What's This Camera Thing About?

Well boys and girls, tomorrow is next year. Time to get one last post on the books before next year.

Ok. I can't come up with nothing in particular. See ya next year.

November 19, 2009 marked one year that I've been shooting with a DSLR. I started with the D90 and then upgraded to the D700. It's been one heckuva ride. I've learned a lot and have had quite a bit of fun.

One of the most important lessons that I learned during my journey is the importance of good gear, namely a tripod. When you're new at this, there's a tendency to not want to spend money on things that you don't percieve as important. Although I'm still a novice, let me make one thing clear: GET A GOOD TRIPOD. I'm not talking about the $15 variety. I'm not saying that you have to take out a second mortgage on your house or anything, I'm just saying spend a little coin. Take your camera and heaviest lens and head to a camera store. Yes, head to a camera store....not just a store that sells electronics.

The second most important thing I learned is that advice from gear-heads is not gospel. I'm talking about those people who are always on the hunt for the next best thing. They constantly complain and never add anything substantive to any civil conversation and constantly whine. When Nikon made the D90, they wanted a D90X. Not that they had tried the D90, they just wanted something to complain about.

Last, take pictures. Don't be a post whore and post nothing but your opinions. Get out and shoot.

Ok, so I started a thread on my favorite photography asking posters to give me some advice on taking photos in a Club. The BEST advice I received, was to use flash. Go figure, eh? No, seriously... I didn't know.

A friend had asked me to photograph his party at a club. I agreed and immediately realized that this would be a great learning experience. When I arrived at the club, I decided that the flash seemed bulky and unsexy, and decided to leave it in my vehicle. My second thought was, "I have a D700 I can take pictures in the dark!" The first time I tried to take a picture, I couldn't. A group of people posed, I pressed the shutter, and NOTHING! I was immediately embarassed. Did my D700 and Tamron 28-70 f/2.8 fail me? Nope. Autofocus can't focus in the dark. I needed my flash.

After retrieving my flash, all was well with the world. The camera and lens were back in business and I felt like a rockstar! Folks were crawling out of the crevices to get their pictures taken. Had I not been 'working' I might have even accepted some of the free drinks that people were attempting to give me.

Let's talk about one of the responses that I received to my thread, shall we?

Alex Ratson (Professional) posted:

I would go with a flash although I will disagree on some of the points
regarding how to use it under these situations.

-I would set the flash/camera to rear curtain sync, this will allow the ambient light and atmosphere of the club soak in while still freezing your subjects motion.
-Set the Flash to just normal TTL and then +/- as need be.
-Apply a full cut C.T.O gel OR the Nikon supplied incandescent gel (amber in colour) and set your white balance to incandescent. This will ad a bit of warmth to your flesh
tones and help balance the light from your flash with those of the club.
-lastly, get the flash off camera. I normally will use either a sync cord or
use the popup flash on my D700 set to commander mode and then just hold my
speedlight in my left hand.

Remember, the flash will help freeze any action such as dancing so going with a slow shutter speed will not hurt you and will actually help by allowing more of the ambient light to soak in to your shot Vs. going with a fast shutter speed which will make your subject look like they are in a black hole and not provide the night club feel, full of funky colored lights and what not.

If you have a small softbox or light modifier feel free to use it. Bouncing off a white wall or ceiling can also work great although a lot of night clubs either have a fairly high ceiling or have a none white ceiling, both of which are not really bounce friendly.

When I initially read Alex's response, two things happened: I realized that I'd have to perform a google search to decipher his response and that I was waist-high in an incredible learning opportunity. It was time to get to work.

Ok, so what's rear-curtain sync?

It has been several days since my last confession...and yes, I am back to admit my transgressions yet again. You see, since the day we met, I have not been able to separate myself from my D700. We go to the grocery store together, the mall and even the nail salon. It is my most constant and faithful companion. I care DEEPLY for my D700 and would never do anything to jeopardize our relationship. Well, that was until last night.

Last night I bumped into an old friend. It was unintentional and quite innocent. I don't know what came over me. I mean, I didn't intentionally want anything to happen, it just happened....and I am so ashamed. Shamefully, I admit that the moment of rapture was worth it... at least until the guilt set in.

I'm a firm believer that the past should stay.... well, the past... but again, last night was different. I thought I was over it. In my mind, I had moved past those old feelings, but my heart subconsciously feel the same. This became quite apparent as I slyly moved closer to the drawer. I didn't mean any harm. I just wanted to peek....... and there it was.........................my Nikon L12. Oh, how it shimmered in the darkness with it's silver coating. I had some good times with that camera. The more time I spend learning about photography and my D700, the more that camera makes sense. I now see that studly compact piece of P&S with different eyes. It has all the things a girl could want in a camera: VR, 7.1 megapixels, and ISO 1600. Our rendezvous was brief. A click here, a snapshot there. It was exciting.

My experience brought a new dynamic to the old saying, "It's not the camera, but the photographer behind the lens." That statement, my friends, is simply not true. My L12 can never give me what my D700 gives me. Sure, the L12 is good for a quickie, but it's nothing like the hours of joy I experience with the D700. The D700 is faster, stronger and far more satisfying. It has more options... longer lenses, wider apertures.

I don't know what the future will bring for my L12. Sadly, I'm not too concerned. Wait, let me think about that for a second. I can't take the D700 to the Marine Corps Ball. We'd look a little strange together given I'd be wearing a ball gown. Perhaps another fling with the L12 is in order.

*smile*

Photographers are due some measure of respect that is long overdue. Having a camera does not make you anymore a Photographer than dispensing cough medicine to my husband makes me a nurse or doctor.

I am becoming increasingly annoyed with the number of people running around calling themselves a Photographer. I believe that I've ranted about this before. Today I was on a website that I frequent a and one of the soon to married chicks posted her engagement photos. Insert VOMIT >>HERE<<. It's almost as if the couple ordered from the menu of bad photography: "We'd like to order the poor composition, with a side of blown highlights and incorrect white-balance please."

Yes, I admit that the pictures posted were pretty bad. Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to share with folks everything that I've learned. Red pill or green? Well, let's just say that some would rather slumber.

I'm not the greatest photographer ever. Hell, I'm not quite a photographer. I'm simply a chick with an expensive camera and darn good sense. There ain't no way in three burning hades that I would charge money for what I'm doing at my level. Oh well. This is America. People will charge for anything... even if it's a pile of shit.

Am I really wrong for wanting some quality time with my camera? I mean, it's not like I'm sleeping with it or anything (yet). I just want so spend some one on one time getting to know it a little better. Perhaps a nice quiet dinner or a stroll in the park with it, ALONE, would make me feel better. I would even like for 'us' to attend church. I mean, I don't need to take a hot shower with it and have it wash my back or anything. I just want to be alone with it.

It never fails that everytime I want to hang out with the camera, life happens. Clients start calling...kids start whining... the dog needs to walked. By no stretch am I complaining about my life, I'm just saying that I want some alone time with my camera.

I get alone time with my daughter, who's three, and I am starting to realize that she wants to have time with the camera, too. She's always wanting sit next to the camera or find an excuse for the camera to take her picture. Secretly, I think she wants 'in' on the relatioship. I'm not quite sure that this is something that I want to share. I've given her a camera of her very own, but for some reason, she continues to pursue a relationship with MY camera.

My boys only want sporadic visitation with the camera. They want it to attend school functions and be there when they need it most. I think I'm ok with that kind of relationship and won't have to be concerned with even the most remote possibility of any indecent liberties.

Thankfully, my husband has no interest in my camera. He's quite faithful to his P&S Oly.

Such is life. I don't want to share.

Ok, so I'm really hoping that the wife of the guy that owns the company that stole Tony's internet connection, breaks a fingernail. Tony's been internet-free for a while and I've missed him. Trying to learn 'layers' without him last week was nothing short of frightful. Why? Well, because I don't speak Photoshop....specifically, the layers dialect. I'm glad he's back, not just for his Photoshop mastery, but I also missed his positive reinforcement of my photography development. He's always been great with the encouragement.

I also miss Kayne. He's super kewl, too. Life has happened to him, as it does with all of us, but just in a way that makes you appreciate your time here on this planet. Well wishes to you, my friend.

Onward. Today I'm swamped with kids. I often wonder why the school system here gives the teachers days off during the week on top of their weekends off. My plan for today is AGAIN, to attempt to go out and practice using my new lenses. I'll be doing this with my kids and some kids of a few other parents. Thank GOODNESS for SUVs.

Are you kidding me? You can't rush greatness. You can't rush goodness, and rushing mediocre only makes a mess. In short, there's no point in rushing if the expectation of an evenl slightly reasonable result is expected. Just hold your horses.

If you're wondering if this post is going somewhere, the answer is, "Yes." Well, maybe kinda sorta going somewhere. I reckon it depends on who you are, and whether or not you've made the mistakes that I've made.

