Photopost: Action! (at the dog park)

Published by Nick Ladd | Filed under Photo Posts

The small dog area at Magnussen Park is always full of action.

Photopost: Chinatown, San Francisco

Published by Nick Ladd | Filed under Photo Posts, Adventures

Between work, planning a wedding, playing baseball, and travel, I’ve been quite busy. I promise there will be more blogs to come In the meantime, here is my favorite photo taken from my trip to San Francisco’s Chinatown.

New Gear; Tripods, Filters, OH MY!

Published by Nick Ladd | Filed under Gear & Other Gadgets

Last weekend I went on a bit of a buying binge over at Adorama and picked up a few items off my wish list.

Bogen - Manfrotto 3021BP Pro Black Tripod Legs $167.90
5.3 lbs might be a hair too heavy, but I’ll make due. This puppy is rated to hold 13.3 lbs and received excellent reviews online…my first high quality tripod! I can’t wait to take it out at night and do some cityscapes as well as do some HDR work. I also bought a cheap knockoff shutter remote for $11 on eBay that is supposed to work with my D200. Not bad considering the Nikon remote costs about $130.

Bogen - Manfrotto Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect $65.00
This tripod head is also rated to carry around 13lbs. I decided on a ball head to allow me to more easily (and quickly) get my camera into various position.

Hoya 72mm Filter Kit $114.95

• Circular Polarizer Multi Coated Glass Filter
• UV (Ultra Violet) Multi Coated Glass Filter
• Filter Wallet for up to 6 Filters

It was actually cheaper to buy as a kit than just buy the polarizer filter alone.

I ordered all of this gear last Saturday (5/19) with the hope that I would have it here by today (Friday, 5/25) so that I can take it out on my Memorial Day weekend adventure…basically a trip out to the Olympic Peninsula, hiking the Ozette loop and then spending the next day up at Hurricane Ridge doing day hikes. Unfortunately the ETA from UPS isn’t until next Tuesday, even though Adorama said the shipping would be 3-5 business days. C’est la vie.

Will post reviews of all these once I’ve used them a bit (and once they finally get here).

HDR - A lot of Questions, Fewer Answers

Published by Nick Ladd | Filed under Shooting, Digital Darkroom

Okay, I’ll admit it; prior to literally stumbling across a large Flickr group of HDR devotees I wasn’t even aware of HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging techniques using standard digital cameras. I’ve always been aware of the limited ranges (compared to what our eyes can see) that can be captured and displayed using traditional methods (film of different varieties, digital camera, monitors, paper, etc.) but never really thought about the possibility of creating these types of images. Maybe I’ve been living in a bit of a photographic darkroom for too long, but somehow I missed out on this trend.

I’m not going to try to explain HDR imaging in this post, nor am I going to try explaining techniques and processes of producing HDR photos. I’m not an HDR technical wizard, and these things have already been discussed and blogged about ad nauseam. Start with this Wiki Article, and then do some Googling…this is what I did, and got me caught up to speed pretty quickly.

At first glance the HDR Flickr Group literally amazed me. The vibrancy of colors, range of shade and highlights, and just plain ‘neatness’ of the imagery immediately piqued my interest. At the same time however, many of the images appeared to me, downright comical; akin to imagery produced when someone first gets a hold of Photoshop and starts running their photos through every filter known to man. From there, my mind wandered into the HDR abyss and started to pose some questions about the appropriate uses of HDR and its place within photography in general. Below you will find these questions as well as my personal ideas about the topic.

Is HDR art, or just a cheap trick?

