tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78010052024-03-13T13:39:27.441-05:00jfwPHOTO blogMy thoughts on being a professional photographer and the stuff I learn along the way.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-85387930312500145012015-10-15T13:51:00.002-05:002015-10-15T13:51:35.069-05:00THE JFWPHOTO BLOG HAS MOVED<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16372853680/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sad Face"><img alt="Sad Face" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/16372853680_d025d17313.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be sad, because I'm still <a href="http://www.jfwphoto.com/blog/" target="_blank">blogging</a>.</td></tr>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Below is the first post I made to this blog, titled <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2004_07_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Opening day</a>, on July 30, 2004.<br />
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<i>It is my hope that as I join the increasingly crowded world of blogging, I will be able to add something unique or at least a little entertaining, even if only to myself.</i></blockquote>
It's funny now that I thought I was entering a "crowded world" in 2004, but over the years I have continued to enjoy the act of blogging, hope I've been entertaining, but more importantly, I hope that you found it interesting and useful.<br />
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With the <a href="http://www.jfwphoto.com/blog/fwphoto.com/2015/08/the-relaunch-of-jfwphotocom.html" target="_blank">relaunch of my website</a> using Squarespace several months ago, which I wrote about here, I've now moved the blog there also. From this point forward I will no longer be posting new content here.<br />
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You can now find the jfwPHOTO blog at <a href="http://www.jfwphoto.com/blog/">http://www.jfwphoto.com/blog/</a>.<br />
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And while you are there, please click on the navigation links to view my work, or click on the social media links and connect with me there.<br />
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Thank you for reading and for the continued support.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-77512420692925805632015-09-10T11:37:00.000-05:002015-09-10T12:32:46.707-05:00TIME TO REVISIT OVERLOOKED PHOTOGRAPHS<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/20410810684/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Mt. Denali"><img alt="Mt. Denali" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5690/20410810684_9fbfc15382.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The final image of Mt. Denali edited in Adobe Lightroom CC and converted to black and white.</td></tr>
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When I read the recent news about the name change of Mt. McKinley in Alaska to Mt. Denali, I remembered taking a photo through the window of a U.S. Coast Guard P-3 Orion late last year following an assignment in the Arctic.<br />
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After locating the photos on my hard drive, I quickly realized why I never bothered to process them at the time. They were bad. There was little color, no contrast, and very flat light. That was before I even bothered to notice all the dust spots. Nothing to get excited about here, right?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPN0j4k-BnY/Ve9FxOLR5cI/AAAAAAAAERI/EbRLGMmiEFE/s1600/DenaliRaw-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPN0j4k-BnY/Ve9FxOLR5cI/AAAAAAAAERI/EbRLGMmiEFE/s400/DenaliRaw-1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Original raw image shot with a Nikon D3S and 24-70mm f2.8 lens zoomed to 70mm, at 1/400, f13 with an of ISO 250.</td></tr>
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Still, I did shoot in Raw, so I really had nothing to lose by bringing the photos into Adobe Lightroom CC and seeing if anything could be done to rescue them. After a few minutes of editing, something wonderful began to appear.<br />
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I am continuously amazed by the power of image editing software, especially Lightroom CC. Not only is it powerful software, but it is really easy to use and incredibly intuitive. While I use Adobe Photoshop CC as well, I find myself using Lightroom more and more as my primary image editing choice.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhzqqXff8UM/VfBqbBvnHvI/AAAAAAAAERo/RZEW9A9OuOo/s1600/DenaliSpots-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="343" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhzqqXff8UM/VfBqbBvnHvI/AAAAAAAAERo/RZEW9A9OuOo/s320/DenaliSpots-1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Lightroom has a very good spot removal tool, but because of the amount of clean up needed in this photo, I switched to Photoshop and used a combination of the spot healing and clone stamp tools.</td></tr>
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However, when you combine the two programs then you have the ability to do some amazing things. Adobe realized this and now offers a <a href="http://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html?sdid=KKTGB&kw=semgeneric&ttsrccat=sem-ww-di-ps-brand&skwcid=AL!3085!3!79563250458!e!!g!!adobe%20photography%20plan&s_kwcid=AL!3085!3!79563250458!e!!g!!adobe%20photography%20plan&ef_id=Ve8mnQAAACW5ef6k:20150909173414:s" target="_blank">photography plan</a> where you get both programs for $9.99 a month.<br />
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Getting it right, or at least closer than I did with this photo, in camera is still the best thing you can do. But it also doesn't hurt to go back and see if you can turn those overlooked photos into something wonderful.<br />
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Online resources:<br />
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<a href="http://lightroomkillertips.com/" target="_blank">Lightroom Killer Tips</a><br />
<a href="https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom/tutorials.html" target="_blank">Adobe Photoshop Lightroom tutorials from novice to expert</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-85308013682308432462015-09-08T15:00:00.003-05:002015-09-08T15:00:52.722-05:005 REASONS I CHOOSE SQUARESPACE<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LI2EfQSL0Ic/VemWPn_qXaI/AAAAAAAAEPE/NRl2XQ8DuEg/s1600/jfwphoto.comScreenShot3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="407" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LI2EfQSL0Ic/VemWPn_qXaI/AAAAAAAAEPE/NRl2XQ8DuEg/s640/jfwphoto.comScreenShot3.png" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The homepage features a slideshow gallery that advances automatically and displays photographs that do not appear anywhere else on the site.</td></tr>
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Until the move to Squarespace, I was a hand-coder. Yes, I can admit it, I hand-coded my website. Even over many years and many iterations of <a href="http://jfwphoto.com/">jfwphoto.com</a>, I continued to hand-code. Most recently it was a fairly simple site, one page deep and featured a java slideshow, my twitter feed and links to everywhere else you could find my work. It wasn't horrible, but it also wasn't anything I was particularly proud of or special and more to the point, I wasn't really driving anyone to the site.<br />
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I realized a while ago that it was time to get serious and finally have a website that I actually wanted to share with others and for that reason I made the move and relaunched my presence on the web.<br />
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Here are five reasons I made the switch from hand-coding to Squarespace.</div>
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1. One location for everything. It gives me a true presence, one URL, that I can now share which will highlight my photography, provide some information about myself, AND still provide a launching point to social media. There is still one BIG thing I have not yet moved, though. This blog. I do plan on eventually incorporating it and Squarespace offers step-by-step instructions on how to transfer most popular publishing platforms, including Blogger, into their framework without breaking links, etc. I just need a little more time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OjvS6e9h7g4/VemWPSIndzI/AAAAAAAAEPI/QOM0fn18-FM/s1600/jfwphoto.comScreenShot4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="383" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OjvS6e9h7g4/VemWPSIndzI/AAAAAAAAEPI/QOM0fn18-FM/s640/jfwphoto.comScreenShot4.png" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I'm using the About page to also provide links to tear sheets and affiliate links. </td></tr>
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2. The content management system. I'm already an admitted hand-coder, therefore I know HTML and can build a website from scratch, but the reality is my skills will only allow me to build sites circa 2005. The web is so much more dynamic these days and having the ability to update a site quickly and easily was important to me. Squarespace makes it easy through their CMS and once you understand how it works, you can update or make changes in only a few minutes. I admit that I dove right in during the two-week trial and became a bit frustrated. However, once I took a step back, watched some tutorials, and looked at other Squarespace sites that used the same template I choose, the process of building my site became very easier. </div>
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3. A wide selection of templates. The first thing that drew me to Squarespace was seeing other photographers using the platform. I liked the variety of templates, how most designs were clean and simple. One downside to temples, of course, is that all sites can begin to look the same. To make your site stand out, Squarespace gives you the ability to use custom code which I've started to incorporate and eventually is what I hope will make my site stand out. Also, switching between templates, even after your site is built is really easy to do and makes it possible to experiment with different looks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pErilRkCyWQ/VemWPoWGltI/AAAAAAAAEPM/6dHFtmWYhOA/s1600/jfwphoto.comScreenShot5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pErilRkCyWQ/VemWPoWGltI/AAAAAAAAEPM/6dHFtmWYhOA/s640/jfwphoto.comScreenShot5.png" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">This is typical of my gallery pages where I offer both navigation arrows and thumbnails. However, the commercial gallery seen here is the only place I offer full caption information on every photo.</td></tr>
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4. Mobile devices. While I don't have current metrics on <a href="http://jfwphoto.com/">jfwphoto.com</a> as proof, it is my belief that most people will be accessing my site on their phones or tablets. While not always ideal, having a website that scales and displays properly on a small screen is critical. Squarespace does a really nice job with this and I love how it looks on my Samsung phone and Apple iPad 2. I already have shared my site with others in this manner. </div>
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5. Support. Let's face it, it's nice to be able to call someone when you have a problem. It's also nice to be part of a user base that offers inspiration, advice, problem-solving and provides customization tips when needed. Squarespace is well established, hasn't stagnated and continues to be one of the leaders in providing website services to photographers and other creative people.<br />
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With all the previous versions of my site, I would build it then and mostly forget it. However, with Squarespace I find myself revisiting every couple days, making small changes, or adding more photographs, or experimenting with styles. Why? It's easy.<br />
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And that's what it really comes down to after all, ease. A website that doesn't change or one that you don't use because it is too hard to update is a waste of a URL and does nothing to promote you or your photograph. So stop putting it off and give Squarespace a shot.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-61395752693994268682015-08-21T14:46:00.003-05:002015-08-22T06:51:02.201-05:00THE RELAUNCH OF JFWPHOTO.COM<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93dnOHwr3ko/Vdc5SPCZTjI/AAAAAAAAEL4/s41qEvu0ZGA/s1600/jfwphoto.comScreenShot.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="367" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93dnOHwr3ko/Vdc5SPCZTjI/AAAAAAAAEL4/s41qEvu0ZGA/s640/jfwphoto.comScreenShot.png" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Homepage of jfwphoto.com using the Squarespace Ishimoto template.</td></tr>
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It's taken much longer than it should have, but I relaunched <a href="http://jfwphoto.com/" target="_blank">jfwphoto.com</a> using <a href="http://squarespace.com/" target="_blank">Squarespace</a> and finally have everything in one place<b>*</b>.<br />
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I've been thinking about this for years and now that the new jfwphoto.com has been public for several weeks and I've had the chance to work and refine it, I'm glad that I did this and question myself as to why I waited so long.<br />
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In a subsequent blog post, I'll go into the details on why I choose Squarespace and offer some insight into the process along with my experiences in building the website, but for now, I hope you take some time to view my site, offer some feedback, and most importantly, ask questions.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EASNccavAMc/Vdc7x6zoRtI/AAAAAAAAEMI/cTDcr8U9U9Y/s1600/jfwphoto.comGalleryScreenShot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EASNccavAMc/Vdc7x6zoRtI/AAAAAAAAEMI/cTDcr8U9U9Y/s640/jfwphoto.comGalleryScreenShot.png" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Landscape gallery page using slideshow with <i>Show Thumbnails</i> and <i>Show Next and Previous Controls</i> selected. I'm still trying out various gallery styles.</td></tr>
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If you are thinking about using Squarespace, they offer a <strike>full week</strike> 14-day free trial with no credit card required. I would also recommend you watch a few of the tutorials.<br />
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<b>*</b> <i>Everything except this blog. Also, I currently have a redirect on the domain jfwphoto.com through GoDaddy. Both of these will change.</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-71125872643062191722015-08-14T16:02:00.001-05:002015-08-14T16:02:13.721-05:00FLICKR TOP TEN - PART II<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/5356905088" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Flash Camera"><img alt="Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Flash Camera" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5047/5356905088_8285c47f6c.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">January 13, 2011. <b>Title: </b>Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Flash Camera<b> Description: </b>Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Flash Model dates from 1950-61. Original cost for the Hawkeye was $5.50 and the flash was $7.00. <b>Stats:</b> <i>1,561 views, 4 faves, 0 comments</i> <b>Tags:</b> <i>brownie, kodak, hawkeye, camera, vintage, classic.</i> <b>Groups</b>: <i>None.</i></td></tr>
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In Part II of my Flickr top ten blog post, I share photos five through ten, which in some ways are very different from the top five, however, there are also are a few similarities.<br />
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Number six, seven and ten, are some of the earliest photos I posted to Flickr and were part of a series I was working on about vintage cameras. I suppose that just given the amount of time they have been on Flickr, naturally they would accumulate views. I did notice that I was not sharing my photos to groups during this time, so realistically views could have been much higher. At some point, I did add number ten to several groups after they reached out to me with a request.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/5369740513" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Polaroid Swinger Model 20"><img alt="Polaroid Swinger Model 20" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5167/5369740513_20f233a108.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">January 19, 2011. <b>Title: </b>Polaroid Swinger Model 20<b> Description: </b>The Polaroid Model 20 Swinger was produced by the Polaroid Corporation between 1965 and 1970 and cost $19.95. <b>Stats:</b> <i>1,545 views, 0 faves, 0 comments</i> <b>Tags:</b> <i>Polaroid, swinger, model 20, vintage, camera, land camera.</i> <b>Groups</b>: <i>None.</i></td></tr>
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Another thing about these photos is that only 400 views separate the number six photo from the number ten photo. I don't know exactly what that means, except that it stood out to me.<br />
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Number eight is another photo which features the Manneken Pis, although in a very different way that my number one most-viewed photo which was featured in <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2015/08/flickr-top-ten-part-i.html">Part I</a>. In this photo I was focusing on the three people at the table and it was only later during post production that I notice the woman to the left.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/9623755252" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Manneken Waffles"><img alt="Manneken Waffles" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/9623755252_cd84706d87.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">August 18, 2013. <b>Title: </b>Manneken Waffles<b> Description: </b>Manneken Pis is a famous Brussels landmark depicting a naked little boy urinating, and can be seen in advertising all over the city. <b>Stats:</b> <i>1,515 views, 1 faves, 0 comments</i> <b>Tags:</b> <i>X100S, Fuji, Manneken Pis, Brussels, Belguim, Belgium, advertising, coke.</i> <b>Groups</b>: <i>Fuji x100s</i></td></tr>
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Number nine is a photo that I like, but certainly not one that I would put in my top ten favorites. I notice that many of my photos from Europe, especially those taken in Germany, do very well on my Flickr site. If I continued on down the most viewed list you would see many more photos from Germany and Belgium, including another Manneken Pis in the top twenty.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/9623753280" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cologne Cathedral"><img alt="Cologne Cathedral" height="329" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/9623753280_e2d472ca25.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">August 20, 2013. <b>Title: </b>Cologne Cathedral<b> Description: </b>The Cologne Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in Cologne, Germany, and the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne. <b>Stats:</b> <i>1,221 views, 2 faves, 0 comments</i> <b>Tags:</b> <i>X100S, Fuji, Cologne Cathedral, Germany, church, catholic.</i> <b>Groups</b>: <i>Cologne black & white, Fuji x100s, Digital Black and White.</i></td></tr>
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This has been a fun two-part post to write and has given me a chance to look back over some photographs that I posted about the same time that I relaunched this blog in 2011. I am constantly reminded how wonderful it is to have photo sharing sites like Flickr, along with social media, to get your work out there, to be shared and viewed by others. I know it has made me fall in love with photography, particularly, my personal work, all over again.<br />
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I think back to when I started taking photographs professionally in 1985 and at that time I never had any idea that my work would be seen by this many people. I'm still a small fish on Flickr, something I'm working on changing, but for now I'm content with my followers and looking at the work of those I follow.<br />
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Thank you, and let me know you Flickr username. I'll be sure to visit, leave a comment and follow you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/5981212908" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Majestic Toy Camera"><img alt="Majestic Toy Camera" height="500" src="https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6026/5981212908_1cfe05b45b.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">July 26, 2011. <b>Title: </b>Majestic Toy Camera<b> Description: </b>Majestic toy camera from the Monarch Manufacturing Company, Chicago. <b>Stats:</b> <i>1,140 views, 2 faves, 2 comments</i> <b>Tags:</b> <i>Majestic, Toy Camera, Monarch Mfg.Co., Chicago.</i> <b>Groups</b>: <i>Historic Camera, Camera-wiki.org</i></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-11388367580220108982015-08-07T08:49:00.002-05:002015-08-14T16:08:13.309-05:00FLICKR TOP TEN - PART I<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/10387302396" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Manneken Pis"><img alt="Manneken Pis" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/10387302396_24101b71b7.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">October 17, 2013. <b>Title: </b>Manneken Pis<b> Description: </b>The small bronze fountain sculpture in Brussels, Belgium, depicts a naked little boy urinating into the fountain's basin. <b>Stats:</b> <i>4,947 views, 1 fav.</i> <b>Tags:</b> f<i>uji, X100S, Europe, Brussels, Belgium, Manneken Pis, pee, boy, Black and White, sculpture, fountain, attraction, tourist.</i> <b>Groups</b>: <i>Fuji x100s, Fuji X100s B&W, Digital Black and White.</i></td></tr>
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I was recently looking at my Flickr stats and thought it would be interesting to take a closer look at my top ten most viewed photographs and see what, if anything, I could learn about them or learn about Flickr.<br />
<br />