I've been a little lazy. If you're gonna be a photographer, you can't be even a little lazy. Anything less than engaged simply makes you someone with a camera. If you're a person with a camera, and that camera JUST so happens to be a D700, then you're just an idiot. Today, I admit to being an idiot........but just today. Tomorrow is a different day.

Today I really wanted to take some pictures. Being the uber-wife that I am, I decided to give my husband some 'man time' and take our youngest out with me today. Dumb idea. I took her because I was in a RUSH to try my new Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. I've had it a couple of days and really wanted to get some grabs to post as samples. I was also suffering from cabin fever. I drove over to the river on this gloriously overcast day, opened the window of my truck and fired away.

When I uploaded the pictures to my computer, the photos were nothing short of dreadful. Who takes photos on a bright gray day at ISO 3200? Well, idiots do. Specifically, idiots who are rushing. Futher, idiots who are rushing, and treating their great piece of equipment like a P&S. What a waste of gas.

And what is the punishment for my indescretion? A full week of manual shooting should teach me a lesson. Nope, no Aperture, Shutter Speed or Program Modes (not that I use Program mode anyways).

Did you read the part where I said that my pictures were dreadful? There's no fixing them.

Being new to photography is HARD! There's a lot of education involved. There's also a lot of money that will have to be spent. Let's start with the education.

The learning process of photography is endless. There is always SOMETHING to learn. The basics have taken me an entire year and I know full well that the 'basics' will never be mastered. The basics are ever changing and not basic at all. The only constants in photography are the definitions. Aperture will always be aperture, ISO will always be ISO. Application of the definitions is immeasurable.

Now let's talk about the money. Many more experienced Nikonistas seem to not understand why it is a a newbie (like myself) would consider a third party lens. Here's the truth:

1. At this stage of the game, I still don't know what the hell I'm doing. What I THINK I know, is only enough to keep me out of trouble. (For example, I'm not stupid enough to photograph a wedding)

2. I don't make enough money from photography to justify my purchases.

3. Making photography related purchases is VERY STRESSFUL FOR A NEWBIE. I often read reviews where posters write about 'bad copies' of a lens and this is an area where I feel I need supervision. For example. I've spent the last week continuously researching two lenses that I've ordered and I'm scared STILL scared to death. Who's going to check out my lenses for me? Yes, I'm purchasing them from a reputable dealer (shout out to Frank at Adorama who gets all the money I spend), but what if I have bad copies? How would I know? Is the Nikon label completely free of making bad copies? For newbies purchasing lenses is the equivalent of purchasing a car and later learning to drive.....if it's a crappy car, you may not know for a while. In a nutshell, I purchase third party lenses because it's cheaper to take a loss on a third-party lens than it is a Nikkor. Also, if my skill level with photography was a bit different, perhaps my answer would be different.

Wow, where do I start? I've completed two shoots since my last post. The first shoot was for my son's soccer team. I did my youngest son's official team shots. They're pretty nice. I did myself proud and the parents are happy. I didn't make any money, but then again, I don't do this for the money.

Well, if it's not for the money, why do I do this? Truthfully? Therapy. This is my way of getting over my feelings for my wedding photos. Yes, I'm still sore, because I can't take back the day to get good pictures at this point. I'm learning photography to help myself figure out exactly what it takes to make bad pictures. So far, I've come up with gross neglect. I've been learning so much in this process that I truly believe that anyone who takes photos to earn money and has no earthly idea about what they're doing (other than pressing the shutter) is guilty of gross neglect and is just plain old selfish. There. I said it.

So anyways......... I did an AMAZING shoot on Sunday. I made Pregnancy Portraits for a friend, and I have to say, I'm impressed! Natural light does amazing things for a photo. AMAZING things. I reckon it's time to connect with my inner strobist.

Boy, I tell ya! When someone turns on the light to a dark roach-infested room, they scatter! I know, I know. This is a crazy way to start a post, but this is best way to describe the feeling I got when I attached my Sigma 10-20 to my D700 last week. It was almost as if someone had stolen a portion of my picture.

As a newbie, I purchased a D90 and it has an APS-C (DX) format. As I climbed the educational scale, I rewarded myself with a D700 and it has a Full-Frame (FX) format. The fights on various websites persist even at this very moment regarding Crop Factors and which is better. So what does this have to do with anything? Well, when your first experience with DSLRs is with DX format and then you move to FX format, something changes. It's like a quickening. I'd read so much about the differences between DX & FX, but to be completely honest, I couldn't 'see' what all the hubbub was about..... well, until last Friday. My 50 mm f/1.8 gave the same results on my D90 as it did on my D700. The 'stolen' portion of my Sigma 10-20 photos is what made me see the light.

Take a look at the photo below. On an APS-C format, I'd get the whole room with teh Sigma 10-20. The photo below represents the Sigma 10-20 on full frame. Darn shame, eh? Time for the 12-24.

So what does this all mean? I have to spend more money. When I sold all my old lenses, I specifically saved the 10-20 because I didn't quite 'get it'. What a shocker! I 'get it' now and it's painfully obvious that I'm going to have to start rolling pennies to get the lenses that I need.

I am the epitome of 'girl'. I am a consummate consumer of all things prissy, pink and clean. I don't like to get my hands dirty and I get a manicure/pedicure twice a month. Heck, I even insist on having my nail polish match my clothing, and my makeup, and my shoes, and my camera bag.............. My idea of 'roughing it'? Room service.

Photography is NOT for girls. It's for adventurous women. The kind of women that can appreciate the beauty of nature and want to be a part of it. Women that will wade in the water to capture the perfect shot. The kind of woman that has the chutzpa to play with the biggest of big boys and achieve if a not an equal elevation of composition, the master of all masterpieces!

One such woman is Matt's (Maciek) wife. No, I've never met her, but her photos are visible on Nikon-Digital.ca for anyone up appreciate. Matt posted some of her work a few days ago and I instantly came to the conclusion that I need to 'step up my game', as his wife's pictures are phenomenal. In some cases, her photographs gives his a run for the money!

I doubt that she is concerned about coordinating her shoes to her bag when they're in the field. Breaking a nail probably never comes to mind either. I think I can say with 100% certainty that eyeshadow and lipgloss is not an issue on those days.

So, what I learned in writing about this? I've learned to be thankful for the cover that protects my LCD screen on my D700. Why? Because my foundation has a tendency to rub off my nose when I'm taking pictures. I've also learned that I should probably go to the nail salon more often to make sure that my nails stay at an active length and that wearing diamond studs is sure way to keep my jewelry at a minimum! My recommendation for getting the perfect shot while 'roughing it'? Go on the hotel balcony and don't use cheap glass. **snicker**

We all have our own strengths and weaknesses.

I'm learning. It's an uphill battle and a lot of fun, but a battle none-the-less. There is still quite a bit to learn. I'm still working on composition and slowly making the transition to light.

In this episode of 'Dee's Learning to Take Pictures', we'll focus on comment and critique. There's an old saying, "How can a billion Chinese be wrong?" Well, they forgot to add, "How often do a billion Chinese agree?" Different people see different things. I've learned to take comment and critique with a grain of salt. What my eyes saw and how my camera translated those thoughts will not be what most people see when I present a photo for commentary. All photos are open for interpretation and many times we must agree to disagree. I am reminded of this as there is a particular photographer who intensely grains his photos. His photos are not my bottle of beer, but I can't help but giggle when disagrees with the style of another photographer. Hell, it down right baffles me, but to each his own.

I see pictures everywhere. It's quite distracting.... hard to focus. Some days I feel like I have Attention Deficit Disorder. I can't be seen without my camera. I can't leave the house without my camera. I must always have it with me. I sit it in the carseat when my daughter isn't with me.

So right now I'm reading 'Nikon D700 Digital Field Guide' by J. Dennis Thomas. Glad I picked it up. It makes sense of the manual. Lord knows you get "just the facts ma'am" from manual and calling customer support is worthless. Overall, the camera makes me happy.

and I liked it! You guessed it. I purchased the D700. Boy, talk about an agonizing ordeal! I went looking for people to talk me out of it and no one would do it! Can you believe this?

So I go down to my favorite camera shop and talk to Sue. Sue is known for her camera smarts, intelligence and non-salesman-like attitude. I KNEW that she would save me. I told her that I was planning to purchase the D700 FULLY EXPECTING her to say, "No, Dee.... you haven't maxed out the D90 yet." Nope. She said, "I think you should do it. If I were you, I'd do it." I darn near pissed myself as Sue was my last hope. I only needed ONE person to justify my hesitation. Not a soul. NOT EVEN MY HUSBAND. Can you believe that one? As a matter of fact, he egged me on. Insisted, even.

Someone's going to read this and think, "The D90 is a phenomenal camera, why did you change? Couldn't you have simply purchased better glass?" Three reasons: 1.) Have you seen what that camera can do in the dark? The ISO is off the hook! 2.) It has the D3's sensor. Can I also mention that my children's sports teams gave me a job taking pictures?

