tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22891125774772234952024-03-06T00:27:48.524-05:00Mike Olivella's Photography BlogPhotography and Photoshop Tips by Mike OlivellaMiguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-85508438056682727292017-03-17T19:13:00.000-04:002017-03-18T09:22:52.588-04:00Almost Famous<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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See the guy in at the bottom of the photo? That's me at the NCAA Men's<br />
Basketball Tournament after getting run over by a Florida State University basketball player who came running towards me with a full head of steam. He wasn't able to stop and literally went right through me as I was sitting on the baseline shooting Florida State's first round game.<br />
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It all happened in Orlando, Florida last night . I'm here traveling with Florida State as team photographer. Midway through the second half of the game against Florida Gulf Coast, FSU took off on a fast break and one of the players attempted to thread the needle with a tough pass that was beyond this player's reach. Rather than try to explain what happened, here's the CBS broadcast of what happened....<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TMSoGdZpb44/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TMSoGdZpb44?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br />
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Right after it happened, I made sure the player was OK and then checked my camera gear. Everything was unscathed which let me breathe a sight of relief. I was unhurt and my equipment survived a pretty scary moment.<br />
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I then decided to see if I had gotten the shot I was trying to get just before the incident. When I looked at the back of the camera to preview whatever I had gotten, you could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDDV3m1l0lzhKOkZi0fLMmWOC7cLVrMm-EkX3Q33UJdHEhomyOft48KDINMOKI6Hfk2zWOgGIn8iRadFuG6Yiomf-rdVEmLfigvenYKbhFjWTtHOilragcSkFynnWC2PnzxQXgQ44Ch0Q/s1600/Mike+OlivellaD3S_1974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDDV3m1l0lzhKOkZi0fLMmWOC7cLVrMm-EkX3Q33UJdHEhomyOft48KDINMOKI6Hfk2zWOgGIn8iRadFuG6Yiomf-rdVEmLfigvenYKbhFjWTtHOilragcSkFynnWC2PnzxQXgQ44Ch0Q/s640/Mike+OlivellaD3S_1974.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The CBS cameraman to my left saw the image on the screen and asked me to keep it there so he could broadcast it. That turned into a novel segue for CBS to go to break and then show what happened once again as they came back from break - repeatedly showing me getting run over, and then showing how I got the shot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jXVgt660kDi4gzYM3uKVckYd-HWGiYNhjXKMPtNaOVBuwjJWoYbs9uaY522Hk4s_kAl6kGcVSg1_WN6SUkS_XBmcB23QUwtveHmb5UZKX-H1iq2wYtzeJya7kbRGiTJ34Y0iWUofrNTE/s1600/camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jXVgt660kDi4gzYM3uKVckYd-HWGiYNhjXKMPtNaOVBuwjJWoYbs9uaY522Hk4s_kAl6kGcVSg1_WN6SUkS_XBmcB23QUwtveHmb5UZKX-H1iq2wYtzeJya7kbRGiTJ34Y0iWUofrNTE/s640/camera.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, it didn't end there. ESPN then ran a mini feature on me getting run over on Sports Center this morning and articles are now popping up on Internet sites. This must be my 15 minutes of almost fame.<br />
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The moral of the story is no matter what is about to happen, keep shooting.Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-55075203805569764452017-02-28T10:43:00.000-05:002017-02-28T15:47:20.470-05:00Smoke It - Creating Smoke In Photoshop<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3WBSRcFME_myeFTfFsaFhoUabOo8kuc6n8Zkmeh09fYmnkotcKVNEn7qzCc9qjKRKUU04lPERPs_v20A-xQhq5uoCn133uF8ICOZ0_lYt7W96dRBjL4CNFQctfb1k5szupLX9yOnXaA0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.12.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3WBSRcFME_myeFTfFsaFhoUabOo8kuc6n8Zkmeh09fYmnkotcKVNEn7qzCc9qjKRKUU04lPERPs_v20A-xQhq5uoCn133uF8ICOZ0_lYt7W96dRBjL4CNFQctfb1k5szupLX9yOnXaA0/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.12.13+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creating a smoke effect in Photoshop - the final image</td></tr>
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If you've ever attempted a studio photo shoot with a fog machine you know very well what a challenge it can be to create the mood you're after. Unless you're a glutton for punishment and have the patience of a saint, using a fog machine requires an assistant, someone to operate the fog machine while you concentrate on posing and shooting. That person must learn to divine how much fog to inject into the scene without overpowering the room with too much smoke. When that happens, if the studio is not equipped with a good ventilation system that can clear the smoke, you're in for some serious down time as you try to get rid of it. Then there's the challenge of making sure you're subject is in focus as your camera fights through the haze to correctly lock in on the subject and not the fog in front.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Before adding smoke (Left) and after adding smoke (Right) - </span></div>
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While I'm a big believer in doing as much as I can in-camera as opposed to doing things in post processing, Photoshop can sometimes be just the ticket when you want to add a smokey mood to an image without the challenges of using a fog machine. Here's a step by step process that you can try, and it's not limited to portraits. You can use it on landscapes or anything else that tickles your fancy.<br />
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I've opened the RAW image in Photoshop after running it through Camera Raw and made my basic adjustments.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UpoVfpO_byGHmzgIAhWnD_iSgg9Kr0m_t5sm4dlP5RNnybcV0UYZLSr-Kz8lAcH759uRqtLFjcK7UamNLQudS0Smh9pEMzuKpvv9YLNGkSm8QXkpr6jjLybnUFOJrnn9RpeIJo9ZUhw1/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+8.55.22+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UpoVfpO_byGHmzgIAhWnD_iSgg9Kr0m_t5sm4dlP5RNnybcV0UYZLSr-Kz8lAcH759uRqtLFjcK7UamNLQudS0Smh9pEMzuKpvv9YLNGkSm8QXkpr6jjLybnUFOJrnn9RpeIJo9ZUhw1/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+8.55.22+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since it's a portrait/beauty shot, I've touched up the skin and put the image through my usual beauty/portrait corrections. Now, for the smoke.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUrvaP679eUGXVnwOSOERmvRJydt4C1q6RhZrWwRIvVEQ8lj0XatTkOsk_3vb7hxqyNLhTL3i46TfYjOAgC_E8HovLNjvsIEq8xdYzvOdX_LV1L_k75-LikR_I6n73BRYHQPXpvY3cNwT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+8.56.31+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUrvaP679eUGXVnwOSOERmvRJydt4C1q6RhZrWwRIvVEQ8lj0XatTkOsk_3vb7hxqyNLhTL3i46TfYjOAgC_E8HovLNjvsIEq8xdYzvOdX_LV1L_k75-LikR_I6n73BRYHQPXpvY3cNwT/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+8.56.31+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 1 - Create a duplicate layer of the background</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF1gv4hDtO3oltYotWhyphenhyphen_ynaKQQIaXBmio0hK6yJf7DKslmrfVrCNmNF7Puce5cd7pZ-J5Oo_fjVtlju3yxKxPoSzTCfm0l6ke7VAzmFkdrr6YCoWtpQeoHmSdImleW7SSI_oojGLLNgR/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+8.59.05+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF1gv4hDtO3oltYotWhyphenhyphen_ynaKQQIaXBmio0hK6yJf7DKslmrfVrCNmNF7Puce5cd7pZ-J5Oo_fjVtlju3yxKxPoSzTCfm0l6ke7VAzmFkdrr6YCoWtpQeoHmSdImleW7SSI_oojGLLNgR/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+8.59.05+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 2 - Create a New Layer (click on the 2nd from the right icon at the bottom of the Layers box on the right of the screen). A white box will appear above the duplicate layer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbQdNBLMfsQQlT9o8veCgqInUCdlCjHel5H9o9vWRnD6YXxQPUFYCdkSUeHZrZ3wvITqA5dySwRXWlZRHAVVtS0W4G5HnBwSB-zr9NzhYgl3cwA8PJxg7Q6y106xBYSlI4Y-MQwK2AZW2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+8.59.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbQdNBLMfsQQlT9o8veCgqInUCdlCjHel5H9o9vWRnD6YXxQPUFYCdkSUeHZrZ3wvITqA5dySwRXWlZRHAVVtS0W4G5HnBwSB-zr9NzhYgl3cwA8PJxg7Q6y106xBYSlI4Y-MQwK2AZW2/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+8.59.14+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 3 - Change the Blending Mode from the default Normal to Soft Light<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQitFEdkZvdYGyMKsKh0RKM0GS0abrL-LNAVLgLkA0l6k4SLrFvs7ruSWtKEV8OJbrl3qBqQObkuDf6ce1JNvzZ6VKgkcDYVmPhDy4njl3uv0akUEP39yevqtqBtV2Do1pqXtAvZ9k9A1/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+8.59.51+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQitFEdkZvdYGyMKsKh0RKM0GS0abrL-LNAVLgLkA0l6k4SLrFvs7ruSWtKEV8OJbrl3qBqQObkuDf6ce1JNvzZ6VKgkcDYVmPhDy4njl3uv0akUEP39yevqtqBtV2Do1pqXtAvZ9k9A1/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+8.59.51+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 4 - Click on the Quick Mask tool (2nd tool from the bottom in the Tool Menu at left, or use the shortcut - press the letter "Q")</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKd1gLtUua0y0c8mF1qecZXjE91F6lYn-ui8fzFNSg7xFdYxDlJz8zq74tDZ8-eo995z-m54QndSp_w23KSYMRQVrwmzYdsLq84IaekbgP8e14Ud6c4he4FYXiILX1M9cAyWC8-kxcpw8n/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+8.59.24+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKd1gLtUua0y0c8mF1qecZXjE91F6lYn-ui8fzFNSg7xFdYxDlJz8zq74tDZ8-eo995z-m54QndSp_w23KSYMRQVrwmzYdsLq84IaekbgP8e14Ud6c4he4FYXiILX1M9cAyWC8-kxcpw8n/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+8.59.24+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 5 - Go to the Filters drop down menu, move the cursor down to Render, and then click on "Difference Clouds" when that menu opens<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tghbSUNb_CYIL3IQD-o2ZkOhvHiMa-9hgrzVN-A_NnSMD_fDTFCy36yTK-X5BcqAonmYtu0lXFQKxvij31A9ktMS40fAu4VjbBjI0gSw6SMc53q9TioqG1JyabYhMClzYx1A2vMIs6th/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.00.12+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tghbSUNb_CYIL3IQD-o2ZkOhvHiMa-9hgrzVN-A_NnSMD_fDTFCy36yTK-X5BcqAonmYtu0lXFQKxvij31A9ktMS40fAu4VjbBjI0gSw6SMc53q9TioqG1JyabYhMClzYx1A2vMIs6th/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.00.12+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzQCRq5o4-aoKtV9R9p1lOSXmAZpxAW1zWL-MyH6cr6wHaBLhYs6SMLJpkDUdK3oRcCnoclm5tWjKZ6Z86cLsdIledgQrW87OY5vRdaTWxkNIna0VIfTjwRjovVL0NNBLskhVdjAz4avS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.00.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzQCRq5o4-aoKtV9R9p1lOSXmAZpxAW1zWL-MyH6cr6wHaBLhYs6SMLJpkDUdK3oRcCnoclm5tWjKZ6Z86cLsdIledgQrW87OY5vRdaTWxkNIna0VIfTjwRjovVL0NNBLskhVdjAz4avS/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.00.26+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 6 - Don't freak out when you see your image covered in red blotches. When you remove the Quick Mask (click on the Tool again or press the letter "Q" again) the red blotches go away, replaced by marching ants in the pattern of the now-gone red blotches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMNuY0AyqK4s9Jq8gudKG6BVsW9yZ3YYzLuah1eqaeXPbcLHheZd0LvzHupeC0V_IE2ZEv32i9hqRqYqd8Tl8osCTLEVF2dpiVF1FGI2tDGKoXgN0NSskmu99iMZw-MBTuG_IDrppp8o6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.01.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMNuY0AyqK4s9Jq8gudKG6BVsW9yZ3YYzLuah1eqaeXPbcLHheZd0LvzHupeC0V_IE2ZEv32i9hqRqYqd8Tl8osCTLEVF2dpiVF1FGI2tDGKoXgN0NSskmu99iMZw-MBTuG_IDrppp8o6/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.01.27+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 7 - Go up to the top and open the Edit drop down menu. Click on "Fill" and then select "white" as your color. This will fill the areas delineated by the marching ants with white, but blended in a soft manner since your layer is set to "Soft Light" blend mode.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5x8wpdJUZkn6bUjwyWeeON-AiCB0Rks04H07YemO2PXfiWAwNcr3WMf2eZcBLd-I40rA-7oDt5uHHLHB-SG45Wt1EWe4M4TptJKTwmefRLBGp-83bhA7flEj3bZT-SeZtI5RDgC5sYae/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.01.57+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5x8wpdJUZkn6bUjwyWeeON-AiCB0Rks04H07YemO2PXfiWAwNcr3WMf2eZcBLd-I40rA-7oDt5uHHLHB-SG45Wt1EWe4M4TptJKTwmefRLBGp-83bhA7flEj3bZT-SeZtI5RDgC5sYae/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.01.57+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 8 - Generally, the "clouds" you have created will have to be made larger depending on the size of the Background Layer. If you want to make the "clouds" larger, make the image smaller in the Photoshop window and use the Edit - Free Transform Tool to enlarge the clouds as I've illustrated in the two images above.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF8wWen8lwLJTIxaUYrpjJPFdHPPQ8-z37JoWTFW5oylOrnCQ6D7R53kXzUhSZ3-xidfzFvJ0lnHuKbZDvZsn6N8x7hkUMSAavDvjZOUUfpfQkLGYRqXfO1vvMRHz38m8PRAmZrHOOD5T/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.02.56+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF8wWen8lwLJTIxaUYrpjJPFdHPPQ8-z37JoWTFW5oylOrnCQ6D7R53kXzUhSZ3-xidfzFvJ0lnHuKbZDvZsn6N8x7hkUMSAavDvjZOUUfpfQkLGYRqXfO1vvMRHz38m8PRAmZrHOOD5T/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.02.56+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 9 - Create a Layer Mask in the Clouds Layer (click on the 3rd icon from the left at the bottom of the right window while in the Layers Window). Using a brush set to a 10%-25% opacity and 0% hardness, selectively brush out those portions of the image in which you don't want there to be "smoke". In this image, I've brushed out the clouds from most of the face, less on the hair.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_yr2bT5jsMA_izZxuiVDGkBJgCGiSL5uQTzeXXdfJaNBO881U0y4zbN8wVudT51j2nv-Yw1nhH8DhtrgMXpgQsjamnFIiYX_c-H3K_aDCBgeo4DfC1dpaZ2IqxgHS5wM_sv-gjxWi-v5/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.19.05+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_yr2bT5jsMA_izZxuiVDGkBJgCGiSL5uQTzeXXdfJaNBO881U0y4zbN8wVudT51j2nv-Yw1nhH8DhtrgMXpgQsjamnFIiYX_c-H3K_aDCBgeo4DfC1dpaZ2IqxgHS5wM_sv-gjxWi-v5/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-28+at+9.19.05+AM.png" width="414" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final image</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can repeat this process as many times as you like depending on the look you are after. In the case of my final image (above), I created six different "clouds" layers of different sizes while brushing them out in different areas as I deemed desirable. The final step was to flatten the image and make final adjustments using the Camera Raw filter to adjust contrast, highlights, whites, shadows, blacks, and exposure.<br />
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<br />Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-41908156944061016502017-02-23T11:42:00.000-05:002017-02-23T14:31:44.425-05:00Fields Data Recovery - The Biggest Scam On Earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAe71DI_5xou6xSL-gKssZmth15pGkLhxJAtjzGMAavZUqMq15yfeAAz5uTyrXZsH6p0wagk2G4dFY8_mOgkFGlXq1BeJRDeNIQEGvJhGi0RiOdJ1eYokPTYfLbUI2YDq280mXshDpPIjM/s1600/scam%252Balert%252Bwifr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAe71DI_5xou6xSL-gKssZmth15pGkLhxJAtjzGMAavZUqMq15yfeAAz5uTyrXZsH6p0wagk2G4dFY8_mOgkFGlXq1BeJRDeNIQEGvJhGi0RiOdJ1eYokPTYfLbUI2YDq280mXshDpPIjM/s640/scam%252Balert%252Bwifr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As much as it pains me to tell this story, I'm doing it in the hopes of saving anyone who reads this from being scammed by a company that preys upon people who are in a state of panic and are ripe for the picking - like I was a few months ago. And, if you're reading this, please share it any way you can. You never know who may someday be in need of data recovery from a computer, a phone, a hard drive, or anything that stores data and they should be aware of what a loathsome scam Fields Data Recovery is perpetrating on the public.<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2289112577477223495" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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I had the misfortune of having a hard drive crash. It started to make funny whirring and clicking noises and like an idiot I had not taken the time to back it up. I panicked. As I mentioned in a <a href="http://baselineshots.blogspot.com/2016/08/i-am-moron.html">previous blog post</a>, this was a 3TB hard drive that had all of my images from the last couple of years. Everything.<br />
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Two years of work gone in the blink of an eye.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KjqWPvCFQ1d6k8tqpRaMMEXmeDVp7rIPMLdU3pYbipaAkcxvbPpcQtPASCMmnwVydnsFjziDViYbuooIc7XUb5X4_o1LzItYGHB-YAXyJYtnhMsjA1YB_yaVOO8Kkpt7VDDxh9yD8JYz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-23+at+7.32.47+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KjqWPvCFQ1d6k8tqpRaMMEXmeDVp7rIPMLdU3pYbipaAkcxvbPpcQtPASCMmnwVydnsFjziDViYbuooIc7XUb5X4_o1LzItYGHB-YAXyJYtnhMsjA1YB_yaVOO8Kkpt7VDDxh9yD8JYz/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-23+at+7.32.47+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fields Data Recovery Facebook Ad</td></tr>
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<br />
I freaked out. Then, as if by divine intervention, I saw an ad on Facebook for Fields Data Recovery, a data recovery business that seemed to be exactly what I needed. I immediately went to their website and poured over the pages. The testimonials were music to my ears. Everything I read turned panic to hope.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6nRKcr2u47ScPxHPlimGV2JI4iTeesQQ3yDulRwODx9dEJ-qRrdn42EZTwTnBeW2V30tPCijJE0Ftet37VR5JsnCsu6198R-efodJhykvQ6vvail2-JhwBO-7S9SCjhDVe-UMSLRMrxe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-22+at+7.29.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6nRKcr2u47ScPxHPlimGV2JI4iTeesQQ3yDulRwODx9dEJ-qRrdn42EZTwTnBeW2V30tPCijJE0Ftet37VR5JsnCsu6198R-efodJhykvQ6vvail2-JhwBO-7S9SCjhDVe-UMSLRMrxe/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-22+at+7.29.36+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fields' Website. The testimonials are written by their own people.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I contacted them and spoke to the most pleasant young lady imaginable. "I'm so sorry to hear about your drive, but we've got you covered", she said. "Just ship it to us, our team of experts will inspect it, and within a few days we'll be in touch. While I can't make any promises, you're not the only one who we've helped and you stand a great chance of getting all your images recovered and transferred to a brand new hard drive. Did I mention there's no charge until we determine what needs to be done? You're under no obligation to pay us anything after we diagnose the issue and we quote you a price. From what you've told me, I'm guessing it will probably cost around $400.00 or so to recover your data, and that includes a new hard drive onto which your images will be transferred."<br />
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She was so reassuring, so nice. How could I go wrong? A new 3TB hard drive was $150.00 alone. $250.00 to recover my images was a lot of money, but well worth it. I shipped the drive off immediately and waited. </div>
<div>
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<div>
A week later, Kris Nordberg from Fields Data emailed me in response to a call I made trying to find out if there was any news:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
___________________________________</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_TasVA36BiQBeN-yK1WvfGfXvAucsyJc3D6rdGV2VANCK5tJDc_TARENfMqKkYA9E4WZHxQwHneb2yifUZ9et3h3BfDs-N782QmUhyphenhyphen8CHMH1NZdMWCpvCkK3yB4GnvmiEumbNqO3-f6l/s1600/000000000025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_TasVA36BiQBeN-yK1WvfGfXvAucsyJc3D6rdGV2VANCK5tJDc_TARENfMqKkYA9E4WZHxQwHneb2yifUZ9et3h3BfDs-N782QmUhyphenhyphen8CHMH1NZdMWCpvCkK3yB4GnvmiEumbNqO3-f6l/s200/000000000025.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Hi Miguel,</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Sorry, I was unable to call and reach you for a follow up. Our technicians have recognized a clicking noise- just like how you had described. We currently have your drive mounted a data extractor that can tell us what faults the drive may be experiencing (sic). I will let you know as soon as I have more updates. Please feel free to email or call me if you have any questions.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><br /></i><i>Thanks,</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i>Kris Nordberg</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i>Fields Data Recovery </i><i>727 N 1st St, Suite 320 </i><i>St. Louis, MO 63102</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
_________________________________</blockquote>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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The next day, I received another email from Kris:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_TasVA36BiQBeN-yK1WvfGfXvAucsyJc3D6rdGV2VANCK5tJDc_TARENfMqKkYA9E4WZHxQwHneb2yifUZ9et3h3BfDs-N782QmUhyphenhyphen8CHMH1NZdMWCpvCkK3yB4GnvmiEumbNqO3-f6l/s1600/000000000025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_TasVA36BiQBeN-yK1WvfGfXvAucsyJc3D6rdGV2VANCK5tJDc_TARENfMqKkYA9E4WZHxQwHneb2yifUZ9et3h3BfDs-N782QmUhyphenhyphen8CHMH1NZdMWCpvCkK3yB4GnvmiEumbNqO3-f6l/s200/000000000025.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Mike,</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i>Our technicians have identified a mechanical fault with the drive. The drive is being moved into our clean room. I would assume that the drive will be needing a head swap. I'll let you know as soon as I have another update.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Regards,</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i>Kris Nordberg</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Fields Data Recovery</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i>Account Manager</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i>727 N 1st St </i><i>Suite 320 </i><i>Saint Louis, MO 63102 </i><i>Phone: 866-879-1281</i></blockquote>
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
____________________________________</div>
<br />
I replied, asking how much a head swap would run. He said that they typically start at $650.00 and go up from there. Ouch. This was way more than the nice lady had told me she thought it would cost to recover my images. And I still didn't know if the images could be recovered. So, I waited. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A couple of days later, Kris called back. He said the drive needed the new parts. Before they would order them, I needed to pony up a $400.00 non refundable payment. As soon as I paid that, they would order the parts, install them, get the drive running and then perform a ghost image of the contents to see if any data was recoverable.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
What could I do? If I didn't authorize the $400.00 payment, I would never know if the images could be salvaged. I agreed, and luckily (you'll see why in a bit) I made the payment over the phone using my American Express card. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Time passed. I had heard nothing. Then Kris emailed me again. The parts had been received and the head swap was complete. Most important of all, the drive was running and Fields was conducting an imaging phase to ascertain what data was on the drive:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
_____________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_TasVA36BiQBeN-yK1WvfGfXvAucsyJc3D6rdGV2VANCK5tJDc_TARENfMqKkYA9E4WZHxQwHneb2yifUZ9et3h3BfDs-N782QmUhyphenhyphen8CHMH1NZdMWCpvCkK3yB4GnvmiEumbNqO3-f6l/s1600/000000000025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_TasVA36BiQBeN-yK1WvfGfXvAucsyJc3D6rdGV2VANCK5tJDc_TARENfMqKkYA9E4WZHxQwHneb2yifUZ9et3h3BfDs-N782QmUhyphenhyphen8CHMH1NZdMWCpvCkK3yB4GnvmiEumbNqO3-f6l/s200/000000000025.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Hello Mike,</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I hope you're doing well. I wanted to let you know that we are still going through an imaging phase with your drive. The drive itself is no longer making any clicking nosies (sic), and it spins at a healthy rate. We have identified that some of the storage regions (sectors) are being read at a slow rate. Once we have completely read the sectors we will be able to tell what information is recoverable.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Regards,</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i>Kris Nordberg</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i>Fields Data Recovery</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i>727 N 1st St, Suite 320 </i><i>St. Louis, MO 63102</i></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
_____________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A few days later, Kris emailed me and said that the imaging phase was almost complete and that he would let me know the results as soon as it was complete. I was so close to getting my images I could taste it. Then I received another email from Kris:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
_____________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_TasVA36BiQBeN-yK1WvfGfXvAucsyJc3D6rdGV2VANCK5tJDc_TARENfMqKkYA9E4WZHxQwHneb2yifUZ9et3h3BfDs-N782QmUhyphenhyphen8CHMH1NZdMWCpvCkK3yB4GnvmiEumbNqO3-f6l/s1600/000000000025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_TasVA36BiQBeN-yK1WvfGfXvAucsyJc3D6rdGV2VANCK5tJDc_TARENfMqKkYA9E4WZHxQwHneb2yifUZ9et3h3BfDs-N782QmUhyphenhyphen8CHMH1NZdMWCpvCkK3yB4GnvmiEumbNqO3-f6l/s200/000000000025.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Dear Miguel Olivella,</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i>The lab process on your damaged device was completed. Unfortunately, even after the advanced work no functional data was recoverable. The negative results were confirmed with further review by a senior-level engineer.</i><i>Conclusion: No recovery possible.</i><i><br /></i><i>Should you have any further questions regarding the specifics of your case please don't hesitate to call me direct at 866-879-1281, or email me at <a href="mailto:kris.nordberg@fields-data-recovery.com">kris.nordberg@fields-data-recovery.com</a>.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Please accept our apologies in this instance and we will return your device ASAP.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Regards,</i><i><br /></i><i>Kris Nordberg</i><i><br /></i><i>Fields Data Recovery</i><i><br /></i><i>727 N 1st St, Suite 320 </i><i>St. Louis, MO 63102</i></blockquote>
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__________________________________</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I was devastated. Clinging to any shred of hope I asked Kris to return the drive as well as the parts that were replaced. He eventually replied that the old parts had been tossed but that the drive would be shipped to me with the new parts installed.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
A few days later, the drive arrived. Thinking that since the drive was now supposedly operational with new parts having been installed, perhaps a local computer place could try to run some data recovery software on the drive and find something. I took the drive to a local shop and it was plugged into a computer. You could have knocked me over with a feather. It was making the same whirring and clicking noises it had made before I had sent it off to Fields. Further, the techie said he could find no evidence that the drive had been opened, which Fields would have had to do in order to install the new parts.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I sent Kris an email:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
____________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>From: Mike Olivella</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2016 3:34 PM</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>To: Kris Nordberg</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Subject: RE: Tracking for Hard Drive</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Kris, I’m extremely disappointed with your firm. I have taken the drive to another computer company and they said that the drive was not repaired as you said it was. It still makes the clicking noise that it made when I sent it to you which tells me nothing was done by your firm. I paid $400 to have it repaired. You said in an email (that I have) that the drive was repaired and running. It is not.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I expect a reversal of the charges to my American Express in the amount of $400 immediately.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Mike Olivella</i></blockquote>
</div>
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<div class="Section1">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYYGscWnKRm34c_59OYmwdtp1ih02vCM9SuBPb8HDyggQ-wFfAweEuC0BuOln9DbN9JJw8wNUnDfVnajpXEw35pnf7P0O8HeOxCscaA-JOmEJMEMWZourKkAqyOl_VNjJMNZg1o1-4BUK/s1600/tc-image-277194.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYYGscWnKRm34c_59OYmwdtp1ih02vCM9SuBPb8HDyggQ-wFfAweEuC0BuOln9DbN9JJw8wNUnDfVnajpXEw35pnf7P0O8HeOxCscaA-JOmEJMEMWZourKkAqyOl_VNjJMNZg1o1-4BUK/s640/tc-image-277194.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">One of the images Fields sent me of "the" hard drive and "replacement" parts</span></td></tr>
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Kris responded promptly. He said, "A head swap was completed on your drive, please see the pictures attached. The other party would probably find that to be the case because the head swap was unsuccessful. The money upfront (sic) for parts and labor was a non-refundable fee. I cannot authorize any refunds."<br />
<br />
I guess they thought I was born yesterday. Sending me generic images of a hard drive was supposed to defy logic? I replied, reminding Kris that in several emails, he had assured me the drive was repaired and running. Apparently, he decided to turn the matter over to his branch manager who sent me the following email:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
___________________________________</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_TasVA36BiQBeN-yK1WvfGfXvAucsyJc3D6rdGV2VANCK5tJDc_TARENfMqKkYA9E4WZHxQwHneb2yifUZ9et3h3BfDs-N782QmUhyphenhyphen8CHMH1NZdMWCpvCkK3yB4GnvmiEumbNqO3-f6l/s1600/000000000025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_TasVA36BiQBeN-yK1WvfGfXvAucsyJc3D6rdGV2VANCK5tJDc_TARENfMqKkYA9E4WZHxQwHneb2yifUZ9et3h3BfDs-N782QmUhyphenhyphen8CHMH1NZdMWCpvCkK3yB4GnvmiEumbNqO3-f6l/s200/000000000025.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Mr. Olivella,<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Thanks for your emails. I hope you saw the email sent on August 10, informing you that the data was unrecoverable. Unfortunately even though the drive was not clicking for some time, the replacement read-write heads again failed - this is why your drive is now clicking, again. I'm a bit surprised you expected a working drive after knowing the recovery attempt was unsuccessful, I'll make sure Kris is more clear about this if a similar situation arises in the future.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>We are very sorry that the recovery attempt was unsuccessful, but Kris made it clear there was risk and that we could make no guarantees to success. We acted in good faith throughout, I'm sorry you feel otherwise.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Regards,<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Todd Taylor <span style="text-align: center;"> </span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Fields Data Recovery <span style="text-align: center;"> </span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Branch Manager <span style="text-align: center;"> </span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>727 North 1st St </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Suite 320 </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>St. Louis, MO 63102</i></div>
<i>__________________________________</i></blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Seriously, dude? Did you think I just fell off the turnip truck? You charged me $400.00 for replacement heads and these brand new heads you supposedly installed just happened to fail in a matter of days? Or maybe, just maybe, you charged me $400.00 for doing absolutely nothing.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I Googled Fields Data Recovery, something I should have done before pinning my hopes on a company I knew nothing about. My jaw dropped. I was not the first person to have been duped by Fields. The first thing I ran across was this YouTube video from a German guy that got fleeced by Fields:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/31rsjemi2Sg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/31rsjemi2Sg?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div>