First, let's look at my stats. I've been a member since 2008 and posted 661 photos that have been viewed 172,321 times. I currently follow 123 photographers and have 105 following me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/11541735763" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Santa Claus"><img alt="Santa Claus" height="352" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/11541735763_c6c7e37bb0.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">December 24, 2013. <b>Title: </b>Santa Claus<b> Description: </b>Hope that the Long Island Railroad guides him home safely tonight. Merry Christmas! <b>Stats:</b> <i>3,709 views, 31 faves, 1 comment</i> <b>Tags:</b> <i>fuji, X100S, Santa Claus, Penn Station, New York City, Christmas, holiday, St. Nick, NYC.</i> <b>Groups</b>: <i>Fuji x100s, New York Photography, The Candid Frame, in explore.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In part one of this two-part post, I share the top five along with relevant information about each photo and try to see if I can understand why these photos rose to the top.<br />
<br />
The number one photo, Mannekin Pis, with over one thousand more views than the number two photograph, is somewhat of a mystery to me. First, I don't think it is a particularly remarkable photo although I do like it, but is it a 1000 times more remarkable than any other photo on my page. My only guess on why this is at the top has to do with tags. And if this is the case and you go back and read the tags under the photo you might be a little disturbed. Unintentional on my part, but who knows what people are searching for. Also, having been to Belguim a half dozen times in the past three years, I know that there is always a crowd around this site, so maybe it has nothing to do with specific tags.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/8978439247" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Stairwell Portrait"><img alt="Stairwell Portrait" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/8978439247_e847046a8f.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">June 1, 2013. <b>Title: </b>Stairwell Portrait<b> Description: </b>Fuji X100S portrait taken in the stairwell of the Marriott Residence inn in Mississagua, Ontario. <b>Stats:</b> <i>3,074 views</i> <b>Tags:</b> <i>blog.jfpwhoto.com, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, portrait, light, mississagua.</i> <b>Groups</b>: <i>None.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The number two photo is one that I do like and is currently featured on my website. It also was featured in Explore on Flickr which I'm sure added to the total number of views, especially if everyone who received a new digital device on Christmas morning was browsing Flickr.<br />
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<div>
Number three is a very simple portrait, taken in a few seconds, mostly to test the capabilities of a Fujifilm X100s that I had on loan before I decided to purchase the camera myself. I have very few portraits on posted to my Flickr site, so maybe portraits just do better. This photo also was never shared to a group and I misspelled Mississauga in both the description and tags. (Flickr updated with correction)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/9767138993" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cornfield"><img alt="Cornfield" height="342" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/9767138993_21c07bb935.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">September 14, 2013. <b>Title: </b>Cornfield<b> Description: </b>None <b>Stats:</b> <i>2,656 views, 48 faves, 4 comments</i> <b>Tags:</b> <i>Kentwood Park, Md., USA, Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay, Bridge, light, Lens Flare.</i> <b>Groups</b>: <i>None.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At number four is a photo titled Cornfield and it is one that I didn't even upload until I happened to see the Flickr blog post with the theme of starbursts and remembered that I had taken this photo earlier that year. I posted the photo and it was picked up by Flickr and featured, which explains the number of views, despite no description and not being shared with any groups.<br />
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And like the first photo, I don't think the fifth most viewed photo, the ceiling of the Armenian Classroom taken during a visit to the University of Pittsburgh for my son's graduation, is all that great. It could be the title, or detailed description that helps people find this photo.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/8703927954" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Armenian Classroom"><img alt="Armenian Classroom" height="339" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8539/8703927954_667a0e9ace.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">April 28, 2013. <b>Title: </b>Armenian Classroom<b> Description: </b>The ceiling of the Armenian Classroom located in the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning. The Nationality Rooms are located on the first and third floors and were designed to represent the culture of various ethnic groups that settled in Allegheny County and are supported by these cultural groups and governments. <b>Stats:</b> <i>2,543 views, 4 faves, 3 comments</i> <b>Tags:</b> <i>Pittsburgh, Pa. USA, Armenian Classroom, University of Pittsburgh, Cathedral of Learning.</i> <b>Groups</b>: <i>Fuji X10, X20 and X30, Fujifilm X10, digital compact only -- p1 / a2 -- open EXIF --.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you are on Flickr, check your stats which can be accessed in the drop-down menu under You at the top of the page. In Part II of this blog post, I'll share number five through ten. </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-61979680597553221672015-07-07T10:19:00.001-05:002015-07-07T10:21:37.958-05:00PASSPORT PHOTOS - IT'S REALLY NOT THAT HARD<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tH_k-9PzDAs/VYukujdGC2I/AAAAAAAADq0/CQx4buokgKY/s1600/1379975834367.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tH_k-9PzDAs/VYukujdGC2I/AAAAAAAADq0/CQx4buokgKY/s400/1379975834367.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Examples of proper passport photographs from <a href="http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/photos/photo-composition-template.html" target="_blank">travel.state.gov</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It happens to all of us, professionals and amateurs alike. You can almost hear the question coming before the speaker opens his or her mouth. DO YOU DO PASSPORT PHOTOS!<br />
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Before you hang your head, roll your eyes or something worse, consider your options.<br />
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Of course, you could tell them that for around $12 they could go to a drug store or any number of stores that are set up to do this kind of thing. You could let them know that in certain city's there are mobile studios set up right outside the immigration building that will do it lickety-split.<br />
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Or consider for just a moment that you can invest ten minutes of your time and take the photo yourself.<br />
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And finally, maybe you are the one who needs a passport photo. After all, you have all the equipment to get it done, so why would pay someone else to do it.<br />
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Maybe it is so easy to do that even if you are reading this and don't consider yourself a photographer, you'll be able to do it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pmb0Aih8ESE/VYulb8Mu6_I/AAAAAAAADq8/vnZPdCzJZlo/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-25%2Bat%2B2.52.47%2BAM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pmb0Aih8ESE/VYulb8Mu6_I/AAAAAAAADq8/vnZPdCzJZlo/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-25%2Bat%2B2.52.47%2BAM.png" title="" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Using the Department of State's free photo tool takes all the guesswork out of crop and sizing your final image.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What do you need?<br />
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A digital camera (even a new phone would do), a white or off-white wall and plenty of natural or artificial light.<br />
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What you don't need is software or more specifically expensive software such as <i>Adobe Photoshop</i> to crop and size your photos. So if this was the barrier that kept you from fulfilling the passport photo request, keep reading.<br />
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The most time-consuming and intimidating part of the process for most people is normally the sizing of the final image, according to very specific guidelines from the federal government. You've heard the whole "2 x 2 inches sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head." What, and how do I make that happen?<br />
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This is one of the few times that the government has made something really simple. Upload you photo to this <a href="http://travel.state.gov/content/dam/passports/FIG_cropper.swf" target="_blank">website</a> and use the tool to resize and save the photo. That's it. It takes all the guess work out of the sizing and cropping process.<br />
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Unless you have a photo printer in your home, you will still need to visit that drug store to print your new passport photo on either matte or glossy paper, but at 29¢ per print, you can also afford to print a few extras for Mom.<br />
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<b>Additional resources:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/photos/photographers-guide.html" target="_blank">Photographer's Guide</a><br />
<a href="http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/photos/photos.html" target="_blank">Photo Requirements</a><br />
<a href="http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/photos/frequently-asked-questions.html" target="_blank">Frequently asked photo questions</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-47372657601425294552015-05-08T09:08:00.000-05:002016-03-10T08:38:41.033-05:005 TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING IN MUIR WOODS<script type="text/javascript">
window.location = "http://www.jfwphoto.com/blog/fwphoto.com/2015/05/5-tips-for-photographing-in-muir-woods.html";
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16256465353" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Coastal Redwoods by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Occasionally, some light makes its way to the forest floor. 0.5 sec @ f11, ISO 200." height="347" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7644/16256465353_ca40aae847.jpg" title="Coastal Redwoods" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Occasionally, some light makes its way to the forest floor which adds some nice contrast. 0.5 sec @ f11, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you are visiting the San Francisco Bay area, I urge you to take the time and plan a visit to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm" target="_blank">Muir Woods</a> National Monument. Located just 12 miles north of the city in Marin County, California, and part of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area, Muir Woods features 240 acres of old-growth Coastal Redwoods and plenty of photographic opportunities.<br />
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I recently spent five hours exploring the park and hope that you will benefit from the five photographic tips below.<br />
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1. Lens selection. I would probably leave the telephoto behind, but that doesn't mean you need to bring only super wide-angle lenses. The Coastal Redwoods are big and everywhere, so you will not need a telephoto to see them, but adding something in the 70-120mm range would allow you to compress a scene or reach some trees that may be a little further off the path. A longer lens could als come in handy if you want to aim up into the canopy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16876443355" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Coastal Redwoods by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="As someone who does not shoot a lot of verticals, this location was the exception. 1/2.3 @ f18, ISO 200." height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7609/16876443355_c86c47784b.jpg" title="Coastal Redwoods" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">As someone who does not shoot a lot of verticals, this location was the exception. 1/2.3 @ f18, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>2. Don't forget the tripod. You will be doing a lot of walking during your visit and you might be tempted to leave the tripod behind. Don't. Even during a bright sunny day, not much light filters down to the forest floor, forcing you to shoot at very slow shutter speeds even if you have fast lenses. And even thought tripods are allowed in the park and the paths are fairly wide, remember to be courteous to other visitors, especially during busy times.<br />
<blockquote><b>"This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world".</b> - <i>John Muir</i></blockquote>3. Stay on track. Photography is allowed throughout the park, but you must remain on the paths. There is an easy loop path with an occasional trail that branches off. It took me about four hours to make the loop, but you could certainly do it in less. My recommendation would be to spend the whole day and plan on making several trips around the loop or take advantage of a ranger-led program.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16669130497" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Coastal Redwoods by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="There are a few places along the trail such as Cathedral Grove where you are able to get nice canopy shots from the trail. 0.3 sec @ f14, ISO 200" height="340" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7598/16669130497_53a34f493c.jpg" title="Coastal Redwoods Canopy" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">There are a few places along the trail such as Cathedral Grove where you are able to get nice canopy shots from the trail. 0.3 sec @ f14, ISO 200</td></tr>
</tbody></table>4. Get there early or late. Normally this tip would refer to taking advantage of the best light, but in this case it is all about the parking and crowds. Parking is very limited, especially on weekends, but even during my weekday visit, I noticed parking was gone, even a mile down the road, when I left the park around 2 p.m. Another option would be to take the Muir Woods shuttle which runs on the weekends from April 4th through October 25th. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16688824168" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Redwood Sorrel by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Redwood sorrel is just one of the shade-loving plants that thrive under the redwood canopy. Look for wildflowers in winter and early spring. 1/13 @ f4.5, ISO 200." height="348" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7586/16688824168_00a3a39c24.jpg" title="Redwood Sorrel" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Redwood sorrel is just one of the shade-loving plants that thrive under the redwood canopy. Look for wildflowers in winter and early spring. 1/13 @ f4.5, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>5. Big picture - small picture. I was amazed by how much these Coastal Redwoods would impact me. Their size and beauty had me yearning to just shoot wide, take it all in with every frame. But that didn't always convey the true size of these magnificent trees as I reviewed the pictures. Force yourself, as I did, to try other focal lengths in order to achieve a different look. And if you have a macro lens, be sure to bring that too. There are incredible textures everywhere and plenty of interesting subjects on the ground if you can manage to look down.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16875439381" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Coastal Redwoods by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Shooting from a low angle with a wide angle lens enhances the grandeur. 1/8 @ f8, ISO 400." height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7652/16875439381_c62b1252a6.jpg" title="Coastal Redwoods" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Shooting from a low angle with a wide angle lens enhances the grandeur. 1/8 @ f8, ISO 400.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Finally, be sure to take some time and relax during your visit. Since the lighting is fairly constant, there really is no need to rush, or limit your visit to the "best time" of the day for shooting. Find a bench, take a seat, and just enjoy this beautiful redwood forest that William and Elizabeth Kent donated to the federal government in 1908.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nps.gov/muwo/upload/unigrid-muwo.pdf" target="_blank">Download a PDF</a> to learn more about the history of the park and the California Redwoods.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-37197957915214416612015-04-27T08:05:00.001-05:002015-07-04T08:42:59.829-05:00MAKING THE BEST OF WORLDWIDE PINHOLE DAY<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/17287914831" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pinhole Day Saguaro by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Pinhole photo of Saguaro cactus taken with a Nikon D4S. One-second exposure, aperture unknown." height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7688/17287914831_fbb1a85c5a.jpg" title="Pinhole Day Saguaro" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Pinhole photo of Saguaro cactus taken with a Nikon D4S. One-second exposure, aperture unknown.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I really enjoy pinhole photography and ever since I <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2013/04/a-pinhole-of-pinhole.html" target="_blank">built a camera</a> and took that first shot in 2013, I've made it a point to participate in the <a href="http://pinholeday.org/org/" target="_blank">Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day</a> (WPPD). This international event is held each year the last Sunday in April in order to promote and celebrate the art of pinhole photography.<br />
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Surrounded by digital in my full-time job, I enjoy the opportunity to produce an image on photographic paper using nothing more than a box with a tiny hole and some chemicals. It always provides a challenge and seeing a negative appear on paper as it sits in the developer, reminds me of excitement I felt the first time I stepped into a darkroom over 35 years ago.<br />
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So this year I was disappointed when I realized that because of an early Sunday flight to Tucson, Arizona, for an assignment meant that I would not be able to participate. After all, it would not be practical to bring my pinhole camera and chemicals with me. I briefly thought about pre-loading my camera and bringing it along, or maybe get up early and taking one photo before my flight, but neither of these options seemed to excite me enough to do them.<br />
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During the flight, I began thinking about missing out on WPPD and that's when it hit me. What is a pinhole camera and why not just use what I had with me, a Nikon D4S with a body cap, to make one. One of the reasons I left so early from Washington, D.C., was so that I could arrive in Tucson early enough to spend some time in the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm" target="_blank">Saguaro National Park</a> before my assignment started on Monday. So I had the time and now I had an idea on what I would do.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3yuquZKeLQ/VT4vGqdstaI/AAAAAAAADjA/D_qaSdYXI1c/s1600/pinholetools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tools used to make the hole in the camera's body cap." border="0" height="334" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3yuquZKeLQ/VT4vGqdstaI/AAAAAAAADjA/D_qaSdYXI1c/s1600/pinholetools.jpg" title="Tools used to make the hole in the camera's body cap." width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Tools I used to make the hole in the camera's body cap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After landing, I stopped at a local drug store and picked up a pack of sewing needles, a small roll of duck tape and a package of lighters. Total cost $4.50. I secured a small pebble to the top of the needle using the duck tape and then using the lighter, heated the tip so that I could push it through the center of the body cap. It took a few tries, but really there was nothing more to it.<br />
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One big difference of course between this "pinhole camera" and mine is that I was able to see the results of my efforts on the digital display instantly and make adjustments until I had the proper exposure. Too easy.<br />
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It wasn't as much fun as <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2013/05/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day.html" target="_blank">previous years</a>, but I can say that I participated in WPPD 2015, and that makes it all worthwhile to me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-42397365069544185242015-03-29T16:34:00.001-05:002015-07-28T01:26:45.604-05:005 TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16875490451" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Golden Gate Bridge by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="The Golden Gate Bridge a half hour prior to sunrise. 30 sec. @ f8, ISO 200." height="330" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8617/16875490451_25d07e26fb.jpg" title="Golden Gate Bridge" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The Golden Gate Bridge a half hour prior to sunrise. 30 sec. @ f8, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before I get to my five tips, I will state right up front that much like my blog post, <i><a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2013/02/5-photo-tips-for-antelope-canyon.html" target="_blank">Five Tips for Shooting Antelope Canyon</a></i>, this was my first time photographing the Golden Gate Bridge. I say that only to admit that I'm not the expert and in fact I welcome comments, additional tips or even to tell me I'm wrong.<br />