It was better to get out now while I could still get 'some' money for the D90. Why the agony? Well, to be completely honest......I'm cheap. I can't shop without coupons so purchasing a D700 required me to take a Valium prior to ordering it. Saying that my husband darn near forced me to make the call to Adorama is closer to the truth than you know. I so hate spending money that the very idea of the camera's price started to make me ill. Just in case you're wondering, yes, I can afford it. No it won't affect my husband's ability to pay the mortgage. Again, I'm just cheap.

Ok, here's the $60 million dollar question: Can I tell the difference? You'd better freaking believe it! I can zoom into a picture for what seems like forever with startling details! Shucks, I didn't know until yesterday that my two year-old daughter had nose hair!

Overall, I'm satisfied. Damn Canadians!

Well, I did it. I have succumbed and purchased the revolutionary D700, and I feel just horrible. I know, I know.... you want to know why. Why did I make the switch when I've had the D90 for less than a year, and why do I feel just horrible?

Well, I feel horrible about my new purchase because somewhere along this photographic journey I gained a respect for professional photographers that they are probably not used to receiving until their dead.

While a nicer camera does not mean nicer pictures, it does mean increased responsibility and more time spent learning.

Ok, time to take the camera and harass the family dog.

Be mindful of the Canadian drug lords. They are some of the biggest pushers of all things Nikon on the planet. They give you a sample, then you're hooked! Yep. Instant NAS (Nikon Acquisition Syndrome). It's in the air up there, ya know? They even give it to the kids. Got folks up there randomly talking about ISO likes it's ok. Mmm hmm. They're passing around NAS and folks are taking to it like its kool-aid.

I've never been the experimenting type. You know....one of those people that tries things for the first time? Nope, not even in college, where everyone has a story. Nope. I've always been straight-laced and walked a fine line. **shaking my head**

Something has happened. I don't know when it started, or how I got to this point. About a year ago, me (the non-experimenting type) started to dabble in photography. Sure, I had my trusted 'point and shoot' Nikon L12, but something came over me. I wanted a real camera and purchased Nikon's D90. I liked the D60, didn't want to spend the money on the D300, so I went for the D90. A few months and a couple of kewl photos later, all hell has broken loose. I want more Nikon. I don't know why. I just want it and can't fight the urge. Sad truth is, no one is leading me back down the path of righteousness and frugality. Every one seems to understand my urges and are companioning themselves to my gear lust. A higher power is calling me.

Lest the Canadians and their skullduggerous ways....... they hath introduceth me, unto the folds of Nikon's D700, and it claimeth me as mine Lord. Translation: I just put all my shit on craigslist and I want that fucking camera.

Be gone, 18-105mm VR, 55-200mm VR, Sigma 70-300 DG Macro, and Sigma 10-20mm..... I no longer needeth thee.

I reckon I'll keep the nifty-fifty and continue working the pole to get the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR.

Today I was joking on my FAVORITE photography forum, http://www.nikon-digital.com when some posted something that truly made me think about what I was doing at the forum and the value that I may or may not be adding. The poster said:

I am of the firm opinion that a post such as

shouldn't count as a post.

Come on you Post-Whores, write something significant.

Give an opinion, post a writeup concerning some photographic technique, give a reasoned photo critique, tell us about yourself (as a photogapher or other), tell us how you did it, tell us what you really think, etc

He may or may not have been joking, but I took away something positive from what he said, and reminded myself that although photography is fun, and I'm making some great new friends, I cannot loose site of the goal and the reason that I purchased my camera. I am grateful for the reminder.

I'm learning a lot in Canada. The people are kind, fun and friendly. The photographers that I have come to refer to as my friends produce great photos for me to study. They may not know this, but I'm learning a lot by 'watching' them.

The lens information that I'm picking up in Canada is great! I think that after I get my 70-200 f/2.8 I'll be able to slow down a bit and focus less on my tool acquisition and more on my next big venture: LIGHT!

I'm slowly getting there with understanding light. I think that it's fair to say that I've spent most of this first camera year learning Camera Language, Photographer Personalities, Purpose and Composition. My Camera Vision has gotten better as a result. So yes, the next step, and hopefully it won't take an entire year, will be LIGHT!

I'm always on the hunt for new gear. Why? Well, other than the fact that I'm a girl and like to shop, there are a couple of items that I truly need. For starters, I need a real tripod. Yeah, yeah, I've posted about that before. Can you believe that I still haven't found one? This is going to take some special snooping and research. I can't just purchase any old tripod. Given my past experience with my BestBuy grade tripod, I now know two things: I need a ball head and the legs need to be uber-steady. The hard part is finding a tripod that will accommodate my growing passion. My tripod doesn't have to be carbon fiber. Although I wouldn't mind if it came in pink. Yes, pink would be nice.

Ok, bear with me a second as I need to talk about something that I don't understand. I often read photographers writing "It feels good in my hands," when explaining how they chose a piece of equipment. Quite honestly, I don't understand it. Fried chicken feels good in my hands, too, but that's not how I decide whether or not I'm going to eat it. Sorry couldn't resist. But seriously, I don't get it. I chose my camera based on price and what little I understood about cameras in general. I also wanted to be somewhere between the ranks of 'enthusiast' and 'I can make some money with this'.

So what else do I need? I need a chick bag. I want a bag that looks and functions like a purse to carry my stuff. I'm getting closer and closer to purchasing a bag and making inserts. I'm thinking it's going to be the way to get to exactly what I want.

I also need a lens that gives me f/2.8. Ideally, I'd like to have the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 but I'm leaning towards the Sigma version. Why? Because I am still too new to justify the price. Hubby says he'll get me the Nikon, but I want it now and not around Christmas, Mother's Day, Easter or any other holiday he'll use as a gift excuse.

And so it hits me. Today I started rummaging through old pictures. Well they weren't exactly old, well in dog years perhaps, but they were taken back in May 2009. What a difference a few months can make to one's photographic abilities! I felt ill when I looked at the photos. They were supposed to represent the fun time the ole man and I had in Miami during bike week. Yeah, we had a blast, but DAYUM those pictures suck unmercifully!

Well, my photography has since evolved from being appreciated by those who only read braille, to those classified as legally blind. I'm actually getting better. I've picked up another lens, too: Sigma 70-300 DG Macro. It's pretty kewl! Did you know that you will get a fEE error on your D90 if when applying an older Sigma lens the aperture ring is not set to the smallest aperture? Don't ask me how I know. Just trust me on this one.

The upside is that I have a better understanding of what's going on.

Newbies to photography never want to take any risk. Hello, my name is Dee, I am a 'newbie' and I AM qualified to make the aforementioned statement.

Here's the problem. Most of us want the results that the pros get, but we don't want to have to spend the same money. Methinks we've forgotten that when the photographs you take have to pay the mortgage and feed the children, you take your craft a bit more seriously. Hence, Professional Photographers will, and are ALWAYS willing to spend more money on equipment to help perfect their craft. If you're a newbie, you probably haven't gotten to the point where you have even decided what you want to do with photography. You just know that you want to take pictures.

Let's talk about how we don't really like taking the advice that Pros give us, EVEN AFTER WE HAVE ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE. We'll start with tripods. I purchased my tripod from BestBuy. The brand is Dynex ($35US). Well today, I threw that POS in the trash. Why? Because today I started experiment with my Sigma 70-300. Not making any sense yet? Well, the 'Siggy' weighs as much as my daughter and she's TWO!!! Thankfully, because I KNOW my tripod is cheap, I had the strap around my neck while the camera was sitting on the tripod. Since I'm sure you know where I'm going with this story, I'm sure that you also know that I have a date with Manfrotto. End of story.

Lenses: They cost MONEY.

Bags: They cost MONEY.

Gear: It costs MONEY.

Today I attended Scott Kelby's Photowalk here in Fredericksburg, VA. I had a wonderful time. I met so many wonderful people. Ironically, the more I interacted with the participants, the more I 'missed' my internet photography crew. I found myself wishing that I was hanging out with my international photography family. Don't get me wrong, I THOROUGHLY enjoyed the time I spent with my new friends on the photowalk today, but I secretly wished that the people who have taught me so much on this journey could have attended.

When the subject of PhotoShop came up, I immediately blurted, "That's what my Tony does. He's a wiz at that stuff." Then I started thinking about my Pats, my Micky, my Kayne.......and then, my home away from home in Canada.

Today also validated the information that I have learned over the past 8 months. I understand more about this camera thing than I am aware. I walked a good portion of the Photo Walk with a retired Marine named Lenny. He's a Canon Jockey. I was amazed at the information that I was able to share with him. I could explain the settings on his camera without ever having used a Canon. We talked lenses and wish lists. We're practically neighbors and live about a mile apart.