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Then I found page after page of reviews slamming Fields, with many of the comments describing a story that was eerily identical to mine - people sent a drive off, got calls saying parts were needed, they paid a non refundable $400.00 charge, were told no data was recovered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDrGTCdUxM-zAhONxW2dbyNM2s1Ysy0oZDmu8DmH9986fh3MJIYPgWCuOBLERbSmJXEiRB3BtGJH0h820eN_a0Nx2NO4GB-JZfhb9PNncH_t6rgY7hm1QG1lkoWq_TWNNVBh6XMp4h7km/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-22+at+7.36.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDrGTCdUxM-zAhONxW2dbyNM2s1Ysy0oZDmu8DmH9986fh3MJIYPgWCuOBLERbSmJXEiRB3BtGJH0h820eN_a0Nx2NO4GB-JZfhb9PNncH_t6rgY7hm1QG1lkoWq_TWNNVBh6XMp4h7km/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-22+at+7.36.08+PM.png" width="544" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwqfZbVHNln98YKf_7uo-MCDlZX100YLD9Tf1C6L1Ouj2x5Eo3SSm6dcLhgA57h0ILEAs-ICMvRdzK_IazD-3ZKIxVmeKiwqa4i8j4Vl5i_TUF9NRbj643qgvQ6WbTMzy1yt448geLesz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-22+at+7.39.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwqfZbVHNln98YKf_7uo-MCDlZX100YLD9Tf1C6L1Ouj2x5Eo3SSm6dcLhgA57h0ILEAs-ICMvRdzK_IazD-3ZKIxVmeKiwqa4i8j4Vl5i_TUF9NRbj643qgvQ6WbTMzy1yt448geLesz/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-22+at+7.39.49+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I went to Yelp. Fields has a one-star rating because of all the complaints. The Better Business Bureau's web site specifically disclaimed Fields as not being BBB accredited and listed 31 customer complaints and 35% of customers lodging complaints.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2H58yrFXSONna9iIUlHaBJ3Kt92RWNqr42F-mDJ0NOEk6rVd3RB2vcG7HoZybO_aTEUqyhob7oNwT-uIvV5aGem8sNPmHYBL_G6ry6YzTTdsqvq544mt3Z8Zy6NN2i6IkL2w-5BIwGG2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-23+at+11.01.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2H58yrFXSONna9iIUlHaBJ3Kt92RWNqr42F-mDJ0NOEk6rVd3RB2vcG7HoZybO_aTEUqyhob7oNwT-uIvV5aGem8sNPmHYBL_G6ry6YzTTdsqvq544mt3Z8Zy6NN2i6IkL2w-5BIwGG2/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-23+at+11.01.03+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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But wait, you say....that means 65% of the people contacting the BBB had a positive or neutral experience with Fields. Sure, except those 65% later turned out to be shills for Fields.</div>
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Some further digging revealed that after being lambasted with so many negative reviews on the BBB site as well as others such as CNET, Fields began to create its own fake testimonials and having surrogates sing its praises on web sites:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG8xJ6vUKqXaTeSGpJjr-vb1tkQeh9-CYBcFXuyTcpunc999oqNB1RgTdp4HT7AtTvKxJiNYISGZXu81dg7VLwx_67wJEKpLZXk4nN9mnfbopZhpqHmf-iPnrvLb9VdfumTEZVWPnSHLe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-23+at+10.58.41+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG8xJ6vUKqXaTeSGpJjr-vb1tkQeh9-CYBcFXuyTcpunc999oqNB1RgTdp4HT7AtTvKxJiNYISGZXu81dg7VLwx_67wJEKpLZXk4nN9mnfbopZhpqHmf-iPnrvLb9VdfumTEZVWPnSHLe/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-23+at+10.58.41+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwAdGujcLjkJUKz4p3_PwZe-xPzWregon9VKqN7Sk9sm9KKhmpmuW36elI2BumOJFwGMSFwS7UwPg7WuXUWe8OycPhdjUjwzaLHEyeat4iDwL-2sanyZSnz0P1C02j0_mJSaHtsOTr2-y/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-23+at+10.59.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwAdGujcLjkJUKz4p3_PwZe-xPzWregon9VKqN7Sk9sm9KKhmpmuW36elI2BumOJFwGMSFwS7UwPg7WuXUWe8OycPhdjUjwzaLHEyeat4iDwL-2sanyZSnz0P1C02j0_mJSaHtsOTr2-y/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-23+at+10.59.18+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGK1aDgaVifIpWInOo4K1IAaH4edv3YnmoTM79kWCnNqtVJlOhBNJ2QluxhQKZsBYXKHUYRqjuxqy3_TsKQ_ue8HFmcydVQu48AcrRBVtLO2TunZCLORAqPfvwHEMzChhqxz9TqQItFVA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-23+at+10.59.30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGK1aDgaVifIpWInOo4K1IAaH4edv3YnmoTM79kWCnNqtVJlOhBNJ2QluxhQKZsBYXKHUYRqjuxqy3_TsKQ_ue8HFmcydVQu48AcrRBVtLO2TunZCLORAqPfvwHEMzChhqxz9TqQItFVA/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-23+at+10.59.30+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I was really ticked off. You've heard that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned? That's nothing compared to the fury of a Cuban that has been fleeced. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started with a bit of restraint, choosing not to cut off my nose to spite my face despite every fibre of my being wanting to rip Mr. Taylor a new one. I took a deep breath, counted to 1,000 and emailed him back advising him that what he said made no sense; that obviously no replacement parts had been installed; and that even if the replacement heads/parts failed it was ridiculous for Fields to expect me to eat a $400.00 charge for parts that failed within a matter of days. Mr. Taylor responded sarcastically, basically telling me to kiss off. There would be no refund.</div>
<br />
Mr. Taylor didn't know that he was screwing with the wrong guy. I told him I would immediately contact American Express and have them reverse the transaction, a service AMEX provides for its customers when they've been charged for something that smells to high heaven. Mr. Taylor scoffed at my response, saying:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"We will provide American Express with all documentation regarding this transaction, including all emails of the receipt that while you did not sign, you viewed (with IP logs) and discussed with Kris. We will also provide the photos you have viewed showing your drive (with serial) open in our clean lab, during the head replacement procedure."</i></blockquote>
My next move was to call AMEX. No sooner had I told the representative why I was calling, he interrupted me and said, "Is this about the charge to Fields Data?" I said yes. He said that I was not the first person to contact him about a problem with Fields. He had dealt with several other AMEX customers who had related virtually identical stories to mine, and further, that AMEX was well aware of Fields and their scam.<br />
<br />
In cases like these, AMEX notifies the vendor of the dispute and solicits a response before deciding whether to honor the charge or reverse it. Despite Mr. Taylor's bravado, Fields did not respond. I received a notification a month later from AMEX advising that Fields had not responded, the matter was closed, and the charge was reversed.<br />
<br />
Suck on that, Mr. Taylor. And now for the next step - exposing Fields for the scum suckers that they are.<br />
<br />
While I'm not out any money to Fields, I fear that others in my position may not be so lucky. That is why I'm asking anyone who reads this to share it, post it, pass it along, and do anything you can to get the word out about these dirtbags. They are bottom feeders and should be avoided like the plague. They routinely advertise on Facebook and are able to suck people into their scam, take their money, and laugh all the way to the bank.<br />
<br />
Don't let them do this. Let's do what we can to get the word out. Please pass this along.</div>
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Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-65857071768959687202017-02-21T17:11:00.000-05:002017-02-21T17:11:33.337-05:00Making Time For Some Wildlife Photography<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOr0BP3JwpljP9hYcmZDvPKHD4UfPFxLLfy-Ud5LhkySnauOf9HP-7AvpxYaviVjui120jWwJlZRAzPR8L53TMAZxEq3YiKcw72z6aWXz5wfLKOJLHyAERfYkW2oF6FPWxs6jkFQF-MGHl/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-21+at+4.11.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOr0BP3JwpljP9hYcmZDvPKHD4UfPFxLLfy-Ud5LhkySnauOf9HP-7AvpxYaviVjui120jWwJlZRAzPR8L53TMAZxEq3YiKcw72z6aWXz5wfLKOJLHyAERfYkW2oF6FPWxs6jkFQF-MGHl/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-21+at+4.11.07+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Pintails feeding in a fresh water impoundment</td></tr>
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Earlier this month, I had the chance to do something I haven't had the time or opportunity to do for a while - wildlife photography. I spent some time at the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge on the East Central Florida coast photographing waterfowl and wading birds. It made for a memorable morning as my visit gave way to a lot of new images.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flock after flock of Pintail flew in from the east, circled, and landed in the water within 100 yards of my location</td></tr>
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My morning began well before dawn as I wanted to be on site before the sun rose. The drive to the Refuge took me about a half an hour and once I arrived I made beeline for one of the freshwater impoundments so I could catch flocks of pintail and blue wing teal coming in from their roosts for their morning meal. I was not disappointed. As soon as the sun began to rise, I could hear the splashes of waterfowl landing in the water. All I had to do was wait for there to be enough light to start shooting.</div>
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As soon as I arrived, I made some gear decisions. Assuming that my subjects would be some distance away from me and wanting to get some tight images, I opted for my DX-sensored Nikon D500 camera body with its 1.5X crop factor. In conjunction with my 400mm f2.8 lens and a 1.4X teleconverter, I would be able to shoot with a focal length of 840mm at f4. I attached the teleconverter to the lens, the combo to the camera body, and the setup to a monopod. I was good to go. </div>
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As the sun began to rise, I started to shoot. I took some shots of the flocks as they flew in as well as once they were on the water. As soon as I knew I could push the shutter speed to a fast enough setting that wings would be frozen instead of blurred, I tried my hand at trying to capture individual ducks as they swooped in and landed.</div>
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Not long after the pintail arrived, blue wing teal began to show up in greater numbers. Teal are much smaller than pintail and have a reputation for flying fast as they buzz an area. I was ready for them and they did not disappoint. After getting shots of them feeding, swimming, and landing, it was time to catch them in flight. It was challenging but I had some success.</div>
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With my main waterfowl targets in the can, so to speak, I shifted gears and began to search for wading birds. The Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is home to several species of wading birds, including Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, the endangered Reddish Heron, Ibis, Egrets, and Roseate Spoonbills just to name a few. Going from pond to pond, I found a few of each. My first priority was a nice portrait of a Snowy Egret. I found one in a perfect location, back lit by the sun and standing in front of some brush that served as nice, dark backdrop.</div>
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Next up was trying to find a Reddish Heron. As if on cue, one was in a nearby pond and it was putting on quite a show as it began to feed.</div>
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Reddish Herons have a unique way of feeding. They spread their wings in order to create shade on the surface of the water so they can better see their prey. They then dart back and forth in what appears to be a frantic, schizophrenic manner and when they isolate there prey they pounce.</div>
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With just about everything on my wish list checked off, I was ready to head out. As I drove out, I passed a few more impoundments and stopped when I saw something of interest. A Great Blue Heron napping on a mangrove caught my eye, as did a Little Blue Heron feeding in a large group of wading birds that include just about every conceivable species.</div>
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My day was complete and one that was way more productive than I could have hoped. I plan to return on my next trip to the East Central Florida area and can only hope that I am as fortunate as I was on this particular day to have the cooperation of so many birds.</div>
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Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-49223161087053109022017-02-08T15:23:00.000-05:002017-02-08T15:23:05.638-05:00My Love-Hate Relationship With Catwalks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_Rkeow0UqYWyYG0sSPgDw_KN9V0xsDQPeX6RYSGu2S9NlFvZrYCKi2y7MKIC8MKmIqh3Yu7H5rBSmmayApXsBHV2XAOuSB8le_6wLUPhggTFRKVm_mg_gPxTJ_cLkKiRCi0BH-u1rk1N/s1600/_D035206_v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_Rkeow0UqYWyYG0sSPgDw_KN9V0xsDQPeX6RYSGu2S9NlFvZrYCKi2y7MKIC8MKmIqh3Yu7H5rBSmmayApXsBHV2XAOuSB8le_6wLUPhggTFRKVm_mg_gPxTJ_cLkKiRCi0BH-u1rk1N/s640/_D035206_v1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the Tucker Center's basketball court in Tallahassee, Florida from the catwalks above the arena in 2014</td></tr>
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Normally, when people talk about being in the nosebleed section of a stadium or an arena it's usually a sarcastic reference to being relegated to crappy seats. When I tell people that I'm headed to the nosebleed section it's not with any sarcasm my voice, it's with a mixture of excitement and fear. You see, my version of being in the nosebleed section of an arena is a bit different and a lot higher than the cheap seats - it's the catwalks that ring arenas high above the facility. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The catwalks and all the steel girders that support the structure</td></tr>
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While I'm climbing up and down ladders and ramps, negotiating obstacles, cables, and lights, I am scared beyond words. I don't like heights. Actually, I really, really hate heights. But when I sit at my computer after a game and look through the images that I get from the catwalks, I know it was well worth the effort and the anxiety.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPS_8t8vieDYgmfHGeFX3f6rPegjF6fNUTGYjgc1OM7M55h92tNRdD3iJn4LngkwrFVe5zqW7Ad9JBHtO21xHZfTO75wxXGyhtLhsYdOS7LpX_f6YXwBqJY2flDdl5STZId87UVywON2L/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPS_8t8vieDYgmfHGeFX3f6rPegjF6fNUTGYjgc1OM7M55h92tNRdD3iJn4LngkwrFVe5zqW7Ad9JBHtO21xHZfTO75wxXGyhtLhsYdOS7LpX_f6YXwBqJY2flDdl5STZId87UVywON2L/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The arena lights just in front of the steel grates that make up the floor of the catwalks</td></tr>
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Shooting from the catwalks is not for the faint of heart. Many photographers set up remote cameras up there and then trigger them from the floor because spending one minute more than is necessary while perched on a catwalk sends shivers down their spines. I refuse to trust a camera's autofocus capabilities, or worse yet pre-focus on a spot and set the camera to Manual Focus, as a way of generating images. I'd rather not hope that a given shot sequence is in focus only to later see if the images are sharp. I prefer to do it old school and actually shoot from above.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhb2tMgO_dEw5iEG7Kpo5bH7SeK__dBGJmBJwJNW9HxdUE666ZkxSWCtzxCb5-9NJqXhOKmf2C37RQKaGVW3lZDRNUg7_27eeu68P2vqEuRVeJ_0CjO1hdDLFNQ2iriyBA5QfN1pOLG5Y/s1600/Mike+Olivella-307647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhb2tMgO_dEw5iEG7Kpo5bH7SeK__dBGJmBJwJNW9HxdUE666ZkxSWCtzxCb5-9NJqXhOKmf2C37RQKaGVW3lZDRNUg7_27eeu68P2vqEuRVeJ_0CjO1hdDLFNQ2iriyBA5QfN1pOLG5Y/s640/Mike+Olivella-307647.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The opening tip taken from the side</td></tr>
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There are some guidelines I follow when venturing up to the ultra cheap seats ... errr ... catwalks. As far as equipment, I only take one camera body strapped securely around my neck with a lens attached. Since basketball is the sport most frequently photographed from catwalks, I'll concentrate this blog post on shooting basketball from the heavens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsg_wPBRCxD8EJEoKOWsOKTh2jjwDocS5_whVBRAYDXHhxGzyOyuEiKGZhSG9SE48hLEG7Tho9tSnT5r_pucTTqYypojYke7FYLan_v8JFWvFxyNza-_f10nvbtvpPSC1hUYfc9MuryY6/s1600/Mike+Olivella-9261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsg_wPBRCxD8EJEoKOWsOKTh2jjwDocS5_whVBRAYDXHhxGzyOyuEiKGZhSG9SE48hLEG7Tho9tSnT5r_pucTTqYypojYke7FYLan_v8JFWvFxyNza-_f10nvbtvpPSC1hUYfc9MuryY6/s640/Mike+Olivella-9261.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebound in the lane, taken from a side angle</td></tr>
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For basketball, my lens of choice is usually a 300mm f2.8 that I hand hold. On occasion I will also take a wide angle lens or my 15mm fisheye for artsy stuff. If I take one of these extra lenses, it is stuffed deep into a pants pocket. I leave everything else on the arena floor and that includes camera bags, lens hoods, cell phone, monopod, and anything else that might accidentally be dropped from up above. Not only are these items superfluous, they pose a risk of serious injury (and possibly even death) to the people below if accidentally dropped.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimm5jrnJc_eolBey2zX0AKAr6Jmy7_PrCk1kcPOxFHMrotg9kedp9QDAWGM0_Fj7r7p4aPRBMNsRnhpGFE1aQsbViEvPEFlIjtBQr9MW-owGPU_mQ-7ADkfTIDAhC7ERLUmne-1Qt8CHkB/s1600/Mike+Olivella_D3S6081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimm5jrnJc_eolBey2zX0AKAr6Jmy7_PrCk1kcPOxFHMrotg9kedp9QDAWGM0_Fj7r7p4aPRBMNsRnhpGFE1aQsbViEvPEFlIjtBQr9MW-owGPU_mQ-7ADkfTIDAhC7ERLUmne-1Qt8CHkB/s640/Mike+Olivella_D3S6081.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot taken from a side angle</td></tr>
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Some arenas do not have catwalks that run directly above either basket nor directly above center court but you can still position yourself to nab some cool stuff. I like to shoot the fisheye or wide angle lens for team introductions or a shot of the venue but after that it is usually put away. The 300mm on a full frame camera body is ideal from up top because it lets me get close enough to the action while still allowing me to follow it so I don't miss too many shots.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RkBFe-sV6pxI0jhYle0XMBjICMycpAWbrl_ue7PSnPn9EUlTpdKs_JUT7fi4RruxkoHJV1WdTJQXf-mulXnfJ1sMqFXcRf-RrDL9_nH5xIbdk2_pdalc194V_YyrgBm_whmdWjhryOUT/s1600/Mike+Olivella_D3S9418a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RkBFe-sV6pxI0jhYle0XMBjICMycpAWbrl_ue7PSnPn9EUlTpdKs_JUT7fi4RruxkoHJV1WdTJQXf-mulXnfJ1sMqFXcRf-RrDL9_nH5xIbdk2_pdalc194V_YyrgBm_whmdWjhryOUT/s640/Mike+Olivella_D3S9418a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best shots from overhead are when players are looking up at the rim or at the ball</td></tr>
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Even if you aren't directly over a basket, image perspective can be altered somewhat in Photoshop to make images look more like they were taken from directly overhead as in the four examples above that were shot from the side.<br />
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By moving around the catwalks and changing locations I get different vantage points and thus different images. I shoot some images vertically but most of the time I stick with a horizontal orientation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWKLf7y0sW2ssqzAtZ4ceN-reTY1jrX1Aqx1X18VFfMe66c-L134WAk2Ye-2DWmv4f3gmAqDv4Ak9d1-rip1inZmyPwXY0aorPlb-ulK6ICYzwnGex6Z4iXblwVAkSyqgm2wnlszT1Lt_/s1600/_D3S6093Mike+Olivella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWKLf7y0sW2ssqzAtZ4ceN-reTY1jrX1Aqx1X18VFfMe66c-L134WAk2Ye-2DWmv4f3gmAqDv4Ak9d1-rip1inZmyPwXY0aorPlb-ulK6ICYzwnGex6Z4iXblwVAkSyqgm2wnlszT1Lt_/s640/_D3S6093Mike+Olivella.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBkR5wYiyAr5Z_TDGL2VC0NXTDdKOPCeeix0DygblvvQWRipLLTOgQA2Cav3Au5_ntFgyAGd4z1RE8EGIYmaZtBA3GXObfVRVGtySzI5VNNihwMZ6vjEWGvD46BpwGYo3E0uPD5143rBZ/s1600/Mike+Olivella_D3S9363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBkR5wYiyAr5Z_TDGL2VC0NXTDdKOPCeeix0DygblvvQWRipLLTOgQA2Cav3Au5_ntFgyAGd4z1RE8EGIYmaZtBA3GXObfVRVGtySzI5VNNihwMZ6vjEWGvD46BpwGYo3E0uPD5143rBZ/s640/Mike+Olivella_D3S9363.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not your usual game action shots but still interesting images that help tell the game's story</td></tr>
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If you're lucky, your arena will have a location from which to shoot that offers a view directly over one or both of the baskets, or at least close enough to being directly overhead that your looking straight down at the basket. That is the ideal situation as you can mix some shots from the sides with shots taken directly overhead.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rWCwN4FN9_8_MDW2ODSJX-tz_8DJ7oFWjmOXn05JwH2FHKc4T_RkWIqU6KXk_Kb1orU0mu6SOWLiODMBgHeZOvAQQCDpx-XR704OtbZpSJ7gkw6MqJ-NCHjjBzlKbR6it9VLNZn8NBOx/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rWCwN4FN9_8_MDW2ODSJX-tz_8DJ7oFWjmOXn05JwH2FHKc4T_RkWIqU6KXk_Kb1orU0mu6SOWLiODMBgHeZOvAQQCDpx-XR704OtbZpSJ7gkw6MqJ-NCHjjBzlKbR6it9VLNZn8NBOx/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grate over the center catwalk supported by girders underneath. Top/center of the image depicts a small opening without a grate that is almost directly over a basket at the Tucker Center. That is what I shoot through over the railing</td></tr>
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To me the most desirable images are when the players are looking up, such as the opening tip, going for a rebound, about to release a floater in the lane, or just before a dunk. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNyZDC6CTuCC8Jl5OP1T7B9o85v0yNyIzq9USnrzsKkMwH6X8gHDGS30T7MXgN4xd0M-o4vmlbyuFmRklAT6kTwUKSQZdsGdPxfvccge0fy5NYntUH1vUhnFYq2Q1vLjFst6WLLrXdVBj/s1600/Mike+OlivellaD3S_6719a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNyZDC6CTuCC8Jl5OP1T7B9o85v0yNyIzq9USnrzsKkMwH6X8gHDGS30T7MXgN4xd0M-o4vmlbyuFmRklAT6kTwUKSQZdsGdPxfvccge0fy5NYntUH1vUhnFYq2Q1vLjFst6WLLrXdVBj/s640/Mike+OlivellaD3S_6719a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPabQ9QHHa8c76GnisFMBABAldCFCTwrB8cIuMaZJqKdCWBgMu4v0WVIMBnvOEMLgFkEbnxhd0OHm_6pCCuUpx0jKkORKzI2bkGRJCGKv_WfF1Q5k9Am1Vr53ar8z2GVhzAto47kMQpk3j/s1600/Mike+OlivellaD3S_6742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPabQ9QHHa8c76GnisFMBABAldCFCTwrB8cIuMaZJqKdCWBgMu4v0WVIMBnvOEMLgFkEbnxhd0OHm_6pCCuUpx0jKkORKzI2bkGRJCGKv_WfF1Q5k9Am1Vr53ar8z2GVhzAto47kMQpk3j/s640/Mike+OlivellaD3S_6742.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images shot from almost directly overhead of the baskets</td></tr>
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But with a little imagination, other images can add some pop to a set or a portfolio and are there for the taking. I didn't know how the images below would look until I downloaded and opened them in Photoshop. As soon as I did I was very glad I did not delete either of them while shooting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eyir_wf28EzJBs0VicKETVg6u5QF1o-E3OZS2mc_4XP2dgEA9XtT9ZTuDIRQi6eOTUad1MDsWtLM2lOwBDOZx6oPXxKHBdX4KsECmUgpGKRzVpu3U8ljAEaXA1tgg5_lNAypUkJfZ3q6/s1600/Mike+Olivella_D3S2870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eyir_wf28EzJBs0VicKETVg6u5QF1o-E3OZS2mc_4XP2dgEA9XtT9ZTuDIRQi6eOTUad1MDsWtLM2lOwBDOZx6oPXxKHBdX4KsECmUgpGKRzVpu3U8ljAEaXA1tgg5_lNAypUkJfZ3q6/s640/Mike+Olivella_D3S2870.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLb6jqA_RkeVJSR1T4fapa-9pI8COr50Dg1lX40bCWcF3mzXuWDg_InwhbpkwtBDECRq8NOPUvtk-R4br5if5BsKi7e3gkUUXPWFYy6V0AIybhWhBt6u-h6Vsoi6wCl4njsPunNKEqmNFN/s1600/Mike+OlivellaD3S_6754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLb6jqA_RkeVJSR1T4fapa-9pI8COr50Dg1lX40bCWcF3mzXuWDg_InwhbpkwtBDECRq8NOPUvtk-R4br5if5BsKi7e3gkUUXPWFYy6V0AIybhWhBt6u-h6Vsoi6wCl4njsPunNKEqmNFN/s640/Mike+OlivellaD3S_6754.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You never know what will take place on the floor below so you have to stay ready</td></tr>
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I usually keep an eye on the game clock and anticipating the media time outs. When I know one is approaching, I'll boogie over to a spot directly above one of the teams and wait for the coaches to do their thing. Not your traditional, vanilla time out image but a unique one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2Vb95FhGC-eJ-wfeUlzmT6Ad_eprillExOWhvw2jbrZtFAbXsv7E_BX4kusqx3FZiDVKwUGOigP4vdu_QpaxudfwhNnfnh7Ty1GPcRupH9s8B1dXtkwhwBhN8tN4xNpGoOcQTJ91APid/s1600/Mike+Olivella_D3S2641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2Vb95FhGC-eJ-wfeUlzmT6Ad_eprillExOWhvw2jbrZtFAbXsv7E_BX4kusqx3FZiDVKwUGOigP4vdu_QpaxudfwhNnfnh7Ty1GPcRupH9s8B1dXtkwhwBhN8tN4xNpGoOcQTJ91APid/s640/Mike+Olivella_D3S2641.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MHhnAP7UQ7aFNpVp06BBrfs17OK14Ic_iLQpz8sMy2jZFe4tVxNh-DOFHok5ZgnAyCGIhzzVgbCmTHqc3gmXGot07Rs1ELwb4nDz7kVURDhHgDHhUh2WGH-O7GqjXdO9YgOFjt5u_P1j/s1600/Mike+Olivella_D3S2833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MHhnAP7UQ7aFNpVp06BBrfs17OK14Ic_iLQpz8sMy2jZFe4tVxNh-DOFHok5ZgnAyCGIhzzVgbCmTHqc3gmXGot07Rs1ELwb4nDz7kVURDhHgDHhUh2WGH-O7GqjXdO9YgOFjt5u_P1j/s640/Mike+Olivella_D3S2833.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two versions of a timeout, one where the team uses its bench to sit (top) and the other where seats are placed on the court for the payers to sit (bottom)</td></tr>
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If you're fortunate enough to have catwalks available for use, my recommendation is that you give it a go. On your first visit, get there early and get a feel for what it's like up there and explore the vantage points that exist. Take plenty of test shots to dial in the right exposure and then get ready to create some pretty cool images. If you're like me, your heart will be in your throat until you are safely back down on the court but when you download your cards and take a peek at what you got, you'll be glad you did.</div>
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Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-91572766131947582042017-02-07T19:58:00.002-05:002017-02-21T12:06:01.152-05:00Squarespace Ain't What It Used To Be....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UJo3YmAfhcLWIwDFeHrEbmK_QCUuAsEaHmC-oAHuMTprLNnbQdPQxG2EXKEClBL_xnjFbcvqXbdsuUebiVAbCsuo9rZL-H_bjm90phrpSZqjCfhGWNUYJk5HSTPnAzSWYbbQ8unJejip/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+7.31.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UJo3YmAfhcLWIwDFeHrEbmK_QCUuAsEaHmC-oAHuMTprLNnbQdPQxG2EXKEClBL_xnjFbcvqXbdsuUebiVAbCsuo9rZL-H_bjm90phrpSZqjCfhGWNUYJk5HSTPnAzSWYbbQ8unJejip/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+7.31.36+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new home page which is now a gallery of 20-some images with a little bit of everything included</td></tr>
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I'm not quite sure what's up with Squarespace but it doesn't seem to be the same old reliable website design/creation website that I have been using for several years. Over the past few months, I have noticed that my site was taking longer and longer to load, so long that it was becoming a concern. It wasn't because of anything I had done to the site in terms of adding anything or changing things up so I was pretty sure it wasn't due to something on my end.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChDqdXWbVcu9NXopRrmBjJkxHfiWQV0R7Fj8Fvq1E76kAjg2-7XBiJSv5dWfhDoLZhK1y0Gn1I-QTqO6aJHyPEM_Gz-AF1VRldw96HGsoTKbyN-FHU6xjfcYNX7fUJaB4k8nSWMyclLqa/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+3.46.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChDqdXWbVcu9NXopRrmBjJkxHfiWQV0R7Fj8Fvq1E76kAjg2-7XBiJSv5dWfhDoLZhK1y0Gn1I-QTqO6aJHyPEM_Gz-AF1VRldw96HGsoTKbyN-FHU6xjfcYNX7fUJaB4k8nSWMyclLqa/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+3.46.07+PM.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new logo - out with<br />
my full name (Miguel<br />
Antonio Olivella and<br />
instead using the name<br />
most people know me<br />
by - Mike Olivella.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The straw that broke the camel's back was when I was told by several people that they had tried to visit my site but that when they clicked on a gallery, loading was insufferably long. So much so that they gave up and moved on to other sites.<br />
<br />
That will not cut it. So I contacted Squarespace and asked what was going on. Using Live Chat, I was told by a techie that the likely culprit for slow loading was that my pages had too many images and that the images' file sizes were too large. I was also told that my pages would load a lot faster if I followed some of their guidelines (which I know were never in existence when I first signed on to use Squarespace):<br />
<ol>
<li>Reduce the file sizes of my images by limiting the pixel width to their "suggested" 1500 px width, and never wider than 2500 px;</li>
<li>Compressing the images so each file size was no more than 500 KB in size; and</li>
<li>Keeping the overall content of each page (in the case of photography sites, photo galleries) to less than 5 MB total per page.</li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafy12gskV60w-kAqaqN1SRXHQDmjbj92cNuvxsQ3OVaPJlEzlOFGTEH_SkFRjug6r_Y-X0B94ORIRbz6dJ6XapPWuYDRbyq27VSHuA2Ow6X5qvBaNoadH09oHnJdIFZ6KxJBglcKab_Ts/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+7.34.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafy12gskV60w-kAqaqN1SRXHQDmjbj92cNuvxsQ3OVaPJlEzlOFGTEH_SkFRjug6r_Y-X0B94ORIRbz6dJ6XapPWuYDRbyq27VSHuA2Ow6X5qvBaNoadH09oHnJdIFZ6KxJBglcKab_Ts/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+7.34.06+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Home page, just like all my other gallery pages, gives users the option of switching from seeing one large image to a grid based display. Clicking on any of the images in the grid enlarges it to full size.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
With all due respect to Squarespace, these "guidelines" are fine for content based web sites but they won't work worth a flip for photography web sites. Do the math - if a gallery page is limited to 5 MB in size and each image is 500 KB, that means each gallery is necessarily limited to 10 images that are only 1500 px wide and are artificially compressed (read quality drastically diminished). That's absurd for photography intensive sites which is how Squarespace originally cut its teeth in the website design/template arena.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFIIseUqsTxYgr5RgZE47t23EEq5zH6K4QLahwGs1aiHl0-LsjJ9tyayYYe2COH6tKqklu-IClvbIu0TEdNWsLsdRV9oW1D1Rb01yQcWXPjAJS1fB05RToKHsLCKFtGR3DiP1I2-7jY3q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+3.46.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFIIseUqsTxYgr5RgZE47t23EEq5zH6K4QLahwGs1aiHl0-LsjJ9tyayYYe2COH6tKqklu-IClvbIu0TEdNWsLsdRV9oW1D1Rb01yQcWXPjAJS1fB05RToKHsLCKFtGR3DiP1I2-7jY3q/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+3.46.41+PM.png" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clicking on "SPORTS"<br />
now reveals three Sports<br />
galleries - Team,<br />
Individual, and Art. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r8hkzsXi0doyPrkTRhrKuG33ghVz7a6Qn4rYFwpSLEQGjVaUE77ro7pde6Zid_-EBe5yFAyDub4qe2sAilzaVyK5BjQB_BKukw2exVode4YfUIrI2zVyHiKpuAM7MOSI5GukjImhZmXw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+9.02.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r8hkzsXi0doyPrkTRhrKuG33ghVz7a6Qn4rYFwpSLEQGjVaUE77ro7pde6Zid_-EBe5yFAyDub4qe2sAilzaVyK5BjQB_BKukw2exVode4YfUIrI2zVyHiKpuAM7MOSI5GukjImhZmXw/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+9.02.23+PM.png" width="136" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In redoing the site, the<br />
navigation menu for the web has<br />
changed. "FEATURED" is my<br />
new gallery. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Photography website designers and consultants will tell you that photo galleries should contain 20 or so images to adequately illustrate one's work. So for Squarespace to "recommend" that page content be limited to 5 MB is not even close to realistic for photography.<br />
<br />
Further, how in the world can Squarespace advocate guidelines that "suggest" a 1500 px wide limitation when many of its templates display images in a full bleed format? Hellooooooo, Squarespace - an iMac has a screen width of well over 2500 px so a full bleed image needs to be 2500 px wide. If you reduce a 2500 px wide image to 1500 px in width you necessarily decrease the visual quality because the image must be stretched by the template to become full bleed. In addition, you further diminish the quality by compressing that 1500 px wide image it to keep it under 500KB which makes it look even crappier when stretched to full bleed.<br />
