RG Photography

Somewhere in the recesses of my mind I must still have a fondness for film. How else can I account for the fact that I compare images I create and print today with images captured on film and printed on real paper. Sometimes I wish my photographic background did not go so far back, then this would be one less choice or decision I would be concerned with.

The combination of today’s digital capture devices and digital process have certainly provided us with new menu options, some go down easy and some I can chew but not swallow.

As I strive to expand my photographic comfort zone by dabbling in panorama and digital HD video, the old logic’s come back to haunt me. Sure, photographic basics are the foundation of all photo endeavours but somehow I occasionally get the feeling that some of the ties to the past are keeping me from being as creative as I should be. This must be it, I am sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I can remember when anything over ISO 100 was considered fast. Oh well…at least I can still remember things.

I am surprised that it is good old black and white images that have the greatest affect on me. While this is nothing new, there has been a dramatic surge since acquiring the Panasonic GF-1 that I refer to as my mini Leica. To me, this is an ideal street shooter camera. Small and unobtrusive with a fast, sharp lens.

While I understand that the best black and white images are captured in RAW and brought to fruition during post processing, I still shoot all black & white street images using one of the camera presets. Probably a disadvantage but really boils down to personal taste.

My venture into video also comes as a result of the GF-1 with it’s excellent HD video capability.True, it is not full 1080i but it is leaps and bounds ahead of anything I have used in the past and this goes back to the days of High 8 video. Shooting video will not be the problem but finding the time to edit will be. For the immediate future I plan to shoot video with the aim of editing it once I find software that is convenient and efficient.

Creating panoramas is progressing faster than anticipated. Again the GF-1 provides adequate resolution and is light weight which is a great advantage for some of the planned panoramas that may require long and arduous hikes. I can use a lighter tripod and less sturdy, therefore lighter, panorama head without compromising results. I have also found software that works for me and initial images are very promising. The initial two by five foot print was everything I expected. Sure, I could utilize the 1D with related lenses, tripods, etc. and get slightly superior results but it boils down to a matter of personal taste.

No…I am not planning on dabbling in HDR photography. I have seen come very exciting images but there is nothing about it that strikes a creative note with me. Probably a result of the baggage identified early in the article. Should that discourage you from getting excited about HDR? No…just a matter of personal taste.

A couple of years ago I abandoned Photoshop and moved to Photoshop Lightroom. I still love what Photoshop has to offer but find Lightroom easier to use and like the outcome better. Miss all the plugins available for Photoshop but boils down to a matter of personal taste.

Photo Blogs are a matter of personal taste and should stimulate the photographer both favourably and unfavourably. There are lots of options in photography and how we deal with them are a matter of personal taste.

A tasty good day to all.

Good shooting…

There are a number of markers that I use to judge whether or not I am on the right track with my photography endeavours. No single marker is significant enough when it comes to planning for the future, it is a combination of many markers that can provide the required feedback. In these times of change and uncertainty in all thing photographic, ensuring that the changes you make are relavent is most important.

I have always been a firm believer in the power of getting your message out but the best way to do this can often be a difficult choice. With a background in network administration and a love for writing, limited though the skills may be, I have for many years been using the Internet to get my message out. I constantly monitor the net stats to determine the success of this endeavour. If your service provider does not provide this service, you must use alternate methods of acquiring these very important stats. This is the first month that the website has had more than ten thousand hits and I am a little awed at this response. I believe this is a result of offering a variety of things to those in the photographic community and they are receptive to those offerings. To all those who visit my website and especially those who contact me with comments…thank you. If I have any words of advice here…keep it current and update frequently.

I believe that each and every one of us can learn at least one new skill by attending a workshop, field trip or tour. I am oboviously not alone here as demand for them continues to grow. It would appear that today’s almost fully automated cameras still require an understanding of basic photo principles if one wishes to capture outstanding images. As workshops continue to fill months in advance, here to I am encouraged that I am offering something that many photographers want. Surprisingly it is basic photo techniques, rules of thumb, proven techniques and opportunities to put these practices to work in the field that appear to be the most popular. Classroom response and workshop evaluations are important and even more important is that lessons and techniques change as required. I love to share information with anyone interested so for me it is not really teaching…just sharing a love of photography.