I learned a lot talking with Danielle from NikonCafe. She's an infrared Queen! She double-barrels a D200 and a D300 and know's her stuff. Her IR photos are phenomenal. She brought a fellow Nikonista, Venee. We walked and talked, and walked and talked some more.

I met Patrick, too. Patrick and his wife are expecting their first child in October. He's gearing up for a life of photos with his family. I'm excited for him and his growing family and wish him all the best that parenthood has to offer.

It was a wonderful day. I hope to do it again soon.

Photography has been more than a new hobby or obsession. It has become a cultivation of mental travels and cultivation of friendships. In my heart, photography has taken me to England via Spain, Canada, Georgia, Arizona, California and a few other places. I was met with a bit of adversary in Nebraska, but they were 'kind' enough to offer me 'fried chicken and watermelon' as a token of their affections.

For me, photography is not about politics, the president, war, peace, love, hate, like or dislike, guns or even rape. It has been about friendships. Photography epitomizes the garden of light that we all can grow together. It's about fun and interpretation. It's about celebrating something so wonderful that we can all take a turn and be heard at the same time.

I've grown quite a bit during my travels. I've learned to digitally scrapbook in Arizona. That seems to be the thing over there. I've learned to make clouds smile and anger them while in England. The clouds seem happiest in England. I'll blame the happy children there for that. Canada is where the party is! Folks truly Nikon friendly there. Must be something in the water. Did I mention it's cold as heck in Canada? Sheeesh, they even sail in cold weather there. Folks in Georgia really know how to put a smile on a gal's face. They do loads for my self esteem. They're watching and 'minding the store' even when you don't know they're there. Gotta love those southern folks...they share everthing. This is to include those heart-felt moments that really make you feel like you're a part of the family.

My travels will not stop, even when someone wants to stop the bus. I'm having way too much fun. A tire may go flat every now and then, but the love keeps moving on. There's a whole lot more to photography than bodies and lenses. A WHOLE lot more.

Last night I started thinking about what this camera thing is all about. I've learned so much, yet still have so very far to go. I started thinking about what I've learned and how I learned it. So far my photographs have not been the product of my own independent thought. My photos are the mimicry of photographs and portions of photographs that I have seen before. I am slowly getting to a point where I can appreciate the light in my own special way, but my thought patterns regarding light have not weened themselves of the ideas already planted in my mind. My vision of a beautiful sunset has been handed down to me by other photographers. Their best ideas and end results are my assignments.

When I first purchased my camera, I had sooooo many questions. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know where to start. So many people recommended so many books. I studied, studied some more and then studied. Education via osmosis was preferred, but improbable.

Nothing made sense until I started taking my camera everywhere. It's almost like I started figuring things out as I developed a need to know. I developed my need to know by watching others. As I looked at photographs produced by others, I no longer asked for EXIF information, I would take a guess and try to reproduce (not always successfully) their creations.

Ok, so there's nothing exciting about this image. I posted it simply to make a point. While tinkering it in LightRoom, I became aware of just how much the camera can actually see. When I was shooting this photograph, I never saw the stars. Upon uploading the picture to my computer, I became aware of them. Initially I thought that they were 'hot pixels'. Nope. Just stars. It is truly amazing to me how much the camera can actually 'see'. It puts a whole new spin on the saying, "If you blink, you missed it."

While out yesterday, I took a picture of an old building. Once I loaded the photo on the computer, again, I became aware of what the camera can actually see and was again, astounded. When I would zoom into the photo, I see what was in the windows. I could see the chipped paint on the door hinges, and a light hanging from the ceiling. I didn't notice these things when I was taking the picture.

The more I learn, the more excited I get.

Photography is hard. Well, I take that back. Photography is a learning experience. There. That's better. For two days, I've been struggling with my SB600 Nikon Speedlight. I own it, but have never actually had to use it. A few months ago, when I initially purchased it, I found a website that taught me to use the speedlight when it's not attached to the camera. I had to adjust this, and configure that. By the end of the tutorial, I got it to work. Back into the bag it went.

Fast forward to a few months later. Up until now, I actually had no use for the flash. I needed the flash to take pictures of a house without electricity. "No problem," I thought to myself. The expectation was that I'd simply attach the speedlight and take the pictures. Well, that didn't happen. Long story, short, I had to make a telephone call to Nikon. Master reset fixed the issue. Can I just say that I could faster learn to read and write in Chinese than understand a Nikon manual? SHEEESH!

Let's talk more about the learning experience that is photography. I've purchased Kenko Extension Tubes. When they arrived at my house, I was afraid to open the box. I don't know why, but I was. Anyways.... when I finally opened the box, to my surprise, there was a large hollow tube, that could be separated into three sections. I was worried. The extension tube(s) was not what I had expected. They seemed so.............well...., so simple. Where I went wrong, was actually having expectations. I'm not sure why I insist on knowing everything about a subject I obviously know nothing about, LOL! Quite honestly, I was expecting optics to be in the tubes. It was explained to me, however, that the tubes are designed to trick the camera sensor into thinking that it's actually further away from an object.

Using extension tubes for the first time is something that I can only equate to a guy having sex for the first time: They know where it goes, but they're not sure where it goes, LOL!!!!! Ok, sorry, I couldn't resist. I put the all three rings of the tube on my camera, slapped on my 55-200 and pointed at one of the lillies in my. I GOT NOTHING BUT A BUNCH OF NOISE AND BLUR. The lens started hunting like we were searching for deer!

At long last, my Photography Masters let me know that I had to be closer to the the object that I was trying to photograph. VERY CLOSE. Here's what I got:

I took this photo yesterday. I'm posting it because I'm proud of myself. I managed to accomplish what I set out to do. And what was that? Well, I wanted to gain a better understanding of shutter speed. I saw a picture some time ago of water falling over rocks and the water looked almost creamy. I thought, "Wow, how in the world did they do that?" Someone told me that they slowed the shutter speed. I thought that the whole idea of it was simply amazing. This of course, was many months ago. Since then, what I've been learning slowly, but surely, how to fit the pieces of the puzzle together.

When I first started shooting, I convinced myself that if I shot using anything other the Manual setting, that I was cheating. Well, right now I'd like to publicly apologize to all of the more experienced Photographers out there, for my crass thoughts. Saying that a newbie should shoot manual is the equivalent of saying, "Hmmm, I think I'll try brain surgery today now that I've read the book." In my mind, anything other than setting the camera Manually, was cheating. I know this sounds crazy, but when you're learning, you immediately want to earn respect in a field where you have no credibility....you desperately want to be able to apply all of the things that other people have told you to read. Sadly, it doesn't quite work that way. Not even a little.

Yesterday, when I took the photo above, my only thought was about slowing the water. I didn't think about the rest of the photo at all. If the everything else in the photo had come out crappy, but the water had the effect that I wanted to achieve, I'd still be happy.

I've hit a couple of learning milestones this month with my photography. The modes on my dial are a little less menacing to me. I'm starting to gain a better understanding of what I'm doing. I didn't understand Aperture Priority until I purchased my 50mm f/1.8. I didn't have a firm grasp of shutter speed until I had need to manipulate it. The Adobe LightRoom tutorials that I'm finding are spectacular.

It's all coming together now.

What's next? The Brown truck cometh! Kenko extension tubes. Boy! Are we gonna have a good time!

I have come to the realization that the world is full of whiners and sociopaths. Where is this all coming from? Whiners. I am sick of the whiners on camera message boards. There seems to be a lot of complaining going on from people who frequent these boards regarding the terms and conditions of membership.

Let's start with the whiners. "Board XYZ wants to retain the rights to my photos," the whiner says. Why is this a problem for me that they are complaining about this? Well, prior to joining 'Board XYZ', Member X had to read and agree to the publicly posted terms and conditions. Member X reads AND is aware of the terms and conditions, part of which indicates that photos posted on the board become can and will be used by the board owners. Member X agrees to these terms and then wants to complain about the rules AS IF they were forced to join the board. Does it really make sense to agree to the terms and conditions of a board only to later complain about the rules once you've gained access? Are they serious? Actually, they are very serious.

Then there's the sociopaths. "Family dog pictures for C&C," says sociopath Member X. Member Y then comments on the photos and says, "Blown highlights, piss-poor exposure, a blurry mess." Member X gets pissed. Anything short of reading, "You're a wonderful photographer," is going to cause Member X pain. What ever........ if it's a lousy shot, it's a lousy shot. Don't post a lousy shot and expect someone to call it great (especially when you know it's a lousy shot but are seeking positive validation).

Let's just be straight about something. I too, am not without flaw. I consistantly frequent what used to be a camera forum knowing what the rules are and verbally flog it's owner. The rules of the board are simple. Say what you feel, but don't abuse other members. Yes, those are the rules. The owner of the board says what ever is on his mind. There are times when I feel like his lack of social responsibility with regards to his public message board are lacking. He posts more porn and guns than photos. So the question is, why do I stay? If it's so awful, I can simply walk away. Who's whining now?

