Preshoot Checklist

This should be a slow, deliberate ritual that takes place the day before your shoot while you are not rushed, or distracted.  By accomplishing this ahead of time, you can focus on the shoot and not have to worry about forgetting anything, or making a hurried decision.  

• Charge all camera batteries, rechargeable batteries for accessories, and any necessary electronic devices.  Be sure to include extra batteries as well.

• Clean all lenses, filters, and cameras with microfiber cloths.

• Make sure all memory cards have been formatted completely.  

• Adjust all camera settings to default shooting selections.  ie: RAW, lowest ISO, Auto White Balance, Burst Mode, Spot Meter.

• Wipe any sand or grit from tripod and light stands. Open and close to make sure they are operating smoothly.

• Test all accessories including umbrellas, reflectors, clamps, pocket wizards, and flash.

• Prepare any additional materials like gaffer tape, allen keys, rubber bands, pens, sharpie markers, business cards, and a small first aid kit.

• Pack all required gear needed for shoot while double checking that all necessary gear is accounted for.  

If you missed the post about how I carry my gear, you can access it here.

Long Exposure Lighthouse Experiment

 

This was a creative frame taken with a twenty second exposure at dusk.  I started with the lens at 28mm to capture the wide angle view, counted to about 10 seconds, then quickly zoomed in to 135mm for the larger Lighthouse view for the remaining 10 seconds of the exposure.  Since there was no way to focus during the exposure, I manually set that prior to pressing the shutter.  By focusing on the scene using thw wide angle view and using a small aperture of f22, there was enough depth of field to keep the larger view reasonably sharp at 135mm.  I expected something similar to that of a double exposure like I used to shoot back in the day with slide film.  Yet, I was totally surprised by what happened with the actual beam from the Lighthouse.  As you can see, it created a trail from the wide vantage point to the tighter view.  An added trail stretches to the bottom of the frame and ends in a starburst.  

For post production, I brought the shot in CS5, converted to B&W and then added a Kubota "B&W Warm" action which gave it just a hint of sepia toning.  

I've photographed this Lighthouse dozens of times in all different seasons.  It's just a short drive over a bridge to the South Shore.  If you have a well photographed spot in your area, I'd encourage you to experiment with some long exposure techniques as well.  You just might see an old subject in a new way.  

Orchid Collection on Black

 

These were all photographed with a black cloth held behind the flower to focus on the shape and form of each Orchid.  An external flash was fired to illuminate the tiniest details, and a small aperture was selected to create enough depth of field to keep the entire subject in focus.  Slower shutter speeds were generally necessary, as was a tripod.  

Shape of a Mountain

 

To emphasize the perfect shape of this Yosemite mountain I used a 400mm lens and just showed the peak. What lies below is completely shrouded in darkness, further emphasized by the decision to underexpose it, leaving a silhouette.  As you can see in the tech settings, it was shot with an old Canon 10D. The fifteen second exposure allowed me to capture the last inkling of magic mountain light.   

Blue Angels Announced for Jones Beach 2012

Aviation chatter is back on Long Island, and this time it's about the Blue Angels confirming they will fly in the 2012 Jones Beach Air Show!  During Memorial Day Weekend, the skies come alive with the rumble of these magnificent F18A Super Hornets.  

The photo above was actually one of the first times I got to see the Blue Angels. It was at McGuire Air Force Base in NJ on an extraordinarily hot summer day.  The camera was actually the old Canon 10D which by the way, still works really well 7 years later.  The lens was a fixed 400mm, tripod mounted.

Like Paved Paradise Blues

"You pave paradise, put up a parking lot." - Joni Mitchell from the song Big Yellow Taxi

It was approximately 20 minutes before sunrise when my eyes adjusted to the blue light of dawn.  There within the uneven edges of crumbling pavement I gazed into a grimy puddle and searched for an answer. Is there a photo here, or am I overreaching?  It's in this reflection that I notice the billowing clouds in large painterly strokes with slivers of contrasty daylight. A large tree looms in the still air interrupted only by the chatter of Starlings and the click of my shutter. Several miles of nature trail stretches ahead of me, but I'm here in the parking lot about 20 fee from my car photographing this scene with the same diligence as I would a sprawling waterfall. 

There will be other mornings with cheerful scenes and colorful flowers.  Those are easy to photography, and look great hanging on a wall.  Yet, the truth is, nature like life, is rarely so picture perfect, and the shadows need to be explored as well.  Sometimes it takes the camera and lens to understand what we are really looking at.  