Talk about a loaded question Photomatrix and the inclusion of HDR capabilities in Photoshop have opened up to the general public the capability to with relative ease create HDR images. Access to such tools is an amazing thing that should inspire creativity in those who previously might not have gone down that avenue. Along with this, comes the HDR vomit that I see posted in about 70% of the images on Flickr. To me (warning, opinion ahead) art in all things requires a vision with intent. HDR is not the art, but simply a tool, much like the camera, to produce an artist’s vision. The majority of images posted online tend to be ‘happy accidents’ the result of bringing an image into Photomatrix, tweaking the sliders to the extreme, and producing something that resembles a Woodstockian acid trip. To me, HDR has it’s place, but only when it is used at an art piece’s conception as a tool to achieve a particular vision…leading us to…

When if HDR appropriate?

It amazes me that a large number of scenes that have been HDR’d did not originally contain the dynamic range within the frame that HDR was intended to capture. When this takes place, it is simply a tool to stylize a photograph. Personally, this is not my cup of tea, but if this was the vision and intent of the artist, I can see it’s appropriate use especially if your not try to create a record of a place, but instead an impressionistic representation of it.

The true power of HDR lies in its subtle capabilities. I see HDR as being akin to a split NG filter. HDR can help you bring out detail in your highlights and shadows. That being said, this is not always necessary or desired. I have seen a large number of images that look rather flat because everything in the image has perfect exposure…what is the fun in that, and more importantly, where is the depth in that?

HDR abuse seems to be a mantra on Flickr. I would advise to avoid this…no matter how much ‘interestingness’ it gives your images.

Are these even HDR?

No. No, and no. All of the images you see online are 8 bit derivatives of an original HDR image. There are no consumer pieces of equipment (that I know of) to display electronically or in print HDR images. What you see online are tone mapped approximations of HDR images dummied down to be viewed. The process of tone mapping is where some HDR images seem to cross the line.

What obligations do photographers have to disclose their HDR work?

A truly great HDR image, like good post-processing, should be transparent. A beautiful image is a beautiful image, and I don’t see any reason to go out of your way to say it is HDR unless it is for educational purposes or specifically asked.

Where does HDR have its applications?

As I walked home through the streets of Seattle yesterday passing the endless number of condo towers going up it struck me that hyper-realistic and even surreal images of these buildings could easily make wonderful marketing materials. These places are not necessarily selling a reality, but more of an idealized lifestyle. HDR’s too-good-too-be-true images could help sell this. I’m very curious to see if there has been a niche established for commercial photographers doing this type of work. I could see this being used extensively in all types of marketing photography. Whether this is ethically acceptable is another question.

Conclusions

What is art? This philosophical black hole has been asked since the beginning of time and has an infinite number of deeply personal answers. As new technologies are invented and the art world reacts there will be those who embrace these new techniques and those that turn their nose at them. HDR is no different.

Hopefully in the near future I will start toying around with HDR on my own and try to get some good results. In the mean time, I’d love to hear from my readers what they think of HDR, it’s appropriate uses, and maybe even some of their own images.

How big is too big? The Resolution Dilemma

Published by Nick Ladd | Filed under Web Publishing

There are few things more insulting to an artist than having your work stolen. Disagree with my work, make fun of it, call it horrible names, ignore it…just don’t steal it, especially to publish it elsewhere without my permission.

With all of the recent coverage of the Rebekka scandal on Flickr, it got me thinking (as well as others) about how big is too big when posting online? One would think that limiting the size of your photos and/or including pervasive watermarks would be the only foolproof method of protecting your work online. Therein lies the problem, I personally don’t think either works…

Why Limiting Resolution Doesn’t Work
I know that when I post my images to my Flickr site, I do so with the purpose of sharing my images with the broader photography community. I want these images viewed in the highest resolution possible in order to show them in the best light. Overly compressing the JPGs and limiting the dimensions of the images seems to go against the purpose of posting them to begin with.