When you stand for nothing, you fall for anything. I need to take my own advice... or perhaps my mothers: "Sh*t or get off the pot."

There are those moments when you know something wonderful is about to happen. The idea of the moment is sparked by a memory that you thought your mind had long forgotten. That moment for me is always the coming of orange skies. Orange skies have a mystical darkness that seems to call me. It's the weirding way in which the light and dark intertwine creating the anti-extreme of colorful something. With orange skies, the light is light, but not light; the dark is not dark, but still pitch. It's the marriage of something amazing, so thought provoking that the softness and mystery of it makes me want to capture it...and so I chase the sun. I follow it aimless until I find the very moment that I think that it will leave me and photograph the moment. I do this to add to my collection of memories; the orange skies. No orange sky is the same as another, but as a collective they represent a divinity that I will never be able to explain... and I think to myself, "GOD is simply amazing.

The image above represents the first time I captured Orange Skies, but not my first chase of the sun. I drove quite a distance for our 'face off'. At just the right moment, I pulled over and captured a bit of the Orange Sky for myself. This picture is of our first, but definitely not the last.

I think that this is one of those instances where darkness prides itself on being dark... knowing that in most cases, people are walking towards the light.

I've got more than my fair share of photo manipulation programs. The goal is to actually learn enough about these programs to do the 'thought' of my intentions a little bit of justice. You no likey likey picture? I fix for you. You likey picture with blue sky? OK! I fix for you! I give you blue sky!

Alright, I'll spare you the rest of my Franken-Monkey meets Graphic Artist routine....but I think you get the point. When I started out on this photography journey, I must say that I was a bit of a self-proclaimed photograph purist. I say self-proclaimed because quite honestly, I had NO true idea of what was involved in producing the end result that is a photograph. Like many, I wanted to believe that post processing was for people that didn't really know how to take pictures. I believed that once I turned in a roll of film to my local Walmart, the stork brought me the 'baby'. There was no 'sex', babies just landed on your doorstep. That's how photographs happen, right? Walmart brings them? Not even close.

Truthfully, prior to digital, the actual development of film is considered to be post processing. And surprise! Black and white photos are post processed, too. Ironically, PhotoShop has transitioned from being a noun to a verb. Hearing people say 'That's photoshopped' or 'This is PhotoShopped' is really starting to annoy me. Darkrooms still exist, and no I don't feel better a picture if I know that someone themselves in a room with toxic chemicals to create something beautiful. PhotoShop is still a noun. People do take good pictures.

I'm learning. It's going to be a while, but I'm getting there.

It's not the camera that makes it worth it. It's the people that help me along the way that that actually enjoy putting up with my NooBee-ness. To think that someone could love a camera so much that they would be willing to take a moment out of their busy day to help me learn to spread that same love is simply priceless.

I haven't learned to take great photos, and believe me when I say that my photos are really "beautiful on the inside," LMAO!! Ok, well they are sort of like the weird chick that know's she'll be hot at some point in her life, even if only to the blind. In a nutshell, I should be able to take pictures in braille. --Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Ok, but seriously folks. I'm simply amazed at the number of people that TRULY love photography. Sure, there's always going to be a love/hate relationship between Nikonians and Canon Jockeys, but they they still have one thing in common: a camera. I reckon it doesn't matter whether you skip or hop down a street, as long as you make it down the street.

I've met some amazing people (not in person) along the way that have made my camera adventures worth it. I've written more about 'Kayne' than I'm have about my husband but it's all for good reason. Expect to read about 'Tony' once I figure out why in the heck anyone would want paint a photograph as beautifully as he has a way of doing. I'm hoping to meet more chicks along the way. It would be nice to know that I'm not the only girl who believes in matching a camera bag with her shoes (just because i want to be a photographer, doesn't mean i can't be cute in the process).

A couple of days ago, I registered for one of Scott Kelby's PhotoWalks. There's one being held in my town. I'm looking forward to it, and happen to be scared as heck at the same time. I just figured out Aperture Priority. I don't think I'm quite ready to hang out with people that actually know how to change camera batteries.

He who has the gold, makes the rules. What happens when you get your own gold? Well, that presents a problem. How do you spend it? What do you do with it?

And what does this have to do with photography? Why, nothing. I'm simply trying to figure out a metaphoric way to draw positive correlation between my gear and my inability to properly use it **giggle**.

So tonight I went to my son's cello concert. Armed with my family and 50mm f/1.8D it was off to the races! I like the idea of "zooming with my feet," but had I gotten any closer the Sony 'HandyCam' parents would have slapped me senseless. I set my camera to Aperture Priority, followed by f/2.8 and snapped to my heart's content. Shortly after, I changed the aperture to f/8 and then to f/11. I haven't checked the photos yet. I'm a little nervous. Worst case scenario is that I have to do some post processing. The upside is that I would have to post-process anyways as I am now only shooting RAW. This is all becoming quite fun, but it's still a little intimidating.

So yesterday I was driving home from a client's house when I noticed the amazingly orange dusk sky. It was beautiful. It was especially appealing because my clients live in the mountains. The orange sky's reflection on the hills was simply breathtaking. There were periods driving home where I could see the perfect roundness of the sun as it was filtered through the trees. Breathtaking, again.

As I was driving, and it began to get darker, I couldn't help but notice the silhouette of a dairy farm to my left, as I was driving south. It seemed so perfect. I wanted to stop, but there was no place to do so safely. I kept driving. It bothered me so much, that I turned around and went back. I was determined that I was going to get it. I felt I needed it. I thought it was perfect. Upon turning around, I noticed again, that there was no where to safely pull over, and the shot had to be taken from across the road and there was no other way to capture what I saw. I became quite anxious.

I kept driving and had a sinking feeling in my stomach as I continued down the road. Perhaps I would find something else on my drive home? No. I missed yesterday's opportunity to capture something wonderful. I have found that the best shots are taken at random, and when I am not on the hunt. It's always better when 'they' find me.

How thought provoking! Such language! Raw? Really? Ooooh, yeah baby! I LOVE it Raw! And no, not my steak. I want my photos RAW! Well, NEF works just as well, too. RAW provides me with the opportunity to be the Mistress of Manipulation...the Pharisees of PhotoShop! Either way, I get to decide! Woo hoo!

Ok, so I'll explain all the hoopla. Jpg format is like eating in the camera's chow hall. What ever the camera's serving that day, is what I'm having. RAW (NEF) is like going hunting, killing it, skinning it and cooking it however I want it! Yeehaw! 'Seasoned' (post-processed) just right I can have one helluva meal! I'm saying goodbye to my Mickey Ds jpg and hello to my own personal gourmet RAW.

This is really a big step. I'll be converting final products to jpg after processing. Yes, it's time to learn some new software. I've got quite a few options including my in-camera processing (thanks, Nikon). Just for good measure, I purchased another memory card. 8Gigs. RAW files are pretty big. The saving grace is that instead of having to dump my pictures on my laptop, now, all I have to do is switch cards. An heir and a spare.

Tony, if you're reading this, it's time for photoChop lessons. Yes, I meant, PhotoCHOP! LOL!

Ok, so MTF is not an acronym for 'Meet The Family', 'Mothers Thank Fathers' or 'Marry The Fucker'. Nope. None of those. It's short for Modulation Transfer Function. Defining each word individually doesn't even come close to the definition of the three words combined.

When I first took a look at a MTF chart, my left brown went up and I was completely clueless. Everywhere I looked, photographers were citing MTF charts as a way of grading lens capabilities. Ok, the idea made sense until I actually looked at one. The chart looked like a square with squiggly lines. There was an obvious X and Y axis points and 4 lines, two solid and two segmented.

As I read the 'oohs' and 'aahs' of posters, I thought, "What are they looking at? I don't get it."

Ok, so I asked Kayne (yet another question) to make sense of it for me. Here's what he wrote:

OK.... so...

What are MTF Charts... and how the heck do you read them?

First of all... MTF is an abbreviation for Modulation Transfer Function.

Light is... of course... altered or modified as it passes through a series of elements in a lens. An MTF Chart is a visual representation of this modification or altering of light as it passes through a lens.

A lenses quality is typically judged by its ability to sharply resolve fine details or its resolving power. This resolving power is dependent on a lenses abilty to accurately transmit contrast.

For example. Lets say we take a strip of white paper 1mm wide. And on that strip of paper we draw 50 black lines. The white spaces in between the black lines now become white lines. So in essence we now have 50 white lines and 50 black lines for a sum of 100 lines. Each of these lines is only .01mm thick.

Following me so far?

Good

Now... is a certain lens going to be able to accurately capture these lines as seperate black and white lines? Or is the lens going to turn them into a fuzzy mess?

