Monthly Archives: November 2007
Where do you call home?
As I was sitting in my den last week I glanced over at the world globe sitting on my floor and started to take note of all the places that I’ve visited either for business or pleasure. I’ve been pretty lucky with my job to be able to visit other countries, and while they were fun and exciting places to visit I was always grateful to come home. There’s nothing like coming home to a place you can call your own and be surrounded by people and things you enjoy.
With the internet age, this world has gotten smaller. I met a great photographer a few months ago while I was in San Francisco who is from Australia. We keep in contact and comment frequently on each others blogs and flickr streams. I”m amazed at how simple it is these days for people with a common interest to keep in touch.
Feel free to leave a comment to let me know where you call home?
Canon XTi
Canon EF-100mm f/2.8 Macro lens
ISO 200
1/30 second
f/2.8
Baby
Canon XTi
Canon EF-18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
ISO 400
1/3200 second
f/5.0
Try Before You Buy
It’s no secret that camera gear is expensive. Renting is a good way to try before you buy. I recently rented a Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens from www.LensRentals.com. I have rented from them in the past and haven’t had any problems with gear being out of stock.
During my two week rental I learned a valuable lesson, macro shooting is not my “cup of tea”. This is a great lens and provides some amazing clear shots. If your thinking of investing some serious money in a lens or camera body try renting, you may be surprised what you find.
Canon XTi
Canon EF-100mm f/2.8 Macro lens
ISO 200
1/125 second
f/2.8
Tepee
Canon XTi
Canon EF-24-105mm f/4.0L lens
ISO 100
1/250 second
f/8.0
Great Salt Lake Reflection
Taken heading south while on approach to the Salt Lake City International Airport. I normally sit in an aisle seat but the window seat was the only seat available. This was one trip I was grateful for a window seat.
Canon XTi
Canon EF-24-105mm f/4.0L lens
ISO 100
1/320 second
f/8.0
Walk On
Canon XTi
Canon EF-24-105mm f/4.0L lens
ISO 400
1/15 second
f/4.0
Photowalking Salt Lake City #3
It’s time for another photowalk, this will be my fourth one in five weeks. My motivation for going is to socialize and learn from talented photographers and hopefully share with others something I’ve learned. Bring a friend and come prepared to have fun.
The third photowalk is scheduled for Saturday November 17th. We will be walking around the historic downtown district in Provo. Interesting sites include:
- Provo Tabernacle
- Utah County Courthouse
- Pioneer Park
- Countless sidewalk shops and such
The group will be meeting in the Southeast corner of the Albertson’s parking lot located at 560 W Center Street (Provo) at 4:00 pm. We will then head Eastward toward the courthouse area. If you have a tripod, it will be helpful. We will have about an hour of light before darkness sets in.
Again, these events are very non-competitive and ANY photographer is welcome to attend regardless of their skill level or camera equipment. This is a great way to introduce a friend to photography – so please invite one!
In recap, here are the details:
What: Photowalk #3
When: Saturday November 17th. 4:00 – 6:00(ish) pm
Where: Downtown Provo. Meet at 560 W. Center Street.
Who: Anyone!
For more information, visit the our Flickr group at www.flickr.com/groups/photowalkslc. For questions you can contact me at scott[at]scottosmith.com
Canon XTi Canon EF-24-105mm f/4.0L lens ISO 2001/60 second f/4.0
Photowalking San Francisco Downtown
While in San Francisco this week on business I was able to attend Photowalking Downtown with Thomas Hawk and others. Were all met in the lobby of the Hilton Financial District which was the hotel I was staying in. While waiting in the lobby for everyone to show up (around twenty people) the Manger came and asked what all of us were doing with cameras in their lobby. After explaining what were were doing and that two people in the group were guests she was fine with us there. The Hilton Financial District is the best place to get a photo of Coit Tower.
We proceeded towards the Embarcadero Center then to the Hyatt which has a great view of the Ferry Building. You can check out my set on flickr or others at zooomr.
I have attended a few photowalks lately and one thing that rings true in all situations is that it’s important to be prepared. I wasn’t able to pack my tripod so it was a challenge to get some good low light shots. Luckily I had my trusty Canon 50mm f1.8 lens and a Canon 100mm f2.8 macro that I rented. Photowalking is a great opportunity to get out and shoot in a non-competitive environment.
Canon XTi Canon EF-100mm f/2.8 Macro lens 1/8 second f/2.8 ISO 400
The Farmer in the Bale
While driving down the road in Star Valley Wyoming, I saw this out of the corner of my eye and had to stop and backup to make this capture. Our two oldest kids got a chuckle out of it. It took a little explaining to our six year old about how it played off the children’s song The Farmer In the Dell
Canon XTi, Canon EF-24-105mm f/4.0L lens, 1/2500 second, f/4.0, ISO 200
Photographing People with Kenneth Linge
I spent Saturday at a seminar Photographing People Part 1 by international photographer Kenneth Linge. I’ve been looking for a local photographer that teaches seminars for a while now and have no regrets in taking this class
Taken from his description of the seminar:
“a fast-paced seminar style class for those looking to take their technique to the next level. It’s about lighting, perspective, color and creativity. Best of all, it’s about the thought process behind solving challenging situations.“
Kenneth teaches seminars in the US and Europe. He successfully completed five European tours last year. Kenneth and his wife Marylyn taught the class of 15 students. Their class was structured in a way to teach some basic fundamentals with techniques they use and build upon them in upcoming seminars. One of the highlights for me was to participate in a live model shoot in downtown Salt Lake City. It was amazing to watch Kenneth look for the natural available light and apply it to create some amazing photographs.
It was great to be taught by someone that has been in the business for 30+ years. It’s a big risk to share your secrets and techniques with others, I applaud Kenneth and Marylyn for their willingness to share and help others. I’m planning on attending part 2 and encourage others to join.
For more information check out his seminars here: www.kennethlinge.com/seminars
Canon XTi, Canon EF-24-105mm f/4.0L lens, 1/80 second, f/4.0, ISO 100
