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just pics

2011-04-11T01:43:00.000-07:00

I've been taking a lot of pictures lately, but I haven't been updating much... why? Because I wanted to put an awesome, life inspiring and thoughtful message with each picture... and I came up with zip, nada. Just another reminder why I'm not a writer, but someone who takes pictures.

Hope you enjoy my photos from the past 2 weeks.

Gamja tang with Brian and David c.

Went to get a new pair of sandals and ran into Felipe, a reallly old friend from middle school.

There's just something about large panes of glass and light~

David showed me an amazing joint, Draught House Pub, which has an amazing beer selection. I'm learning!

Boulevard Tank No. 7 Saison, a little too complicated for a novice like me, heh.

Juan, who works at the Supercuts on guadalupe, is the only man that I can trust to cut my hair right.

Random flower and a school bus

Swim class in UT's natatorium

Getting tacos de barbacoa and a torta de buche at El Tacorrido, I'm going to say this right here and to no one else.

F*** restaurant week. There's something fishy about paying 35$ for a meal at a place that normally costs 200-300$... It's like you're paying to see a preview of a movie.

Half-Price books with June

I like UT, I like Austin. Screw what I said earlier.

go with the flow

2011-03-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

We can go on "photoshoots" where I try to eek out an expression from you for more than an hour. Where I will try to tell you to move your head and correct your posture, all while hiding my face behind a huge clunky camera and sweating my ass off. "What is he getting at?" A puzzled look appears every other frame.

Or perhaps we could just go for a walk. Breath the air, feel humidity and the wind... and when we come across something special and interesting, the moment will speak for itself.

Each picture brings me back to those moments where all the pressures of daily life seem to disappear into a thin veil of dreaminess and laughter. Where time finally slows down it's pace...

set the exposure.
*breath in*
focus.
recompose.
*exhale slowly...*
*click*

Japan nite and future goals

2011-03-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

I got back into Austin on Friday, just in time to catch some sxsw action. Kind of disappointed that I didn't get to check out any of the more popular bands, but this was enough of a taste for me.

All proceeds went to victims of the earthquake in Japan.

-Goals:
It really seems that my ambitions have reached a plateau over the past year. It's as if I thought I reached a comfortably high level of photographic proficiency... but it seems every one is catching up, and fast.

Seeing all of these innovative photos and project initiatives from my friends really has me asking the question, "Where do I want to take photography?"

I want to take unique photos, with enough depth and feeling that it will live up to the test of time. Taking pictures of celebrities, or random people I don't know doing the same old smile and pose over and over again doesn't really appeal to me.

Gear:
As for gear, I think I've reached a consensus.

Life goal:
Leica M9, 50mm f/1.0 or f/0.95 noctilux

Near goal:
Canon 5D or 5D mk2 with 35mm f/1.4 L, 100mm f/2.8 macro.
GF1 with 20mm f/1.7 (I'm happy with it.)

A Leica M9 + 50mm noctilux is definitely out of reach, but it's definitely the combo I have my heart set on in the coming years.

As for now, it's time to consolidate my gear. My Canon 5D is still a fantastic camera, but my glass is sort of a jumbled array of mediocre lenses. I want to end up with the 35mm f/1.4 L and the 100mm f/2.8 Macro lenses in the end. I believe these 2 lenses will give the best range of flexibility to me.

The Canon 50mm f/1.4 can only be used above f/2.8, so why bother? Also the depth of field at f/2 from the Canon 100mm f/2 is almost too shallow for normal use. So why not get a sharper lens capable of macro photography, while still able to use f/2.8.

As for my GF1, I still think it's an amazing camera. I'm going to keep it even though cameras such as the Olympus EPL2 and Fuji x100 are actually in reach. At the same time that I adore these smaller cameras for their unassuming size, I just feel limited when using them in terms of depth of field and low light performance, and these aspects don't improve no matter how much one is willing to pay at the moment. It seems that full frame or larger is where I aspire to be at this moment.

Selling these lenses: Canon 28mm f/2.8, Canon 50mm f/1.4, Canon 100mm f/2, Canon 70-200mm f/4 L.
Selling Leica M6 TTL, with 35mm f/2 Summicron.

