Day 73

Remember the Fallen.

Canon Rebel XS w/50mm lens @50mm
1/100sec
f/4
ISO 800

Day 72

Dear little Izzy,
   There are no words I could come up with that would ever do justice as to how incredibly adorable Daddy thinks you are, so you keep bringing the cuteness, and I'll bring the camera.
Love,
Daddy

Things I've learned: Today I took a shot and actually used my shadow to diffuse the light on my subject. It worked out really well. Typically, you don't want your shadow to fall on a subject, but in the situation I was in, it worked out wonderfully.

Canon 30D w/50mm 1.4 lens @ 50mm
1/250sec
f/1.4
ISO 200

Day 71

I shot this photo with my wife's camera. I'm actually enjoying using her camera when we go out to social gatherings, because she now has her own DSLR, which allows me to have as much creative control as I would with my own camera.

Things I've learned: The Canon 50mm 1.8 lens, which is an amazing lens for the price, can sometimes give you flat-looking images. It is also extremely prone to lens flare (not the good kind, either).

Canon Rebel XS w/50mm 1.8 lens @50mm
1/160sec
f/1.8
ISO 400

Day 70

Yesterday we had a late-day storm come in as the sun was setting. I shot this photo looking East from my house.

Things I've learned: I've been experimenting a lot with different light metering modes on my camera. It seems that you can get a lot of different results using these modes, and some are more desirable than others.

Canon 30D w/17-50mm lens @50mm
1/2000sec
f/4
ISO 400

Day 69

Yesterday we went strawberry picking with the kids. I was the biggest kid of them all, and probably the least content. Due to my back, I could not bend over and pick berries. I had to hold Izzy, so it was hard to take photos (wore her in a baby carrier). Either way, I got this shot, which I still liked, using my wife's new camera.

Things i've learned: Don't strawberry pick in flip-flops if you are a wimp like me, and its hard to get good shots with a prime lens if you limit your mobility.

Canon Rebel XS w/50mm 1.8 lens @50mm

1/800sec

f/4

ISO 400

Day 68

Isabel is finally showing signs of more wake-time, so I'm taking advantage of it and getting photos of her more now. In fact, she's probably going to get a lot of photos, as I've already (sadly) missed a whole week of her life.

Things I've learned: I really do love my camera. It is amazing how quickly and easily I can operate with  my Canon. It is like an extension of my hand when it comes to operating, etc. Love it!

Canon 30D w/50mm 1.4 lens @50mm
1/250
f/1.4
ISO 400

Day 67

Shot from a plane at 37000 feet. Felt like God was painting an exclusive image up there for us to see. It was breathtaking, and this photo barely does any justice to it.

Things I've learned: Yes, you can actually get decent photographs through the window of an airplane.

Nikon D40 w/35mm 1.8 lens @35mm
1/800sec
f/8
ISO 200

Day 66

This is the last one from Florida that I'm sharing. I wanted another palm tree photo to remind me that when I fight to find the major difference between the heat and humidity in Florida, versus the heat and humidity in Pennsylvania, I can remember that heat and humidity with beaches and palm trees is always more desirable.

Things I've learned: A lot of photographers tend to rule out photography in the high-sun parts of the day due to harsh light. I've been trying lately to challenge myself to find better options and learn how to deal with the light any way it is given to me. It is definitely a challenge to work with harsh light, but when you get a photo that works, it is also a great reward.

Nikon D40 w/35mm 1.8 lens @35mm
1/320sec
f/8
ISO 200

Day 65

Shot this yesterday on the way back from the store. I guess I find it ironic that I'm 800 miles away from Lancaster County, and I still can't get away from the Amish. That picture on the sign is kind of funny too. Well, maybe if you were Amish it wouldn't be.

Things I've learned: I really miss MY camera. The Nikon D40 takes fine pictures, but I've grown so accustomed to using my camera, that I just can't seem to get used to this one anymore. I also don't like the way Nikon buries so many features and things into the menus. 

Nikon D40 w/35mm lens @35mm

1/500sec

f/8

ISO 200

Day 64

I took this shot this evening in Clearwater, Fl. The structure to the left is Pier 60, which hosts many local artisans and craftsman during an event known as "sunsets at Pier 60".  The sunset was beautiful, which made for some great shots.

Things I've learned: The Nikon D40 has a really hard time recovering blown highlights if you over-expose. In fact, I pretty much had to dispose of any image I did overexpose, which is not what I'm used to with my own camera.

Nikon D40 w/35mm lens @ 35mm
1/250sec
f/8
ISO 200

Day 63

Just barely got this one on before midnight. We went to busch gardens today in Tampa. Despite the fact that we were there for 4 hours and only made it on 3 rides, and it was 91 degrees and humid, etc, it was a cool park. It was a combination of a zoo and an amusement park in one. You'd be on a ride and be like, "Hey, check it out, a zebra!"

Things I've learned: The 35mm 1.8 Nikorr lens is incredibly sharp. It is a very, very nice lens. I would recommend it to anyone who shoots with a Nikon.

