BorrowLenses.com Gear Review Episode 1
Hispanics Mean Business Promo Video
Hispanics Mean Business (HMB) is an exclusive resource for Hispanic professionals around Northern California to build connections.
Jim Heid’s The Macintosh iLife 09 Book Interview with Frederick Van
Frederick Van interviews photographer and author Jim Heid about his new book release The Macintosh iLife ‘09.
Jim Heid’s The Macintosh iLife 09 Book Promo
Photographer and author Jim Heid talks about his new book release The Macintosh iLife ‘09
Ni Ki Cruz Photography Mediacast [09-199A]: Scott Kelby’s Photo Walk – San Jose
The second annual Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk was held in downtown San Jose. Fifty photographers gathered to spend several hours walking around downtown photographing what the city had to offer. We had the pleasure of walking with photo walk host Frederick Van (http://www.frederickvan.com) to document some of the interaction which took place during the walk.
Ni Ki Cruz Photography Mediacast [09-199C]: Photo Walk Conversation with Joel
The second annual Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk was held in downtown San Jose. Fifty photographers gathered to spend several hours walking around downtown photographing what the city had to offer. We had the pleasure of talking with Joel, one of the participants of the photo walk.
Ni Ki Cruz Photography Mediacast [09-199D]: Photo Walk Conversation with Craig Colvin
The second annual Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk was held in downtown San Jose. Fifty photographers gathered to spend several hours walking around downtown photographing what the city had to offer. We had the pleasure of talking with Craig Colvin of Craig Colvin Photography.com, one of the participants of the photo walk.
Ni Ki Cruz Photography Mediacast [09-199B]: Photo Walk Conversation with Ardail Smith
The second annual Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk was held in downtown San Jose. Fifty photographers gathered to spend several hours walking around downtown photographing what the city had to offer. We had the pleasure of talking with Ardail Smith of Ardail Smith.com, one of the participants of the photo walk.
Ni Ki Cruz Mediacast [09-199E]: Photo Walk Conversation with Steve
The second annual Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk was held in downtown San Jose. Fifty photographers gathered to spend several hours walking around downtown photographing what the city had to offer. We had the pleasure of talking with Steve, one of the participants of the photo walk.
Independence Day Tea Party 2009 with Jeff Barto
Join us as we talk with Jeff Barto, one of the several Independence Day Tea Party organizers responsible for making it became, a event to be part of.
The Silicon Valley Tea Party Patriots is a non-partisan movement aimed at bringing fiscal responsibility, limited government, and the free-market principles that our country was founded on back to government. It's time to stop the politicians from spending money they don't have, stop them from mortgaging the future or our children, and to force them to actually read the legislation they sign. We simply want to bring reason back to government. For more information on the Silicon Valley Tea Party Patriots visit us at www.SiliconValleyTeaParty.com.
Independence Day Tea Party 2009 with Richard Geno
For our Independence Day Tea Party, we had the pleasure to speak with Richard Geno. Richard Geno is the president of The Conservative Forum. Richard provides general oversight of the organization working with each of the board and executive committee members. In addition to his duties as president, Richard is active in the Media Committee, BACORP (college outreach program), and submitting letters to the editor in coordination with the Writers group.
The Silicon Valley Tea Party Patriots is a non-partisan movement aimed at bringing fiscal responsibility, limited government, and the free-market principles that our country was founded on back to government. It’s time to stop the politicians from spending money they don’t have, stop them from mortgaging the future or our children, and to force them to actually read the legislation they sign. We simply want to bring reason back to government. For more information on the Silicon Valley Tea Party Patriots visit us at www.SiliconValleyTeaParty.com.
Silicon Valley Tea Party Patriots
The Silicon Valley Tea Party Patriots are a non-partisan movement aimed at bringing fiscal responsibility, limited government, and the free-market principles that our country was built on back to government. It’s time to stop the politicians from spending money they don’t have, stop them from mortgaging the future or our children, and to force them to actually read the legislation they sign. We simply want to bring reason back to government.
DVD Movies by Anna
OK Anna, you were doing well but it looks like you hit a wall with this one. Here is a good example of the importance of playing with your composition when you have a tough subject. So lets break this image down. First, did you notice all the white space in the image. Was this done for a specific reason?
Notice the focus on this image. Did you lock the focus before taking the shot. The focus seems to be on the top of the targeted subject vice the name. The name Walt has a certain design and flair to it. This would have given the image more life because of its design. Just ask yourself, what was being sold in this image. The limited edition or the title of the movie itself.