<br />
Not exactly how I want my images displayed for prospective clients, Squarespace.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But the alternative is no better. If it takes too long for an image or a gallery to display, it doesn't do me any good to have 2500 px wide images that are each 1 to 1.5 MB in size, the typical file size for a 2500 px wide JPEG image that is saved in the highest possible quality. No one will ever see them because they will have moved on to another site before the images ever load.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIJ00xrUOCU1-OMf_sP6qLXiikPBHZBoWZUogd3SbBfng-5r1MU1bqd9eWqg8ombI61O5HmLbzukxKwf-E0W2l7efFYP83M0-3MWlmCne2Uq4SXt_Bu3clPDzjs-55YFJCoE-vyi2XWuA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+8.59.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIJ00xrUOCU1-OMf_sP6qLXiikPBHZBoWZUogd3SbBfng-5r1MU1bqd9eWqg8ombI61O5HmLbzukxKwf-E0W2l7efFYP83M0-3MWlmCne2Uq4SXt_Bu3clPDzjs-55YFJCoE-vyi2XWuA/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+8.59.39+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new page, "Featured" will give me a chance to post recent, notable images in a small gallery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div>
Anyway, after going back and forth with Squarespace for the last few days, I finally bit the bullet and reluctantly resized all of the images on my web site. Using Lightroom, they are now all 2000px wide and have been compressed so as not to exceed 600KB in file size. That's as much of a compromise as I'm willing to make.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsqmXJZi1xSEYcW8Ocp-8m23aJY-mSTG3qUQcBiSEPbjPpNTElX0SW5KokxWJUm8A3RLq3uj9tQKu0iZ79Qgx1ahq_Op0kuOra0cQ3W6ehcNOb9JYeKnW3mY7gql-EbsuaA6mUEZQll8a/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+7.31.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsqmXJZi1xSEYcW8Ocp-8m23aJY-mSTG3qUQcBiSEPbjPpNTElX0SW5KokxWJUm8A3RLq3uj9tQKu0iZ79Qgx1ahq_Op0kuOra0cQ3W6ehcNOb9JYeKnW3mY7gql-EbsuaA6mUEZQll8a/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+7.31.19+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've also added a new photo gallery in my Personal Projects - images from my visit to the 9-11 Memorial in NYC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
I then went through each of my galleries and revamped them. Those that exceeded 25 images were split up into at least two galleries. For example, my USA travel images are now in two galleries, one consisting of color images and the other black & white images, each gallery containing no more than 25 images. My old Sports gallery is now three galleries - Team (for football, basketball, baseball, etc.), Individual (for tennis, golf, etc.), and Art (my artsy fartsy, pageantry, non-action type of shots). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzB31v7nia8B_2dLNm8OpTrdnzkymiaRHCgMEjvqGRTJutG1DzytGMj1mGLZDbjFWacszKzsaTbXEFFwbmxDaNV46dcY21DgUtK_4m890budOL5JuiY9DNscdubhgri6H-GjOHCCXvSmj/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+3.47.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzB31v7nia8B_2dLNm8OpTrdnzkymiaRHCgMEjvqGRTJutG1DzytGMj1mGLZDbjFWacszKzsaTbXEFFwbmxDaNV46dcY21DgUtK_4m890budOL5JuiY9DNscdubhgri6H-GjOHCCXvSmj/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+3.47.37+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So now my galleries are 20MB or less in total overall size. This is in contrast to my old galleries that ran anywhere from 50 to 60 MB in size.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Preliminary testing shows a noticeable increase in loading speed but still not as seamless as I expected. I'm not quite sure whether that is Comcast's internet service's fault or Squarespace's fault. It remains to be seen whether anyone else will have the same experience or whether they will notice any image degradation so if you're reading this I'd appreciate any feed back as to whether you notice any loading issues or loss of visual quality in the images.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYt6Z_6LAh9b87LmkJHsRyk2hXdmw6OU06OANTsjQPi8mvszxAOlc0NmhuC6o9qSHsq2ge_MUKQrJJo6pS799rp9pdpZzOBvs3F8f6llNxEyKBX_gnF1SIyBCrdq7is61DGZZ7eKGvVH2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+7.45.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYt6Z_6LAh9b87LmkJHsRyk2hXdmw6OU06OANTsjQPi8mvszxAOlc0NmhuC6o9qSHsq2ge_MUKQrJJo6pS799rp9pdpZzOBvs3F8f6llNxEyKBX_gnF1SIyBCrdq7is61DGZZ7eKGvVH2/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-07+at+7.45.52+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New "Contact" page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Since I had to dig in and revamp the site, I re-did the About page as well as the Contact page. The way the template I'm using is set up, these pages default to the left side of the page instead of giving me the option of centering them. I wish I knew enough about writing code to fix this but I don't. So, I'm contacting Squarespace and asking their techies to help me edit the code to fix this.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Time will tell whether I stay with Squarespace. A lot depends on the feedback I get from people now that I've gone to the trouble of shrinking my image sizes and compressing them. Stay tuned.</div>
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Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-87889840859158781392017-02-04T08:50:00.000-05:002017-02-21T16:07:23.655-05:00Grunge It, Part Deux<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7442339187426036464" itemprop="articleBody" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 692px;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInI-YQJ2JxL3ZGRRck81sz4rh_GRgZoLBpUSpFa94zmOTIGuYDRSWUZHNCneH7dYIewkW71AC35bdWw23ZZrGOAtbq75IhVt23Heu7OWTKXJGV5_U-XJ-IIpxqODulPJFsZVpa9W1x3ve/s1600/11289121_881529788572528_8334632641223845890_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInI-YQJ2JxL3ZGRRck81sz4rh_GRgZoLBpUSpFa94zmOTIGuYDRSWUZHNCneH7dYIewkW71AC35bdWw23ZZrGOAtbq75IhVt23Heu7OWTKXJGV5_U-XJ-IIpxqODulPJFsZVpa9W1x3ve/s640/11289121_881529788572528_8334632641223845890_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In <a href="http://baselineshots.blogspot.com/2016/08/grunge-it.html" target="_blank">Part I</a> of my Blog post on processing images with some "grunge" I tried to show how using this technique can be one of the weapons you should have in your arsenal of image processing. In this segment, I'll walk you through how I create some of my grungy images.</div>
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<div>
There are a lot of ways to create the grunge effect and it can be as mild or as heavy handed as your taste desires. The grunge effect I typically use is distinguished from another kind of grunge effect where an image is layered over a grungy-like textured background and the opacity of the main image is reduced to allow some of the background grunginess to come through. Here are some examples.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3bjbJ5uV5noMa5NtFh4rWwoQPQkJpQ4dxBURNWIzMCB8ElUT2eZHNnCnZwuPlWnPOf1-qP9k41jFxxurHVMclz-d5kPRZwmR51TSpNVjkphIw80_5hpjS4Zz3FHotFVLIwgz20yrtNS2/s1600/885538_497673113624866_991960801_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3bjbJ5uV5noMa5NtFh4rWwoQPQkJpQ4dxBURNWIzMCB8ElUT2eZHNnCnZwuPlWnPOf1-qP9k41jFxxurHVMclz-d5kPRZwmR51TSpNVjkphIw80_5hpjS4Zz3FHotFVLIwgz20yrtNS2/s640/885538_497673113624866_991960801_o.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy6OTmENH-8gLFfJs97crIaG-ViV1uY9jNS7ZrC-dxQacM4YXeAjtMwdxtvTg5HpvDIoznxtYYKC6m6WwF8AoLLpzcPD15xuH3gqOeHLtSiQJX2SfTPD3uHfnes_Afh_0y9_I2_hMMQYQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+9.29.12+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy6OTmENH-8gLFfJs97crIaG-ViV1uY9jNS7ZrC-dxQacM4YXeAjtMwdxtvTg5HpvDIoznxtYYKC6m6WwF8AoLLpzcPD15xuH3gqOeHLtSiQJX2SfTPD3uHfnes_Afh_0y9_I2_hMMQYQ/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+9.29.12+AM.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLaRlOZ-gf-8vbxHxFY65YOUkZ7zTebjYXdkRsF20PA0f7bQj6OA3Cd3XXD5J3CPKxHwdnM9wQuQCJb0vY1b9XMGKWCGDBm-s0Hqd6FbtWHastqzBeYeHuMb9BlUUsFuPLEJFdJ-S6XwB/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+9.29.34+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLaRlOZ-gf-8vbxHxFY65YOUkZ7zTebjYXdkRsF20PA0f7bQj6OA3Cd3XXD5J3CPKxHwdnM9wQuQCJb0vY1b9XMGKWCGDBm-s0Hqd6FbtWHastqzBeYeHuMb9BlUUsFuPLEJFdJ-S6XwB/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+9.29.34+AM.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can create the grunge effect I use in Photoshop, using layers and several of the tools in the program that allow you to transform any image into one with the grunge feel. If you're not interested in devoting that much time and effort into processing, you have another option - OnOne Software's Perfect Effects Photoshop plug-in. Follow along as I show you an easy way to create a grunge composite using Perfect Effects. </div>
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Let's do something unconventional and use a portrait of a woman to create the composite. Normally, I don't want to detract from a woman's beauty by adding grain, heavy contrast, and lots of clarity but I'll go out on a limb and see what happens. I'll start with the background.</div>
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I opened the background image in Photoshop. It's a beach wedding scene and you'll see why in a minute.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyogsJcbXpya9lVpucNUqIVz6J-SPuRb61aLImBJT0iA7Lyn6ZxTBHzT0upkWy3IKOYJBASqHeZMrMM9pzU2ETdifUglOFfFBB5y-_CtqfbJ1kriQeVfS7BxhSk4MqCtai4s4OxxbrdsB/s1600/5+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+9.59.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #cc0000; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyogsJcbXpya9lVpucNUqIVz6J-SPuRb61aLImBJT0iA7Lyn6ZxTBHzT0upkWy3IKOYJBASqHeZMrMM9pzU2ETdifUglOFfFBB5y-_CtqfbJ1kriQeVfS7BxhSk4MqCtai4s4OxxbrdsB/s640/5+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+9.59.53+AM.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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I clicked on the "File" tab at the top, scrolled down to "Automate", and sent the image to OnOne's Perfect Effects (in this case, it's a module within my Perfect Photo Suite but it's also available as a stand alone plug-in).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyTvSWFqj1vz73N-Xr1SFOxIysDKWzTneX7a6_px_udWfnQX9Qi_VD-cP1gBdUk4avEsAfpz7_W2HEAT0jZypG46tj48POKJTZqUqdBoxh_VR2OOtzxMCoT-vonxyGZ8IOqmYcv8d4Iui/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.11.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyTvSWFqj1vz73N-Xr1SFOxIysDKWzTneX7a6_px_udWfnQX9Qi_VD-cP1gBdUk4avEsAfpz7_W2HEAT0jZypG46tj48POKJTZqUqdBoxh_VR2OOtzxMCoT-vonxyGZ8IOqmYcv8d4Iui/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.11.27+AM.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the left side of the screen where the Perfect Effects menus is located, I went to the Grunge tab and opened it to reveal the various options. I selected "Arkham", a dark, grungy preset. and clicked on "Apply" to apply the effect and send the image back to Photoshop with the grunge look.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYAy-qAcZ97bELtc8FlU0D6RLPbZvEb8Cn-_MXVxjol8Vq8P7Q4RvN3ljY7f0tW4ju4w1AovDMDyOXaO2Jq5U71CPPQhh4SsB7OJAakOK8w_n3L28ZSZ1pKwJ6-KgZn5N6uol6T3g-axE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.12.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYAy-qAcZ97bELtc8FlU0D6RLPbZvEb8Cn-_MXVxjol8Vq8P7Q4RvN3ljY7f0tW4ju4w1AovDMDyOXaO2Jq5U71CPPQhh4SsB7OJAakOK8w_n3L28ZSZ1pKwJ6-KgZn5N6uol6T3g-axE/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.12.03+AM.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now for the model. Before I open that image, a few notes. I shot the image with using some dramatic lighting. I used strip soft boxes slightly behind the model on either side to create a rim light highlight all around her. A beauty dish was set up high and left, at an angle to her face, for my key light. A 4'x8' soft box was positioned in front ant to the right as the fill light. The key light was metered at f11, the fill light at f8, and the strip soft boxes at f5.6. Two additional lights were used to blow out the white seamless paper background metered at f16. These lights reflected some light onto the model's back creating an additional source of rim lighting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ4alCRu4pUAF7JZ-yPiPycNUlluC5Vlzhyphenhyphen_MJUyxTnRSrh_OfgeUIrX4j9ChAuNUcOmeoDwNPh9otkFOJeSZlm3XMGyAyKafOpkaaCqsbNTLmYHqR2NOaQWe80LK92M2mhsQaf_1nGvh/s1600/77455_553031474755696_864909330_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ4alCRu4pUAF7JZ-yPiPycNUlluC5Vlzhyphenhyphen_MJUyxTnRSrh_OfgeUIrX4j9ChAuNUcOmeoDwNPh9otkFOJeSZlm3XMGyAyKafOpkaaCqsbNTLmYHqR2NOaQWe80LK92M2mhsQaf_1nGvh/s640/77455_553031474755696_864909330_o.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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OK, now let's open the image. Why, it's a model in a wedding dress! Fits pretty well with our beach wedding background, huh?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1owygGm7pFjsXXCzJrkkJLeo3zGWb_2XWZI1dCq-uZrTC8g0PeJk3b0AcBPk7vdwfd6KOBDIs4biqfyjrnsPCTyj0Va7vHrAf_QUzG-pLhS-dQ6dew533kQHYEziafgAv5RYjiLxNwfVR/s1600/1+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.01.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1owygGm7pFjsXXCzJrkkJLeo3zGWb_2XWZI1dCq-uZrTC8g0PeJk3b0AcBPk7vdwfd6KOBDIs4biqfyjrnsPCTyj0Va7vHrAf_QUzG-pLhS-dQ6dew533kQHYEziafgAv5RYjiLxNwfVR/s640/1+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.01.13+AM.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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As with the background, I sent it to Perfect Effects and applied the Arkham effect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCdkMbhcrpxUxND-vaj0HCOUMOgm-Dkw8cQFYaD7hIPcMdcnitDtq1hgSXPi5Zi65-R54sI2tgeGq00E0UcsYiDKe3GO9MOmjDYMglNhKiumEisJdl1SaxeeT5WmBfKEhFwK8TSjhl2ti/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.12.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCdkMbhcrpxUxND-vaj0HCOUMOgm-Dkw8cQFYaD7hIPcMdcnitDtq1hgSXPi5Zi65-R54sI2tgeGq00E0UcsYiDKe3GO9MOmjDYMglNhKiumEisJdl1SaxeeT5WmBfKEhFwK8TSjhl2ti/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.12.59+AM.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used the Quick Selection Tool to "select" the model and refined the selection using the Edge Detection brush to remove the white background from the tricky areas like the area around the hair, lace, etc.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLogSpxgiu1fgIkhi-QVdIRMqKQOZAKhD0kJJpwMcDzuby6IqAGngrdHhU1VlXEshStWNkQiPesn9N0OZkEiQ_zXXT2IPRsJZfe5JkRnHIQF_Ukczyet3kHoHomWFrusM7zIpGN-Dku0I/s1600/4+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.02.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLogSpxgiu1fgIkhi-QVdIRMqKQOZAKhD0kJJpwMcDzuby6IqAGngrdHhU1VlXEshStWNkQiPesn9N0OZkEiQ_zXXT2IPRsJZfe5JkRnHIQF_Ukczyet3kHoHomWFrusM7zIpGN-Dku0I/s640/4+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.02.01+AM.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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I then reduced the opacity of the OnOne grunge layer (when the image is sent back to Photoshop from Perfect Effects, it comes back as a separate layer) down to 50% so it wasn't so harsh on the model. If it wasn't a woman, I might or might not reduce the opacity of this layer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmih9jl5yUiZFZn5pLSWSKUE-JdNiI3Akphi-zh9-WCBttfFgqpp1WP8MCL8xAMKYPIDclKVXprCdMHQXeyWYWsPX5TIh5FrP3RGzfZENdtTdClWe64tiiRMTTNY16a6K222478ewvwQo/s1600/3+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.03.16+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmih9jl5yUiZFZn5pLSWSKUE-JdNiI3Akphi-zh9-WCBttfFgqpp1WP8MCL8xAMKYPIDclKVXprCdMHQXeyWYWsPX5TIh5FrP3RGzfZENdtTdClWe64tiiRMTTNY16a6K222478ewvwQo/s640/3+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.03.16+AM.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, I dragged the image of the model onto the background layer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4ykledsrCdkZMfLLn3zVnzhAWKtZerLsY_cTTespeh3USWqOs6nE8rIFw5m_Ko6D9Wq0qzGVs4aZ5rrCZdjzAbaS13MhOpJrymEfBuczChwmFaDIE_A4H13FL83Wag9j7O-ZfvtIpgn-/s1600/7+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.00.12+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4ykledsrCdkZMfLLn3zVnzhAWKtZerLsY_cTTespeh3USWqOs6nE8rIFw5m_Ko6D9Wq0qzGVs4aZ5rrCZdjzAbaS13MhOpJrymEfBuczChwmFaDIE_A4H13FL83Wag9j7O-ZfvtIpgn-/s640/7+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.00.12+AM.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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From a composition standpoint, I thought it would look better to flip her image horizontally so I used "Edit - Transform - Flip Horizontal" to do so. I then positioned her to my taste.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijc1oJNf-85bW-ZrOH1o9Q6wqbaR1PesRQT8uoewsEYK-YdUMktUlgYTsQLfo9B302gynwnRecQYBNp-2K1pGdDWul0iMe2u37BkoWaexM7mRyZ2hkdlKl5aznBw9gzPGI7kTwNDqlW7s9/s1600/8+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.00.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijc1oJNf-85bW-ZrOH1o9Q6wqbaR1PesRQT8uoewsEYK-YdUMktUlgYTsQLfo9B302gynwnRecQYBNp-2K1pGdDWul0iMe2u37BkoWaexM7mRyZ2hkdlKl5aznBw9gzPGI7kTwNDqlW7s9/s640/8+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.00.27+AM.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next step was reducing the opacity of the background. I didn't want it to detract from the model so I created a duplicate background layer, reduced the opacity of the duplicate background layer, hid the original background layer, and flattened the image.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1NF4WryuHo6Jt8PaJJqsFqz5RCZbPUd_Re-o2Bde0KHN8VQQoW1D70RpkExz9JSSBufQea0U6iyRUbJp3aDnQQ38AaLlE4K39mN7_UiIfk0U2YBwpLZz-6mflxzfeSJ_SInYV6E2Hjr6/s1600/9+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.00.46+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1NF4WryuHo6Jt8PaJJqsFqz5RCZbPUd_Re-o2Bde0KHN8VQQoW1D70RpkExz9JSSBufQea0U6iyRUbJp3aDnQQ38AaLlE4K39mN7_UiIfk0U2YBwpLZz-6mflxzfeSJ_SInYV6E2Hjr6/s640/9+Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.00.46+AM.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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Because the model's image did not fill the entire frame on the background, I cropped the image at the top to remove the excess background.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mxf9xY_2assTHgSxO-5u9pY-M9m53Yd0pMT55a7e8h6Na7Oe3M_yYK44nHYvZqHndgabtcUVL8D1NHWGxaMf0HdhzWN0l7-D2whtySKsjdsEaBt8Skd0S4ue4L5lmFpp3SjbdBGUWB8j/s1600/Final++Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.07.05+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mxf9xY_2assTHgSxO-5u9pY-M9m53Yd0pMT55a7e8h6Na7Oe3M_yYK44nHYvZqHndgabtcUVL8D1NHWGxaMf0HdhzWN0l7-D2whtySKsjdsEaBt8Skd0S4ue4L5lmFpp3SjbdBGUWB8j/s640/Final++Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+10.07.05+AM.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the final image.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifesJi-xMTykrMsT5XyjhF_2DoX2b5L2QWubR2YKlM3tJZ5AdAlzhreHjdPQ2oFujqHC-OEqptSuhGsdF01IDJKJ1zO_tpQ2QznpCKtwBMEXOJE4uMTzbaE47vRUhJAYEG8GBrpQklfwBr/s1600/Megan+Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifesJi-xMTykrMsT5XyjhF_2DoX2b5L2QWubR2YKlM3tJZ5AdAlzhreHjdPQ2oFujqHC-OEqptSuhGsdF01IDJKJ1zO_tpQ2QznpCKtwBMEXOJE4uMTzbaE47vRUhJAYEG8GBrpQklfwBr/s640/Megan+Wedding.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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All in all, it takes approximately fifteen minutes from start to finish. As you go along, adjustments can be made to taste, such as making the grunge effect on the subject more or less prominent. The same goes for the background.<br />
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Perfect Effects is available as a download and you can try it out for free before committing to buying it. You can buy just the Perfect Effects module for $59 or the entire suite of software for $109. I've been using their software for years and don't know what I'd do without it.</div>
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Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-39178054627318419492016-08-12T08:45:00.000-04:002016-08-12T09:31:18.546-04:00I Am A Moron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZZFsWgGsN7QabkO4jF2-ODUpDXuy1apRzfl8jCweFA2s28N4Nj6Jan0IkK7p9s7wXS_z_BANk7zqF8qGyTsp_Xsiy97I0n6oLpmJs1kiHVjnRA1yfge2acuFAy0E3KkLdXhwrh-1EWR9/s1600/Hello-moron-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZZFsWgGsN7QabkO4jF2-ODUpDXuy1apRzfl8jCweFA2s28N4Nj6Jan0IkK7p9s7wXS_z_BANk7zqF8qGyTsp_Xsiy97I0n6oLpmJs1kiHVjnRA1yfge2acuFAy0E3KkLdXhwrh-1EWR9/s640/Hello-moron-2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi, I'm Mike and I'm a moron. See the guy in the image below? That was how I felt last month when one of my hard drives began to act up and was making funny noises. No problem, thought I. I'll eject it, unplug it, plug it back in, and go from there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ie0n3_4QLmiXE-hHzCjoqYPTihqxNbH5TgnPSzjv9-ltJwMvSaBSi5KIAZ12KFRePiONc-XFLUx3OTkj_U9WJw58gNJmRLr3oIL4l4bMUrxqS-GPp627DzICpGGqeZwgZWRvia7vpIIX/s1600/windvd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ie0n3_4QLmiXE-hHzCjoqYPTihqxNbH5TgnPSzjv9-ltJwMvSaBSi5KIAZ12KFRePiONc-XFLUx3OTkj_U9WJw58gNJmRLr3oIL4l4bMUrxqS-GPp627DzICpGGqeZwgZWRvia7vpIIX/s320/windvd.jpg" width="320" /></a>Bad move. When I plugged it back in, all it would do was make clicking, whirring noises and my Mac would not recognize its existence.<br />
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I panicked. This was the 3TB hard drive that had all of my images from this past year. Everything. All the RAW images, processed JPG's, TIFF files for making large prints. All the hours and hours of images from my telescope's CCD camera. Every Florida State football game with thousands and thousands of game images including the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, every men's basketball game, every women's basketball, the entire FSU baseball season, volleyball, soccer. All of my images from Madrid and Barcelona. Studio photo shoots.<br />
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Could this really be happening? Over an entire year of work gone from one minute to the next?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV04TGFKnISJ7OXWt_4vK53EX2SLOBzphz4wYuFRlqChrFF09-WGTv1hyphenhyphenjNEebkUF8ElKZa_WaDCjoUYM5tHCwbYnUn7KLI_gTJ-1rpRilJUxTIy__A1er24_7176EkKNBWFmTX2tULP5/s1600/img_0650.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV04TGFKnISJ7OXWt_4vK53EX2SLOBzphz4wYuFRlqChrFF09-WGTv1hyphenhyphenjNEebkUF8ElKZa_WaDCjoUYM5tHCwbYnUn7KLI_gTJ-1rpRilJUxTIy__A1er24_7176EkKNBWFmTX2tULP5/s400/img_0650.gif" width="400" /></a>I called every local computer place in town. Nobody could help as none of them have a clean room in which to assess the situation and perform data recovery. Finally, I found a data recovery place with great reviews. I contacted them and shipped the drive off that morning. I felt better. They would surely be able to help me. I figured even if there was some damage to the drive they would be able to recover most of the images.<br />
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So I waited. They called back after a week. The drive needed new parts. They would install them so they could get it running and then perform a ghost image of the contents to see if any data was recoverable. Progress, I thought.<br />
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Time passed. I had heard nothing. Then I got a call - the drive was running and the ghost image was 85% finished. They still couldn't tell me if any data would be recovered but I was certain it would all turn out OK.<br />
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Until yesterday. That's when I got the email. No data was recoverable. They were very sorry and were returning the drive. It should make a nice desktop paperweight. And a vivid reminder of what a moron I am.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfCABmJc4XPzkVFzsxg_Be8OCSo7X827PSBLLo3qyHdMOMexsLbz5lVrFwjCZkcEPFC_-9bAwHhhNeU7b-vVzwlYYo0cZ6tfMgoS1aPAezbUPQMtIjoAugm4SleCd3R8-udAfJMabeuka/s1600/back-up-key-1024x683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfCABmJc4XPzkVFzsxg_Be8OCSo7X827PSBLLo3qyHdMOMexsLbz5lVrFwjCZkcEPFC_-9bAwHhhNeU7b-vVzwlYYo0cZ6tfMgoS1aPAezbUPQMtIjoAugm4SleCd3R8-udAfJMabeuka/s640/back-up-key-1024x683.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The reason I'm a moron is because I was lazy. As I was downloading cards to the hard drive and processing away I was not backing up the images on a second drive. The same goes for a couple of other hard drives that I had never gotten around to backing up. I told myself that I would eventually get around to backing all of them up but I just never got around to it. How stupid was that?<br />
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The lesson has been learned. Very painfully, but it has been learned. I've gone back and made sure every hard drive is backed up.<br />
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But, everything I've done for the last year or more is gone. Well, most of it. I will be able to retrieve all the Florida State sports images I turned in to a client that has them all in the cloud. That will get me all of the processed game JPG's for FSU football, basketball, etc. I can go to Facebook, Google+ and my website and copy/save all the photos I uploaded into galleries on those sites but those will all be 72dpi, 1600 pixel on the along end, watermarked images that will never make any kind of print. But at least it's something.<br />
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If you have never backed up your images, don't be a moron like me. Go out, pick up one or two drives and back everything up. When you least expect it, a hard drive failure can wipe out all of your work in one fell swoop.Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-74423391874260364642016-08-05T12:30:00.002-04:002017-02-04T08:52:47.907-05:00Grunge It<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBMT7SFJqGhnIZnxPxKDGXgjBgPEtERqacR0J9q575LopjP9xXN5eqk-WBdeFwHlRd8oHMBbIJqoRvheq3DrkBj4HLG2k1mNrzU7EvJi-tO0nhoSff7pPcs0aoZnRDZM8QxjOFvb6dtmF/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+9.00.37+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBMT7SFJqGhnIZnxPxKDGXgjBgPEtERqacR0J9q575LopjP9xXN5eqk-WBdeFwHlRd8oHMBbIJqoRvheq3DrkBj4HLG2k1mNrzU7EvJi-tO0nhoSff7pPcs0aoZnRDZM8QxjOFvb6dtmF/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+9.00.37+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite effects for images is what's commonly known as "grunge". It has a desaturated, grainy, textured look that adds mood and mystery to an otherwise tame image. It lends itself to images of athletes and I use it frequently when processing athlete composites.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq-kLv9lz_cw3BhFCWf0VJfT5uQu00ig-UquJSPqRhSRAo8tJb72O1wsnBCovb0Y2_fsdJ2R5rHGgT42EAVFR11n5cMnGfR2uaOeQnSqqhujNN9nRrxVudUR84FMb52dzxqCzFu7U3CA_/s1600/10450299_713722578686584_7867493942742630921_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq-kLv9lz_cw3BhFCWf0VJfT5uQu00ig-UquJSPqRhSRAo8tJb72O1wsnBCovb0Y2_fsdJ2R5rHGgT42EAVFR11n5cMnGfR2uaOeQnSqqhujNN9nRrxVudUR84FMb52dzxqCzFu7U3CA_/s640/10450299_713722578686584_7867493942742630921_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>Throw in some dramatic lighting, layer the image of the athlete over a background that adds context and drama to the image, and a transformation from mundane to eye catching takes place.<br />
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Several times after posting some of my grungy, composite images I've been asked how I create this effect in my images. I'll walk you through one process I use but first some background.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKcNNlDJjIqGor40lYuH_pk9umqpYFY7Q3Xpvp-GwqehmW0vFQTsCxeK5UPJxVePU3fddTFu7ajPePScOLbyOlkyh1Mm7tS97Njz5L4D8kzlk86cwVi3TIOcda27U6PGB7e9M_h8keuEQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+9.30.02+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKcNNlDJjIqGor40lYuH_pk9umqpYFY7Q3Xpvp-GwqehmW0vFQTsCxeK5UPJxVePU3fddTFu7ajPePScOLbyOlkyh1Mm7tS97Njz5L4D8kzlk86cwVi3TIOcda27U6PGB7e9M_h8keuEQ/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+9.30.02+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've had the great fortune to learn how to create grunge composites using athlete images from Joel Grimes who not only pioneered this look but who has taken it to levels that I try to imitate but never with anything remotely close to the same results. The man is color blind so you would think that would be a major impediment to creating his incredible composites but his imagination and vision is unparalleled. I know that my end product will never measure up to his images but with every attempt I get a little better.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjD6Oyn1h8z1Rn8BDfweqCe5BnhvKa0jTmf0q-VdN4omBgwkclyDwl_ofjBt_IJbsYZiEJKkijWhyopMSY-9atNWOIULVikKE30TSx_dn86IGkPjZ0glEGkMJ05OYsW3IMosiiiY6AW87/s1600/12186720_973469799378526_7789444165969655381_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjD6Oyn1h8z1Rn8BDfweqCe5BnhvKa0jTmf0q-VdN4omBgwkclyDwl_ofjBt_IJbsYZiEJKkijWhyopMSY-9atNWOIULVikKE30TSx_dn86IGkPjZ0glEGkMJ05OYsW3IMosiiiY6AW87/s640/12186720_973469799378526_7789444165969655381_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've used the grunge effect on images other than sports composites and in many cases it seems to work well. I've tried it on landscapes, street images, informal portraits, studio images, and many other images I've taken.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WMaqu0YYMApBM-ZuCdTC2kEznjF7KnF1pedhB6MIpRmlb1Cn5EI2tGRZO52qr5bStBui9WFngT-EeogY_nDK1uhc_TLn2bhjadgrWq18d7lZHPbBl8A8o-OuvhLN67wo6Z3hx7Xp3qnL/s1600/1402031_677208442337998_1492680162252500640_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WMaqu0YYMApBM-ZuCdTC2kEznjF7KnF1pedhB6MIpRmlb1Cn5EI2tGRZO52qr5bStBui9WFngT-EeogY_nDK1uhc_TLn2bhjadgrWq18d7lZHPbBl8A8o-OuvhLN67wo6Z3hx7Xp3qnL/s200/1402031_677208442337998_1492680162252500640_o.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpiUhk7BprOUOz07BseAVeLc8ig8f7jYfcmjWAIXKBaamv6AA2_dsZ2oaGk1MTss1Ni_jcoz2PwL8vYq-NYsOl2FldGa7suZsk739ZqNfhhoP668BYOxbHy5ndfrLY3d09p2qRc1RhtIJ/s1600/1040252_549231588469018_1806607214_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpiUhk7BprOUOz07BseAVeLc8ig8f7jYfcmjWAIXKBaamv6AA2_dsZ2oaGk1MTss1Ni_jcoz2PwL8vYq-NYsOl2FldGa7suZsk739ZqNfhhoP668BYOxbHy5ndfrLY3d09p2qRc1RhtIJ/s200/1040252_549231588469018_1806607214_o.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGgLM6cQmFvzpXd4rgOJwRlGwql6VXH5KsQUcZ7AgiEmF5srGy2w5XUHgN7jmbaJ-LJ4fGrkeeEfw7NllkI4brvgxQmOgKSsoqtBbtkG_B9oBLx1xh3S6iyCMIqTn82DO7ecKkOXWX6IY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+9.30.21+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGgLM6cQmFvzpXd4rgOJwRlGwql6VXH5KsQUcZ7AgiEmF5srGy2w5XUHgN7jmbaJ-LJ4fGrkeeEfw7NllkI4brvgxQmOgKSsoqtBbtkG_B9oBLx1xh3S6iyCMIqTn82DO7ecKkOXWX6IY/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-08-05+at+9.30.21+AM.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVFf_kca8Jb537y2k-F1ooSEp-Pras6C-R1LyHvlLZ5GNU_sJ6fEfD7_Edfiru6Gb-wI3pcFAC_LP6O4nYScQqYki6RSRhbZvok5w6To8ALQZNqqqj7FPl3MHAyZtNjvRkIumncey5deE/s1600/13416943_1094746033917568_9167046202853200974_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVFf_kca8Jb537y2k-F1ooSEp-Pras6C-R1LyHvlLZ5GNU_sJ6fEfD7_Edfiru6Gb-wI3pcFAC_LP6O4nYScQqYki6RSRhbZvok5w6To8ALQZNqqqj7FPl3MHAyZtNjvRkIumncey5deE/s200/13416943_1094746033917568_9167046202853200974_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Images that lend themselves particularly well to the effect are portraits (formal or informal) of older men with weathered faces.</div>
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Look for Part II on a couple of different ways you can add grunge to your images. I'll try to post this follow up soon.</div>
Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-30183743851431639252016-07-26T11:25:00.000-04:002016-07-26T11:25:30.929-04:00Speed Light Soft Box Diffusers - Portrait Lighting And More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeyT5bYflM0o9pE74h2J1Fqf0dcqKhN5y9YVC4IVKOI0DpZIlWURmAM96EQmXjitiZNHfQfEhhKWiLjulniPuJZw2b-VSn4nG7Ab3oXf7cJydp2AOKV6TktQHs3GKghL_J5B2brFiTaZe/s1600/_D8E2769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeyT5bYflM0o9pE74h2J1Fqf0dcqKhN5y9YVC4IVKOI0DpZIlWURmAM96EQmXjitiZNHfQfEhhKWiLjulniPuJZw2b-VSn4nG7Ab3oXf7cJydp2AOKV6TktQHs3GKghL_J5B2brFiTaZe/s640/_D8E2769.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Last week, I had to do a head shot photo shoot of all the personal trainers for a Gold's Gym location and it took place inside the facility as the trainers took their breaks in between sessions with clients. In finalizing the details for the shoot, I was told that I had to set up and tear down quickly using a minimal amount of gear in order to avoid being in the way of customers using the equipment to work out.<br />
