A nice evening out with friends

Went to Shokudo for a small celebration with friends. Amazing number of them had never been there, others have been there many times. Lots of "so, what's good?" going around. The lines are going to be longer now...

Much fun, good eats, great peeps. Need to do this more often.

(Re)Experimenting with reverse-lens close-ups...

Since some of my Flickr friends have been playing, and exhibiting their substantial prowess, with reverse-lens close ups, I thought I would revisit the technique.

I found my adapter (the BR-2A, for Nikon people), mounted the 50mm f/1.2 AIS (because it was on the desk), and proceeded out into the drizzly morning. Since it was an initial foray, I dispensed with the support system, which was probably a good choice.

Wobble-focus technique was the play of the day; not enough focus leeway to make a difference, especially at f/1.2. And I found myself leaning over obstacles, like for the image at the top of this post.

Still, it was interesting. And since I always have a 50mm with me, I'll just throw the adapter in the bag. It's just a ring, so not much more bulk.

If you are looking for extreme close-ups, you may be better served with extension tubes, close-up adapters, bellows, or reversing a lens onto another. But this method is quick, easy, and inexpensive; you can even dispense with the adapter and handhold it.

I shall have to look into this further. ;)

Nikki Jennifer Photography is soon to have an anniversary!

A fabulous photographer, a mother and a good friend, will soon be reaching a milestone. Nikki Jennifer Photography will be 1 year old within 2 months!

Nikki is an Oahu, Hawaii-based "natural light" photographer who will bring out the "you" in you. She is very easy to get at ease with, has a unique photographic style, and cares very much about you, from contact to the final delivery. Put yourself in her care, and she will deliver. Not to worry; you will get what you pay for.

Gotta tell you; she has this crazy knack of "finding the light." Astonishing.

To help celebrate this upcoming achievement, check out her:
Website and Galleries - See what she does and how to get in touch!
Facebook Fan Page - "Like" to show her some love!

Please spread the word. If you like her work, please consider giving her your business.

Hmm, we need to throw a baby luau, or something...

Playing with some camera protection

Noting that I seem to be in increasingly rough conditions with my gear, e.g., rain, waterfall spray, surf spray, etc., I thought to look at some protection. A condom for the camera, if you will.

I have had the Op/Tech Rainsleeve for quite awhile, for emergencies. Of course, I never seemed to have it on hand when said emergency happened, so I either ate it or bailed. Fortunately, most of my gear is weather-resistant, salt notwithstanding.

With the winter weather as heavy as it's been this year (it's rain here, no snow), I figured I should look at a more substantial solution. Which led me to the Think Tank Hydrophobia 70-200. Very substantial. Tried the "don't need no stinkin' manual" approach at first; it's like a new father putting on a diaper for the first time. Hint: read the instructions. It's not long, and can save you some grief. I actually found everything myself, eventually, but going back and reading was a "D'oh!" moment. Still, not something you can slap on quickly, although I can see it getting quicker with practice. And slower with panic.

Anyways, diaper-installation problems aside, it works as advertised. The one thing is the strap system. They have a strap on the outside, with in internal support and storage system, so you can carry this when the shroud is in use. Practically, having a pro body + 70-200mm on a skinny strap is not going to cut it; your shoulder will die. Tripod/monopod use, absolutely great, and the supplied strap can be the "oops!" strap for monopod users.

Getting that internal support strap can be a bit of a bear at first. Pre-fit and practice. The eyepiece requires an additional purchase, based on your camera's eyepiece. In my case, it is the screw-in type, and I use an add-on cup. So I need t unscrew that, put everything together (blind, by the way), then put the cup back on, if you wish. And then, in my case, the viewfinder cover is also the release for the eyepiece, and when you want to take it off, it is tucked behind the heavy rubber weather-seal piece; takes a little digging to get to it to release properly.

Value? I would say it is a "your call." Think Tank is not cheap by any means. If you are looking for the cheap, occasional usage, consider the Op/Tech. Cheap enough to toss after a couple of uses. If you plan to do this a lot, then this may be the way to go.

