Man on a bike

I don’t typically discuss my post-processing but today I thought I would mention a few programs that I routinely use.  I store all my pictures in Apple’s Aperture 3.  Most who read this blog are probably familiar with it or know of it.  It’s basically a program to easily store and file all your pictures (i.e. library).  You can also make adjustments to your pictures without making permanent changes.  Most, use Adobe’s Lightroom or the casual photographer will use iPhoto. I’ve used all 3 and iPhoto is definitely more for enthusiast..  Lightroom and Aperture are very similar and I really wouldn’t say one is better than the other.

I use Adobe Photoshop 5 or more recently 6.0 (beta).  I use this when needing to make more complicated fixes or needing to layer my pictures.

Last, I routinely use Nik Software’s Silver Efex 2 and Color Efex 4.  Both allow very controlled and  unique changes and I highly recommend both.

I’ve posted a prior shot of this guy with cars flying by him.  This is just one shot when he was patiently waiting for traffic to clear long enough for him to go.  This shot was edited with Aperture 3, Photoshop 6, and Nik Software Color Efex 4.

Here’s the previous post.

ISO 160 1/30 f/1.4 50mm summilux

Watching you

We have a two-sided fireplace (as you can see) and often times my little girl can easily be seen playing in the great room.  I was watching TV and began watching my wife interact with our little one.  I rushed out of my seat, grabbed my camera and hurried back and put my feet up and began shooting.

ISO 160 1/50 f/.95 50mm noctilux

Our Savior

Happy Easter!!! 

Re-post September 2011

If you have not noticed, I don’t stick with one photography genre very well. My last 10 posts have been a combination of portraits, HDR’s, sunrises, sunsets, black & white, wildlife, etc.  I’ve always been someone who likes to explore, try new things, and have many interests that have no relation. Probably my only constant enjoyment is my wife (I’ve been with since junior high).  For example, I am a foot and ankle surgeon by day, an avid photographer by night, I enjoy playing basketball 2-3 times a week, I weight lift, enjoy politics (but don’t talk about it openly), and have a very strong interest in anything technology related (I’ve always been the go to guy with computer repair or technology related questions). I’ve yet to find anyone with similar interests (it’s usually one or the other).

Having all these interests have made me well rounded.  I feel as if I can find some association with all people I talk to, and credit my broad interests in allowing me to do so.

In keeping with my theme or I guess “no theme” todays post is taken at the cemetery that I wrote about a few days ago. What really caught my attention was this large Jesus crucifixion on the east side of the cemetery. It set on a large slab of concrete about 4 feet off the ground and all that could be seen behind it was the sky. I felt it would be a great place to take an HDR or time lapse shot but after attempting this many times I really didn’t like the angle (I wish I was at eye level with Jesus). I decided to put up my 28mm summicron and take a few shots with my 50mm summilux wide open. After taking this shot I realized I was wasting time with my 28mm summicron. The 50mm summilux with it’s beautiful bokeh was definitely the way to go!

My favorite food

We ran home for a quick visit with friends and family.  Any time we go home I always have to get pizza from Bobe’s Pizza.  Growing up I probably ate there at least twice a week.

After we finished eating, our daughter decided she would get on the table and try to entertain everyone.  Don’t worry she has vitamin bottles in her hands.

ISO 160 1/45 f/3.4 21mm super elmar

On the go

Recently I purchased Leica’s new 21mm super elmar.  All I can say is WOW!  The sharpness and minimal distortion is phenomenal.  Last, I love using “zone focusing“.  I just set my aperture and shooting distance and I’m ready to go.  If you set your aperture to f/8 (has to be a sunny day) and shooting distance to 5 feet, anything beyond 3 feet will be in focus.

This shot was taken from the hip.  This guy was definitely on the go.

ISO 160 1/250 f/8 21mm super elmar

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