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For a shoot involving portrait head shots I would normally grab a couple of cases containing monolights, some light stands, a couple of soft boxes, a beauty dish, and a background stand with a roll of seamless white or gray paper. I was told not to bring that. "Just bring a flash", they said.<br />
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That was not an option for me. I know what portrait/head shot images look like when taken with "just a flash". The images look like crap because the lighting is not flattering to the subjects and no one is happy with the results. But clients don't know that. To them, as long as there's enough light to take a photo, that should be fine. As a a professional, I know better. Plus, my reputation is on the line and the last thing I want is for people to judge me by inferior images I created, even if the client unintentionally handicapped my efforts.<br />
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Forced to compromise, I resorted to a quick, easy (and cheap) alternative to my usual studio lights - speed lights with small soft box diffusers.<br />
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A couple of years ago, I was strolling through Best Buy and stumbled across these small speed light soft boxes that fold flat for storage and attach securely to any brand of speed light with an elastic velcro strap. I found two in open boxes and couldn't pass them up for $15 apiece. I didn't know if I would ever use them but for $30 for the pair I thought they might come in handy someday.</div>
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Since then, I've used them a lot. When shooting grip and grin events, these are my go-to speed light attachments. I can angle the flash 45 degrees up and bounce the light off a ceiling or shoot straight at the subjects. Either way, the light that reaches them is soft and shadows behind subjects are virtually eliminated.</div>
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During a recent event, I used the soft box on a speed light, mounted the speed light on the hot shoe of my camera body, and pointed the soft box directly at my subjects. I was afraid that the speed light wouldn't be able to diffuse the light sufficiently to light up all the subjects in this image but it was absolutely no problem for this little soft box. There are no shadows behind the subjects, little if any light fall off, and the light is flattering, all things considered.<br />
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But a head shot photo shoot was an altogether different challenge. Would these little soft boxes do the job, give me the image quality I strive for, while at the same time allowing me to use a minimal amount of gear?</div>
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These are examples of the end result from the photo shoot at Gold's Gym. Head shot portraits of some of the staff taken with two speed lights and two of the Best Buy speed light soft boxes.</div>
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Because space was at a premium, I did not use a background stand or seamless paper for the shoot. However, I did use a couple of light stands to set up the speed lights. Although I packed a stand and paper roll (just in case there was no suitable background), after arriving on location I found a gray wall that was out of the way and which served as a perfect background.<br />
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Positioning the subjects 5 feet away from the wall, I set up the lights at 45 degree angles on either side of the subjects. I set the speed lights to Manual mode, used a flash meter to test the exposure, and first metered the speed light on the left (my key light). I adjusted its power and distance from the subject until the meter read f8.0. I then did the same with the speed light on the right (my fill light) until the meter read f5.6. If I had wanted to really simplify things I might have been able to use a reflector for the fill instead of the second speed light but a reflector would have taken more room so I went with two lights.<br />
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So, if you're ever confronted with a portrait shoot where space is a premium, if you choose to do a shoot with a minimal amount of gear, or if you simply want to dabble in studio portrait photography and don't want to spend a lot of money, give these small soft boxes a shot. Even with the speed light strobist craze that has jacked up the price of used speed lights, brand name speed lights are still available on the used market. Since I prefer to use the lights in Manual mode, there are plenty of used Nikon SB24's, SB25's, SB26's, etc. available for $30-$50 apiece. Depending on the model, infrared triggers will remotely trigger them. If not, there are many inexpensive (but dependable) wireless triggers that work perfectly well.Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-16925312194075896492016-07-25T11:35:00.000-04:002016-07-25T14:04:12.941-04:00Photo Gear I am Packing For Trips Abroad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Travel photography is something I thoroughly enjoy, and to me, foreign countries are fascinating from a photography standpoint. My fascination probably has a lot to do with having a chance to see things I don't ordinarily see in the U.S. I live in a relatively small town and I don't have the chance to wander around large cities with nothing to do but snap photos of anything that catches my eye. But when I travel abroad with my family, it's always to large cities with museums, cathedrals, old buildings, and lots of people. I end up with thousands of images simply by walking around with the family on our daily treks from cathedrals to palaces to museums to our apartment.<br />
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Deciding what photo gear to take with me when we travel abroad is always a dilemma for me. As I try to pick among camera bodies and lenses I have to keep reminding myself that I simply can't take everything that might conceivably come in handy for one thing or another. So, it becomes a delicate balancing act between packing what I know will get a lot of use as opposed to what might get a little useI would like to take, making sure the final selection will take a manageable amount of room in my carry-on bag.<br />
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So what do I take in the way of gear? In a perfect world with no limitations I'd love to grab my 400mm f2.8 prime lens, my 80-200mm f2.8 lens, my 17-35mm f2.8 wide angle, 15mm f2.8 fisheye, a 1.4X Teleconverter, and my 35-70mm f2.8 lens. I'd grab a couple of D3S camera bodies and my D800E, batteries, chargers, and load everything up in a roll aboard. But I can't get all this stuff into a bag that I can carry onto all planes and I refuse to check my photo gear, especially for international travel. So, I have to walk the tightrope and pick gear that will take as little space as possible. Here's my compromise.<br />
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This is my new best friend. It's a Mountainsmith camera case. It will fit inside any airline approved carry on bag, backpack, or messenger bag with room to spare. If Regional jets are in the cards, I can carry it on all by itself and it will easily fit in the overhead compartment of even the smallest Regional jet. The bag is a mere 14" wide, 11" tall, and 6" deep and comes with a bunch of velcro dividers, but more often than not I don't use them as they just take up space.</div>
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As a test for our upcoming trips I spent some time scrutinizing what gear I really, really wanted to take. I then set out to see if I could get all of it into this case. Success. Everything that I know I will use fits perfectly inside the case.<br />
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Here's what's included, starting at the top and working my way from left to right:<br />
<ol>
<li>Three camera straps, each with dog leash-style attachment clasps that attach to the camera bodies with Black Rapid fasteners screwed into the tripod threads - easy way to clip the cameras on and off when not in use</li>
<li>18-200mm f3.5-5.6 lens for the D800E - if I'm heading out with one camera/lens and size is not an issue, this is usually my choice - low noise, great zoom range for walking around and shooting people and things without having to get close, plus wide angle coverage for landscapes, etc.</li>
<li>70-300mm f4.5-5.6 lens - for both the D800E and either mirrorless camera body - longer reach than the 18-200mm and when used with the mirrorless bodies it becomes a 189-810mm monster but easily carried in a bag.</li>
<li>35-70mm f2.8 lens for the D800E - if I'm heading out in the evenings when light will be low, a good all around, small lens for the D800E</li>
<li>Nikon D800E camera body with battery pack - for those 36 Megapixel landscape shots or super low light images where noise might be an issue</li>
<li>15mm f2.8 fisheye - one shot, super wide angle images inside cathedrals, palaces, etc. with the added uniqueness of the curvature the lens creates. That can be easily removed in post processing if I want a more conventional wide angle look</li>
<li>30-110 f3.8-5.6 Nikon1 lens - 81-297mm equivalent on either mirrorless body makes this a great alternative to the D800E/70-300mm combo while fitting in a jacket pocket</li>
<li>Dust bulb/brush & cloth</li>
<li>Battery charger for the D800E batteries</li>
<li>10-30mm f3.5-5.6 Nikon1 lens - 27-81mm equivalent on either mirrorless body makes a great alternative to the D800E/35-70mm combo while fitting in my pants pocket</li>
<li>10mm f2.8 Nikon1 lens - 27mm equivalent for either mirrorless body, a great alternative to the D800E/15mm fisheye inside cathedrals, palaces, etc. while fitting in my shirt pocket</li>
<li>Nikon1 V3 and Nikon1 V2 camera bodies - small, mirrorless bodies that can be set to silent mode so no one knows you're shooting pictures, 50 frame/sec capability, 18.4 & 14.2 Megapixels respectively, and a whopping 2.7X crop factor for lenses</li>
<li>Battery chargers for the Nikon1 V2 & V3</li>
<li>Tenba Toolbox 8 case for the mirrorless gear</li>
<li>Lens converters for the Nikon1 V2 & V3 which allows any Nikon lens to attach to the mirrorless bodies</li>
</ol>
Spare camera batteries, cards, and camera manuals are stored in the Tenba Toolbox and in the lid of the Mountainsmith case.<br />
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If I decide to do the minimalist thing and pack all my photo gear into one carry on bag that includes my laptop, passport, tickets, reading material, etc., then this is what I've decided to do.<br />
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I can simply reconfigure the Tenba Toolbox a bit, add the 70-300mm, and have a pretty comprehensive amount of gear ranging from the equivalent of a 27mm f2.8 lens for low light and wide angle shots to what is effectively a 200-800mm long zoom. If I take both camera bodies with me on any given day I can have one set up for wide angle shots and the other for zoom shots. Both cameras will easily fit in jacket pockets or a small bag and there's nothing I can't shoot. Admittedly I don't get the same image quality as with my D800E but after experimenting with this setup in Spain last year I was pleasantly surprised - the cameras/lenses do remarkably well and are a lot easier to carry around.<br />
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For example, we went to the bullfights one night in Madrid. I was able to take a variety of shots, including wide angle ones to capture the pageantry of the event, mid zoom shots, and good, tight action shots, all with camera gear that fit in a very small, inconspicuous bag. That included the equivalent of 800mm focal length shots that were <i>handheld</i>, using the VR feature of the 70-300mm lens to help me with image stabilization.<br />
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The Nikon1's also did pretty well when just walking around Madrid and Barcelona taking a variety of shots, from indoor low light images to people images to scenery. The VR feature included in all the Nikon1 lenses made low light photography a snap, and when the necessary shutter speed was too slow for VR to make an image possible, I used some of my typical tricks to avoid camera shake (resting the camera on a column, chair, the floor, etc.)<br />
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I'll be shaking off the travel photography rust off with a long weekend in Montreal later this summer. That will give me another chance to put this gear through its paces before another jaunt across the pond. Hopefully someday technology will take us to the point where the small mirrorless bodies will rival the image quality of the large DSLR's. Unless the Montreal trip gives me any reason to question the results from Spain, I hope to be satisfied with what I've settled on while at the same time avoiding the nightmare of lugging around a ton of gear.<br />
<br />Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-77676027292742571462016-02-10T11:16:00.000-05:002017-02-08T15:22:35.500-05:00Friday Was A Sad Day...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm sad... shocked...surprised. Last Friday, while seeing what was up on Facebook, I saw this:<br />
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I couldn't believe my eyes. I had just spent the past few weeks working with one of the Kelby guys on an article that was to be published in this month's Photoshop User Magazine. The week of Pete's post I was alerted that the issue was finalized and would be out. No sooner was the issue out - WHAM! I read that Pete, RC, and others at KelbyOne were being let go due to financial/business issues.</div>
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My first thought was to call Scott, knowing how difficult it must have been for him to do what was apparently necessary. I've known Scott for almost ten years having met him through his brother, Jeff, and then building a friendship that I value dearly. I can honestly say that I have met very few people like Scott. He is one of the warmest, kindest, most generous persons I know. I also know how much he loves what he built at KelbyOne and the people he was able to bring together under one roof. There was more talent and creativity in Scott's fold than in any other place I know, and Scott relished being with these people. The Kelby workplace was as close to nirvana as you could get. There was an atmosphere like no other, where everyone seemed to love being there and working with each other.</div>
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That's why it was sad to read about the changes that were announced last Friday. And I know how difficult it must have been for Scott to do what was done. I also know that if there was any way he could have avoided doing what was done he would never have decided to let so many of his work family go. I suspect that from a purely financial perspective, the decision to cut staff was probably needed long before Friday but Scott just couldn't bring himself to pull the trigger. I have no doubt he tried desperately to come up with ways that would avoid doing what was ultimately necessary to save the business.</div>
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The weeks leading up to last Friday had to be intolerable for Scott, knowing how the ultimate decision would affect not only his workplace but the people and families involved. So I didn't call Scott. I figured he had enough on his plate without being bothered by a call from me. I'm going to give it some time and maybe reach out to him after the dust settles a bit.</div>
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For now, I'll reminisce a bit about some of the folks with whom I developed friendships and who will be looking for greener pastures elsewhere. </div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pete Collins</span></i></b></div>
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I got to know Pete over the past few years after he came on board as Scott's Photoshop Guy. I remember meeting Pete shortly thereafter while I was visiting Scott's digs in Tampa. I instantly liked Pete - he didn't know me from a hole in the ground and within a matter of seconds we were busting each other's chops as if we had known each other for years.</div>
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I got to know Pete a lot better the following spring when I invited him to come over to Orlando and join me in shooting the Tavistock Cup golf match using one of my two assistant credentials. He met me at my hotel the morning of the first day's matches and we spent eight hours tromping around on the Isleworth golf course chasing after Tiger and the boys. </div>
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Spending time with Pete at the various Photoshop Worlds was always a treat as was meeting his two sons when the Collins boys ran in a cross country meet in Tallahassee. Pete called to let me know he and the boys would be in town and we all met for dinner the day before the race. </div>
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As I began dabbling with composites, Pete was never shy about critiquing my efforts. He would always let me know where they fell short and how to make them better. His insights were never provided in a condescending or negative manner; it was always in a constructive manner and right on point.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>RC Concepcion</i></b></span></div>
My brother from another mother, RC introduced me to HDR photography and taught me how to resist my inner Cuban gaudiness and overcome my innate need to oversaturate and over tone my HDR imagery. I learned more about HDR processing in one RC Photoshop World HDR class than I could have learned in years of fumbling, stumbling, and bumbling on my own.<br />
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For a long time, I tried to get RC to come visit me during new moon weekends at my observatory in Chiefland, Florida as I knew he would appreciate what me and my friends were doing in the world of astrophotography. RC and a friend of his finally came up to visit this past November. </div>
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While he was there, RC had me pose inside my dome with my telescope and sent me the shot he got. I was glad that he enjoyed his visit so much that the following month he came back to Chiefland with his family in tow and camped out at a nearby state park.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Brad Moore</i></b></span> </div>
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What can I say about Brad, aka the Honey Badger. On four occasions, I've been a Guest Blogger on Scott's Photoshop Insider blog and Brad has patiently worked with me to get my posts up on the site.</div>
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Brad has been Scott's right hand, pack mule, set up guy, and invaluable assistant for a long, long time.</div>
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Brad came over to Orlando with Scott twice for some Tavistock Cup shooting with me. Just as with Pete, you really get to know someone when you spend hours and hours tromping around a golf course lugging forty pounds of photo equipment. Brad was no exception, never at a loss for the perfect comeback to anything thrown his way. <span style="text-align: center;">I will miss Brad's wit, unflappable demeanor, and patience. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Going forward...</span></i></b></div>
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All of the individuals mentioned above, and no doubt the others with whom my interactions were limited, are talented beyond words. I feel terrible for them and their families as they try to land on their feet somewhere without too much disruption in their lives. It will not be easy given the diminishing avenues in the world of photography but with what they bring to the table, doors will open for them.</div>
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In the meantime, my thoughts are also with Scott, his family, and KelbyOne. I am hopeful that the business difficulties currently being experienced are just a bump in the road. What Scott has done through NAPP, Kelby Media, and now KelbyOne has been a Godsend. Scott's has singlehandedly made photo processing, using Photoshop, and working with Lightroom, understandable to millions who would have otherwise been lost without his courses and videos. His ability to convey tips, tricks and methods for improving one's photography skills has been invaluable to many, many people. And the genius of bringing a lot of that together at his Photoshop Worlds is the perfect compliment of dispensing knowledge with fun.</div>
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Fingers crossed that with some time, all will be well for all concerned.<br />
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Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-2991020927800988862016-02-05T12:48:00.000-05:002016-08-05T14:04:52.971-04:00Breitling Sabre Ad - From Start To Finish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Commercial photography and ad creation are particularly appealing to me. It is the ideal situation for turning one's imagination loose in the creation of the various puzzle pieces that comprise the final image. Most of the time, my part in an an ad begins and ends with the images, usually of a person or persons, but sometimes my portion of the process includes backgrounds. Seldom do I ever become involved with text, graphics, logos, or the composition of the final ad.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEsvWtYz2xE_FX6RZyEXP2T4odg9yVdCBnjqRhtbBmGmHKeoH3EcHQ4eAqPRlsX-A-bsJkvVWmK6wyFM3LNNoexclVUrsg_VsVOPsfXToAfzTzpvr03QsZVF9vSVAVIIUReiKSMh7G2RZ/s1600/gretzky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEsvWtYz2xE_FX6RZyEXP2T4odg9yVdCBnjqRhtbBmGmHKeoH3EcHQ4eAqPRlsX-A-bsJkvVWmK6wyFM3LNNoexclVUrsg_VsVOPsfXToAfzTzpvr03QsZVF9vSVAVIIUReiKSMh7G2RZ/s400/gretzky.jpg" width="282" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-gNQ0viejXN6CL40MtX2gSONogWpo5zqtov9t_JMP8zUmSOmYjtTRn5U-2FOXLuenVw57UtDSzeA4JTxhp4twLEkr_EbPU5Fo0A9c3EwHAY44xrFtt0z319dtcqd61-VdvdeaERFRTUc/s1600/c332d7b0f9d6b58becc62527f19edac6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-gNQ0viejXN6CL40MtX2gSONogWpo5zqtov9t_JMP8zUmSOmYjtTRn5U-2FOXLuenVw57UtDSzeA4JTxhp4twLEkr_EbPU5Fo0A9c3EwHAY44xrFtt0z319dtcqd61-VdvdeaERFRTUc/s400/c332d7b0f9d6b58becc62527f19edac6.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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But just because I am not paid to be involved in the creation of the final copy for an ad doesn't mean that I can't do so for my own amusement. So, I recently took a page from Breitling's ad campaigns that feature cool aircraft, expensive watches, and outdoor scenes and put together my own version of a Breitling ad that included all of the bells and whistles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg643Y_Wt_lzVoo0ppfi-SMe6VAuG5JI5JYt6VAT59kIW5ZSpU2Da9KcRNfXrAjGrFmsUC1YmAg-0onPplW-SxgZD3OaFyWLR8AoxURvmzuvNI6sNixzGfbnIBkxvnIdNQzKW83WEshKcBc/s1600/Breitling+Sabre+Ad+Final3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg643Y_Wt_lzVoo0ppfi-SMe6VAuG5JI5JYt6VAT59kIW5ZSpU2Da9KcRNfXrAjGrFmsUC1YmAg-0onPplW-SxgZD3OaFyWLR8AoxURvmzuvNI6sNixzGfbnIBkxvnIdNQzKW83WEshKcBc/s640/Breitling+Sabre+Ad+Final3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Above is the ad I created. I started out by searching for a place where I could photograph the coolest of the cool in aircraft. After some searching, I was invited to shoot the aircraft housed at the Valiant Air Command in Titusville, Florida and after arriving I decided to shoot a classic North American F-85 Sabre. The folks at the facility gave me free rein to set up lights and shoot, and using several Nikon SB-800 strobes placed out of my sight line and triggered remotely, I was able to light up the Sabre the way I wanted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VFnxXqJLE6aQKbvJziiZzK5SO6YA4RFrv3FNbhArmvepkd9fvYA29hEgfNpu2AqqL1uRPa5W1N9oWwq-MlrABUNGNj05e6lsoHydnvMNTCEffJMHLzo-N2hd-TxFGBznytGUcAoG8Y4X/s1600/_D3S0013a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VFnxXqJLE6aQKbvJziiZzK5SO6YA4RFrv3FNbhArmvepkd9fvYA29hEgfNpu2AqqL1uRPa5W1N9oWwq-MlrABUNGNj05e6lsoHydnvMNTCEffJMHLzo-N2hd-TxFGBznytGUcAoG8Y4X/s640/_D3S0013a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Using the quick selection tool in Photoshop and the refine edge feature, I was able to cut the Sabre out from the background, saving it for later insertion into a different background.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumWhPpbRVTYQUC_B7cOk2XhPRSRxbcqk31DPrRgjkFFBJJY6e7H8gQo7jGntuXO4j0p2T2o7UVgu8ZTNuOoNZOgvD2XGDTX91vxzOmUhCm3VDra8Ls9Tx-DfL4nhoJwqwdtbzhsnNX8qW/s1600/_D3S0013a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumWhPpbRVTYQUC_B7cOk2XhPRSRxbcqk31DPrRgjkFFBJJY6e7H8gQo7jGntuXO4j0p2T2o7UVgu8ZTNuOoNZOgvD2XGDTX91vxzOmUhCm3VDra8Ls9Tx-DfL4nhoJwqwdtbzhsnNX8qW/s640/_D3S0013a.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I then turned my attention to finding that perfect background. I tried several different scenes but I ultimately opted for the simplicity of a silhouetted mountain scene at sunset. I thought the colors would work well with some tweaking and the sun peeking through a break in the clouds would allow me to add shafts of light shining down on the Sabre. The way the image faded to almost black along the bottom was also conducive to expanding the canvas with black where the ad's text would ultimately reside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4szJK8neBNOEanIyLLDip-vcWiWpomCpccne196C1V-FwpouCHh037j0w131g0ZsboZs3i_VgeGvGqjrjzWvYLCN0qJhhdsfWk84E5j9IpzZWKiAEWDtz6t_DbjRZs5gRW4Hgw5Em6jqT/s1600/Sabre+Background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4szJK8neBNOEanIyLLDip-vcWiWpomCpccne196C1V-FwpouCHh037j0w131g0ZsboZs3i_VgeGvGqjrjzWvYLCN0qJhhdsfWk84E5j9IpzZWKiAEWDtz6t_DbjRZs5gRW4Hgw5Em6jqT/s640/Sabre+Background.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4J1N2FaIsvhK2CN_HlILrAWoxdiq4bf5nBCe9IVRiB0fgLP4b-klIe0RkoYEtIpvUaLSIHomZoxXYHYqHqv4QrhyeV_LSYXl39e2Sfyu_msuhaPmjCt6MmL5krkRxoYUSV8NB8H-cI-eL/s1600/_D3S9004.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4J1N2FaIsvhK2CN_HlILrAWoxdiq4bf5nBCe9IVRiB0fgLP4b-klIe0RkoYEtIpvUaLSIHomZoxXYHYqHqv4QrhyeV_LSYXl39e2Sfyu_msuhaPmjCt6MmL5krkRxoYUSV8NB8H-cI-eL/s320/_D3S9004.png" width="211" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPwYCIo20Pfja7NjSlLSSY2bE2a1N6K3ZOC4l7lOP9mfYZUdwy375kvqCAYbYfoOoWwRQUO2ZSDE6jFxF_GvQc2ZDZMjpDbEvvgR2V783Xn-Gmi25IftKIIr5jo1Q2gb09n9gMy4DvMt1/s1600/_D3S9004a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPwYCIo20Pfja7NjSlLSSY2bE2a1N6K3ZOC4l7lOP9mfYZUdwy375kvqCAYbYfoOoWwRQUO2ZSDE6jFxF_GvQc2ZDZMjpDbEvvgR2V783Xn-Gmi25IftKIIr5jo1Q2gb09n9gMy4DvMt1/s320/_D3S9004a.jpg" width="211" /></a>Next up was my pilot. I wanted a Top Gun kind of look so I posed a model as shown (L) with a wrist exposed. That is where I would later add the Breitling watch that was going to be featured in the ad.<br />
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I also wanted the pilot image to have a moody look to it. so I gave it my best shot through lighting. The key light (left part of the face as you're looking at it) was metered at f11 while the fill light (on my right) was metered at f4 to create a dramatic shadow on the left side of the pilot's face. I used a snoot on both lights to limit the light spill and that created a nice light drop-off/shadow as you go from the face to the body. Once again, using the quick selection tool in Photoshop and using the refine edge feature, I cut out the pilot from the image and saved it for later insertion into the background.</div>
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With some of my puzzle pieces falling into place it was time to drop the Sabre into the background. Through various layers, I adjusted the shadows below the fuselage to blend the Sabre into the background with the hopes of making it look less like a dropped in cutout and more like a Sabre actually photographed on site. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKY6gr7p34N6-LTstuWMjGOp6v_Vc5UgfR0JK8EdC1B-3lFdyKXSnv5S9jiXwHvBQMHUguRuOBizSOdm1fRrMAuOBkzrIhGl1kJATRco0mvf3DXVfpoKRJWxcZGsiU0TygAQHEwf9Ho81/s1600/sabre2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKY6gr7p34N6-LTstuWMjGOp6v_Vc5UgfR0JK8EdC1B-3lFdyKXSnv5S9jiXwHvBQMHUguRuOBizSOdm1fRrMAuOBkzrIhGl1kJATRco0mvf3DXVfpoKRJWxcZGsiU0TygAQHEwf9Ho81/s640/sabre2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Some additional refinements of the shadows below the fuselage blended the Sabre into the scene even better and allowed me to begin the process of working in some shafts of light shining down on the Sabre. At first, I through I would have light shafts coming from both sides of the Sabre but in the end decided on having them coming just from where the sun peeks out through the clouds. The light shafts were created in separate layers with the Dodge tool in Photoshop and then positioned as I saw fit. In the image below, I had added the light shafts but had not re-positioned all of them on the right side of the image.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGKXNZkSlY2w42yKH_G_3-HqF6Xy8YJq3w4V4MncGYTdJ_LhRJ-46F27XSx2zlDWueEp9TiVkcJ6DRun9dgIVNeoObRDH-iBIOfuvtlT8qUhDZrTI4205T-C-p30G-XyARTX12GYqN4jR/s1600/sabre3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGKXNZkSlY2w42yKH_G_3-HqF6Xy8YJq3w4V4MncGYTdJ_LhRJ-46F27XSx2zlDWueEp9TiVkcJ6DRun9dgIVNeoObRDH-iBIOfuvtlT8qUhDZrTI4205T-C-p30G-XyARTX12GYqN4jR/s640/sabre3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was time to add the third puzzle piece, the pilot. With the Sabre on the right side of the image, the only logical place to insert him was on the left. When I did that, I had a nagging feeling that it just didn't look right knowing that I still had other puzzle pieces to add in the form of text, the Breitling logo, and an image of the watch to name a few things. So as an experiment, I flipped the image horizontally.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtPvH322PmdmHMwVDvo0Aiur7KUHh2dZSSIDtrbH27PNKdCraMoL0V1mYVCOXF8e3wl5j_GQmcWlZyiwpl-Em00HKXPpj7joQYW_WV2aR-AjUUGq3wEEnYXUtcabi5DWNIMuf4HWOp3wn/s1600/Breitling+sabre+Top+Gun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtPvH322PmdmHMwVDvo0Aiur7KUHh2dZSSIDtrbH27PNKdCraMoL0V1mYVCOXF8e3wl5j_GQmcWlZyiwpl-Em00HKXPpj7joQYW_WV2aR-AjUUGq3wEEnYXUtcabi5DWNIMuf4HWOp3wn/s400/Breitling+sabre+Top+Gun.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-5blAbUW2xgahlThnzIudLgBJ5xQRDyOT6Xkp9J-ZKcCbZz-aUEJr1ldw7lNGP6v4JD1EQeLb0nEoO6MaeB__8uyJAMKcHrVuF4wZDFJ6GEwcgE3wyffjdR_YT49RKfzasBPbz8hXydh/s1600/Breitling+sabre3+flipped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-5blAbUW2xgahlThnzIudLgBJ5xQRDyOT6Xkp9J-ZKcCbZz-aUEJr1ldw7lNGP6v4JD1EQeLb0nEoO6MaeB__8uyJAMKcHrVuF4wZDFJ6GEwcgE3wyffjdR_YT49RKfzasBPbz8hXydh/s400/Breitling+sabre3+flipped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For some reason, this orientation just looked better to me notwithstanding the lettering that was now reversed. That wasn't a big deal as I had planned on removing the "U.S. Air Force Skyblazers" and replace it with Breitling lettering and logo.</div>