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However, as a professional photographer, you might find it interesting how I approach a subject that I never photographed and only have a limited time to do so. In this case, I was in San Francisco for three days, but all of that time was not dedicated to taking pictures of possibly the most photographed bridge in the world. Also of note, all of the photos were taken with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HYAL88W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HYAL88W&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20&linkId=OMUT66IVSPMHP7AV">Fujifilm X-T1</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HYAL88W" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> mirrorless camera that I had for <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2015/03/seven-days-with-fuji-x-t1.html" target="_blank">review</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16690376909" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Golden Gate Bridge by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Consider a rental car or Zip car so you can get to locations away from the crowds, like this photograph of the bridge taken from Point Bonita Lighthouse just before sunset. 1/18 @ f22, ISO 200." height="324" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/16690376909_21e36cc612.jpg" title="Golden Gate Bridge" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Consider a rental car or Zip car so you can get to locations away from the crowds, like this photograph of the bridge taken from Point Bonita Lighthouse just before sunset. 1/18 @ f22, ISO 200.</td></tr>
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Also while it is possible to get to the Golden Gate Bridge via public transportation, tour bus or even by bike, renting a car seems to be the easiest and most convenient way to get to many of the shooting locations, especially if you have limited time or want the ultimate flexibility to chase light.<br />
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<b>1.</b> <i>Location, location, location.</i> There are numerous locations or vantage points to photograph the bridge and I'll cover just a few even though I'm sure locals have all kinds of hidden spots picked out.<br />
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I shot from three basic locations on the North side and two on the South or San Francisco side of the bridge. On the North, it was Vista Point, Battery Spencer, Marin Headlands (Hawk Hill) and on the South, Lands End, and the South Side parking lot.<br />
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Vista Point is the first exit after crossing the bridge heading north and while it offers an alright view of the bridge, my suggestion would be to skip the crowded parking lot and head down the hill towards the Coast Guard Station where you can view the bridge from a low angle. Then walk up to the Vista Point visitors center for an additional view.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16688875888" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Golden Gate Bridge by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="A different look at the bridge from Battery Spencer. 1/1700 @ f3.2, ISO 400." height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8614/16688875888_505947e1d5.jpg" title="Golden Gate Bridge" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">A different look at the bridge from Battery Spencer. 1/1700 @ f3.2, ISO 400.</td></tr>
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After leaving Vista Point cross under the bridge and start the climb up Conzelman Rd. making Battery Spencer your first stop. This is a great location and it was the first place that I stopped to photograph the bridge. I was surprised how close the bridge was and you feel like you are at eye level with the bridge towers. Nice vantage point to shoot verticals too.<br />
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After leaving Battery Spencer, you continue to climb until you reach the highest point, Hawk Hill. From this vantage point, you get a great overview of the bridge with the city behind it. Don't forget to explore the old World War II batteries while you are there and if you continue on foot through former gun emplacement tunnels to the other side, you will have a bonus view of the Point Bonita Lighthouse.<br />
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There are several stopping points along the way so take your time and pull over every chance you get either on the way up or on the return trip, because the view is different and unique each time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUxemIjWRTI/VRWFvyUzUrI/AAAAAAAADgs/2GcFWjmav2U/s1600/File%2BMar%2B27%2C%2B12%2B28%2B21%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Screen shot from my iPad of the SunSeeker App showing my location and sun direction on the morning of March 17, 2015, as I was attempting to photograph sunrise. One of the nice things about this App is that you can pick a day and time in the future so that there are no surprises, except maybe rain and fog. " border="0" height="375" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUxemIjWRTI/VRWFvyUzUrI/AAAAAAAADgs/2GcFWjmav2U/s1600/File%2BMar%2B27%2C%2B12%2B28%2B21%2BPM.png" title="SunSeeker App" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Screen shot from my iPad of the SunSeeker App showing my location and sun direction on the morning of March 17, 2015, as I was attempting to photograph sunrise. One of the nice things about this App is that you can pick a day and time in the future so that there are no surprises, except maybe rain and fog. </td></tr>
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<b>2.</b> <i>Timing is everything.</i> Make sure to leave yourself enough time and shooting days to capture the bridge during different times of the day. If you are planning to shoot sunrise or pre-sunrise from Hawk Hill, Conzelman Rd. is closed about a half mile from the top until after sunrise. There is a parking lot, so join the bicyclists and joggers as you make your way to the top. Not too bad, but don't be surprised as I was.<br />
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Once again, I used the Sunseeker App to determine sun direction which helps determine where I'm going to start and end my day. Knowing where the sun will be during certain times of the day can help you pre-visualize photographs as you drive around scouting locations.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqO2PMvNJQE/VRP8s530eYI/AAAAAAAADfs/PMO_yO-Ypw4/s1600/DSCF6140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Vista Point visitor center gets crowded with both cars and people. I found most people moved on quickly so if you want a particular shot, just wait a few minutes. 1/100 @ f11, ISO 200." border="0" height="332" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqO2PMvNJQE/VRP8s530eYI/AAAAAAAADfs/PMO_yO-Ypw4/s1600/DSCF6140.jpg" title="Selfie" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The Vista Point visitor center gets crowded with both cars and people. I found most people moved on quickly so if you want a particular shot, just wait a few minutes. 1/100 @ f11, ISO 200.</td></tr>
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<b>3.</b> <i>Avoid the crowds.</i> It is clear that you are not the first person who has thought about photographing the Golden Gate Bridge, so be prepared for crowds, especially at the visitors centers. Sometimes you may also have to pass by a pull-over because it is full, but remember there will be another. It was my experience that if you have a little patience while people grab their selfies, they will move on allowing you to get your shot.<br />
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And as in most situations, you lessen your chance of running into crowds by getting there early and staying late. After all, isn't that the best time to shoot anyway? So take a break in the middle of the day and head over to Sausalito for some tacos and Mexican beer at the Salsalita Taco Shop while everyone else is fighting for a spot to photograph the bridge in the noon time sun.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bzaRTo3AIU/VRReoxCoa5I/AAAAAAAADgE/GYP3BnnawuY/s1600/DSCF6121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Think about details and capturing pieces of the bridge, even from underneath. This was taken while walking from the Coast Guard station up the hill to the Vista Point parking area. 1/350 @ f9, ISO 200." border="0" height="329" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bzaRTo3AIU/VRReoxCoa5I/AAAAAAAADgE/GYP3BnnawuY/s1600/DSCF6121.jpg" title="Golden Gate Bridge" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Think about details and capturing pieces of the bridge, even from underneath. This was taken while walking from the Coast Guard station up the hill to the Vista Point parking area. 1/350 @ f9, ISO 200.</td></tr>
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<b>4.</b> <i>Look for something different.</i> The temptation is to go wide and take in the entire bridge. That makes a nice shot and sets the stage, but don't forget about details. With a telephoto lens, you can pick out details from many of the shooting locations I mentioned previously, but there are also places to access the bridge from underneath. And while I didn't get the chance on this trip, you can also walk or bike across the bridge, which would certainly get you up close and personal.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16689097550" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Golden Gate Bridge by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Among the first photographs I took of the bridge, was as I made the short climb at Battery Spencer which puts you at eye level with the bridge towers and in this case almost in the clouds. 1/60 @ f10, ISO 400." height="365" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7644/16689097550_bbae40f253.jpg" title="Golden Gate Bridge" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Among the first photographs I took of the bridge, was as I made the short climb at Battery Spencer which puts you at eye level with the bridge towers and in this case almost in the clouds. 1/60 @ f10, ISO 400.</td></tr>
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<b>5.</b> <i>Weather can be your friend.</i> I could state the obvious and just say that the weather, especially clouds and fog, are unpredictable in San Francisco, or I could tell you to embrace it and use it to your advantage. On my first day photographing the bridge, I could only make it half way up Conzelman Rd. before the visibility dropped to near zero. But those same clouds added something to my photos taken from Battery Spencer when they covered just the top of the bridge.<br />
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The point is, don't make a judgment from your hotel room downtown. Get out to the locations you scouted and see for yourself because you never know when the weather will change and maybe even change in such a way that takes your photograph from alright to awesome.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD1a370NkVk/VRRlojGBMCI/AAAAAAAADgU/CwGjFyRzm_k/s1600/DSCF6683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Photographed from the trail at Lands End. I rarely use presets, but something about this photograph reminded me of a classic postcard, so I added Yesteryear, and Rounded Corners White presets in Lightroom 5. 1/2000 @ f4, ISO 200." border="0" height="333" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD1a370NkVk/VRRlojGBMCI/AAAAAAAADgU/CwGjFyRzm_k/s1600/DSCF6683.jpg" title="Golden Gate Postcard" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Photographed from the trail at Lands End. I rarely use presets, but something about this photograph reminded me of a classic postcard, so I added Yesteryear, and Rounded Corners White presets in Lightroom 5. 1/2000 @ f4, ISO 200.</td></tr>
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As I said at the beginning of this blog post, there are many more locations to explore and photograph the bridge such as Crissy Field, Fort Point, Point Cavallo, Baker Beach and many, many more. In fact, maybe three days is not enough time.<br />
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So make the trip, have fun, and when not photographing the bridge, there are all kinds of other locations around the city to photograph.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-78655870418792453202015-03-23T14:47:00.000-05:002016-03-10T08:37:43.127-05:00SEVEN DAYS WITH THE FUJI X-T1<script type="text/javascript">
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<table align="center" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16875317702" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Golden Gate Bridge by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="The first place I headed after landing in San Francisco was the Golden Gate Bridge. 1/200 @ f9, ISO 200." height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8671/16875317702_9827269faa.jpg" title="Golden Gate Bridge with Clouds" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The first place I headed after landing in San Francisco was the Golden Gate Bridge. 1/200 @ f9, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I recently spent seven days in and around San Francisco, California, with the Fujifilm X-T1. The X-T1 is the fourth of the Fuji X cameras that I've had the chance to use, starting with the X-10 in 2012 and most recently the X-Pro1 during <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2014_06_01_archive.html" target="_blank">seven days in New York</a>. Of course, my everyday carry camera continues to be the X100S.<br />
<table align="center" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mscX_pp_Nbk/VQxSVSav6qI/AAAAAAAADfA/OVtujyTMUKE/s1600/XT1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fujifilm X-T1 mirrorless digital camera. Photo courtesy of Fujifilm.com" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mscX_pp_Nbk/VQxSVSav6qI/AAAAAAAADfA/OVtujyTMUKE/s1600/XT1.jpg" height="235" title="Fujifilm X-T1 mirrorless digital camera." width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Fujifilm X-T1 mirrorless digital camera. Photo courtesy of Fujifilm.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As with the X-Pro1 and my first experience with the <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2013/06/ten-days-with-fuji-x100s.html" target="_blank">X100S</a>, I rented the X-T1 along with the 18-55mm kit lens and a spare battery from <a href="http://www.borrowlenses.com/" target="_blank">Borrowlenses.com</a>. Before a review camera arrives, I download the manual, then read and watch other reviews or tutorials in order to familiarize myself with all the features. Then once the camera arrives I check to make sure the firmware has been updated and in this case while the camera was up-to-date, I did have to update the lens.<br />
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<table align="center" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16669233817" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Streets of San Francisco by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="I never really felt as comfortable doing street photography with this camera as I have with previous Fuji X rangefinders such as the X-Pro1 and the X100S. 1/15 @ f6.4, ISO 200." height="321" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8706/16669233817_1feb5bd635.jpg" title="Streets of San Francisco" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I never really felt as comfortable doing street photography with this camera as I have with previous Fuji X rangefinders such as the X-Pro1 and the X100S. 1/15 @ f6.4, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Right out of the box I liked Fuji's attention to detail and style. The camera felt nice in my hands and the shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO dials were solid and easily accessible on top of the camera. In fact, once I went through the electronic menus and set up my preferences, I did not have to return to them for most shooting situations. Fuji really has this down and with the Q menu feature, which is now standard, your most used menu items are only one-click away, and if not, then you can customize them.<br />
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<table align="center" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16688824168" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Redwood Sorrel by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="I found the 18-55mm lens very sharp at all focal lengths and appreciated the zoom, especially during this review period where I was covering a variety of scenes. 1/13 @ f4.5, ISO 200." height="348" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7586/16688824168_00a3a39c24.jpg" title="Redwood Sorrel" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I found the 18-55mm lens very sharp at all focal lengths and appreciated the zoom, especially during this review period where I was covering a variety of scenes. 1/13 @ f4.5, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Three things I noticed right away that made this camera different from previous Fuji cameras I've reviewed. It is not a rangefinder, the SD card slot is separate from the battery chamber and there is a tiltable LCD screen. Two of these I really liked.<br />
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The rangefinder is what first attracted me to the Fuji cameras and it remains what I like best about my X100S. In the X100S and the X-Pro1 you have a choice between an Optical Viewfinder (OVF) and an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), but with the X-T1 you only have the EVF. And while the EVF is good, using it all the time felt like I was missing something. a connection with my subjects. This was especially true when I was shooting in continuous focus mode and it never seemed to lock focus. When I took the photo and the preview would appear, the photo was sharp, but while framing shots the focus just never seemed to lock in, even with camera on a tripod.<br />
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<table align="center" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16669130497" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Coastal Redwoods by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Having a tiltable LCD screen meant that it was extremely easy to take this shot with the camera pointing straight up. 0.3 sec @ f14, ISO 200." height="340" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7598/16669130497_53a34f493c.jpg" title="Coastal Redwoods" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Having a tiltable LCD screen meant that it was extremely easy to take this shot with the camera pointing straight up. 0.3 sec @ f14, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I never gave tiltable LCD screens a second thought. In fact, when reading rumors of an X-Pro2 it always mentioned a tiltable screen and I would roll my eyes. However after using the tiltable screen on the X-T1, I think I'm a convert and found myself using it often. It saved me from laying on my stomach when shooting macro or low angles and seemed to be a wonderful option when shooting straight up.<br />
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Lastly, having the card slot separate from the battery compartment seems insignificant, but there were definitely times when it comes in handy. Such as when the camera was mounted on a tripod (or has the tripod plate attached) it is nice to still be able to access the camera card. Maybe it is just me, but I always seem to release the battery when what I really want to do is eject the camera card, and this eliminates any chances of that. Although I think the real reason Fuji did this was to accommodate the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I3BSY24/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00I3BSY24&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20&linkId=3U5EYYHR574PTDSX">vertical battery grip</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00I3BSY24" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> which I'm sure also adds balance to the camera, especially with longer lenses attached.<br />
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<table align="center" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxKtY2609ls/VQyGmwuZpWI/AAAAAAAADfQ/-PV6aw4HjwA/s1600/XF%2B18-55.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f 2.8-4 R LM OIS zoom lens. Photo courtesy of www.bhphotovideo.com" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxKtY2609ls/VQyGmwuZpWI/AAAAAAAADfQ/-PV6aw4HjwA/s1600/XF%2B18-55.png" height="200" title="Fujifilm XF 18-55mm " width="167" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f 2.8-4 R LM OIS zoom lens. Photo courtesy of www.bhphotovideo.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>During the review, I used the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0092MD6S0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0092MD6S0&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20&linkId=MWEALSETEBX67RPN">Fujinon XF18-55mm f 2.8-4.0 zoom lens</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0092MD6S0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> "kit lens." A "kit lens" normally denotes an inexpensive starter lens that comes with a camera, but I found that this lens performed very well. I noticed good contrast and sharpness throughout the zoom range and nothing felt "cheap" about it. One feature I did miss was having the f-stops printed on the lens barrel. I typically shoot in aperture priority mode, so knowing what f-stop I'm at is critical to controlling my exposure. When walking around with my camera, I'm always checking my camera settings so that as light or situations change, I can make adjustments before I'm ready to shoot. With this lens, I had to bring the camera up to my eye and look into the viewfinder. A new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RSQTDMA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00RSQTDMA&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20&linkId=Q6CM2G6V5PR646S6">Fujinon XF 16-55mm f2.8 lens</a> is now available and would have been my choice if street or low light photography was my goal. <img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00RSQTDMA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<table align="center" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16860423906" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Black Beach by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="This camera does not have a built in ND filter like the X100S, so the slowest shutter speed I could get was 1/18 in this situation when I would have preferred something slower. 1/18 @ f22, ISO 200." height="314" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8687/16860423906_099bea022b.jpg" title="Tennesee Valley Black Beach" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">This camera does not have a built in ND filter like the X100S, so the slowest shutter speed I could get was 1/18 in this situation when I would have preferred something slower. 1/18 @ f22, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The 18-55mm lens has Optical Image Stabilization, which I left it on during the entire review period, so I don't have any examples of it turned off for comparison, however, looking at my photos now, even shots taken hand-held at fairly slow shutter speeds, they are sharp. A small lens shade is included, although I experienced considerable lens flare, even with the sun at 90 degrees. This is something I did not notice when using the XF 35 f 1.4 lens during my review of the X-Pro1.<br />
