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The diminishing worry about high ISO in photography.

3/10/2024

When I first started out seriously with digital photography back in 2013, everything I read and learned was you must use a tripod and keep your ISO to 100 as much as possible. This was the only way you would have clean and noise free images. There was a lot of truth to that advice back then. Boy has the photography world changed since then. The camera sensors have become much better at gathering more light and less noise at the higher ISO settings. Technology in the camera industry has improved tremendously in the last 5 to 8 years. Now we can shoot at much higher ISO's while still maintaining very good image quality. There are many times now when I'm doing more action shooting without the tripod and leave my camera on Auto ISO without worrying about image outcome. It's very liberating to be sure!

Another great change with the high ISO image quality problem is the big push in image processing software. Adobe has added noise reduction software to their very popular Lightroom and Photoshop software. Another digital imaging processing software company called Topaz Labs has a noise reduction piece of software that is fantastic at removing noise from high ISO images. I use this software all the time and with it's AI processing, all but removes any noise from the processed images.

https://www.topazlabs.com › denoise-ai

I don't really worry about my ISO settings like I used to and I know I can most always produce clean high dynamic range images no matter what ISO they were shot at. I would never have thought about shooting at high ISO just a few short years ago, but no problem now! I suggest you try bumping up your ISO when it makes sense in your lower light conditions and see what Technology has done for us!

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Artificial Intelligence and the Photography Future

7/15/2023

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Now that Adobe / Photoshop, Topaz, and several other software companies have started incorporating artificial intelligence in their software, where does the direction of Photography seem to be headed? It's so easy now to do sky replacements, element removal, pop-in new subject matter, is that truly photography or software AI design? I guess it's a bit of both depending on the outcome wanted. I must admit that it's kind of fun playing around with these new features, but as a primarily landscape shooter I truly have mixed feelings about altering final images. Of course we use these same programs to enhance our RAW files, but that is to adjust the image to our liking. I have no idea as to how many landscape shooters alter their images, but I suspect many do. As you look around all the millions of web images I can see a lot of over the top images that I have to believe have been altered by artificial intelligence .

I sit on the fence and definitely err on the side of truly realistic images. There are so many amazingly beautiful places in the world, I think it very important to shoot them as they really are. The skill set is between the photographers ears to find the perfect composition, lighting, and camera adjustments to make a compelling image. Do we really want to change the look and realism of these places. In graphic design these AI features make a lot of sense to me and help those creatives do their job easier and better. In landscape photography I don't think this is the case entirely . Using AI De-noise is a perfectly valid use of AI to clean up an image. Other new tools can be used to enhance the "original" image, but a total change, I'm not so sure! Where do you stand on the subject of Artificial Intelligence in Photography today? I would sure love to hear other opinions as AI is just in it's infancy. It's going to be an interesting future!

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Magnetic Filters

7/14/2023

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Magnetic Filter systems are nothing new to photography, as these systems have been around for several years. I decided it was time to give them a try and was very pleasantly surprised at the ease of use. No more fumbling around with screw on filters and using an external holder with slide in filters. When the light is rapidly changing that is the last thing you want to be fooling around with. I went with the K&F filter system as the reviews were very good and the quality is definitely important to me! Below is the system I decided to buy.

* 【5-in-1 Filters Kit】Combination Way 1. Magnetic Adapter Ring + ND Filter. This filter kit includes GND8+ND8+ND64+ND1000 + Magnetic Basic Ring + Filter Pouch.
* 【Light Reduction Effect】The ND8/ND64/ND1000 provides a 3/4/10 stops light reduction effect and fits a partly cloudy day and a bright sunny day. The nd1000 filter can create the silky effect of item movement.
* 【1 Second Swap】This magnetic lens filter kit could finish swap in less than one second compared with conventional thread filters. Never miss any wonderful moment.
* 【28 Multi-Layer Coatings】All filters are made of imported AGC high-definition premium optical glass, double-side multicoated, no chromatic aberration (color shift) waterproof, scratch resistant, and dustproof. Provides you with a perfect photography experience, protecting your lens from all around.
* 【Ultra Slim Frame Avoid Vignetting】1.9mm-3.33mm ultra slim frame ensures no vignetting and dark corners on 16mm wide-angle focal length. CNC non-slip system frame, easy to install and remove.

