Windows of Photography

Monday, March 28, 2016

Creative Photography

The above image was taken as part of another Steampunk Photographic Workshop shoot. But, after processing this image I found it to be more reminiscent of the Walt Disney Pictures film "The Rocketeer". By increasing the contrast and color saturation I was able to give this image an otherworldly look.

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Metadata: Nikon D3x with a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G lens, Exposer: 1/125s at f/11, IOS: 100 Focal Length: 38mm, Exposure Mode: Manual, Metering Mode: Center Weight, Filter: Ultra Violet, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CSC and Google/Nik Software, Color Efex Pro 4

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Steampunk

The above image was taken as part of a Steampunk Shoot Workshop in late 2013. Steampunk is a sub-genre of fantasy and science fiction. It’s inspired by 19^th century western industrialism (steam-power), the British Victorian era and the American Wild-West. Steampunk is also influenced by the writings of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne.

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Metadata: Nikon D3x with a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G lens, Exposer: 1/125s at f/8.0, IOS: 400, Focal Length: 55mm, Exposure Mode: Manual, Metering Mode: Center Weight, Filter: Ultra Violet, Lighting: (2) Off Camera Paul C. Buff E640 Flash Units, Light Modifiers: Front (1) 22-in. Beauty Dish with 30° Grid, Rear: (1) 48-in. Translucent White Umbrella, Date: 10/12/2013 at 6:44 pm, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CSC and Google/Nik Software, Color Efex Pro 4

Location: N2 Studio
Models: Jessica McDonald and Anthony Renaissance Murray

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Nature's Beauty
(Flowering Garlic Chive)

I photographed these flowering Garlic Chive flowers in Youngsville, Louisiana. The botanical name is “Allium Tuberosum” (commonly referred to as Garlic Chives, Chinese Chives, Oriental Garlic and Chinese Leek). Allium Tuberosum has strap-shaped leaves unlike either onion or garlic, and straight thin white-flowering stalks that are much taller than the leaves. Both the leaves and the stalks of the flowers can be used as a flavoring. This plant also taste more like garlic than chives.

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon AF-S VR Micro NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G lens, Exposer: 1/250s at f/7.1, IOS: 400, Focal Length: 105mm, Exposure Mode: Manual, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Spot, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Unknown, Lighting: Off Camera Speedlight (Nikon SB-800), Date: 08/16/2012 at 4:42 pm, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Nik Software, Color Efex Pro 4

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Wildlife Encounters

During a tour of the Honey Island Swamp in Slidell, Louisiana I photographed this 5-6 ft. alligator in the wild. Many wildlife tours can be a safe and comfortable way to encounter your subjects. Getting a good photograph in the wild is a huge thrill. For me it is like hunting but, the game and I live to encounter each other another day.

Even though I do not hunt with a gun, I do encourage responsible land conservation and wildlife management. And, as much as some may not like hunting, responsible culling is necessary to prevent specie overpopulations.

To learn more about this swamp tour see the Cajun Encounters Tour Company web-site.

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon AF-S VR NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G lens, Exposer: 1/100s at f/8.0, IOS: 640, Focal Length: 300mm, Exposure Mode: Manual, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Matrix, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: 6.31 Meters, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 06/30/2012 at 8:14 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Nik Software – Color Efex Pro 4

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Shades of Gray
(Mississippi River)

I created this image with the idea of featuring the important elements of the Mississippi River, the Crescent City Connection (Greater New Orleans Bridge) and the mid-morning sky. I first processed this image as a color image and I felt nothing. But, when I processed it in Nik Software’s Silver Efex Pro 2 as a black and white image it elevated my interest to an acceptable level. When an image is not working for you in post-processing you should consider using another approach.

You can learn more about the Crescent City Connection at Wikipedia.