Love the one your with! If you are not excited about photography and I am not just talking about all the new and fancy equipment, than turn your priorities to career opportunities that do excite you. After all we probably have quite enough photographers already! I chose this career path as I approached retirement age and have not been disappointed. In fact I no longer see retirement as an option but rather an opportunity to do something I love well into the future.

Being selective is probably one of the most difficult challenges to face any photographer. Believe it or not, few photographers are tallented enough to provide service in all aspects of photography. Personally I do not enjoy wedding photography and yet that is one area that lures the majority of photographers. Spurred on by stories of success and large incomes, the field has become extremely crowded and as a result somewhat diluted. There are many wedding photographers but few really good ones. If a specific photographic field does not interest you, simply provide a link to a photographer who enjoys it and will offer recripical links. You probably have a photographic interest that they do not.

Research a project before jumping in with both feet. I to used to be a little lax in the research department and as a result, have at times been less than successful. Use more than just photographic publications for this research. Use business and employment related stats to balance things out but be prepared…the results can be a little disheartening.  An example would be event photography, where more money is made selling books on how to be a successful event photographer than in actually becoming an event photographer. This is a limited field and there are a number of extremely talented photographers in the field already. If you decide that you have what it takes, make sure you are well researched and prepared. This applies to all thing photographic.

Be prepared to change with the times but do not forget your roots. Be prepared to expand your comfort zone and do not use the excuse that things are too difficult. Embrace the comments and techniques of others as a starting point for a quest to find truth. Only by trying and experimenting will you be able to embrace techniques that will allow you to create a style you can call your own.

As always, I look forward to comments on the blog and all things photographic.

Good shooting…

It is surprising how many people, especially those considering throwing their hat into the commercial photography ring, consider the size of the camera extremely important. After all, the larger the camera the more professional they look. “Stylin or Strugglin.”

This past weekend I embarked on a Rocky Mountain adventure which included snowshoeing, hiking and photography. Notice that photography is at the end of the list!

Despite photography being a “nice to” option, I struggled trying to decide which camera to bring along. On one hand I could bring my baby…Canon 1D MKIII and accompanying L series glass…or I could bring the baby Panasonic GF-1. Deep down I knew that it would be far more practical to bring the GF-1 but somehow the lure of the 1D was just too strong and I found myself heading out with a relatively small but very heavy camera bag on my back. “Stylin or Strugglin.”

While the contour lines on the GPS initially suggested relatively easy routes, the final destination always seemed to be protected by steep approaches. This was very obvious when I zoomed in on the map and was rewarded with tightly grouped contours…especially on the last route. Favouring my right wrist, because the splint was off to allow me to wear heavier gloves, I found that securing my position and holding the heavy 1D was difficult. Sure wish I had brought the GF-1. “Stylin’ or Strugglin.”

The images captured during the outing were taken in relatively good conditions. The weather was generally overcast with sunny breaks and we were out of the area well before the light faded. Certainly the conditions did not require the weather resistance nor the low light ability of the 1D. Most images were captured at ISO 400, f5.6 to f8 and shutter speeds over 1/125 sec…certainly within the sweet spot of the GF-1. The majority of views will be via the web so either camera would have served the purpose. “Stylin or Strugglin.”

Gee…maybe I should ensure that I practice what I preach and match the tools to image requirements and conditions.

You can view some of the images at:

http://rgphotography.shutterbugstorefront.com/g/alberta_rockies

Good shooting…

Well, the break to the right wrist was clean and is healing quickly. As the end of the second week of the injury approaches I have a splint for day activities that can be quickly removed while I am at home. Aren’t todays medical aids great?

One week without a camera in hand allows one to observe, speculate and reflect on photographic topics in general. Lets have a look…

Why is it that photographers continually strive to acquire the camera that shoot incredibly clean images at incredibly high ISO’s and then insist at using them at the lowest possible setting?

Is it practical to purchase a light, low quality tripod because you are likely to carry it with you despite being told it will not adequately stabilize your camera / lens combination?

Think times are not changing? Less than 10% of photographers were able to identify the purpose of the small red “R” called the infrared index mark on most older lenses, that can be used to achieve proper infrared focus. Most auto-focus lenses no longer have this mark.