I also purchased a Circular Polarizer Filter as well. I find this to be a necessary filter to cut the glare on water scenes and to enhance color such as blue skies. This is the filter I purchased.

* 1. The CPL filter effectively eliminates the reflection of the non-metallic surface, thereby improving the image quality of the subject, and increasing the clarity of the picture can effectively increase the saturation of the color. The lens adopts a double-sided polishing process and is used on a telephoto lens. The photos are still clear, high-fidelity, restore the true colors of things;
* 2. Quick installation and removal, magnetic filter can be installed in one second
* 3. Ultra-thin frame design, which can effectively prevent vignetting when using a wide-angle lens. The frame is processed by CNC, and the appearance is full of layers.
* 4. After the glass is optically polished, a high-tech film is plated on the surface. "Moldproof", "Waterproof", "Scratch-proof" and "Greasy-proof". While having the characteristics of hard scratching, it will not have any impact on the image quality, even if it is contaminated with water droplets or oil, it can be easily removed;
* 5. Equipped with aerospace-grade aluminum alloy material magnetic lens cover, both magnetic and threaded, you can install the lens, two-in-one function. Both attachment ring & magnetic metal cover included.

I feel this is a great next step in simplifying and lightening your photography kit. I found this was a great investment in saving time in the field and making my filter system much easier to use.

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Using Body Language

7/31/2020

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As each photograph is a unique expression of the subject, the photographer should be able to capture that uniqueness. To help enable achieve this, the photographer must combine a variety of factors. One of these factors is body language or Non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is a powerful concept that is often overlooked.

Body languages are the non-verbal signs or signals that are used largely in our daily lives. They range from our facial expressions to body movements and more often than not convey accurate subtle information than verbal communication. On the average, body languages compose about 65-70 percent of all communication. In photography, non-verbal communication account to 100-percent as there is no actual verbal communication involved between the subject and the viewer. On many occasions, simply by looking at the photos, we form a strong perception about it even before we get know the story behind the picture itself.

A solid understanding of the meaning of non-verbal-communication can enhance or diminish the effects of the pose and the personality conveyed by the subject. It can create the "feel factor" of the photograph. A simple change in body signals can change the over expression of the subject. However, it should be noted that the same non-vernal signal can mean differently depending on the viewer and on the context it was used.

In reading body signal, the first aim is to determine the level of comfort of the subject. The more comfortable the subject is, the more natural the subject will be in expressing body languages. There are a number of ways to determine the level of comfort and can generally be classified as positive or negative. Non-spoken communication signals encompasses a broad range of various inter-dependent factors. Of these factors the most which benefit photography are identified as expressive body language.

A clear understanding of non-verbal communication can be helpful in comprehending ourselves and our subject. It can also aid us in composing and conveying the message we want with our photos. A simple variation in the non-verbal cues can affect the bigger picture therefore it is important to know how the simplest of non-verbal signals can either enhance or diminish the overall effects of the pose made by the subject. Understanding body language requires the interpretation of a number of constant signals to indicate a particular expression. There is no right or wrong answer; it all depends on individual interpretation on the various combinations of body languages used. Non-spoken communication is relevant where verbal communication is not possible and where physical observation is the main mode of expression.

Using body language is key to understanding what the subject is conveying and for the photographer to get the right feel and mood for his photograph to be a success.

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Mirrorless Cameras = Video Workhorses

6/3/2019

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The mirrorless camera revolution has brought some interesting changes to the photography industry. One of the bigger changes that has happened in the last few years is the addition of video to the photographer's bag of tricks. Shooting video for clients is a new realm of opportunity for many stills shooters. Part of the reason for this change is the fact that mirrorless cameras can shoot high quality video that rivals cameras that cost many thousands of dollars just a few years ago. Many of these cameras are now capable of shooting 4K UHD video and multiple frame rates to get that truly cinematic look. I have seen a lot of video footage that you would think was from a full blown Hollywood production.

As primarily a Nikon shooter, I have been using the new Nikon Z6 for both still photography as well as learning to shoot in the world of video. With the 4K UHD video features, in body image stabilization, small form factor, amazing on sensor auto focus, and fantastic electronic viewfinder this camera turns out awesome video files. I also was swayed by the fact that Nikon makes an adapter that allows use of hundreds of the original F mount Nikkor lenses to be used with this camera. There is not a single lens I own that won't work on this new Z lens mount system. Nikon also is making new Z mount native lenses for this camera that does not require an adapter. Other camera manufactures are making similar mirrorless offerings with many of the same features. I really do like the smaller body size and lighter weight that mirrorless offers.