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24-120mm f/2.8G lens, Exposer: 1/800s at f/6.3, IOS: 400, Focal Length: 55mm, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Matrix, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Infinity, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 01/17/2012 at 9:51 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5 & Nik Software - Silver Efex Pro 2

Friday, February 1, 2013

It's A Small World

It has been awhile since I posted a Tilt-Shift image. I took the above photograph during the 2012 PPA conference in New Orleans. In the days of film Tilt-Shift photography was done using a Perspective Control lens. Perspective Control lens are somewhat expensive and there use is limited. Today you can create Tilt-Shift images using software like Adobe Photoshop. The above Tilt-Shift image was done in post-processing using Adobe’s Photoshop CS5. Adobe added a specific Tilt-Shift function to Photoshop CS6. In Photoshop CS6 the Tilt-Shift function is located in the top left pull-down menu (Filter>Blur>Tilt-Shift). In conclusion; Tilt-Shift photography can be interesting and a lot of fun.

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G lens, Exposer: 1/20s at f/6.3, IOS: 200, Focal Length: 58mm, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Matrix, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Infinity, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 01/17/2012 at 8:01 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Nik Software Color Efex Pro 4

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Nature's Beauty (Periwinkle)

The Periwinkle (aka: Vinca - Latin: vincire “to bind, fetter”) is native to Europe, northwest Africa and Southwest Asia. Avid gardeners in Asia, Europe, India and the United States have been cultivating Periwinkles for centuries. Periwinkles had also been grown in the past by herbalists in the belief of their medicinal properties. Periwinkles grow best in warm climates.

See the following Wikipedia link to learn more about the Periwinkle (Vinca).

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon AF-S VR Micro NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G lens, Exposer: 1/125s at f/4.5, IOS: 200, Focal Length: 105mm, Exposure Mode: Manual, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Matrix, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: 0.8 Meters, Lighting: Off Camera Speedlight (Nikon SB-800), Date: 06/27/2012 at 7:10 pm, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Nik Software, Color Efex Pro 4

Friday, January 11, 2013

Wedding Photography with a Vision

Wedding photography today can be non-conventional and even a little edgy. Many clients want to stand-out from the rest. For me, today’s wedding photography is much more artistic and creative and I love the idea of creating something different, even breaking the mold from time to time. Too many photographers believe that clients will tend to select a wedding photographer base on price. But, I know that most clients are looking for a vision and guidance. If you can sell your vision, they will tend to find the budget. Your portfolios must show your best work and, more importantly you must be able to deliver on the vision your portfolios display consistently. That being said, if you wish to be a successful wedding photographer you must learn how to listen and work with your clients while still staying true to your photographic style. For me there is nothing better than making newly wedded couples happy while being artistically creative and getting paid for it at the same time.

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G lens, Exposer: 1/250s at f/8.0, IOS: 640, Focal Length: 120mm, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Pattern, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Infinity, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 02/25/2012 at 4:57 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Nik Software Color Efex Pro 4

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New Morning, New Year, New Beginning

I don’t have any images that would overtly celebrate the start of this New Year. But, when I was searching for an image to share on the first day of this New Year I came across the above photograph. I remember it well. It was early morning and the start of what would turned-out to be a successful day of photographing captivating images with my wife and daughter. We slowly walked the narrow streets of the French Quarter taking in the sights and sounds. We laughed, talked and enjoyed great New Orleans cuisine together as a family. Now my daughter is away at college most of the time and my wife and I seem to be busier than ever with our careers. So, that being said and New Year’s Day representing the start for new beginning. I have decided that when we are able to get together we should make to most of that time. Just as we did the morning I took the above photograph.

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G lens, Exposer: 1/500s at f/5.3, IOS: 200, Focal Length: 66mm, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority, Exposure Bias: -1.00 EV, Metering Mode: Matrix, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Infinity, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 08/04/2009 at 7:43 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Nik Software Color Efex Pro 4

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Streetcar

When I was at the Imaging USA 2012 (PPA) conference and expo in New Orleans I captured the above image. New Orleans is a great city for photography. New Orleans blends the charm of the Deep South and an amalgam of the history of Europe.

