Amazing...

[Ladybugsmom]

Some landscapes from my seventh continent, Antarctica... (still trying to decide which one to print and hang in my home...)

[Ladybugsmom]

Originally Posted by dolt45

Bird brains...

He's looking at you like he's saying "What is that THING you're pointing at me???" Very cool shot!

[dolt45]

Originally Posted by Ladybugsmom

Dolt45, you HAVE to go to Africa if you like birds! I never was much into bird-watching until I went there. Amazing...

I love birds, sure, but I love pretty much everything else as well. I take pictures of everything. Though I admit that 'critters' are my favorite.

Originally Posted by Ladybugsmom

Some landscapes from my seventh continent, Antarctica... (still trying to decide which one to print and hang in my home...)

I think this one is a bit cooler than the other. Its a bit more dynamic.
Both are pretty cool though! (no pun intended)

Originally Posted by Ladybugsmom

He's looking at you like he's saying "What is that THING you're pointing at me???" Very cool shot!

LOL... The 14 year old that lives in the back of my head had a good time with that one.

[dolt45]

A few non 'critter' pics. These are ones that I submitted for weekly assignments a long time ago at fredmiranda.com
The weekly theme of each is listed with the pic:

Action:


The passage of time:


Musical instruments:



Hot:

[cam62]

Originally Posted by dolt45

How exactly did you get THAT close to an osprey?
Jeebus!

Zoom is against the rules ? Here in Florida many Ospreys' have lost some of their natural fear of humans. This one was in a tree about 30 feet above me and just sat there posing for me

Originally Posted by dolt45

If you guys want to do weekly assignments why not just sign up on fredmiranda.com ?

While the competion will be stiff they have weekly and monthly assignments. They also used to, and may still, give a prize to first place (it used to be add-ons for Photoshop but that may have changed). There are a lot of very gifted photographers there from very skilled pros to total noobs with their first digital camera and they all share tips and critique each others work (constructively). If you are serious about improving your chops there probably isn’t a better place outside of a school.

I learned a huge portion of what I know about photography there.
Give some serious thought to joing their forum.

I'm sure I will but Okie suggested that since we all share a couple of common interests (camaros and photography) it might be fun to start one here.

Time is precious and I'm afraid if I join fredmiranda I'll end up spending more time there than here. Not sure if I am ready to go that route just yet

But as you said everyone from noobs to pros use that site so I'm sure it's worth some time for me.

What processing software do you all like the most. When I purchased my dslr last fall I decided it was high time to start. I couldn't make up my mind so I found GIMP and am using that.

I have a nikkon and I guess it's time to find a plugin to read NEF files. I'm considering Nikons capture NX program.

Any thoughts?

[dolt45]

Originally Posted by cam62

Zoom is against the rules ? Here in Florida many Ospreys' have lost some of their natural fear of humans. This one was in a tree about 30 feet above me and just sat there posing for me

Rules? What rules? BTW, I hate you now.
I love shooting birds of prey and have never gotten within 50 yards of an Osprey. I did get this shot, too bad she was WAY too far away for anything decent. This shot is heavily cropped:

Originally Posted by cam62

I'm sure I will but Okie suggested that since we all share a couple of common interests (camaros and photography) it might be fun to start one here.

Time is precious and I'm afraid if I join fredmiranda I'll end up spending more time there than here. Not sure if I am ready to go that route just yet

But as you said everyone from noobs to pros use that site so I'm sure it's worth some time for me.

What processing software do you all like the most. When I purchased my dslr last fall I decided it was high time to start. I couldn't make up my mind so I found GIMP and am using that.

I have a nikkon and I guess it's time to find a plugin to read NEF files. I'm considering Nikons capture NX program.

Any thoughts?

[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman] I was just offering up fredmiranda.com for those who might want to spend some time building up their photo skillset. I spent a lot of time there back in the early days of the forum, way more than I spend here, so I understand your concerns of plugging into another time vacuum.

As far as processing software I use Photoshop CS5 but it’s quite pricey for a casual user ($600+).