Nikon D40 w/35mm 1.8 lens @35mm
1/125sec
f/1.8
ISO 200

Day 62

Spending time with the Hershey Christian Senior class down here in Madeira Beach, FL. This is a shot I got randomly near our hotel. It was shot from our balcony.  Gotta love palm trees.

Things I've learned: I'll be shooting all of my shots with a Nikon Camera, which poses challenges in terms of learning how it differs from my own camera, which I did not bring along. I've already discovered an opposite feature on this camera, which messed up a few shots. Just goes to show you how valuable it can be to know your gear. I can make changes on my camera with little thought and very quickly. This camera, is not new to me, but because I've grown so accustomed to my own equipment, it does give me a challenge.

Nikon D40 w/35mm 1.8 lens @35mm

1/160 sec

f/8

ISO 200

Day 61

Some roses I got for  my wife last week. They are doing great, which makes me happy. I figured, my wife would enjoy flowers from someone other than my 5-year-old for a change. :-)

Things I've learned: Pearl colored roses are more expensive than red roses (sigh).

Canon Rebel XS w/50mm 1.8 les @50mm
1/250sec
f/1,8
ISO 400

Day 60

I got my wife a new camera recently, and was excited to try it out myself. It has a lot of new features that even my more advanced camera does not have (because it is older). I'm not too jealous. My wife needed a good camera. We've just got too much cuteness around the house for me to get all of the pictures myself. :-)

Things I've learned: Live-view on canon DSLR's has a ways to go. In its current form, it is kind of clunky, at best.

Canon Rebel XS w/50mm 1.8 @50mm
1/80sec
f/1.8
ISO 200

Day 59

Another shot from this past Saturday.  In other news, I'm going to be "on assignment" over the next week. Therefore, I may or may not be able to post shots (although I'll be taking photos still). I'll definitely  make sure that the posts are caught up when I do get a chance, so if you don't see a new post for a day or two, just know that they'll be coming.

Things I've learned: Some days can lead to tons of great shots, while others make it a miserable attempt. In either case, when the days are good, keep shooting and store up for the rainy days, when you have time to analyze what you've captured, you never know when the gems can be unearthed.

Canon 30D w/17-50mm lens @17mm

1/800sec

f/8

ISO 200

Day 58

My kids and their Gigi. I think that this photo speaks for itself, so I'm not going to say much more than I'm honored that I was there to take it.

Things I've learned: I caught this photo out of the corner of my eye and went for it. I was barely prepared, but the moment was there, and I'm happy that I saw it. Sometimes the unexpected photo is the one that you came for.

Canon 30D w.17-50mm lens@43mm
1/100 sec
f/4
ISO 640

Day 57

Today I arrived early to a photo shoot out in Hershey, PA. The weather was beautiful and the skies were dramatic too. I grabbed this shot while waiting for my clients.

Things I've learned: I doubted my new lens today, and even though it didn't hurt me, I am frustrated at being a "pixel-peeper" with my gear. I need to focus more on the vision and less on the gear.

Canon 30D 17-50mm lens @17mm
1/1600sec
f/8
ISO 200

Day 56

Shot this tonight at the Junior/Senior Formal. It was a fun evening, with great food and entertainment.

Things I've learned: Shooting wide open with high ISO can mostly yield terrible photos. If they are not blurry from the shallow depth-of-field in close quarters, they are so saturated with digital noise, they look like Seurat paintings.

Canon 30D w/50mm lens @50mm
1/800sec
f/1.4
ISO 800

Day 55

Um....uh....I've got nuthin'.

Things I've learned: You can't win them all.

Canon 30D w/50mm lens @50mm

1/8000sec

f/1.4

ISO 200

Day 54

Audrey got her hair cut today. I think that it looks great. Of course, she could have the craziest hair ever, and she'd still pull off being cute with little effort. Call me biased.

Things I've learned: It seems that I have forgotten how great my 50mm lens is. I have to give props to Carey Bustard for the reminder. After looking at and critiquing a bunch of her work (which is excellent, by the way), I was reminded on why I fell in love with the 50mm in the first place. Thanks Carey for trading photography lessons last night. Sometimes the teacher learns a thing or two along the way. :-)

Canon 30D w/50mm lens @50mm

1/50sec

f/1.4

ISO 800

Day 53

Just love this shot. Not because of what it is. Not because of how it was composed. But because I’m a photography nerd, and the photo was taken at ISO 3200 or “H” on my camera. I’m still blown away that because of the latest version of Lightroom, I can shoot at this ISO and get a usable photo.

Things I’ve learned: Software can make up for hardware deficiencies on occasion.

Canon 30D w/17-50mm lens @50mm
1/60sec
f/2.8
ISO 3200

Day 52

This is the last from a series I took. I love this little tree and I'm not the only one. It turns out that a few friends of mine are acquainted with "one tree hill" as well.

Things I've learned: I never seem to be in a comfortable situation when it comes to shooting landscapes. I'm either dangling over a cliff, a parking garage rooftop, or hanging out of a moving vehicle when I get some of these shots. I think I might need to review my insurance policy if this keeps up.

