Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Lightroom 2 Nikon Color Preset

Camera calibration setting within Lightroom 2 by comparing against View NX

Being accustom to Capture NX / View NX the switch to Lightroom 2 had some quirks. One which really irritated me was Lightroom "removing" default in camera Nikon colors from your images. Through some fine tuning on the Camera Calibration within Lightroom 2 you can get close to 98% of your original in camera Nikon color back. All you need to do is head on down to Lightroom Develop section and click on the camera calibration module. The adjustments which I made were:

Profile: ACR 4.4
Shadows: 0

Red Primary
Hue: 0
Saturation: -30

Green Primary
Hue: +10
Saturation: +15

Blue Primary
Hue: 0
Saturation: -25

Please note that the above adjustments were done according to my own preference. You can use the adjustments above as a base for further fine tuning to your liking. Once you are done you can save this adjustments as a preset which would enable you to apply changes on a global level / to a batch of images. Follow the image below to create a preset.


Sunday, March 29, 2009

DCIM 2009

Overall it was a successful event. The organizers did a good job and the response was great. The crowd was fantastic and so were the models. Nikonian Academy was manning the Nikon Creative Lighting System booth. Jeslyn was the model for Day 3 which is today which is also the last day for the event. Check out the images from the event documented using D700 with Nikkor 35mm f/2 lens.

Big Guns at Nikons Booth

Jeslyn being shot at

Jeslyn being shot at

Leah one of the Pro Trainers at the Nikonian Academy with a prospect

Freezing Motion

Red chillies 4
© Photographer: Braendan | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Freezing motion is easy, all you need is to keep your shutter speed between 125 - 250 when you are using off camera flash and if you are using natural light ensure you are using shutter speed 250 and above depending on the speed of your subject. The rule of thumb is the faster your shutter speed the better it gets at freezing motion.

I normally shoot in manual mode which gives me more control over the end image result. Using manual mode is easier than you think. Below is a 3 step proceed which I use when I am using manual mode for studio shots:

Red chillies 3

© Photographer: Braendan | Agency: Dreamstime.com
  • First Determine the Aperture - Before I press the shutter I already have a conceptual idea on the depth of field which I require on a particular subject matter. Take the above subject for example, where I needed to ensure the entire subject is in focus hence I used a smaller aperture e.g. f/11
  • Secondly Determine the Shutter Speed - When it comes to using off camera flash such as shots above my shutter speed would range between 125 - 250 where 250 is the maximum sync speed between your shutter and your off camera flash.
  • Thirdly the ISO - For studio shots the ISO would normally not exceed 200. I notice even for FX if you using anything above ISO 200 when some post processing is applied to the images you may notice noise in the dark areas which is a no no for microstock. So try to keep it at ISO 200 or below.
  • Lastly the Flash output - Not everyone runs around with a light meter so follow the above steps first then adjust your flash output till you have achieved the desired results.


Tips 1: When shooting outdoors or natural light set your ISO first then your aperture then change your shutter speed to achieve the desired exposure. Remember this:
  • Aperture - Used to separate your subject from the background and foreground. So the smaller your aperture number (f/1.4 - f/4) the more blurred your background and foreground would be.
  • Shutter Speed - Use to demonstrate or freeze motion. The faster the shutter speed the better it is at freezing motion. Use 125 - 250 when you have off camera lighting and 250 and above when you use natural lighting.
  • ISO - Your cameras sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO e.g. 1000 - 6400 the more sensitive it is to light which is useful when shooting under low light condition without flash. However high ISO does also increase noise in your images which can be undesirable depending on what your want.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Imitation or Fake Nikon Batteries

There seems to be a spike of Fake or Imitation Nikon batteries flooding the market. This spike got me worried as well so I decided to do some research on the net and made comparisons with the Nikon batteries I have. From what I know the existence of imitation products has been verified by Nikon for the following Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, EN-EL8, EN-EL10,EN-EL5,EN-EL1, EN-EL2 and EN-EL3.