Projects:
I need to get better at portraits, and not the type that we see all the time on wedding websites and senior portrait sites. I want to take pictures with the energy and depth of the likes of Richard Avedon. This will probably move me to experiment more with artificial light, and light modifiers. As well as a lot of research in poses and movements for the model.

I also want to take my street photography somewhere, and that means I need to go out into the streets more. This is kind of difficult seeing as I get out of class close to rush hour and Sunset. Again this will require me to do research into what makes a strong, emotional and distinct street photograph versus just a normal snapshot.

You can visit me in the art library =).

Spring Break in Cancun with the Panasonic GF1

2011-03-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

For spring break I went to Cancun with 2 of my really old friends. I was skeptical of the trip, thinking that I would be trapped in a place reminiscent of a local water park with a crowd of drunk high schoolers.

I actually enjoyed the hotel and resort quite a bit; it turns out Barcelo Maya is located an hour taxi ride away from all the noise and intense partying. Just a bunch of families on vacation...

I found it a bit boring, but the mix of a decent buffet, beach, and unlimited alcohol helped lull me into a state of relaxation.

Whenever we went out to the beach initially the weather would be great, but then suddenly start to rain. I I found this to be really funny since we have a running joke that a dark cloud follows my friend James wherever he goes.

-An afternoon in Playa del Carmen

On 1 of the 3 days of our short vacation we chose to venture out to Playa del Carmen, located 30 minutes away from the resort. We were dropped off a couple blocks from 5th Avenue or "Cinta" which is the main road full of tourist shops and restaurants. I found myself quickly enamored with the off roads. Finally... something real, something different.

Already injected with alcohol from early morning drinking, we needed to use the restroom pretty much on arrival. The only solution was to go into a local bar or restaurant, where the cheapest thing was beer.

Thus began a seemingly endless cycle of drinking and restroom hunting.

The beach in Playa del Carmen was better than the resort by far, cleaner water and less clutter.

5th Avenue was loaded with tourist traps. The locals really went out of their way to draw attention to their stores.

Dogs always make interesting photographs -- a tip given by Elliot Erwitt and my old photography prof. I really wish I had a hood for my Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 It seems like a lot of my pictures have a glare of haze.

James took advantage of his 7+ years of learning Spanish and asked the locals where they liked to eat. Most people pointed us to La Parrilla, which I found odd since it was still located on touristy 5th.

The menu seemed really Americanized. I ordered chorizo quessadillas, my friends got a plate of nachos(just to see the extent of how good nachos can be) and a taco plate of beef and nopalitos. I found the food to be quite tasty, but nothing I couldn't easily get in the states.

A lot of higher end stores are springing up, but it doesn't seem like the locals care since they can't afford to shop at these stores anyways.

We were stuffed beyond belief... but James, in his drunken fury, decided to ask even more locals where to eat.

We quickly found ourselves in a small seafood restaurant, great... more food!

I couldn't identify anything on the menu, so I randomly chose "sopas de pescado" or seafood soup(without even knowing that sopas was soup), it seems like I chose right due to the waiter's happy and surprised expression. The soup was a cross between seafood gumbo and pho. Take all the good bits from the gumbo: shrimp, crab, fish, oysters, and have it in a relatively thin broth that when combined with lime, packs a serious flavor punch. Even though I was really full, I loved this honest and humble meal.

A mother and child came in. He was happily eating a slice of pizza from another stand, and his mom proceeded to order some items off the menu. Within moments the mother left without a trace. At first the child didn't notice, only minutes later did he go out of the restaurant looking for her. This scene really struck a chord with James, who is usually known for his overwhelming douchbaggery.

All in all I wish I had more time to explore the city... perhaps another trip will solve that issue.

-Back to the beach

We made a quick beach run before we had to check out at noon, I suddenly remembered a photo that one of my contacts on flickr took not too long ago. I tried to recreate it... I loved how his photo seemed so alien yet comforting and familiar at the same time.

