blog

July 15, 2010
My goodness, it's been too long. What's new? So much! As far as aquisitions, I am now the proud owner of the Adobe
Production Suite including Photoshop CS5 and Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.

I've spent the past few months completeing my DVD of The Bridges called "Art in Motion". I'm really proud of this work and it
is being very well received. It's a combination of 1080p video footage and also my photos set into a moving slide-show type
presentation. I have learned so much during this production. Audio, video formats, output, software...so much to learn.

I've been studying tons of material and books and am now preparing to make the next steps in this business. I'm looking into
some new equipment. Next on the list will be a good new wide-angle lens, perhaps a fish-eye and some more lighting; strobes,
stands and umbrellas. If DVD sales go well, I'll get a 7D.

May 4, 2010
The T2i is now in my posession. It is fantastic! Since I got it, all I have done is play around with video. I'm not even sure how
well the camera works! I have snapped a few shots and it seems to be the improvement that I expected, better metering, faster
focusing etc. The video has been a struggle though, so much to learn. Just playing the damned clips was a problem. I needed
to update my drivers, video card and media players. I've now got a little bit of a handle on it. I'm now searching for the best
video editing software for my price point and needs. I now have a youtube account to test out my stuff. I've learned a lot in the
past week.

April 5, 2010
Just pre-ordered the next generation Rebel 550D T2I. Awesome camera, everything on it is at least 30% better than my current
450D XSI plus, it does 1080p HD Video too! It's not available yet, but they are starting to hit the shelves. I thought long and
hard about whether to get this or maybe a 50D or 7D, but apart from the size and a few little features, this is a 7D for nearly
half price.

March 31, 2010
The new lens is in and it works great. Now that I have a polarizing filter for it, I can sell my 18-55 kit lens.
Yesterday I got a new tripod, a Manfrotto 055X with the 322RC2 ball head. Very cool and very stable. Pretty darn heavy
though. My 100-400mm Canon lens had something break in it, so I dropped it off at Canon in Irvine this morning for warranty
repair. Good experience with their customer service there. I really need to get my Yosemite pictures up online soon!

March 23, 2010
Just got back from a great trip to Yosemite National Park. Got some really nice photos and of course learned a lot. It was cool
to help out some struggling fellow photogs with some of their issues. I guess I must look like I know what I'm doing, because
people are asking me for help.

March 6, 2010-
Yesterday I ordered an new lens. It's a Canon 28-135mm 3.5-5.6 IS. It's got good reviews, it's much more versatile in terms of
varied distances and it's an upgrade from the lens I'm using now. I also just found out about the new Canon t2i that is just
hitting the shelves. Might very well be the next upgrade! HD Video too!

March 2, 1010-
Based on yesterday's post, I went and built a small product lighting box. It works great! You can see some of the shots in my
galleries under "products".

March 1, 2010-
Although it is a constant work in progress, I'm finally kind of pleased with getting this site up. What is it for? I'm not sure,
perhaps just for my amusement. Perhaps it will pave the way to new doors being opened? Perhaps other people will find my
images pleasing? Maybe it's just a self-absorbed exercise in futility, I just don't know yet.

It is my intention to update this site as things occur in my little world of photography.

What's next?
1) I'd like to replace my 18-55mm zoom lens with another zoom that has greater reach for more flexibility.
2) Soon I want to go shoot the SD Convention center and around Balboa Park.
3) I've learned a bit more about creating good surf shots, so I'm anxiously awaiting the next perfect day of swell, wind and sun.
(oh and being off of work that day would help)
4) I want to go buy some lightining components to enable some more small product and food photography. I've done some
studying and now I need the tools.