Photography My Experiences

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T04:34:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year
Mark Twain summed it up best.......
"Yesterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink and swore his last oath. Today, we are a pious and exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever."

New Grandson

2011-12-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

I have a new Grandson "Sean Hunter"

This means I also have a new model..................

F16 after burner

2011-03-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

Over the years at Tucson International Airport there has been a hand full of photographers lining the fence area to photograph planes taking off from runway 11L. I talked to one gentlemen "Barry" who stated they were from a club and post their photos on http://www.flickr.com/photos/collingwoodbarry/
Here is a couple of shots I took one Sunday morning of F16's taking off.....

Time to catch up!

2010-05-27T05:47:00.003-07:00

I know, where have I been!
My schedule has been hectic. Weddings, car shows & senior portraits are taking up my time, that is a good thing.
Today I'm explaining a interesting wedding preparation. I met with a bride and groom to discuss the time line for their special day. The first thing they mention "We want the photo session at 4pm, 2 hours before the wedding outside". Do you know what the lighting and weather is like in May, in the southwest is like...Harsh and Hot! So what did I do?
I scouted the venue one week prior to the ceremony at the exact time they requested, and found no shade to eliminate the the HARSH light. I knew I would need to use fill flash at a high shutter speed, in my case sync of 200, 580 EX II & Canon 5D to use as fill. The sun was coming in at a 90 degrees to the subjects. This was due to the background that was suitable for the shot.
Did I say I love a challenge?
This setup turned out to work, which created a highlight to one side of the groom and groomsmen.
As a wedding photographer you have to be patient when shooting a large wedding party, not all of them show up on time, this is a good time to shoot the bride and groom with idividuals in the party. That time usually relaxes everybody for the formal shots.
Dont be affraid to suggest changing the style of the shoot due to weather conditions, just explain to the bride and groom how it will affect the outcome of the photos.

Time to catch yp

2010-05-27T05:47:00.001-07:00

Geen Apple Strobists

2009-06-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

I was requested to come up with a large print with a green apple theme. The set up.... Vivitar 285 and Canon 580 ex, Canon 5D & 24-70 2.8.
I placed an apple on a stick, to get the bottom to have a contrast I also put a white paper plate underneath to reflect some light onto the under side. i used a black bed sheet for the background.
When I transferred the shot into Photoshop I removed the stick and plate.
I added clear finger nail polish and sprayed the apple with water.
The client was very satisfied.

LucisArt & Lightroom Hotrod Print

2009-01-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a variance to the hot rod photo prints. I begin with a RAW photo processed in Lightroom and transfered to Photoshop for a little more photoshop magic, contrast, sharpening etc..

Grandson

2009-01-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

There is a new addition to the family, our first grandchild.I have never photographed newborn infants until now. What I have found is always have your camera ready, they will give a pose without any prompting.

This shot was with a canon 5D and a flash bounced off the ceiling.

Football

2008-10-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to photograph a football game at the University of Arizona. The speed at which the game is played adds to the difficulty of getting the right shot. Here is an example.

This was shot at 1/400th, 2.8

24-70L

Strobists Example

2008-09-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

I have been watching strobists videos on YOU TUBE and I thought I would give a try. I set up two flashes opposite each other at a height of 5 1/2 feet on light stands. One flash was a Canon EX and the other a Sunpak 555. Cybersynce remotes were used to fire the flashes which were set a 1/8th power. The camera 5D set at 200TV and 16AV.
I think I need a third light for the front lighting.

http://strobist.blogspot.com/
For off camera flash shooting this is a great website.

Rat Rod-Hotrod

2008-08-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

There is something intriguing about the whole RATROD &"Rock a Billy" scene. The cars are old unfinished works of art. I say unfinished meaning, made to look that way. The detail that goes into one of these cars is amazing once you start to look at the way things are put together with odds and ends.

A rat rod is a style of hot rod or custom car that, in most cases, imitates (or exaggerates) the early hot rods of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. It is not to be confused with the somewhat closely related "traditional" hot rod, which is an accurate re-creation or period-correct restoration of a hot rod from the same era.
Most rat rods appear "unfinished" (whether they actually are or are not), with just the bare essentials to be driven.
The rat rod is the visualization of the idea of function over form. Rat rods are meant to be driven, not shown off. Sometimes the customization will include using spare parts, or parts from another car altogether.

Inspiration

2008-08-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

My Niece has got the photography bug. Each night she sends a couple photos to critique and this has been great. The enthusiasm she has shown and the ability to take criticism and run with it is also inspiring for me.

Here is one of the shots she has taken, you can see her ability to visualize the shot is right on.