A lenses ability to accurately resolve the seperate black and white lines depends on its ability to transmit the contrast between the lines through its elements. The less the modulation(modification/alteration) of the contrast between the black and white lines will result in a sharper image. More modulation of the contrast between the black and white lines will... of course... result in a more fuzzy looking image.

Simply... the less modulation the better the resulting image is going to be.

Now... lets take a look at an MTF Chart...

For this we will use the MTF Chart for Dee's new 50mm f/1.8 AF-D lens

The Y-axis or vertical axis of the chart goes from 0 to 1. These numbers represent a percentage from 0% to 100%. So a 0.7 value on the Y-axis means the lens can transfer 70% of the contrast in a scene through it.

The X-axis or horizontal axis is measured in millimeters and represents distance from the center of the frame/sensor. With 35mm film... the maximum distance from the center of the frame is about 21mm.

So knowing this you can now look at the chart and see that the lens is better/sharper in its center as the modulation is less(higher percentage value).

But what do those four lines on the graph represent?

Good question!

Remember our little strip of paper only 1mm wide for this next part...

The top two red lines represent a test done with 10 lines per millimeter. This is a test of a lenses abilty to accurately reproduce contrast. The solid red line being Sagittal lines result and the dotted red line being the Merdional lines result.

The bottom two lines represent a test done with 30 lines per millimeter. This is a test of a lenses resolving power or resolution. The solid blue line being the Sagittal lines result and the dotted blue line being the Meridional lines result.

Sagittal and Meridional... there are those two words again...

This next image will show you what is meant by Sagittal and Meridional lines in a frame and how those results are measured...

So from that image we can see that Sagittal lines run parallel to a diagonal line that splits the frame from corner to corner. Meridional lines are at a 90 degree angle to the Sagittal lines.

Still with me?

I hope so because we're almost done!

So we've got four lines...

One line representing Sagittal contrast.
One line representing Meridional contrast.
One line representing Sagittal resolution.
One line representing Meridional resolution.

With this new understanding take a look at the MTF Chart again.

Now remember...

The higher up the chart the solid and dotted red lines are... the better the contrast reproduction of the lens will be.

The higher up the chart the solid and dotted blue lines are... the better the resolution/resolving power and overall sharpness of the lens will be.

And finally an interesting note about these lines...

The closer together the lines are across the entire range of the chart... the better the bokeh of a lens will be.

Cool huh?

__________________
Kayne

And then he wrote:

I posted this explanation of MTF Charts over at Nikon-Digital.ca. Was asked by a member there how they could be used to compare possible results from another lens. I replied with this...

How can you use these to compare them to other lenses...

Lets do that for a moment... please keep in mind that these MTF Charts are a representation of a test done with the aperture at f/1.4.

We'll compare the AF 50mm f/1.4 D to the new AF-S 50mm f/1.4 G

The two MTF Charts... the old AF-D is on the left and the new AF-S G is on the right...

Right off the top with a quick glance one can see that the new AF-S f/1.4 is generally better in both contrast(the red solid and dotted lines) and resolution(the blue solid and dotted lines)than the old version of the lens... especially in the center of the frame/sensor(value 0 along the X-axis).

Note: The center of the frame/sensor will coincide with the center of the lens. As you move to the right along the X-axis you move out from the center of the frame and out towards the outer edge of the lens.

5mm out from the center of the frame/sensor the new 50mm is still about 10% better in transmitting both Sagittal and Meridional contrast. When it comes to resolution though... the old 50mm starts to catch up at this point. Meridional resolution is pretty much the same but Sagittal resolution in the old one is about 5% behind.

10mm out from the center of the frame/sensor the new 50mm is still better at transferring both Sagittal and Meridional contrast through it. At this point though the old 50mm beats the new by about 5% at transferring Meridional resolution but lags behind the new lens by about 7-8% when transferring Sagittal resolution.

15mm out from the center of the frame the new 50mm is better at transferring Meridional contrast by over 10%. Its also better with Sagittal contrast but only by a few percent. With Meridional resolution the new lens is almost a full 20% better than the old lens. But only better by a few percent with Sagittal resolution.

20mm out from the center of the frame the new 50mm is about 15% better at transferring Meridional contrast. But is actually a few percent worse with Sagittal contrast. The new 50mm is a few percent better with both Meridional and Sagittal resolution than the old lens.

Also with looking at the overall plotting of the lines... one can probably deduce that the new 50mm has a more pleasing bokeh... but it would be pretty close between the two.

Overall when comparing the charts one can see that the new 50mm is sharper and has better contrast than the old 50mm when shot wide open.

__________________
Kayne

If I didn't get it after this incredible explanation, I am never going to get it. And pretty pictures to boot!

As a newbie, I'm constantly bashing the mathematical and logistical systems of photography. Why? Because I want things laid out simply and with the greatest of ease. The expectation of newbies like myself, is to pay good money for a camera and instantly become Ansel Adams or even a Fred Miranda. Why not? Would it not be great to write a check and become an instant celebrity? Would it not be great to wake up one morning with the years of mastery of the greats simply by making a purchase? Wishful thinking, of course...but it ain't gonna happen for me. So, in the mean time, I reckon I'll get my fancy photography learnin' the ole fashioned way..... I'll try...then I'll try some more.

Let's talk about Aperture. This bigger the F-stop, the smaller the aperture (opening). It can get confusing. I want to believe the opposite. Why? Because it would make it easier, but unfortunately, it would be ALL WRONG!

So here's what 'Sensei' Kayne says from ProDslr.com:

"It would definitely be more intuitive for beginners, yes. But just like almost everything when it comes to photography, there is math involved. Having it done that way would be totally opposite when it comes to the mathematical equation that determines the f/ stop or aperture size.

The equation... in case you're wondering is...

f/# = N = f/D

Where f equals the focal length of the lens and D equals the diameter of the entrance pupil of the aperture.

So basically... if the focal length is say 8 times the diameter of the entrance pupil... that is f/8.

Using your new 50mm lens as an example and plugging those numbers into the equation... at f/8 the diameter of the entrance pupil at the time of exposure is only 6.25mm.

Not very big... is it?

And that wouldn't let a lot of light into the lens.

Where as at f/1.8 the diamater at the entrance pupil is 27.8mm(rounded up).

Which... of course... will let a lot more light into the lens at the time of exposure.

And considering the aperture size is yet another mathematical equation pertaining to an actual measured amount of how much light is let into a lens(Aperture Area)... Gary summed it up pretty good...

A 1 to 1 ratio is... theoretically... all the light that can be let into a lens.

And that... of course... would be f/1

__________________"
Kayne

Ok, so you haven't heard of Kayne, but who cares. He know's what he's talking about and for the most part, that's all that matters.

What the hell have I done? I just HAD to purchase a new lens. HAD to do it. Why? Well, I was under the impression that I needed a prime lens. Not sure why I needed a prime, I can barely use, understand or even spell the names of the lenses that I have. SO why did I do it? Well, because.........ummm, see what happened was.......... Alright it was a bargain. It was cheaper than the my bikini and boots ensemble. Ok, well maybe that was too much information, but you get my drift, right?

Lesson for today: Don't purchase things you don't understand....even when it's cheap.

Here's the (modest) gear list: Nikon D90, Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM, 18-105mm VR, 55-200mm VR, Nikon 50mm f/1.8D, SB600, Gorillapod, Nikon ML-L3 Remote

If I purchase anything else without knowing how it works, feel free to slap me.

On my favorite newbie friendly photography website, ProDSLR there is a thread where a poster mentions that a particular lens has "15 elements in 11 groups." My first thought when I read the post was, "What did you say about my mother?" Surely the post represented some sort of photography-related hieroglyph and that I should make my way to the nearest camera shop to purchase my very own Rosetta Stone. I didn't have to do that at all. The original poster, Kayne, was kind enough to clarify what he wrote with such detail that there could be no misunderstanding. He said that he didn't mind if I reposted what he wrote in my blog. Here it goes:

15 elements in 11 groups is the lens construction Dee. Take a look at this illustration...

If you count the pieces of glass in the lens you will see there are 15 of them. They are referred to as elements. The 11 groups are the number of those elements that move for focusing. A group is a piece of glass that has a bit of space in between it and the next closes piece of glass to it. Or two pieces of glass that are fit together that have space between them and next single piece of glass or two pieces of glass that are fit together. Now... in the illustration you can see 4 pairings of elements... these being 2 pieces of glass that are very close together in the illustration. They are the ones that look like they have just a sliver of space in between them. Inside a lens these pieces of glass touch each other. Those 4 pairings move in conjunction with one another. These pairings are considered 4 groups. The rest of the individual pieces of glass make up the other 7 groups. Altogether they make up 11 groups.

Something that might make this a bit clearer for you... take a look at this illustration of the 14-24mm f/2.8 AF-S lens...

This lens has 14 elements in 11 groups.

