Friday, January 30, 2009

IPod Touch Photo Applications

I've been spending a little bit too much time researching uses for my new toy - the iPod Touch. Some of the practical things I am now using the iTouch for include:
1) Storing some of my Photos for showing at Networking events (my mobile portfolio)
2) Storing my camera and flash manuals so I always have reference (just in case)
3) Storing various photo shoot lists as a reminder when needed
4) Storing different images of poses that I may decide to use once in awhile
5) A Sunrise application that tells me the twilight, sunrise and sunset times at various locations in the country so I know when I can capture the magic light any day of the year
6) A DOF (depth of field) calculator for different lenses and focal distances
7) Links to various photography websites for keeping abreast of new equipment and new techniques
8) and other planned uses

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Apple Ipod Touch

I recently purchased an Apple IPod Touch for showing my photographs at networking events as part of my new marketing thrust for this year. I loaded some photos and took it to the Maryland PPA meeting last night and showed a few other photographers who were impressed with the images and the IPod itself. Here's the image I selected for the wallpaper.


Fairie Lights

Stephanie Millner Presentation

Attended a Maryland PPA presentation "Don't Blame The Printer" by Stephanie Millner, award-winning wedding and portrait photographer from Alexandria, VA. Prior to her transition into professional photography, she gained prolific experience as a graphic designer and prepress manager at several printing companies. I learned a few hints about some of the things that should be done prior to submitting printing. Stephanie was a knowledgeable and great presenter.

Monday, January 19, 2009

PlayList.com

I am in the process of looking into Playlist.com for selecting music on my websites. Right now, Playlist.com is somewhat controversial with rights issues; but I feel that since all I'm doing is providing a link to them, I should be ok. Supposedly they are in the process of obtaining rights to all the music. I'll let you know what happens as PlayList.com works out it's issues and how they will eventually charge for accessing their servers. They are presently in talks with Sony BMG Music (see press release).

I added the player today and did a little more research and then decided to remove it from the blog since the music sources appear to be from different servers from all over the world and probably aren't licensed properly.

What does this have to do with photography? Nothing; but it does have to do with presentation methods and it gets me away from direct photography for a bit.

For reference, a Sarah Brightman PlayList Popup (opens a new screen)

Friday, January 16, 2009

Lens Pen for cleaning your lenses

I recently purchased a Carson Lens Pen LP99 from B&H PhotoVideo. What a fantastic device. Simple to use and very effective for cleaning finger prints, smudges and grime from your filters and lenses. I highly recommend this tool - about $10. Don't buy the mini - that one is for small optics. The lens pen uses a non-liquid compound for cleaning the lens after first brushing off dust and other debris with an attached natural hair brush.

The Lens Pen device is NOT for cleaning your sensor. I have my eye on a sensor cleaning device that i'll review in a few weeks.

Here's a little UTube video from Carson Optics

Monday, January 5, 2009

Sarah Brightman - Diva

Kristie & I are sitting back watching the beautiful Sarah Brightman Diva DVD - my favorite female singer. It was a Christmas gift from my ex-wife, Laura. Diva is very different than Sarah's concert DVD's. It's a series of 21 chronologicaly ordered music videos from her career. Some neat videography and photo overlay montages. A bit of something for inspiration and I love Sarah. Some of my other favs include Laura McKennitt, Lisa Gerrard, Enya, Clannad, Bjork, and more contemporary Shakira and Beyonce.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Port Discovery New Year Everything Italian

I attended the Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore New Years Eve Everything Italian Event. The museum was loaded with kids and adults having a ball.

Here's a Slide Show of some of the activities. I made a last minute decision to attend and help support Kristie. I arrived for the second half of the event and photographed a few costumes, the kids painting masks, kids playing in the Water Works area and some of the climbing structures. I missed a lot of the early happenings.

I made good use of the 28mm 1.8 lens I bought on eBay, mentioned in my last blog, and even though it's pretty dark in the museum, the lens and high ISO worked great.

The event was held in association with and supported by the Italian Consulate of Baltimore and Maserati of Baltimore . A more detailed description of the event is here in Baltimore Style magazine.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year

I hope you all had a great holiday and wishing you a Happy & Prosperous New Year.


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