Lightning

2008-08-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

I love the Canon 5D, there is so much more to learn with this camera that will greatly increase the quality of the prints.

The exposure for this was: ISO 100

AV F11

TV 11 sec.

lens 24-70L 2.8

Canon 5D

2008-08-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

Canon EOS 5D SLR - Large image sensor The main sales argument for the Canon EOS 5D is of course the large sensor. It's a full-size image sensor meaning that the dimensions equal the 35mm format. And this means you don't suffer from focal length multiplier anymore, and this is especially ideal for wide angle lovers. Producing a full-size sensor is extremely expensive, more so because there is a lot of remainder of the wafers that the sensors are made from. You'd expect Canon to use the same sensor they've used for the EOS 1Ds Mark II, because the higher the production numbers, the lower the price will be per unit. But Canon decided to put an entirely new 12 Megapixel CMOS into the EOS 5D. It has a pixel pitch of 0.082 mm which equals the pixel pitch of speed monster; Eos-1D Mark II N. It is therefore well possible that the EOS 5D features a larger type than the one used in the EOS-1D Mark II N. Some image characteristics seem to prove this thought.
Here is some shots taken with the Canon 5D.

1953 Buick and Friend

2008-06-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

I have gone back into my archived photos, and found some new prints to play with.

The owner of this car had a unique dispay including the peddal car.

Buicks of the 1950-1953 period have become American icons in the tradition of Coca-Cola machines, Route 66 signs, and Standard Crown gas pump globes. No other car symbolizes postwar promise and prosperity like the bulbous, toothy Buick. The ubiquitous Buick offered a model for every buyer in most every price class. In the days when the buck stopped with Harry Truman, and well into the Eisenhower years, Buick absolutely dominated the American automobile scene above the Chevy-Ford-Plymouth trio. GM's Flint, Michigan, division did it with a combination of bold styling, innovative marketing, and a dealer organization second to none.

1957 belair

2008-06-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

The lines of the 1957 Chevrolet Belair always stands out at car shows.

57 Chevy is a nickname of the 1957 Chevrolet made in America from late 1956 through much of 1957 by General Motors. It is one of many now-classic cars adored by millions of people. These cars are being restored to their original condition or modified according to personal tastes. As this car gets older it becomes more sought after by collectors than ever before. Its image has been frequently used in toys, graphics, music, movies and television. The '57 Chevy is an icon of the era that endures today.

Canon 5D

2008-06-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

Well I have been without a camera for awhile as you may have noticed, no new blogs. While shooting team photos for a high school softball team my camera "died", thank goodness I was at the end of the shoot.
I will be replacing it with a Canon 5D, the full frame will be alot better for making large prints.

12.8 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor
Developed by Canon, this high-resolution, 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor sets the standard for its class, featuring a remarkable 12.8 million effective pixels for a maximum recorded resolution of 4,368 x 2,912 pixels. Second-generation on-chip noise reduction is enhanced for easier use with a choice of two modes: "Auto", to engage auto noise reduction when noise is detected; "ON", to engage noise reduction for all exposures of 1 sec. or longer. From smooth gradations and wide ISO speed range to effective suppression of false colors and ultra-precise white balance, this sensor matches the image quality found in the flagship model of Canon's EOS digital SLR lineup, EOS-1Ds Mark II.
• High Speed DIGIC II Imaging Engine
DIGIC II is Canon's advanced imaging technology that processes massive data from the large CMOS sensor at extremely high speed for photos of exceptional quality and definition. This accelerated performance contributes to highly responsive, user-friendly operation, including a fast continuous shooting speed. Color reproduction is extremely natural and details are incredibly precise, especially with gradations in the highlight areas. Such processing efficiency also keeps power consumption minimal.
• Picture Style Settings
Like choosing film for a film camera, users can choose a style from Picture Styles that is ideally suited to the subject or shooting objective. Picture Styles replace the Processing Parameters and Color Matrix features of previous EOS DIGITAL cameras, bringing a uniform standard to EOS DIGITAL cameras that incorporate Picture Styles. Users can select from 6 preset image style settings (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome) and 3 user-defined styles, depending on their particular subject, shooting conditions and photographic intentions.
• High Performance Functionality
The new EOS 5D has an array of premier functions often demanded by photographers who want hands-on creative control and comfort in a camera. Accurate focusing, enhanced durability, and quick, reliable response will make inspired ideas come true. Look through the viewfinder or 2.5-inch LCD to see how bright and wide your vision can be. With the EOS 5D, Canon frees your hands as well as your imagination by simplifying shooting operations.

Black Bike

2008-03-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a shot of a custom motorcyle that was part of a fund raiser for charity.