Now take a look at this next picture... its the 14-24 cut in half. You can clearly see the 3 pairings(groups) of elements that are touching each other. There are two right at the lens mount. Then three individual pieces of glass. Then another pairing.

Kayne's pretty smart, huh? If after reading this explanation, you don't 'get it', consider another hobby. If by chance the explanation provoked more questions, I'll venture to say you're on the right track.

Naturally, I had more questions after Kayne's explanation, so I asked him the following:

1. Is there a standard? Meaning, Is an excellent lens one that has lots of pairings and lots of elements?

2. What's minimum number of elements or pairings that you look for in a lens?

3. What is the function of the pairings (the ones close together)?

I know you don't build the things, but if you happen to know, please tell me

.

In looking at the close pairings, I can't help but wonder why they simply don't use ONE larger piece of glass instead of two.

His responses were as follows:

1. There is no standard to the amount of elements and groups that comprise what would be considered an excellent lens or any lens for that matter. A lens is constructed in such a way as to minimize or eliminate as many optical aberrations as possible. Whether the lens is a prime, wide angle prime/zoom or telephoto prime/zoom is just one of the determining factors of a lenses construction. Others being its focal length(s) and zoom range. If there are too few elements and groups the final image may have many optical aberrations. If too many elements and groups there could be a lot of flaring in the final image. The engineer must find a good medium between too few and too may elements and groups.

2. Personally... there is no minimum/maximum number of elements and groups in a lens that I look for. As long as the lens produces sharp images, renders color nice and true and produces good(in my eyes) bokeh I would be interested in it.

3. The pairings of elements(just like single elements) are designed in such a way to minimize or eliminate a specific optical aberration. For instance... Chromatic Aberration or "Color Fringing". To get rid of this an engineer may take two elements made of different glass compounds and different refractive indices and cement them together to form a pairing or group designed to do this. This may also be done to minimize or eliminate Spherical Aberration, Coma problems or any other optical aberration.

So for your comment about only using one larger piece of glass instead of two... if that could be done I imagine engineers would do that. But it can't. To get rid of specific optical aberrations different compounds of glass with different refractive indices, molded in a specific way, cemented together and with certain coatings must be used.

It's been raining for almost two weeks and I wanted to take some pictures. Nikon's D90 does not like water so I've been waiting until the rain subsides to take pictures. Unfortunately, this has been at night. In the past couple of days I have learned that taking pictures at night is a true testament of what you know and what you don't know. Well, tonight I learned mostly about what I don't know. Taking photos in the dark is all about TRIPOD, TRIPOD, TRIPOD!!!! Did I mention that you need a tripod? Oh, and you'll also need a TRIPOD! A remote comes in handy, too. I've got Nikon's handy-dandy ML-L3. It works like a charm and is the best $20 I've spent is quite some time......... Except for the really cute sandals I purchased last week, ..........oh and the belt.

The picture that I took tonight is part of my photostream. It's an allium. There are some parts of the flower that are blown out, but oh well. I tried. Memo to self: Turn down ISO a little bit when there is lighting in the background.

I don't want to seem like the blind leading the blind, but I would like to shamelessly plug Gorillapods! WooHoo! Pretty kewl invention. It's nice to have a tripod that I can bend into whatever shape I need. Go out and get one folks! Use coupon code: SMUGMUG and get $10 off while it's still being offered!

DWB: Driving While Black, is a common crime in the United States for many African Americans. It is not uncommon for African Americans to be stopped by the police for no reason and given a ticket. I know what you're thinking, the cops would never do that, right? Wrong! Happens to my people daily. What's even more disappointing, is that there is no recourse. Police Officers are ALWAYS right (you learn this when you get to court). Ask anyone who has been to traffic court without an attorney. If you play the game (don't pay your rent so that you can afford an attorney), and go along with the racket, your chances of vindication are better. Go it alone, and they nail you to the cross.

Today, as my husband trailed behind me on his motorcycle through a residential area, and a police officer followed us the entire two miles. Initially, the speed limit was 35mph, then 25mph, 15mph, and then finally 10mph. I was very careful not to exceed the speed limit, as I knew that the officer was simply 'looking for a reason' to stop us. With my leading us, would have proof that the officer stopped us for no reason.

Upon making our final turn onto the 10mph stretch, the officer turned on his lights and pulled my husband over. He had no reason for doing this. My husband and I both pulled to the side. I got out of the car and immediately started taking photos. The officer seemed alarmed by this and asked my husband, "Is that your wife? Why is she taking pictures?" He then asked my husband for his license and registration and went back to his car. Within seconds, he returned from his car and told my husband that although his registration showed that his motorcycle is registered through 2010, DMV records had information stating the contrary and that his registration had expired December 2008. He told my husband that he should contact DMV immediately to clarify "their error." Well, this is exactly what we did. We immediately went to DMV and they could not validate the information that the officer 'alleged' to have received from them. Their records concluded that my husband's bike is registered through 2010. The officer lied to save his own ass, and my D90 saved the day!

I think back to something a fellow photographer wrote not so long ago, "I don't see color." My response is still, "You've never had to."

Yes, there actually is such a thing as ugly pictures. I've been trying to explain this to my husband who thinks that my pictures are great. Being the loving, wonderful person that he is, he even wants to frame some of them and hang them on the wall. I cringe at the thought, but I know that he doesn't know any better (poor guy).

Reading and studying photography the way that I have, has had a positive effect on my 'vision'. I have learned to 'See'. 'Sight' is an amazing thing. I can only liken it to a child's first steps. It's the expression that the child has on his/her face when the realize that they are mobile. It's that mobility that makes them feel accomplished and that makes them want to run. Have you ever noticed that after a child takes his/her first steps that they immediately start to run even before mastering walking?

So I've decided to continue my 'walk' until I learn to 'envision'. Envisioning is what I equate to running. Envisioning means that I will be able to predict my motions and have the foresight to plot my course. I will know the F-Stop, Shutter, Speed and Aperture to predict the end result or at least have a general idea of my photograph.

It's funny how this all comes together. When learning photography, most of us point and shoot, and then hope for the best. I am getting ever closer to pointing and shooting, and planning for a positive outcome. I may not always get 'the best', but I at least I have a plan.

What's public and what's considered private these days? That's the debate, and I am referring to Street Photography. There are many thoughts on public privacy. The idea of it is actually an oxymoron. Can there really be public privacy? Street Photography in some circles is considered and art. I call it a reason for me to smack you. Walking down the street does not make it open season on my face.

Why do people insist on debating the issue? Many people question the ethics of Street Photography, others question the morality. Keep in mind that ethics has more to do with the law and morality with one's personal thoughts of right versus wrong.

Why is it so difficult for some to understand that I want to be able to have a meal in a public place and not be photographed? Why do I loose the right to 'quiet enjoyment' because someone has a camera?

I'm bringing this up based on an experience I had today. A guy took a picture of me and thought he could just walk off. Well, I confronted him. I asked him why he had taken my picture and he responded that I was "Hot." Not a good enough answer. I told him that if he didn't delete the photo that I would force him to have me arrested for destruction of property and assault. Hell, as the only girl in a family of seven, I think I know a little bit about how to brawl. Yes, it was just that damn serious of an issue for me.

I have so many questions, and so few resources. Where do I go when I have questions? Ok, I know what you're going to say, I can read some books or check a few websites, right? That doesn't work all the time and I need to bounce questions off a live person. I'm quickly learning that photographers are like schools of fish. Goldfish stick with goldfish and the piranha stick with the piranha (or eat the goldfish). To clarify, photographers love associating with other photographers of the same skill level or level of understanding. I can't say I blame them, (it's just easier that way I guess). Naturally, I have a problem with this because I'm a little fish wanting to learn from the big fish. Quite honestly, I have nothing to learn from my fellow little fish and I'm kind of swimming around aimlessly.

Someone posted on a thread on flickr that they took a picture using a ND Grad. My first thought? What the heck is that and do I need to purchase one? Why would I want one? Why wouldn't I want one?

The other thing that I'm finding is that many photographers view themselves as artists. Now that's a completely different conversation! Artsy folks are, well... different. They only understand themselves and other self-proclaimed artists. Me? I'm just a chick with a camera looking for a good time.

I need some motivation. I want to take some pictures of something, but simply do not know what I want to photograph. I've already taken a gazillion pictures of my daughter, and it seems she simply cannot get enough of the camera. If I walk near my camera bag she wants me to take a picture. I'm happy that she's excited, but it gets a little stale. Well, wait a minute......... perhaps I should reconsider. Think of all the comedic material I'll have to show her husband and my grandchildren when the time comes.

My boys aren't that interested in having their pictures taken. They simply ignore me and chalk it up as "Mom's being annoying again." Oh well, they're boys. Sadly, their friends feel the same.

I'm learning how to trespass without getting shot. When people see me on their property with my cool, fancy camera... it seems that they are less likely to shoot. This is unless, of course, I'm 'working' and they are angry about their foreclosure proceedings. Those are the days when photography is not so good.