Everything I post online is typically at 72dpi with a width of 600 pixels. They is equivalent to 3 inches wide at 200dpi or 2 inches wide at 300dpi (without re-sampling). I have never had any of my images stolen for print media, but even if I did these specs wouldn’t produce very nice quality prints (at least of significant size). Without exception, all of the images that I have had stolen have ended up on websites (the majority of which were poorly done travel sites created with the intention of generating advertising revenue). This is particularly painful because it makes my work appear tacky and commercialized. Unfortunately though, limiting the quality of the images I post online really wouldn’t prevent this either:

1. These websites don’t really care about aesthetics
2. Even if the images I post online are less than say 400 pixels wide at 72 dpi, they would still be an acceptable size for use on these websites.

Why I don’t like Watermarks

Personally, I don’t think watermarks work. Whether you see a watermark as the ‘artist’s signature’ or simply graffiti on the wall, they all can be distilled into two varieties:

1. Small, unobtrusive in the bottom right hand corner watermarks might be aesthetically acceptable, but they are easily cropped out.
2. Large, obtrusive watermarks in the background of the image tend to be impossible to crop, but also (IMO) destroy the beauty of your photos.

So, what can you do to prevent theft?

Unfortunately, not much. If someone really wants your image, they’ll take it. All that you can really do if frequently search the web for your images and be proactive in defending your copyrights. I’m sure there are other methods of protecting your work, but I have yet to find one that is easy, effective, and doesn’t destroy your images.

Anyone have any good ideas?

Calling All Environmental Photographers

Published by Nick Ladd | Filed under Competitions

The CIWEM (The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management) is hosting a competition for the 2007 Environmental Photographer of the Year . The premise of the competition according to Nick Reeves, the CIWEM Director is:

CIWEM wants people to take photographs of those things about our natural and built environment that they love and want to protect, as well as those things they are most concerned about. This competition will celebrate the power of photography, inspiring people around the world to start taking care of our environment.

Personally, I think this is a noble cause helping to demonstrate the power that art has to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The organization is based in the UK, but is open to international photographers both amateur and professional.

Information about prizes from the CIWEM website about why you should enter:

1. Gain the coveted title of Environmental Photographer of the Year and win the top prize
2. Win one of the categories and receive prize vouchers
3. Have your winning work published in CIWEM’s international monthly magazine WEM (circ, 13,000)
4. Have your winning work exhibited at CIWEM’s three day Annual Conference
5. Have your winning work take part in a roving exhibition, launched at the contemporary art hotel, the City Inn Westminster
6. Have your winning work showcased on CIWEM’s popular website
7. Have your winning work featured in future CIWEM publications and advertising

Deadline:August 31, 2007

Categories:
1. Social Environment
2. Urban Environment
3. Changing Climates
4. Technology and Innovation in the Environment
5. Conservation and Biodiversity
6. Arts and/in the Environment

• Official Rules & Entry Information
• 2006 Winners

Camera Wishlist

Published by Nick Ladd | Filed under Gear & Other Gadgets, Nikon D200

I’m a gadget freak (as I’m sure most photographers are), but unfortunately do not have the bankroll nor credit limit (joke) to support my gadget habit. That being said, I can always dream and create a list (another of my obsessions). So here it is, my list wishlist of good stuff that someday I might have a shot at owning (in order of personal importance):

Camera Gear Wishlist:

