Light Painting

Did some sweet Light Painting tonight with some great local photographers. Gonna post a few more tomorrow.

Links

So I said I'd give you guys some of the links I was talking about at the Photowalk at Wheaton Arts. If you weren't at Wheaton Arts, here's a peak at some of the cool stuff I use to get things done whether it be while I'm shooting or when I'm at the computer editing.

This is the link for the noise reduction software I use, way better than photoshop in my opinion: Imagenomic Noiseware. It doesn't soften the image and is very easy to use, but also very powerful if you want it to be.

I use Cactus V5s for triggering any off camera flash I am using. I don't use these a ton or in a lot of very high pressure situations, or I'd be using Pocket Wizards, but they work great and fire 99.99% of the time and are a fraction of the price. A (1!) pocket wizard is like $160, a 2 (2!) pack of Cactus V5s are like $70. I usually get mine from MPEX but the site is down now... Here is the link on Amazon: Cactus V5

I love these. I always have my GorillaPod in my bag, as sometimes it's just not practical (or legal) to have a big tripod with you. These are great for impromptu long exposures, taking night shots in crowded city streets by attaching to a sign or fence, mounting strobes to weird things up high (or down low), the possibilities are endless. This is the on I have - GorillaPod Focus, and here is the site for a list of all of them, you may not need such a strong one - GorillaPods. You can put normal tripod heads or the small Joby heads they make special for them on these little guys, and the Joby heads will take cameras AND flashes.

One of the HDR softwares I use, and probably the most popular, is Photomatix Pro. Its great, I don't use it exclusively as I feel it doesn't give the most realistic results, but it has a lot of control. Here is the link to the site: Photomatix Pro. I also have a tutorial for using Photomatix Pro on my site: Mike's HDR Tutorial w/ Photomatix Pro. 


The flashes I use are the Canon 580EXII and a Lumopro LP160. The 580EXII is great and is the Canon flagship flash. I use it when I need to keep it connected to the camera for bounce or direct flash. The Lumopro LP160 is super easy to use and is an all manual flash. it is highly recomended by the Strobist Community and I like it a lot too. It is only $160 and I think it is well made, works well, and is easy to use.

If you can think of anymore, leave it in the comments.

Self Portrait

I'm not huge into photographing myself, but sometimes it's fun. There is a lone light off camera to the right illuminating the texture in the sand for the two minute exposure, although I'm only in it for one. This photo hasn't really been photoshopped much, just a simple black and white conversion and some brightening on the stars.

Sandbox Ambush

A good action shot I took while embedded with the Green Army. While only feeling like insect bites to me, the small plastic bullets were quite lethal to the opposing force.

I shot this a few years ago in my sandbox. Yes I have a sandbox. It was actually my first time trying to "make" elements of a picture in photoshop. Obviously, the explosion and small arms fire are computer generated. I grew up playing with plastic army men and figured I'd pay a little tribute. I sell this as an open edition print and  it actually is one of my best sellers, I think it's a great edition to any kid's room.

Playing with Oysters

Full album here: Playing With Oysters

Winter Beach Portraits

Check out the full album: Winter Beach Portraits

Sunrise

Just one exposure tonight, using some dodging and burning from an under exposed image to bring it out. If you don't have to use more than one, don't.