Hey everyone,
Sorry that I have been gone for such a long time. I just wanted to log in to let you all know of an up and coming designer that just happens to be a good friend of mine. Check out his work here: http://ftwd3sign.wordpress.com/. Make sure you let him know how much you enjoy his work.
Thanks all!
I have entered in the Tennessee Farm Bureau photo contest and I need your help to win! I would really appreciate your vote. Thank you all in advance. As a side note, you may have to create an account and log in. Really sorry for the inconvenience.
In my last post, I told you where to find the pages for macro photography. I just realized, however, that I didn’t include links to those pages. For that, I apologize. They are now fixed and you can reach the macro and cemeteries pages through the landscapes page.
Hi all! I have recently been given the opportunity to test out a new method for macro photography on the cheap. For only $12, you can make convincing macro shots using the gear that you already have. This works with even a stock lens. All it takes is a cheap reverse lens mounting ring that you can buy from just about any online photo supply store. I found mine on amazon.com for the record. It took me a few hours to fully determine the best way to go about shooting with my reverse-mounted lens because the image in the viewfinder was almost completely black. I eventually found out, though, that Nikkor lenses don’t open the aperture until the shot. This was an easy work-around. I just kept shooting and the shots came out wonderfully. The only drawback that I could find after working with the equipment for a few hours was that the focus ring on the lens doesn’t work so you have to move the camera until the image is in focus. Other than that, I loved working with the ring and hope to get some more rings for my other lenses. You can see my work at Landscapes > Macro Photography.
Hey guys! There is a new page up under Landscapes (Cemeteries). Check it out! I think there are some things there that you will like. Also, don’t forget to leave your comments. Thanks for your continued support.
The subject of flash diffusion has plagued me for some time seeing as I still use a pop-up flash. I know, it’s not exactly the most professional option; however, I currently don’t have the money to buy an expensive flash and diffuser set. I also have a feeling that there are other photographers out there that are looking for way to make a pop-up flash diffuser on the cheap. After several shoots that I have needed a fancy bounce flash, I have decided to find some interesting substitutes. The most difficult, but best, option is to actually make your own diffuser box out of clothes hangers and card stock. I didn’t find any plans for one, but I was able to put something together with some wire cutters, clothes hanger wire, and a thank-you card. My next favorite is the ever popular milk jug handle. This one is simple. First, find a milk jug and cut off the handle. The handle should clip right over the top of the flash. The most recent solution that I have found actually came to me tonight at a shoot in a cemetery. Since I was a little short on time and milk jugs, I simply put a dollar bill over the flash. That worked very well and even added an interesting green sheen to the subject. The only caveat that I would add is to make sure that you keep the dollar bill away from the flash a little as the cotton is want to burst into flame. Here are some examples of the dollar bill solution.
In recent weeks, I have been working more with the RAW image type rather than the jpeg. Even though I was skeptical at first about how much better it really could be, I have really had my opinion changed. The extension RAW is a general descriptor for a class of image types. In actuality, the file extension for a RAW image type is different for each camera brand. For example, Nikon uses .NEF while Canon uses .CRW. When using RAW, the camera records much more image data and is compressed much less. It is for this reason that RAW is more desirable for high-quality images. When shooting in RAW, you can change white balance and levels much more accurately in your choice of photo editor. The only disadvantages that I can find thus far is that the files are much larger than jpegs and, since the files are larger, your camera may have difficulty shooting at higher speeds without running out of buffer space. Of course, higher end cameras have larger buffer area for specifically this reason. That is my information for today about the RAW image type. If you have more information or would like more information, that’s what the comment space is for. Thanks for your continuing support.
Hey guys! There are some exciting things happening with us here at AMP. On Saturday, I will be shooting a luncheon for the Zeta Beta chapter of Kappa Delta sorority. I will be putting some of the best up here so that you guys can give me your responses. Currently, I am still working on finding some funds for a bounce flash. This means that if any of you would like some shots done, I’m your guy! Thank you very much for your support and constant encouragement.
So for those of you who don’t know, a fairly large winter storm is coming toward middle Tennessee. This is such a large storm, every school is closed in middle Tennessee. If it so happens that we are lucky and have some serious precipitation, I fully plan on taking advantage of the rare occasion and capturing some interesting shots for you guys. Also, I am currently beginning a campaign to find owners for some of my best shots. Thus far, I have sent out samples for my work with bees and plan on making some submissions to National Geographic and like organizations. As I am fairly new with this process, I would be willing to accept any amount of advice that anyone with experience could offer.
Don’t forget, Valentine’s Day is coming up in 20 days. If you would be interested in a shoot, contact me via this blog, my email (s1059000@my.uu.edu), or on the Abstract Miracles Photography fan page on Facebook. I have extremely reasonable prices depending on the shoot length. If you are in Nashville or the surrounding area and want a weekday shoot, my last day for Nashville shoots is on February 2. If you are in the Jackson area, I will be in town on February 4 for my first day of school/shoots. My rates are very reasonable. For a 30 minute basic shoot, I will charge $15. Remember, that price does not include prints. I will return the edited photos to you on a disc for your viewing and printing pleasure. If you do need prints, we can work out a special deal in which you will pay for the prints and I can arrange for a service to do the actual printing. If you want a longer shoot, I will work in a discounted price. So that means the rates do not equate to $15/hour. I would really appreciate the business. So everyone, have a safe and happy holiday!
Abstract Miracles Photography 