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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
01-05-2013, 10:07 AM
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Submission for January Contest - "Blue"
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Forum: Photographic Technique
09-25-2008, 11:05 AM
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Sponge....
your link definitely looks like what the article described. I didn't try it with a macro, though. I did it with an outdoor scene and focussing on the foreground, then the background. I only used 2 exposures, so it wasn't all that much of a stack!
I can't post any examples, since I don't have any right now. I think I'll try this again next week when I'm on vacation.
Ian Mc.
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Forum: Photographic Technique
09-24-2008, 08:44 AM
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I often buy the Photo magazines from England, because they seem to be a lot better than what we have in Canada/U.S.
There was an article a while ago where the writer showed how to do a composite image that would have both the foreground and background in focus.
I don't remember the exact details, but I think it involved using a tripod to maintain your perspective; keeping the same focal length; and focussing on foreground; shoot; focus on background; shoot. Then, using PS, you would use layers and place one image on top of the other, then selectively erase the OOF areas from one layer to expose the in-focus areas on the other layer.
I tried it at the time, and thought it was really cool! But, I haven't done it since, because I use Lightzone and can't be bothered with all the work PS makes me do. Unfortunately, LZ won't do layers!
Ian Mc.
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Forum: Photographic Technique
02-28-2008, 12:58 PM
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I was born and raised in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Went to high school in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, then Campbell river, B.C. I've lived in Portage, Winnipeg, Brandon, Yorkton, North Battleford, Edmonton, Campbell River, and Abbotsford. The West Coast seems to fit the best right now.:D
I took up 35mm photography in 1979, when my son was born. Got a Vivitar XV-1 and two lenses. Never looked back.
Now I have a K10D, Tamron XR Di f2.8 28-75, Tamron XR Di II 18-250, Promaster 5550 DX, Trekpod, Amvona tripod on the way, and waayy too much software to process my pictures.:o
I put my pictures on pbase at Ian McMillan's Photo Galleries at pbase.com , and would always be happy to go on a photo shoot with fellow Pentaxians.:cool:
Ian Mc.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
12-28-2007, 05:29 PM
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person to respond with LIGHTZONE by Lightcrafts.:D
I'm a novice-to-intermediate amateur. I started in Digital with an Olympus D490 in 2000, then an Olympus C-750 in 2002, then an *ist DS in 2004, and finally my K10D in 2007. I started processing with Camedia, then Photoshop.
I now have 3 computers - 2 running Windows XP/Vista and 1 running Xandros Linux. Lightzone is installed on all of them, and I use it for over 90% of my processing.
Lightzone is a very intuitive program, and easily does almost everything that my PS CS2 program could do.
Yes, I have CS2 as well, but it's only my fall-back program now.:rolleyes:
My Lightzone work can be seen at: Ian McMillan's Photo Galleries at pbase.com
Ian Mc.
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Forum: Photographic Technique
11-26-2007, 05:35 PM
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Thanks for the link on the mirror lock-up, macdaddy. I hadn't seen it before, and it really helps my understanding why it is such a good practice.
Most of my building photography has been done in a tourist situation - visiting Europe and/or other places. I wish I had made use of MLU now!
What I DID do was use a cable release, and my camera on the 2 second delay. I think that helped me a fair bit. Unfortunately, I can't afford to go back to Europe and test the difference, so I guess I'll try it here at home.
As far as f22 goes, it worked for me because I was trying to capture large cathedrals and palaces. I wanted that Depth of Field, even at the expense of some sharpness.
Ian Mc.
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Forum: Photographic Technique
11-21-2007, 09:52 AM
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I'm not sure I understand why you would need to go to the extremes you're describing.
For architectural shots, you need:
1. Good wide-angle lens, with the ability to be sharp from edge to edge;
2. Solid tripod
3. Clear Field of View for composing the image
4. Good lighting
Of course, these are all variables. You could scrimp on the lens, if the lighting is perfect, etc.
I don't think bulb mode is necessary. I've gotten some reasonable shots with far shorter exposures than bulb mode would indicate. Usually, I've worked in Av, and let the aperture value set the shutter speed.
What is important, I think, is to use your best aperture - f22 and up. This will ensure as much as possible that you have everything in focus for your full depth of field.
The tripod is mandatory to me. Because an f22 or up is going to cause a fairly slow shutter speed, and shake could become an issue. At that point, maybe mirror lock-up will help. I've never used it, so I can't comment.
Just my .02 cents, I don't claim to be an expert:). I just like taking building shots.
Ian Mc.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
07-06-2007, 03:17 PM
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I bought the Trekpod about 2 months ago. I've only used it once, at a 3-day Volleyball tournament, and only used it in monopod mode.
I found the magnetic mount system to be very good, with one small but glaring problem...
The system comes with a heavy and a regular magnet for the camera, and they are attached using the screw socket on the camera. I screwed in the heavy magnet and was happily using it on the first day. I would shoot some shots, then remove the camera from the Trekpod and move on. The magnet was left on the camera.
Unfortunately, I didn't tighten the magnet screw enough (I guess), because I went to mount it again, and the magnet was gone!
The next day, I was forced to use the lighter-weight magnet. It worked fine, but I still don't feel as secure with it and will be ordering another heavy magnet mount soon.
I didn't expect to have that kind of problem.
I still think the Trekpod is a woderful system!
Ian Mc.
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
12-02-2006, 11:50 AM
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Just registered this morning (its 10:44 here), and thought I should introduce myself.
First and foremost...I'm a lurker! :D I don't seem to get much opportunity to post, but I try to read everything I can on the forums. I've been a member at dpreview since October 2003, and I expect to be a member here for a lot longer thant that.
I'm NOT a good photographer. I try hard, but never seem to get the perfect shot. I love to look at other people's stuff, though, and get inspired.
I'm really looking forward to being on this forum!:)
Ian Mc.
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