Between shooting time lapse video and full frame 4k UHD video, a whole new world of photography is opening up for me. I enjoy the learning process, research, trial and error, and just plain doing something different and creative. It's just fun! There is definitely a learning curve with both shooting video as well as post production. A good video editing software program is required along with whatever you have been using for your still photography processing. All of the principal photography skills you have learned for stills photography will apply to video. Exposure, light, depth of field, focus, aperture, and ISO all apply to video. It's just a matter of jumping in with both feet and giving something new a try! Happy shooting.....

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Camera Revolution

11/1/2015

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Sony A6000 mirrorless camera

Nikon D800 DSLR camera

So the photography world is in the middle of a camera revolution. I worked in the world of technology my whole adult life and it was common for years to see a major innovation about every ten years. We could see it coming and had plenty of time to adjust. Now the revolution and evolution seems like more of a one or two year cycle. It comes to most areas of our technology driven world such as cell phones, internet, television, radio communications, computers, and of course cameras.

While photography as a whole is on the increase with mobile devices able to capture images and share with social media instantly, the camera industry is losing ground to those devices. Then within the camera industry the struggle between the new mirrorless camera vs the more industry standard DSLR is raging.

I personally own both of the cameras pictured in this post. The Sony mirrorless is small and lite compared to the Nikon D800 dslr. The picture quality is amazing on the mirrorless, but I prefer the Nikon form factor and feel in my hands. Yes it is bigger and heavier, but I still like the build, weather sealing, feel, and menu system much better. The camera just exudes confidence to me for some reason. Many dslr shooters ( Nikon, Canon, Pentax ) point out that when you put a zoom lens on a mirrorless camera the form factor and weight are really not that different. I must agree as I have both systems. There is a ton of information on the internet about the difference between both type of systems. In simple terms,mirrorless is a smaller body because the technology eliminates the moving mirror that is in the dslr type of camera. Image quality is very comparable. There are nuances to each system which will make choosing the "right" system more difficult as we move forward.

So I enjoy seeing all the new iterations coming to both of these systems. The manufactures are jockeying for position in a shrinking market, but the technological advances are amazing to me. The image sensor which is the heart of the system keeps getting better with more dynamic range, mega-pixels, and image quality. It's just exciting to watch. Even the lens systems for both systems are advancing with built in image stabalization and better than ever optics. All these new features help the photographer make better images. It also helps the camera manufactures keep relevant in our camera revolution. Do I think there will always be a need for camera systems beyond smart phones? Absolutely! Cameras with interchangle lenses, larger image sensors, and multiple feature sets will always produce better quality higher resolution images. These camera systems will give the serious photographer many more avenues to be creative and to produce more compelling images beyond the simple snapshot. Then depending on your shooting style, the whole post production process is another avenue to producing better images beyond the simple snapshot. Creative license so to speak. More on that later.

This is an exciting time to be involved in the camera revolution and I can't wait to see what the next big technological break thru is going to be. We no longer need to wait long periods of time, and these rapid advancements keep the industry fresh and alive for the serious photographer. It's a great time to be involved. Keep those advances coming!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the state of our photography industry and the current camera revolution. Until next time...

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Those Iconic Images

5/2/2015

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I have read many articles and blog posts about the over shooting of the Iconic landscape locations. The comments are usually something like geez these locations are just shot to death! Well in my opinion so what! I personally want to experience the beauty of these locations and shoot them for myself. I want to make my own art and that is what I want to hang on my walls. These locations are " Iconic " because they are just magnificently beautiful places.

The way I look at it, no two photographs are ever the same. How can they be? The variables are just to great such as light, time of day or season, composition, camera settings, etc. What you shoot is going to be your own vision of what the location looks like.

Do I think it is good practice to look for more original and fresh locations, you bet I do! That's what makes photography so much fun. Finding a new location or composition is always very rewarding and productive. As photographers when we walk and explore we are always looking for a photographic opportunity. I always carry my camera because I never know when a great image possibility will present itself.