I do like the way the overhead light highlights the edges of the DVD cases. This adds a nice dimension to each of the cases. Do you think this image would have look better if you had placed more light on the other DVD spines displaying what titles they are.
Why did you position each DVD case as you did. Did you just pile them on? Did you just find them like that? Placement of your subject is important. You could have aligned each one to play with the titles to create a specific message. If you was just trying to sell the target subject, do you think you should have placed more emphasis on that one. Maybe by placing more light on it to make it stand out more.
Critique Questions for You:
- Is this be best angle you saw for this subject? You have multiple subjects here. Is each one placed correctly to help display your message.
- Was this the best lighting for your subject. You have a good overhead light, but the main fill light is weak. Don’t be afraid to use your flash. If your flash is to bright, go ahead and place a piece of dark fabric in front of it to dim your light. See if that works.
Summary:
- This image was the weakest of the three. It does have some pluses, but it looks like not much thought went into composing this image. Your previous images show you have an eye. And I didn’t see any of that in this one.
- If you are shooting and you don’t feel “it” then don’t shoot. Put your camera down, step away and come back when you are refreshed. Photography is a passion, you are doing more than just taking photos when you press that release button. You are telling a story, you are selling a product, you are trying to grab someone’s attention. Does this image grab your attention.
Next Assignment:
Here is your next assignment, should you choose to accept: (mission impossible theme in background). Sunrise and sunset are one of the most important things which needs to happen in order for us photographer enjoy the golden hour. I want you to take three photos with the following focus in mind.
- Standard Sunset (either wide or narrow focus)
- Any object which the sun is shining on. The object needs to be illuminated in a way which would have its appearance changed because of the sunset.
- A person looking at the sunset. No flash
These photos should be taken during golden hour. This is the hour where the sun is either rising or setting. You can have anywhere between 45 to 90 minutes to take your shot.
If you want more information on the golden hour, please visit this wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_hour_(photography). Good luck Agent Shutterbug. Remember, if you are captured by the photo police and given low ratings on your images, we will disavow you 
You can see more of Anna’s captured images by either visiting her blog http://annasangle.wordpress.com/ or her flickr portfolio at http://www.flickr.com/photos/aivzdogz/.
Other critiqued photos:
Covered Grill by Anna Camcorder by Anna
Camcorder by Anna
Anna, this is an interesting shot. Normally, you would want to capture a product in full glory. That is, covered with strong lighting. A great part of your subject is covered in darkness but you show enough of the subject to give slight hints to its potential. This would be perfect for a teaser advertisement on a new product coming out without telling to much about it.
The placement of your subject is good. It dominates the whole story. You know exactly what it is. You could have also pulled back a lot here if you had some action going on in the background to relate your background to your main subject.
Critique Questions for You:
- Is this be best angle you saw for this subject? What kind of image would you have captured if you either moved yourself around the subject or move the subject around its axis.
- Was this the best lighting for your subject. Light is important. That doesn’t mean that you actually need light, but keep in mind what your message is through the photo. If you are just capturing the image with its inherent message, then just capture it.
Summary:
- In addition to looking for various angles for your subject, you should experiment with how your subject is position in your composition.
- Remember your rule of thirds. They work, this also helps you notice the environment your subject is in.
You can see more of Anna’s captured images by either visiting her blog http://annasangle.wordpress.com/ or her flickr portfolio at http://www.flickr.com/photos/aivzdogz/.
Other critiqued photos:
Covered Grill by Anna DVD Movies by Anna
Covered Grilled by Anna
Here is my response for Anna’s first of three images for her photography assignment. I had asked Anna to photograph three things that a Dad would want or would receive for Father’s Day. Anna was to photograph these objects in a way that would sell the photo with a marketing or advertisement flair. This was chosen because Father’s Day was only a couple of days away.
Anna, I like that you chose the grill. This is completely related to a Dad gift. And you did well to keep it covered, something that is a different look that you would not usually see. This does add a nice little hint of suspense since a Dad would would be dying to figure out what kind is it.
You have good composition, you may have wanted to pull back a bit on the zoom. This would add enough of the environment around your subject to blend. The only thing this image is lacking on is lighting. This photo look like you shot it with heavy overcast. I must have been raining. But you did well with you did. I like what you captured.