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First, the "U.S. Air Force Skyblazers" lettering was removed, as was the pilot's name that appeared just below the jet's canopy ....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNRcq5uzWkQn_SfncAmXPs-oynPdlN6RoHJidAcpxNohPZJuBr5WxLVhs5xrZgN9OL4t593nWjB4Nt9m9gz5vOoyEEydcodRbV7V9otpuWXzY6BaePqGyBjT1sd8OzRku2JqU5UtT-tBI/s1600/Breitling+sabre+Top+Gun+Reversed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNRcq5uzWkQn_SfncAmXPs-oynPdlN6RoHJidAcpxNohPZJuBr5WxLVhs5xrZgN9OL4t593nWjB4Nt9m9gz5vOoyEEydcodRbV7V9otpuWXzY6BaePqGyBjT1sd8OzRku2JqU5UtT-tBI/s640/Breitling+sabre+Top+Gun+Reversed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The Breitling logo was added as well as the "Breitling" text, all of which had to manipulated with the Transform-Warp feature in the Photoshop Edit drop down menu so the perspective would appear natural on the side of the Sabre. The pilot's name was copied, reversed, manipulated for perspective, and pasted just below the canopy. I forgot to do this to the rudder numbers at this point but eventually did so. I also added Breitling's "1884" text below the Breitling text before finalizing the image.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyj5AxTNJuNCnUEImzVOvOypXH37VG1ldok6hTNRxkQIPbDljcwZXrEE6Nzhw7elUB-tJGX1b8hGPETzNv5OqsE8fwdLj8oX2014KR4XAjHjApM5MAwcfaGmOYxidOCAQBH35k6Dwd8q6/s1600/Breitling+sabre+Top+Gun+Reversed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyj5AxTNJuNCnUEImzVOvOypXH37VG1ldok6hTNRxkQIPbDljcwZXrEE6Nzhw7elUB-tJGX1b8hGPETzNv5OqsE8fwdLj8oX2014KR4XAjHjApM5MAwcfaGmOYxidOCAQBH35k6Dwd8q6/s640/Breitling+sabre+Top+Gun+Reversed2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I moved the light shafts into place as if they were coming from the sun, warmed the color a bit, and softened/blurred them. I then enlarged the canvas below the image with a black addition and blended it in to the image. As an afterthought, I removed the Top Gun patch from the pilot's flight suit. Later on, I added the Breitling yellow logo as a patch on his left arm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTb2dYvp1t3JeWYcyduKWefP3kkntRfP2w8zvBp-3FXgYgepZkpylsyIgHEt0AazUqsrXuE_OZ28qc8GJn5kYnLedD8dfQQE2Qv-VNDd4AjidYyRfsrajMQeff-05YDO5Z9YIpvNNYqd3/s1600/Breitling+Sabre+Ad+Final+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTb2dYvp1t3JeWYcyduKWefP3kkntRfP2w8zvBp-3FXgYgepZkpylsyIgHEt0AazUqsrXuE_OZ28qc8GJn5kYnLedD8dfQQE2Qv-VNDd4AjidYyRfsrajMQeff-05YDO5Z9YIpvNNYqd3/s640/Breitling+Sabre+Ad+Final+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Now it was time to add more puzzle pieces, i.e. the watch, the Breitling logo, and the ad's text. I had to add the watch not only at the bottom of the image but also on the pilot's wrist. Doing so required cutting out the watch image from its background, flipping it upside down, and manipulating the perspective so it would look right on the pilot's left wrist<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsWach6v6N5KuazwCVXtyqqgq0ak5yGoTb5eYSw5Zk1ydsKKydCeS_u3SX_QKKkFkwPBTSCbSep04-WPD63_5p2nXnBYSvh8z8bKuGHRSkc8WAq_9Fs4HjnxzH8Zika7SsORMfRm3qTuB/s1600/bnav24a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsWach6v6N5KuazwCVXtyqqgq0ak5yGoTb5eYSw5Zk1ydsKKydCeS_u3SX_QKKkFkwPBTSCbSep04-WPD63_5p2nXnBYSvh8z8bKuGHRSkc8WAq_9Fs4HjnxzH8Zika7SsORMfRm3qTuB/s200/bnav24a.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IoKNxh9BOhTBQJwMwz1qXpZ8XZE6-yl8ir0z81in1077oSJSkrIoZfJV4m4S_4amdIBKZLQ_TjuHdcZBgl5LuTLebvnRULPFtGmY-PcUGG9YqZJ92qNkQKmqwgAdteCdcxE817SJS4tU/s1600/bnav24a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IoKNxh9BOhTBQJwMwz1qXpZ8XZE6-yl8ir0z81in1077oSJSkrIoZfJV4m4S_4amdIBKZLQ_TjuHdcZBgl5LuTLebvnRULPFtGmY-PcUGG9YqZJ92qNkQKmqwgAdteCdcxE817SJS4tU/s200/bnav24a.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvJBujAe1akR7aaHXaPdka3YHxzAx9knGKBAJrV1mMRJPcE2-wQRAdXBFs5L_A2Y0Z8W-PQKA92AEF71hjHb04sqnTM6D3uyuViZdPX_4OaJvhvR2y4irPoQ6rF9T-gBtCMUtVU3DWR3N/s1600/breitling+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvJBujAe1akR7aaHXaPdka3YHxzAx9knGKBAJrV1mMRJPcE2-wQRAdXBFs5L_A2Y0Z8W-PQKA92AEF71hjHb04sqnTM6D3uyuViZdPX_4OaJvhvR2y4irPoQ6rF9T-gBtCMUtVU3DWR3N/s400/breitling+logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />I did some research on the F-86 Sabre so I could compose the text in the add. I also read a bunch of Breitling's marketing literature on the watches and came up with the following. The slogan "Aviation is in its DNA: came to me at the last minute and I thought it fit perfectly - short, sweet, and if I may say so, catchy:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVwj-UT_GZIJD3bejXuJag0K4ntI4jdEvMoDfoCySvFqNB0yE3ElZqrwk-Gp4NEm57FKAv5vS8WkcQnR5QSC3P2C_rJoP39R5QIr9hJQVXR5OnDk24AoDvpJ_35yYt3e-XjwhCgT94mHm/s1600/Breitling+Sabre+Ad+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVwj-UT_GZIJD3bejXuJag0K4ntI4jdEvMoDfoCySvFqNB0yE3ElZqrwk-Gp4NEm57FKAv5vS8WkcQnR5QSC3P2C_rJoP39R5QIr9hJQVXR5OnDk24AoDvpJ_35yYt3e-XjwhCgT94mHm/s640/Breitling+Sabre+Ad+text.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Merging everything into place, moving things around, and playing with the size of the various puzzle pieces gave way to the final image.<br />
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My version of what a Breitling ad would look like. Now if only Breitling would hire me to actually shoot one of their ads....</div>
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Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-68513276092848941242016-01-22T10:10:00.000-05:002016-01-22T10:10:51.991-05:00Introduction to Astrophotography - Part V<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAUnlX15s8p7tv-YCOU4i9r5u9-aKDtLttdXhI_GvyN-HZ6EJ93ouj8W5wVnR4fpE9y8Dc0OvJ57BhY90p22PaX8NTOCZLdaXEnsOlnz7AT8ZSjRC-OC9cBo3KNZhsMOeJ9Nl6ctOo8G2/s1600/IMG_6754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAUnlX15s8p7tv-YCOU4i9r5u9-aKDtLttdXhI_GvyN-HZ6EJ93ouj8W5wVnR4fpE9y8Dc0OvJ57BhY90p22PaX8NTOCZLdaXEnsOlnz7AT8ZSjRC-OC9cBo3KNZhsMOeJ9Nl6ctOo8G2/s640/IMG_6754.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My AstroTech 12" Richey-Chretien telescope with </td></tr>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">If you've made it this far, you've survived Parts I through IV of my series on astrophotography. There are so many more topics to cover but I hope that with what I've covered you've been able to get a handle on what's involved when you start down the path of shooting celestial objects.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">We're about to get serious. So far I've tried to keep the equipment involved to what most would consider reasonable, especially if astrophotography is not going to be something you do regularly. But for those of you who may want to take it to the next level, this is where we will now be going. In this segment, we'll take a look at telescopes and mounts.</span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #101010;">Learning
To Run<o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNC1FIyW2_e2cGYaATt9Hr4jxoNQSDS8qzs4rutYg1Hxq_EK1MFG2Q-mJ8yyQ1sYaMG6yImLMeyib2rHcOTmzaAq2mr6DQU1-IrxUJlu5TKc3fWozGgCmjfT8XJHwkSvhOacJ9OMr8Dvt/s1600/BillConradImagingSystem+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNC1FIyW2_e2cGYaATt9Hr4jxoNQSDS8qzs4rutYg1Hxq_EK1MFG2Q-mJ8yyQ1sYaMG6yImLMeyib2rHcOTmzaAq2mr6DQU1-IrxUJlu5TKc3fWozGgCmjfT8XJHwkSvhOacJ9OMr8Dvt/s640/BillConradImagingSystem+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend's Takahashi TOA 130 APO Refractor on an AstroPhysics mount inside his roll-off roof observatory. The TOA 130 is considered one of the finest imaging scopes available and provides a 1000mm focal length at f7.7. AstroPhysics is considered the Mercedes Benz of astronomical equipment and its mounts are highly regarded.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMJR5V9THRHUj0m3bkX6Sse4EQKIProaaRVgi8tNgBeDWfI0n8n041gMSc45X5DuMwL47hOccCP-voOS-PBMqEG67NaYebigS5eYAhdiEOsGkZmtVhQaaVaoHaQgHfXwVKxLz9Y_VJ9uh/s1600/Tak+TSA+102a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMJR5V9THRHUj0m3bkX6Sse4EQKIProaaRVgi8tNgBeDWfI0n8n041gMSc45X5DuMwL47hOccCP-voOS-PBMqEG67NaYebigS5eYAhdiEOsGkZmtVhQaaVaoHaQgHfXwVKxLz9Y_VJ9uh/s640/Tak+TSA+102a.jpg" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Takahashi TSA 102 4-inch refractor on a Celestron CGEM mount</td></tr>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010;">Adding more sophisticated equipment such as a bigger
telescope and mount will yield larger and/or more detailed images of your targets. For
comparison, here are images of the nebulae in Orion taken through a 4”
Takahashi refractor with its 800mm+ focal length at f8 (slightly shorter and faster with the flattener) on a Celestron CGEM mount. The equipment investment is now
in the $5,000 range (new), $3,500 used, not counting the camera and accessories. Compare these to images of the same target that I posted in Part III and you can see how much tighter the images are with much more detail.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjki0YJKZYq4uQqJGrMv8i0ZKVbq8xja9FnvMpojHaIXh4pB_M3nTOZ5LvFI9ji96KKtBFZwRw7m6U0p5W24SKoOqaRPhBzfAHqLFBr5gm-WiwynpLC9VKv8mT7OplwYy3-H0z3CikLw75r/s1600/Orion2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjki0YJKZYq4uQqJGrMv8i0ZKVbq8xja9FnvMpojHaIXh4pB_M3nTOZ5LvFI9ji96KKtBFZwRw7m6U0p5W24SKoOqaRPhBzfAHqLFBr5gm-WiwynpLC9VKv8mT7OplwYy3-H0z3CikLw75r/s640/Orion2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orion's nebulae with shorter focal lengths</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCPTKn3jJCvm26iUHUHimaT5kJTdJ15p4klgZwMVjJuGg6o7O9x75xRZ3cHqzujVzOyNxrLDtq5HqQ8ZU7tpd5UPxxbjlw-HHQ_dTb6fc2J0ElSq2bE4gWsro64sep2ZbXJGPWo4Yyn48/s1600/Horsehead-Nebula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCPTKn3jJCvm26iUHUHimaT5kJTdJ15p4klgZwMVjJuGg6o7O9x75xRZ3cHqzujVzOyNxrLDtq5HqQ8ZU7tpd5UPxxbjlw-HHQ_dTb6fc2J0ElSq2bE4gWsro64sep2ZbXJGPWo4Yyn48/s640/Horsehead-Nebula.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horsehead and Flame Nebulae in Orion with Takahashi TSA 102</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg960jKBEdx_PcnL8Z5eIvV1Bp15_EbEBp77dZcbu9OOvj4JkzpGFgMsDIb6SRAhv3ySDWV6eygzfkVmyw5LcrhmUkfCUwHgT6YpiqVb4e9xskGzpwQ_0tRtbyr2tYfGG_PjInAwzFlAisT/s1600/Orion+Nebula_300dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg960jKBEdx_PcnL8Z5eIvV1Bp15_EbEBp77dZcbu9OOvj4JkzpGFgMsDIb6SRAhv3ySDWV6eygzfkVmyw5LcrhmUkfCUwHgT6YpiqVb4e9xskGzpwQ_0tRtbyr2tYfGG_PjInAwzFlAisT/s640/Orion+Nebula_300dpi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">Running Man and Great Orion Nebulae with Takahashi TSA 102</span></td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">Sprinting</span></i></b></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">Now let's really push the envelope. For comparison, below are examples of the the nebulae posted above but through my 12” AstroTech Ritchey-Chretien truss tube telescope, a Takahashi EM-400 mount, and a QSI 683 mono CCD camera with a full compliment of filters.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9cK8K-3VCuxqykUO1FSQAnGYMz5egQFAv4PdoW9JPYxT02k21KcAnzYAfinop5EPNjqzsHC9nzneM90UfZJ0h48_JVsxFYXCDnSpE4f2aQRb0zVYAZTgGN9j5BCEcyC9FQ8hrNx8C4XZ/s1600/Horsehead+%2526+Flame+Nebula2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9cK8K-3VCuxqykUO1FSQAnGYMz5egQFAv4PdoW9JPYxT02k21KcAnzYAfinop5EPNjqzsHC9nzneM90UfZJ0h48_JVsxFYXCDnSpE4f2aQRb0zVYAZTgGN9j5BCEcyC9FQ8hrNx8C4XZ/s640/Horsehead+%2526+Flame+Nebula2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">Horsehead and Flame Nebulae</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkM2Kap_9Z5lRZCR_Nf2YtOZSJcRNKfel5pXhL5DCYeq0OE64Mk6IoeOq1xYw3aSRTXN20RWCsLwdo4hldmZnth5VLGr-ixDFK7JbGsb0uvcmoTASpJaL8W3xZjSm3I6UvZ7WWrknLttE/s1600/Orion+Nebula2+Stretched2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkM2Kap_9Z5lRZCR_Nf2YtOZSJcRNKfel5pXhL5DCYeq0OE64Mk6IoeOq1xYw3aSRTXN20RWCsLwdo4hldmZnth5VLGr-ixDFK7JbGsb0uvcmoTASpJaL8W3xZjSm3I6UvZ7WWrknLttE/s640/Orion+Nebula2+Stretched2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">Great Orion Nebula</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwiuBvlr408tu4S_HZQdg166MmG2VhqJY7qQu5R0RWH_5MIxR9dYHqEXXq574lDxbwEmy5yMpaiy7SoPOXEvuTX0NNHOcOoC5rkX_TaxiLBYiWZwwhbP_1AUUtdzqTMTUvrvTGB9g3Rzw/s1600/Flame+Nebula2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwiuBvlr408tu4S_HZQdg166MmG2VhqJY7qQu5R0RWH_5MIxR9dYHqEXXq574lDxbwEmy5yMpaiy7SoPOXEvuTX0NNHOcOoC5rkX_TaxiLBYiWZwwhbP_1AUUtdzqTMTUvrvTGB9g3Rzw/s640/Flame+Nebula2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flame Nebula in Orion with Narrowband filters</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #101010;">The telescope has a 2,432mm focal length at f8, a bit shorter
and faster with the flattener, and 12-inch light gathering capability. The monochromatic CCD
camera has a full frame 8.3MP sensor and a built in cooling mechanism that will
cool the sensor down to -40 degrees Celsius to minimize noise. An integrated 8-position filter wheel allows me to decide whether to shoot with standard color filters (L, R, G, & B) or add narrowband filters (H-Alpha, Sulfur II, and Oxygen III) to bring out colors in a very narrow band of light that can be used to create what is commonly referred to as a Hubble palette. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0kFsOJn5OHt-AwCZSiJvAz7SV5JNDN5uIZYMAZWJ19mCUx1dM-021oEwWKLeLhbP2z7F2mZf3pVDec7pBNI68AVsWJ5m92IS6j16OEcdLfC5nInXs4bLakK4gNT6qZspssoajPYShsvx/s1600/IMG_6769+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0kFsOJn5OHt-AwCZSiJvAz7SV5JNDN5uIZYMAZWJ19mCUx1dM-021oEwWKLeLhbP2z7F2mZf3pVDec7pBNI68AVsWJ5m92IS6j16OEcdLfC5nInXs4bLakK4gNT6qZspssoajPYShsvx/s640/IMG_6769+copy.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Takahashi EM-400 mount</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #101010;">Finally, while AstroPhysics may be the Mercedes Benz of astronomy gear, Takahashi equipment is its Japanese counterpart much like what Lexus is to Mercedes. The Takahashi EM-400 mount is a favorite of many astro imagers, tracking and slewing like a well oiled machine. All in all, I've been very pleased with the combination of the AstroTech Ritchey and the Tak EM-400 mount. Here are more examples of what the rig can do.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOYwdyqJwnPpdEzYY4y8UKedUDTKwbontwyRBfCWPpNNzh4y4em9HRMBxy9_HfpEFeSAtsdLG_Zf2bnwXShEnktWXVYaRj-g-Aq-R5eV9tNpRvENY9F4AUWms8bq4jxtaQkzZUTS3i5Kx/s1600/Christmas+Tree+Nebula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOYwdyqJwnPpdEzYY4y8UKedUDTKwbontwyRBfCWPpNNzh4y4em9HRMBxy9_HfpEFeSAtsdLG_Zf2bnwXShEnktWXVYaRj-g-Aq-R5eV9tNpRvENY9F4AUWms8bq4jxtaQkzZUTS3i5Kx/s640/Christmas+Tree+Nebula.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cone, Christmas Tree, and Fox Fur Nebulae </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdaY5x9Urs666paJaoUc5NjHAJWcup1EBYosVKjkpnKjtAkuXe-fUKdTkrdwuixYM-3yvIGFAkhDveAsSrd5IwjkYZvrVCvCNzrj3QmCmB8R4jjyEriAIwgNYPcXaqQ54pdFemMzefSuk/s1600/Eagle+Nebula+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdaY5x9Urs666paJaoUc5NjHAJWcup1EBYosVKjkpnKjtAkuXe-fUKdTkrdwuixYM-3yvIGFAkhDveAsSrd5IwjkYZvrVCvCNzrj3QmCmB8R4jjyEriAIwgNYPcXaqQ54pdFemMzefSuk/s640/Eagle+Nebula+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagle Nebula (with narrowband filters) </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPy68d9-X_xNvCtRRjgxUIveS7yt9x2yeavE2-F72IMZmF0b-_5RRMVsqWd4eAEvRAzz5pYtJRZ1uP8RKv16PAx4YzMaZy-Lxqi_aFdpv6PMoK5gfLQTf-rLeyxni3cUZGnOTAL7ptTdgG/s1600/sombrero+galaxy+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPy68d9-X_xNvCtRRjgxUIveS7yt9x2yeavE2-F72IMZmF0b-_5RRMVsqWd4eAEvRAzz5pYtJRZ1uP8RKv16PAx4YzMaZy-Lxqi_aFdpv6PMoK5gfLQTf-rLeyxni3cUZGnOTAL7ptTdgG/s640/sombrero+galaxy+Final.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sombrero Galaxy, an example of an edge on galaxy orientation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTZgwQpZuMOOHGZzbPRecyqZCFPpmuTc-CWqs4DeecdzaD-4RAi4nIv8utWmGN4MEKwE15Yxpi82fldZ2moMjPK6BrtNCL6ix3cod2HIFRgFcQS5E22FWVGe4znAOQ0_kwmTGUVVYYRyd/s1600/Veil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTZgwQpZuMOOHGZzbPRecyqZCFPpmuTc-CWqs4DeecdzaD-4RAi4nIv8utWmGN4MEKwE15Yxpi82fldZ2moMjPK6BrtNCL6ix3cod2HIFRgFcQS5E22FWVGe4znAOQ0_kwmTGUVVYYRyd/s640/Veil.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Veil Nebula, aka the Witch's Broom </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3F5WyzVDLy-bi7r4UFvmsZt78e3Bs0JvnXjcuVvhTjPXZhXkcinxaeiqvaRcTqM_jWT3OlkRMhMhTu1j-BvOH5HO0CYsBeCaOtYmdao0n-QknZn7m0F3oIZ8L98WrGG-dKhI9UsHbESn/s1600/Whirlpool+Galaxy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3F5WyzVDLy-bi7r4UFvmsZt78e3Bs0JvnXjcuVvhTjPXZhXkcinxaeiqvaRcTqM_jWT3OlkRMhMhTu1j-BvOH5HO0CYsBeCaOtYmdao0n-QknZn7m0F3oIZ8L98WrGG-dKhI9UsHbESn/s640/Whirlpool+Galaxy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinwheel Galaxy, an example of a full front galaxy orientation</td></tr>
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<b><i>Part VI - Cameras</i></b></div>
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Next up is a discussion on astrophotography cameras where I'll walk you through the world of CCD cameras, including CCD one shot color models, monochromatic versions, and filters. </div>
Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-78789209861598011012016-01-19T11:44:00.000-05:002016-01-21T10:47:56.487-05:00Introduction to Astrophotography - Part IV<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNky0ajfzb53mF3fTd3-lyVry_OBI6uLKIyWeGI4NlcsFlBg5VupynN06fvgYwPM7xsqeJzhr1McZOWpN0IQH8lIB8IeMkAn4yk_WFdCTp1M5hTdl9z2IXYnRZthUATlM9gvhyD5wnfARc/s1600/Orion+Nebula+2_1600px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNky0ajfzb53mF3fTd3-lyVry_OBI6uLKIyWeGI4NlcsFlBg5VupynN06fvgYwPM7xsqeJzhr1McZOWpN0IQH8lIB8IeMkAn4yk_WFdCTp1M5hTdl9z2IXYnRZthUATlM9gvhyD5wnfARc/s640/Orion+Nebula+2_1600px.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final image, Great Orion Nebula (R) with Running Man Nebula (L)</td></tr>
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If you've been following the previous three posts in this series on astrophotography (<a href="http://baselineshots.blogspot.com/2016/01/introduction-to-astrophotography-part-i.html" target="_blank">Part I</a>, <a href="http://baselineshots.blogspot.com/2016/01/introduction-to-astrophotography-part-ii.html" target="_blank">Part II</a>, and <a href="http://baselineshots.blogspot.com/2016/01/introduction-to-astrophotography-part.html" target="_blank">Part III</a>), you're appetite for astrophotography has been whetted and you're itching to get out there and start creating some images of your own. In the first three parts of this series, I've touched on some astrophotography basics but haven't talked much about things you can do to help your images look their very best while you're shooting. Before continuing with actual image acquisition beyond what I've covered so far in Parts I, II, and III, this is a good time to digress for a moment and discuss some things that will minimize noise, increase contrast, eliminate vignetting, and otherwise make it possible for you to create the best possible final image.<br />
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Anything you can do with your camera before importing an image into Photoshop serves as the foundation for any image. But it's especially critical in astrophotography because with astrophotography you will be dealing with very dimly lit subjects that will push your imaging equipment to its limits (and beyond). That is why you must do anything and everything you can to maximize the signal to noise ratio in your images.<br />
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Signal to noise ratio is not a concern for me when I'm shooting portraits, daytime landscapes, or even sporting events under the lights/indoors. Today's professional digital cameras and the technology they incorporate can adequately deal with varied lighting conditions and minimize noise to an acceptable level. For the most part, signal overpowers noise making the images look "grainless" or at least not so grainy that the grain is objectionable. Even when I'm shooting an indoor basketball game at ISO 6400, as long as I make sure to use a correct exposure setting, the image will be relatively clean from a noise perspective.<br />
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Unfortunately, astrophotographic images are almost always underexposed. Underexposed images are a nightmare to correct in post processing as any efforts made to correct exposure will reveal a lot of undesirable, objectionable noise. The solution? When you're shooting a celestial target, take as many images as you reasonably can and also include a set of flats, darks, and bias frames. Import all of these images into "stacking" software, generate a "stacked" image, and then complete the image processing in Photoshop.<br />
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Before getting into the nitty gritty, I will assume that you will be shooting your images in RAW as opposed to a JPEG format. Never, ever shoot in JPEG. Doing so will drastically limit your ability to post process images. Now, let's start with a discussion on shooting flats, darks, bias frames, and why they're important.<br />
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<b><i>DEFINING OUR TERMS - FLATS. DARKS AND BIAS FRAMES</i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KCha7_Sfn2eT2fv8U2hXMvu1zPtTV5I5QJYlNLKNv3mUSWCbrQreUig02flmMKvqdTE5sqGrCpkvdb-nq-LxdT9UsDHSIoig5rLM8D0je8m3gZnDaDMiyds6AD6jrBgzk7mUUzGCaFi9/s1600/Flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KCha7_Sfn2eT2fv8U2hXMvu1zPtTV5I5QJYlNLKNv3mUSWCbrQreUig02flmMKvqdTE5sqGrCpkvdb-nq-LxdT9UsDHSIoig5rLM8D0je8m3gZnDaDMiyds6AD6jrBgzk7mUUzGCaFi9/s640/Flat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A "flat" frame</td></tr>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010;"><b><i>Flats</i></b></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #101010;">“Flats” are images taken to eliminate as much dirt, dust, reflections, and other undesirable things in astro images. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">"Flats" are also used by the stacking software to correct any difference in brightness in the main image. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">They are created by covering the end of the lens with a white T-shirt and shining a flashlight on it, or taking an image of an evenly lit flat surface such as a computer monitor, a light box, or the sky at twilight."Flats" must be taken with the same ISO, f stop, and shutter speed as the astro image you intend to shoot. Ten to twelve "flats" usually suffice.</span><br />
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<b><i>Darks</i></b><br />
“Darks” are images taken after covering the end of the lens or telescope with the lens cap. Darks correct the dark signal flaws in image sensors, which is essentially a form of noise reduction. Ten to twelve "darks' will do with half taken at the beginning of the image session and the other half at the end with the same f stop, ISO, and shutter speed as the main image.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kcTfvCWlt2JB18yHlqr1bxDU6F8c4QxZEj1JPiJ7UceIqOuZht32evc_YLhOuwBkM6R8Q3kfjGY5Z4KvSrj8UzuFxi-W-wILzXyZPrNlT41R-2D6MObG5zPgeuSJc_a7qNVeMj0k2tnC/s1600/LongExpNRFunction.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kcTfvCWlt2JB18yHlqr1bxDU6F8c4QxZEj1JPiJ7UceIqOuZht32evc_YLhOuwBkM6R8Q3kfjGY5Z4KvSrj8UzuFxi-W-wILzXyZPrNlT41R-2D6MObG5zPgeuSJc_a7qNVeMj0k2tnC/s640/LongExpNRFunction.png" width="640" /></a></div>
As an aside, you may not know it but DSLR's can internally create "darks" when you use the camera's high-ISO or Long Exposure noise reduction features. These settings do essentially what you are doing when shooting "darks" manually - the camera takes a "dark" frame immediately after taking the main image and subtracts it (the noise generated) from the main image for you. If you are shooting with a DSLR, you have the option of using the camera's long exposure noise reduction or high ISO noise reduction features if you would rather let your camera take the place of shooting darks. When I'm shooting with my CCD cameras (a whole different animal than a DSLR, to be discussed in a later post), I don't have the option of in camera noise reduction features so shooting darks are a part of my imaging process.<br />
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But even when I use a DSLR, I've always resisted the temptation to use in camera noise reduction as I believe that manually taking my "darks" will always give me more flexibility and generate better results than any image processing performed internally in my DSLR's. As an analogy, I don't program my camera bodies to sharpen my images in camera as I can do a much better job of sharpening post-process. I would rather create the image and have the flexibility to decide how much or how little I want to sharpen the image, but that's impossible if I set the camera to sharpen the image for me. The same goes for noise reduction,<br />
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<b><i>Bias</i></b><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #101010;">“Bias” frames are images taken with the fastest possible shutter speed the camera can shoot and the lens cap on. They </span><span style="color: #1c1c1c; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">contain only the noise generated by the camera’s electronics on the sensor which is subtracted from the data in the </span><span style="background: white; color: #101010;">darks to identify the true sensor noise. Ten or so bias frames will suffice. </span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010;">These extra images are time consuming but they will allow you to create the best possible final image. </span>All of these images are used in the pre-Photoshop processing of images in software commonly known as "stacking". "Stacking" images in software specifically created for this purpose is an essential step in the image creation process. Images are "stacked" in the software, generating an image that will then be opened in Photoshop as the final step in the image creation process.<br />
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<b><i>WHAT IS "STACKING?"?</i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjp6EIYu68q2FdnbQYg0RVlTm-dJ5X-1Atfwpt03c48JvGcG6UWwU_Oz6dLm4QYvsbEztwNcyl34N7COMHrQbJPw5FpQVf8g1Tw0-RROFPIXvRsXoYKuz9l45-wNMg_IsKzIJeyPbQIyUL/s1600/Orion+Nebula+Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjp6EIYu68q2FdnbQYg0RVlTm-dJ5X-1Atfwpt03c48JvGcG6UWwU_Oz6dLm4QYvsbEztwNcyl34N7COMHrQbJPw5FpQVf8g1Tw0-RROFPIXvRsXoYKuz9l45-wNMg_IsKzIJeyPbQIyUL/s640/Orion+Nebula+Image+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One image of the Great Orion Nebula without any stacking.</td></tr>
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When you shoot multiple images of the same scene, a camera basically takes a number of samples of the scene. The more samples you record of the scene, the more uniform it can ultimately become when software uses the best portion(s) of each image to create an image that uses the best of the best from each image - exposure, noise, detail, contrast, etc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizggTu7nPV1EW18NKkaMhVHbcG02MOJDqwxPWcxZQglpY2NhacbUQ7iN6CnBVrNKgzxSi5XPpLMYr3ixbHsK8KTN1uLglgPwegrY2Ci8gn_qMXPEBGT416biWr1zEHi1qChkl051CLX9C5/s1600/Orion+Nebula+Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizggTu7nPV1EW18NKkaMhVHbcG02MOJDqwxPWcxZQglpY2NhacbUQ7iN6CnBVrNKgzxSi5XPpLMYr3ixbHsK8KTN1uLglgPwegrY2Ci8gn_qMXPEBGT416biWr1zEHi1qChkl051CLX9C5/s640/Orion+Nebula+Image+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several images stacked of the Great Orion Nebula. Detail, exposure and color saturation are improving.</td></tr>
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This is similar to the concept of HDR images where you shoot various frames of the same scene with a range of exposure differences. HDR software then takes the best exposure for any given part of the scene from each image and merges all of this information into one image that improves on the overall exposure by having both shadows and highlights exposed correctly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-93l5GSvndXy3N2awIK2gdKQPk8TTSf6GczMa7oMgaRYEzlWy2BzEaGyk98ZNNVLVPOvVeRBeoIfmMpi0EYGSNygwCqgIgSS34pqDKza9T9d_bBZD4Je4QxPs3FK1B6tcc5_S9oVqiSh/s1600/Orion+Nebula+2_1600px+noise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-93l5GSvndXy3N2awIK2gdKQPk8TTSf6GczMa7oMgaRYEzlWy2BzEaGyk98ZNNVLVPOvVeRBeoIfmMpi0EYGSNygwCqgIgSS34pqDKza9T9d_bBZD4Je4QxPs3FK1B6tcc5_S9oVqiSh/s640/Orion+Nebula+2_1600px+noise.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All images of the target are now stacked. Detail, saturation and exposure are much better with room for improvement. Noise will be eliminated once darks, flats and bias frames are introduced into the mix and the overall exposure will be improved as well. Afterwards, the image will be ready for importing into Photoshop.</td></tr>
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Like HDR software, stacking software takes information from all the images, averages the brightness, darkness, noise, etc. and from every image it grabs detail and contrast from all this additional information and adds it to the final product. But that's not all. Stacking software allows you to remove any images that you may not want to include, such as images where an aircraft travels across the night sky, or images that include cloud cover that passed through the area you were imaging. It then performs another critical step, aligning all the images so they are superimposed precisely one on top of the other.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMWb7Hzxg2PfOYukx-emgd-QLdAb3VEpWng3507FMEoKOt8h-HufZz7rkJijqJf-sbZ6zsk_qs0o6Ns0Wg_3wmhmuygfcRxArWlGimcn-I_KgIGsdDsA4-43k7zGF5d7vD9AKAzgkVYUv/s1600/Orion+Nebula+2_1600px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMWb7Hzxg2PfOYukx-emgd-QLdAb3VEpWng3507FMEoKOt8h-HufZz7rkJijqJf-sbZ6zsk_qs0o6Ns0Wg_3wmhmuygfcRxArWlGimcn-I_KgIGsdDsA4-43k7zGF5d7vD9AKAzgkVYUv/s640/Orion+Nebula+2_1600px.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darks, flats, bias frames have been stacked with the other images. Image was then finalized in Photoshop.</td></tr>
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After image alignment, stacking software uses the flats, darks, and bias frames that were taken. It uses the flats to eliminate any brightness variances and uses the darks and bias frames to subtract noise.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>STACKING SOFTWARE</i></b></div>
<a href="http://deepskystacker.free.fr/english/index.html">Deep Sky Stacker</a> and <a href="http://www.astronomie.be/registax/">RegiStax</a> are two free stacking programs you can download and use. Deep Sky Stacker would be my pick from the two but experiment with each and make your own decision. If you don't mind the $99 cost, <a href="http://www.stark-labs.com/nebulosity.html">Nebulosity (v. 4)</a> is a great choice and is the stacking software I prefer to use.<br />
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That wraps up the discussion on pre-Photoshop image enhancement techniques. In Part V we'll get into more sophisticated imaging with telescopes and CCD cameras.<br />
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Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-60859212010635156022016-01-18T08:53:00.000-05:002016-01-21T10:32:52.814-05:00Introduction to Astrophotography - Part III<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrLNF0Z3JAmnO7ucuCaHH0VYEwSfKUdHtNYkF6hvedIS-vEdcIOq1EeFR5O-48ITPb7OqYULzTDWtx83L7FThOW-p8YKygzTAMuMuQBU_oer2Tp4-a8rF0c8qch-BA19XUitnJcxwzxiG/s1600/Chiefland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrLNF0Z3JAmnO7ucuCaHH0VYEwSfKUdHtNYkF6hvedIS-vEdcIOq1EeFR5O-48ITPb7OqYULzTDWtx83L7FThOW-p8YKygzTAMuMuQBU_oer2Tp4-a8rF0c8qch-BA19XUitnJcxwzxiG/s640/Chiefland.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My astrophotography home in Chiefland, Florida, a 10 foot dome (center) that houses my equipment. Left is a roll off roof observatory belonging to a friend, right is a pod dome belonging to another friend.</td></tr>
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This is Part III of a multi-part series of posts on astrophotography. In <a href="http://baselineshots.blogspot.com/2016/01/introduction-to-astrophotography-part-i.html" target="_blank">Part I</a>, I discussed astro images that can be taken with basic photography gear. In <a href="http://baselineshots.blogspot.com/2016/01/introduction-to-astrophotography-part-ii.html" target="_blank">Part II</a>, I took it up a notch and delved into imaging solar system targets like the moon and planets. In Part III, I'm going to take you into the world of imaging through telescopes without breaking the bank.<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><u><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">DEEP SPACE – THE FINAL FRONTIER</span></u></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2289112577477223495" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHAdzMqpLKvdsQLAYS8m3ME2yNOELoAa1u_p0FJL-yQ2H7U_7OR0N3BD4EJXVuCDjHjbvjFna8Zwbs5R5t3dJW4G4HtTFrZ4nig6__iz8bS5Ogpw_sutHbwaQFcVy4YFtghr_W_XekJzY/s1600/IMG_1163_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHAdzMqpLKvdsQLAYS8m3ME2yNOELoAa1u_p0FJL-yQ2H7U_7OR0N3BD4EJXVuCDjHjbvjFna8Zwbs5R5t3dJW4G4HtTFrZ4nig6__iz8bS5Ogpw_sutHbwaQFcVy4YFtghr_W_XekJzY/s400/IMG_1163_blog.jpg" width="261" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcj9tnoZAMyiM5pszwFc5QwGZjBFYUwjNiEuqGBQWbLM6XvW8p1eFUZUTbRXcoON1-QgW0pGmknRNT9wTslpq0SXwiVqLNJjs73Yjqed9Q3FzHyyZATlhZ3Yknfv0zn83nWNzqW46pQswC/s1600/IMG_1164+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcj9tnoZAMyiM5pszwFc5QwGZjBFYUwjNiEuqGBQWbLM6XvW8p1eFUZUTbRXcoON1-QgW0pGmknRNT9wTslpq0SXwiVqLNJjs73Yjqed9Q3FzHyyZATlhZ3Yknfv0zn83nWNzqW46pQswC/s400/IMG_1164+blog.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Two types of mounts - (L) Altitude-Azimuth mount; ® German Equatorial Mount.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaIt9kSP8p5hd7ZzIjYvMZNYixg4kRIjqUMhOsgi553y1uGbQh7e_JeRBnyaES82PcYmyFf1eGwbDHVtisAMDA5KalFc4pxxZiLAsoqptQ5dFlQF0TLrCW8K32ZPLOTcnj3S6eNuiqkTt/s1600/20045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaIt9kSP8p5hd7ZzIjYvMZNYixg4kRIjqUMhOsgi553y1uGbQh7e_JeRBnyaES82PcYmyFf1eGwbDHVtisAMDA5KalFc4pxxZiLAsoqptQ5dFlQF0TLrCW8K32ZPLOTcnj3S6eNuiqkTt/s320/20045.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celestron Advanced VX mount - $799 new, less if you buy used.</td></tr>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010;">For deep sky targets such as nebulae and galaxies a motorized
mount is a must. There are two types, Altitude-Azimuth mounts (Alt-Az) and
German Equatorial mounts (GEM). GEMs are the best choice for astrophotography.
