SanDisk vs. Washing Machine Gods

In no way am I saying that you should try this, and it will work, but I am probably the worst person when it comes to leaving things in my pockets before they go into the wash. Just recently I discovered that I left on of my SanDisk 4GB IVs in there and found it at the bottom of my wash. My heart sunk. I had already uploaded images but those things aren't cheep. Most things that go through that much water don't come out looking to good. But I let if dry out on its own and plugged it into my card reader and you know what, it worked! All the images were there and it worked with the camera. :) I haven't tried this with other disks but it's good to know that these things can stand up to some serious rinse cycles.

Canon's Digital Photo Professional Tutorials

We're back after a crazy weekend with MacWorldWe're back after all the MacWorld announcements. But since not much of that pertains to us, and the fact that you probably got your information the second it came out, we took a break for a few days and basked in all the Apple glory.

Getting back to business though, Canon has released a web page totally dedicated to helping users learn its Digital Photo Professional application (PC/Mac). The program is a free software that comes with most Canon digital cameras and all Canon EOS digital cameras. The video tutorials take you through the latest version of DPP to edit and process files. You are guided through the somewhat easy to understand videos by a Canon professional market rep, Elizabeth Pratt.

I use DPP sometimes to batch process RAW files on our windows system sometimes, but at home, I am a Mac guy and thing Aperture is worlds better. (But it cost money compared to this free alternative, granted you own a Canon EOS DSLR). Their workflow is not simplified and uses complicated terms for the beginner. But most users will get the hang of it to understand the basics of the interface.

Sony's a200

Sony announced today that a (alpha) DSLR-A200 will replace its A100. The 10.2 megapixel DSLR sports a Sony Bionz image processor, in-inbody Super SteadyShot image stabilization, quieter shutter, a larger ISO range, and a dust reduction system. Two kits are planed, an 18-70mm ($700) and a 18-70mm + 75-300mm ($900). Both are expected to ship next month. But you can start pre-orders tomorrow no doubt.

In comparison to the a100, it is quite similar. Both sport a 10.2 MP sensor, 3fps, Super SS, and 9 AF points. The a200 is cheaper and includes more for you buck. The monitor is slightly bigger but still has the same number of pixels. The only other noticeable change is the battery which will give you a projected 750 shots over the 600 in the a100.

Quick Links
>Sony a200<
Photo Gallery

Article: "The Ultimate Setup-Sports Illustrated and the Final Four"

It gives new meaning to the words 'March Madness' when the extensive SI team makes its way to the Georgia Dome to shoot one of the biggest sports events of the year. This article comes from Microsoft's Professional Photography website that offers articles, profiles, downloads and more dealing with the ever growing connection between the art world and the computer world. Click to read part 1 and part 2.

(Microsoft and Sports Illustrated)

Found on Flickr Fridays!

1.04.2008's Word: 'Resolution'

This Flickr user, erin jaffe, had a very interesting way of portraying her way of moving into 2008. So far, two images have been posted using this split look with a simple white line to separate two images, one being a bad choice (2007) and one being a good choice (2008). The photography is simple but is artistic and has colors that pop and compliment each other. The photographs depth of field also adds a bit of emotion to the photograph that would be lost if everything was in focus. The photography style has a lot of strong vignetting that adds even more emotion to what could have been a very stiff photograph.

For 2008 I have not really made any resolutions and never really have in the past. I probably would just follow the popular resolutions that everyone seems to take. Things like getting in better shape, eating better, making more money, being happy more often. I don't like to think there is ONE goal that I have to reach, because what if you don't reach it? I like to think that new years resolutions are about bettering yourself and making a positive improvement overall.

*About This Section*
Heres hoping, each Friday I will bring you a Flickr posted photo that represents a word. Sometimes the word will have to do with an event that occurred during the week, or sometimes it will be something totally random. The idea is to expose people to photography and photographers that aren't getting exposed, and to expose photographers that should be getting exposed. It's really just for fun and to see some interesting shoots people have taken.

Opening Day!

This is my first post on my new blog which will work aside my web site and business. I have been involved with photography for a few years now and also have a background in film. I am know Spielberg or Ansel Adams, but I do hope someday to make a career in either path.

Today, for my first blog, I am going to talk about my photography and what is in my bag. (No Pic, but hope to be soon). One thing I always notice about photo websites and blogs is that photographers never really share what is in the bag. Knowing that is one, interesting, and two, a lot of help when trying to find some new equipment. I don't think photographers are shy, it's just not something they share online, but when you meet a photographer in person, they can't stop talking about their new lens or flash, or some other accessory.

So here is what is in my bag...
1. 1-Canon 1D Mark III (The best camera I have ever used)
2. 1-Canon Rebel XT (For fun and to place in dangerous spots)
3. 2-Canon 430EX Flash (They are not at good as the 580s, but i'm on a budget)
4. 1-Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8 (I use this lens for just about everything in terms of sports)
5. 1-Canon EF 28-135mm IS (This is my walk around lens, great and not that expensive)
6. 1-Canon EF 50mm 1.8 (only $60 and great for getting shallow DOF on the cheep)
7. 1-Sigma 10-20mm (For the artistic side, works great for non-action sports shooting)
8. 6-SanDisk Compact Flash Memory Cards (Sized from 512mb to 4gb and from Ultra IIs to Extreme IVs)
9. 1-Quantaray 77mm Polarizer Filter (gets really deep colors when needed)
10. 1-Canon RC-1 IR Remote Control (Shoots IR beams to fire the XT from remote)
11. 1-Bogen/Manfrotto 680B w/ Quick Release (Time saver and back saver on the sidelines)
12. All rapped up in a Quantaray Backpack (Removable dividers and double layer protection)

This is my basic kit. I don't take this with me on every shoot. One thing that makes a good photographer is packing smart, and always having extra batteries.

When planing for a shoot, always think about what you are shooting. High action sports or flowers. You don't need to take a big 70-200mm to shoot flowers. You might not even need a backpack, just a camera and one good walk-around lens. But when going on assignment, overpack if you can. Think about every possible situation that could go wrong, because it's likely one of them will, you just don't know which one. Take at least two high capacity memory cards in the chance that one gets full or one becomes corrupted. Also, for your external flash, granted you have one, you'll need AA batteries, so always keep a set in your bag. Before your shoot, charge you camera's battery. High end DSLRs have a long battery life (up to 10 hrs) but if you are going to doing some intense shooting, you may need to purchase an extra battery, witch depending on your camera, could get expensive. On the camera, if you only have one, thats the one you take, but if you have two, you need to think about luging that other one along. You would hate to travel to a game and have the thing break down, or be doing a wedding and for some reason, the camera wont turn on (did you charge the battery). But bringing another camera body can also allow you to attach another lens so you don't have to switch between the two during a shoot. This will prevent dust from getting on the sensor as well. Planning is the key here, don't take EVERYTHING if you know you wont need it all, but be careful not to leave something you may need behind.

Quick Link
>The Pros and Their Bags<

Travels To The Edge with Art Wolfe

*None of the above links are meant as advertisements. I receive no incentive for you clicking on them, they are just meant to provide information to you.