[edit] Just saw a rather geeky, but interesting possibility if rain is your only concern. Look up "Probrella."

Twin Spouts

Experiencing some crazy weather over the last week. Thunderstorms and showers, and now waterspouts off Honolulu Harbor. Wild!

And I got to shoot bolt lightning for the first time; I usually only get blinking clouds.

The first time I saw waterspouts and lightning was off West Beach, Ewa, some time back before history began. Now I see them both again, together again. How weird is that?

I'll enjoy this while I can...

Not all trees in Hawaii are green...

For those that didn't know, or are maybe visiting and wanted a Friday evening diversion, the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki puts on a short fireworks show every Friday at 7:45PM HST.

Met someone last Friday for a fireworks shoot at Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park. Started early for sunsets (that didn't pan out due the heavy cloud cover), then turned around for the other half of the entertainment. Convenient, huh? And you get to watch other photographers busy with wedding shoots and stuff while you wait.. General people-watching, too, if you wish.

In general, a nice, slow-paced way for photographers to spend an evening. The beginners get to discuss all the gear and settings, the advanced folk either discuss the nuances of such captures, or roll their eyes at those discussing such. Fun, in a photo-geek way. When the shooting starts, it is a frantic few minutes, hoping you don't miss too much, looking for the big finish. And then it's over.

Hmm...

Nice afternoon, it was

Got a bit of a reprieve from the thunderstorms. Naturally, when there's storms, there are storm clouds to hunt.

Well, sort of. Got clouds, but inconsistent. The afternoon set seemed to work out the best. By the time sunset came around, it got rather muddy. Although, there was a moment that presented itself to later mutilation. Hehe.

It was a nice Friday afternoon.

This is kinda freaking me out...

A post in my flickr photostream, "Cranking down on the Grey Set", is accumulating views, comments, and faves(!!!), and rising up the Explore rating thingy. It is currently my #3 on the "Popular" rating in my stream.

What is really weirding me out is, I didn't think it was that good! It was just a pretty lame attempt to get something from what was a pretty crappy sunset. Maybe the Magic Donkey got drunk and the the dart went awry or something. I mean, I know my stuff is not exactly greeting card material, and I don't know if I would want it hanging on on my own wall.

I just don't know. So confused.

Won't Let Go

I Am One

Have to check this out. Reflections by Roni is raising funds towards relief efforts for Japan, following the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear reactors triple-disaster. Through her "12 Days, 12 Cards for Japan" project, she will be bundling a set of cards, proceeds which will go towards the effort.

So not only will you be supporting a good cause, but also getting a great set of prints from a wonderful photographer. At the very least, take a look; that part is free.

Peace.

Reflections by Roni blog
Her Fine Art site
Facebook

Printing is not easy

I've been encouraged to print some of my stuff. Finally caved, and am in the process of looking for options.

The first was a "normal" 16x20. Went to Mpix for this, hearing that their work is pretty reliable. Ran it on e-Paper, Lustre Coat and a Standout, White edges. That was a pleasant experience; came out much better than I anticipated.

Continued that with a mission to print a couple of panoramas I had done awhile back. Got a recommendation to go to Graphic Pictures Hawaii Inc, in Kaka'ako. Finally located them. Took a couple of files in for processing.

Meeting Jerry was pretty cool. So much knowledge and history. And Ed. Oh my lord. Ed is such a kick! And, he knows his stuff. Best thing; they proof the work, let you make a decision based on that. They can do small adjustments to touch-up, but I should do that part. Just looked at the proofs, which looked really nice on lustre paper. Will be doing 2 canvases, stretched. 12x52-ish, each. And a paper copy on lustre. Hopefully to be in my grubby paws sometime late next week. Rather excited about this, actually.

In the meantime, ran another print to Mpix. A sunset I have been wanting to print, on metallic paper, 16x24. Wow. 2 days from order to Hawaii. Wild. Did it on double matboard, and it looks pretty amazing.

So much I have picked up, so much more to learn about the print process, and my role in it. Makes my head hurt.