In this shot I removed as much of the reflecting colors in the chrome to include the blue sky.

Tubac Arizona

2008-02-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

My Wife and I took a drive to Tubac so she could do some art shopping. I never leave my camera at home when we go to this great little town filled with art, she shops and I shoot.

Tubac has been home to at least five distinct cultures: the Hohokam between 300 and 1400 AD; the Tohono O'odham ("Desert People" called Papago by the Spanish) arrived sometime in the 1500's; the Spaniards arrived with Father Campos in 1726, according to a baptismal record; Mexico claimed it during the 1821 Mexican War of Independence; and it was bought by the United States under the 1853 Gadsden Purchase.

Pebble Bed

2008-02-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

I needed to click some shots so I walked out to the wash behind the house, looking for something that stood out. So here it is!

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/125Av( Aperture Value ) 11

Lightbulb

2008-01-16T18:10:00.000-07:00

Again I was sitting around the house wanting to photograph SOMETHING.

Well I have a string of lights hanging outside and this is the final print.

Hot Rod Poster

2007-12-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

While photographing this car, I stood on a lightpole base to get this angle and this became the the best shot of the day.

This one will become a poster!

Still Life Right in Front of You!

2007-12-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

I bought this old Eastman Kodak camera at a antique store for my office to fill some shelf space. One day, I mentioned to my wife that I needed a new photo for a frame in the office, and I remembered seeing a stock photo in a frame at a furniture store similar to this one I took here. I think it worked pretty good.

I used a Canon Digital Rebel with a Sunpak 555 flash held approx. one foot away with strobo diffuser and a 42" sunbounce silverside. 180th at 6.5 if I remember correctly.

Photographer's Right

2007-12-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

I was looking for photography laws on the internet and came across this little bit of information which would be good to have on hand when you are confronted by somebody when you are taking photographs.
http://www.krages.com/ThePhotographersRight.pdf

Lightroom Cropping

2007-12-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

In Lightroom I have started using the crop tool instead of PS crop and I like it alot better. here is some an example of the crop 8x10

There is no resolution loss when you use this tool.

Motorcycles

2007-12-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

I have noticed that motorcycle engines are actualy a piece of art. What can I say enjoy the prints

ARFF Crash Truck

2007-12-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

The Tucson Airport Authority took delivery of a 3000 gallon aircraft rescue fire fighting vehicle. This truck also carries 500 lbs of dry powder chemical. The fire fighting capabilities are great, while driving down the runway at 50 miles an hour it can disperse the foam and dry chemical.

For a truck this size and weight it is quit agile, 0-50 in 31 seconds. Having the opportunity to drive this truck is one of the most awesome feelings.

Another Hot Rod

2007-12-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

I know I have been away for a while, but I do Have a few new photos to post over the next couple of days.

Again I found another hot rod in a parking lot just waiting to be photographed. This time around I left some of the original color in the shot, I have not decided which format I like!

Drag Racing Pinks All Out

2007-11-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go to the local drag strip and they were filming an episode of PINKS from the Speed channel. The awesome cars came from all over the country and the color they are painted really make for some fun shooting.

PINKS rapidly has become the most-watched weekly series on SPEED, drawing more than two million viewers a week. Using the setting of a classic 1950s drag race, PINKS will pit contestants in a best three-out-of-five format, with the loser handing over the title (pink slip) to his or her vehicle.

Restoration

2007-11-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

This photo is of my wife's Grandmother and Great aunts. Photo restoration is very hard, especially if a portion of the photo is missing. Some research is done to determine the correct colors for that period. For this I used Adobe Photoshop's clone tool and healing brush.

When adding color paint brush is used with the opacity set at approximately 30%.

Fire in the Sky Photo

2007-11-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I looked out the window and saw the formation of the clouds and I knew it would be a great sunset. When shooting a sunset I like to use a telephoto and wide angle lens so I get different perspectives of a scene. With the camera set at -1 and +1 exposure, I was able to find a shot that brought out the brilliant colors of the clouds.

Mid-day photo shoot

2007-11-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

A friend stopped by and we decided to go out to the desert and shoot some cacti. 1 pm is not the time to shoot in the southwest. The first photo shows the lack of contrast and color, the second I used my Sunpak 555 as a fill light, be careful not to over expose with the flash.

ISO 100

Shutter 200

Av 9.1

Arizona Sunset

2007-11-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

Well it is that time of year for fabulous sunsets and weather.

Out of service

2007-11-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well do to technical difficulties I have been out of internet service for a while. I have a fun day planned for Sunday hope to have some shots up on this site soon.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

Well it is that time again, so here is something with the Halloween spirit!