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<table align="center" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16700232539" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Salsalito Taco Shop by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="One thing about carrying a mirrorless camera, I am much more likely to notice shots like this during lunch in Sausalito. 1/140 @ f5, ISO 400." height="315" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8737/16700232539_554a9193e0.jpg" title="Salsalito Taco Shop" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">One thing about carrying a mirrorless camera, I am much more likely to notice shots like this during lunch in Sausalito. 1/140 @ f5, ISO 400.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I spent the majority of the seven days shooting landscape or outdoor scenes with the camera on a tripod which is very different than my previous reviews of the X-Pro1 and the X100S. So while that let me learn a few things about this camera, it really made me feel like I was missing what I really like about Fuji X cameras - street photography. The X100S and the X-Pro1 are naturals for street photography, but I just never got the same feel with this camera. For some reason, I also seemed to draw more attention to myself with this camera. The lens does stick out from the body which might be more intimidating, or I maybe I just didn't appear comfortable or casual while carrying it.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>There is built-in WiFi that when paired with an IOS or Android device, lets you browse and transfer images or control the camera remotely. After some initial difficulty getting the camera to pair with my phone*, I found that it worked well. And it was useful to browse photos and transfer some for sharing on social media which I previously did using an <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2015/03/photographing-kentucky-bourbon-trail.html" target="_blank">Eyefi Mobi</a> card. What I really would have found useful in this App, is to have the film simulation modes so I could process the photos without having to do it in-camera first. </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16688930068" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Streets of San Francisco by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Like with previous cameras, I set the X-T1 to shoot Raw + JPEG with the JPEG set to MONOCHROME + Ye filter. With the Firmware V3.00 update, you will be able to enable the classic chrome film simulation mode. 1/600 @ f7.1, ISO 400." height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7631/16688930068_5a0a1ce7f3.jpg" title="Streets of San Francisco" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Like with previous cameras, I set the X-T1 to shoot Raw + JPEG with the JPEG set to MONOCHROME + Ye filter. With the Firmware V3.00 update, you will be able to enable the classic chrome film simulation mode. 1/600 @ f7.1, ISO 400.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Final thoughts. This is another nice camera from Fuji and I would have no problem recommending it to someone as their primary camera, even to someone considering going pro. If, however, you already own a DSLR and are looking for a second camera to carry around every day or when working the streets, then I would stick with the X100S or the new X100T.<br />
<br />
But you know what I really want is an update to the X-Pro1. An updated rangefinder with interchangeable lenses. Now that's what will get me to spend my money.<br />
<br />
*I originally downloaded the wrong App, which wasn't very clear in the Play Store. And based on the one-star reviews, I don't think I was only person making this mistake.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-16991599707662725302015-03-10T08:40:00.003-05:002016-03-08T14:07:16.133-05:00PHOTOGRAPHING THE KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL<script type="text/javascript">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNKq_fLu5Gs/Vt8h9sEpPyI/AAAAAAAAEyw/df4hFDu0Sbo/s1600/DistilleryTour2015-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNKq_fLu5Gs/Vt8h9sEpPyI/AAAAAAAAEyw/df4hFDu0Sbo/s400/DistilleryTour2015-3.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">Bourbon barrels aging at Woodford Reserve. 1/15 @ f2.0, ISO 400.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Two weeks ago on my way to photograph the Great Smoky Mountains, I decided to spend a few days traveling the <a href="http://kybourbontrail.com/" target="_blank">Kentucky Bourbon Trail</a>. What? Yes, there is such a thing as a bourbon trail. In 1999, the Kentucky Distillers' Association formed the bourbon trail to educate visitors about the rich history and traditions of bourbon, which in 1964 Congress declared a "distinctive product of the United States."<br />
<br />
Okay, so now that we've determined that there is such a thing as the bourbon trail, what does it have to do with photography? And that's a fair question. Although I often enjoy a glass of bourbon following a day of shooting or while editing my photographs, it was really a decision to document my journey along the trail via social media which brings us closer to a photography theme. Like many of my trips I choose to shoot all the photos with my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P15534C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00P15534C&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20&linkId=J74NWJRZJY2WRJZN">Fujifilm X100S 16.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00P15534C" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />*, only this time, I used a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CS4WPHC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CS4WPHC&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20&linkId=PIEJNT7B3TI24HQB">16 GB Eyefi Mobi SDHC Card</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00CS4WPHC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />** paired via WiFi to my Samsung Galaxy S4 phone. Now I had a blog post.<br />
<br />
So while you enjoy a few photos of my trip, this really is a blog post about using the Eyefi Mobi with the goal of posting one <a href="https://instagram.com/jfwphoto/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> photo and a <a href="https://twitter.com/jfwphoto" target="_blank">Tweet</a> following each of the nine stops along the bourbon trail. Besides, can you think of a better way to test this setup?<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16536742530" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Brown-Forman by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Early morning light at the Brown-Forman distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. I always seem to be drawn to oversize versions of everyday items. 1/640 @ f5.6, ISO 200." height="314" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8667/16536742530_69e24ec374.jpg" title="Brown-Forman distillery" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Early morning light at the Brown-Forman distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. I always seem to be drawn to oversized versions of everyday items. 1/640 @ f5.6, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Before I go any further, you might be wondering if my goal was to simply share photos on Instagram and Twitter, why didn't I just take the photos with my cell phone, which after all is capable of taking decent quality images. Yes, it is true that I could have just used my phone, but as a photographer who has a camera with me all the time, why sacrifice quality and future use of the photos beyond the immediacy of social. The best camera is still a camera.<br />
<br />
What is the Eyefi Mobi and does it make sense for you?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFH95SwCexY/VP8QVKh3gAI/AAAAAAAADYY/Q5Q5E3pvI3k/s1600/m001385694_sc7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFH95SwCexY/VP8QVKh3gAI/AAAAAAAADYY/Q5Q5E3pvI3k/s1600/m001385694_sc7.jpeg" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Amazon.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
From their website:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Add instant photo transfer to the camera you own. Eyefi Mobi sends pictures from your DSLR or point and shoot camera to your phone, tablet or desktop as soon as you take them so you can kiss the cords goodbye.</i></blockquote>Sounds pretty simple and it is. Download and launch the Eyefi App, enter the 10-digit activation code located on the device, put the card in the camera and shoot a few jpeg images, then watch as they appear on your device. It really is that easy. I have the App running on both an Android phone and iPad 2 tablet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16101845094" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Wild Turkey Distillery by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="All the ingredients to make bourbon are in these tank at the Wild Turkey distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. 1/70 @ f5.6, ISO 200." height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8612/16101845094_926f6b29fe.jpg" title="Wild Turkey Distillery" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">All the ingredients to make bourbon are in these tanks at the Wild Turkey distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. 1/70 @ f5.6, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Advantages:</b><br />
<br />
<i>Provides instant backup.</i> It's nice to have an instant backup of your images without even having to think about it. As always with my Fuji, I have it configured to shoot jpeg+raw, so as the jpegs are backed up instantly and ready to share, I simply download the raw files (and jpegs) to my hard drive at the end of each day.<br />
<br />
<i>High quality images ready to share.</i> I can't emphasize enough how nice it is to not have to compromise quality just because you want to share your work over the internet quickly. I retain all the advantages of my Fujifilm X100S camera, including the ability to capture raw photos, while still being able to share almost instantly. You do have to leave your camera on.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16722918751" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Woodford Reserve Distillery by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Open fermentation tanks at the Woodford Reserve distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. 1/320 @ f2.0, ISO 800." height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8668/16722918751_047eae5c62.jpg" title="Woodford Reserve Distillery" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Open fermentation tanks at the Woodford Reserve distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. 1/320 </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">@ f2.0, ISO 800.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Disadvantages:</b><br />
<br />
<i>Only transfers jpegs.</i> Not a big deal if you are using this as I do, transferring to a phone or tablet for quick sharing to social media. However if you using this as the only means of transferring photos from you camera to computer, it could be a problem.<br />
<br />
<i>Camera battery drain.</i> The biggest issue I have experienced when using the Eyefi is that my camera battery drains about twice as fast. Also, as the battery level gets low, photos will stop transferring. You will need a second battery for your camera.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16104206883" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Makers Mark Distillery by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Take note of the shutters at the Makers Mark distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. 1/420 @ f8, ISO 400." height="334" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8594/16104206883_208c588e97.jpg" title="Makers Mark Distillery" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Take note of the shutters at the Makers Mark distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. 1/420 @ f8, ISO 400.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Conclusion:</b><br />
<br />
Even though once in a while I noticed that the WiFi connection had dropped and photos didn't transfer, it was very rare and easily remedied by turning the camera on and off or reconnecting the WiFi through the phone settings. Actually, the biggest problem was getting a decent phone signal in some of the remote Kentucky locations.<br />
<br />
While this isn't my everyday SD card, it does serve a real purpose and combined with low cost and ease of use, should be an easy decision to make the purchase.<br />
<br />
For those that may be wondering, my Tweets along the trail have been some of my most favorited and retweeted posts since I joined Twitter in 2008. And I have the high-resolution images to prove it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16536743720" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Jim Beam American Stillhouse by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="The bottling line at Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont, Kentucky. None of the distilleries I visited put any restrictions on still photography, although a few requested no video be recorded. 1/25 @ f5.6, ISO 800." height="330" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8618/16536743720_d914b6c6c8.jpg" title="Jim Beam American Stillhouse" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The bottling line at Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont, Kentucky. None of the distilleries I visited placed any restrictions on still photography, although a few requested no video be recorded. 1/25 @ f5.6, ISO 800.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><br />
</b> <b>* </b>The Fujifilm X100S is becoming harder to get and has been replaced by the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NF6ZGY6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00NF6ZGY6&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20&linkId=6JQP2OH3MUES3IMX">Fujifilm X100T</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00NF6ZGY6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> which I have not had the chance to try. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HYAL88W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HYAL88W&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20&linkId=B3UGIXXZTOHTMIVJ">Fujifilm X-T1</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HYAL88W" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> has built-in WiFi.<br />
<br />
<b>** </b>The list of cameras that this device works with is long, however, you should still check for <a href="http://www.eyefi.com/download" target="_blank">camera compatibility</a> on their site.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-31089563199341125532015-03-03T09:37:00.000-05:002016-03-08T14:00:56.941-05:00PHOTOGRAPHING IN THE GREAT SMOKIES - FINAL DAY<script type="text/javascript">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDJ0T8x5xlM/Vt8hA4h9wyI/AAAAAAAAEyo/zabAaLcGkV0/s1600/GreatSmokies-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDJ0T8x5xlM/Vt8hA4h9wyI/AAAAAAAAEyo/zabAaLcGkV0/s640/GreatSmokies-7.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">Smoky Stream. 8 @ f20, ISO 100, two graduated ND filters stacked.</span></td></tr>
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Day three and the final day of this trip started at 6 a.m. with a 16-mile drive from Gatlinburg to the Newfound Gap Overlook. When I planned this trip, this location is what I had been most looking forward too as the place where I would get the iconic shot of the Great Smoky Mountains.<br />
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When I started the drive that morning I knew that the photo probably wasn't going to happen. It was drizzling and visibility was not good, and that was at the bottom of the mountain. Well sure enough when I reached the overlook at 5,046 foot right on the Tennessee - North Carolina border, it was socked it. I don't give up easily while on location, however after two and a half hours of waiting, I was pretty sure that it wasn't going to clear up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16082335944" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Smoky Clouds by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="While the clouds blocked any chance of a view from the summit, just below it there were short glimpses of the mountainside. 1/400 @ f9, ISO 400." height="331" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8630/16082335944_0531b93053.jpg" title="Smoking Clouds" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">While the clouds blocked any chance of a view from the Newfound Gap overlook, just down the road from the summit there were short glimpses of the mountainside. 1/400 @ f9, ISO 400.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While it was clear that I would have to wait until another time to get the iconic shot, there had to be something to photograph. As I mentioned yesterday, there are pull-offs along the Newfound Gap Road, so I figured I would head back down the mountain to see if it was any clearer and if there was something - anything, to photograph.<br />
<br />
I came across a stream running down the mountain that looked like I would be able to access it from a pull-off a short distance away. Photographing a stream was also the perfect opportunity to work with my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000T95Q8I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000T95Q8I&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20&linkId=H7QJJPUY3RMBOBPG">Cokin Z Pro Series ND Graduated Filter Kit</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000T95Q8I" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> in order to slow the shutter long enough to achieve the silky look of the running water. Because these filters are 4x6 inches, I was able to use them in an unconventional way, to cover the entire front of my 24-70mm lens. Further, I doubled up the filters in order to slow the shutter speed to between 4-10 seconds but still maintain a proper exposure. In a future post, I will go into much more detail on using these filters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16678290076" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Second Coming by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="When something on the side of the road catches your eye you have to make a decision as to whether or not you are going to make a u-turn and photograph it. I urge you to make more u-turns. 1/300 @ f8, ISO 200." height="324" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8642/16678290076_0099fb05b5.jpg" title="Roadside Dinosaur" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">When something on the side of the road catches your eye you have to make a decision as to whether or not you are going to make a u-turn and photograph it. I urge you to make more u-turns. 1/300 @ f8, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally, I decided that I would just head down the mountain and start making my way to Boone, N.C., via the Blue Ridge Parkway, but first I made a stop at the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cataloochee.htm" target="_blank">Cataloochee visitors center</a>. There I verified with the park ranger that it was not going to clear up. Instinctively I probably knew that, but it never hurts to check with someone who knows the area well. Even more so since I was seeing blue skies and nice clouds, it was good to have the reassurance that nothing had changed at the summit.<br />
<br />
Right after leaving the visitors center my plans changed when I was confronted by a closed Blue Ridge Parkway. I wrote in my original post about doing research before a trip and I did plenty on the Great Smoky Mountains, but the extent of my research on getting to Boone from Gatlinburg via the Parkway was to simply look at a map. When I finally had cell coverage and pulled up their <a href="http://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm" target="_blank">website</a>, I saw that many of the sections I wanted to drive were closed during the winter of 2014 - 2015 for repairs. (There is also a <a href="http://www.nps.gov/maps/blri/road-closures/" target="_blank">real-time road closure</a> website.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16704226985" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Naked Trees by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Along the very short section of the Blue Ridge Parkway I traveled there were plenty of scenic overlooks, without much of a grand view, but these trees still proved interesting when taken from a low angle with a 14-24mm, 1/125 @ f22, ISO 200" height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8652/16704226985_8c4b053f01.jpg" title="Naked Trees on Blue Ridge Parkway" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Along the very short section of the Blue Ridge Parkway I traveled there were plenty of scenic overlooks, without much of a grand view, but these trees still proved interesting when taken from a low angle with a 14-24mm, 1/125 @ f22, ISO 200</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now that a nice leisurely drive along the Parkway was out, I still tried to stick to back roads on the drive to Boone, but it wasn't the same. The only positive was this happened during the middle of the day, a time that I typically take a break from shooting.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16516648868" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Price Lake by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Originally when I stopped at this lake, I didn't think there was anything special about it to photograph. With a little exploring however, I found these nice patterns in the ice which makes the photo. 1/250 @ f20, ISO 200." height="339" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8657/16516648868_750f872e2f.jpg" title="Frozen Price Lake" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Originally when I stopped at this lake, I didn't think there was anything special about it to photograph. With a little exploring, however, I found these nice patterns in the ice which makes the photo. 1/250 @ f20, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fortunately after checking into my hotel and getting on my computer, I did find a 15-mile section open from Blowing Rock heading south to just past the Linn Cove Visitors Center. As bad as the weather was earlier in the day, it was looking really nice now. The Blue Ridge Parkway meanders 469 miles and even if I were to pull over every time I had the opportunity in the 15 miles I covered, the sun would have set long before I finished. Many of the scenic overlooks are not that scenic, even with no leaves on the trees, so you have to trust your instincts a bit and keep an eye on the sun and light.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16518103099" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Lasting Light by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Once again it pays to turn around from the setting sun. This sunlight kissing the tops of these trees lasted only five minutes. 1/80 @ f9, ISO 200." height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8627/16518103099_6750e931b4.jpg" title="Lasting Light" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Once again it pays to turn around from the setting sun. This sunlight kissing the tops of these trees lasted only five minutes. 1/80 @ f9, ISO 200.</td></tr>
