Mariachi

Editing

I mentioned the new camera body but I've never really mentioned editing. The first copy of Photoshop I ever used was Photoshop 7.0 in 2003. I couldn't believe how amazing all the built in filters were and I loved using the clone tool. I spent hours editing photos, sometimes at 350% pixel by pixel.  When I look at those pictures I now realize that the finished product looked worse most of time. I never really knew when to stop. Now I use the most current edition of photoshop (CS5) and a MacBook Pro instead of a PC. Ironically I try to keep any editing extremely basic. I do love the new "Content-Aware" features of CS5 but I mainly just crop, rotate and play with curves (i do still give into editing temptation sometimes).

I just recently started playing with the curves after reading an article about tone. Now I use curves for B&W edits and to create a soft vintage look. I took this picture at the park by our house while taking Ollie for a walk. I have also been reading about sun flares. This is my first attempt to capture a sun flare.

Here is the Original

After minimal editing

New Camera

 I have a cousin in California that takes beautiful photos. One day he handed over his Canon dSLR and asked me to snap a few pictures in a dim church. I was surprised when the pictures came out sharp with no additional lighting or tripod assistance. When I asked how he set up his camera he gave me three of the best tips I will ever get. 1.) Shoot manual 2.) Shoot RAW 3.) Get some fast glass.

I have had the D40 for about 3 years, it was my first digital SLR. I tried shooting with the dial set to "A" and "P" but about 99% of the time I shoot "M" (manual). After talking to my cousin I purchased the Nikon DX 35mm f/1.4. It's was my first prime lens and by far the fastest lens I own. I can't stress how versatile you can be with all those extra stops at your disposal. I still haven't taken the last important step of starting to shoot RAW. 

Now onto the camera. Nikon just released some new models, including the D7000, which I really wanted. I went back and forth between the D7000 and the D90. I decided to go with the D90 for now and upgrade to the D7000 soon. Here are the main reasons I wanted do upgrade my D40 to a D90.

1.) Internal autofocus motor. 

2.) More than 3 AF points

3.) Higher shooting frame rate

4.) Better CSOM sensor

5.) More dedicated manual buttons - 2 wheels

6.) Larger, higher resolution LCD

7.) Higher ISO capabilities

8.) Video recording 

9.) Additional top LCD

10.) Twice the megapixels

11.) Live View Shooting

Ollie

In Austin for Mother's Day

Xmas Tree