We all got something photo-related for Christmas, right? My good fortune was some new inks for the Epson R1900, a book by Moose Peterson, and a few other doodads. But, today I thought it might be fun to find out what others found under their tree over the weekend? Anything off the 25 for $50 lists? (Remember, I put together Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 here in the weeks leading up to the holidays?)
Sound off in the comments with your own newfound items!
Over the weekend I was down in Tucson, spending some time with the in-laws, and during the getaway, had a chance to catch up on some overdue reading in my monthly magazine stack (it has been growing steadily lately as other stuff has gotten in the way. I emerged from my readings with several “Eureka!’s” and “What a great idea!” so, figured to pass on the new-found or re-kindled knowledge here on the blog. (In the spirit of giving and all that…) So, without further ado, here’s a new feature on the blog:
Did You Know…?
1. Fog is about 1 stop brighter than what cameras detect as 18% gray? To compensate for shots taken in foggy conditions, adjust your exposure settings up by about 1/2 – 1 1/2 stops to compensate, otherwise you’ll get underexposed shots.
2. Cameras are designed for right-handed people…the ergonomics are made to grip and adjust controls with your right hand. Left-handed shooters have it twice as hard as the rest of us so double kudos to you!
3. Pentax was actually the first camera vendor slated to release a full-frame DSLR camera, not Canon or Nikon!
4. As you move light away from your subject, the output drops off by a factor of almost 2 to 1? (It’s actually technically “double the distance, 3/4ths the output…) Which means if you move your subject away, you need twice as much light at double the distance to equal the same output…
5. To shoot a picture of the moon, use the Moony 11 Rule, just like the Sunny 16, but use f/11 and match the ISO to shutter speed
And since I was in Tucson this past weekend, here’s a couple holiday photos to tickle your funny bone…Christmas Tucson-Style:
Got your own DYK tips or photo nuggets? Share ’em here on the blog. I’ll likely start doing this as a monthly feature and would love to hear the ideas, tips and tricks that others have to share as well. In the meantime, keep on shooting, and we’ll see you back here again tomorrow!
It’s that time of year again, and many have already covered the tips and tricks that surround shooting Christmas Lights. Here’s just a few tips and sample photos to help you along the way, and give you some ideas for your own creative vision and inspiriation:
There’s my 5 tips – but there’s always more where that came from. What about the rest of the audience? What tips, tricks, and advice do you have for shooting the holiday lights? Share ’em in the comments! Here’s my sample (there’s more also up on my Flickr photo stream). Happy shooting and we’ll see you back here again tomorrow!
Editor Note: These were taken at Chatfield, part of the Denver Botanical Gardens, which are decorated every year. A nice change of pace from shooting the downtown Denver area, and tickets go for $9.50 (adults) and $6.50 (kids). With lots of lights and diversions for kids including hot chocolate, hay rides and more, it’s definitely worth the price of admission. Maps, schedules, and additional information are available here.
It’s no secret that prices for things tend to adjust based on the season. For instance, gas grills are cheaper in the winter, as are fans, air conditioners, and pool chlorine. Conversely, sweaters, warm clothing, and snow shovels can be had for bargain basement prices in the summer. But where do digital cameras and other technology items fit into the picture? My line of thinking is that such items are less susceptible to seasonal trends. But, apparently, there are trends that can be deciphered for pretty much anything – camera gear included.
The most recent issue of Consumer Reports suggests that pricing trends for digital cameras tends to be the best during March and April, then again in September and October. This kind of makes sense after I thought about it because that’s typically when the vendor rebate programs are rolled out, and you can apply discounts to existing models that are probably already marked down as new products are pending release. Vendors have to clear out old inventory sooner or later, and the rebate programs are a way to do that.
So, does that mean the Powershot G11 you just got for your spouse, sibling or parent was a bad buy? Not necessarily…but if you are looking to add gear to your own inventory, you may want to consider holding off until the months Consumer Reports suggests to see the biggest savings. Want to see what the seasonal trends are for other items? I’d highly recommend getting your own subscription to CR, but for those interested in seeing what they suggest for 2010, here’s a summary from my own issue:
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
As we join with family, friends and loved ones to enjoy the holiday season, and share our Christmas wishes with one another, this week the “What’s This?” takes a holiday break. Please enjoy the season with your loved ones. I’ll be back on Monday with the last photo tidbits for the year! God bless and Merry Christmas!
Since I missed out on recording a podcast this week, I was also slack in getting out and about to shoot a “What’s This?” type image. The fact that Tracy wanted to get all the decorations up (I did too…actually it was probably more me than her) so we’d have some time to enjoy them also detracted from the photography mission for the week. So, as I ditched the bad chili from yesterday, I pulled out the ole 40D and snapped off a few macro type shots from our work on the house. Nothing that will make Better Homes and Gardens, but kinda neat anyway. Here’s the best of that I got so far – will likely try more as we get closer and closer. So, enjoy thiese two, but also please feel free to share your own as you ponder the question of “What’s on YOUR tree?“
Happy shooting and we’ll see you back here again tomorrow!
Yup, I talk about 3 different types of cards that make for cool holiday gifts this year for the photographer you know. That, along with online photo contests, the nomination announcement for the Top 8 of 2008 blogs/podcasts are now open, and of course, listener questions. I do have to apologize for the audio quality as I had to record it on the fly using the MBP in my car! Not too shabby after putting it all together, but not the greatest either. Continue reading “Can cards be cool Christmas candy?”
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