Critique Questions for You:
- Is this be best angle you saw for this subject? You shot this with a wooded area as your background. What would it look like if you shot this from the woods toward your subject. What kind shot would you have captured.
- Is this the best lighting you can receive for this subject. If you do not want to move a subject, was this the best time of day to shoot if you have unrestrictive access to your subject.
- Did the tarp cover have any logos or designs you could have taken advantage of in order to enhance the image.
Summary:
- Always look for different angles before you shoot. Unless your subject is moving, then shoot while YOU are moving.
- Look at how the light is washing over your subject. Shoot now and come back when the light changes and shoot again. Hey, it’s digital.
- You did well with capturing this image head on and with the eye level equal to your subject. Because it is covered, this restricts your creativity with changing the viewing angle of your subject.
Anna is a young photographer with a lot of potential in her skill if she wishes to pursue her photography to the next level. I hope she does, she has an eye and just needs to get out there and shoot shoot shoot. You can see more of Anna’s captured images by either visiting her blog http://annasangle.wordpress.com/ or her flickr portfolio at http://www.flickr.com/photos/aivzdogz/.
Other critiqued photos:
Camcorder by Anna DVD Movies by Anna
Ni Ki Cruz Photography Newsletter [09-166]
Ni Ki Cruz Photography Newsletter
Dear Shutterbug
How many ways you can you photograph the same subject. Well, that depends on how you use your equipment. I see many photographers rush to a subject and take that one head-on shot. How depressing when compared to all the potential shots you can capture if you take the time to analyze your subject and its environment. Learn to take your time when taking a photo and learn to force yourself to look at your subject from different angles. Beauty does’t have one view, beauty is hidden and it awaits for you to find it. Never stop shooting.
table of contents
Photography Workshop Mediacast: Using Your Flash to Control Your Light
Photo Tip of the Week: 3 Tips to Getting Sharper Photos (Part 2 of 3)
Camera Equipment and Accessory Reviews: POD The Silver and Blue Pods
Show Us What You Got Reader’s Photo Submission: Ulf Schnittker (Deutschland)
Get Ready for our Next Outdoor Photography Workshop
Follow Us On …
NKCP Photography Workshop Mediacast [09-167]
In this episode we go over the many different ways on how you can use a flash to constantly change the feel and look of your subject.
Here are links to some of the equipment covered in this episode:
Canon 5D Mark II Canon 550EX Speedlite Tamron Telephoto SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro Slik PROFESSIONAL II Tripod Canon OC-E3 Off Camera Shoe Cord 3 Sto-Fen #OM-EY Omni-Bounce
Ni Ki Cruz Photography Workshop Mediacast Trailer
Opening sequence used for the photography workshop mediacast. Please feel free to let me know what you think. I’m always looking for ways to improve.
I’m not sure why but the flash version converted by Blip.tv is not as sharp as the source video. My previous video conversion was of a better quality. You can see the higher resolution by clicking here.
25% off Father’s Day One-on-One Workshop Special
Get your Dad a camera for Father’s Day?! Don’t force him to read the manual and figure out how to properly take photographs with his new toy. They only way he is going to properly learn about his new camera is out in the field.
Make sure your Dad gets the individual attention he needs to learn everything he needs to know about taking awesome photos the whole family can enjoy. Your Dad will learn the basics of scenic nature photographing: location scouting, scene selection, light, composition and the various equipment used.
Reserve your spot now before this offer ends on June 21st
This workshop will provide your Dad with my undivided attention and teaching taylored to his specific needs. The investment of a lifetime for this outdoor workshop is $300 $225, (25% off Father’s Day Special) for a session 3-4 hours. This private session can be arranged at your Dad’s preferred Bay Area locale, or can be chosen between a few scenic Bay Area spots.
Reserve your spot now before this offer ends on June 21st
ATTN San Diego Area Residents: If you live in the San Diego area, I will be there Friday, June 26th thru Wednesday, July 1st to hold my workshops.
Reserve your spot now before this offer ends on June 21st
Once you reserve a spot, we will schedule a date which will work best for your Dad. We can schedule up to 45 days out. So there is no hurry on your part or any pressure to get your training done quickly. This workshop has been designed to be a fun and entertaining day for your Dad.
Canon 5D Mark II Firmware Upgrade and Test
The long awaited firmware upgrade has finally been released. Thank you Canon. I have documented the upgrade download, installation and quick testing of the Canon 5D Mark II. I am sure we will see a lot more production with the Canon 5D.