I also have Adobe’s “Lightroom” but I almost never use it. I’ve spent so much time in Photoshop that I’m just more comfortable there. Having said that, I know a lot of folks swear by it and its a good deal cheaper than the full blown Photoshop (The current version “4” is $150 or you can a new copy of the older version “3” for $100).

Something you might consider is Photoshop Elements. It is a stripped down (cheaper) version of Photoshop that only has the basics but it is made by the best in the business and doesn’t suck. I have played around with it and found it quite useful but I’m spoiled on the full version. Elements goes for about $75.

I have never used Nikon gear so I can’t help you there. If you ever have questions on Canon gear, I’m your man. (I’m a serious fanboy)

[cam62]

I love capturing birds of prey too. Here's another one
I have to learn to carry my camera at all times. I have missed several wonderful shot's of Bald Eagles. :(

[cam62]

Florida has a huge variety of birds

[f5journal]

Originally Posted by Ladybugsmom

Some landscapes from my seventh continent, Antarctica... (still trying to decide which one to print and hang in my home...)

Wow...I remember when you posted all of those (or somebody). Everyone in the office went crazy over them

[Ladybugsmom]

Originally Posted by f5journal

Wow...I remember when you posted all of those (or somebody). Everyone in the office went crazy over them

Thanks! The natural beauty of Antarctica made the photography easy. I would love to go back again someday...

Dynamic is a good description of the second one, Dolt45! I was leaning toward that one.

[BowtieBelle]

Some pics from my trip now that I got the good camera pics off the memory card

[Okie Boom]

Originally Posted by dolt45

While the competion will be stiff they have weekly and monthly assignments. They also used to, and may still, give a prize to first place (it used to be add-ons for Photoshop but that may have changed). There are a lot of very gifted photographers there from very skilled pros to total noobs with their first digital camera and they all share tips and critique each others work (constructively). If you are serious about improving your chops there probably isn’t a better place outside of a school.

I thought it would be fun to come up with our own ideas. There are a ton of "weekly photography assignment" pages out there. Just thought it would be better to be a little more original and us our creativity to really challenge each other. I am up for whatever you all want to do though!!

You all are so talented, I am loving where this thread is heading! Keep up the good work, and most importantly....KEEP POSTING!

[Okie Boom]

Well, I think we have a good volume of images in here now. I think what I am going to start doing is posting one image at a time. Try to do it once or twice a day, spread out the material ya know. Really give us a chance to go over and enjoy the images before more get thrown up.

with that I have this...

IMG_1974 by Okie Photo, on Flickr

I captured this while running around downtown Tulsa, OK. I happened on an old baptist church with fantastic architecture. I had just started shooting the front of the church when a wedding party came out of the front doors. It was just habit to point the lens at the bride and groom! LOL

After getting a couple of shots of the festivities I looked over to my right and saw their videographer crouched IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET doing his thing. I of course had to snap a shot off!

[anglwngss]

I'm not a professional and photography isn't even my hobby, however, with that being said, I do like taking pictures and with I could get better with both my skills and the imagination/creativity I've seen in so many other photographs.

Anyway, Here's a few I took when we were in Hawaii back in 2010. They have been resized, but I don't have Photoshop, so no other editing.

[Okie Boom]

Ahhh Hawaii! I will make it there someday!

You know, now days just about everyone is a hobbiest when it comes to photography, even if they don't know it. The ability to capture a good image has become so easy with technology! I think the images are fantastic!

[anglwngss]

Thanks for the kind words. I think the idea of a weekly assignment would be kind of cool. I'm a little too intimidated to post any sort of pictures on a photography site, lol.

[jrv2kgt-s]

Originally Posted by dolt45

I personally HATE that site. There is a lot of good info there, very true, but the forums are full of whiney "I'm better than you and your gear sux" haters/trolls.
When I want a serious hardware review I go to Steve's digicams.