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I also realized that some of the grand views were not all that grand this time of the year. Unlike the contrasts of color I found in the Smokies, all I saw along this short section of the Parkway was brown. Now in the Fall I'm sure these views are spectacular, but for now I just moved on from one overlook to the next, finally settling on a frozen Price Lake to make my final photos of the trip.<br />
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If you get the chance to visit Great Smoky Mountain National Park, even for a day, make every effort to do so. If you are a photographer, I would plan on spending a minimum of three days so that you can cover a few different locations during different times of the day. There are also plenty of hikes, some short, that will get you away from the crowds and offer you even more opportunities to make wonderful images in the second most-visited National Park.<br />
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<b>Previous posts in this series</b>:<br />
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<i>PHOTOGRAPHING THE GREAT SMOKIES - <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2015/02/photographing-great-smokies-plan-and.html" target="_blank">THE PLAN AND THE GEAR</a></i><br />
<i>PHOTOGRAPHING THE GREAT SMOKIES - <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2015/03/photographing-great-smokies-day-one.html" target="_blank">DAY ONE</a></i><br />
<i>PHOTOGRAPHING THE GREAT SMOKIES - <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2015/03/photographing-in-great-smokies-day-two.html" target="_blank">DAY TWO</a></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-85127667185126447652015-03-01T20:03:00.000-05:002016-04-01T21:55:02.836-05:00PHOTOGRAPHING IN THE GREAT SMOKIES - DAY TWO<script type="text/javascript">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16068279813" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Great Smokies by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Great Smokies" height="332" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8641/16068279813_86a41c3f08.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Low clouds backlit by the rising sun. 1/50 @f22, ISO 400.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What a difference a day makes. I entered the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm" target="_blank">Cades Cove </a>loop through the already open gate at 7 a.m. and headed straight to the location I had decided on yesterday, passing only one other person along the way. The sky was clear and there was a cloud layer that was moving fast across the top of the mountains.<br />
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It is exciting to imagine photos coming together in your mind as you are driving along and it took everything I had not to stop and start shooting prior to arriving at my pre-planned destination.<br />
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Once I parked and set up my tripod and camera with a 24-70mm, I forced myself to take a breath and relax. While it seems everything is happening fast, often there is more time than you realize. It is better to get it right than realize your ISO was still on 3200 from the night before. In this case, I worked the sunrise for almost 30 minutes before it was completely up over the mountain. In that time I was able to use multiple lenses, bracket, try out my new split neutral density filters and move about 50 yards down the road for a slightly different composition.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16500643588" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cades Cove Sunrise by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Cades Cove Sunrise" height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8665/16500643588_e1935efa9b.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Switched to the 24-70mm with a Cokin split neutral density filter just as the sun rose above the clouds. You can see how the clouds just stuck to the top of the mountains. 1/60 @ f22, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Remember as the sun is rising and consuming your attention, all that great light is falling somewhere and that somewhere is behind you. When I did finally turn around I immediately was drawn to the tops of the mountains and those clouds which were slightly backlit, yet at the same time light was falling on the face of the mountain. I only had to cross the street and climb a slight embankment when I saw that the sun was hitting the trees in the foreground.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16502087869" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Great Smokies Clouds by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Great Smokies Clouds" height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8595/16502087869_6fab354227.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Once the sun rose above the clouds I turned around and was treated to some wonderful light. 1/40 @ f22, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When I see layers leading into a photograph, I instantly think of long lenses and compression. It doesn't matter if the layers are created by color, tonal quality, or texture, compressing and flattening the scene makes a pleasing photograph.<br />
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On my drive in I saw plenty of deer and thought it was time to move to a new location and with only a few other cars on the loop, I was able to exit and re-enter in about 20 minutes. Once back on the loop I stopped a few times and waited in locations where I had seen wildlife the previous day and sure enough I spotted four deer off in the distance in the same field I had seen the coyotes.<br />
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They were a fair distance off so I grabbed my 300mm with a 2x converter. It was then that I noticed there were three bucks and a doe. After waiting and watching it became clear that the bucks were going to interact and sure enough they locked antlers several times. It also became clear that they were slowly moving in a direction that would have them crossing the road just below where I had spent the morning. I debated staying put, but sometimes you have to take a chance and move.<br />
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I'm glad I did. As I parked the deer were still heading in the same direction so I moved to the exact location that I had taken the above photograph earlier. As the deer continued to head in my direction they were still slightly backlit, but after they crossed the road the light was perfect and when they started to run as a car approached, I just started shooting. I had a long lens on which was nice to capture the deer, but meant I was unable to include any background or context.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16500825500" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Buck by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Buck" height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8600/16500825500_9fcaefa765.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I moved to higher ground in order to capture this photo of a male whitetail deer. Thinking ahead in order to place yourself in the right spot is key to getting the photograph you envision. 1/800 @ f7.1, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>By mid-morning I decided to pack up and leave Cades Cove and explore more the Great Smoky Mountains, but not before one more stop at Tipton place. Only this time I was across the road photographing the double-pen corn crib and cantilever barn when the dripping water from the roof caught my attention. Up until this point everything I had photographed, other than wildlife, was medium or wide angle, so it was nice to get a detail shot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16500631558" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Tipton Place by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Tipton Place" height="328" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8677/16500631558_fd8d0f34ec.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Sometimes it's about the details. With locations like Cades Cove, the tendency is to focus only on the vistas, but sometimes a photo like this tells the story of melting snow. 1/640 @ f2.8, ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On the way to Gatlinburg, I stopped at the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm#CP_JUMP_48430" target="_blank">Sugarlands visitor center</a> and looked around the museum. This is a great thing to do in the middle of the day and besides giving you a break, it gives you some history and context, which may lead to additional photo ideas. Additionally, rangers can be a wonderful source of information on hidden shooting locations.<br />
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After leaving the visitors center, I thought I would drive the 13 miles to the Newfound Gap outlook and scout out locations for the next morning. It is a really pretty drive although it soon became apparent as I increased in elevation that I would be entering the clouds by the time I reached the summit. Of course, these were the same clouds that I had been photographing in the morning.<br />
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So before I was fully in the clouds, I stopped about a quarter mile from the top and took a few photos of the clouds moving by which added some softness to the bare trees. Tomorrow I plan on heading back to the summit to photograph the sunrise even though the forecast calls for rain.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16500629538" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Newfoundland Gap by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Newfoundland Gap" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8670/16500629538_f5a0592308.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Just short of the Newfound Gap summit, the clouds were already rolling in and provided just the right amount of softness you see in this photograph. 1/800 @ f7.1, ISO 200, Exp. Comp. +1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-63292816295310761042015-03-01T06:14:00.002-05:002015-07-04T09:49:29.353-05:00PHOTOGRAPHING THE GREAT SMOKIES - DAY ONE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16502146779" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Smokies Sunrise by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just after first light.* 1/250 @ f10, ISO 400." height="335" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8621/16502146779_15ec035def.jpg" title="Smokies Sunrise" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just after first light. 1/250 @ f10, ISO 400.</td></tr>
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Day one began at the entrance to the 11-mile one-way Cades Cove loop road along with a half dozen other cars waiting for the park ranger to open the gate. The plan was to photograph the sunrise, however, the ranger didn't open the road until roughly 7:20, so the sun was already over the horizon. The first day of any assignment, whether a paid job - or like this, a self-assignment - brings with it some anxiety and anticipation. I've never been able to shake that, but, of course, the only thing to do is just start shooting. Anything will do, the point is to just start shooting.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16688285435" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cades Cove by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Because temperatures remained cold in the morning, recent snow still stuck to the trees, offering nice contrast between the bare trees in the foreground and the pines in the back. 1/320 @ f13, ISO 400. TIP: Using a long telephoto lens compresses the scene and enhances the contrast between foreground and background." height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8655/16688285435_e52f85dcb2.jpg" title="Cades Cove Snow" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: left;">Because temperatures remained cold in the morning, recent snow still stuck to the trees, offering a nice contrast between the bare trees in the foreground and the pines in the back. 1/320 @ f13, ISO 400. </span><b style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: left;">TIP:</b><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: left;"> </span><i style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: left;">Using a long telephoto lens compresses the scene and enhances the contrast between foreground and background.</i></td></tr>
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So as I entered the loop with the sun already rising fast, I pulled over at the first opportunity and began taking photographs. It wasn't great, but it did fit the idea that I start shooting. Ideally I would have been able to scout the location so that I had a better idea of where to stop along the 11-mile loop to get that first shot. With 11 miles to cover you never really know what's ahead of you and since it is a one-way loop, you can't turn back. I did four trips around the loop, two in the morning and two in the afternoon.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16068309123" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Smoky Mountains by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Still fairly early in the morning there was a slight warmth to the sky while the mountain has a blue-green look. The colors change throughout the day offering many looks at the same scene. 1/800 @ f16, ISO 400." height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8683/16068309123_4a8a07b4cf.jpg" title="Smoky Mountains" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Still fairly early in the morning there was a slight warmth to the sky while the mountain has a blue-green look. The colors change throughout the day offering many looks at the same scene. 1/800 @ f16, ISO 400.</td></tr>
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Being unfamiliar with the route, I pulled over almost every opportunity, got out of the car and looked around. Sometimes I grabbed my camera and shot, other times, I quickly returned to the car and headed for the next turnout. My goal was to make at least one loop as fast as possible, without missing any photos along the way and then take more time during subsequent loops.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16065937334" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Whitetail Deer by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer were the most visible wildlife I saw during my visit. Here two bucks greeting each other. 1/250 @ f8, ISO 400." height="316" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8572/16065937334_4868060efa.jpg" title="Whitetail Deer in Cades Cove" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Deer were the most visible wildlife I saw during my visit. Here two bucks greeting each other. 1/250&nbsp;@ f8, ISO 400.</td></tr>
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One thing almost all visitors to Cades Cove are sure to see is wildlife. Everything from horses, deer, turkey, elk, wolves, fox, coyotes and black bear*. Your chances of just spotting these creatures are reduced while driving, especially by yourself. I did spot some bucks in the distance and stopped to photograph them for about 20 minutes. I then walked to the other side of the street and that is when I spotted two coyotes moving across the field and finally before getting back in the car, spotted a <strike>bird</strike> Flicker Woodpecker off to the left. Three nice animals all because I stayed put for a while.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16068305333" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Flicker Woodpecker by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Not all wildlife is large and easy to spot. This Flicker Woodpecker (yet to be identified) was only a short distance from my feet as I was standing around looking at the great vistas. 1/200 @ f13, ISO 400. TIP: Don't forget to look down and always be ready to shoot." height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8621/16068305333_42e7e749ce.jpg" title="Flicker Woodpecker" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Not all wildlife is large and easy to spot. This Flicker Woodpecker <strike>(yet to be identified)</strike> was only a short distance from my feet as I was standing around looking at the great vistas. 1/200 @ f13, ISO 400. <b>TIP:</b> <i>Don't forget to look down and always be ready to shoot.</i></td></tr>
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But it is the Great Smoky Mountains, so much of the time on the first loop was spent photographing them. One thing I noticed is that the color temp and look of these mountains change throughout the day depending on light and angles. That was fun; it was like taking a completely different photo of the same scene each time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16500655008" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cades Cove by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Later in the day the mountains took on a different color and with the warming temperatures and snow melting, more of the grass became visible and provided a warm contrast to the cool mountains and sky. 1/50 @ f22, ISO 200, Cokin graduated ND filter." height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8669/16500655008_121658efe4.jpg" title="Cades Cove" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Later in the day the mountains took on a different color and with the warming temperatures and snow melting, more of the grass became visible and provided a warm contrast to the cool mountains and sky. 1/50 @ f22, ISO 200, Cokin graduated ND filter.</td></tr>
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Along the way, there are a number of structures and old cabins to explore. During the second loop as the sun rose, but still provided some quality light, I made sure to explore a few and am glad I did. I was drawn by the warm look of the wood that contrasted with the snow and also the shadows created by fences and the buildings.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16662300266" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="TIpton House by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Tipton Place is near the end of the loop and offered several structures to photograph. 1/160 @ f20, ISO 400, Exp. Comp. +1. TIP: I shot from a low angle since the snow surrounding the area had been trampled." height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8569/16662300266_2074ef2639.jpg" title="TIpton House" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Tipton Place is near the end of the loop and offered several structures to photograph. 1/160 @ f20, ISO 400, Exp. Comp. +1. <b>TIP:</b> <i>I choose to shoot from a low angle since the snow surrounding the area had been trampled.</i></td></tr>
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Typically there is more parking located at these sites and since I was already exploring the buildings, it seemed like a good time to explore the surrounding woods. Don't be afraid to walk off the road and into the woods, you might be surprised what is just out of site.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16065926934" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cades Cove by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="This small stream runs past Tipton Place and allowed me to take advantage of some nice light streaming though the trees. 1/50 @ f20, ISO 400, Exp. Comp. +1. TIP: When shooting into the sun, use the tree or branch to block light from hitting your lens." height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8660/16065926934_5f6b54479c.jpg" title="Cades Cove" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">This small stream runs past Tipton Place and allowed me to take advantage of some nice light streaming through the trees. 1/50 @ f20, ISO 400, Exp. Comp. +1. <b>TIP:</b> <i>When shooting into the sun, use the tree or branch to block light from hitting your lens.</i></td></tr>
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When I returned in the afternoon it was a different experience for several reasons. First, the temperature had risen 30 degrees which meant the snow was melting fast. The first place I noticed this was the trees. Also, the number of cars making the loop had more than <strike>tripled</strike> quadrupled, which meant traffic jams as people would just stop in the middle of the one-lane road, mostly to look at deer. So it took more than twice as long to make the loop as it did in the morning. And this is the winter, so be prepared in the Spring. Again, my suggestion would be to take your time and not worry about spending too much time in one location. Why not let the wildlife come to you.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/16502099049" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cades Cove by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Clouds started to build and the moon came out in the late afternoon once again giving a very different look to the mountains. 1/50 @ f22, ISO 200, Cokin graduated ND filter. TIP: When you have interesting clouds, grab a wide angle and aim high. " height="333" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8575/16502099049_43a7e51703.jpg" title="Cades Cove End of Day" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Clouds started to build and the moon came out in the late afternoon once again giving a very different look to the mountains. 1/50 @ f22, ISO 200, Cokin graduated ND filter. <b>TIP:</b> <i>When you have interesting clouds, grab a wide angle and aim high.</i></td></tr>