Once the mount is polar aligned, lengthy exposures can be taken without any
target movement. Expect to pay $500 to $1500 for a quality GEM that can handle
a DSLR with long lenses and/or many telescopes. To ensure smooth operation while imaging, when selecting a mount, make sure that you review the mount's specifications. The mount’s rated weight capacity must be twice the weight of the equipment you intend to use so purchase wisely.</span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #101010;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #101010;"> All of the mounts in the $500-$1500 price range are motorized and come with a "Go To" feature. </span>"Go To" mounts allow you to select a target from a menu on the hand controller, push enter, and the mount will automatically slew the telescope to the selected target.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_daX8YO-KaGKhK0L4bIQyLD_syqXN6BDx4aRKHzoFocx67yXGQm4df-ig9DdVsoGr93YB7ka-gLi2RRSOrKzDW27zIly8QG6OZn69WOXVv9kHNQuQBC3bs6kKbB8xZBqGgtrd1G5s59pm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-18+at+8.19.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_daX8YO-KaGKhK0L4bIQyLD_syqXN6BDx4aRKHzoFocx67yXGQm4df-ig9DdVsoGr93YB7ka-gLi2RRSOrKzDW27zIly8QG6OZn69WOXVv9kHNQuQBC3bs6kKbB8xZBqGgtrd1G5s59pm/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-18+at+8.19.38+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot of Stellarium software after a search for "Great Nebula in Orion"</td></tr>
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Alternatively, the mounts can be hard wired to a computer and controlled the same way through planetarium or imaging software. You simply open the software, type in the name of a target (e.g., Great Nebula in Orion) and the software finds the target in the night sky. If it's visible on that particular evening, it appears on the computer screen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJW6PaZp0ssIEAtDb5xB40X47ABdqTVIqAM72ald4RVnpLD-pKKfa3nuXxL7ID_se1Ns9tSj3Qta3YYRruW21xsU3nhGFDTPCmDtxNKimSYHK_B3Q13ZLHi6jT22K2g35TYr6dF1fLsNE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-18+at+8.17.12+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJW6PaZp0ssIEAtDb5xB40X47ABdqTVIqAM72ald4RVnpLD-pKKfa3nuXxL7ID_se1Ns9tSj3Qta3YYRruW21xsU3nhGFDTPCmDtxNKimSYHK_B3Q13ZLHi6jT22K2g35TYr6dF1fLsNE/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-18+at+8.17.12+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stellarium screen shot showing what you get when using the "ocular view" feature for a target. In this case, the target is the Great Nebula in Orion.</td></tr>
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There are several planetarium programs on the market, some free and some that you must buy. My favorite among the free programs is <a href="http://www.stellarium.org/" target="_blank">Stellarium</a> which has a lot of features that make it a program I keep open on my desktop even though I don't use it to control my telescope mounts. One of the features I really like is the ability to see what a target will look like in an image depending on the telescope being used. Stellarium has a built-in cache of images depicting most celestial targets and by accessing them through the "ocular view" feature you can get a preview of whatever target you have chosen. If you like what you see, you can then proceed to the imaging phase of your evening. If not, you simply move on to another target. This makes finding image targets a relatively simple process even if your astronomical knowledge is limited.<br />
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If Stellarium isn't your cup of tea, <a href="http://ap-i.net/skychart/en/start" target="_blank">Cartes du Ciel</a> is another free planetarium program you can try. You can also go to <a href="http://freeware.intrastar.net/planetarium.htm">http://freeware.intrastar.net/planetarium.htm</a> for a list of many other free astronomy programs available for download.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #101010;">Learning
To Walk</span></i></b></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ0AVc0aj46dy0sqLiqCGeiNVgYsEpyqes2qNLIOGucWIltGXKUqE6v2BZW-d6fcf0q0hs7XoaVlSaNXeF1DpzMOZw_wNAVMvk-8SbGRg32Cs5CazvqMJO5qaBDQHxCBJb8_WbiIfFj98/s1600/614-VFZ%252B5nL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ0AVc0aj46dy0sqLiqCGeiNVgYsEpyqes2qNLIOGucWIltGXKUqE6v2BZW-d6fcf0q0hs7XoaVlSaNXeF1DpzMOZw_wNAVMvk-8SbGRg32Cs5CazvqMJO5qaBDQHxCBJb8_WbiIfFj98/s640/614-VFZ%252B5nL._SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky-Watcher Pro ED80, a good, starter 80mm refractor suitable for astrophotography. 600mm focal length @ f7.5. Expect to pay approximately $600 new, less for a used one.</td></tr>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010;">Deciding how to shoot deep sky targets will determine equipment
selection that will in turn dictate the size, quality and detail of the targets
being imaged. Wide field images can be captured with a DSLR, a modestly priced
80mm (3-inch) refractor telescope, and a Celestron Advanced VX GEM mount (30
pound load capacity). Not counting the camera, your investment would run
approximately $1,500 to $2,500 by the time you add desirable accessories such
as flattener, a dew heater, a T-mount, and an auto guider.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqq4ZHPuF1TYhtI30ZnTd3v_EpshJKWpCf6frY75kkgPIf-i4ODFI-0TPznEli6g8u6i5tAb-tfyl2NR3ACespm5T7WKiGR5sS5tsVFt6lwldtzPuANLPMMyMY17oKlO7mYkmuFCh6ZWiw/s1600/Orion2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqq4ZHPuF1TYhtI30ZnTd3v_EpshJKWpCf6frY75kkgPIf-i4ODFI-0TPznEli6g8u6i5tAb-tfyl2NR3ACespm5T7WKiGR5sS5tsVFt6lwldtzPuANLPMMyMY17oKlO7mYkmuFCh6ZWiw/s640/Orion2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2289112577477223495" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: small;">Wide field image of the nebulae in the constellation Orion. Orion’s Belt is the diagonal line formed by the three blue stars on the left, ending with the blue star in the center nebula.</span></td></tr>
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Above is an example of what is possible with a similar setup,
including the accessories. I shot a total of 160 images at various shutter
speeds ranging from 10 sec to 45 sec at ISO 1600, and 10 images with 1-3 minute
exposures to layer in a sky saturated with stars at the end of the Photoshop
process. Before wrapping up, I shot ten “flats” at each shutter speed, twelve
“darks” (half before starting the imaging process of Orion's nebulae and the other half at the end of the imaging session) at each shutter speed, and ten “bias” frames for the pre-Photoshop
processing in software that “stacks” the images together.<br />
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<b><i>Say What???? Flats, Darks, Bias Frames and Stacking???</i></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010;">“Flats” are images taken to minimize or eliminate dirt, dust, reflections, and other undesirable things in astro images. They can be created by covering the end of the lens with a white T-shirt and shining a flashlight on it or taking an image of an evenly lit surface such as a white computer monitor, any other flat screen light source, or the sky at twilight. They’re used by the "stacking" software to correct any difference in brightness in the main images. </span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #101010;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #101010;">“Darks”
are images taken by covering the end of the lens with the lens cap. Half of the
darks are taken at the beginning and the other half at the end. Darks correct
the dark signal flaws in image sensors. </span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #101010;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #101010;">“Bias” frames are images taken with the
fastest possible shutter speed the camera can shoot and the lens cap on. They </span><span style="color: #1c1c1c; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">contain only the noise generated
by the camera’s electronics on the sensor and is subtracted from the data in
the </span><span style="background: white; color: #101010;">darks to identify the true sensor noise. These extra images are time
consuming but they will allow you to create the best possible final image.</span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #101010;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #101010;">All of these images are used in the pre-Photoshop processing of images in software that is commonly known as "stacking" software. Darks, flats, and bias frames will be covered in the next post (Part IV) of this series; stacking will be the topic in Part V.</span></div>
Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-41370301431920542532016-01-16T10:01:00.000-05:002016-01-16T10:55:50.657-05:00Introduction To Astrophotography - Part II<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #101010; font-size: 10pt;">The Moon - Nikon D300, Nikon 400mm f2.8 lens w/1.4X TC, ISO 200 @ f16, 1/125<sup>th</sup> sec. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #101010; font-size: 10pt;">Background – Nikon D3S, Nikon 17-35mm f2.8 lens, ISO 3200 @ f2.8, 25 sec.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #101010;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is Part II in my series of posts on Astrophotography. In Part I, I discussed astrophotography that you can do with a DSLR and various photography lenses. In Part II, we'll take it up a notch and get into some basic imaging using a long telephoto/zoom lens or a telescope. If you missed Part I, you can get to it <a href="http://baselineshots.blogspot.com/2016/01/introduction-to-astrophotography-part-i.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">TAKING IT TO
THE NEXT LEVEL</span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Solar
System Imaging – The Moon<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Imaging the solar system is a natural progression from wide-angle
sky images and an easy way to delve deeper into astrophotography. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">Because targets are bright relatively speaking, exposure times are usually short enough to minimize blurry star images. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWLOyPRPTInvuNDUuML6fwVKpiSOQbJqnSwuy-LL0fGw-WpR0MXIsww8l_pRTEXNH3_IQyIl3uxtIf0Y5sibbvf5iASbTPPpEXfZyTxh1RWTLHwb9MVLLi6FPjugcP5me1hzXJbfovtcR/s1600/Moon+Panorama+Final+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWLOyPRPTInvuNDUuML6fwVKpiSOQbJqnSwuy-LL0fGw-WpR0MXIsww8l_pRTEXNH3_IQyIl3uxtIf0Y5sibbvf5iASbTPPpEXfZyTxh1RWTLHwb9MVLLi6FPjugcP5me1hzXJbfovtcR/s640/Moon+Panorama+Final+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #101010;">The moon is an ideal first target and presents a variety of opportunities to create interesting images. The moon has many phases, ranging from a sliver crescent to a complete circular ball of light. Each phase alters the way the topography appears due to the shadow created by the earth. That in turn allows you to experiment with images that have a completely different look when compared to each other.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #101010;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">A tripod as a base will suffice and a full frame DSLR will yield better images than cropped sensor bodies.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">Added cost will come into play if you lack a long focal length lens. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">If you're a fan of composite images, using moon shots as background images lend themselves to some interesting creations like these images of airliners I silhouetted in a couple of my moon shots.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguunDjEdkhvqrKGuWbNWlR2XksdoC47XK4c3fp2UVrL-uhPGw85liBPJbL45OCQ_yZ2SYrwiyIv7n8GYVjkR3RKh00S2k_MO8FmYJurOXutEzMB377wBRKJrhDNH-0Kev1sX2wjXvjHTqo/s1600/Moon+Half+Airliner_72dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguunDjEdkhvqrKGuWbNWlR2XksdoC47XK4c3fp2UVrL-uhPGw85liBPJbL45OCQ_yZ2SYrwiyIv7n8GYVjkR3RKh00S2k_MO8FmYJurOXutEzMB377wBRKJrhDNH-0Kev1sX2wjXvjHTqo/s400/Moon+Half+Airliner_72dpi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As far as the actual process of shooting the moon, after set up, find the moon in your viewfinder. Experiment with shutter speeds, but as a general rule of thumb at ISO 400 and f16, I find that they will typically be 1/250th second for a full moon, 1/60th second for a quarter moon, and 1/15th second for a slivered crescent moon at ISO 400 andf16. Once you have the moon composed in the viewfinder, shoot quickly because the moon will not stay in your frame for long.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Solar
System Imaging – Planets</span></i></b></b></div>
</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XqSv5dawIEVhhmvlitOGU0sNUs8pWswXMFeaSzJkW7Qr6M_f6_ZLV31_38brOztmYXboTSX3d0G6BvUp988911lkyQsfO5Vlp52PjWKDXT3XSknMr5HnauTh7Lz7249zGl0w6fExHMz4/s1600/Mars+Final+Closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XqSv5dawIEVhhmvlitOGU0sNUs8pWswXMFeaSzJkW7Qr6M_f6_ZLV31_38brOztmYXboTSX3d0G6BvUp988911lkyQsfO5Vlp52PjWKDXT3XSknMr5HnauTh7Lz7249zGl0w6fExHMz4/s640/Mars+Final+Closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mars</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Going from moon to planetary photography requires a step up
in equipment. To avoid blurry, faint images of planets, a telescope that has a
focal length of 2000mm or more is needed to achieve the necessary magnification
for these targets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuz8Y7ZQr6VFkM3QIHfrdIMNz9cAliQeQ5nVcBZamoItfVpfa4w7t9Htz6SvdgcjdU-UtDNsgGJoYFt2H5WABhozUEo0k7_0sU5X0EmTMLvbTL3cJVKTnOGX29GlzIn8nv9SRZSCWOkDl/s1600/Jupiter+Closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuz8Y7ZQr6VFkM3QIHfrdIMNz9cAliQeQ5nVcBZamoItfVpfa4w7t9Htz6SvdgcjdU-UtDNsgGJoYFt2H5WABhozUEo0k7_0sU5X0EmTMLvbTL3cJVKTnOGX29GlzIn8nv9SRZSCWOkDl/s640/Jupiter+Closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #101010; font-size: 10pt;">Jupiter - Nikon D3S, Celestron Nexstar 8 telescope & Televue 4X </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010; font-size: 10pt;">Powermate. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #101010; font-size: 10pt;">Ninety images @ ISO 800, f10, 1/10</span><sup style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010; font-size: 10pt;">sec to 1/30</span><sup style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010; font-size: 10pt;"> sec.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MQ2U2KOLQU8Wd1IdGfdKXcVzzwW0I3kVt5bCRgSPCj-z8zr4_Qsr7e3ra89y1a9OijDot6QDTXJhUxzxVs2wjkc5KIqfDgweBPgS4t-Ns5mONVgEiVmqmxZZYW6yoc2-Q3wHGEou6F3k/s1600/Saturn+and+Starfield2+MAO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MQ2U2KOLQU8Wd1IdGfdKXcVzzwW0I3kVt5bCRgSPCj-z8zr4_Qsr7e3ra89y1a9OijDot6QDTXJhUxzxVs2wjkc5KIqfDgweBPgS4t-Ns5mONVgEiVmqmxZZYW6yoc2-Q3wHGEou6F3k/s640/Saturn+and+Starfield2+MAO.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #101010; font-size: 10pt;">Saturn – Nikon D3S, Celestron Nexstar 8 telescope, Televue 5X Powermate. Ninety images, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #101010; font-size: 10pt;">ISO 800, f10, 1/2.5 to 1/6<sup>th</sup> sec. Star field – 17-35mm lens, f2.8, ISO 3200, f2.8, 25 sec.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2289112577477223495" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #101010; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9R3HlezvU_FQ7ErWSmJ8EJolW8_J1K43GUCO3H7WDnLWAE9XmCBkh0CkjdEExAPPoJCcrsxgWGcxqX1aMpwF5_Zkx8Q1-3DcU1s4NNOW2y9mH_W9dlUQnfkaAPKfQsk5qegGKYzdvS-l/s1600/SE8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9R3HlezvU_FQ7ErWSmJ8EJolW8_J1K43GUCO3H7WDnLWAE9XmCBkh0CkjdEExAPPoJCcrsxgWGcxqX1aMpwF5_Zkx8Q1-3DcU1s4NNOW2y9mH_W9dlUQnfkaAPKfQsk5qegGKYzdvS-l/s400/SE8.jpg" width="242" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">An investment of $500 or so in a used 8-inch Schmidt
Cassegrain telescope (SCT) will give you the necessary focal length. Celestron
and Meade have been making SCT telescopes for years and are plentiful on the
used market. You can go bigger than an 8" SCT but I have found that anything larger is too heavy and cumbersome to be portable. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You will also need a T-mount attachment for your camera to
connect a DSLR camera body to the back of the telescope. Finally, a Barlow lens
is a must. Barlow lenses increase magnification without affecting f-stop value.
They come in various magnification factors from 2X to 5X, and while you can
scrimp on these lenses, the only ones I would recommend are Televue Powermates.
These are optimized for photography and are well worth the price tag of
approximately $200 for a new one, less for used ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The imaging process is the same as the one described for
shooting the moon with one exception – because of the slower shutter speeds,
use a remote shutter release or the camera’s self timer feature to trigger the
shutter. You should also lock your mirror in the up position. This will minimize
camera vibration that produces blurry images.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #101010;"><b style="background-color: white;"><i>Next Up - Part III</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">In the next post, I'll step it up even more as the discussion will move on to wide field imaging of deep sky targets with telescopes, DSLR's and CCD cameras.</span></div>
Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-13330869584802449362016-01-13T08:28:00.001-05:002016-01-13T11:22:18.726-05:00Introduction to Astrophotography - Part I<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-GIhOcCukuqlU7mdOMacdUOhjdbryJQLDen1HQSCz3QLZiaIjhaoeHXWayXw2adXGVQTXc-Bd6581JJ02n22ETss02xnpN_QQxRGTx0HGGUi8-3Us_n-H0FDgwp_MaFE-4_-oQcY-UW3/s1600/_D607979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-GIhOcCukuqlU7mdOMacdUOhjdbryJQLDen1HQSCz3QLZiaIjhaoeHXWayXw2adXGVQTXc-Bd6581JJ02n22ETss02xnpN_QQxRGTx0HGGUi8-3Us_n-H0FDgwp_MaFE-4_-oQcY-UW3/s640/_D607979.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inside my dome observatory during an imaging run</span></td></tr>
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Astrophotography
is my photographic escape. As a professional sports photographer, I am paid to run
around freezing athletes in split second moments in time. For the past three
years, my relaxation has been astrophotography, the yang to my yin as I spend
hours in my observatory during new moon weekends imaging celestial targets.<br />
<br />
Since it is impossible to cover all aspects of astrophotography in one blog post , this will be a multi-part post. This is Part I, intended as a walk through of astrophotography that can be done cheaply and simply with basic photography gear. Subsequent posts will migrate to more equipment intensive imaging and some of the more detailed aspects of the process. How far you choose to take it is entirely up to you.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">GETTING
STARTED IN ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmt65ReW0xRQQaFl_3-8fiUTtUWjjLwf31Wf8NXJpmZk96f9hL3oxl6JLwTrkjJiUoNzvI-9pljmXITr91MUvx2pnpEGgZh-9IUGJvudoQCKkyjixfj3ZhNJ0-T3UjgZ2WK8sug0A20VJ/s1600/Moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmt65ReW0xRQQaFl_3-8fiUTtUWjjLwf31Wf8NXJpmZk96f9hL3oxl6JLwTrkjJiUoNzvI-9pljmXITr91MUvx2pnpEGgZh-9IUGJvudoQCKkyjixfj3ZhNJ0-T3UjgZ2WK8sug0A20VJ/s400/Moon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #101010; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My first astro image, a shot of a full moon through a telescope </span>with a 35mm film camera in 1980</div>
</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UOw_cQndZW8TrxiMJgJJ8IM1G8bPB_Ysi4u7vZKkyfn8q9NeJ1DOBBYyStYVQFVF8hkGOVx2K4BCeSkEsup6lEtuT1HOfjdMdEHMfuc_ZaqIHRM6IQR4XD6v8RiVLyHPmKqDqoC36Bbp/s1600/2010+Lunar+Eclipse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UOw_cQndZW8TrxiMJgJJ8IM1G8bPB_Ysi4u7vZKkyfn8q9NeJ1DOBBYyStYVQFVF8hkGOVx2K4BCeSkEsup6lEtuT1HOfjdMdEHMfuc_ZaqIHRM6IQR4XD6v8RiVLyHPmKqDqoC36Bbp/s400/2010+Lunar+Eclipse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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A full lunar eclipse shot through a 400mm lens and a teleconverter with a DSLR in 2010.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;">The images above are examples of what can be easily accomplished with basic equipment, be it a telescope or long lens and an SLR camera, one film and one digital. Astrophotography does not have to be complicated or
expensive. Most of us can drive an hour, get away from city light pollution,
and take photos of bright objects like the moon simply by placing a cell phone
camera on the eyepiece of a telescope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcgObGZuCLu_NEtkK4yvxX-Af10mc_JCLXiLLOATbCK7tlsLRkbdUaF1iKOK8FRyPcTaGzdPqRq3V6mb0wN8te7D_w31mziurPHCvDw3injNtTPkJ7WkyT6cAUe1yGudKa5mAXV0vKtXt/s1600/Andromeda-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcgObGZuCLu_NEtkK4yvxX-Af10mc_JCLXiLLOATbCK7tlsLRkbdUaF1iKOK8FRyPcTaGzdPqRq3V6mb0wN8te7D_w31mziurPHCvDw3injNtTPkJ7WkyT6cAUe1yGudKa5mAXV0vKtXt/s640/Andromeda-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DSLR image of the Andromeda Galaxy</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Naturally<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, the quality of images will not be comparable to what is
possible with more sophisticated gear but there’s a lot of astrophotography
that can be accomplished with every day photography equipment. Beyond that, the
sky is literally the limit depending on your interest and budget.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">KEEPING IT
CHEAP AND SIMPLE</span></u></b></div>
</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Star
Trails<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Photographing star trails is one way to engage in
astrophotography with basic photography gear. All you need is a camera body
capable of long exposures (Bulb mode); a wide angle lens; a tripod; and a moonless,
clear night at a location free from as much light pollution as possible. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCA951oDfO8eDztPqyCfjvacUYnYQ2VM7gOsuA5kxRuiRNOjGJVp3tstGImkeWm8MXIqD4rRkVfTAlb48TLuBLJ0r6FYpEGKYpxBLyVP4CerBv9mmnKhlAgUirMf6_7Rda97j36tjzqQqt/s1600/IMG_2700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCA951oDfO8eDztPqyCfjvacUYnYQ2VM7gOsuA5kxRuiRNOjGJVp3tstGImkeWm8MXIqD4rRkVfTAlb48TLuBLJ0r6FYpEGKYpxBLyVP4CerBv9mmnKhlAgUirMf6_7Rda97j36tjzqQqt/s320/IMG_2700.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">An intervalometer is well worth the investment but not
essential. This device will automate the imaging process by allowing you to
program shutter speeds, number of exposures, and exposure intervals. A new Nikon intervalometer is pricey - over $150. I've had great luck with the aftermarket version made by Phottix (new - $50).</span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Once the imaging
sequence begins, an intervalometer does the rest in triggering all the exposures you'll need. All that’s left for you to do is replace the
camera’s battery if and when needed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">For circular star trails, locate Polaris (the North Star) and
compose the image with Polaris in the frame. All other stars will appear to
revolve in a circle around Polaris. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXRfcGg6BRxhx_Lrvc6etZCDVkz4-0V5hdahvgjR9b2hdlNaUYhZ2D2uCkEilvgacaDX3KPWDyEs0X7h5rgseM13JkPiiPZJSE4adYIGS84EgiJEUErx7QOaEpQlWBHqgq28PjXZpqN92/s1600/Eiffel1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXRfcGg6BRxhx_Lrvc6etZCDVkz4-0V5hdahvgjR9b2hdlNaUYhZ2D2uCkEilvgacaDX3KPWDyEs0X7h5rgseM13JkPiiPZJSE4adYIGS84EgiJEUErx7QOaEpQlWBHqgq28PjXZpqN92/s640/Eiffel1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eiffel Tower star trails composite</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I created my Eiffel Tower composite using a Nikon D600, a 15mm
Sigma f 2.8 fisheye, a Phottix TR-90 Intervalometer, and a tripod. The star
trails consist of twenty four 15-minute exposures ISO 1600, f2.8, layered
together. The Eiffel Tower image was shot at f2.8, ISO 1600, and 1/40<sup>th</sup>
second.<br />
<br />
As an aside, I also shot some "flats", "darks", and "bias" frames that were included in the pre-Photoshop processing of images. I shoot these frames for all my astro images. The pre-Photoshop process is called "stacking" and it's accomplished in software designed to combine a number of astro images together, i.e., Nebulosity and Deep Sky Stacker. I'll delve into "darks", "flats", and "bias" frames in a later post but if you're anxious to see what these are just Google the terms and you'll find a wealth of information about them and how to shoot them.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Meteor
Showers<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The technique used to shoot star trails can also be used for
capturing images of meteor showers. Because of the sporadic appearance of meteors,
numerous exposures are necessary to capture enough light streaks in the sky. To
create a meteor shower in one image, shoot as many images as you can, select
the ones with light streaks, and then layer them together while brushing out
everything but the light streaks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5RnuCbYtqvjoeeP7epFVDoC66heSRWwXvRAwsT4ERxX3ZO3sgSMJNpDo8jqEnGc3Rnj9IUOtztob_n0qpW8940HPOjI8TscUhR9uk6QMafyy_jh64iz_MRUYjLzlOztX9kLARCgaNOUm/s1600/Perseid+Shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5RnuCbYtqvjoeeP7epFVDoC66heSRWwXvRAwsT4ERxX3ZO3sgSMJNpDo8jqEnGc3Rnj9IUOtztob_n0qpW8940HPOjI8TscUhR9uk6QMafyy_jh64iz_MRUYjLzlOztX9kLARCgaNOUm/s640/Perseid+Shower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Perseid meteor shower composite</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Perseid meteor shower composite was created with a Nikon </span><span style="color: #313131; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">D800E and a Nikon 17-35mm f2.8
lens piggybacked atop my Celestron SE 8 telescope to minimize blurry stars. Absent
a motorized piggyback telescope, keep exposures to a maximum of 30 seconds. I
used ISO 1600 at f2.8 with my intervalometer set to 60-second exposures every 3
minutes for 6 hours on two successive nights. I added a few longer exposures of
the sky to capture the Milky Way. The foreground image was shot during the day
and then converted to simulate night in Photoshop, adding a faux light painting
effect.</span><span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
Milky Way Galaxy<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Milky Way is another astrophotography image that can be
captured with basic photography gear. At a clear, dark site on a moonless night
locate the Milky Way in the night sky. A quick search on the web should help
you find it. The best views in the Northern Hemisphere are from February
through September. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-EdgNr8GVH-FvzrGZ9YeQmyz5oDfRguSbLoX1kT2ULuXEH49vyHtSOmgFLPBZokDPOGd15kRy8Pv5qk-ilL0E8qVeQbKjds9kdSZKq6_jFo3_MVom4-YQqckZa0l_XI0Qq7YrgSp50Ye/s1600/Lighthouse+Milky+Way+Final+Panorama+12-15-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-EdgNr8GVH-FvzrGZ9YeQmyz5oDfRguSbLoX1kT2ULuXEH49vyHtSOmgFLPBZokDPOGd15kRy8Pv5qk-ilL0E8qVeQbKjds9kdSZKq6_jFo3_MVom4-YQqckZa0l_XI0Qq7YrgSp50Ye/s640/Lighthouse+Milky+Way+Final+Panorama+12-15-2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Milky Way</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Using a tripod mounted camera, start with ISO 3200, f2.8 and
a 25-second exposure. Next, shoot several over and underexposed images that
bracket this exposure. Images shot with a shutter speed in excess of 30 seconds
will show some blurring in the stars but no worries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Finally, layer your images one on top of the other. Brush out
the poorly exposed portions from each image. Do the same for any blurry stars
from the slow shutter speed images. Then, merge your layers and make final
processing adjustments.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b><i>Part II - Imaging the Solar System</i></b></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #101010; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In Part II, I will take you to the another level, which I consider to be the next logical step in astrophotography - imaging the moon and planets. Stay tuned.</span></div>
Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-56089935749748640782016-01-11T11:08:00.001-05:002017-02-08T15:23:55.311-05:00Photoshop User Magazine Reprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAMkthuqEFzWNcrOYv-_AJz8GpSfhsZsM-rF-2nvC-85TZj3fevySzqgX1K31L194zncYGhRFjNDzrqGeSMkU5O0HngPIiGGMwr8PolY26NxBr9TmqQuuBcV6F3ffxu5dX55Szgws21LP/s1600/PUM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAMkthuqEFzWNcrOYv-_AJz8GpSfhsZsM-rF-2nvC-85TZj3fevySzqgX1K31L194zncYGhRFjNDzrqGeSMkU5O0HngPIiGGMwr8PolY26NxBr9TmqQuuBcV6F3ffxu5dX55Szgws21LP/s640/PUM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Two years ago, I was asked to write what turned out to be the cover story in the December 2013 issue of Photoshop User Magazine dealing with sports photography. I was recently asked to write another article which I have now finished and submitted on astrophotography. If you are interested in learning some of the ropes in shooting images of the heavens, I tried to walk you through the process, starting with images that can be taken with basic photo gear all the way through shooting through a telescope with a CCD camera. Look for the February issue which should be out soon.<br />
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Those of you who aren't members of NAPP or who don't subscribe to the magazine, copies of the issue are usually sold at Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, etc. As time permits, I will do a multi-part blog post that covers the information in the article.Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-20541224076768676022016-01-11T10:52:00.003-05:002017-02-08T15:24:07.550-05:00Re-Pimped The Pimped Web Site<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTslNr3CnSLLAdCaJ1_p-5wcQ0Mu3WPnJ3QWOVd56-QWWSEdAqADyJNURSO6UnU9r5HzC5wmEusuTxVSt_w34_SvKj0Sapu94v134qDLOKDghbtePKnLkRuosCky-acnufABRUnJi5kGdf/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-11+at+10.24.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTslNr3CnSLLAdCaJ1_p-5wcQ0Mu3WPnJ3QWOVd56-QWWSEdAqADyJNURSO6UnU9r5HzC5wmEusuTxVSt_w34_SvKj0Sapu94v134qDLOKDghbtePKnLkRuosCky-acnufABRUnJi5kGdf/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-11+at+10.24.53+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New cover page</td></tr>
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Seems like I can't leave well enough alone. After having recently pimped up my web site, I just couldn't resist the urge to go back and try something different. So, I switched templates, redesigned the cover page, and generally speaking revamped the whole thing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_axeYpVTx7_EXCG-ERa07hHtCu9_EYzckdj_FaN85fDIzs3L5NhZACjVgnJqwrmUuZGFdfdn3f1Ayi8qj5wJ01FkYJ8W2tVaOpR4XLz2VvXdXT3D8RMGGAiA9K2RR1P7azvr_izGa0fgI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-11+at+10.35.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_axeYpVTx7_EXCG-ERa07hHtCu9_EYzckdj_FaN85fDIzs3L5NhZACjVgnJqwrmUuZGFdfdn3f1Ayi8qj5wJ01FkYJ8W2tVaOpR4XLz2VvXdXT3D8RMGGAiA9K2RR1P7azvr_izGa0fgI/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-01-11+at+10.35.01+AM.png" width="152" /></a></div>
Switching things up is pretty simple in Squarespace if you don't expect an enormous amount of flexibility. The Squarespace templates are designed to be used by folks with limited amount of web design skills, forcing you to use their pre-determined features within each template. Don't get me wrong, there is a certain amount of flexibility in terms of changing things up within a template but not like you'd be able to do if you were writing the code. Alas, I have no idea how to write code so to a great extent I do what I can within the Squarespace design and am thankful to have a decent looking site after I'm all finished.<br />
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I had been using the Momentum template but after checking out some of the newer offerings by Squarespace I decided to go with Fulton. I am still designing my own opening page (Home) by using the Squarespace Cover Page offerings. These pages are really meant to be used as one page web sites but with some tweaking, I use one of the templates as my web site cover page.<br />