If you have a funny comment please leave it for all to enjoy.

Ford F-150 Truck Custom

2007-10-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

I had another opportunity to photograph this custom truck for the Ford dealer ship. This time I used a Sunpak 555 off camera to help with the lighting and 42 silver reflector.

Custom Ford Truck F-150

2007-10-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

I was asked today to shoot a custom truck at a Ford dealership today. This truck had a great House of colors blue metal flake paint along with Shelby wheels and Baer brakes.

( Shutter Speed ) 1/60Av

( Aperture Value ) 22

ISO Speed 100

For more information ........

http://www.tucsontotalperformance.com/

Rodeo Barrel Racer

2007-10-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

The rodeo has always been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. Of all the events the barrel racing is one of my favorites because of the speed and how much heart the riders have which shows when they pass the timing lights.

In 1925, Kramer and the Arizona Polo Association created La Fiesta de los Vaqueros and the Tucson Mid-Winter Rodeo and Parade. The event would give visitors a taste of cowboy range work and glamorize Tucson’s Wild West notoriety.
From Kramer’s official welcome in the 1925 event program:
Not so many years ago the first pony express came to a sudden halt on our Main Street, carrying civilization southwestward. Not so many years ago the first railroad whistled in. Gone is the past. The hitching post has been removed. A new civilization has put steel and concrete and built a mighty city where only yesterday horses grazed within the memory of living man. The Pioneer Spirit lives. Heroic memories never die. The Old Frontier will be revived-at Tucson, February 21, 22 and 23, 1925—as a community revival. We are proud to offer this attraction to the people of American as a glorious reminder of yesterday.

Source: http://www.tucsonrodeo.com/aboutUs/2_History.htm

Arm in Arm Cacti

2007-10-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea Gigantea ) is the state symbol of Arizona, appearing on all car license plates, and provides a universally recognized image of the Southwest. It is the largest and one of the slowest growing of all cacti, reaching up to 15 meters high and living for several centuries. Plants can weigh up to 8 tons, partly because of the large amount of water the stems can hold - after rainfall the cactus can absorb hundreds of gallons in a short time. The saguaro may be only 6 inches high after 10 years, and the characteristic branched appearance is reached only after around 80 years. The cactus is widespread across southern Arizona, extreme southeast California and Sonora, north Mexico. Distribution is related to latitude and altitude - it is most commonly found between 1,000 & 3,000 feet, and because the saguaro can tolerate temperatures as low as -4 °C, it survives further north than any of the other species of large cactus. In the spring, the saguaro produce white flowers on the upper stems of mature plants so this is an especially good time to visit. Later, sweet edible red fruit appear, traditionally used by the local Indian tribes as food and also to make wine..

Source: http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/saguaro/national_park.html

Best Buy parking lot find

2007-10-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

I found this rat rod in the Best Buy parking lot todaym with no cars parked near it blocking the view or sun light. While my wife was inside shopping I shot a few frames again with the idea of this type of print. When I came out of the store the car was gone I would have liked to talk to the owner.

Parking Lot

2007-10-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I went to a car show and swap meet looking for cars to shoot and as always found some very nice cars and trucks in the parking lot like this one.

File name Orange Truck 01.jpgCamera Model Name Canon EOS DIGITAL REBELShooting Date/Time 10/6/2007 08:58:00 (Shutter Speed) 1/80Sec. (Aperture Value) F16

ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 28.0 mmImage size 3072 x 2048

Hot Rod

2007-10-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

Hot rods are cars that have been customized for performance and/or appearance। Nobody knows for sure the origin of the term "hot rod।" One explanation is that the term is a contraction of "hot roadster," meaning a roadster that was modified for speed। Open roadsters were the cars of choice to modify because they were light. Hot Rod may also refer to the cam or pushrods inside the engine or other to the exposed frame rails of such an automobile. It was adopted in the 1930s or 1940s as the name of a car that had been "hopped up" by modifying the cam to achieve higher performance

http://en.wikipedia.org/

Copying a Master

2007-10-04T17:08:00.000-07:00

There is so many people who mimic Ansel Adams including myself, but there is only one master of the Zone System…….

Ansel Adams was a visionary figure in nature photography and wilderness preservation. He is seen as an environmental folk hero and a symbol of the American West, especially of Yosemite National Park. Adams' dedication to wilderness preservation, his commitment to the Sierra Club, and of course, his signature black-and-white photographs inspire an appreciation for natural beauty and a strong conservation ethic.....

Source: Sierra Club

Fire Fight

2007-10-01T19:04:00.000-07:00

I know I have been posting cars and portrait photos, I guess it is time to show some shots from my real job. When I go to training fires, I try to get some shots but have have a blast fighting them too.