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With the first day of shooting down, my plan for tomorrow is to return to Cades Cove and a few locations I've identified along the loop in the hopes of getting a better sunrise. Then I'll start making my way to Gatlinburg, shooting and scouting along the way.<br />
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<b>*</b> <i>Bears hibernate in the winter.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-61928233711933747622015-02-24T20:56:00.001-05:002015-03-11T15:20:27.395-05:00PHOTOGRAPHING THE GREAT SMOKIES - THE PLAN AND THE GEAR Ever since my trip to <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2012_12_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Arizona</a> in December 2012, I've been thinking about another self-assigned photography trip, but with a busy work schedule the time just slipped by.<br />
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During the ensuing years many locations ran through my mind and as 2014 was drawing to a close, I finally decided that I would visit Yosemite National Park during the last week of February 2015. I started the research and planning the flights, hotels, etc., but again time passed and in January when I finally got around to actually making reservations, the trip just started falling apart, mostly due to lodging. First lesson, commit early.</div>
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For a while I figured that more time would pass before I launched into another adventure. However, I never quite removed the vacation days from my calendar and I just couldn't shake the notion that I wanted to get out and photograph. So again, I started thinking about possible locations and one place kept coming to mind - <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm" target="_blank">The Great Smoky Mountains National Park</a>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/12614743093" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Great Smoky Mountains by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="I visited the park last year while driving home from Memphis, but only spent the day, but knew then that I wanted to return. Fujifilm X100S, F5.6, 1/550 at ISO 400" height="344" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/12614743093_4aac98d272.jpg" title="Great Smoky Mountains" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">I visited the park last year while driving home from Memphis, but only spent the day, but knew then that I wanted to return. Fujifilm X100S, F5.6, 1/550 at ISO 400.</span></td></tr>
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My current plan is to spend two nights in Townsend, Tennessee, one night in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and one night in Boone, North Carolina, giving me close to four days of shooting. I plan on photographing Cades Cove, Tremont, and Newfondland Gap. Unfortunately, popular locations such as Roaring Fork and Clingmans Dome might be out due to winter road closure, although I am bringing snow shoes and could possibly hike in.</div>
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<div>
If you have been following the weather than you know that the East Coast has been experiencing extremely cold temperatures along with snow and ice. The Smokies are no different, so I've been monitoring two Twitter accounts, <a href="https://twitter.com/GreatSmokyNPS" target="_blank">@GreatSmokyNPS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SmokiesRoadsNPS" target="_blank">@SmokiesRoadsNPS</a>, to keep up-to-date on road and park conditions. While most of the photographs I see while doing research were taken during the spring, I love photographing in the winter and of course photographing now will hopefully allow me to get images that are different from the rest.</div>
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That's the logistics part of the plan, so what about the gear.<br />
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Since I'll be driving to this location, I'm probably going a little heavy gear wise, plus I'll need to pack plenty of cold weather gear. And much of the gear I'm bringing is similar my Arizona trip, just updated models.</div>
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Cameras will consist of a <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1024081-REG/nikon_d4s_digital_slr_camera.html/BI/19792/KBID/12733/kw/NID4S/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xNID4S" target="_blank">Nikon D4S</a> along with a <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/910403-REG/fujifilm_x100s_digital_camera.html/BI/19792/KBID/12733/kw/FUX100S/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xFUX100S" target="_blank">Fujifilm X100S</a>. For lenses I'm bringing the Nikon 14-24mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm and a 300 2.8. I'll also add a 2x teleconvertor.<br />
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For computer, storage and software, I'm using a Macbook Pro 15" with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058VIWTM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0058VIWTM&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20&linkId=STBJ6CTE3H4ASMDL">LaCie Rugged 1 TB USB 3.0 Mini Disk Portable Hard Drive</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0058VIWTM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> for backup. Software includes Photo Mechanic for ingest and captioning and Lightroom 5 and Photoshop CC (2014), to post process the images. And various camera storage including CompactFlash cards ranging from 16 - 64GB and a 64GB XQD card.</div>
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I will also bring my iPad, mostly for two Apps that I rely on during travel. First is <a href="http://bit.ly/YXruHJ" target="_blank">Sun Seeker</a>, which provides sunrise and sunset times and also shows a map view of sun direction for each daylight hour and 3D views of the solar path. Second is <a href="http://wxch.nl/XBI8Mu" target="_blank">The Weather Channel</a> which comes in handy for planning each day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKvEhaDcrsA/VOyweYtCveI/AAAAAAAADRM/s1jlBO25r34/s1600/SunseekerApp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Three screen shots of the Sun Seeker app available for the iPad or iPhone." border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKvEhaDcrsA/VOyweYtCveI/AAAAAAAADRM/s1jlBO25r34/s1600/SunseekerApp.jpg" height="296" title="Sun Seeker App" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Three screen shots of the Sun Seeker App available for the iPad or iPhone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To support the camera's I'm bringing two tripods, a Bogen Model 3033X and a <a href="http://bit.ly/TZPSBV" target="_blank">Gitzo Series 00 Carbon 6X</a> with a <a href="http://bhpho.to/VoDXNT" target="_blank">Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1</a> ballhead as well as a Gitzo monopod.<br />
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Rounding out the accessories, will be a Nikon SB910 flash, SU 800, PocketWizard Plus (to use as a cable release), and a Zacuto Z-Finder Pro.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Rounding out the accessories and something that I'm really excited to use on this trip is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000T95Q8I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000T95Q8I&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20&linkId=H7QJJPUY3RMBOBPG">Cokin Z Pro Series ND Graduated Filter Kit</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000T95Q8I" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I have not used anything other than a UV filter in front of my lenses since I started shooting digital in 1999. Recently for landscape work I've shot HDR and generally liked the results. What I didn't like was the extra steps and the post processing time.<br />
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As with the Arizona trip, I will update this blog each day of the trip with photographs, lessons learned and how I used the camera gear to make it all happen. Following the trip I'll write an in-depth post on the Cokin ND filters.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-50236674726602075832015-02-10T14:47:00.001-05:002015-07-04T09:44:03.915-05:00ARE "FILM SIMULATION" PRESETS FOR YOU?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sxQRMxye2Qk/VNpUQeSfMzI/AAAAAAAADOM/9SwGdrkbEfQ/s1600/B%26W_Ye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sxQRMxye2Qk/VNpUQeSfMzI/AAAAAAAADOM/9SwGdrkbEfQ/s1600/B%26W_Ye.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><b>MONOCHROME+YeFilter* </b>(black and white with yellow filter)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fujifilm recently announced that they are bringing film simulation to their official Raw conversion software, Raw File Converter EX, allowing you to take advantage of the features after, rather than having to make the selection while shooting.<br />
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This is good news since I think Fuji does an especially good job with their film simulation modes.<br />
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Currently when you select one of the film simulation modes, Provia, Velvia, Astia, PRO Neg Hi or Std, and several Black and White modes, on the camera, they are baked into the JPEG file.<br />
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As I've mentioned previously on this blog, the mode I prefer when shooting the X100S is MONOCHROME+YeFilter. But that is only half the story because I also shoot JPEG and Raw at the same time giving me the option during post processing to switch to color or do my own black and white conversion to the Raw file. But normally I really like the job Fuji does with its conversion right out of the camera and then spend extra time converting the Raw image to match.<br />
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Does this then mean you no longer need these settings available to you on the camera? I can't make that call, but I do like the option to take advantage of them later.<br />
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During a recent visit to Great Falls Park in Virginia, I decided to try out the various film simulation modes on my X100S and see for myself how useful they are. <b>**</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9TFtn1SnmNM/VNpUROs_WJI/AAAAAAAADOc/eqobR6Lt6fQ/s1600/Provia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9TFtn1SnmNM/VNpUROs_WJI/AAAAAAAADOc/eqobR6Lt6fQ/s1600/Provia.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><b>Provia/STANDARD</b>: I suppose you need an all-around setting and PROVIA/STANDARD offers standard color reproduction suited for a wide range of subjects.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICvVbXkGsOM/VNpURlT0x4I/AAAAAAAADOk/KBRkLnD1aww/s1600/Velvia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICvVbXkGsOM/VNpURlT0x4I/AAAAAAAADOk/KBRkLnD1aww/s1600/Velvia.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><b>Velvia/VIVID</b>: A high-contrast palette of saturated colors, suited for outdoor photos. And as it turns out, pretty much the hands-down choice for Fall foliage.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cofn72aAY7E/VNpUQTe1FmI/AAAAAAAADOE/FzdTA6LKWaU/s1600/Astia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cofn72aAY7E/VNpUQTe1FmI/AAAAAAAADOE/FzdTA6LKWaU/s1600/Astia.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><b>ASTIA/SOFT</b>: Enhances the range of hues available for skin tones in portraits while preserving the bright blues of daylight skies. Outdoor portraits.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0uC9Bu68Q8/VNpUQSWgFEI/AAAAAAAADOI/rJbvFu5zIoU/s1600/ProNegHi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0uC9Bu68Q8/VNpUQSWgFEI/AAAAAAAADOI/rJbvFu5zIoU/s1600/ProNegHi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><b>PRO Neg. Hi</b>: Slightly more contrast than PRO Neg. Std and recommended for outdoor portrait photography.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk--gJchI70/VNpUQ4TmnII/AAAAAAAADOQ/4PKM_YZfsu0/s1600/ProNegStd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk--gJchI70/VNpUQ4TmnII/AAAAAAAADOQ/4PKM_YZfsu0/s1600/ProNegStd.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><b>PRO Neg. Std</b>: Soft-toned palette. The range of hues available for skin tone is enhanced, making this a good choice for studio portraits.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Fuji X100S also offers the option to bracket, which to most photographers means some sort of multiple exposures. However, the X100S also allows you to bracket Film Simulations, so you don't even have to stop shooting to change settings.<br />
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Starting February 26th, you will be able to download the program for free from the <a href="http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/myfinepix_studio/rfc/" target="_blank">Fujifilm website</a>.<br />
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But you will have to wait for this feature to be added to the X100S since initially it will only be available for the X-T1, X-A2, X100T, X30, and XQ2.<br />
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<b>* </b><i>All the photos associated with the blog post are resized JPEGs right out of the camera.</i><br />
<i>** You can also assign a film simulation mode during playback.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-73894726715861944242014-10-01T12:58:00.001-05:002016-03-18T22:12:39.167-05:00MAKING TIME TO PHOTOGRAPH THE NORTHERN LIGHTS<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/15168638078/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Aurora Borealis by jfwphoto, on Flickr"><img alt="Aurora Borealis" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3858/15168638078_cc802e6071.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">A slightly longer shutter speed allowed additional colors to appear. 1/8 @ f2.8, ISO 3200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One benefit of traveling on assignment is that you often find yourself in places that you might not otherwise have had the opportunity to visit. And whenever I find myself in these locations, I make it a point to take full advantage of all the photographic opportunities available.<br />
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Just to be clear, the assignment that I'm getting paid for always comes first, which means that I really have to muster the energy to do personal work. This was certainly the case on a recent trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, to document Navy-sponsored Arctic research.<br />
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Prior to any trip I will conduct a web search looking for things to do and see at that location. Imagine my surprise when I kept seeing photographs of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. Was it possible that I would get the chance to not only see this, but photograph it? For some reason I thought you had to be much farther north.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/15168635828/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Aurora Borealis by jfwphoto, on Flickr"><img alt="Aurora Borealis" height="319" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3856/15168635828_1d837ccb04.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The intensity of light was constantly changing which meant I had to keep adjusting shutter speed. 1/2 @ f2.8, ISO 3200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As you can see from the photographs accompanying this blog that I was treated to a spectacular sight. Some tips and a little more about what it took to take these photographs follow.<br />
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1. Getting the photograph means you might lose a little sleep. Rarely are the best outdoor or landscape photographs taken mid morning, just after a leisurely breakfast and before a long lunch. Most of the time getting the best means setting up before the sun rises and staying out after it sets. Of course there is still time for that leisurely lunch, and maybe a nap in the middle of the day, unless you are getting paid to be there, then you have to make the extra effort. So to photograph the Northern Lights I had to set my alarm for midnight, and not just one night, but for three nights in a row until I finally found success.<br />
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2. Shooting something for the first time, means experimentation. I had never photographed the Northern Lights, but I have <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2013_03_01_archive.html" target="_blank">photographed stars</a>, so I knew that I first needed a location away from the city lights, which in Fairbanks meant about a ten minute drive. Ideally you would scout these locations during the day, but remember since I was on an assignment, I had to locate a safe and awesome location in the dark, which I fortunately did. On the second night it was clear and the sky was filled with stars, but I didn't see signs of the Aurora Borealis. However, just because I didn't see what I was looking for, didn't mean I wasn't going to still take pictures.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/15207328037" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Aurora Borealis by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Aurora Borealis" height="333" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2946/15207328037_664b123944.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I did not realize that I had captured a faint glow of the Northern Lights on the second night until I downloaded and post processed my photos. 1/13 @f2.8, ISO 1600.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>3. Sometimes luck, even beginners luck, is your friend. If you asked me when I returned to the hotel that second night if I had any success, I would have said no. So imagine my surprise when I imported the images into Lightroom 5 and saw the subtle green and yellow hue in the sky. After some post processing, I liked the images enough to share, but still felt I missed out since I didn't actually see anything with my own eyes. Don't give up just because you don't see anything with your naked eye.<br />
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4. Persistence pays off. On the third night I once again woke up at midnight and headed back to the same location as the previous night, only this time as soon as I stepped out of the car, even before my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I could see streaks of green in the sky. By the time I set up my tripod and camera, the lights were sweeping across the night sky. I started with the same camera settings as I had the previous night and could tell right away that I wasn't even close. Remember tip two, experiment and don't get flustered. This time instead of a standard night star setup of a 15-20 second exposure at ISO 3200, I was at a two to four second exposure at ISO 1600. Any longer on the exposure time and the lights were really soft because they were moving and "dancing" so fast. Given more time I probably would have experimented more with that longer exposure.<br />
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5. Look 360 degrees. At first I was really focused in one direction which had a good foreground of pine trees. It wasn't until I relaxed a bit, turned and started looking around, that I realized there were photo opportunities everywhere, even straight up. I just kept shooting with the Nikon 24-70mm and even though I did bring the 70-200mm with me, for some reason I left the 14-24mm lens in the room. In total, I spent around an hour taking pictures and if it wasn't for that pesky aforementioned assignment, I would have stayed all night.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/15410926585" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Aurora Borealis by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Aurora Borealis" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/15410926585_8ffe5cfdda.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Even shooting vertical at 24mm I was not able to capture everything I was seeing. 1/5 @ f 2.8, ISO 1600.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After seeing the Northern Lights with my own eyes, I don't regret any sleep I missed and even as I sit here in the Anchorage airport with a five hour layover and another 16 hours before I'm back in Virginia, the lights are still bright in my eyes.<br />
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<b>Bonus tip:</b> Many of the hotels in Fairbanks maintain a wake up list if you wish to be notified whether the Aurora Borealis is active on a particular night. My advice, just get out there and shoot; you may discover more in your photograph than you expected.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0Fairbanks, AK, USA64.8377778 -147.7163888999999764.7297183 -148.03911239999996 64.9458373 -147.39366539999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-54001460564955304782014-09-18T16:05:00.002-05:002015-03-13T10:12:54.562-05:00WHY ARE YOU WAITING TO TAKE THAT PICTURE?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/14974960607" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Air Force Memorial by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="You can't get the photograph, in this case the U.S. Air Force Memorial, if you don't stop and take the picture." height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5556/14974960607_57c82d1300.jpg" title="Air Force Memorial" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">You can't get the photograph, in this case the U.S. Air Force Memorial, if you don't stop and take the picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Stop and take that photo today! You know what I'm talking about. Have you been driving past a location every day and thinking what a nice photograph that would make. Why haven't you stopped? What are you waiting for? After all, don't you owe it to yourself to at least stop and see if it truly is your next great photograph or if it is one you can cross it off your list.<br />
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Do you make excuses like waiting for the right light or you have to be somewhere in a hurry. I understand, but then how do you explain that when the light is perfect and you have all the time in the world, you still don't stop.<br />