Show Notes:
Canon Firmware URL: http://www.canon.com/eos-d/
Add to your iTunes: http://nikicruz.blip.tv/rss/itunes
Ni Ki Cruz Photography Newsletter [09-154]
Ni Ki Cruz Photography Newsletter
Dear Shutterbug
Photography isn’t just a hobby or a business, it is a language to its own. Through photography you are able to speak to people across the world and across time without having to say one word. A photo composed properly will show the emotion of both the subject and the photographer. A photographer sees what a photographer sees. And it is not easy to convey that into hundreds or thousands of words where one image would work.
Pick up a camera to share your vision and experience to friends and strangers. Capturing moments is more than just placing memories in a book or in a digital folder. Capturing moments is about telling stories, either about your travels, life or that of your subject. Do your best to always push the envelope of your photography skills, tell a story in the image. Take a photo, and ask a friend what story does it tell them. Compare that to the story you thought you captured. Enjoy.
table of contents
Photography Workshop Mediacast: Canon 5D Mark II Firmware Upgrade and Test
Photo Tip of the Week: 3 Tips to Getting Sharper Photos (Part 1 of 3)
Camera Equipment and Accessory Reviews: Photoflex LiteDisc Circular Reflector, White Translucent, 12″
Show Us What You Got Reader’s Photo Submission: Liz Fisher (Merced, CA)
Get Ready for our Next Outdoor Photography Workshop
Follow Us On …
EOS 5D Mark II Manual Exposure Control Firmware Upgrade
After months of waiting, Canon is announcing that is will soon have a free downloadable firmware upgrade which will provide the freedom to adjust the exposure controls while shooting video. This includes ISO, aperture and shutter speed.
Apple Releases Aperture Update 2.1.3
Apple has released a new update to its Aperture 2 product. The update is recommended for all Aperture 2 users. According to Apple:
This update improves overall stability and provides fixes for issues related to database integrity and compatibility with specific file types. The issues addressed include:
- Nikon images imported directly from a camera now display thumbnails correctly in the Import window.
- Fixed an issue that could cause duplicate image versions to be created after rebuilding a library.
- Fixed a library issue that prevented operation of the Relocate or Consolidate commands in some circumstances.
For detailed information on this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2683
Use of 32 GB CF Cards in Hasselblad cameras
Hasselblad previous advised not to use 32GB CF cards in their cameras. Hasselblad now announces they have a solution and it is now available.
If you own a H3DII-50, you are recommended to download the new firmware version R332 and to install it to the capture unit via Phocus 1.1.3.
Go to Hasselblad USA to download the updated firmware application.
http://www.hasselbladusa.com/service–support/technical-support/firmware-downloads.aspx
Hasselblad temporarily recommends you not to use 32 GB CF cards
As reported by Hasselblad, Hasselblad hereby advices you NOT to use 32 GB CF Cards in our products, until further notice.
At the present time we have verified that images shot on such cards with the H3DII-50 will be corrupted. We have not had this issue reported using any other type of Hasselblad camera, but as a precaution we temporarily recommend all our customers NOT to use 32 GB CF cards.
The issue is not related to certain makes of 32 GB CF cards, but is universal.
We will provide further information as soon as we know a time frame for the solution to this issue.
Get Your Hands on a Nikon D3 for $199 or a Canon EOS 5D MKII for $179
Would you believe you can get your hands on a Nikon D3 for only $199. Or even get a Canon 5D Mark II for only $179. At these prices people would be crashing down the door and stampeding over anyone in their path to get hold as many of these bodies as possible.
If you think there is a catch, well, there is. For these prices, you will have to return these cameras after three days. And that is only if you live in the Bay Area. I have discovered a local Bay Area rental store called Borrow Lenses.com. Borrow Lenses.com, is a Canon and Nikon camera and lens rental outfit. But for those who are not located within the Bay Area, Borrow Lenses.com provides rentals via mail.
But you are probably thinking what the big deal is. How is that going to benefit me. If you look at it carefully, you are able to get the best of both worlds with Borrow Lenses.com. Instead of dishing out 3 to 7 thousand dollars for a high end camera body, why not invest $200 for a three day rental. You have the option to rent any of the camera and lenses and other photography equipment for up to 30 days or more.
