color variations

Conner

The gracious and generous Lesa Foto-graphy invited a gaggle of photographers to her studio today to celebrate her birthday and Conner, here, came along to model for us.  I think he has a bright future should he stick with the modeling.

Fogs of St. Patrick

New (ly updated) old website

So, I've been re-thunking my website situation.  For years, I had a site through a popular software company that shall remain nameless.  By way of some glitch, I couldn't access it for about a year!  Eeek!  Now they tell me that at the end of April everything changes and I have to move everything to their new system.  Um, no thanks.

I've also had a somewhat flashier flash site that was a bit awkward to work with and, I'm told, doesn't get seen by the 'bots that scour the internet for information.  So, SEO, right out the window -- along with customer traffic.

I decided to revamp a site that I've had, but wasn't doing much with through the fine chaps at Google (where I have blogs, G+, Gmail, etc. etc. --- if they ever turn evil, I'm screwed!).  And I'm currently pretty happy with it.  I may still move some pics around and make some minor changes, but here it is.

https://sites.google.com/site/ronwarrenphotography/home

Although my focus is still with weddings and events, I've chosen to showcase some other photographic interests of mine here as well (models, fine art, nature/wildlife, etc.etc.).

Feel free to share the site with others and let me know if you see any problems with it!  Greatly appreciated.  Thanks, Ron

Do More With Your Polarizer - Outdoor Photographer | OutdoorPhotographer.com

Do More With Your Polarizer - Outdoor Photographer | OutdoorPhotographer.com:

Use that polarizer more often -- it does more than you think!

The Online Photographer: Ken Tanaka: Shooting JPEG Instead of Raw

The Online Photographer: Ken Tanaka: Shooting JPEG Instead of Raw:

This is interesting, as I've been using good ol' jpg a bit more often lately.  RAW is still my go-to, but in some situations, like when I'm chasing birds, the jpg makes more sense, for speed primarily, but possibly noise-reduction, too.

‘My Canon Speedlite Wishlist’ Revisited | PixSylated | Syl Arena's Blog on Light & Imagemaking

‘My Canon Speedlite Wishlist’ Revisited | PixSylated | Syl Arena's Blog on Light & Imagemaking:

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Location series pt 1: Make it Personal | Wedding Photography Blog | Melissa Jill Photography

Location series pt 1: Make it Personal | Wedding Photography Blog | Melissa Jill Photography:

Melissa Jill -- she's always an inspiration. Check out her great ideas for personalizing an engagement shoot.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 Launches Today | WebProNews

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 Launches Today | WebProNews:

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hawks are at it again

So the hawks were near the top of a tree that was situated not too far from a little building that sports an outdoor staircase.  From the top of the staircase I had about as good a vantage point as I could probably hope for -- and, after a half hour of freezing and trying my patience, this is what I got.  Birdies get busy.

“It Will Be Good Exposure” | foto-biz.com

“It Will Be Good Exposure” | foto-biz.com:

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performer from last night at AJ's Music Cafe

Echoes of War

Echoes of War:

Visually arresting, clever, and thought-provoking...

How the Canon ST-E3-RT Differs From PocketWizard Flex + Mini and Phottix Odins

How the Canon ST-E3-RT Differs From PocketWizard Flex + Mini and Phottix Odins:

Nice chart and content comparing the (formerly?) industry standard PocketWizards, the relatively new Phottix Odins, and the brand spankin' new Canon ST-E3-RT radio flash master/slave systems. I'm leaning to Phottix Odin for flexibility (especially now that I know it supports TTL and high-speed synch). That being said, I still get an awful lot of mileage out of my cheapo CowboyStudio triggers. Just sayin'....

Nikon D800 vs. Canon EOS 5D Mark III specs comparison | Nikon Rumors

Nikon D800 vs. Canon EOS 5D Mark III specs comparison | Nikon Rumors:

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As Film Fades, Photographer Makes A Huge (Huge) Statement : The Picture Show : NPR

As Film Fades, Photographer Makes A Huge (Huge) Statement : The Picture Show : NPR:

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First Impressions: Testing Canon’s New Speedlite 600EX-RT & Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT | PixSylated | Syl Arena's Blog on Light & Imagemaking

First Impressions: Testing Canon’s New Speedlite 600EX-RT & Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT | PixSylated | Syl Arena's Blog on Light & Imagemaking:

Syl says, "The manual says that on pre-2012 cameras (anything other than 1D X and 5DM3), the system takes a one-stop hit in sync speed and that HSS is not possible."   This looks like an important caveat to keep in mind, but one of only a few.  Also, the transmitter doesn't have an AF assist beam, which Syl and I both agree would be welcome.