You cannot imagine the heat that radiates off the fire. i'm surprised my camera equipment hasn't melted when I get close. You have to be quick to shoot these types of fires, the firefighters move in fast and extinguish them in a short amount of time.

1956 Chevrolet Nomad

2007-09-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Whenever I go to a car show I scan the parking lot for nice cars that is not in the show. Here is an example of one I found at a car show and swap meet in Tucson.

Canon EOS DIGITAL 1/400Sec F13 Compensation -1 200Lens 28-300mm

Focal Length 70.0 mm

Image size 3072 x 2048

Mustang

2007-09-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

Here is the first photo I did in the two tone style. When I photoshopped this print it took approx. 2.5 hours, now it only takes 45 minutes.

I belong to the Southern Arizona Mustang Club and this was the first car show I attended with the club.

The outcome was crude but this one got the ball rolling, now at car shows I'm always looking for that special shot.

Beach Cruiser?

2007-09-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

At one of the bi-monthly car shows at a local eatery is where this was taken. To cleanup the photo I used photoshop and removed as much of the background as possible to make it appear like it was at the beach, not in the Arizona desert.

The camera setting: Camera Model Name CYBERSHOT

Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/725Sec.

Av(Aperture Value) F3.4Metering Modes

CenterExposure Compensation -7/10 ISO Speed 100

The clone and eraser tool were used along with a B&W conversion.

Remember to use layers to change any photo, I didn't and never did have the original shot to keep as a negative for future us.

Mercury Lead Sled

2007-09-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

With this shoot I did have the owner move it onto a wet spot so the reflection from the sun would highlight the side of the car. The color of the car was a two tone bugandy and was perfect.

Again the color print is awsome when enlarged.

Hot Rod

2007-09-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a hot rod that was driving into a show, I snapped this while they were waiting at a stop sign. The black and white worked well at this angle.

I spend my time walking car shows and imagine what the final product will look like in the black & white version.

Light Reflector

2007-09-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Here is another shot where available light was reflected utilizing cardboard and aluminum foil. I explain to the client why I use the cardboard and demonstrate the creativity of reflectiveness. They respond with “Wow” and are willing to put up with the bright light.
I don’t have a studio inside or out. What I do is find nice landscaping in housing subdivision or a park the neighbors come out and watch which is a great time to hand-out business cards.
Camera Model Name
CYBERSHOT
Tv(Shutter Speed)
1/470Sec.
Av(Aperture Value)
F4.8
Metering Modes
Center
Exposure Compensation
0
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
18.2 mm
Image size
2400 x 3000

Mustang Eleanor

2007-09-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

I’ve been asked to show the original photo of the Eleanor mustang in the black and white. Photoshop solarization filter was used to create the look. The hardest part is eliminating the specular highlights which show up as black dots on the print. I print the black & white on metallic paper at Mpix online.

Halloween Costume

2007-09-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

This shot was made with a point and shoot digital camera and a 36" x 36" cardboard covered in aluminum. I was asked by some party goers to take their photos. This worked out good; I did not have an assistant so all of them took turns holding the home-made reflector, and this kept them occupied until their turn.

Midday lighting was a problem, here are the settings:

ISO 100

SHUTTER 1/985

F/S 8.0

EXPOSURE METER…. SPOT

Camera ….Sony Cybershot

Too Hot

2007-09-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

I found this photo in my archives, back in the day of film I shot this with 1600 asa film which gave me the grainy effect. This firefighting operation was for some airport firefighters, they are required to have a live fossil fuel fire each year. The problem with this type of operation is it is not allowed in any location, so they had to travel to Yuma Arizona from Tucson and back the same day. This made for a long trip.

One Last Look

2007-09-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

This lovely bride was taking one final look into the mirror moments before the wedding ceremony. With this shot I pointed the flash over my left shoulder and bounced the light off the ceiling as you will notice in the mirror.
Tv 1/30 Sec
Av F3.5
ISO 200

One Flower

2007-09-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

As you may have already figured out, Photoshop is my favorite tool besides the camera itself.
The photo is of a bloom that only opens at night on a cactus in my back yard, the Pollination of theses plants are done by bats at night which is why they bloom in the dark.
I will post some of the settings when possible.
Tv(Shutter Speed)
1/160Sec.
Av(Aperture Value)
F13
Exposure Compensation
-2/3
ISO Speed
100

Eleanor Mustang Black &White

2007-09-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine purchased a stock GT mustang with the intentions of creating his own Eleanor!
With the help of Cervini body kits and the guys at Homes Tuttle Ford this has become a instant show winner.