-Gear Thoughts

All photos were taken with a Panasonic GF1 with the 20mm f/1.7 lens. I really think this was the better choice over my Canon 5D for this trip. The DSLR would have been way too bulky, and most likely would have drawn a lot more attention from the locals. I found the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) accessory extremely useful when it was very bright outside. The sun creates a really bright glare on the back LCD that makes framing on the back screen virtually useless. And while we're on the subject of intense sunlight... I find it kind of odd how there isn't even an official lens hood for the fantastic 20mm. I really believe it should be included in all kits.

In my honest opinion the Olympus EPL1, EPL2, and EP2 are better camera bodies due to their in body image stabilization and WAY better EVF, but even if one decides to get an Olympus Pen, they should really consider the Pannasonic 20mm f/1.7, it's an amazingly sharp lens.

Wednesday

2011-03-03T16:20:00.000-08:00

Today I happened to take a weird route to class and I bumped into Erica, who was just wandering around in west campus.

Jane invited me to go to a food trailer press release. Some free food and mingling with some local food bloggers.

I always walk around 2nd st. where the lights at night are really beautiful and make me want to go bokeh crazy.

I'm sort of fed up with the sharpness of Canon's 50mm f/1.4, I'm searching for an alternative.

Website

2011-02-22T22:52:00.001-08:00

Hey guys, I've been making some changes to my website... although it may be simple right now, check it out!

http://pluphoto.com

warm breeze

2011-02-20T04:18:00.000-08:00

I'm usually a fan of colder weather, but there's just something about warm weather that I just seem to enjoy.

Hello golden light!

Into February

2011-02-13T13:10:00.001-08:00

Back Seat

2011-02-09T23:26:00.000-08:00

It seems that my fondest memories are from when I was a little kid, just sitting in the back of the car playing with my nintendo gameboy, listening to 90's hits on the radio. I'm 21 now, why do I yearn to go back into the past and have all of that back? I should be approaching my peak; I'm finally free to experience the world now after all right? The only thing stopping me is my own precaution and doubt. It's time to let go of my comfortable childhood and try to take charge of myself, there's so much to see.

A question from a friend

2011-02-07T22:18:00.004-08:00

From a friend on fb:

Quick question -
I'm in the market for a new camera, and I'm looking for something that rocks (but is less bulky than a Canon 50D w/ huge lense which is what I have now). Any ideas/suggestions?

Thank you and hope you're doing well!!
G
Answer: (after the jump)

In my opinion, micro 4/3 cameras provide excellent image quality.

Micro 4/3 boasts the ability to change lenses and have sensors that are pretty much the same quality as most DSLR's, yet they are a lot smaller and lighter.

I have a panasonic GF1, but I really believe that Olympus' Pen camera bodies are a bit better since they provide in body image stabilization, and other quirks that may come in handy later.

I'm sure if you go to my flickr, you won't be able to tell which picture I took with my 5D versus one that I took with my GF1.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/moarbokeh/

Buying a Micro 4/3 camera can be kind of confusing.

First off, if you buy a micro 4/3 camera from any manufacturer, you can use any of their lenses between them. For example I bought a Panasonic, but I can use any of Olympus' M4/3 lenses no problem. All M4/3 bodies have a 2x lens crop on them, meaning if you bought a "20mm lens" it would actually be a 40mm lens. a "14-55" zoom lens would then become a "28 - 105" zoom lens.

The marketing strategy for the Pen cameras has been quite weird. There are 4 models to chose from, but all pretty much have the same image quality. EP1, EPL1, EPL2, EP2

I'm going to assume you want to buy a new camera, since these are not that expensive anyways, and so you can have a nice warranty with it.

http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Thirds-Interchangeable-Digital-14-42mm/dp/B004HO59M4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297132998&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035LBRJO/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ALAQLAKJ574UN

EPL2

EPL1

If aesthetics of the camera body itself are important to you... compare these 2 cameras, even though one is called the EPL1, and one is called the EPL2, their image quality is pretty much the same. But I like the EPL2 due to it's retro style, and it has a nice wheel on the back to change settings with instead of a control pad.

So you have a choice of an EPL1 at 419, and a EPL2 at 600, both of which come with a fairly decent zoom lens.

