Posts from the ‘Nikon D1X’ Category
I am a sunset guy, and I love them all. However, there are 3 sunsets in my life that I will always remember. One while driving through Idaho on my way back from Oregon, another with my wife while we were walking through the marina in Xtapa, and this one. I had a camera with me for two of them. Not bad! What fascinates me about sunsets is the fact that I don’t remember visual details, I just remember experiencing something greater than myself. I know the one that I witnessed in Idaho was so powerful I had to pull over and sit down on the side of the highway to watch it. I didn’t even wait for an exit ramp. I couldn’t tell you what color it was, or how long it lasted. I just know it moved me. The only reason I remember the one in Xtapa was pink was because I had my camera. This one, from my Uncle’s farm in southern Nebraska, has many fond memories associated with it.
Nikon D1x
Nikkor 80-200 2.8 D
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 200 mm
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
ISO Speed: 800
Processing Notes:
Capture
Adobe Camera Raw
Photoshop (Curves Adjustment)
Photoshop (Vibrance/Saturation slight boost)
LightAsMagic.com
By no means do I consider myself a wildlife photographer, I don’t have the patience for it. If you want to see great wildlife photography visit Moose Peterson’s site. His name says it all. I discovered this little fox, along with his brothers and sisters, on my way to the post office. I had my camera with me and thought I would try my hand at ‘Dancing with Wolves’. After a deliberately slow approach, I settled into a seated position and waited. I would yawn, blink, look away, etc; Everything you might learn from watching episodes of the Dog Whisperer. The one thing I didn’t do was immediately start shooting. After about 20 minutes, a reluctant mom let her kits out of the den. She didn’t let them walk up and sniff me, but they were allowed to make eye contact and observe me from a distance. I stayed there as long as a 1 gig CF card would let me (in 2002 that was a boat load of memory). Actually, I stayed a bit longer than that. It was an experience I will always remember.
Nikon D1x
Nikkor 80-200 2.8 AFD
Processing Notes
Capture
Photoshop (Curves Adjustment)
NIK (Sharpen selective to the eyes)
LightAsMagic.com
Tip: In a situation like this you might be tempted to open your lens up as wide as it will go to try and soften the background and emphasize your subject. However, at 2.8 in this case I was barely able to get the eyes in focus if I was focusing on the bridge of their noses. I think f/3.2 – 4 might have been a better choice.
One from the archive! My college teammate and I visited the Tour in 2004. We considered going in 2003, but we were confident in Lance’s abilities to win a record breaking 6th TDF. This image was made on stage 19, the decisive individual time trial in Besancon. We had walked 2 miles in the rain for a position on a round-a-bout that would provide us a clear line of sight. The anticipation grew as we watched rider after rider racing by. As the names on the start list were dwindling, we knew that Lance would be charging by shortly. It was Jan Ulrich we saw first, followed shortly thereafter by the man in Yellow. What a dream come true. We were front row for one of the greatest records in cycling history! Lance is racing again this year. Keep your fingers crossed!
Nikon D1x
Nikkor 80-200 AFD
Note: I have been getting some questions about what kind of gear I carry. If you hadn’t noticed, you can visit the site and click on the camera bag to find out.
Telluride CO is to a landscape photographer, like a an exotic bird show is to a cat. Not only are the Grandscapes accessible, the food is great. This photo of the Bridal Veil House is a reminder for me to go back. Last time I was there I was mountain biking, hiking, and dining. I didn’t bring the photographer’s focus with me.
Nikon D1X
Nikkor 80-200 AFD 2.8
Processing:
Capture
Photoshop (Levels Adjustment)
Nik ColorEFX (Tonal Contrast)
Nik Sharpen (Display adaptive 30%)
Tip-A telephoto lens isn’t only good for bringing the subject closer to you, it is a great tool for bringing subjects closer together. Shooting images with a telephoto lens will provide the effect of compressing the elements of the image. It the above image, you can see this compression effect adds drama to the scene as the cliff appears to be imposing on the house.
One from the archive. I made this image of a surfer hiking up from Black’s Beach in 2002 with my trusty D1X. Digital photography was in its infancy then, and the D1X was a big investment at the time. It has however proved to be an invaluable learning tool. The instant feedback digital photography provides you is critical to accelerating your learning curve. Nowadays, you can get some fantastic gear at a very reasonable price. I got my D1X back then from a great camera store in Indiana. I have never visited it, but every time I call to place an order I ask for Ed! If you are looking to establish a long term relationship with a camera store, let me recommend Roberts Imaging. When you call, ask for Ed and tell him Justin from Colorado sent you!
The holidays are a great time to catch up with friends, family, and digital asset management. Recently I have been going through some archival images I made years ago with my trusty D1X as I toured Europe following the Tour De France. After chasing Lance Armstrong around in 2004 we decided to spend the last weekend of our ‘European Vacation’ in Sitges Spain.
Looking at these images, I would really like to go back.
Nikon D1X
Nikon 80-200D
Aperture -> Nik (Tonal Contrast) –> Nik (Sharpen for Display) –> LightAsMagic.com
Tip: The Tonal Contrast filter available in the Nik Color EFX 3.0 suite is a great filter to use to bring out the textures of older buildings.
Going back through some archival footage, I found this gem. After we had traveled the French countryside chasing Lance Armstrong around, we decided to take a much needed break in Sitges Spain.
Sitges is a sleepy coastal town about 35km south of Barcelona. It is full of great food, art, and casual night life.
On our way, a couple of young ladies had struck up a conversation with us on the train and suggested we meet them on the beach. After checking into our hotel, we made our way to the sea for the rendezvous. When we found our friends, unknown to us ‘Americans’, they greeted us topless. The ice was broken so I took off my shirt and blended right in. Well, as best as I could for being a pale white male not wearing a Speedo.
Camera: Nikon D1X
Lens: 80-200 D
Villard De Lans, originally uploaded by LightAsMagic.
My first experience of the French countryside was a fast paced hike through the high mountain meadows of Villard De Lans as I raced to see the finish of my first stage of the Tour de France. This was also the first stage that Lance Armstrong won in the 2004 Tour de France. LA went on to win the remaining decisive stages and complete his record breaking 6th consecutive TDF win. He would go on to win the Tour again the following year.
After we had witnessed the beginning of a historic record breaking TDF we hiked back down from the ski village where the stage had ended to eat dinner with thousands of our closest French friends. What a time! It was on this descent that the crazy cycling fan in me had subsided and I was able to experience the beauty that was surrounding me. The TDF is the most scenic sports event on earth. I suggest to everyone that you visit France and let the race be your guide.
Camera: Nikon D1X (yep, you read it right!)
Lens: Nikon 20mm 2.8