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Are you afraid to be disappointed? It happens, that somehow the photo you've pictured from the seat of your car driving by at 50 m.p.h. may in fact look very different when you stop and get a closer look. But the point is, how will you know unless you actually stop.<br />
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The two photos posted here are good examples of what I'm talking about. The Air Force Memorial itself can be interesting, but it wasn't until I saw it against a backdrop of storm clouds that I really took notice. The problem was, I saw this same picture on several occasions and just kept driving. Well, earlier this month I finally stopped and captured the image that I had seen previously. I was glad I finally stopped and am pleased with the photo.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nx8r9EeODMc/VBndrPvMhHI/AAAAAAAACrc/XpaehzFYyWA/s1600/pickle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="I've been looking at this pickle from my car seat for a year and never stopped. Not thrilled with results, but not ready to cross of my list yet." border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nx8r9EeODMc/VBndrPvMhHI/AAAAAAAACrc/XpaehzFYyWA/s1600/pickle1.jpg" height="331" title="The Pickle" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I've been looking at this pickle from my car seat for a year and never stopped. Not particularly thrilled with this result, but I'm not ready to cross of my list.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The other thing I've witnessed from my car seat is a large pickle, or what I believe is a pickle (it could be a cucumber), that hangs between two buildings just off the road. I was intrigued and couldn't figure out why it was there, after all there isn't a pickle shop, or even a deli nearby. I guess it really doesn't matter, because once I noticed it, I couldn't drive by without checking it out and thinking about photographing it.<br />
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So after nearly a year, yes, a year, I finally stopped and took a picture. The light was alright and the picture is not what I <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2012/05/previsualization.html" target="_blank">pre-visualized</a>, but at least I finally stopped. I also learned that when I try this again, and yes, I will try again, it will be early in the day, or maybe with a clouds in the sky, but I will take this photo again.<br />
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So are your ready to stop and get the picture? Don't wait any longer!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-22869161086407312672014-08-21T08:30:00.000-05:002015-07-28T01:27:13.250-05:00DOES PHOTOGRAPHY EVER BECOME EASY?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnavyresearch/14869240081" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="140809-N-PO203-348 by Office of Naval Research, on Flickr"><img alt="Breaking the bottle during the R/V Sally Ride christening." height="321" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/14869240081_8cf6bb670d.jpg" title="R/V Sally Ride christening" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Why was I feeling so much stress about capturing this photograph?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was wondering during a recent assignment in Anacortes, Wash., while covering the christening of the Research Vessel Sally Ride if even seemingly easy assignments ever become routine.<br />
<br />
I was just out there to photograph the christening ceremony of the R/V Neil Armstrong in March and I had no reason to believe that this event would be any different. Easy right? Probably the most important photograph during a ship's christening is the moment the sponsor breaks a bottle of champagne on the hull and during the Armstrong christening I got the shot, which was made even tougher due to the sponsor having to strike the bottle three times before it broke.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnavyresearch/13503534554" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="140329-N-PO203-336 by Office of Naval Research, on Flickr"><img alt="Having already covered the christening of the R/V Neil Armstrong should have mitigated any stress I was feeling about covering the same ceremony for the Sally Ride, right?" height="345" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2819/13503534554_6d1e6a3289.jpg" title="R/V Neil Armstrong christening" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Having already covered the christening of the R/V Neil Armstrong should have mitigated any stress I was feeling about covering the same ceremony for the Sally Ride, right?</td></tr>
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That photograph of the bottle break along with the other coverage I provided, meant that when it came time to christen the sister ship, Sally Ride, my inbox began began to fill with inquires about whether or not I would be available to take the assignment. Of course I wanted to, ship's christenings happen only once, and being able to photograph such historic events is one of the reasons I enjoy what I do. I also realize that I'm not the only photographer capable of pulling that shot off, so was it really necessary for me to cover this assignment.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnavyresearch/14685693188" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="140809-N-PO203-297 by Office of Naval Research, on Flickr"><img alt="Ship's sponsor, Dr. Tam O'Shaughnessy, co-founder, chair of the board of directors and chief executive officer of Sally Ride Science, delivers remarks during the christening ceremony. The whole time I'm shooting this I'm thinking about the one shot that truly counts, the bottle break." height="338" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5559/14685693188_b092f68621.jpg" title="Dr. Tam O'Shaughnessy's remarks" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Ship's sponsor, Dr. Tam O'Shaughnessy, co-founder, chair of the board of directors and chief executive officer of Sally Ride Science, delivers remarks during the christening ceremony. The whole time I'm shooting this I'm thinking about the one shot that truly counts, the bottle break.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The reason I questioned whether or not I would go and all the anxiety I was feeling was centered around the events timing. This christening fell right in the middle of a challenging two-week assignment that I knew would require my full attention. An assignment that took months of planning and presented a host of challenges that needed to be overcome in order to produce a product that would meet every one's expectations. I can't discuss that project now, but thinking about leaving right in the middle of that assignment to spend 36 hours in Anacortes, Wash., was a tough decision to make.<br />
<br />
In the end I did agreed to cover the Sally Ride christening and was able to capture the shot needed to tell the story, but during the flight to Seattle and while waiting for the ceremony to start, I also spent a lot of time thinking about the topic of this post.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnavyresearch/14869241831" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="140809-N-PO203-149 by Office of Naval Research, on Flickr"><img alt="Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder, chief of naval research, delivers remarks. If I was going to lug my Nikon 14-24mm lens across the country, I was going to use it to capture at least one photograph." height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5560/14869241831_0fdf13108a.jpg" title="Rear Adm. Klunder remarks" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder, chief of naval research, delivers remarks. If I was going to lug my Nikon 14-24mm lens across the country, I was going to use it to capture at least one photograph.</td></tr>
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Why was I feeling nervous as I went over my camera settings and scouted shooting angles. Was it due to a lack of confidence in my ability or the fact that so many were depending on my coverage which needed to be transmitted within hours of the ceremonies conclusion? Or was it something else? Was I still focused on the larger assignment I had left.<br />
<br />
I believe I've reached a point in my career where I'm confident that I can cover any photo assignment. But having confidence doesn't diminish the angst or the questioning of ability. Having confidence just means I believe I have the skills needed, skills that come from years of work, but also from constantly learning from others and a willingness to experiment and stretch my comfort zone.<br />
<br />
So is there ever a time in ones photographic career that an assignment becomes routine, that the nervousness goes away, and the pictures just appear.<br />
<br />
Well if there is, I'm certainly not there and I suspect that I never will be. I also suspect I'm not alone.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-51883020500509375282014-07-12T08:31:00.000-05:002015-07-28T01:08:58.772-05:00EARLY DIGITAL CAMERA AND PUBLISHING FIRSTS<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1Qcqi_-1BM/U8ACFLrkOxI/AAAAAAAACa8/IP75UYL6MJA/s1600/DailyNews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tear sheet showing stand-along photo taken with the Kodak DCS 460 as it appeared in the May 11, 1996 Philadelphia Daily News. Was this a first?" border="0" height="311" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1Qcqi_-1BM/U8ACFLrkOxI/AAAAAAAACa8/IP75UYL6MJA/s1600/DailyNews.jpg" title="Philadelphia Daily News" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Tear sheet showing a stand-alone photo taken with the Kodak DCS 460 as it appeared in the May 11, 1996, edition of the Philadelphia Daily News. Was this a first?</td></tr>
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Last year I read an article on Popphoto.com titled "<a href="http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2013/10/30-most-important-digital-cameras" target="_blank">The 30 Most Important Digital Cameras of all Time,</a>" and the first thing that struck me was how many of these cameras I had the opportunity to use or at least get my hands on and the second thing was how far we've come in both quality and price.<br />
<br />
It also got me thinking about the first image I had published that was taken with a digital camera. Actually it was published twice.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wN5Z-tG37OY/U8AC4dF5BYI/AAAAAAAACbE/LwT6e8573ys/s1600/Kodak_DCS_460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Kodak Professional DCS 460 Digital Camera was introduced in 1995." border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wN5Z-tG37OY/U8AC4dF5BYI/AAAAAAAACbE/LwT6e8573ys/s1600/Kodak_DCS_460.jpg" title="Kodak DCS 460" width="186" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The Kodak Professional DCS 460 Digital Camera was introduced in 1995.</span></td></tr>
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The camera was a Kodak Professional <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodak_DCS_400_series" target="_blank">DCS 460</a> which had a list price of $35,600, a 1.3x crop factor and at 6.2 megapixels was the highest resolution digital camera available at the time.<br />
<br />
In May of 1996 I was a photo editor and producer for Philadelphia Online (now <a href="http://www.philly.com/" target="_blank">Philly.com</a>) and was working on an interactive seating map of the Blockbuster Sony Music Entertainment Center in Camden, N.J., and since I had access to the DCS 460, I decided to use it as I photographed the stage from various sections of the arena. A great time saver over shooting on film and scanning the negatives.<br />
<br />
On the way to the venue, I came across an accident on Spring Garden Street where a car had smashed into the front window of Panichelle's barber shop. As I drove by I thought I caught a glimpse of the barber inside continuing to cut hair, so I parked, grabbed the camera and walked back to the barber shop and started shooting photos.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVADOkxnkiQ/U77hXrgxwvI/AAAAAAAACag/JsKVr0dq5Zk/s1600/PhiladelphiaOnlineCrop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stand-alone photo as it appeared on the May 10, 1996 homepage of Philadelphia Online." border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVADOkxnkiQ/U77hXrgxwvI/AAAAAAAACag/JsKVr0dq5Zk/s1600/PhiladelphiaOnlineCrop.png" title="Philadelphia Online" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Stand-alone photo as it appeared on the May 10, 1996, homepage of Philadelphia Online. View <a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2193088/PhiladelphiaOnline1996.pdf" target="_blank">full homepage</a> from that day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After I returned from the original assignment in Camden I downloaded the images from the camera and was showing a few editors the shot when one of them suggested we post it to the Philadelphia Online home page as a stand-alone photo, something we hadn't done previously. This was a first.<br />
<br />
The other suggestion was to show it to the photo editors at the Philadelphia Daily News, where it was published as a stand-alone photo the next day.<br />
<br />
So was this the first digital camera photo, not from a wire service, published in the Philadelphia Daily News? Hardly a case for the History Detectives, but I know if I had shot this with film, I probably wouldn't have processed it until the next day and by that time it would not have been news.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-65464368506791951752014-06-19T12:38:00.000-05:002014-10-11T04:57:39.538-05:00SEVEN DAYS WITH THE FUJI X-PRO1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/14063153740" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fleet Week New York by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Fleet Week New York" height="362" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2917/14063153740_8a51e11d7c.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The Fuji XF35mm (53mm equivalent), F1.4 lens did a great job. 1/1000, f2.8 at ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was headed to New York City on a seven day assignment to cover Fleet Week for the Navy and thought it would be the perfect time and location to test a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006UV6YMQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006UV6YMQ&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20">Fujifilm X-Pro 1</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006UV6YMQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> outfitted with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006UL00R6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006UL00R6&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20">XF 35mm F1.4 Lens</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006UL00R6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="0" /> I rented from <a href="http://borrowedlenses.com/">BorrowedLenses.com</a>.<br />
<br />
I have been a fan of the Fuji X cameras since I <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2012/11/introducing-my-fuji-x10.html" target="_blank">purchased a X-10</a> in 2012. Then after spending <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2013/06/ten-days-with-fuji-x100s.html" target="_blank">ten days with a X100S</a> in 2013, I immediately ordered one for myself and I still carry and shoot with it almost daily. Would I love the X-Pro1 as much as these previous cameras?<br />
<br />
The X-Pro1 is not a new camera, in fact it has been around since March 2012 and there is no shortage of reviews and testimonials from photographers who really like this camera. So why am I just writing about it now? Well maybe it's because I was so wrapped up in my X100S that I never really considered another APS-C camera, or maybe it's because I started seeing rumors about a X-Pro2. Whatever the reason, I figured it was time – probably long overdue, that I gave this camera a try.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/14246463771" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="New York City by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="A little bit of rain didn't bother the X-Pro1, but did offer some nice scenes to photograph. When shooting on the streets in large cities, I find crosswalks and street corners offer plenty of opportunities. 1/125, f5.6 at ISO 640." height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5199/14246463771_d7d5a5b4e5.jpg" title="Rainy Street Corner" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">A little bit of rain didn't bother the X-Pro1, but did offer some nice scenes to photograph. When shooting on the streets in large cities, I find crosswalks and street corners offer plenty of opportunities. 1/125, f5.6 at ISO 640.</td></tr>
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Since there has already been so much written about the X-Pro1, and it really is similar in functionality to the X100S, I decided to skip most of the technical details about this camera and concentrate more on how I set up and used this camera during a week of street photography in New York City. But don't worry, I will still point out the differences to the X100S as they come up.<br />
<br />
Of course there is one major difference between the X-Pro1 and the X100S, interchangeable X mount lenses. In 2012 Fuji originally offered three lenses; a 60mm (91mm) f2.4 macro, 18mm (27mm) f2 and the aforementioned 35mm. As of this posting, there are now at least nine additional lenses, including zooms and offerings from other manufacturers, including Carl Zeiss. It never bothered me that the X100S was a fixed 35mm equivalent, since you work with what you have, but perhaps on a few occasions it would have been nice to have options. That said, I only had the 53mm lens available to me during the trial period, so I made that work and admit I enjoyed the change.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/14249433574" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Welcome to Fleet Week by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="In street photography you have to always be ready to shoot. In this case I noticed the Fleet Week sign and the man loading kegs as I walked by. I quickly turned and got off about a dozen frames before I moved on. 1/125, f5.6 at ISO 500." height="355" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14249433574_7000838a8f.jpg" title="Welcome to Fleet Week" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">In street photography you have to always be ready to shoot. In this case I noticed the Fleet Week sign and the man loading kegs as I walked by. I quickly turned and got off about a dozen frames before I moved on. 1/125, f5.6 at ISO 500.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>FIRST IMPRESSIONS</b></div>
<br />
The X-Pro1 has a great feel, classic look and you get the sense that it is just made for the streets. Physically, it is slightly larger and a bit heavier than the X100S, but continues to feel comfortable and natural in your hands. The XF35mm lens did protrude from the camera body more than I expected and took me a while to get used to. I've noticed many of the new lens offerings look huge and somewhat awkward on these APS-C cameras.<br />
<br />
The Hybrid Viewfinder is similar the X100S, except it will update views based on lens choice. I still prefer the Optical viewfinder (OVF) over the Electronic viewfinder (EVF). I find the EVF darker than I would like and just a bit artificial. The OVF feels open and I like how I can see what is happening just outside the frame which is helpful, especially in street photography.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/14351310112" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Intrepid by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="I was still able to get that wide angle feel I'm used to with the X100S even though the XF 35mm is a 53mm equivalent lens. 1/1200, f5.6 at ISO 200." height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3844/14351310112_f52bc63780.jpg" title="Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I was still able to get that wide angle feel I'm used to with the X100S even though the XF 35mm is a 53mm equivalent lens. 1/1200, f5.6 at ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Again, the button layout and functionality is also similar to the X100S. I think the placement of the AE/AF-lock button is in a better location and therefore I found myself using it more often. You can also choose a focus area quickly by pressing the AF Button and then using the selector to move your focus point within the frame. Pressing the MENU/OK Button will return the focus point to the center. It takes some practice, but getting used to the focus features on the X-Pro1, like the X100S, is key to getting the most out of your camera.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>MY SETTINGS FOR SHOOTING ON THE STREETS</b></div>
<br />
<i>Set the AF Illuminator to OFF</i>. The purpose of this light is to assist with autofocus in low light situations, but using the camera in lowlight situations is also the time you probably don't want to draw attention to yourself, or telegraph that you are about to take a photo. I didn't notice any focus issues, even in fairly low light, with the AF Illuminator off.<br />
<br />
<i>Place gaffer's tape over the Indicator Lamp</i>. For the same reason I set the AF Illuminator to OFF, I prefer to cover over the Indicator Lamp on the back of the camera. I'm not so worried I'll be discovered or afraid of the interaction, however, if I can get a few frames off without being noticed, I prefer that.<br />
<br />