If you are just starting out as a photographer, this is the kind of place you are looking for to get your feet wet and to figure out what camera you are really interested in investing in later on down the road. In today’s economy, you don’t have 4 Grand to drop. You don’t even want to put that on your credit card. But investing $200 for a rental provides you with the opportunity to use the equipment for what you need it for and send it back once you are done with it. There is no need for you to worry about breaking it, or maintaining it. Are you one of those people who just likes to get the latest things and then not use them again. Are you seeing where I’m going.
I will start recommending Borrow Lenses.com in my photography workshops for those participants who are interested in learning with the best professional equipment without spending the large professional investments needed to acquire and maintain all this equipment.
With Borrow Lenses.com, you don’t have to wait 10-15 business calendar days to receive your rental equipment. Borrow Lenses.com uses FedEx 2nd Day or FedEx overnight to get that equipment where it belongs, and that is in your hands for you to play with. They cover the entire United States and if you are located in Canada, they have that taken cared of as well. You’ll need to contact them directly to make those arrangements.
With Borrow Lenses.com, you will no longer have to dream about using the greatest and latest equipment. It is finally within your reach, when you want it. But you have to act quickly before someone else beats you to that rental.
If you are a semi-pro that does work on occasion, now you’ll be able to increase your profit margins accordingly because of the low overhead cost for acquiring the right equipment for the specific job you have.
Check out their website and see what equipment you want to start using. I have already placed my order for a 1:1 x5 macro. Saved me $1,200. And you can’t beat that, for now
Don’t forget to let them know you read about Borrow Lenses.com hear. Have fun.
Leaf Bridge of Water Droplets in a Micro-Leaf Forest
These next series of photos where taken during a heavily cloudy, rainy day. I’ll say it again, you do not need a beautiful day to take great photos. As long as you have the correct lenses, flash and know what your equipment is capable of doing, they you have the ingredients to make great photos.
This image and Leaf Bridge of Water Droplets are the same composition except the emphasis is on the Aperture change from f/4 to f/25. When I shoot in f/16 or above, I’ll shoot in Aperture Priority and let the camera figure out the timed exposure.
Leaf Bridge of Water Droplets in a Micro-Leaf Forest
Image Stats: [Canon 5D MII]
| Aperture: f/25 | Shutter: 1.3s | ISO: 100 | Focal: 90mm Macro | Flash: Canon Speedlite 550EX
Leaf Bridge of Water Droplets
These next series of photos where taken during a heavily cloudy, rainy day. I’ll say it again, you do not need a beautiful day to take great photos. As long as you have the correct lenses, flash and know what your equipment is capable of doing, they you have the ingredients to make great photos.
This image and Leaf Bridge of Water Droplets in a Micro-Leaf Forest are the same composition except the emphasis is on the Aperture change from f/25 to f/4.
Leaf Bridge of Water Droplets
Image Stats: [Canon 5D MII]
| Aperture: f/4 | Shutter: 1/60 | ISO: 100 | Focal: 90mm Macro | Flash: Canon Speedlite 550EX
Bright Stemmed Leaf with Water Droplets Spanning Across
These next series of photos where taken during a heavily cloudy, rainy day. I’ll say it again, you do not need a beautiful day to take great photos. As long as you have the correct lenses, flash and know what your equipment is capable of doing, they you have the ingredients to make great photos.
This image is the same composition as Stemmed Leaf with Water Droplets Spanning Across. What is different here is how I positioned the light. You probably noticed that the settings for the previous images haven’t changed. What has changed is the position of the flash.
Bright Stemmed Leaf with Water Droplets Spanning Across
Image Stats: [Canon 5D MII]
| Aperture: f/4 | Shutter: 1/60 | ISO: 100 | Focal: 90mm Macro | Flash: Canon Speedlite 550EX
Stemmed Leaf with Water Droplets Spanning Across
These next series of photos where taken during a heavily cloudy, rainy day. I’ll say it again, you do not need a beautiful day to take great photos. As long as you have the correct lenses, flash and know what your equipment is capable of doing, they you have the ingredients to make great photos.
And as always, I need to take my portrait versions. This is the alternate orientation of the Isolated Focus of Water Droplets on Green Leaf. You can see how the feeling changes.
Stemmed Leaf with Water Droplets Spanning Across
Image Stats: [Canon 5D MII]
| Aperture: f/4 | Shutter: 1/60 | ISO: 100 | Focal: 90mm Macro | Flash: Canon Speedlite 550EX
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