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The Fulton template allowed me to design the various image gallery pages so that on opening they default to a grid layout of images rather than a slide show of individual images. Clicking on any of the images immediately transforms the view to a full page slide show and a click on the "X" in the top right corner takes you back to the grid. Clicking within the enlarged image advances the slide show from image to image if you choose to remain in the slide show format. I also like the width of the grid which is 1200 or so pixels wide rather than extending full width of the screen and the banner that you can create across the top using an image of your choice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRPupxL1JQDDzj0HnCYRKys_CyAT4Ybe7RnnO7UZyKERCM_bmYwiQKyC2FzHQ0R7X400bSbX63xr8byDfvsoAcjR_ptS0eAXK-LmNIWzXLRTozmrb2PXDKsf80CDnSpuxrYlo7DDSiuMz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-11+at+10.30.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRPupxL1JQDDzj0HnCYRKys_CyAT4Ybe7RnnO7UZyKERCM_bmYwiQKyC2FzHQ0R7X400bSbX63xr8byDfvsoAcjR_ptS0eAXK-LmNIWzXLRTozmrb2PXDKsf80CDnSpuxrYlo7DDSiuMz/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-11+at+10.30.44+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB-a-yJrkpyia7C4jH-MAqoH-SSn-oUFjNqZOniX0Sk1XIdrQLSuUzfL0dF_1tCrmpvmkdtOtzliqRVr8NR-Tay-20vVWq8easRq2uiG2Bok8Ev3bR2Z5YDAqLeeuGByu_wOlp5wu5ZYg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-11+at+10.31.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB-a-yJrkpyia7C4jH-MAqoH-SSn-oUFjNqZOniX0Sk1XIdrQLSuUzfL0dF_1tCrmpvmkdtOtzliqRVr8NR-Tay-20vVWq8easRq2uiG2Bok8Ev3bR2Z5YDAqLeeuGByu_wOlp5wu5ZYg/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-11+at+10.31.18+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I tried my best to keep the design simple and clean, resisting the urge to muck things up with clutter. Let's see how long this permutation lasts….Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-33323117149289492512016-01-09T20:38:00.000-05:002017-02-08T15:25:00.209-05:00Beauty Without The Beast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGN0h6EGX-thcqpf4mIfSK1b3K_f1zF5-BD8hf30U9lSZLdGVu-TTr65lSjAqNVbK9mUiL1OUiOuamrI_RqcvZMzy_w41VzYgDPeB5nbm_NlSDzGDD0GThxTKIq7vFtEUypywvZArF0FL/s1600/D3S_5457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGN0h6EGX-thcqpf4mIfSK1b3K_f1zF5-BD8hf30U9lSZLdGVu-TTr65lSjAqNVbK9mUiL1OUiOuamrI_RqcvZMzy_w41VzYgDPeB5nbm_NlSDzGDD0GThxTKIq7vFtEUypywvZArF0FL/s640/D3S_5457.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I shoot a model portfolio, if the client does not have a beauty shot, that's where I start the session. Because there's no wardrobe involved and hair is pulled back tight in a pony tail, it takes very little pre-shoot time to get this shot in the can. Makeup is typically benign, mostly eye makeup and some lipstick so again you're shooting within a relatively short period of time after the session begins. The idea for the shot is to emphasize the model's natural beauty without a lot of makeup, accessories, or clothing to compete with the face.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4bb88Q3AUUtqrc9aTBjW6V5HNmJFap0QhttXpOGHQCotLAGKubafXT2TGk8OdBao6WqLRq482sP47dZQsmKu9qUex3mWXRbTTpj9B6mrmdphINf0CkptIViINAxeAvD7H0zAmUetTTly/s1600/D3S_5398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4bb88Q3AUUtqrc9aTBjW6V5HNmJFap0QhttXpOGHQCotLAGKubafXT2TGk8OdBao6WqLRq482sP47dZQsmKu9qUex3mWXRbTTpj9B6mrmdphINf0CkptIViINAxeAvD7H0zAmUetTTly/s640/D3S_5398.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Some photographers set up this shot with only one light, a beauty dish centered, above, and pointed down at the model's face at a 45 degree angle. I use this set up as well but I find that using just this one light creates a noticeable shadow under the model's chin. I have experimented with reflectors, foam core sheets, etc. under the chin but the amount of bounced fill light is just not enough for my taste. My solution is to add a second light with a small soft box in front of and below the model, angled up at her chin at a 45 degree angle. If the beauty dish is metered at f11, I'll experiment by metering the second light at f5.6, sometimes pushing it up to f8 and even f11, depending on the look I'm after.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0uHNPwdqOBvvJkK_CKfCRursSjruV0vzfbYqVrwbiLcpiFn02-PpwJGWwVq9zeYcYLfYLyBaTuqJSo-GFyZahjHAL-KX4Hgqc-JNF1g421V5pJXC8ZvYrhxxF1Tz9NDf9CXr6HN2Ubcs/s1600/D3S_5493B%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0uHNPwdqOBvvJkK_CKfCRursSjruV0vzfbYqVrwbiLcpiFn02-PpwJGWwVq9zeYcYLfYLyBaTuqJSo-GFyZahjHAL-KX4Hgqc-JNF1g421V5pJXC8ZvYrhxxF1Tz9NDf9CXr6HN2Ubcs/s640/D3S_5493B%2526W.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the final image with the setup depicted in the previous image. I was going for a very high key kind of look which is easy to accomplish with the lighting setup used. Here are a few more shots from the same session.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgOLUcJ4bRsJwnod3EL8P_TbYlJIl_m8EV-jCK6nvwEcanzyDwbC-i6r23ygr_fKcOD3cy0zQZPOJaZtWZ1sGlHHxygmwCuH0qsTJ3EWD4nU0B1_ctHWhswRqJC8enZJerDCaqlkfyLSD/s1600/D3S_5464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgOLUcJ4bRsJwnod3EL8P_TbYlJIl_m8EV-jCK6nvwEcanzyDwbC-i6r23ygr_fKcOD3cy0zQZPOJaZtWZ1sGlHHxygmwCuH0qsTJ3EWD4nU0B1_ctHWhswRqJC8enZJerDCaqlkfyLSD/s400/D3S_5464.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWnEVH5HQnSwKMKNuZvmtjpBYF0KZF3JrlVlZxYDr7tWZE7ssoj8R175Bi9o9uOocpcvN1SOuYRjlWhKGFtIx0-GZKDsV2cLno3KbInRtKDkFM00hUxabrq-UCW1yMw1oCJUP2gdyHSXa/s1600/D3S_5492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWnEVH5HQnSwKMKNuZvmtjpBYF0KZF3JrlVlZxYDr7tWZE7ssoj8R175Bi9o9uOocpcvN1SOuYRjlWhKGFtIx0-GZKDsV2cLno3KbInRtKDkFM00hUxabrq-UCW1yMw1oCJUP2gdyHSXa/s400/D3S_5492.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For a brighter, super high key effect, try a large soft box instead of a white seamless backdrop and meter it at f11. My 4'x8' soft box is perfect for this and when used it adds a soft envelope of light that wraps around the model's face. Here's an example.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWGtnOQSqjBCrKWuwZUEqclsgHMcovfYkbQ5yJGvvcy4RakNt3TeGh4f0FGLKz5k6ZLkScsiwVqpRpSz_a53PYtPWP_PQ5kYYXabJly6s25BGTadb4eby5RZeQ1O4tKwlKXDv9OkJCG1J/s1600/_D030272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWGtnOQSqjBCrKWuwZUEqclsgHMcovfYkbQ5yJGvvcy4RakNt3TeGh4f0FGLKz5k6ZLkScsiwVqpRpSz_a53PYtPWP_PQ5kYYXabJly6s25BGTadb4eby5RZeQ1O4tKwlKXDv9OkJCG1J/s640/_D030272.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, whether you go with the super high key look or something a little softer, try using that second light under the chin to eliminate the shadow created by the key light above the model's head.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKqYK4KbsC-16EMJuDjqxmFE5TW0wI_8JkZYcejFD6VYs1sMO366Zu6qUn-5ih9Cbs8wPxvuUkZeRFSQgxuJBCaEjZA3JAamv6U6FIiOmN383lzXxtrPbV-oVavaZHuibYhyphenhyphen8as4_CsPG/s1600/D3S_6898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKqYK4KbsC-16EMJuDjqxmFE5TW0wI_8JkZYcejFD6VYs1sMO366Zu6qUn-5ih9Cbs8wPxvuUkZeRFSQgxuJBCaEjZA3JAamv6U6FIiOmN383lzXxtrPbV-oVavaZHuibYhyphenhyphen8as4_CsPG/s640/D3S_6898.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-81504077829881544302015-06-29T09:59:00.000-04:002017-02-08T15:25:13.764-05:00All Done Pimping My Website<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u3Om-0JURHOnDURXlSO0Tr8yB5i865GXkAU35Plk-ludDmfg2BHHv-L30LKLVO0EN_uDrnPo5pUPTHUJJR0SfLAI9y0-r6r8sxMmeTkkjIkjLYlKK87DNaE5RYWpDJqj54O8gt4Rnek6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+7.55.17+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u3Om-0JURHOnDURXlSO0Tr8yB5i865GXkAU35Plk-ludDmfg2BHHv-L30LKLVO0EN_uDrnPo5pUPTHUJJR0SfLAI9y0-r6r8sxMmeTkkjIkjLYlKK87DNaE5RYWpDJqj54O8gt4Rnek6/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+7.55.17+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designing the new cover page on Squarespace</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgnH3raLZlRYFaBYANgVVlhGYPAKa8xAoW-4xOB3qGasw9A3KWbQBdchB6otCl64BGnQiRY__eakNa6crPf4g9fXtIQvQymo2l6bTsOBpToEu1RMW3bLGBw5skHPBlNJkv8LHQaoTSCj2/s1600/Sports.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgnH3raLZlRYFaBYANgVVlhGYPAKa8xAoW-4xOB3qGasw9A3KWbQBdchB6otCl64BGnQiRY__eakNa6crPf4g9fXtIQvQymo2l6bTsOBpToEu1RMW3bLGBw5skHPBlNJkv8LHQaoTSCj2/s200/Sports.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My original Squarespace site</td></tr>
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For a few weeks now I've been working on unleashing the Gods of Websites on my poor old tired site. They say change is good so I dove in and gave the site a completely new look - new template, new logo, new fonts, new image display, and even new images. The new design was the brainchild of my female offspring unit who I decided to bring into the process to take advantage of her brand new degree from Florida State in Digital Media and Graphics Design.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOCsloYMSXH8gMOuG5mODEnBEmWMn1f-t1SfIe_2teEl9oEPxLs8IWKTB-JGFFwCHBWhoHJ7fRsRQSzm9tmtng129KE_O57aIF5oSzYqR8Hlu3f1cHfrP17vVPl6fuktqy2WsQCQ1wJO6/s1600/website.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOCsloYMSXH8gMOuG5mODEnBEmWMn1f-t1SfIe_2teEl9oEPxLs8IWKTB-JGFFwCHBWhoHJ7fRsRQSzm9tmtng129KE_O57aIF5oSzYqR8Hlu3f1cHfrP17vVPl6fuktqy2WsQCQ1wJO6/s200/website.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The more recent site before its renovation</td></tr>
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It's was hard for me to let go of my affinity for all thinks tacky and gaudy but slowly, patiently, she persuaded, cajoled, and nudged me to a new design that was much cleaner than anything I had dreamed up by myself in the past. I wrote about the design process recently <a href="http://baselineshots.blogspot.com/2015/06/houston-we-have-problema-stale-dated.html" target="_blank">(here)</a> so I won't go into that aspect of the process again.<br />
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After the site was redesigned, I thought the hard work was over since Squarespace converted all of my portfolio galleries into the new format seamlessly. Then I came up with the notion that maybe it was time to put some new images on the site so I could include stuff that came out of my camera bodies over the past year or so, maybe even throwing in a few other images that had special meaning to me but I had never processed.<br />
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Little did I know that going through thousands of images and then trying to select, re-process, and limit the number of images would be light years more difficult than redesigning the site. But it's all in the rear view mirror now as it's finito.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_8kS8YS02PtU38x94qEP64q5NUe6gvL_xna8-lySjF0j1XKIFVuXFQe8QzkPNZxMZ08MafwOgS-xw7-5ndAnWpNfTsN7E27e_kgBpaigG6Ediy5wI-3S4kna5I7qqDCoIlXl-S9wKJ9a/s1600/Mike+Olivella_D608175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_8kS8YS02PtU38x94qEP64q5NUe6gvL_xna8-lySjF0j1XKIFVuXFQe8QzkPNZxMZ08MafwOgS-xw7-5ndAnWpNfTsN7E27e_kgBpaigG6Ediy5wI-3S4kna5I7qqDCoIlXl-S9wKJ9a/s640/Mike+Olivella_D608175.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New shot in the "Football" gallery</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTR3d2ALiv9lIpELjmAfeJq8oxDGGYDpgNa7Q8ladBwFBJRpLhG5EeroA5e1LYuQEEEpyDLN2orgaxUGhNQK_VJOZsVWBFzejYagmGUBbq14_Kt-gz3fHnCpQQMp3vjlaqGjYZcjHsTgvK/s1600/WINSTON+Jameis_Mike+Olivella_D3S1359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTR3d2ALiv9lIpELjmAfeJq8oxDGGYDpgNa7Q8ladBwFBJRpLhG5EeroA5e1LYuQEEEpyDLN2orgaxUGhNQK_VJOZsVWBFzejYagmGUBbq14_Kt-gz3fHnCpQQMp3vjlaqGjYZcjHsTgvK/s640/WINSTON+Jameis_Mike+Olivella_D3S1359.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New shot in the "Football" gallery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0wmRTlQjRvpwQfoCj7BGX5uqp1rQROn7J-_bwV-QM34fbBYK3gFjx_-UiW7zzVX-llHCMohhp1nr3BczT7PknZQIAG7bxMRbLqpBdhArmZJPDEb1fNHkgNpSi48N3abHSia5GCWj2ZZc/s1600/_D605513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0wmRTlQjRvpwQfoCj7BGX5uqp1rQROn7J-_bwV-QM34fbBYK3gFjx_-UiW7zzVX-llHCMohhp1nr3BczT7PknZQIAG7bxMRbLqpBdhArmZJPDEb1fNHkgNpSi48N3abHSia5GCWj2ZZc/s400/_D605513.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New shot in "The World" gallery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At first I was just going to add one gallery with a few sports, studio, scenic, travel and people shots. As I poured through my desktop hard drives copying and pasting possibilities into a portable hard drive I paid no attention to quantity. As images popped up on my preview screen, if they caught my attention for one reason or another they were copied and pasted for processing. When I was all done, I opened the hard drive only to find that I had copied and pasted well over 1,000 images. Yikes. Talk about a big gallery. I realized there was no way to reduce that number to a manageable gallery of 30-35 images so I went to Plan B - multiple galleries with images grouped into the same themes in my Portfolios. I created folders on the portable hard drive for each genre - Sports, Studio, Black & White, etc. and funneled the images into the appropriate folder.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWbtJk5WDxeXYZS2Vlmv0hrsY1akJYyw96IWrLRmndy3LXBCb-d5d3TpLoUHzjMxdiiOUtCKVn0NbD4G3xObfB9YIEmrb4AKlG2s4CqQSOPSRA3DJCo-_E1ZozpkVYt1g_fq_stkeyojS/s1600/_D030349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWbtJk5WDxeXYZS2Vlmv0hrsY1akJYyw96IWrLRmndy3LXBCb-d5d3TpLoUHzjMxdiiOUtCKVn0NbD4G3xObfB9YIEmrb4AKlG2s4CqQSOPSRA3DJCo-_E1ZozpkVYt1g_fq_stkeyojS/s400/_D030349.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my new Studio shots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, the gallery format on the new site initially displays images in a large grid, but clicking on any image transforms the gallery into a full page view of each image, allowing a viewer to click through them full size. So, I had to make sure each image would not only look good in a grid but also when enlarged to full size. Night after night, hour after hour over the past week I sat at my desktop working on images, organizing them, discarding anything that I didn't think was worthy, and putting them into their respective folders. When I was through I still had way too many images but at least the number had shrunk down to less than half of the original number.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7_NTH-qUo2rs5npWLgxUQ3K6j9sNwrrWM6XYFtRmyrmakND7KAf1orePdZtUHR2FtIPnEEBGqVGtN0MJkxHzpATXhQWDVFwTw7nsc_LbJFCXNrzvYuu_11kw55WgStsptNyH9THlNm6a/s1600/_D308519_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7_NTH-qUo2rs5npWLgxUQ3K6j9sNwrrWM6XYFtRmyrmakND7KAf1orePdZtUHR2FtIPnEEBGqVGtN0MJkxHzpATXhQWDVFwTw7nsc_LbJFCXNrzvYuu_11kw55WgStsptNyH9THlNm6a/s640/_D308519_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new shot in "The U.S.A." gallery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxEfqBfRu2tjy1EMx0SO8ZGKwdR9_KWHznmjd0BBOjXFwnA51pvT-IT3Rida23K7A9HWJstbcqvL0sl1dUf1WsDjcH3iEkEQ_qaVxNtyzBe8N35kzfgr_-ZWaszRsvqCJg_pjATAM8WOP/s1600/D3S_8532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxEfqBfRu2tjy1EMx0SO8ZGKwdR9_KWHznmjd0BBOjXFwnA51pvT-IT3Rida23K7A9HWJstbcqvL0sl1dUf1WsDjcH3iEkEQ_qaVxNtyzBe8N35kzfgr_-ZWaszRsvqCJg_pjATAM8WOP/s400/D3S_8532.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New shot in the "Other Sports" gallery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To make a very long story short, I started to create the new galleries by uploading all the images that remained. That opened up a new cans of worms. I had way, way too many sports images. Go figure. I didn't want my sports gallery to be dominated by football, baseball, and basketball because I wanted to include images from other sports but I also didn't want to sacrifice some of the football or baseball images just because of a numbers issue. That caused me to gravitate towards breaking down the sports gallery into several galleries - one for football, one for basketball, one for baseball, etc., giving each major sport its own decent sized gallery with a catch all "Other Sports" gallery. Problem solved? Hah. Adding all those galleries made the navigation list at the top of my web site pages look like a book. On to Plan C - figure out a way to condense that navigation links into something readable and easy to follow.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0HJkKUrIdHEHW4h49Dp1yad3Xo-SwF2G_cHSgPpRO1nfUbcqRT6ILRcw51xgy9kBnzWUdvIuIYrzxirdftZ_GDbxzVYQEXyaChZLxmujrDdqpRsuQtfq7cbsWLSgU8dHJk0LZnH6van3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-27+at+8.33.40+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0HJkKUrIdHEHW4h49Dp1yad3Xo-SwF2G_cHSgPpRO1nfUbcqRT6ILRcw51xgy9kBnzWUdvIuIYrzxirdftZ_GDbxzVYQEXyaChZLxmujrDdqpRsuQtfq7cbsWLSgU8dHJk0LZnH6van3/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-27+at+8.33.40+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New navigation menu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Going back into the Squarespace design menu I figured out a way to create a "New Images" page with folders, each folder containing the gallery for each genre of images. Hovering on the navigation link resulted in a drop down menu listing Football, Basketball, etc. for easy peezy selection. Not stopping there, I did the same thing with the Portfolios. Much to my pleasant surprise I killed a flock of birds with one stone - a navigation menu that was even cleaner and simpler than before and easy to follow.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBCIWthl0yA57qNJfJtcqr8nPZRH7XhJn8tQlfZVI6OuVyvHmsBYHd-9Qmfn_wlhod3VEV2N4h3svj4dWoVNS0bvZsr3iq3SrQXU4v-HrkNmfNAMWPyW-gxzQR2rZeEXxWznYsJlsvTXl/s1600/_D604378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBCIWthl0yA57qNJfJtcqr8nPZRH7XhJn8tQlfZVI6OuVyvHmsBYHd-9Qmfn_wlhod3VEV2N4h3svj4dWoVNS0bvZsr3iq3SrQXU4v-HrkNmfNAMWPyW-gxzQR2rZeEXxWznYsJlsvTXl/s640/_D604378.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New shot in the "People" gallery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I finished up by renaming the galleries and translating those names to the Portfolio galleries. That meant moving images around in the Portfolio galleries since I got rid of "Black & White" and went with a gallery titled "People". I also got rid of the color and black & white travel image galleries and reshuffled images into a galleries for images from the U.S. and images from abroad. I still have too many images in many of the galleries but I just don't have the fortitude to take them down. Supposedly the rule is to keep the number of images on a photography web site gallery to 20 and certainly no more than 30. Maybe someday I'll bite the bullet but for now it is what it is.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/football/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9255r73dwXM7cdj-bkgb1ITpEMDM3wjaa6pfX_woAyi_ZRAdaEAQ7NmLjmfkLLGqvxK8dxHeCdJ8kyLaSY0xhVvOj9i5id7rhrOVrVv069qHjvJiEpdOoqUDvHyDUrdV4tuOKZklalwX/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-27+at+8.28.26+AM.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/football/" target="_blank">New "Football" gallery</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/all-things-sports/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAO_XXxQIiwTc9ZjmVRs4LiwWVLMOjQzQz338kvJBaG5O8JID4hcXiT7H9vu-btyXolNgxQYzd26xSu08zQblXFA5LxoSyJrrFnmh-d3Ejt-aA0O4F9Y5WBwFWRouDyxOtgzuRpdN6ilD/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-27+at+8.29.01+AM.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/all-things-sports/" target="_blank">New "Other Sports" gallery</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/on-the-road-again/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfvtaYnevj309eP2fM0S-_SfnB-UzFsVcjQIBDkzBWCmYQZtnQYf30SXr4q3K6VVdxO37dzjAMWd7Io1OqGgoEJHA6ZxL1Tnn1JSfWl-XqU45NOBsxlT0_9NtgMrgyag31hqtNlzuRp-N/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-27+at+8.30.20+AM.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/on-the-road-again/" target="_blank">New "The World" gallery</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/people/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sFa7uxXAVDIWmrj8f1PObA7pjBW05tecxiS1-_GOB7m0E8KFqsNLYC5YFad02fPxLsd1ktLB7d-DzsP7Dk1u2of_tYzBCeDWYZS57oAWWsJt_8U5ez1ax0H90d-DbYe-HFvHrFP6D_hL/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-27+at+8.30.36+AM.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/people/" target="_blank">New "People" gallery</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/stu-stu-studio/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYIZQjiI9Img7Gz7dWbkNdvFYUXQS00M9WBFOpAgX9EWyeds82BgMhu866eWh00bC50CD-aVcPz9Z3mf_QlRDNDO7gS985tSCNEMqAGmShpZicXC9PzBW_t7zgGXIqp4Br-XWBzIcE2lS/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-27+at+8.29.18+AM.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/stu-stu-studio/" target="_blank">New "Studio" gallery</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/americana/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5eMs4hnWDO2NKo8myCOag-TE26pDLWqb48Lg9LebBBYYDRNf_-4RM-YEyqyZqigskq7jTvNbMZSVbgYeI9cSiqyo4ylD7Hi5T3dRiTWJ-E2b1AsAWVb_x1uY1lQsVKt1vd25em5bK99I/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-27+at+8.29.57+AM.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/americana/" target="_blank">New "The U.S.A." gallery</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/baseball/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUbGbGsdxZE16hjip2V2_haFrVM03plMgSBcMzurTxnLGAPOIfhxGHjoCMyXLOhiYCgN5CAfKLERQ-udPWqUGyldbzv3c1nRHwyLJGMFZlKUYQ9ETdJM3n3a8z_AXaYonuQLtDk7hCyml/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-27+at+11.22.25+AM.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://baselineshots.com/baseball/" target="_blank">New "Baseball & Softball" gallery</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, here they are. Each new gallery was limited to no more than 35 images. You gotta try to follow the rules at least to some extent, right? That's 7 new galleries containing well over 200 images that are now on my website. Too many? Maybe. I'll live with it for now. I know that's my gaudy, tacky self rearing its ugly head but it's good to let the beast out every now and then.<br />
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<br />Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-27606217903373903302015-06-26T09:42:00.001-04:002015-06-26T09:43:00.967-04:00I'm Not Mac'ing This Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-QSmnIqgaVtn4GQogra3I3mJrBUxpoDA5B6okvJyouOsHT6LaaSJfQm3bcCUD3AqgFmUkWaXXke4WnHynppFWeHwaMi9EUvGX3a7tgg34MOTcKnaagPHrtMCCuSFY_QQEVRUO07EzuY7/s1600/IMG_2216a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-QSmnIqgaVtn4GQogra3I3mJrBUxpoDA5B6okvJyouOsHT6LaaSJfQm3bcCUD3AqgFmUkWaXXke4WnHynppFWeHwaMi9EUvGX3a7tgg34MOTcKnaagPHrtMCCuSFY_QQEVRUO07EzuY7/s640/IMG_2216a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What would you say if I told you I picked up a new-used 20" iMac, refurbished by Apple certified technicians, for the whopping sum of $259.00 plus sales tax (because I live in Florida) and $35 for shipping (because I didn't want to drive to Tampa to pick it up)? It may be a mid 2007 model but this bad boy has a lot of life left in it and will be just the ticket to replace an old, tired Windows XP PC at our cabin in North Georgia.<br />
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Every time we have headed up for down time at our cabin, we've powered up the PC and lived with its slooooow internet capability and Photoshop PS2. It got to the point where everyone took their laptops with them because using the PC was just not worth the trouble. No more. We now have an inordinately functional desktop that will serve our purpose and then some; and its a Mac.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA2dggcWRESkllKPIQv5qyT0OJ8a4IZB8m4MPxHSV0t8q3RkviQyL4ZxcZqpgSd_r4VpNr5bpQ26QcjZmSFbdFYgW7GGqG3uws-pRIrDuci_Sg_O0dOSZFb__p131ru8VmsMJIUZ8_T8F/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-26+at+9.00.56+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA2dggcWRESkllKPIQv5qyT0OJ8a4IZB8m4MPxHSV0t8q3RkviQyL4ZxcZqpgSd_r4VpNr5bpQ26QcjZmSFbdFYgW7GGqG3uws-pRIrDuci_Sg_O0dOSZFb__p131ru8VmsMJIUZ8_T8F/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-26+at+9.00.56+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The specs on the $259 iMac</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I chose this particular iMac because it was upgradeable to 6MB RAM (it came with 2MB RAM) and I had some spare RAM memory laying around after I upped the memory a couple of years ago on my home based iMac. 6MB of RAM is more than enough to run Photoshop CC smoothly and handle an operating system upgrade from Mountain Lion to Yosemite. For $259.00 it was light years better than any PC I could have gotten.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmN4h-vom2N7Xeu0aaR1WwYOJQ9ibcrCQ3iQg0F3PoRWKwZkCrzg6apgN_9TCwNh4no5bl0cMVF7a33KzPAIi6rtoXgStDc3dkkBx4bLLILrqEP2F_CEr3Io9DrIntO1PmzfYg3xuh24h/s1600/Mac+of+All+Trades.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmN4h-vom2N7Xeu0aaR1WwYOJQ9ibcrCQ3iQg0F3PoRWKwZkCrzg6apgN_9TCwNh4no5bl0cMVF7a33KzPAIi6rtoXgStDc3dkkBx4bLLILrqEP2F_CEr3Io9DrIntO1PmzfYg3xuh24h/s640/Mac+of+All+Trades.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mac of All Trades web site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QF4TqQVoVYLevAjg6-T_jvAAXHa8hCND62L49qNp34opTfAek7EXMxbeMfTk-odE-a8whjOWhDkKzUrOy5GUjFJkwwIF65XRZyJqageB0TFrJwIsSkok0hPnDfGy3dhW9TuZuY9103KF/s1600/%252420+Off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QF4TqQVoVYLevAjg6-T_jvAAXHa8hCND62L49qNp34opTfAek7EXMxbeMfTk-odE-a8whjOWhDkKzUrOy5GUjFJkwwIF65XRZyJqageB0TFrJwIsSkok0hPnDfGy3dhW9TuZuY9103KF/s640/%252420+Off.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$20 Off Banner that rotates with other banners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I normally don't sing the praises of any particular vendor but I break this rule when a vendor comes along that offers great products at great prices, provides prompt shipping, and most of all sells me exactly what I bargained for. Mac of All Trades is everything I hoped for and a bag of chips, and its where I found my new-used iMac. I stumbled across their web site a few days ago and began looking through its offerings. When I saw the $279.00 price on the 2007 iMac, I was seriously considering pulling the trigger on it. When the web site banner changed and I saw that I could get $20 off simply by being a new customer and signing up for their newsletter, so much the better. I used a catch-all Yahoo! email address I have just for stuff like that, signed up, got my email from them to verify the address, and in a couple of minutes the price dropped to $259.00.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQm158nUbgqD9zXLetQ0lUeXqVlOQGpfrQ6jfFAxaih0eM_k3engI2NxG7BsSE78r4bnJ_fT0BRP9sNg_VM5v4fVJvlnehXgdy1z6cLFrtNTO97MeSlcSrwCuLUEzdGgymAZx7boKX8zw/s1600/iMac.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQm158nUbgqD9zXLetQ0lUeXqVlOQGpfrQ6jfFAxaih0eM_k3engI2NxG7BsSE78r4bnJ_fT0BRP9sNg_VM5v4fVJvlnehXgdy1z6cLFrtNTO97MeSlcSrwCuLUEzdGgymAZx7boKX8zw/s640/iMac.png" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the iMac offerings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGJhstiLpjL7zTue3JTTouIi350JftNAp1Us51TrkpCDeaYsdBzDCCq0D9ykz_eRufECjS_upqzD6cZrvfz5MqG6CRAgaLn7YsTf1j-sLRAHMRUJTaegCnJjpGtnJ5ETQPPRsJqZ3_GVN/s1600/Macbook+Pro+15%2522.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGJhstiLpjL7zTue3JTTouIi350JftNAp1Us51TrkpCDeaYsdBzDCCq0D9ykz_eRufECjS_upqzD6cZrvfz5MqG6CRAgaLn7YsTf1j-sLRAHMRUJTaegCnJjpGtnJ5ETQPPRsJqZ3_GVN/s640/Macbook+Pro+15%2522.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the 15" Macbook Pro offerings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrig0hTzQDZVcAfcErNllT9bzVN4xI9egOa7Y4Kon6JBWupRuBPfmh-bZhakrqLINxJxRQfyTBhHLWWmkBITgwP7Ml5kUPctPYhhiOeE9pF0HKMwsHr0jmaDLLdN5oEHynaZO1IZmPnNyR/s1600/Macbook+Pro.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrig0hTzQDZVcAfcErNllT9bzVN4xI9egOa7Y4Kon6JBWupRuBPfmh-bZhakrqLINxJxRQfyTBhHLWWmkBITgwP7Ml5kUPctPYhhiOeE9pF0HKMwsHr0jmaDLLdN5oEHynaZO1IZmPnNyR/s400/Macbook+Pro.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the 13" Macbook Pro offerings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've posted some examples of the Macs available from Mac of All Trades above. They pretty much have every Mac you could possibly want, including all manner of Macbook Pros, Macbook Airs, Mac Minis, iMacs, and towers. In the way of Mac accessories, they carry most everything like keyboards, mice, and displays ranging from 20" to 27". Need an iPad or an iPhone? They have those too. All products come with a 90-day warranty but you can purchase extended warranties of 1 and 2 years.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eu6-v-khGFdUs_KLPNng-67FHGG6KPn3WAdaVc9rrd6v0QB7jTgH5MpceordgB5zU7AHh_mDeTnwVRfpiUv8z5YcRJr1NcWJeGIrNn8fJE5yfQlwqilA9rl24jg1A9iQcCi7OT2_K4Zd/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-26+at+9.24.24+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eu6-v-khGFdUs_KLPNng-67FHGG6KPn3WAdaVc9rrd6v0QB7jTgH5MpceordgB5zU7AHh_mDeTnwVRfpiUv8z5YcRJr1NcWJeGIrNn8fJE5yfQlwqilA9rl24jg1A9iQcCi7OT2_K4Zd/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-26+at+9.24.24+AM.png" width="526" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Deals of the Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you decide to pay Mac of All Trades a visit, don't forget to check out their Deals of the Day page for additional savings. Had I needed a Macbook Pro, I could have bought a 13" Mid 2009 model for $229.00. That's a lot of laptop for $229.00.<br />
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So, if you're looking for any kind of Mac and you'd rather not cough up the big bucks, you may want to check out Mac of All Trades.Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-65802735864897710162015-06-19T10:32:00.000-04:002017-02-08T15:25:49.682-05:00Houston, We Have A Problem… A Stale, Dated Website Design<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgnH3raLZlRYFaBYANgVVlhGYPAKa8xAoW-4xOB3qGasw9A3KWbQBdchB6otCl64BGnQiRY__eakNa6crPf4g9fXtIQvQymo2l6bTsOBpToEu1RMW3bLGBw5skHPBlNJkv8LHQaoTSCj2/s1600/Sports.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgnH3raLZlRYFaBYANgVVlhGYPAKa8xAoW-4xOB3qGasw9A3KWbQBdchB6otCl64BGnQiRY__eakNa6crPf4g9fXtIQvQymo2l6bTsOBpToEu1RMW3bLGBw5skHPBlNJkv8LHQaoTSCj2/s640/Sports.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My old website design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was time. Way past time. My photography website needed a face lift and I have been putting it off and putting it off and putting it off. I'd much rather spend my time shooting images rather than dealing with what I consider to be tedious design stuff. Give me a couple of monolights, a soft box, and a couple of pieces of foam core, throw in a model and a white seamless background and I'm all up for an afternoon of shooting. Or send me out to a baseball game, give me a couple of camera bodies, a 400mm f2.8, and a 70-200mm f2.8 lens and I'll think I've died and gone to heaven.<br />
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But sitting in front of a computer trying to decide whether to use a white or black background, choosing between Kozuka Gothic Pro EL or Adobe Heti Std R fonts, or testing templates to see which one looks best is not my idea of a good time.<br />
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But like shaving or mowing the lawn, it has to be done. My website generates a lot of work for me. When Fill-In-The-Blank University is coming to town to play FSU in fill-in-the sport and they need a photographer to shoot the game/match/series and I'm not on tap to shoot it for FSU, my website is what gives a sports information director the comfort level of knowing that I will do a good job for them and am worth what I've quoted them as a fee. Or when a magazine needs a cover or images for a photo spread, my website gives the photo editor a chance to compare my work with others under consideration.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>Getting To Work</i></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Summer is the best time for me to take a break from shooting and buckle down for a website refresh. For the most part, my sports photography obligations are on hiatus until football season begins in the fall and I have a lot more time to devote to pouring over the past year's images for possible addition to the site, tinkering with page design, and yes, font selection.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirirUtQ6syQ3tPn6NpDly77vF-wVYP4x3ksbwbcjHo6iAKAsYeYYnTLAIHpXGjUUdNqp7FcIMAiVL1acjDES_EOAvYayEHDWcZhSLYzsG7e9j345uyLXoBRyl8ATqCG5gdKp95GmtQGfkm/s1600/Squarespace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirirUtQ6syQ3tPn6NpDly77vF-wVYP4x3ksbwbcjHo6iAKAsYeYYnTLAIHpXGjUUdNqp7FcIMAiVL1acjDES_EOAvYayEHDWcZhSLYzsG7e9j345uyLXoBRyl8ATqCG5gdKp95GmtQGfkm/s640/Squarespace.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use Squarespace to not only host my website but to design it using their quick, simple features</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before diving in to the redesign process, I thought it would be a good ice to do some reading about website design trends for 2015 and more specifically the designs of photography portfolio sites. Prevailing suggestions included using a clean, simple, uncluttered design with white or a very light background and using a cover page as a precursor to actually getting into the nuts and bolts of the site. It also seemed that a new trend was getting away from the single-image, full bleed photo galleries that popped up when navigating to a portfolio page, replaced by a grid style layout that would transform into a large image gallery with a click of the mouse on any image.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTjzhh1Oj1PieH1RT8WUmvmdqWYUDy3ceLmb7nJR4CphjSuGdBl1Qvlg1lm39RAllXRkegB1kBHJ0qw6RkhHWkbhXE5S0jkAEGSSK-G8i0uH4UJjcLED01GiklOvU_tvfqDDAjLfAM8NR/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+8.46.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTjzhh1Oj1PieH1RT8WUmvmdqWYUDy3ceLmb7nJR4CphjSuGdBl1Qvlg1lm39RAllXRkegB1kBHJ0qw6RkhHWkbhXE5S0jkAEGSSK-G8i0uH4UJjcLED01GiklOvU_tvfqDDAjLfAM8NR/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+8.46.44+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squarespace's template selection page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So off to races last week, I dove into Squarespace's template selection page to test out various templates in demo fashion concentrating on the templates that used grids. Squarespace has a feature that allows you to demo each template before settling on the one you decide to use and after a lot of template installations to sample what was available I settled on "Avenir". None of the templates had everything I thought I wanted but it had the overall look I was trying to achieve. The biggest thing it lacked was a true cover page. Other than that, after playing with the design features inherent to the template, I felt like I could make it work. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9liHOwTU1JaPbGkGaTWXoxIIdLnSWVonIkmF6K-p_PKK41_SxeqWJKE6oE8GCG2zX3vIT1cNVcE57IqSHdWDK5z-fnIF6UhywEqRmIG1GK2FP_LPjOUprxLZO4YJS2GoPPniRTKjrV2AD/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+9.35.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9liHOwTU1JaPbGkGaTWXoxIIdLnSWVonIkmF6K-p_PKK41_SxeqWJKE6oE8GCG2zX3vIT1cNVcE57IqSHdWDK5z-fnIF6UhywEqRmIG1GK2FP_LPjOUprxLZO4YJS2GoPPniRTKjrV2AD/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+9.35.59+AM.png" width="534" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then, by accident, I discovered that Squarespace was way ahead of me. I guess with the trend of using cover pages on websites becoming more entrenched, the folks at Squarespace added a new feature to its design options - creating a cover page and adding it to any of the templates. Bumbling and stumbling my way through the process of designing a cover page, I went through several permutations and ended up with…. Ta dah, my new website cover page.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Cd7uYO4Z-JDUd6jaRyve0tbMpCvAPz-FSjNVTV1glfZzwavDmVzl-2YXoJKI54Jr9Ghv-eCHrkuEOOUujZgb5eW9_eFVKSsevr1drUr7234FMT1NsEXqc4fsRacwCifQRulQWtA3FthY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+7.52.40+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Cd7uYO4Z-JDUd6jaRyve0tbMpCvAPz-FSjNVTV1glfZzwavDmVzl-2YXoJKI54Jr9Ghv-eCHrkuEOOUujZgb5eW9_eFVKSsevr1drUr7234FMT1NsEXqc4fsRacwCifQRulQWtA3FthY/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+7.52.40+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New cover page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3JvjFVSlKU0K_wZe7x5EGzW_hggLtGHHeU_x-K8eTDETHyIbJgSJg8k28cBKTqCq9lzYnS3fKHzX2vXCcl3AISb5IHbrep_uj2nJDq4Gh5F-2Az4DeFBXfkrGnVGbc3QKORTsnbwrRyZ/s1600/Logo2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3JvjFVSlKU0K_wZe7x5EGzW_hggLtGHHeU_x-K8eTDETHyIbJgSJg8k28cBKTqCq9lzYnS3fKHzX2vXCcl3AISb5IHbrep_uj2nJDq4Gh5F-2Az4DeFBXfkrGnVGbc3QKORTsnbwrRyZ/s320/Logo2.png" width="320" /></a>I also spent some time creating a new logo to include on the cover page and at the top of each of the pages. Here's the final product (L).</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i>So How Does The New Page Design Look?</i></span></h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV19UFSTXCNATnySU4cxMNxJqy2gfJFUvWxZ91YfPTsVDbl2zAwUEUzO4gDIrT-rhaQdg690sP_O1fyjbtgrl0hbCk86d0Kl0cclxudp1t26E3TD64NBIir4fG3pvBkQj0oxxQcCR_awFm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+7.53.17+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV19UFSTXCNATnySU4cxMNxJqy2gfJFUvWxZ91YfPTsVDbl2zAwUEUzO4gDIrT-rhaQdg690sP_O1fyjbtgrl0hbCk86d0Kl0cclxudp1t26E3TD64NBIir4fG3pvBkQj0oxxQcCR_awFm/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+7.53.17+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sports portfolio page</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoHHFfO-6h7jxnO56IWrTf4shbUl5A66zvkib9uvFs4WdV3WK4hALODjTPWk0BsKrbqeXg57-pxFCJL5fBE7ShSXbaiGrznSUmwv_dYyY4Iqi7Yd7c7bGsrQMt2vjQaOdKgOVwRIqJNDu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+7.53.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoHHFfO-6h7jxnO56IWrTf4shbUl5A66zvkib9uvFs4WdV3WK4hALODjTPWk0BsKrbqeXg57-pxFCJL5fBE7ShSXbaiGrznSUmwv_dYyY4Iqi7Yd7c7bGsrQMt2vjQaOdKgOVwRIqJNDu/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+7.53.42+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studio portfolio page</td></tr>