Since I have 2 units of the EN-EL3e I shall show the analysis base on that. From my understanding an original EN-EL3e battery must have all of the below criteria (Both samples below should be original batteries):


  • Authentic Nikon battery has a bolder font.
  • Original seal MUST have 4 notches and gold in color.
  • ALL EN-EL3e Batteries are made in Japan and NOT China. (I could be wrong on this)
For more information on the rest of the affected batteries you can check out this site.

Friday, March 27, 2009

New DX Lens: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 10-24mm 3.5-4.5G ED DX?


This is coming out hot on the net. It's either the real thing or the guys which posted this seems to be very good at photo manipulation. I notice the alignment of the numberings 24 20 18 looks misaligned which could signal a possible fake. What say you? Images were taken from the forum here.

Dreamstime Image for pjonline.com


Among 1500 images sold via Dreamstime on the net till date I manage to find this on google. It's being use for an article on pjonline.com. It's kind of cool to see your images being used commercially on an international level. I truely believe that only microstock agencies would be able to provide average joe photographers like me with such exposure.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Scarlet by Red are you ready for it?

On November 13th, 2008, RED Digital Cinema shocked the world with a new concept camera system. Although sharing the name with the camera introduced at NAB in April '08, Scarlet is part of perhaps the most industrious undertaking in the history of photography and cinematography. Based on a modular system and defined by the moniker DSMC (Digital Still & Motion Camera), Scarlet blurs the line between still and motion capture.

There will be 4 models of Scarlet, one a 2/3" 3K fixed lens 8X camera, the other three being interchangeable lens bodies with 2/3" 3K, S35 5K and FF35 6K sensors. The modular concept of Scarlet allows the user to add handles, battery modules, expansion I/O modules, finders, media and support systems to fit the user's needs, while allowing full upgrade ability for future technologies. 5 months later after the above announcement we got this .......

Above and below are the latest image circulating the net. The prototype of scarlet (looks like a baby terminator no?) and the image which comes with it below.

Shot on Scarlet 2/3" proto with the new RED PRO 85mm PL... shot at 3k@24fps, T5.6

Shot on Scarlet 2/3" proto with proto 25mm mini-RED Prime... shot at 3k @24fps 1/48th

Red Website:

  1. Product Link here
  2. FAQ on what 3k, 4k, 5k, 6k is all about here

Breaking the illusive USD 200 a month barrier


I finally manage to break the USD 200 a month barrier. I had two close encounter in October and February all near misses. But the sales this month were better than expected. The next big question is whether I will be able to maintain it consistently for the coming months.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Game On: The battle for Crop Sensor (APS-C) market space

Canon EOS 500D

Well looks like the current economic condition is driving both Camera and lens manufacturer to focus on releasing products for the mass market. If Nikon DSLR market statistics are right then Canon should not be far off. This is further reinforce by the press releases from Canon and Tamron. Yesterday and today we saw the release of:
  • The EOS 500D from Canon and an entry level 270EX flashgun to go with it.
  • Tamron releasing SP AF60mm F/2.0 Di II LD (IF) MACRO lens for APS-C (Crop sensor)
Given this news, there is even more buzz that Nikon would be announcing something soon enough. If last was Full Frame Sensor DSLR year this year will be the year for Crop Sensors DSLR.

Tamron SP AF60mm F/2.0 Di II LD (IF) MACRO
Canon 270EX Speedlite

Press Release here: Canon & Tamron

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Lightroom 2 Book for Digital Photographers


I recently switched workflow from a ViewNX / Capture NX combo to Lightroom / Photoshop combo. I personally found the new combination to be more efficient and faster especially when it comes to the management of bulk images. I won't go further into the which one is more superior or this software can do that while the other one cannot debate.

