Category : Photography

Aperture 3 places feature video tour

Posted by Evan at 2:20 pm

One of the awesome new features in Aperture 3 is the addition of the “Places” feature from iPhoto. It has been improved and is truly a great new way to explore your photos. For larger video, go here.

Initial Green Screen Test

Posted by Evan at 9:56 am

I’m really getting into video production these days. It’s something I’ve had an interest in throughout the years but never more than now. Perhaps it’s the availability of incredibly high-quality HD camcorders for under $1000, or perhaps it’s because I’m starting to do some video production work for my day job, either way I’m having the time of my life and loving every second.

Just recently I acquired a few pieces of video-related gear including Final Cut Studio 2.0, a 2 piece soft box lighting kit, backdrop support as well as black, white and green muslin backdrops and a high quality lapel mic. It’s basically a movie studio on a budget and though I’m still in the process of learning the ins and outs of the process I’ve finished my first green screen test and I’m happy with the results (don’t adjust your speakers, there is no audio).

It’s not perfect, there are a few little artifacts and lighting/reflection issues, but what’s cool is that I only spent about 10 minutes setting up this shot. I didn’t iron the green screen and it wasn’t lit perfectly, but still you can begin to see the potential of this simple setup. Below is a photo of the setup I’m using. In case you’re interested, here are links to the eBay auctions where I purchased the gear.

• Softbox Lighting Kit
• Black/White Muslin Backdrops
• Backdrop support w/green screen

Some updates to the photography section

Posted by Evan at 11:50 am

I’ve been tearing into the Flickr API over the last few days and I’m really excited about the possibilities! If you take a look at the photography section you’ll see some of the fruits of my labor. It doesn’t seem like a major deal to the non-developers our there but it’s actually very exciting to me! I’m able to post my photos on Flickr as I’m used to doing but also have those same photos available here on this website for visitors.

Take a look at the photography section!

I’m considering adding even more features so you don’t have to visit Flickr in order to view details/comments for a photo but I’m not sure whether or not it’s worth it since Flickr has so many great community building tools built right in. But, at least for now you can browse through my photos quickly and easily without leaving this site.

If you’d got any ideas or requests of things you’d like to see integrated feel free to pass them along as a comment and I’ll see what I can do. Does anyone mind having to go to Flickr get more information on a photo?

Photo project, your input needed!

Posted by Evan at 9:24 am

I’m planning a photo project entitled Photo Tour of Wayne County. I’m hoping to get shots all over the area of places that sum up life in this area. The places can be landmarks, popular places or just special places that others should know about. Keep in mind that they don’t have to be entire buildings, they can be a small detail that exists in the area. Maybe a door that’s particularly interesting, a beautiful stained glass window at one of the local churches, or a secret location in the middle of the forest somewhere. I’d love your suggestions! Feel free to post a comment and I’ll add it to my list.

Nikon D40 – I got a new camera!

Posted by Evan at 1:18 pm

After a couple years of using my faithful Minolta Dimage Z1 I’ve just upgraded to a new camera! I ended up getting a Nikon D40 with the kit lens (18-55mm) and I’m already loving it! It’s a little hard to get used to a more professional camera that doesn’t try to hold your hand as much but I’m getting there. I also ordered the Nikon 55-200mm AF-S VR lens, so that should keep me busy for a while.

Keep an eye on Flickr for some photos from the new camera in the near future!