To learn how I processed the above photograph see my post from May the 18th, 2012: Little RED Streetcar

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G lens, Exposer: 1/25s at f/6.3, IOS: 200, Focal Length: 120mm, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Pattern, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Infinity, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 01/16/2012 at 8:23 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Nik Software Silver Efex Pro 2

Friday, December 14, 2012

Keeping It Real with HDR

While most HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography is beautiful, fascinating and sometimes even surreal looking, it does not in most cases represent the reality that the human eye sees. I decided to create the above HDR photographs to illustrate the clarity, depth of details and color saturations that can be brought-out in a more realistic looking image when using this type of photography. I did very little post processing of the above images except of course for the combining of (5) frames to produce each HDR image. The clarity, depth of details and color saturations in these HDR photographs are due to the multi-frame Exposure Biases (-2.00 to 2.00) of each HDR image. There is a large range of possibilities for creativity when using High Dynamic Range imaging.

For more information see Wikipedia: High Dynamic Range Imaging

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G lens, Exposure: Multiple Exposures at f/11.0, IOS: 200, Focal Length: (Top: 48mm – Middle Image: 29mm – Bottom Image: 70mm), Exposure Mode: Manual, Exposure Bias: -2.00 to 2.00 EV in (5) Frames, Metering Mode: Spot, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Infinity, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 12/01/2012 at 10:18 am to 10:29 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Nik Software HDR Efex Pro 2

Friday, December 7, 2012

Shades of Gray
(Neutral Density Filter with a Bounce)

I had a lot going on in the above photograph. Using a friends B+W 3.0 Neutral Density 110 filter and bouncing the image off of the reflection of the ground-level slanted windows of the Pennzoil building in Houston, I created this image. This was the first time I used a Neutral Density filter. With the ND filter and a 30 second exposer I was able to create a somewhat surreal image. Besides the ND filter I used a tri-pod and I set the 10 second shutter release delay on my camera to reduce camera shake. I also set my aperture to f/11 for image clarity and my ISO to 200. Before attaching the ND filter to my lens I auto-focused my image and then switched the lens to manual. The ND 110 filter is too dark to focus through the lens after it is attached. My Nikon D3 camera also allows me to close the viewfinder to protect the image process from any light leaking in during the long exposer. I really like the effect that the Neutral Density filter produced in this image. I will defiantly be doing this again.

For exposures longer than 30 seconds; set your camera to bulb. You will also need a remote cable release and a stopwatch to time the exposure.

See the B+W Neutral Density (ND) web-site for additional information.

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G lens, Exposer: 30s at f/11.0, IOS: 200, Focal Length: 50mm, Exposure Mode: Manual, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Spot, Filter: B+W 3.0 Neutral Density 110, Subject Distance: Infinity, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 12/01/2012 at 9:53 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Nik Software Silver Efex Pro 2

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Silverback Gorilla

I photographed this big guy at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, Louisiana. Unfortunately for me and this Silverback Gorilla I will most likely never have the opportunity to photograph Gorillas in the wild. Zoo’s and Nature Institute’s like the one in New Orleans provide photographers the opportunities to photograph animal species that in most cases would be unavailable to the average photographer. I will always jump at every opportunity to photography animals in the wild. But, I take soloist in the fact that these institutions provide an invaluable service to preserving wildlife species that are disappearing, mostly from poaching and wildlife encroachment.

To learn more see the Audubon Nature Institute’s web-site.

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon AF-S VR NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G lens, Exposer: 1/160s at f/8.0, IOS: 800, Focal Length: 300mm, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Pattern, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: 9.44 Meters, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 09/02/2012 at 11:26 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Nik Software – Color Efex Pro 4

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Shades of Gray

I created the above photograph as part of the “Photography Skills Building of Houston – Meetup Group”. The title of the groups challenge was “Shooting Portraits and Dealing with Harsh Light”. This Meetup group is dedicated to helping photographers develop their skills and knowledge of photography. To go beyond point, shoot and pray. The organizers of the group Michael and Scott put in the time and effort required to conduct a successful Meetup session. This Meetup group’s objective is to educate and share the skills that will take any photographer to the next level. As a photographer and especially as an Art Photographer I know the only way to move to the next level is to challenge myself, to take on new experiences and photographic projects. This Meetup group does just that. If you live in the Houston, Texas area you should consider attending one of the Photography Skills Building of Houston – Meetup sessions.

