Tag: cameras

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Eyes Above

Believe it or not, it took me 20-30 shots before I got this just right.  I wanted to make sure that the one light behind the post was centrally located or at least close.  Rangefinder cameras currently don’t allow for live viewing and when looking through the viewfinder, you are not looking through the lens.  Because of this, you have to move very slowly either left or right to get the image where you want it (I enjoy the challenge).

I used my Leica 50mm noctilux and neutral density filter for the shot.  I then used Nik Color Efex to add the ambient colors.  The depth of field is not artificially created (bokeh).  You can thank the noctilux and it’s ability to shoot at f.95 for that.

ISO 160 1/4000’s f.95 50mm noctilux 

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Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”)

Landscape and professional photographers know that if you want to capture great images you should shoot during the “magic hour” (or also known as the golden hour).  This is the first and last hour of sunlight during the day.

During my recent trip to Chicago, I woke up early and headed down to Millennium Park to capture pictures of the sculpture Cloud Gate, also known as “The Bean”.  I got there around 0530 and began shooting pictures.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay long since I was approached by a security guard (he was very nice) who alerted me that I wasn’t suppose to be there and that the park didn’t open up until 6.  Luckily, I was able to capture a few shots.

Olympus OM-D and Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm lens

ISO 200 f/8 7mm (7 exposure HDR, used HDR Efex 2, Photoshop CS6, & Aperture 3.3)

 

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Welcomed Storm

I’ve mentioned in other post I don’t frequently shoot HDR’s anymore.  One of the main reasons is because I don’t shoot as many landscapes.  Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to shoot more and have been delighted with the results with my Olympus OM-D and the Panasonic 7-14mm lens.  You can bracket up to 7 shots (at .7 EV each).  I find 7 exposures works very well.  Also, I’ve started to transition from using Photomatix to Nik Software HDR Efex 2.  So far, I think Nik’s software is more user-friendly, has better adjusts, and allows for a more realistic images (that’s the kind of HDR I like).

As most know, we have gotten little rain this summer.  A few weeks ago we did have a storm come through and I was able to get out and take a few images.  Here is one that I captured.

ISO 200 f4 7mm – shot with Olympus OM-D & Panasonic 7-14mm lens

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The Windy City

Over the next few weeks you will see a lot of pictures I took in Chicago.  We always enjoy spending time there and is probably my favorite city to visit.

One morning, I drove to Alder’s Planetarium.  The planetarium is a great place to capture pictures of the city.  I shot a variety of pictures with my Olympus OM-D and Leica M9.  I think I got every lens I had out of the bag.  This one was taken with my Leica 50mm noctilux.  Actually, this is 4-5 pictures stitched together to create a panoramic shot.  I used Photoshop, Nik Software HDR Efex 2 (this is not a HDR), and Silver Efex 2.

ISO 160 1/1500’s 50mm noctilux

Note:  click to see larger size (trust me it’s worth it)

 

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Who’s taller?

July 4th we spent up in Chicago.  Since we only live a few hours away it’s always a great place to vacation.  I got up one morning at sunrise and headed out to Alder’s Planetarium to capture pictures of downtown.  After shooting over 100 pics with my Leica 21mm super elmar and my Olympus OM-D with the Panasonic 7-14mm lens I decided to get the noctilux out to capture some great depth of field shots.  Here is one them.

ISO 160 1/2000s 50mm noctilux ND filter

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