Posts from the ‘Colorado Springs’ Category
In the spirit of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, I thought I would post this image. It was taken last Summer at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. The patio, contrasted against the historic appointments of the lounge, seemed a bit like the setting for a fairytale. I tried my best to capture that mood. I wanted to set the stage for a place where you can converse about rabbits, cards, turtles, hatters, time and anything else Lewis Caroll (err…Charles Lutwidge Dodgson) might have dreamt up for us!
Capture Notes:
Nikon D300
Nikkor 17-37 AFS 2.8
Gitzo Traveler
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 17 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Processing Notes:
Capture (7 Images @ 1EV)
Photomatix (HDR/Tonemapping)
NIK Color EFX Pro (ProContrast to correct color cast and global contrast)
NIK Color EFX Pro (Tontal Contrast global textures)
Photoshop (Lens correction and corp)
Photoshop (Resize for web)
NIK Sharpener (Display adaptive 40% output 85%)
LightAsMagic.com
An astronaut with a day off from space walks, research, and mission tasks might want to take a break from the daily regiment of Tang to enjoy a nice pinot or cab with their protein paste. A quick trip to the wine cellar module on the International Space Station could provide such luxuries to our orbiting scientists. Although currently not available, or scheduled for production, a wine cellar would be a nice addition to the space based bed and breakfast. However, if there were such a thing, I believe this might be the wine cellar they would visit.
As a bit of an impressionist I commonly take creative liberties to realize my vision. Feel free to watch the video below to see how I use Photomatix 3.2 and a couple of NIK filters to build a wine cellar suitable for international space travel.
Capture Notes:
Nikon D300
Nikkor 16-85 VRII
Gitzo Traveler
Markin Q3T ball head
Aperture: f/16.0
Focal Length: 16 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Processing Notes:
Capture (7 images)
NX2 (Raw Conversion)
Photomatix (HDR/Tonemapping)
NIK Define 2.0 (Noise reduction)
Photoshop (Curves adjustment – global contrast/color correction)
Nik Color EFX Pro (Glamour glow – desaturate)
NIK Color EFX Pro (Tonal Contrast)
Photoshop (size for web)
NIK Sharpener (Display adaptive 35% selectively applied to the wine bottles)
LightAsMagic.com
…or, if you have time, you can just watch the video (length: about 10mins).
If you are interested in purchasing any of the NIK Tools, make sure you use the coupon code LIGHTASMAGIC and receive a 15% discount on their products.
To find out more about Photomatix 3.2 visit HDRSoft’s website at:
You can use the coupon code LIGHTASMAGIC to receive a 15% discount on Photomatix
After playing a round of golf at the Broadmoor you get used to missing putts and Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun’s chimes haunting your backswing. The Will Rogers Shrine sits high on the mountain above the golf course and taunts the players below with its bells. Don’t get me wrong, the melody of the chimes is beautiful. However, after your score begins to approach the IQ of a MENSA member you begin to think the shrine is laughing at you.
Nikon D300
Tokina 11-16 ATX Pro
Gitzo Traveler
Processing Notes:
Capture (7 Images)
Photomatix (HDR/Tone Mapping)
Photoshop (Levels Adjustment)
LightAsMagic.com
Tip: Those that are new to photography might be tempted to purchase a super wide angle lens (10-20ish mm on a DX sensor or 14-24ish mm on a FX sensor) and use it for landscapes. Why not? It will capture miles and miles of horizon. The only problem is that when you print the image the horizon line is so distant the impact of the image is lost. Don’t CraigsList.com the lens just yet. It still has value. A super wide angle lens is great for getting close to a subject and filling the background of the image with the context of the surroundings. It is also a great lens for working in really tight spots. The staircase in this image was incredibly narrow. However, because I had a Tokina 11-16mm (17-24mm w/ crop factor) in my bag I was able to create this composition.
I made this image in the early morning hours on the grounds of the historic Broadmoor hotel in Colorado Springs. I sat quietly next to the shore until these swans felt comfortable with my presence. I was able to make several images of them until a mean spirited raccoon chased me away. I’m not sure if it is the mask, the sharp pointy teeth and claws, or the ‘Get off my land…’ look, but I packed up quickly when he started to head my way.
Nikon D300
Nikkor 16-85 VR II
Gitzo Travler