Meetup Group: Photography Skills Building of Houston

To learn more go to the Only Katy - Mary Jo Peckham Park web-site.

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens, Exposer: 1/200s at f/5.0, IOS: 200, Focal Length: 70mm, Exposure Mode: Manual, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Spot, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Infinity, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 11/17/2012 at 11:39 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS6 & Nik Software - Silver Efex Pro 2

Monday, November 19, 2012

A Last Look at Spring 2012

The weather is cooling, the grass growth is slowing and the leaves are falling. Fall is here and winter is near. So, I thought I would take a last look at spring before years end. There could be nothing more spring then youth, sunshine and wildflowers.

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G lens, Exposer: 1/500s at f/10.0, IOS: 1000, Focal Length: 170mm, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Pattern, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: 5.01 meters, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 03/31/2012 at 9:30 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Nik Software Color Efex Pro 4

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Nature's Beauty

The above Daylily (Hemerocallis) was photographed in Youngsville, Louisiana at the home of my sister-in-laws (Denise). Denise has been successfully cultivating and hybridizing Daylily for many years. Daylilies are a perennial plant. The name Hemerocallis is derived from the Greek words “day” and “beautiful”. A Daylily bloom will typically last for only one day. However, a new Daylily bloom will continue to open on cut stems for several days. Depending on the species of Daylily they can grow in USDA plant zones 1 through 11.

See the following Wikipedia link to learn more about the Daylily.

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon AF-S VR NIKKOR 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G lens, Exposer: 1/30s at f/5.6, IOS: 280, Focal Length: 120mm, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Pattern, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: 0.79 Meters, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 08/07/2009 at 9:03 pm, Post Processing: ACDSee Photo Editor 2008

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Shades of Gray

The above photograph was taken at the corner of Chartres Street and St. Peter Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. When I composed this image through the viewfinder I used the top of the building and the tapering distance of St. Peter Street to create a downward slope from top left to right bottom. I knew that the slopping angle and the various building heights would add interest for the viewer. I also did this because there were cars parked on the left-side of St. Peter Street. I found that the automobiles were distracting and would have negatively impacted my desired photograph. For me, my photographic art technic starts before I press the shutter release on my camera.

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Technical Data: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G lens, Exposer: 1/50s at f/6.3, IOS: 100, Focal Length: 90mm, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Pattern, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Infinity, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 01/16/2012 at 8:50 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5 & Nik Software - Silver Efex Pro 2

Friday, November 2, 2012

The Copyright Act of 1790 was the first federal copyright act in the United States. This Act granted authors the sole right and liberty to print, reprint and publish copies of their work for a term of 14 years. The copyright holders also had a right to renew their copyrights for an additional 14 year term if the copyright holder was still living.

The Copyright Act of 1909 introduced the copyright symbol © in the United States. To have a valid statutory copyright it had to be attached to original published works with a notice of copyright affixed. If a work was published without a copyright notice, legally no copyright protection was provided and the work became part of the public domain.

The Copyright Act of 1976 did not go into effect until January 1, 1978. With the implementation of this Act in the United States, copyright authorship is recognized as soon as it is produced. This Act includes tangible form of expression that can be perceived, reproduced and/or communicated. The Copyright Act of 1976 defines works of authorship and the following; literary, music, sound recordings, dramatic works, pantomimes and choreographic, pictorial, graphic and sculptural, motion pictures and audiovisual. In 1990 Architectural works was added to the ACT.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) was passed by Congress in 1998 and became law in 2000. The Act addressed the demands of the Digital Age and aligned U.S. law with the World Intellectual Property Organization and world treaties.

To create a Copyright symbol on a PC: Hold down the Alt key while keying the numbers 0169

To create a Copyright symbol on a MAC: Enter Option + G

To learn more about the Copyright Acts see the following:

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