Why do a large percentage of high end SLR’s purchases include a kit or lesser quality lens?

Why is it easier to convince most SLR users to upgrade their body over purchasing a high quality lens?

Is it possible to compare images from an 8MP camera to those from a 12MP camera based solely on what you see on a computer monitor, the best of which only come close to 3MP resolution? How do you compare those missing mega-pixels?

Is it possible that less than 30% of all digital images captured are actually printed? What a waste of mega-pixels…

What percentage of all digital captures are lost (never to be viewed again) due to lack of knowledge, product failure, obsolescence or other related issues?

Why do we propagate the rumor that general camera maintenance, including sensor cleaning, is something that can’t be done by the average photographer?

Who really wants to view the digital scans of those old Kodachrome slides you spent so much time and effort on? After all they were often taken using totally manual cameras, some of which did not even have a light meter on board. How did one acquire those stunning shots while having to select the right focal length lens, manipulate aperture and shutter speed…all the while coping with proper composition and having to manually focus?

If all the auto features on today’s digital cameras are so efficient, why are photo workshops dealing specifically with the manual operation of the camera garnering larger audiences?

Why…why…why…

Good shooting…

Over the years I have always advocated taking it on the body and “save the camera.”

Well…today I did just that and as a result I am typing this message with my left hand. While the camera was saved, the broken right wrist will take a bit of time to mend.

As I am right handed, there is likely to be a delay for entries of any length on both the blog and website.

Start the New Year right by grabbing the camera and capturing a few images.

Good shooting…

Changes in the art of photography have had a dramatic effect on how and what a photographic related business does to stay in business.

Business savvy, niche marketing, specialization, diversification, unique equipment or techniques, reduced pricing…all things that I hear from today’s photo professionals. I also hear about the ongoing issue of everyone with a digital SLR being considered competition.

“What?” How in the world can everyone with a digital SLR be considered as competition to a professional photographer?

However when I think about the Walmart society in which we live, there may be some substance to this issue. Perhaps price is the most important issue and the quality of images is secondary. After all, how many times do we actually look at the wedding photo package that seemed so important at the time. Perhaps quantity outweighs quality and it is more important to have 1500 images rather than 150 great images. Perhaps I am getting old but the photographer at our wedding took three rolls of 12 exposure medium format and they all turned out. In fact we had trouble picking out the twelve best for our album.

The pricing and quality level of photography coming down should have little effect on the professional photographer. But if it does, why not start bringing the industry to a certain standard and begin by ensuring that the playing field is level? Why not self police the industry by ensuring that only licensed photographic business receive recognition?

The City of Edmonton contacted me the other day regarding some wording on my business license. I am hoping this is more than an internal make work project and that they are actually ensuring that those business and individuals soliciting photographic work in Edmonton are actually licensed to conduct business. I hope that businesses offering services and special pricing to pro photographers are also ensuring that a valid business license forms the basis for that relationship.

However, it should be remembered that the professional photographer must provide product and service befitting of that professional status. It would not be fair to suggest that the number of unlicensed amateurs is the sole issue with the survival of the professional photographer.

If you have any comments on the state of photography as a business lets hear from you.

Good shooting….

Every time someone tells me how sharp my photos are, I assume that it isn’t a very interesting photograph. If it were, they would have more to say. ~Author Unknown

The moment we click the shutter, a myriad of actions are preformed inside the camera and a fraction of a second later the image has been captured. Is the time required for the automated aspects of the camera to assemble all the required data sufficiently quick to capture the “decisive” moments?

Henri Cartier-Benson said “There is a creative fraction of a second when you are taking a picture. Your eye must see the composition or an expression that life itself offers you, you must know with intuition when to click the camera. That is the moment the photographer is creative. Oops! The moment! Once you miss it, it is gone forever.”

Benson’s Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare 1932, Rue Mouffetard Paris 1954 and The Berlin Wall 1963, are stark evidence of a photographer to whom the “decisive” moment came naturally. Also demonstrated in Benson’s work is the fact that he knows photography. You know…shutter speed, depth of field, exposure. I am sure life experience also plays an important role, otherwise we would all be able to anticipate life unfolding around us and be prepared for those “decisive” moments.

