I’ve been asked a few times what I carry in my bag. Here is a video showing what I typically carry.
I’m not sure why I was fascinated by this lamp (I posted a prior pic here). Maybe I was just mesmerized by the color of the light and the contrast created between it and the background with my Leica 50mm noctilux.
ISO 160 1/4000’s f1.4 50mm (Leica M9, Leica 50mm Noctilux, Aperture, Color Efex Pro 4)
Often times I process an image and then decide later that it was not up to par or wasn’t what I really hoped it to be. This image is a perfect example. My prior post, when you look into “the bean” the sky is blown out. I don’t know why I didn’t pay attention to this before but like anything else, I learned from my mistake.
P.S. I plan on having my “what’s in my bag” video up in the next few days.
ISO 1/125s f3.4 21mm super elmar (7 exposure HDR, edited with Photomatix, PS6, & Aperture)
Purchase picture here.
My brother-in-law drove me around the back roads of Southern Illinois looking for old churches and homes. We came across this church that was originally built-in the late 1800’s. Unfortunately, it will soon be demolished because it is no longer in use (this is a common occurrence in this part of the U.S.).
P.S. This is my first attempt of a HDR with the Nikon D800E (9 exposures).
ISO 100 f8 14mm (Nikon D800E, Nikon 14-24mm f2.8, HDR Efex 2, Color Efex 4, Photoshop CS6, Apple Aperture)
Almost 2 years ago I said good-bye to all my Canon DSLR gear with the assumption I would never buy another one. Earlier this year Nikon introduced the D800 and D800E. What caught my eye was the 36 megapixel full frame sensor. My first thought was “wow”, a full frame camera with the picture size of a medium format camera. I immediately placed a pre-order but shortly after cancelled it. I’ve been debating a lot if I really wanted to go back in this direction but after reading all the reviews, I came to the decision that my love for landscape photography warranted another attempt.
Last week, I finally came across one (Best Buy online)and purchased along with Nikon’s popular 14-24mm f2.8 wide angle lens. I have not had much opportunity to shoot with it yet but so far I’m surprisingly impressed. I don’t like the size but for landscape I can tolerate it. Over the next months, I’ll continue to post pics and my opinion.
Here is another shot of the cemetery taken at a farther distance. It was taken hand-held with my Nikon D800E and 14-24mm lens. I was very impressed after realizing the ISO was 6400. I think for that high of ISO, the quality is acceptable (I did use Define 2.0 for Noise Reduction).
P.S. My Leica M9 will not be going anywhere and will still always be kept very closely to my side.
ISO 6400 1/8’s f2.8 20mm (Nikon D800E, Nikon 14-24mm f2.8, Photoshop CS6, Color Efex 4, Aperture 3.3)
This past weekend we went back home for a birthday party. One evening, I was out searching for photo opportunities and as we were heading back home we came across a cemetery. It was almost “pitch black” by then and thought I would try to catch a few hand-held shots with my Leica M9 and 50mm noctilux. Even though this picture is dark, I really like the silhouette and the mood that it sets.
ISO 800 1/8’s f.95 50mm (Leica M9, Leica 50mm noctilux, Aperture)
I’ve taken previous shots from this location and always enjoy going back. I really like the large cloud. I think it adds to the picture.
ISO 160 f3.4 21mm super elmar
Another great place to visit at Millennium Park is Crown Fountain. If you haven’t visited, it’s 2 large video sculptures that periodically spray water. In the summer time, it’s typically full of kids playing and cooling off.
ISO 200 f4 Panasonic 7-14mm (7 frame handheld HDR)
It’s amazing how easy it is to forget about shots you’ve taken. I took this one 2 years ago in the Outer Banks. It was a wonderful morning to watch a sunrise.
ISO 100 1/160 f16 16mm (Canon 5d MkII & Canon 16-35mm f2.8)
If you are ever in Chicago and enjoy watching sunrises I highly suggest driving to Adler Planetarium. It is a great place to take cityscape shots. This one was taken just outside the planetarium entrance.
ISO 160 1/1500’s f.95 (ND filter) Leica 50mm noctilux