<i>Set Operational Volume off</i>. Are you seeing a trend here. Plus no shutter noise is a real advantage of mirrorless over DSLR. Even my Nikon's quiet mode can't compete with silence.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/14113890109" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Superheroes by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="Using Auto ISO meant that I could shoot all day in and out of the shadows and then well into the night without thinking about it. 1/125, f1.4 at ISO 2500." height="329" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14113890109_31c6ce8295.jpg" title="New York Superheroes" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Using Auto ISO meant that I could shoot all day in and out of the shadows and then well into the night without thinking about it. 1/125, f1.4 at ISO 2500.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Use Auto ISO</i>. I like the thought of moving in and out of various lighting situations and not having to change ISO each time. You can assign ISO to the Fn (function) Button which speeds up the process, but if you don't have to worry about it, why do so. Within auto ISO there are a few considerations you need to take into account though. For instance I set the max ISO to 3200, but the lowest shutter speed to 1/125. Prior to making that choice, the camera would favor ISO and I found my shutter speed kept dropping too low which in some cases resulted in blurred photos.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/14113886139" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sailors Posing by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="New York City and Times Square is a busy and crowed place. The small form factor of the X-Pro1 is perfect in these situations and most people hardly notice you taking photos. 1/125, f2.0 at ISO 320." height="324" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/14113886139_6579c721fe.jpg" title="Posing with Sailors" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">New York City and Times Square is a busy and crowed place. The small form factor of the X-Pro1 is perfect in these situations and most people hardly notice you taking photos. A real advantage in street photography. 1/125, f2.0 at ISO 320.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Set Film Type to Monochrome.</i> Just like with the X100S, I set up the camera to shoot both raw and jpeg allowing me to shoot and preview my photos in black and white, but still have the color originals available during post production. I further set the film simulation mode to monochrome plus yellow filter which offers slightly increased contrast while toning down the brightness of the sky. I've always associated street photography with black and white which why I favor this setup.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/14320753403" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Soaring in Cooney Island by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="I used continuous shooting (burst mode) set to six frames per second (max for this camera) to capture this photo in Coney Island. 1/300, f11 at ISO 200." height="325" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5234/14320753403_a5915b5d05.jpg" title="Soaring in Coney Island" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I used continuous shooting (burst mode) set to six frames per second (max for this camera) to capture this photo in Coney Island. 1/300, f11 at ISO 200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Remaining settings.</i> Aperture-priority AE (A) mode, turn off display back (Viewfinder Only), focus mode set to Single Focus.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>SOME FINAL THOUGHTS</b></div>
<br />
The X-Pro1 did seem to focus quicker than the X100S, but there was <strike>still a bit of lag when coming out of standby mode</strike>. I missed a few shots because of this which was a reminder to always make sure the camera is awake and ready. <b>UPDATE:</b> Under Power Management turning the Quick Start Mode to ON is supposed to reduce camera start up time except I failed to test this and only noticed it in the instruction manual recently. And sure enough there is a similar feature available on the X100S, so I may have found a solution. More to come.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfwphoto/14435571971" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="New York Wedding by John Williams, on Flickr"><img alt="New York Wedding" height="320" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/14435571971_01ba0d7c93.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">In street photography, scenes like this happen quickly and having the camera awake and ready to shoot is key. 1/125, f1.4 at ISO 2500.</td></tr>
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What appealed to me about the X100S was its simplicity. And I wondered if adding interchangeable lenses would detract from that? Hard to answer since as I mentioned previously I only had the XF 35mm available to me during the trial period, but even if I had other options available, I tend to pick a lens and stick with it. Although picking a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006UL010W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006UL010W&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20">Fujifilm XF 60mm f2.4 macro lens</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006UL010W" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> one day and then a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00COJR5A8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00COJR5A8&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20">Zeiss 12mm f2.8 Touit series</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00COJR5A8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> the next would be a fun option to have.<br />
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I know there are other new X offerings from Fuji like the XE-2 and the XT-1, but I really love the rangefinder styling of the X100S and X-Pro1. The XT-1 has been getting a lot of favorable reviews and I'm looking forward to testing it in the future.<br />
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However for now, I've gone back to shooting with my X100S and really am not looking to change anytime soon. That is unless the X-Pro2 rumors pan out.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-30548085403524228452014-05-20T09:07:00.000-05:002015-07-28T01:25:22.181-05:00PHOTOGRAPHING THERE - AND ALSO OVER THERE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnavyresearch/14081891622" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="140501-N-PO203-457 by Office of Naval Research, on Flickr"><img alt="GoPro photo in the cockpit of the Navy airship, MZ-3A" height="375" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/14081891622_ca8e1b1065.jpg" title="GoPro remote photo" width="500" /></a></div>
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It was only a few months ago in a post titled <i><a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2014/02/decisions-decisions-well-you-get-point.html" target="_blank">Decisions, Decisions... Well, You Get the Point</a></i>, I wrote about the decisions we have to make as photographers. As a quick reminder, these are not decisions about camera settings, etc., but the decision of where we choose to photograph from.<br />
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And now I have the answer to the question of can you be in two places at once. How to be there - and also there.<br />
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The answer came in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3F0GLU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00F3F0GLU&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20&linkId=N5N6NQL7U375RT2P">GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00F3F0GLU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and not only can I be in two places, but if needed, be in three, or even more places at the same time. To be fair, photographers have been using remote or remotely triggered cameras long before GoPro came on the scene. But with the low cost, high quality and ease of use of GoPro cameras, it has never been easier to work with remotes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnavyresearch/14081892162" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="140501-N-PO203-240 by Office of Naval Research, on Flickr"><img alt="Just prior to lift off I triggered the GoPro and it is already taking a still image every five seconds allowing me to concentrate on photographing everything else." height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/14081892162_304d87bbc8.jpg" title="Exterior photo of the Navy airship, MZ-3A" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Just prior to lift-off I triggered the GoPro and it is already taking a still image every five seconds allowing me to concentrate on photographing everything else.</td></tr>
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In that previous blog post, I gave the example of making the tough choice of whether to ride aboard the Navy's only manned airship or stay on the ground during an assignment. In that case, I concluded that I made the right decision by staying on the ground, but it still didn't lessen the fact that I wanted to ride in the blimp.<br />
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When assigned to once again photograph the blimp, I was sure that I would get the opportunity to ride aboard. After all, it only made sense, right? So imagine my disappointment when I received word the day before the assignment that due to newly installed scientific equipment, space was limited. Guess who was getting bumped?<br />
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So did I cancel the shoot? Of course not, because after all I would still get to photograph the blimp. However, I did start to think about how I could get the photographs I wanted from inside the cockpit without actually being inside the cockpit. I briefly considered handing a camera to someone who would be on board, but somehow that never really works out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjcKrfrpj5Q/U3tdRHLDB_I/AAAAAAAACTY/nMr2WOdcpzg/s1600/MZ-3Aselfie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Arrive early and give yourself time to test everything." border="0" height="375" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjcKrfrpj5Q/U3tdRHLDB_I/AAAAAAAACTY/nMr2WOdcpzg/s1600/MZ-3Aselfie.jpg" title="GoPro self portrait" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A test shot (selfie) after positioning and mounting the GoPro in the blimp.</td></tr>
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Even though I've been an owner of a GoPro for several years and have had some success with it, I just don't think I've ever really used it to its fullest. That is until I obtained the newest version. Using the App and Wi-Fi to control the camera has really made me want to use this camera more than ever before. Also, for some reason the ability to see what the camera sees, again via the App, really resonated with me.<br />
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Once I made the decision to use a remote camera and take the viewer inside the airship, I called the squadron and let them know that I wanted to place a camera aboard the airship. I received the permission I needed, arrived early on the day of the assignment and using a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F19Q7YI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00F19Q7YI&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20&linkId=5IPFENO744LHYTIB">suction cup mount</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00F19Q7YI" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, I mounted the GoPro as far forward as I could. I successfully pulled off the picture I had in my mind. Actually, I think this picture is better than if I was aboard, but don't tell the Navy that.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjKD9QJmsrg/U3tgcQUuIOI/AAAAAAAACTk/RemQ8jeNV_4/s1600/AirshipNavy.mil+crop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjKD9QJmsrg/U3tgcQUuIOI/AAAAAAAACTk/RemQ8jeNV_4/s1600/AirshipNavy.mil+crop.jpg" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">How the photo appeared on the home page of Navy.mil.</td></tr>
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<b>Tips for using your GoPro as a remote:</b><br />
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<b>1.</b> While it's always a good idea to get to an assignment early, if you plan on using remote cameras, then it is critical that you arrive early. You don't want to rush the process or not leave yourself some time to test everything out.<br />
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<b>2.</b> Be sure to let everyone involved know what you are planning on doing and seek permission if necessary. There may also be the instance when you need someone to turn the camera on for you.<br />
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<b>3.</b> As events begin to unfold, open the App and make sure that you are connected to the camera via Wi-Fi.<br />
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<b>4.</b> Obviously the GoPro is capable of shooting both videos and still photographs, but if it is stills you want, then consider setting the GoPro to shoot interval photographs, such as every five seconds or so. The video below is GoPro footage taking during the R/V Neil Armstrong commissioning. Once I started the camera, I was able to give my full attention to shooting stills from a position about 25 yards away.<br />
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<b>5.</b> Once you start the GoPro, I find it is best to forget about it and concentrate on the photographs you are taking. Worrying about the remote camera or taking the time to over monitor means you might miss a shot with the primary camera.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9RwEZuwCMIE" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-82900406004567221802014-05-08T03:09:00.001-05:002015-07-28T01:13:38.788-05:00GETTING HIGH - ON PHOTOGRAPHY<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eT-qBtNIXBo/U1_zm5UgaII/AAAAAAAACQc/KeIZtSiiGUU/s1600/140408-N-PO203-159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Getting a higher perspective." border="0" height="355" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eT-qBtNIXBo/U1_zm5UgaII/AAAAAAAACQc/KeIZtSiiGUU/s1600/140408-N-PO203-159.jpg" title=""Aerial" view" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Getting a higher perspective.</td></tr>
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I photograph a fair amount of trade shows, exhibitions, and symposiums as part of my job with the Office of Naval Research. These events tend to be in the same venues year after year so over time it becomes a real challenge to get a different perspective or make new unique photographs.<br />
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This year during the Sea Air Space Exposition held at the Gaylord in National Harbor, Md., I decided to get high for inspiration and go a little old school.<br />
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I should say that "I" didn't get high, but my camera did. But before I reveal how I made these photographs, let's explore some options available to get that "aerial" perspective.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5Z_RRSVMwU/U1_zlF7LDRI/AAAAAAAACQU/OoLfGaY3uA4/s1600/140408-N-PO203-176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Even 15 feet of elevation offers a different perspective of a fairly static scene." border="0" height="354" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5Z_RRSVMwU/U1_zlF7LDRI/AAAAAAAACQU/OoLfGaY3uA4/s1600/140408-N-PO203-176.jpg" title="Exhibit from above" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Even 15 feet of elevation offers a different perspective of a fairly static scene.</td></tr>
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The first thing would be to look over the venue and see if there is a balcony, overlook or some other position that would allow you to shoot down on the event floor. The downside, of course, is that your booth or exhibit would need to be in the right location to take advantage of this shooting position.<br />
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Absent of a balcony, you could use ladder or bucket lift, both of which are available at most locations. However, once the show floor opens the event coordinators are unlikely to allow a bucket lift back on the floor. A ladder is great but does limit your ability to reposition quickly. It's still a good option and if you are unable to secure a ladder locally, consider bringing the best <a href="http://blog.jfwphoto.com/2012_02_01_archive.html" target="_blank">non-photo accessory</a> available with you.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7U_4Oz6FuJ8/U1_zdAhw_uI/AAAAAAAACQI/H5V8JrhZOg4/s1600/Phantom+DJI+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="I get a little flying time with a friend's DJI Phantom 2. These are great for use outdoors, but a little risky to use on a trade show floor." border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7U_4Oz6FuJ8/U1_zdAhw_uI/AAAAAAAACQI/H5V8JrhZOg4/s1600/Phantom+DJI+photo.jpg" title="DJI Phantom 2" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I get a little flying time with a friend's DJI Phantom 2. These are great for use outdoors, but a little risky to use on a trade show floor.</td></tr>
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Finally, before I reveal the technique I used, you could use an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) such as the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FW78710/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FW78710&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20">DJI Phantom 2</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00FW78710" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Now these UAVs are really cool and would surely work, but the reality is that they may get you kicked out.<br />
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So while all of the above techniques will work, I opted to go a little old school and attach my camera with a 14-24mm lens to a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G7PID0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001G7PID0&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20">Gitzo carbon fiber monopod</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001G7PID0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and extend it all the way out. I then used a Pocket Wizard to trigger the camera, but you could use a cable release or even the self-timer. This technique puts the camera about 15 feet up and I think offered me the photos I was looking for including a unique shot of the Navy's X-47B.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHPYz27hVn4/U1_znoE2vaI/AAAAAAAACQk/zgXnCVIXJoc/s1600/140408-N-PO203-041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Of all the photographs of the Navy's X-47B from the exposition, mine was the only one mine was the only one I saw taken from above. " border="0" height="333" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHPYz27hVn4/U1_znoE2vaI/AAAAAAAACQk/zgXnCVIXJoc/s1600/140408-N-PO203-041.jpg" title="Navy X-47B" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Of all the photographs of the Navy's X-47B from the exposition, mine was the only one I saw taken from above. </td></tr>
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Another advantage of the monopod is that you can follow the action. I would bring the camera to my eye, focus, then raise the camera and start shooting.<br />
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If you find yourself in a rut and looking for something different when tasked with photographing the same thing, literally try a different perspective and get high.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00672179535222799218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7801005.post-91476622949017831522014-04-07T00:01:00.002-05:002014-04-07T00:01:50.994-05:00KEEP IT CLEAN, PLEASE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGsdiUKvwo4/Uz5vixVzlkI/AAAAAAAACFs/Z1Q2uolYzHE/s1600/LensPen-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LensPen pro camera cleaning kit." border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGsdiUKvwo4/Uz5vixVzlkI/AAAAAAAACFs/Z1Q2uolYzHE/s1600/LensPen-1.jpg" height="298" title="LensPen pro camera cleaning kit." width="400" /></a></div><br />
Please tell me that you don't use the bottom of your t-shirt or worse, your actual shirt as your primary method of keeping your lens clean?<br />
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Whether you own your photographic equipment or it is provided to you through your employer, it pays to keep it clean and cared for. And probably the number one cleaning task that you perform every time you pull out your camera is to clean the front element of your lens.<br />
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I always have a microfiber cloth handy and until now it has been the sole way I've kept my lenses clean. And I suppose I've been aware of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081ER9KG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0081ER9KG&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20">LensPen pro camera cleaning kit</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jfwphotocom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0081ER9KG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> for some time and really don't have a good explanation on why I never tried it.<br />
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While you can purchase them individually, I opted for the DSLR pro kit which features all three LensPens; the original LensPen for lenses, FilterKlear for lens filters and the MicroPro for viewfinders. Also included is a microfiber cloth which doubles as a carrying pouch.<br />
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How does it work? The LensPen consists of the cleaning tip on one end and a retractable brush on the other. Use the brush to remove particles and dust from the lens surface before using the cleaning tip to wipe away fingerprints, smudges and the like. The instructions recommend wiping the lens surface using a smooth circular motion.<br />
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And while the LensPen was easy to use and did a good job of cleaning all my lenses, I found the real surprise was the MicroPro, or the smallest of the set. If you have ever tried to clean the viewfinder of a camera you will soon find the MicroPro will become your favorite of the set. I've tried cotton swabs, microfiber clothes and nothing works as well for this task as the the MicroPro does.<br />
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Maybe now it's time to order a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E71NZE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001E71NZE&linkCode=as2&tag=jfwphotocom-20">sensor cleaning kit</a>, something else I've been putting off for far too long.<br />
<br />
<center><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&Operation=GetAdHtml&ID=OneJS&OneJS=1&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=jfwphotocom-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0081ER9KG&asins=B0081ER9KG&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&MarketPlace=US" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br />
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