It brings me constant joy as I walk through my home and see my images reminding me of the experience of that location. It makes the difficulty of getting the image very worthwhile. If the image is at an "Iconic" location I enjoy it just the same as any other image I shot that was " wall hanging quality ".
The bottom line as landscape photographers we just want to make the best image possible in the presentation and light that is offered to us at any given time. If the location is what you want and you want that prize image, then shoot it. It is your vision and art for you and others to enjoy. To me this is what photography is all about. Being at the most beautiful and interesting locations and recording that moment for yourself. You never know if you will have the opportunity to return, so shoot away!!

Until next time may the best of light follow you!

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Shooting from Above

1/17/2015

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I recently was able to fulfill one of my bucket list items. Shooting from a helipcopter flying over the island of Kauai was a real treat! The first order of business was to fly in a helicopter without doors for the best image quality. The only company that has this option available is Jack Harter Helicopters. Their Web Site is www.helicopters-kauai.com. They have been around for a long time and have an excellent reputation. They are well organized, and booking the flight was an easy and pleasurable experience.

The next order of business was to make sure my camera was ready to go. I had two blank 16gb memory cards in camera and a fully charged battery. You will not be able to make any type of changes to your equipment while in flight because of the possibility of the item being sucked out of the chopper and hitting the back rotor blade! Also trying to hold your camera outside of the body of the helicopter is almost impossible due to the force of the wind. Even trying to bring extra equipment on board is problematic due to space and weight considerations. So just be prepared to go lite and have your setup ready.

I feel the best way to shoot from a helicopter to have the best chance of good sharp image quality is to use aperture priority mode. Use the sweet spot aperture of your lens and set your minimum shutter speed to a 1000th sec. and let it rip. Depth of field is not something you really must worry about as you will be shooting at infinity the whole time. I paid attention to my iso while shooting and it usually was under iso 2000, so no worries about noisy images. Use a CPL filter if you have one to allow those beautiful colors to pop. Also make sure if you have image stabilization available to turn it on. That's about it.

It is an awesome experience for anyone, photographer or not. Try to enjoy the experience even though getting your shots is going to be first and foremost on your mind. The ride is about an hour long. It is so cool flying over areas of the island that are not accesible any other way. You will experience the many different micro climates that the island has. By the way it is cold up there, so bring a jacket so you will be comfortable. Our pilot was great during the flight giving us so much information about the areas we were flying over. You will communicate through headsets during your flight because of the extreme noise. The flight angles, direction, and light change fast, so try your best to be ready to shoot when the opportunity presents itself. It is quite a different experience for us landscape photographer's as we are usually on tripods and taking our time to get the composition and camera settings just the way we want.

The most important thing is to just have fun. For many it is a once in a lifetime experience. Everyone I talked to said they would do it again and that it was one of the best experiences that they have had. If you ever get a chance, just do it! Until next time may you have the best of light...

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Shooting during the Golden Hour

8/7/2014

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Davenport Beach Sunset

So many landscape photographers like to shoot in what is termed as the golden hour or magic hour for more dramatic images. The twenty minutes leading up to sunrise or the 20 minutes past sunset often produces the most dramatic light. The golden hour is the time leading up to the sunrise or sunset and the time after the event. In general terms this "good light" lasts for about an hour. Usually after this time we say well, it's all over and packup our gear.

Shooting the sun itself is also beautiful to include in your image, but is a little bit trickier. You will need to learn how to deal with lens flare, exposure compensation and other artifacts, but can and should be done.

The light that is produced at the golden hour is low to the horizon and produces long shadows and explosive color. It usually is a much more interesting light on your subject than shooting with the mid-day sun.

Here are some tips on getting the most out of your golden hour images.

1. Check the times of sunrise or sunset in your local area
Don’t just assume. Also check the weather forecast. If it’s very cloudy or there’s a chance of rain, you won’t be able to see the golden hour.

2. Arrive early
Don’t let the name fool you as sometimes you’d have less than an hour to capture the photos in the warm tones. Especially during the Winter months. Getting there early means you won’t be rushed setting up your gear or adjusting camera settings. I usually arrive at least two hours at a location to find my composition and ready my equipment for the shoot. There is a lot of waiting involved so enjoy your time in nature!

3. Turn off auto white balance
Manually adjust the white balance to create the color mood you desire. Or, you can also experiment with the auto-presets such as sunny or daylight.