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Squarespace automatically incorporated all of the existing images from my old website portfolios into Avenir's grid styled gallery layout so that was easy enough. Until I'm completely through with the website I'm going with the same images but some will no doubt be replaced with newer images.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnlm0RWrSqBv7Cwyhgim6vsmuR-cFPogs8hfxzoMeBXBlnWVkzufZ5jPru-_kAnVTLk3ma6Q_HlzdcDbZEFAbS5gu6zf7pFKklekRcvXrM1VIIoLh7Wg3BIGG9QZ2_Eg24g9iAaCCv346/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+9.51.54+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnlm0RWrSqBv7Cwyhgim6vsmuR-cFPogs8hfxzoMeBXBlnWVkzufZ5jPru-_kAnVTLk3ma6Q_HlzdcDbZEFAbS5gu6zf7pFKklekRcvXrM1VIIoLh7Wg3BIGG9QZ2_Eg24g9iAaCCv346/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+9.51.54+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clicking on the first image in the Sports portfolio page opens a full size gallery that you can scroll through.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskq-h-YK-T9pIzNMebV1u1YiOfAF8_8EfJp0hPAwLlr6JI4iOZmOKBdciN0euH3eVE1EqIai2aIqtdgQMOvDPh-GBU1GOvagL4GFR3-0Yb0J9JJfGA0YqnEfLAXMFSuvSzexBnqXX3FMR/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+9.53.11+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskq-h-YK-T9pIzNMebV1u1YiOfAF8_8EfJp0hPAwLlr6JI4iOZmOKBdciN0euH3eVE1EqIai2aIqtdgQMOvDPh-GBU1GOvagL4GFR3-0Yb0J9JJfGA0YqnEfLAXMFSuvSzexBnqXX3FMR/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+9.53.11+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full size Studio portfolio gallery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Until now I've never been a big fan of the grid styled gallery layout opting instead to go with the full size style of galleries on my pages. But I now see why the trend has shifted. Not only does the grid style allow a viewer to immediately get a view of several images (and you can adjust the size of the images in the grid to taste), a simple click of the mouse on any image converts the gallery to a full size version that enlarges the images. Viewers now have the option of a quick peek at a large sampling of images or a more detailed view of each image. Best of both worlds, in my mind. I'm diggin' it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU7g30psmXMMZ6cV_bWBRvCwZAYkwPRXd9yH_2g_ntA8zxL0ccdhj6ajmRgIlzjPQ9rLnJ2QnuakBYu7IRdnzMWi3ze-WZzlpSBSXaqv8CQkMq6-mPRxoAwfilQTdDA5BI-dxeKWGw713/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+8.06.29+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU7g30psmXMMZ6cV_bWBRvCwZAYkwPRXd9yH_2g_ntA8zxL0ccdhj6ajmRgIlzjPQ9rLnJ2QnuakBYu7IRdnzMWi3ze-WZzlpSBSXaqv8CQkMq6-mPRxoAwfilQTdDA5BI-dxeKWGw713/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+8.06.29+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another change I was able to make with the Avenir template is incorporate all of the portfolios under one navigation link (PORTFOLIOS) instead of each portfolio having a link in the navigation menu at the top of the page. Hovering the mouse over the PORTFOLIO link triggers a drop down menu that lists all of the portfolio pages. This method reduces the clutter in my navigation menu with only four links (for right now). Much cleaner and simpler.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOwPRG-tkHiSm2AIfxLIJ176J89Ns0XFqD8-Py0lKe_MwCQ4-pHUp3QOLF9pbkEpPogGT4BuZyhNdxz-VSLvgxbE9vkjItgr1_E3EY7gg5-Az3mFWpxBF9me_6Y8O7_ROCPc-UaatfvHp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+7.58.04+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOwPRG-tkHiSm2AIfxLIJ176J89Ns0XFqD8-Py0lKe_MwCQ4-pHUp3QOLF9pbkEpPogGT4BuZyhNdxz-VSLvgxbE9vkjItgr1_E3EY7gg5-Az3mFWpxBF9me_6Y8O7_ROCPc-UaatfvHp/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+7.58.04+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Americana gallery still under construction</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Flx-4OSsIWigjKmoC3vS6v5RegpA5o0JdPNiijAeC4BgA2RX-Vu_JUUSEPfiyWSBopHG2CK7uglLx9Zox2uISXPFq-_R7mDfzmJ29F0SWksQ8DOuI_Gu22fH5SyNkW1INyJt_HBKZhb4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+8.02.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Flx-4OSsIWigjKmoC3vS6v5RegpA5o0JdPNiijAeC4BgA2RX-Vu_JUUSEPfiyWSBopHG2CK7uglLx9Zox2uISXPFq-_R7mDfzmJ29F0SWksQ8DOuI_Gu22fH5SyNkW1INyJt_HBKZhb4/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+8.02.38+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new People gallery</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFxFBhp0uWIASKm6xF41aUg8YcphHZ9FAywrwCpH9y9c8MmO66TjlQzrFAfEOsCZUrEDI5bCmsYuLDEtLu4d1C2wASS6q8kNaF4G-7AC0t7hEz5Nlh9TD1BOO8ewRDuSYWbDWccUNClvv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+8.05.43+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFxFBhp0uWIASKm6xF41aUg8YcphHZ9FAywrwCpH9y9c8MmO66TjlQzrFAfEOsCZUrEDI5bCmsYuLDEtLu4d1C2wASS6q8kNaF4G-7AC0t7hEz5Nlh9TD1BOO8ewRDuSYWbDWccUNClvv/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+8.05.43+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Black & White gallery</td></tr>
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You may have noticed that I added a caveat to the number of links in the menu - "for right now". That's because I'm now working on a new page that will be similar to the Portfolio page and will feature new images as I create them. I've started on creating the new pages which right now includes "Americana", "People", "Black & White", and of course sports, studio and travel/scenic images - "All Things Sport", "All My Bags Are Packed", and "Stu-Stu-Studio". All of these pages are under construction as I go through the process of selecting images to include.</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i>What About The Blog?</i></span></h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Umnj6l4beI_8DYSNNmcrtQmRYPItfw4dT-ZRRA3d5IzK4P-UgyJAVB-R6aqsSN-pB9-t-MN3BFa4dQiDRUZGOU1-fGCQD8Iaa3NBepiUBqeKi0JZ_1BMcPgza8ozIhAT3avlmQvuYRTB/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Umnj6l4beI_8DYSNNmcrtQmRYPItfw4dT-ZRRA3d5IzK4P-UgyJAVB-R6aqsSN-pB9-t-MN3BFa4dQiDRUZGOU1-fGCQD8Iaa3NBepiUBqeKi0JZ_1BMcPgza8ozIhAT3avlmQvuYRTB/s640/Blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Blog design</td></tr>
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With a new website design, I couldn't very well leave my Blog looking shabby. It was also time to give its design a face lift and I wanted to make it more consistent with the new website design. So, enter the new Blog design.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhui4LAmZ2o6oqfdwW1-ZxQYX6LwDEa3bB62lbD8CwsZ_WnKV3IhCePk8SVSYOxGIMAMYU6JDslL4FYhRK4GP_ovzySFFgiGBGNn8AS4gVd9553TotTa4SoeRAVBzAMB5wPoeFxAXbVDjdY/s1600/Blog+Banner3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhui4LAmZ2o6oqfdwW1-ZxQYX6LwDEa3bB62lbD8CwsZ_WnKV3IhCePk8SVSYOxGIMAMYU6JDslL4FYhRK4GP_ovzySFFgiGBGNn8AS4gVd9553TotTa4SoeRAVBzAMB5wPoeFxAXbVDjdY/s320/Blog+Banner3.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Blog logo</td></tr>
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It got a new logo using the same image I used on the website cover page and a new template. I kept some of the old Gadgets, added some new ones, and reconfigured them. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAW667GI_6TU-NIxZCQZh-IAqQpGRREr_QnsfqGo7y4eR_6q_PC8leHSPRBXwpOY9BpXzXrs6qYHJAQ0tAuMPg9QMsUn13QlL4AfSYbAJ400xFPID153Ilu1R-g6a3qgW5nPKgDWdV8QgO/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+10.23.28+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAW667GI_6TU-NIxZCQZh-IAqQpGRREr_QnsfqGo7y4eR_6q_PC8leHSPRBXwpOY9BpXzXrs6qYHJAQ0tAuMPg9QMsUn13QlL4AfSYbAJ400xFPID153Ilu1R-g6a3qgW5nPKgDWdV8QgO/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-19+at+10.23.28+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Blog design</td></tr>
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So, it's been a time consuming, painstaking process but I like how everything looks. Looking forward to adding the new pages and offering clients a chance to see new, different images as the construction process winds down.</div>
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Cheers, and Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there.</div>
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Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289112577477223495.post-59932758803984839152015-06-12T10:27:00.000-04:002017-02-08T15:25:32.696-05:00Multiple Exposures Exposed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOee96XVkZYPi3Hq67kWbQtV1-Zx41asN22R3HaHVfVENfzFC7rrhWtWmjBAwziShVx3mWjpewHMyWEODWZwf05V3A15YsQfEorRNdXsO6moq5OYkNoz94OVKXPm98nTWTEhumVwNtr6xG/s1600/D3S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOee96XVkZYPi3Hq67kWbQtV1-Zx41asN22R3HaHVfVENfzFC7rrhWtWmjBAwziShVx3mWjpewHMyWEODWZwf05V3A15YsQfEorRNdXsO6moq5OYkNoz94OVKXPm98nTWTEhumVwNtr6xG/s640/D3S.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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At the end of every baseball season, I receive a number of emails and Facebook messages from folks asking me how I create the multiple exposure images I post on line. It's no coincidence that these questions are posed after baseball season. I always seem to shoot multiple exposures during baseball games and so those are the ones folks see. </div>
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Why baseball? Hmmmmmm. Maybe it's because games last several hours and there's a lot of down time in between the action. Also, after the first few innings of a game I've usually gotten all of the basic shots out of the way - hitters swinging at balls, fielders making plays, et cetera. With several innings left in a game, the only shots to get are of big plays that might change the outcome of the game. So, with a lot of time on my hands I find myself experimenting with my cameras. </div>
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Baseball also lends itself to some multiple exposures as generally speaking the subjects remain within the frame throughout the several exposures needed to create an image. But rather than ponder on the meaning of life, let's chat about how it's done. A little background is in order before delving into the nuts and bolts.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>The Good Old Days…Well, Maybe Not So Good….</b></i></span><br />
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I've been shooting multiple exposures for a loooooonnnnng time. Believe it or not, there was a time when images were created with something called film, a plastic strip that was coated with a gelatin emulsion that was light sensitive. Housed securely inside the bowels of a camera, images were recorded by the shutter allowing light to pass through the lens and onto the emulsion. Many of my old film bodies had a feature that allowed you to shoot as many images as you wanted to on the same film frame. I would set the film rewind button (normally used to rewind the film back into the canister after shooting up a roll) to the rewind position, push the film advance lever forward as I normally would after snapping an image, and presto - the shutter was reset and ready to take anther image. Because I had set the camera to film rewind, the film would not advance. Pressing the shutter again would therefore record a second image on the same frame of film. This process could be repeated as many times as I wanted.</div>
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Unfortunately, you couldn't see what the image looked like until the film was processed, so shooting multiple exposures with film involved a lot of trial and error and a good dose of hope and prayer. I would shoot the same general image several times using different exposures hoping that one of the multiple images was exposed correctly. You see, when shooting multiple exposures, there is a necessary exposure balance that has to be achieved between acceptably exposing each of the multiple images while not overexposing the overall image. Repeated images on the same frame of film meant letting more and more light hit the film emulsion and we know what can happen when an image is exposed with too much light.</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Two Methods For Creating Multiple Exposure Images </span></i></b></div>
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Ah, but the Dark Ages have long since passed and we now have cameras with built in mini computers that do all this work for us. We also have software like Photoshop that allows us to create multiple exposures through layering multiple images on top of each other.</div>
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Yep, nowadays a multiple exposure image can be created using two methods - in the camera and in post processing. Which method you decide to use is up to you. You can let the camera do the work and create a multiple exposure image in the camera using its multiple exposure feature, or what I call the easy way. Option 2 is to shoot several images of the same subject in various poses and layer them into one image using Photoshop, or what I'll call the hard way but with much more final-image flexibility. The two methods definitely create different final images so which one you choose to employ will depend on how you want the final image to look and how much time you want to devote to creating it.</div>
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A brief caveat - Most Nikon DSLR camera bodies, especially all the ones I use (or have used) have a Multiple Exposure setting in the Shooting Menu. I can't speak for Canon or any other DSLR manufacturer's products. I have heard that until recently, Canon's digital DSLRs did not have a multiple exposure setting but that possibly some of the newest bodies do. If that's the case, you non-Nikonites may or may not have the option of generating multiple exposures in-camera and will be limited to Option 2. Nikon shooters, you're golden.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>The Difference Between In-Camera and Post-Processing Multiple Exposure Images</i></b></span></div>
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In-camera multiple exposures have a dreamy, ghost-like quality that is difficult to overcome if it's not what one desires. If you want to minimize this you must spend some time in photoshop playing with layers, levels, curves, and contrast. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3uVDQWpN7MgcOD3sM_SDpsFAMQbgwxPtKZBtPvILHakVvkEHjfESx5cdwlOnotrfxtP9UqkTC169ygOTF333s3mUwJ2jedavuT6W23zAusSHt43tGHoIAaRYsyaQN_Q2SSQRHggLPh-T/s1600/Mike+Olivella_D3S_3213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3uVDQWpN7MgcOD3sM_SDpsFAMQbgwxPtKZBtPvILHakVvkEHjfESx5cdwlOnotrfxtP9UqkTC169ygOTF333s3mUwJ2jedavuT6W23zAusSHt43tGHoIAaRYsyaQN_Q2SSQRHggLPh-T/s640/Mike+Olivella_D3S_3213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The image above was an in-camera multiple exposure with some quality time spent minimizing the dreamy, ghostly quality. The pitcher is still a bit transparent, though, with a bit of the background visible through his body.</div>
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Here's a different in-camera multiple exposure without as much of that post processing or ghostly elimination.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxPjEPV0mdHv9R8FQDQKB6G23ltJveT95hFGjP85DjoGstS8GZMt67YruyrZuGMVPOeqs-7cUIal88kakNBUTBfctGU3Uj2zGfhfMjU0q4Gx7MrT6RFoC9_O1WmVYAoI7uijn-OFwhtF6/s1600/Mike+OlivellaD3S_3387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxPjEPV0mdHv9R8FQDQKB6G23ltJveT95hFGjP85DjoGstS8GZMt67YruyrZuGMVPOeqs-7cUIal88kakNBUTBfctGU3Uj2zGfhfMjU0q4Gx7MrT6RFoC9_O1WmVYAoI7uijn-OFwhtF6/s640/Mike+OlivellaD3S_3387.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Compare the two and you should be able to see what I'm trying to describe. The pitcher in the second image looks a little more dreamy or ghostly. He is much more transparent to the point where you can really see some of the background through his body. Not so much in the lead image, right?</div>
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Multiple exposures created in via Option 2, or in Photoshop, can also be made to have this same dreamy, ghost-like look by reducing the opacity of the various layers. But this "look" can be avoided by not reducing the opacity of the layers. With Photoshop, you also have the flexibility of reducing the opacity of some of the layers but not of others, creating a whole different look. </div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Photoshop Method</span></i></b></div>
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Let's take a look at a multiple exposure I created by layering several shots into a background and keeping each layer at 100% opacity, creating one final multiple exposure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnCCjRGCM-FyQhk49914SC8P7pYYdHEqfDcUx0DO0lynZg-hTdhyphenhyphen4yhz8U5oEOFMJil_6R_Qmn77aJFSNw2rbCTJUvq3P5QVKIrfUnVAkNWdyyjIsk8l8Th35OQEXC6nQH3tTneTz6EX0/s1600/2008+FSU+Basketball+Team+Collage_Revised.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnCCjRGCM-FyQhk49914SC8P7pYYdHEqfDcUx0DO0lynZg-hTdhyphenhyphen4yhz8U5oEOFMJil_6R_Qmn77aJFSNw2rbCTJUvq3P5QVKIrfUnVAkNWdyyjIsk8l8Th35OQEXC6nQH3tTneTz6EX0/s640/2008+FSU+Basketball+Team+Collage_Revised.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcBr1iLs8yJFhBIV8HGYwSDofxxWwisQkoqohKSIlE76FvpRSUtbP0Az5htKgmym1ubr-2xqU4ZkfTChMkd74wTFQqnob2ZdEeF5zjOqiTFpxNvQpv02mb1JU0qKbGGxNqZ1Nd8L7L3j8/s1600/Tiger+4X_72dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcBr1iLs8yJFhBIV8HGYwSDofxxWwisQkoqohKSIlE76FvpRSUtbP0Az5htKgmym1ubr-2xqU4ZkfTChMkd74wTFQqnob2ZdEeF5zjOqiTFpxNvQpv02mb1JU0qKbGGxNqZ1Nd8L7L3j8/s640/Tiger+4X_72dpi.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Tiger has gotten the Photoshop <br />
Multiple Exposure treatment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can hopefully see, all of the layers have the same opacity as the background. No dreamy, ghost like quality exists as to the various players yielding a much more contrasty, final image. Basically, what I created is nothing more than a composite image using a background shot with multiple player shots (taken during various games throughout the season) layered onto the background. I chose images of players in poses that would mesh well with each other in the montage and in Photoshop, I followed these steps: 1) "selected" a player from an image using the select tool to cut the player out from its background; 2) created a layer with mask for the selection; 3) dragged that selection/layer into the background image as a separate layer: 4) repeated the process for every other player; 5) moved the selections (layers) around to get them to fit where they looked the way I wanted; 6) adjusted the size of each player via the "Free Transform" feature to proportionally size them and then refined that with some perspective adjustments using the "Transform - Perspective" feature; 7) processed each player layer separately for an even color balance, exposure and sharpness; 8) fine tuned each layer to remove any part of the selection that was outside the lines, so to speak; 9) flattened the layers; and 10) made final adjustments to overall tone, color, sharpness, et cetera of the flattened image.<br />
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Whew. It took me almost 20 hours of work to create the image because of the numerous player layers and my obsessive compulsive need to remove every last pixel that was outside each player's "lines".<br />
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The next two images illustrate the flexibility you have using the Photoshop method. These are also composites except all of the images were shot in one burst during the same game and during the same pitch. For each one, I used one image as not only an image of the player but also as the background for the final image. After that, creating the overall image followed the same recipe as the basketball image, i.e. selections and layers. Since there weren't as many layers to fine tune, the two baseball images "only" took 7-8 hours apiece to create.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAHVokHP769tmxnmTF08l6ac_cNE8_yRJdGyuJtTOYu_zjey1Uab73FXzQnD-U4k8KAnm_9rxUB_O2tx-1an2u4mYJu20g_v5m-dWuYqfxnSiV9FD16P1glU9ti7i4oj7lxLkbBvFiZzj/s1600/MikeO_D033121Gilmartin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAHVokHP769tmxnmTF08l6ac_cNE8_yRJdGyuJtTOYu_zjey1Uab73FXzQnD-U4k8KAnm_9rxUB_O2tx-1an2u4mYJu20g_v5m-dWuYqfxnSiV9FD16P1glU9ti7i4oj7lxLkbBvFiZzj/s640/MikeO_D033121Gilmartin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlW7HXNiC9sjgiRGgsXqAGxJGLqffHiEpJP9OvTwqSxtn7pf5mk3mEktoSIqqnqONNy1yDFTmvgqoo3ixSi4nTbcTCGj_zaYXI9_Id0PVxj8zYNuWi2m4AP2grXpAWtXWNp1lZ5HC6lBM/s1600/Mike+Olivella-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlW7HXNiC9sjgiRGgsXqAGxJGLqffHiEpJP9OvTwqSxtn7pf5mk3mEktoSIqqnqONNy1yDFTmvgqoo3ixSi4nTbcTCGj_zaYXI9_Id0PVxj8zYNuWi2m4AP2grXpAWtXWNp1lZ5HC6lBM/s640/Mike+Olivella-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What the two images above also illustrate is the flexibility of using the composite method. In the first image, I chose to reduce the opacity of all but one player image and removed all saturation in the others to create a black and white backdrop. One image selection, the one I really wanted to stand out, was left at 100% opacity and full color. You can accomplish the same basic effect with an in-camera multiple exposure but it's not as easy. "Selecting" a player that is somewhat transparent is way more challenging so I've always used the composite method to achieve this effect.<br />
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Had I wanted to do create the same effect in the second image, only with all the player images in color, I could have easily reduced the opacity of all but one of the player images and left one at full opacity. I just chose not to do that.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>The In-Camera Method</i></b></span><br />
One day, when trying to find some God-only-knows feature on one of my camera bodies, I was scrolling through the menus and stumbled across a setting called ... yikes - Multiple Exposures. Huh? You mean I can avoid hours of eye-bleeding, monotonous Photoshop work to create a multiple exposure? No way.<br />
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Way. Once I found this little gem in the menu, I was able to navigate through the settings and experiment with them to create multiple exposures. It's beyond easy. It's a snap (actually, multiple snaps if you pardon the pun).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQJyQ3H585cnvohDse1rEWAhyKWty8gywgv-9DQPTakOBW8UIVy0DE9mgby_jqGl4VcKkJNPZNUhzdXlylTOvDpzG4GuGFFez57-TEoJVMeH1EVYApl9nuYw-Ms-jEe8whKrDlsPImLzO/s1600/202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQJyQ3H585cnvohDse1rEWAhyKWty8gywgv-9DQPTakOBW8UIVy0DE9mgby_jqGl4VcKkJNPZNUhzdXlylTOvDpzG4GuGFFez57-TEoJVMeH1EVYApl9nuYw-Ms-jEe8whKrDlsPImLzO/s320/202.jpg" width="231" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zZ6VKn4x6pLXYM5VGI7XtTat2ZUy93U6utHID8YWpDjbNSagm9xbVMxW1qmIXj7a9Z5FmZOSu7jk9waJnQjFz-xZSJmKVmhfq2bJT6imx5Kzx8Paf9K65JbGHG7_5eVQAA-CGDqD-24_/s1600/203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zZ6VKn4x6pLXYM5VGI7XtTat2ZUy93U6utHID8YWpDjbNSagm9xbVMxW1qmIXj7a9Z5FmZOSu7jk9waJnQjFz-xZSJmKVmhfq2bJT6imx5Kzx8Paf9K65JbGHG7_5eVQAA-CGDqD-24_/s320/203.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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In case you have any trouble navigating through the menu, simply fall back to something that never fails - read the destruction manual. The camera manual for each Nikon body (above, p. 202 & 203 of the Nikon D3S manual) contains a detailed description on how to shoot multiple exposures. Follow the steps and holy moly guacamole....a multiple exposure.</div>
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Let me walk you through the various steps in setting the camera as I usually do.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Navigating Through The Menu</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpH37GhGMVvvMp-2I1Ho5t5ljmTHYscI913xJncaBRMwBApnNN_6U2mX4BwbTBrOkuBhLI0-vMaX40o991UFRpaA6DI3NXGs8_T6DoUAHJowg7vUZm-yFhEnn3hbqycAV6Zphg7fuzZ2tQ/s1600/IMG_2200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpH37GhGMVvvMp-2I1Ho5t5ljmTHYscI913xJncaBRMwBApnNN_6U2mX4BwbTBrOkuBhLI0-vMaX40o991UFRpaA6DI3NXGs8_T6DoUAHJowg7vUZm-yFhEnn3hbqycAV6Zphg7fuzZ2tQ/s320/IMG_2200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Step 1 - Go to the Shooting Menu and scroll down to Multiple Exposure. Use the Multi Selector (press on R side) to activate the next screen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7mi8RxmOZiwey2CW1Pzv9-HoJnjyXmPsGO5UQnsObD38GWeavzeCVA6YnkOyIN73_A8n4G-lhsHp8ljcwVvhM38reFFkOre6NAkzepezKulDPLeCvhxelfyksxMg8p3cILTD2f4kDs5l/s1600/IMG_2202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7mi8RxmOZiwey2CW1Pzv9-HoJnjyXmPsGO5UQnsObD38GWeavzeCVA6YnkOyIN73_A8n4G-lhsHp8ljcwVvhM38reFFkOre6NAkzepezKulDPLeCvhxelfyksxMg8p3cILTD2f4kDs5l/s320/IMG_2202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The default setting is "Off". Scroll up to "On (series)" and press the OK button.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirID1socMnR1hmqHIcCOm11y5WXyzdNSV55HSwrjBWTkyNVlf_BHWuzISAvjq8vpNbOfxCNiZyjLKjPWLTq9KajgItajrxsYGhcEODTVvCUPymqJMG_-WBJJ3dLUlwe-7FHO7G9y7Nrw8-/s1600/IMG_2203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirID1socMnR1hmqHIcCOm11y5WXyzdNSV55HSwrjBWTkyNVlf_BHWuzISAvjq8vpNbOfxCNiZyjLKjPWLTq9KajgItajrxsYGhcEODTVvCUPymqJMG_-WBJJ3dLUlwe-7FHO7G9y7Nrw8-/s320/IMG_2203.jpg" width="320" /></a>Activate the number of shots selection by pressing on the R side of the Multi Selector. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPgUB08JYwCY60vngqrwl8GT4ziIQkQFc6Dqr-TXXuI8bEtpl3pMV41J1cAryr41EhU3QD1HaaoVbYy1YHQf8YRK3mnJ3jjRLSMes1sulXgctx6zNiEsfuGIMho6GcbJpDBZKbCyAccE2/s1600/IMG_2204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPgUB08JYwCY60vngqrwl8GT4ziIQkQFc6Dqr-TXXuI8bEtpl3pMV41J1cAryr41EhU3QD1HaaoVbYy1YHQf8YRK3mnJ3jjRLSMes1sulXgctx6zNiEsfuGIMho6GcbJpDBZKbCyAccE2/s320/IMG_2204.jpg" width="320" /></a>Using the Multi Selector, scroll up or down and choose a number between 2 and 10. I usually select 3. Press OK after deciding on the number of shots.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_mg95kUN9UUYPejMrF6F6ABYU7aDjnTBWEYQXF1yKcumEu7yTcOG1L_F0BE5wsqnrbYR6tQGN08d5t0gNsU8lITBArZIb04Za7aYi2zjSr9FeOzLVYxTmYyRUnatFfOtSo82miwJLVNI/s1600/IMG_2206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_mg95kUN9UUYPejMrF6F6ABYU7aDjnTBWEYQXF1yKcumEu7yTcOG1L_F0BE5wsqnrbYR6tQGN08d5t0gNsU8lITBArZIb04Za7aYi2zjSr9FeOzLVYxTmYyRUnatFfOtSo82miwJLVNI/s320/IMG_2206.jpg" width="320" /></a>Pressing OK in the prior step takes you back to this menu. Make sure "Auto gain" is on or else you'll have to underexpose your images in order to avoid overexposing the overall image. General rule of thumb is underexposing the image by one stop for each image, so if you select 3 images, underexpose by 3 stops to start out and then adjust from there. I take my chances with Auto gain.</div>
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The last step is to simply hit the OK button and the Shooting Menu should pop back up showing that Multiple Exposure is on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj4BWrdX6a8QC1LzbLmFQ1PGuFLsrHI75LtLls9UzUMscco-HbgNC-T_QmUooOJoiaD8P8-nTnEsDKEsr6ij2sQX3nj1z86hc7lKkjuuRzSa_t3SwE3C90VBHXoe6Y5qLUoIhyphenhyphenhJmw4pY/s1600/Mike+Olivella_D3S4071a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj4BWrdX6a8QC1LzbLmFQ1PGuFLsrHI75LtLls9UzUMscco-HbgNC-T_QmUooOJoiaD8P8-nTnEsDKEsr6ij2sQX3nj1z86hc7lKkjuuRzSa_t3SwE3C90VBHXoe6Y5qLUoIhyphenhyphenhJmw4pY/s640/Mike+Olivella_D3S4071a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To get the best image, I would suggest you use a fixed platform from which to shoot, i.e. a tripod or a monopod, and try to avoid things or people that move in the background. A tripod works best but it's not impossible to get a decent multiple exposure with a monopod as I did in the images above and below. The reason for a stable platform that doesn't move and not having things that can move in the background is to give you a constant background in all of the exposures. If you notice in the image above, I was not able to keep the background constant. The players in the background are exposed in different poses from my movement of the monopod, their movement during the sequence, or both. Since I was shooting at f2.8 with very little depth of field, they're blurred, I don't think it's any big deal but you may want something more constant. If so, just use a tripod. But bear in mind that the background people may move during the sequence so even a tripod will not guarantee a constant background when people are in the mix.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2dqhnVmssM2Wiymkdut2u3QzBoEx93dnE42M63bby9GB_DtIFt5zaJkxaxpzPtGxt1H4Z0GKjRcUf8FAfNFCk5WKOiNo4nmsI16LmRoVBt9F1SS2I_m8LjQ3FkwDjaojB1DNaqh8C9FU/s1600/Mike+Olivella_D3S_2227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2dqhnVmssM2Wiymkdut2u3QzBoEx93dnE42M63bby9GB_DtIFt5zaJkxaxpzPtGxt1H4Z0GKjRcUf8FAfNFCk5WKOiNo4nmsI16LmRoVBt9F1SS2I_m8LjQ3FkwDjaojB1DNaqh8C9FU/s640/Mike+Olivella_D3S_2227.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned previously, depending on how much contrast and adjustments you employ in final processing of the camera-made multiple exposure (through Photoshop adjustments like levels, curves, contrast, etc.) you can improve the amount of definition of the multiple-exposed subject has in the overall image and reduce the transparency. In the first image above (batter), I opted to go with a lot of definition so I made several adjustments that accomplished that. In the image directly above (pitcher), I went with a more artistic, softer overall effect so I did not use a lot of adjustments.<br />
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After experimentation with the camera, I've decided that for sports images, using a three-shot camera-made multiple exposure is just about right. I've tried more (5-7) and the images look too busy for my taste but you may find that you like additional exposures. As for actually shooting the images, I've used the Continuous Low burst mode and set it to 5 frames per second as well as the single shot mode and pressed the shutter each time I wanted to freeze the subject. You can decide which way works best depending on how fast the subject is moving and go with what you see fit. Most of the time I'll push down on the shutter to initiate the multiple exposure when the pitcher (or batter) is set and then fire away as the throw/swing began. After 3 exposures, the camera knows it's all done and a quick peek on the back of the camera will show you the final, multiple-exposed product.<br />
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Some camera bodies will revert back to standard shooting mode after the sequence is finished so if you want to give it another go you must go back to the Menu and re-enable the Multiple Exposure mode.<br />
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Also, while shooting in Continuous mode, you don't have to hold the shutter down once you initiate the first exposure. You can release the shutter and re-engage it any time you want as long as you haven't shot all of the images in the sequence. You choose when you want each of the exposures to be recorded by pressing/releasing the shutter any time you want. For example, you could shoot one frame when the batter steps to the plate, wait until he's set and then fire the rest of the frames as he swings; or you could fire a second frame once the swing is initiated and then wait until the swing is completed to get the third frame off. The camera will stay in Multiple Exposure mode until all of the exposures you selected have been shot.<br />
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Could it possibly be any easier? Nope. Experimentation will allow you to come up with your own recipe for images. Now just go out there and try it. But let's keep how easy it is to create multiple exposures our little secret. We don't want anyone to think that it's this easy to create some pretty cool images.Miguel Antonio Olivella, Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06576809704386742085noreply@blogger.com3