frozentimes.net

Did some experimenting with HDR.

2007-12-ijmuiden-042-HDR.jpg

And for a first shot I have to say that I am pleased with the result. For those who are not familiar with HDR please come back later. I intend to write an article on this subject.

But in short I can explain the principle. HDR stands for “High Dynamic Range”. Black is not just black and white is not just white. There are different shades of black and white. In photography we refer to different shades of grey (stops).

Film sees the world differently than our eyes do. One of the challenges of photography is learning what those differences are so we can successfully put our vision on film. The human eye sees millions of colors and color variations at the same time. The eye sees all shades of white: off-white, cream, egg, ecru, soft-white, etc. Same for colors such as purple, magenta, pink, auburn, fire engine red, orange, sunset orange, and so on. The palette of colors available for oil paints is not as varied as the eye can see. Film is more limited.
Read the rest of the article – ‘My first HDR images’

Last weekend, I finally decided to upgrade my gear. I drove to my preferred camera shop in the other end of Holland with my pocket filled with money. I was determined to by the latest edition of Canons xxD series. The 40D. I was curious about it’s new features and had been playing with this body for a while inside my head.

On my list were also several new lenses, because i had decided that I would upgrade my glass to F/2.8 all the way. So I did my research on the Internet and made a short list of combinations that I could buy.

I was eager for the Canon EF-S 17-55mm F/2.8 iS USM, and the Canon EF-S 10-22mm F/3.5-4.5 USM, in combination with my new 40D. But this left a gap between 55mm and my Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 USM. So I also had an eye on the Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8 L USM.

When we arrived at the camera shop (Kamera-express.nl), (Yes, we. My wife accompanied me for moral support), we were welcomed with a nice cup of coffee in the prof room at the back of the shop. And I was sitting at a large table looking at three bodies. My own 20D (which I brought for comparison), a new 40D and a 5D.
Read the rest of the article – ‘Got a new kit – Canon EOS 5D’

After 5 years of marriage I thought it would be appropriate to come up with a nice present for my wife Joan and especially something to remember. So I surprised her with a weekend-trip to Vienna.

Read the rest of the article – ‘Vienna 2007′

Just returned from our trip to Firenze (Florance) and Roma (Rome). Traveling two weeks by car through beautifull Italy. We decided to go on this trip just two weeks before we actually left so we had a lot of last minute arangements to make but at the end everything fell into place and we had a smooth trip.

Read the rest of the article – ‘Roma and Firenze 2007′

2007-07_NSJ2007_008.jpg

2007-07_NSJ2007_002.jpg

I went to the North Sea Jazz Festival 2007 in Rotterdam. On Friday and Sunday. On the Internet there were a lot of warnings not to bring a professional camera. So stupid me, listened to this advice. And there I was watching and listening to these wonderful acts. But no real camera. Completely surrounded by other people who did bring their dSLR cameras. Okay not real big lenses (besides the press-photographers) but still they did bring their cameras.

So I decided that I had to take my chance and go again. Bought tickets for the Sunday and two days later we were standing with my Canon 20D at the entrance of North Sea Jazz. And no security check at all.

I left my big lens in the car and started to play with my 50mm f/1.4 to see what result I would get. Luckily I was able to walk all the way up to the stage and enjoyed Ronald Snijders.
After a funky show we decided to go back to the car and get the ‘big’ lens, my 70-200 1:2.8. Again no checks at the entrance and I was able to get through the gate with no problems at all.
Read the rest of the article – ‘North Sea Jazz 2007′

So you got your folders organized? You have given your photofiles a name that does make sense (to you)? And you are still not able to find this very special shot that you made several years ago?

Start using keywords…..

Read the rest of the article – ‘Organizing your photos (part 3)’

When you have setup your folder structure, you are ready to move to the next step.
Read the rest of the article – ‘Organizing your photos (part 2)’

I was always frustrated with the fact that  my ‘standard’ lens was too dark. So I went looking for a new lens with a bigger opening. I wanted to be able to shoot without flash. So I had three options….

Read the rest of the article – ‘EF 50mm f/1.4 USM’

-Ever wondered how to make a macro photo?
-Ever wondered how they manage to take that beautiful photo of the scary insect?
-Ever wondered how to do macro?
So did I, and therefore I started a quest to discover the wonders of close-up photography.

Read the rest of the article – ‘Closer, closer, ouch! That’s too close.’

Trying to look for the needle in the haystack? Got lost in your archive? Want to know why the world is turning?

Hmm I’m reluctant to answer the latter, but I do have some ideas on the first issue.

Read the rest of the article – ‘Organizing your photos (part 1)’