Canon 30D w/17-50mm lens @17mm
1/640sec
f/11
ISO 250

Day 51

We have a tradition around here of getting a photo of my wife and the kids on every Mother's day. It is pretty amazing to look back and see how our life has changed since that tradition began.

Things I've learned: My wife is a pretty special mother. I'm lucky to have a woman so dedicated to being the best mom that she can be. She is truly inspiring to me. And on a photography note, I'm so used to the improvements of Lightroom 3, that I can't bare to use Lightroom 2 anymore. It's almost a night and day difference.

Canon 30D w/ 17-50mm lens @35mm

1/125sec

f/4

ISO 800

Day 50

So my daughter has gotten into the latest fad for kids: Silly Bandz. They are bracelets that take the shape of different things. Kids collect, wear, and trade them for fun. Kind of reminds me of jelly bracelets when we were kids. Oh, and the purple on her face is a flower that was painted for her at an event this afternoon.

Things I've learned: Wide-angle lenses prove to be challenging in that you must think much harder about what NOT to include in the frame. With a 50mm prime, the issue is how to get everything you want to fit in the frame without stepping backwards off of a cliff or into traffic.

Canon 30D 17-50mm lens @33mm

1/125 sec

f/2.8

ISO 500

Day 49

Little Izzy in the spotlight again. After looking at so many past photos of our children, we always are amazed at how much they change in the first few years. It's really hard to look at them at this point and know what they will look like even 2 years from now. In any case, we do our best to try and capture what we can of this change.

Things I've learned: Not related to this post, I did a little experiment today with my 50mm prime lens and my 17-50 at 50mm. I discovered that my 17-50mm lens actually is wider at 50mm than my prime lens. I just found that kind of interesting.

Canon 30D w/17-50mm @50mm

1/125sec

f/2.8

ISO 1000

Day 48

This is another landscape shot taken with the new lens. I'm growing to like this lens a whole lot. However, it does have some limitations...

Things I've learned: Despite my new lens performing pretty well, when it comes to portraits, it still falls a little short of my 50mm prime lens. I'm thinking that I'll stick to using the 50mm prime lens unless I need the wider angles. However, in good light and low ISO the wide angle does a pretty decent job (of course, so do most lenses).

Canon 30D w/17-50mm lens @17mm
1/500sec
f/11
ISO 250

Day 47

Frey's Greenhouse in Lebanon, PA has some really great flowers to photograph. Yesterday I was commissioned to shoot some photos for the greenhouse, and I liked how this one came out.

Things I've learned: The difficulty of photographing with a wide angle lens, is that sometimes you have a hard time figuring out what NOT to include in a busy scene. Especially when almost everything in that scene seems critical to the photo. I'm imagining that this is a process that is worked out with experience, perception, and emotion.

Canon 30D w/ 17-50mm lens @50mm
1/1000sec
f/2.8
ISO 100

Day 46

This image came out amazingly better than I had anticipated, as it was shot through the windshield of our car. I sometimes wonder if the tree feels lonely in all that space, or if it feels exhilarated and free?

Things I've learned: I've been making this image in my head for months as I've driven past this tree. It feels great to finally put that to fruition. Sometimes observation and planning of your image can be an excellent primer and catalyst to creation.

Canon 30D 17-50mm lens @50mm
1/800sec
f/8
ISO 250

Day 45

Not related to this picture, but our computer is in the hospital and so posting may be erratic at best. I'm still taking photos though, so I'll continue to post them when I can, even if I fall behind on getting them up on the blog.

This is the first in a series of several pictures I took on the way to our favorite dairy to get milk. The sky was amazing, and the scenery was too.

Things I've learned: When trying to incorporate the sun into your photos, be aware that you will probably be dealing with a huge exposure range that your camera can't see very well. It is then that you will have to decide on whether to expose for the lights or darks.

Canon 30D 17-50mm lens @17mm
1/8000 sec
f/8
ISO 250

Day 44

Around here, getting a boo-boo is a big deal. At first there is the initial crying and stuff, but once the formalities are over, its all about the band-aid. Its almost like getting a cool tattoo or something. Liam recently got a boo-boo on his finger, and his pain and trauma immediately subsided when he discovered the "Cars" themed band-aids.

Things I've learned: I'm learning that in many cases, what I thought was a good shutter speed for most shots seems to fall just shy of the sharpness I'd like to get. Looks like I'm going to have to try some faster speeds and see if I enjoy the results better.

Canon 30D w/17-50mm lens @50mm
1/400 sec
f/4
ISO 400

Day 43

This photo is of a really cool custom piece of furniture (not mine, sadly) that I was shooting for a client and friend of mine. Not that I have any fascination with kitchen knives or utensils, but I love the way the light is pouring in from the windows in the shot.

Things I've learned: Fun is when, as a creative, you have a vision in your head and somehow, you execute exactly what you set out to make.  This photo was that way for me. Oh, it might not be the most impressive photo ever, but the idea came to life when I was given the opportunity and I'm very happy with the results.

Canon 30D w/17-50mm lens @25mm
1 sec
f/8
ISO 200
(tripod mounted)