4. To light up your subject in the foreground
Set EV (exposure value) to +1, +2 or +3. Alternatively, you can also slow down your shutter speed or use a fill flash. Also using a graduated neutral density filter is very helpful.

5. To create a shadow effect with your foreground subject
Set EV to -1, -2 or -3. You can also choose to make your shutter speed faster. Using a reverse graduated filter will also help get this type of exposure.

6. Use a tripod
You will produce sharper images and capture more vibrant colors. I almost never shoot any landscape images without a good tripod. If you want tack sharp images use a tripod and remote shutter release.

I hope this article helps you produce some better landscape images. It really is a very fun time of day to be out shooting, at least for the photographer. Until next time have fun shooting....

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DSLR vs Mirrorless?

7/27/2014

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Mirror and Mirrorless Cameras

So do these new mirrorless camera systems mean we should not invest any more money in new lenses or DSLR equipment since it's all just going to change? Many photographers think so. But not me. Here are my thoughts as to what’s going on:

There are already a ton of cameras out there that don’t use mirrors. For example Fuji, Panasonic, Samsung, Olympus, and the Sony f models. The technology to be mirrorless has been here for years. In our phones, in video cameras and many compact cameras like the GoPro. It’s nothing new. Sure there is a difference between a video camera and a still camera but not really. The cameras of the future will probably shoot a stream of video where you can choose the one photo we want out of that stream. Nikon already has the V1in it's mirrorless lineup. The most important thing to take away from this is some of the cameras listed still can take Nikon or EOS mounted lenses with the required adapters.

The big disadvantage of a mirrorless camera for a professional is the true image no longer reflects into the eye piece but will now be rendered to a LCD screen. Which means the photographer will be unable to see the true colors and saturation of the scene through the camera's lens. This also creates other problems. If it's very sunny out it's going to be hard to see your LCD panel. Possibly a deal breaker for some pros.

So should we be in a panic about not buying new lenses and gear because they will be obsolete when or if Nikon and Canon introduce a professional line up of mirrorless bodies? I don't think so. It’s highly unlikely they will just abandon the professionals who have invested tens of thousands of dollars in their equipment. Especially when Nikon and Canon are at such a close arms race. Sigma, who also makes great lenses and camera bodies even recently said it will never make a mirrorless camera. It's a foggy crystal ball.

My bet is professionals will always want a bulkier, heavier weather sealed camera body that feels solid in the hand. With a bigger camera you can include longer lasting batteries, better cooling systems, better auto focus systems and a more balanced body with big lenses. While the consumers might like the more nimble smaller and lighter weight design for a less intensive application.

Professionals will also always need a viewing system that allows them to still frame up shots when doing night photography or heavy ND filter shooting. This is more difficult on a mirrorless with current ISO ratings because the image is shown on an LCD screen where as with a standard DSLR you're seeing the image the way your eye sees it.

So it’s likely we will not see a drastic change in design from what the professional DSLRs are today. But we may just see them start functioning without their mirrors. But solid big cameras are just awesome. Like driving a big pickup truck or SUV. I feel so much better holding a Nikon D800 than a Nikon V1.

So my final thoughts for DSLR vs mirrorless is we will probably see a split in products. The pro model DSLRs that have some weight, good grips that may or may not need mirrors. And a smaller compact mirrorless design that lack ergonomics, long battery life and convenient I/O. I hope the DSLR is around for a long time, since I would really miss the sound of the DSLR when I press that shutter button. Until next time....

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Author

I have always been interested in photography and worked in 35mm film medium as a start over 30 years ago. Since life has allowed me to have more time lately, my photography passion has taken on a new meaning in my life. I enjoy reading, studying, and practicing my craft as often as possible. I have been fortunate to have been on workshops with some of the best modern day landscape photographers. I love the digital world for it's many abilities to provide outstanding quality images. Did I say I love,love,love landscape photography. We have such a beautiful and amazing world, it is a joy to capture it in it's best presentations. I hope you enjoy the blog and post comments so that we can all learn together!

The diminishing worry about high ISO in photography.

Artificial Intelligence and the Photography Future

Magnetic Filters

Using Body Language

Mirrorless Cameras = Video Workhorses

Camera Revolution

Those Iconic Images

Shooting from Above

Shooting during the Golden Hour

DSLR vs Mirrorless?

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