I have a friend named Steve whose images have strong ties to Cartier-Benson. He has an uncanny knack of being able to capture that decisive moment and bringing out the best in the people he photographs. It’s as if he has an instant report with his subjects, like they are old friends. He uses a high quality digital camera that fits into the point and shoot category. It is not the camera that makes his images so exciting, it is because he long ago developed the photographic skills required to make the camera an extension of his personal style….he is a master photographer. When you look at Steve’s work you are swallowed up and become part of the content…you are there.

I have watched many photographers work with today’s highly developed camera systems and have been dumbfounded at how much effort they expend trying to setup the automated features. You know…metering options, focus points, D-Lighting, A-DEP (auto depth of field), colour type…and many more, only to have the moment slip by.

I personally tend to work in the manual mode but occasionally use the automated features that are relevant to the way I shoot. My aim is to make the camera an extension of my style and have images that embody decisive moments captured by someone that has mastered photographic technique…not become a master of automation.

Decision time! A case for automation or a case for mastering photographic technique…your choice.

Good shooting….

Almost every day, the same question and always from someone taking their first steps towards serious photographic endeavours. WHAT’S THE BEST CAMERA?

Oh my God!

There is only one answer for this question and it is not based on brand, sensor size, format, colour or anything that I can immediately lay my hands on. There is only one correct answer…THE ONE THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS TAKE WITH YOU.

You can be assured that if you do not have your camera with you, you will NEVER capture any great images.

There is an old saying, “A good workman never blames his tools.” A great photographer will capture great images regardless of the camera in his/her hand. Most of today’s would be photographers see less featured cameras as handicaps rather than challanges. Photographers W. Eugene Smith, Margaret Bourke-White, Lewis Hine and many others have captured remarkable images on cameras that are considered today to be antiques.

The most important message for up and coming photographers is to put as much effort into learning photographic skills as you put into scouring forums gleaning every ounce of information on all the worlds cameras. Select a camera that feels good in the hand, is well balanced and has a good lens…yes…just one to start. THEN GO OUT WITH IT AND DEVELOP THE SKILLS OF A PHOTOGRAPHER.

Over time I will update the Friday Morning Breakfast with thoughts and images taken with a single camera and lens combination. These images will be shot using the B&W mode in the camera and converted into JPEG’s by the camera’s firmware. Manipulation will be done in Lightroom and will of course be limited by the camera produced JPEG.

The following images will serve to introduce the theme:

http://rgphotography.shutterbugstorefront.com/g/friday_breakfast

All images in this series will be captured with a Lumix GF-1 and a 20mm f1.7 lens.

Good shooting….

All digital cameras capture an image as RAW digital data. Photographers have the option of saving the RAW data for later post processing on their computer or having the camera’s firmware provide that processing…usually saved in the JPEG format.

The question is not RAW or JPEG, rather it is how we process the digital data to get a JPEG file.

My challenge is to set your camera to capture RAW data as well as process your digital data to a JPEG file. Download both files to your computer for post processing and record the following:

1) Which image looks better without any post processing?
2) Are you able to process the RAW data to match the JPEG image processed by the camera?
3) Are you able to post process your JPEG image to significantly improve the image?
4) Print an 8X10 of each file after post processing and determine the differences.
5) Record the time required for post processing of each file.

If your post processing of the RAW data provides an improved image and a better print, then you should be shooting with your camera set to RAW. If your post processing of the RAW data does not exceed the quality of the camera processed JPEG image and if the time involved in the post processing is excessive, you should be shooting with the camera set to JPEG.

The camera and firmware you use can have a significant effect on the quality of the JPEG image it can produce. When shooting with the 1D, I can get reasonable JPEG’s approximately 80% of the time. When shooting with the GF-1, I get reasonable JPEG’s approximately 20% of the time. This of course relates to colour images. I use the GF-1 primarily for B&W and prefer have the camera set to this mode. It is not as good as capturing RAW data and post processing to a B&W image…it is just the way I like to use this camera.

Looking forward to your comments.

This blog is for communication and sharing of photographic interests, between Robert of RG Photography and the photographic community in general.