The more I use the more question I had, which lead me scouring the internet for information which lead to even more questions than I originally had. Some of the Lightroom 2 questions which were bugging me:
  • How should I organize my files now that I am using Lightroom? Should I keep it in a proper folder with proper categorization or should I just import / move all the folders via the Lightroom import option?
  • Stupid questions like what happens after I import and I delete the files or I move it?
  • How do I apply batch or global corrections? Can it do like what Capture NX batch process can? Is it faster? or worse?
  • What happen to my Nikon colors? What has Ligthroom done to it? Why is it different?
  • A tons of other questions which will take another 2 page to add.
So I took some time to visit the local bookstore. I spent an hour browsing through a few Lightroom 2 books, while some were decently good in explanation others were downright confusing. When I look at the first few pages of this book I knew this was the one I needed. Why you may ask?
  • Step by Step Guide - I was looking at a book which would tell me how should I proceed in the organization of my images for long term. I found it here. I like to questions things or how its done so what I liked was it told me what to do and what not to do and most importantly why that was the best way, which at this stage was what I actually needed.
  • Structure - The book is structured just like how Lightroom is structured so you will feel like someone is actually by your side walking you through the software. It guides you from the very beginning Library -> Develop -> Slideshow -> Print -> Web.
  • Language & Style - Scott Kelby is no stranger to the Adobe community and his witty / plain simple easy to understand makes it interesting.
  • Experience - Unlike traditional text book style writing Scott incorporates a lot of real world examples, sharing his workflow and experience. He is tell you upfront the problems he has faced so you will learn from his mistakes.
So for the price of RM 171.90 from your local bookstore it will give you the knowledge and the edge you need to survive competitively as a digital photographer. I got mine at Borders Bookstore in Tropicana Mall (Last two books left).

P/S: Did the book answer all my questions? well I am still reading it and so far it's getting interesting.

Monday, March 23, 2009

KL Tower Wedding Fair

Was at the KL Tower Wedding Fair yesterday and it was fun. The numbers in our team made up for the time. The entire day were documented using Nikon D700 with Nikkor 35mm f/2. Enjoy the pictures.



The image below correspond to what photographers do with time and camera on their hands. They engulf themselves with a shootout and some chimping activities.

PJ with her Finepix

John Seah with the bigger guns (D700 + 70-200mm f/2.8)

PC with D700 + 70-200mm f/2.8

After a long day at the event we adjourned to the Pavilion and had dinner at Dragon-I.



9# Microstock Series - Keywords


Apart from the creative barriers of photography a Microstock photographer has to also face another barrier...the dreaded Key wording process. The correct keywords could mean a sale or just another image that the buyer could not find.

So how could you possibly think of all the keyword combination? it's easy. Just follow these simple steps:
  1. Category - where does your image fit.
  2. Once you have that think of a few keywords which you feel represents that image. The more keywords the better but I tend to get stuck at around 5 keywords. Can't even get one? Don't fret, you can use the key word from the category itself.
  3. Once you have the keywords run them through a thesaurus which in turn produces loads of other keywords.
  4. Select which best represents your images and submit!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Bangkok

Wat Prakew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Another belated holiday escapade post closer to home. If you have not been to Bangkok you should as it has a way to your heart. You can relate to its beauty in many ways and its suitable for everyone. It has one of the best "adult" entertainment spots and marathon shopping sprees that will make you cringe in horror.

We stayed at Asia Hotel Bangkok which we choose because of the location. It has direct link with the Ratchathewi sky train station and walking distance to MBK and Siam Square.

River Boat (Another Mode of Transport through the City)

Bustling City Life (A View from the Top)

Chatuchak Market (Go early to avoid the crowd)

Refreshing Young Coconut

Steamboat or Suki

Sizzler at MBK Mall (Love the salad bar)

Saturday, March 21, 2009

8# Microstock Series - Body Parts

Jumping

© Photographer: Braendan | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Not sure about other Microstock sites but body parts seem to do well on Dreamstime and the best part is they do not require model release. So what are you waiting for get your family members involve in the process it not only helps you make money it brings you closer as a family.