1. Tripod
   Heavy duty and preferably with a level and ball head. I currently own a pathetic plastic piece of crap that I don’t trust to hold my new D200. Haven’t really started researching the various makes and models, but this is definitely high on my list of ‘to-dos’. Probably will buy one with carbon fiber legs to make it lighter to travel with. Someday, might want a monopod too…we’ll have to see.
2. Polarizing Filter
   I’m tired of seeing washed out over exposed skies in my photos. It would also be nice to cut through reflections when they are not wanted. Any good recommendations for 72mm polarizing filters? I’ve heard good things about Hoya multicoated filters.
3. Neutral Density Filter
   Would be nice for situations calling for a slower shutter speed than the lighting conditions would normally allow. Any ideas about brands?
4. Remote Shutter Release
   Once I get my tripod, I’d like to buy Nikon’s MC-36 for shooting in low light conditions. The auto timer works well, but is a bit annoying. Would also be fun for doing some extremely low light timed exposures.
5. 1.4x Teleconverter
   Would be nice to give my 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 a little more ‘reach’ when needed. Only concern would be losing a stop, possibly slower autofocusing, and maybe some image quality loss. Anybody have any experience with the Nikon TC-14E II (1.4x) AF-S, AF-I Teleconverter?
6. Telephoto Lens
   I’ve been looking at the 300mm f/4D ED-IF AF-S Nikkor lens specifically for use in sports photography. This lens would allow me to speed up my shutter (larger aperture than my 18-200mm lens) for better frozen action shots while limiting background distractions.
7. Macro Lens
   The focal length on my 18-200mm general lens leaves a little to be desired when shooting insects, flowers, and other small things up close. My old Nikon Coolpix 4500 did a great job with macro shots, and I’d like to make my D200 do the same.
8. Flash Unit
   Looking for recommendations I tend to get by with the on-board speedlight, especially since I don’t like to shoot with flash.
9. Wide Angle Lens
   For interior architectural shots and wide landscapes. Pretty low on my priorities since I seem to get by with my 18-200mm lens when wider angles are needed.
10. GPS Unit Cable
    Not really needed, but would be a fun toy…especially considering that I already own a GPS.

Books:

1. National Geographic Photography Field Guide

Any other suggestions? I’ll have to keep this list up-to-date as items get purchased

Joining the Flickr Generation

Published by Nick Ladd | Filed under Web Publishing

As you can probably tell, I just started this blog a couple weeks ago; officially breaking my self-imposed rule of not jumping on the latest internet bandwagon. I decided to go ahead and shoot the moon and jump on to one of the latest crazes called Flickr. Okay, I know what you’re saying, Flickr has been around for quite a while (in perspective of the internet time continuum) but, like I said, I’m not one for fads and realize that even if I tried to be I would always be three steps behind.

Disclaimers aside, I have to admit that Flickr is an amazingly powerful tool to easily (keyword) post and share my photos with friends, family, and my two blog readers (my fiancee and the random bot that spammed me). So far I have been impressed with the simplicity of the software while still allowing a good amount of depth to catagorize and make your images searchable. Personally, I’m a bit weary about all of the built-in ’social-networking’ features (I hardly socialize in reality, why would I do it online) but, hopefully it’ll will be a good place to get some good (and probably a lot of bad) advice about the photos I post. Heck, maybe I’ll even get a couple visitors to my blog from it

Here is a useful article that I’ve found useful:

Top 10 Tips for Getting Attention on Flickr

Pugapalooza 2007

Published by Nick Ladd | Filed under Photo Posts

Our family’s (me, fiancee, pug) yearly ritual of attending the Seattle Pugapalooza took place this past weekend. We had a blast, and it gave me a good opportunity to bust out the new Nikon D200.

Favorite Shots:

Baseball Pug 1/20 @ f/4.5 & ISO 400; 18mm

Action in the Small Dog Area 1/400 @ f/5.6 & ISO 160; 40 mm

Pug on Her Back 1/200 @ f/9 & ISO 125; 135mm

Zeus! (my pug) 1/160 @ f/7.1 & ISO 160; 44mm

You can view the entire set here.

New Photo Gallery

Published by Nick Ladd | Filed under Web Publishing, This Site

Recently I’ve been investigating the various online services for sharing photos and the different ways that I can integrate them into my Wordpress blog. Flickr seemed like the obvious choice for myself due to the ease of uploading images (stand alone Windows application and even an integrated application for Windows Explorer) as well as the availability of plugins to integrate Flickr galleries into Wordpress.

I’ve gone ahead and posted this gallery. It seems pretty slick…now if only I’d keep it up-to-date…

Update: Unfortunately it appears that I somehow broke the photo gallery I’ll work on getting it back up in the near future, but in the mean time you can check out my Flickr site.