All the news on the Canon 5D Mark III and 600 EX flash

News of last night's announcement of the new Canon 5D Mark III and a new flagship speedlite are all over the place, so I'll just link here to some of the best coverage and give a highlight reel, as it were.

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/03/02/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-finally-revealed/

http://www.adorama.com/ALC/News.aspx?alias=Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-III-Pro-HDSLR-Announced

http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2012/03/new-gear-canon-eos-5d-mark-iii

http://arcrental.wordpress.com/2012/03/02/canon-5d-mark-iii/

http://www.thephoblographer.com/2012/03/01/canons-new-600-ex-looks-very-nikon-like-st-e3-rt-radio-transmitter-outed/

http://www.thephoblographer.com/2012/03/02/should-i-upgrade-to-the-5d-mk-iii-from-the-5d-mk-ii/

Canon 5D Mark III
- 22.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- 3.2" LCD
- DIGIC 5+ Processor
- Video at 1080/30p and 720/60p
- In camera HDR and multiple exposure
- ISO to 102,400
-6 fps
- CF AND SD memory slots

Canon 600 EX Flash
- New flagship speedlite
- built-in radio wireless system
- Guide No. 197 ft./60m at ISO 100
- weather resistant

Canon ST-E3-RT flash trigger
- The new trigger to pop that new flash
- 2-way radio
- up to 98 ft in any direction
- Up to 5 groups, or 15 flashes
- Supports E-TTL (that's HUGE), manual, stroboscopic and external flash metering

pair of red-tail hawks

A couple of red-tail hawks earlier this afternoon in Shepherd Park, Oak Park, MI, USA. 1/1000 sec, f5.6, ISO 400, 135mm on a Canon 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS lens. Natural light only.  Temporary blue sky, full sun, breezy and about 40 degrees F.

Canon 5D Mark III Specs Confirmed? Official on Feb. 27?

Canon 5D Mark III Specs Confirmed? Official on Feb. 27?:

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Cheap strong neutral density filter hack for long exposures

You know those terrific landscape pictures where the lake looks like a sheet of glass?  Or a waterfall is all milky smooth?  Or the clouds streak in haunting wisps?

Well, you know as well as I that that is accomplished with long exposures (and a steady tripod).  But in order to take said long exposure without completely blowing out your scene, you need to either shoot around abouts daybreak or sundown.   If you are anything like me, you don't really want to get out there at dawn.  And even at sunset, the light changes fast and you may have to change your settings frequently.

Another option is to use a strong neutral density filter to reduce the light input and allow shooting in brighter situations.  The really good ones (and the really dark ones) start to get expensive.  So, if you are like me and always looking for a bargain, or just like the DIY take on things, you may like this alternative.

A Lincoln Electric #10 Shade Welding Lens Replacement.  $5 at Lowe's.  Until you hold it up to a good strong light you'll think it's black through and through.  Nope.  It's transparent, but just barely.

This terrific shot by CJ Schmit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cjschmit/5640554874/in/pool-1182517@N23/
was shot using this very same welding lens.

So I just bought mine and I can't wait until conditions are right in my area for me to try this out.  Just have to think on how I'm going to strap in onto my wide-angle lens (probably great big rubber bands, maybe binder clips, too)  This may also involve some sort of rubber gasket. I'll post my results when I have some to show.

Hope this tip is useful to you!

Yongnuo flash heads

Yongnuo has a couple new (or updated) flashheads.

http://www.thephoblographer.com/2012/02/21/yongnuo-introduces-improved-flash-models-yn560-ii-and-yn468-ii/

I would consider getting three or four of these (probably the 560) to put on my newfangled DIY tri-flash brackets  (see post from last week).  It says "recycle time of three seconds" but it also says "Supports 8 fps continuous shooting at 1/8th power output" so I think the three second business is strictly for full power (which would rarely be necessary in a threesome on the new bracket).


I've used Canon, Nikon, Sunpak, Starblitz, and Focal flashes, but never Yongnuo.  I would welcome comments from anyone who has used the Yongnuo.

PocketWizard Plus III Announced for $139

PocketWizard Plus III Announced for $139:

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red bellied woodpecker

A red-bellied woodpecker from a slightly obscured view position. 

Henry Ford Museum

$1 DIY tri flash bracket

($1 assuming you already have some single bracket hardware. About $19 if need to get the single bracket.)

Disappointed with your flash power or your recycle times, but already have speedlites?  One great solution is to put multiple speedlites together.  You can double or triple your power or tone down the power (but multiply by your two or three speedlites) to get the same photon power without sacrificing recycling time.