Happy Feet II
© Photographer: Braendan | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Friday, March 20, 2009

Hold your horses

Guys,


I do not know how true it is as it's still a rumor but hold your horses if you are planning to purchase a D90 or D300 soon. Word from the grapevine is that the D400 is coming equip with a 15.3MP CMOS sensor and full HD capabilities. Nikon has placed emphasis on DX market given the current market condition so you have waited this long what is another month or less till the official announcement going to make. Will keep you all posted ones its confirm.

Cheers,
B.

7# Microstock Series - Models

Post-it notes
© Photographer: Braendan | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Where do you get models which will allow you to sell their images online for a low cost? The models are called family. I "use" my family as often as I can whenever possible. If you don't use them who will right? So what are you waiting for, you cannot build an online microstock portfolio and expect it to do well without even attempting to include the human element into it right?


Foot Reflexology Series 2
© Photographer: Braendan | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Thursday, March 19, 2009

6# Microstock Series - Find your images


Since I started selling images online, I tend to wonder from time to time who uses it or even how its used. Well, there are few ways to locate your images in the world wide web. You can search for it using keywords e.g. "Braendan Dreamstime" or you can try using TinEye.

TinEye is a reverse image search engine. You can submit an image to TinEye to find out where it came from, how it is being used, if modified versions of the image exist, or to find higher resolution versions. TinEye is the first image search engine on the web to use image identification technology rather than keywords, metadata or watermarks.

It sounds promising, though my image searches have not been successful maybe you will have better luck. Although not perfect it is another avenue for you to find your images online. BTW registration is required but its free.

Pre-wedding Lens Selection for Full Frame

A friend asked me today since I am an avid Nikon user and I have done a couple of pre-weddings what would my lens choice be. I told him in order of preference and frequency of use my lens choices would be:
  • AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED (Used 50% of the time)
  • AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED (Used 30% of the time)
  • AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED (Used 20% of the time)
  • AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED (I don't have this but if I did it will be used a lot more frequent than the existing 14-24 which I have)
Although I have an assortment of other lenses I still ended up using the above selection the most. Please note that the above selection is for FX only. If I were to go back in time I would have placed a higher priority and purchased the 17-35mm first and then the 14-24. Why?
  • It's cheaper
  • It accepts filters not only your traditional UV or Clear filter but CPL filters as well
  • Zoom range is perfect for events.
  • The 14-24mm built in hood is not that good. At 14mm the lens protrudes from the hood (sides). So if you get hit from the side during an event its going to hurt. So be extra careful. I tend to get clumsy with 2 bodies.
Don't get me wrong the optical quality of the 14-24 is legendary and it's just a matter of personal preference. Would I trade it for a 17-35? Of course not. If you are going FX the 14-24 is a must have. If you are a Canon user I believe the most frequently used wedding lens would be (Jerry Ghonis & Marcus Bell uses the below combination):
  • Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L
  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L
  • Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L (Yervant uses this alot)
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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Mauritius

Something a little belated. Went to Mauritius for our honeymoon. If you have not been there you should put it on your list of places to visit. Its a beautiful place I'd say heaven on earth. Once you see the blue skies there its never that blue where you live. All images were shot using Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 lens with a B+W KSM Circular Polarizer (CPL). I will let the pictures do the talking.

Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel (We stayed here)
17mm|1/250|f/7.1|ISO200



Jetty at our hotel
17mm|1/500|f/7.1|ISO200

Jetty at our hotel
17mm|1/250|f/7.1|ISO200

Grand Bay
17mm|1/3200|f/2.8|ISO200

Grand Bay
17mm|1/3200|f/2.8|ISO200

Grand Bay
17mm|1/1600|f/2.8|ISO200

Sugar Plantation
19mm|1/500|f/7.1|ISO200

Diving Platform
20mm|1/500|f/7.1|ISO200


All the sets are here at my flickr site.

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