Scott O. Smith Photoblog

Canon 40D * EF-50mm f/1.8 II * ISO 800 * 1/60 second * f/1.8

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 100 * 44 seconds * f/4.0

Today’s photo was taken at the top of Emigratin Canyon just East of Salt Lake City Utah  I kept my shutter open for 44 seconds to allow for enough light from the evening to light up the sky.  During those 44 seconds I fired my hand held speedlight about four times.  A blue gel was attached which gave the snow a blue glow.

I was flattered to have my photo featured on the front page of NewWest.net website yesterday. I’ve contributed several times and enjoy getting the request from Ann asking for permission to use my photo.

The photo was taken East of Salt Lake on I-80 (parleys canyon). I was with a group of local photographers on a night photowalk. I always enjoy getting out and shooting with others. It was my first time with the group and I’m planning on making it to the next event.  I posted a larger photo below.

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 100 * 20 seconds * f/4.0

I’ve been wanting to print a favorite photo of mine on canvas but just haven’t taken the time until recently when I received a complimentary 8×10 canvas print from ZaZa Gallery.  They sent out a message on twitter: “Free 8×10 canvas print in exchange for link and blog post 10 spots” so I quickly responded.  For the exchange I was asked to write a review of the canvas print.  This was a perfect opportunity for me to “try before you buy” to see if printing on canvas is something I want  to offer to my clients in the future.

I emailed my hi-res photo to them on April 7th and received the print on April 17th.  The print was wrapped in a plastic cover then wrapped in bubble wrap.  After unwrapping the bubble wrap I was amazed how the quality of the print.

The stretched canvas is stapled to the wooden frame on the back.  One thing I notice immediately was the price stickers were left on the wooden frame.  Even though it’s the back of the frame, I would have liked to have seen the bare wood with no bar code sticker still on it.

The canvas comes out of the box ready to be hung on the wall.  I included a close up view of the canvas below to illustrate the texture of the canvas.  I chose to put mine on my desk in my office.  For more information about pricing and sizes be sure to check out their site here.

Thanks ZaZa Gallery

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 100 * 1/125 second * f/8.0

Little Jaidyn is becoming a regular here on my blog.  This is the second time I’ve photographed her and I’ve photographed her mother before Jaidyn was born.  Her mother wanted to get a few photos of her on this scale before she got any bigger.  She weighs nine pounds so I don’t consider her big by any means. The tricky part was making sure she didn’t move too much and fall off the scale.  She was great even though she doesn’t like to be put on her stomach.  The photo below is of her siblings.

For the photog geeks
Basic post processing in Adobe Lightroom.  I used a preset that I’ve created that works well in a controlled light environment to give it a sepia tone.
Camera right, a Canon 430EX on stand with a shoot through umbrella set at 50mm, ETTL and slave.
On camera a 580EX II set to -2 1/3 stop for fill set to master, using ETTL

For indoor/studio work I really like using ETTL, I focus more on my subject and less on my equipment.  I’ve got my eye on the new pocket wizards that will give me more control outdoors.

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 100 * 1/125 second * f/8.0

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 250 * 1/400 second * f/4.0

Last weekend my family packed up the car and headed to our cabin in Star Valley Wyoming.  When we arrived were surprised at how much snow was still there.  In Utah all of our snow is gone (in the valleys), tulips are up and our trees are blooming.  It’s amazing to me the beauty you can find in an area blanketed by snow.  After hours of shoveling a spot to park in the driveway we were able to get out and go for a ride across the valley and soak in all the beauty.  I’ve included a few of my favorite photos from the weekend.

I had the pleasure of shooting Nicole for her graduation photos recently, below are are a few of my favorites

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 250 * 1/400 second * f/4.0

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 250 * 1/200 second * f/4.0

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 100 * 1/640 second * f/4.0

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 400 * 1/160 second * f/7.1