Posts from the ‘Lumix TZ4’ Category
Lately I have had a bit of full frame/big glass envy. I have my kit, and I’m very happy with it. But there always seems to be something I would like to add or upgrade. At least for me, this desire (rationalized as an artistic need) is that fact that I don’t ever want to let an image get away. I want to be prepared, with the best possible toolset, for when ‘that’ image presents itself. It is when I find images like this, shot with a sub $150 camera, that I remind myself that its not about the gear, it’s about being there. There is no question that great gear will help, but it won’t help you if you aren’t out chasing it.
Capture Notes:
Panasonic TZ4
Processing Notes:
Capture (1 Image)
Nik Silver Efex Pro (High Structure Red Filter)
LightAsMagic.com
Remember that bakery I wrote about in a previous post? The one in Boston’s North End (that doesn’t sound right)? It is called Bova’s. Click the link to find out more about it: http://www.northendboston.com/bovabakery/
I wouldn’t be surprised if Paul Revere picked up a loaf of bread here prior to making his famous midnight ride. The bakery is a delightful stop for anyone walking (or warning of a British invasion) along Boston’s Freedom Trail.
Nikon D300
Nikkor 17-35 AFS
Processing Notes:
Capture (1 image)
Photomatix (pseudo hdr)
Photoshop (Levels adjustment)
NIK ColorEFX (Tonal Contrast boosted highlight/midtone contrast and saturation)
NIK Define 2.0 (Auto entire image)
NIK Sharpener (Display 35% adaptive sharpening)
Here is a sneak peek!
This image was made on one of my evening strolls while visiting Cozumel last winter.
Wake up early, go diving, eat lunch, nap, workout, take a photo walk at sunset, a margarita with dinner, then do it again the next day. No better cure for ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’.
We are headed back soon so check back. Hopefully I will return with beautiful images of the town we so dearly love. I am looking forward to sharing them with you all!
Camera: Lumix TZ4
Wherever you are or wherever you go make sure to spend time observing. Normally I will set aside at least an hour or so for a photo walk. Usually I schedule it for early morning or early evening so that I have the best light. It is both relaxing and meditative. Even if you don’t come away with award winning photos, you will leave your destination with a better understanding of where you were.
This image from the stairwell to our room was made with my simple point and shoot camera. It is a Lumix TZ4 and is capable enough for creativity yet simple enough for the less technical on the team. To highlight the sky and darken the hall I underexposed the image by 3 full stops. It is a technique I often use with this camera.
This summer we traveled to San Mateo, CA to cheer my father (‘pops’) on in the National Senior Games Time Trial. He is a long time bike racer who not only generates 220 watts at his lactate threshold, but still does swing handstands on the parallel bars he built in his backyard. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention he is 66. Those that know him aspire to be like him when they reach that age. Hell, those that know him aspire to be like him at any age. He truly is the man, the myth, the legend.
As for this photo, we were doing some forward recon on the TT course so we could review the race strategy. The sun was almost gone when we turned the corner and spotted this single cloud cradled in the hills. This particular image is an HDR produced from 5 bracketed images. It was a tricky piece of work. Initially I wished I had shot 9 images so I could have worked with a greater dynamic range to lighten the foreground, but after review I really came to love the look of this one, broad mono-toned layers leading the eye up to the lone misty mountain (where the spirits go now…..)
Watching Us, originally uploaded by LightAsMagic.
One If By Land, originally uploaded by LightAsMagic.
If you ever make it to Boston, plan a visit to the North End. Here you will find a majority of the Freedom Trail, warm Italian hospitality, and the Old North Church.
At the Old North Church make sure you take the ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour. Not only do you get the full account of the church they dispel a couple historical myths.
Here is a view from the bell tower where the lantern that signaled ‘by sea’ was hung (handged?). Captured with my TZ4.
A Quick Boston Sunset, originally uploaded by LightAsMagic.
After a long day of walking the freedom trail we were rewarded with this georgeous sunset back at the room. This image was made with the Lumix TZ4 after a quick draw from the cargo pants. Photography of opportunity.
Note: With the TZ4 I ride the exposure copensation quite a bit. For this image I took 2 stops out.
Boston Fly, originally uploaded by LightAsMagic.
A day of bad weather and flat light drove us inside while visiting Boston. In line at the Museum of Science we ran into the CEO of the Michael Scott Paper Company. We didn’t bother him, it looked like he was pretty busy being a dad. We didn’t stay long. We were there just long enough to catch this little glimpse of summer.
Note: Shot with my trusty sub $200 Lumix TZ4.