Just about every digital camera on the planet (for the last 10 years) has been reviewed there. You'll get information overload on each review with specs, sample pics, pros/cons and just about anything else you could want.
NOTE: For some reason a lot of folks never notice the 'jump to the next page' link at the bottom of each review's first page and never see the next 5 or 6 pages of info on the camera in question. Don't be one of them.
Go there. Now. http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/


There is even a page listing the best in each class. http://www.steves-digicams.com/best-cameras.html


EDIT: I just re-read this... sorry if it sounded preachy. I just have bad blood with dpreview.

I didn't find your comments to be preachy at all. I agree with your sentiment of dpreview but they do provide a good variety of sample images that shows both the strengths and weaknesses of any particular DSLR that is available on the market (hence the image comparison and decide comment). Thanks for the "Steve's" suggestion, I'll be sure to add the site to my bookmarks for future reference.

Oh, what lens did you use for your macro shots(excellent shots by the way)? I've been meaning to add a good macro lens to my inventory and I haven't decided on what lens to go with. Lately I've just been buying filters, lighting accessories but I definitely would like to pick-up at least 2 more lenses. So far my collection spans: 16-35 2.8L, 24-70 2.8L, 50 1.2L, 70-200 2.8L.

[lightning]

Wonderful thread. One of my favorite subjects.........
.

[Okie Boom]

Originally Posted by lightning

Wonderful thread. One of my favorite subjects.........
.

Wow, nice airbrush work!!

[dolt45]

Originally Posted by jrv2kgt-s

Oh, what lens did you use for your macro shots(excellent shots by the way)? I've been meaning to add a good macro lens to my inventory and I haven't decided on what lens to go with. Lately I've just been buying filters, lighting accessories but I definitely would like to pick-up at least 2 more lenses. So far my collection spans: 16-35 2.8L, 24-70 2.8L, 50 1.2L, 70-200 2.8L.

The only macro lens I own is a Sigma 105mm. It is a great little lens for the price. (I spent most of my lens budget on long glass)

As always, there are alternatives.

Pick up an extension tube (or a set). They go between the lens and camera body and alter the geometry of the lens so that it can focus on subjects much closer to the lens as well as cause the image projected onto the sensor/film to be magnified. You'll give up on the ability to focus on anything far away until the tube is removed but for an inexpensive macro set up it can't be beat. FWIW: Tubes have a massive effect on small focal length lenses (sub 100mm) but still work wonders on longer focal length lenses. I've used them on my 400mm lens to take pictures of small skittish critters that didn't want me closer than a few feet away.
While the brand name tubes are great, the cheapo Kenko tubes work perfectly (I've got a set that are practically worn out from use). After all, they are only a tube with mounts at either end and contacts for passing signals from the lens electronics to the camera. No glass. Why pay top dollar?

Edit: I forgot to mention: When you use equal amounts of extension and lens focal length (50mm tube on a 50mm lens) you will (in theory) be shooting at a 1:1 ratio. Which means that a 5mm bug will cover 5mm of your sensor. You can completely fill the frame with a bee. Of course, at 1:1 you'll almost be bumping the glass into his face due to the shortened focus range and of course the depth of field will be almost nil. Still, it can be fun.

Another option, and a really cool one, is to buy a super cheepo small mm lens and turn it around backwards and mount/tape/attach it somehow to the front of your primary lens. Instant super macro. Don't believe me? Do a google image search on "reverse lens macro".

BTW: That's a pretty sexy list of lenses you've got there. Premium glass! I'm a bit envious. While I've got a few "red ring" lenses too, I don't have any of the ones in your list.

[Okie Boom]

IMG_0196 by Okie Photo, on Flickr

This was taken at the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa, OK. This property was amazing, I could have spent all day here. Only problem was that is was over 100 degrees that day!

[Okie Boom]

Speaking of glass, this is going to be my next one:
http://www.tamron-usa.com/lenses/prod/1024_diII.asp

I can't wait!

[BowtieBelle]

Originally Posted by Okie Boom

IMG_0196 by Okie Photo, on Flickr

This was taken at the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa, OK. This property was amazing, I could have spent all day here. Only problem was that is was over 100 degrees that day!

I love the Philbrook. I've taken thousands of pics there! I go there every time I'm in Tulsa (which is where I grew up)