There are a number of ways you can get your flash heads together, especially if you are triggering them with radio triggers.  I've used ball bungees to strap a couple together -- boy did that contraption make me nervous.  Another way to go is one of those nifty double or triple brackets that you can buy, like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Lastolite-LL-LA2412-TriFlash-Tilt-Head/dp/B00275SUVM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329087658&sr=8-1

They start at about $60.  I wanted to get one of these and then I started to think about how simple the mechanism could be.  So off to the hardware store I went.  I purchased a 3 inch long 1/4 in./20 headless bolt for 59 cents.

Now I already had several of the Impact Umbrella Brackets: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298709-REG/Impact_3117_Umbrella_Bracket.html .

So, in conjunction with the CowboyStudio flash triggers that I've mentioned before:  http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-NPT-04-Speelights-extra-receiver/dp/B005IQRMN4/ref=sr_1_261?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1322752105&sr=1-261

I slid the new bolt in front of the brass stud at the top of the bracket (you may have to loosen the screw that tightens on this stud) -- then tighten it all up.  I screwed on the CS triggers, and subsequently the flashes.  And this is what I got...

All it took was this 59 cent bolt:

I think that I will add some washers and nuts to prevent rotation on the two side triggers/flashes, but what you see here is pretty much my answer to the $60 and up tri flash bracket.  For only 59 cents to $19.  Now to add the ol' umbrella (or maybe a brolly box) and get shoot, shoot, shootin' at low power and virtually no recycle time!

Ben Franklin and your right to photograph

JD Photo Imaging - Blog

JD Photo Imaging - Blog: 10 Tips for Marketing at a Bridal Show

Great tips for booking and working a bridal show. I've done four or five bridal show with limited results but some people get a good proportion of their business this way. Check out JD Photo's tips.

What’s the Best F-Stop? | BH Insights

What’s the Best F-Stop? | BH Insights:

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The iPhone Rangefinder

The iPhone Rangefinder:

OK, if I were an iPhone guy (Android, that's me), I would soooo want one of these functional rangefinder cases. Very awesome!

at sylvan glen lake

bowlero, royal oak, mi

Just Out – Nikon D800 & D800E | BH inDepth

Just Out – Nikon D800 & D800E | BH inDepth:

Um, freekin' wow! I'm a Canon guy (but, depending on what they release this year to update or supplement the 5D MII, I may have to start re-thinking that choice), but this camera looks like a market buster. 36mp, with large pixels at that, on a full-framer for $3000 and $3300 for the version without the low-pass filter. That's only a few hundred more than the 5D. I'll be waiting to see what Canon releases the rest of this year, but this Nikon sounds amazing -- keep your eye out for hands-on reviews. I know I will.

National Geographic Worthy Photos, Taken by Kids | More Family Fun - Yahoo! Shine

National Geographic Worthy Photos, Taken by Kids | More Family Fun - Yahoo! Shine:

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Maddie black and white

that's some serious blur fix (or de-blurring)

17 Fantastic Examples of Water Photo Manipulation – DesignSwan.com

17 Fantastic Examples of Water Photo Manipulation – DesignSwan.com:

Just amazing PS work, here.

s**t photographers say

february hawk

PS Edit

I LOVE Lightroom (3) and do probably 98% of all my editing there, but as fantastic as it is, there are some things you just want to go over to PS for (I haven't tried the LR Beta -- I hear good things, but I'm still not sure if it does this).  Madison's bright blue tunic didn't exactly clash with the awesome scarf, but it didn't really compliment it, either.  So, now it is golds and greys -- bam!  Also, the white seemless was getting monotonous so I changed it to black.  With a lighting adjustment at the shoot, the same background effect could have been pulled off, but hindsight is 20/20, as they say.  PS, there is still a place for you, after all.

old pix through Lightroom

Was looking at pix this evening.  Old shots of a fashion show from 2006.  I was happy with them at the time, but my now more critical eye saw a lot of problems, but running this shot through Lightroom 3, a resource I definitely didn't have in '06, I was quite pleased, again.  I wonder if I'll be revisiting this in another five/six years and re-editing with Adobe 2017 MagicProPhotoLightshoproom 1-Click Fix-It-All.  Well, that's what I'd call it.

Rumors: Canon 5D Mark III with 22mp and 7.5fps - 1001 Noisy Cameras

Rumors: Canon 5D Mark III with 22mp and 7.5fps - 1001 Noisy Cameras:

ooooohhhh

Madison poses

Terrific photo shoot yesterday at Door 2 Studios with model Madison, fellow photogs Kevin, Dawn, and Tina, and Madison's mom was a big help, too.  Here are some of the shots.  Dawn of Dawn Sketch Photography took some of these, but we're not sure which are hers and which are mine.  Guess it's a good thing we're married and won't have to fight over them (too much).

blue blorps

A batch of blue blorps from last night (and I think I will spare you anymore of this for awhile).  Enjoy.