Bend or Break

I found these trees surrounding a nearby bay and noticed how each one seemed to arc in the same direction, almost as if they were protecting themselves from the off-shore winds.  These trees, like many objects in nature, seem to understand the need to bend or risk breaking. In our own personal and professional lives, this can be a challenge as well.  We are often confronted with new demands that require tough decision making and creative problem solving.  Some situations require rigidity, while others benefit from a bit of flexibility.   Those that refuse to budge just may get uprooted. In fact, there are numerous examples of entrepreneurs who made terrible decisions due to narrow tunnel vision. I prefer to stay grounded, listen, and keep my options open.  As Tom Hanks said at the end of Castaway, "Who knows what the tide could bring?"

2012 Cherry Blossom Photo Workshop, Washington DC

It may be cold outside right now, but Cherry Blossom season will be upon us before you know it. On Saturday March 31, 2012 Washington DC will be hopping with activity and I'll be holding a one day photo workshop for photographers of all skill levels. Hotels are filling up quickly so it's recommended that you register now. Do it before January 31st and pay $450, a savings of $50. The workshop is limited to five participants to ensure everyone receives personalized attention. I hope you can join us for a memorable day of photography instruction. 

For details, a list of recommended equipment, and registration info, please check below. 

 SUNRISE CHERRY BLOSSOM SHOOT   6:00 am - 9:00 am   

Historically, the Cherry Blossom trees are at the height of their beauty in late March.  To take full advantage of the golden morning light, we will meet at 6am for a sunrise shoot.  There, we will create memorable photos of several historic monuments framed by magnificent Cherry Blossom trees.  

LUNCH and PORTFOLIO REVIEW   12:00 pm - 2:30 pm

At noon, we will re-gather for lunch (included) and a portfolio review session in a comfortable lounge.  You will receive in-depth feedback and helpful advice on your images, post-processing technique, and more.  

SUNSET and DUSK   5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

As the sun sets, we will photograph the numerous monuments and memorials in the National Mall.  To maximize the magic light, we will continue shooting into dusk, creating breathtaking images along the way.

RECOMMENDED CAMERA GEAR 

DSLR Camera 

Tripod

Wide Angle lens (ex: 18-55mm)

Medium Telephoto (ex: 70-200mm)

External Flash (ex: SB900 or 580EXII)

Plenty of Memory Cards

Extra batteries for camera, and flash

Optional Filters - Graduated Neutral Density, Polarizer

Please note:

• This event is rain or shine, so please plan accordingly.  If the weather is exceptionally poor, I reserve the right to alter the agenda as needed.   

• Hotel and Transportation are not included.  Due to the popularity of the Cherry Blossoms, it's recommended you book well in advance.  Upon registering, I will send an email with a few hotel options. 

• Each participant must have sufficient mobility. This ensures that the photography opportunities of both yourself and the other participants are not affected.  Comfortable walking sneakers are recommended.

Early Bird Registration

Individual $450.00 USD Two Participants $899.00 USD

If you have any questions at all, you can email me or call at (516) 582-4428.

Cancellation Policy

If you must withdraw from the workshop more than 60 days before the starting date (March 31, 2012), your payment will be refunded in full.

If you must withdraw 31 to 60 days before March 31, 2012, 25% of your total payment will be forfeited.

If you withdraw 30 days or less before March 31, 2012, 100% of your total fee will be forfeited.

I reserve the right to cancel a photo workshop for any reason. If an event is cancelled, 100% of your payment will be refunded.

Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite

I just rolled out the new look for this website and blog with an emphasize on simple, clean design that allows the emphasis to be on the larger images.  The white background also makes the text easier on the eyes.  To get things started, here is a classic scene from Yosemite converted to Black and White using CS5.  

Also, please check back soon for the full 2012 photo workshop schedule which is being finalized now.  Thanks!

 

 Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

"We're kicking off our fun old fashion family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols." - Clark Griswold (National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation)

This year I was in need of some of that same holiday cheer. Don't get me wrong, 2011 was outstanding on so many personal and professional levels. Still, it would be foolish to think life is all peaks but no valleys. Looking back, the gargantuan tree at Rockefeller Center has always proven to rekindle the wonder and excitement of Christmases past.

Over around 50th street I shot the classic scene in front of 30 Rock. Bustling, the plaza was a beehive of cameras, touristy group portraits, and most importantly, smiles. People had come from all over the world to find their Tannenbaum. This Norway Spruce was especially full, and every few seconds it would twinkle, prompting more flash bulbs to fire. Amongst these complete strangers, I could feel the warmth from the spirit of Christmas.

I'd like to share a few for my favorite Christmas moments from Rockefeller Center. In 2010, I watched the lighting while jammed into the streets with 500,000 crazy folks.

That same day, Josh Groban sang a classic from his holiday album "Noel" and I recorded it with the iPhone.

I've also shot it with a fisheye lens...

...and a little Sony point and shoot with Sweep Panorama technology.

This is the star that used to top it all off. It's since been replaced with something that twinkles even brighter.

From my family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy holiday season.