I've got to get motivated. Perhaps tomorrow I will find some online photography challenges and assignments in which to participate. I need something to help me learn more.

I don't do drugs and have never tried them (seriously). I don't smoke and have never smoked. I don't even like smokers and think that they all reek. I drink socially. Technically communion is isn't drinking, but I confess that I have wine every Sunday when the Priest offers it to me... so shoot me already. De vez en cuando I like to hablar espanol. I try to hablar en espanol con mi daughter cada dia y espero que she understands. Ok, I''m confusing you. It's not a type-O you're reading. I did that on purpose. I figured my good friend Tony Rabina would be reading.

So back to the topic at hand......Camera OCD. I can't shake my obsession with my camera. Seriously, I wake up reading camera websites first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I've even taken my camera into the bedroom, but we won't discuss that part of my obsession. I'm not sure why I feel as though I can become a great photographer through osmosis, but I won't stop trying ;-).

So the new D5000 is upon us. My first thought was, "Heck, my camera is not even a year old and they've already come up with something else." Oh well. I've read about it and I'm not moved.

I'm still enjoying photography books, but there's nothing like getting the answers to questions that I didn't think to answer. The internet is awesome.

Yesterday, I ventured out to take pictures of a home that my clients are considering. Yes, I have a real job. I'm a Realtor. It was quite an experience. I learned quite a bit during my outing. The first thing i learned, is that Satan himself created the on-board flash. I mean just as I thought that I was taking some marvelous photos, I got them home and realized that I could see the shadow of the on-board flash. Perhaps I could have 'PhotoShopped' the shadows away, but that, of course, would have required me to learn PhotoShop and edit 144 pictures. Nah, it was easier to go back to the house and retake the photos.

Once I got back to the house, I really took my time. For the record, I was smart enough to realize that my Sigma 10-20 ultra-wide was the obvious choice for taking photographs of the interior of a home. It allowed me to capture an entire room/space. I also brought my SB-600 flash, but quickly realized, that increasing the ISO proved to be just what the doctor ordered. The home was well lit with both natural light and recessed lighting. Perhaps I maybe incorrect in my thought process, but I think that the SB-600 would have blown highlights.

My clients were pretty impressed with my photos. I was not as happy. The more photos I take the more I can tell the difference between a good photo and a lousy photo.

I frequent the website ProDSLR. The site was started by this dude named Gary. Gary started the website after he was booted from another site. I like Gary's site. It isn't saturated with folks that think that their opinion is the only one that matters. No one there is 'so pro' that they can't share ideas and help out those of us new to the photograpy world. IF I like a photograph posted by another member, I'm free to say that I like it. IF I don't like a photograph, I can say that, too.

When I first purchased my camera, my first stop was to 'DPR'. Initially I liked the site, but was really desperate to learn something, anything about my camera. I'd hang out in DPR's Beginner's Forum for hours searching for information. Most of what I saw was pages of What camera should I purchase or What camera do you think is best for me type questions repeated to infinity. I made the mistake of asking why the exact same question was repeated VERBATIM over and over again. Well, they nailed me to a cross, poured gasoline on me and then set me on fire. Had I said one more word, they would have eaten my children. Oh well.

There are a lot of camera forums out there. I'm grateful for all of the information that they provide, but I sure as hell can do without all of the attitudes. Everyone thinks that he or she is a pro. Well, the concensus on the definition of being a 'pro' is that you take pictures for a fee. Yep. That's all. Nothing about composition, or level of understanding. A friend wanted to pay me to take pictures of her son in his little league outfit. Would I be considered a 'pro' if I had taken the money? It would totally suck for the planet if MY level of understanding made me a 'pro' all because I earned $5.oo taking a picture.

Ok, so it's been a minute since I've been in here. And no, it's not because I have all of these beautiful pictures to post of my progress. I've taken some photos, I just haven't made them a part of my photo stream (upper right hand corner of my blog). Truth is, I've been doing what a lot of newbie photographers do: not taking pictures and lusting over new gear that I do not know how to use. It's not that I don't want to use the gear that I already have, I just want more stuff! Not sure why, but I want more stuff. Let's take for example my Sigma 10-20. When I first saw pictures taken with the Siggy, I just KNEW that I had to have one. I studied wide angle lenses like a madman! And when I could spot a photograph taken with a wide angle lens from a mile away, I purchased the Siggy. Have I used it? Sure. Do I use it often? No. Why? I haven't used the Siggy or any of my other stuff because ....well, I've been busy studying my camera.

Well hold on a second, now. I know you're thinking, "This chick is crazy for purchasing all of this stuff and not using it." Nope! Not crazy. Obsessive and compulsive maybe, but not crazy. I take lots of pictures. I just end up throwing most of them away. I know what good picture is supposed to look like in my mind. I put an emphasis on the word 'my' because a lot of people are quick to offer their pics for 'C&C', meaning 'comments & critique'. I'm not at that point yet. I'm still practicing what I'm learning in the book. What I mean, is that I'm learning how to bracket, how to use Active D-Lighting, and figure out how to photograph the moon. Yeah, I'm taking LOTS of pictures.

Last night's photography class did not teach me anything that I didn't already know. It did, however, remind me of things that I had learned. The instructor spoke of exposure compensation, Depth of Field, The Rule of Thirds and many things composition related. In a nutshell, we discussed how to try to make a photo interesting. Nope! Nothing learned... but that's a good thing. It means that everything that I have been reading and learning on my own has really been sticking to me. Kudos to me!

During class I took some time to skim through parts of my manual. The instructor is a Canon-jockey and I'm always looking for ways to show him that he's wrong about Nikon. Canon DID NOT in fact invent the wheel. Nikon didn't either....... but I prefer Nikon. I learned some things about my camera that I had forgotten. I knew that the camera has eleven focus points when looking through the viewfinder, but I had forgotten that I can focus exactly where I want when using the 'live view' option on back of the camera. It's not that big of a deal, but good to remember. I was prompted to check into this when a kid in class wanted to know if there was a "camera out there" that would allow you to focus where ever you want, and not just on the focus points provided by the camera. It seems he purchased a lower end Canon and he only has four focus points. Oh well.

Although a Canon-jockey, I do like my instructor. I plan to ask him to allow me to 'hang around' with him. I'm sure I'll learn something.

I got into a heated argument on one of my favorite photography forums a couple of days ago. Someone posted a picture of Air Force One with 'NI66ER' written on the tail as if it were the plane's number. The poster said “Air Force One" Tail Number for US President's plane
I bet they change it!" This alerted me to the fact that the poster knew what the word meant. Later, after some heated exchange, the poster wrote:

" OK I guess I set off a few people. I did not even realize that there was a hidden meaning to the letters and numbers until I ran it through google search just a few minutes ago.

I look and see numbers as just digits and do not translate them in to letters. Did anyone see me use the letters no, However I did see someone else spell them out and in all caps to make a point that everyone can see it.

Also I do not live in a racist country but then how many of the 300million USA people even realize that, considering that most know nothing about Canada."

So now I'm ticked. I'm not ticked that he posted the word. I'm annoyed that he posted it, and then attempted to feign ignorance as if he didn't know what he was doing.

Where do we draw the line as photographers? I look back over the years that photography chronicled the Civil Rights Movement and I am proud and sad at the same time. I'm proud that we have endured as a people. I am sad, well...because it was a very trying time. A few of the posters on the other forum wrote that they "Don't see color" and I truly believe them. The sad truth is that they have never been in the position of having their color seen. They've never been in a position where they couldn't get a job to support their family because of their color, or been prohibited from going to a school or store. They have no idea what it's like to fear their own skin.

Is it really ok to make pictures that are hurtful to others? Where do we draw the line? Come walk a mile in my shoes and then make your decision.

So I've been at this photography thing for a few months and it has completely engulfed me. I wake early and start studying. I fall asleep at night studying. I'm starting to 'get it'. I've been going to a lot of photography forums and I'm really starting to take interest in some of the photos that read, "C&C welcome" and really want to post, and don't. Part of me feels like I haven't been doing this long enough to write how I feel about someone's photo, even while I understand the general concept of exposure. The other part of me simply wants to be free to say what I truly feel, "That's an ugly picture," or "What the hell were you thinking?" A lot of times, newbies (self included) have a tendency to want to mimic abstract art and will photograph something/anything hoping that someone will see more in what we've done than what we actually see. Truth is, that's a good start. Take the picture. PLEASE, take the picture.

The goal with my photography is to go old school. I want my pictures to be less about photographic art and more about what comes out of my camera. What I mean is that I want my pictures to be about what comes out of my camera and less about what I can 'create' with the photos once they get to my computer. I'm not knocking post-processing or post-production or anything, but have you seen what happens when HDR gets into the 'wrong' hands?

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