If you need a low light prime lens, definitely get the 20mm f/1.7 by panasonic. It's pretty sweet.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/651751-REG/Panasonic_H_H020_Lumix_20mm_f_1_7_Aspheric.html

Alright... maybe that's a lot to digest at once... let me know if you have any questions.

Wouldn't recommend a G12 since it's basically an oversized S95. Get an S95 if you want a point and shoot but... the image quality doesn't match micro 4/3 in my opinion.

-pat

Chilly East 6th

2011-02-05T10:13:00.001-08:00

Thanks for coming out to my birthday celebration even though it was 22 degrees outside.

Spontaneous Snowy Portraits

2011-02-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

First real snow that I've seen in Texas... and even though it was 2:30 AM, everyone was outside experiencing a temporary winter wonderland.

Ended up taking pictures of random people in the end, haha.

GF1 as a 5D replacement for portraits?

2011-02-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

The Leica 50mm Summicron is effectively a 100mm f/2 lens, so one would think it would be great for portraits right?

Since I only only take portraits with natural light, indoor portraits are kind of a touchy subject with this camera. I think I can pull a lot more detail using the 5D if I have to use any ISO above 200. But in daylight the GF1 is perfectly usable.

2011-01-31T22:12:00.000-08:00

Incredibly lucky that I had my camera out today as I was heading back home from class, and bumped into my friend Chunyi at the bus stop. The GF1 + Leica 50mm Summicron combo is very hard to control at f/2, but if you can nail the focus... the results are outstanding.

2011-01-30T22:20:00.000-08:00

Woke up at 2pm and went online to see everyone say "Wow what a nice day!" "It's so beautiful outside!"

Lingered around the house for a bit... then said, "OKAY, GET OUT OF THE DOOR LET'S GO!"

I had to do some reading... and since lugging a 5D with a heavy backpack would have been a pain, I opted to give my GF1 a chance. Very pleased with the results =).

Tested the Leica 50mm summicron on the GF1, it's pretty darn hard to focus. Using any lens on a GF1 will give you 2x more focal length. So effectively the 50mm acts like a 100mm. The following are a mix of the summicron and the normal 20mm f/1.7

The Usual

2011-01-27T21:40:00.000-08:00

It's really easy to dismiss your everyday surroundings and label them as "boring." But really no matter where you are... there's definitely something going on and worth noticing, even if you go to this over populated, wanna-be-hipster infested, and drab university that is UT.

For me, I really like seeing how the light at sunset effects the random stuff I see walking home from class.

A guy from Japan came to the arcade yesterday to play street fighter... I asked him in my broken japanese...写真をとりますか? (I take picture?).

The way light plays on the new buildings on campus is a refreshing sight.

Had a nice lunch with my friend Erica today at Thanh Nhi =).

I really don't understand how Thanh Nhi's owner prepares her rice or chicken, she makes something so simple so good! Hah.

All images were taken with a Panasonic GF1 with the 20mm f/1.7 lens.

A week in January

2011-01-23T23:20:00.000-08:00

Kirk Tuck, an Austin photographer has some really nice posts about the new Olympus EPL2 that will be coming out quite soon. Check them out!

Welch patio

2011-01-20T00:24:00.001-08:00

More and more impressed with M4/3

2011-01-19T05:13:00.000-08:00

The biggest gripe I had with my GF1 + 20mm f/1.7, was that I found it hard to get a shallow depth of field. But, in reality I think I was just taking pictures at the wrong angles. If you get close enough, and space your background a decent way, the depth of field will be very apparent and pleasing. Also it's worth noting that the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 is very very sharp and small.

A wave?

2011-01-11T15:01:00.000-08:00

On the street

2011-01-08T01:14:00.000-08:00

I really like the way he carries his camera... such a bad ass going out for hours with just a 5D MKII and the 85mm f/1.2 with no extra baggage to weigh him down.

I've always been inspired by street photography, and I regard the type as the "holy grail" of photography. But, I've always had this fear of going out into the streets alone. Afraid of responses from people, of their reaction to me... a clumsy Asian guy with an intimidating camera.

I have to force myself to go out, there are so many unexpected opportunities out there. Just get out the door!

I'm so needlessly self conscious... Most people don't seem to not care at all, or are very welcoming. Hopefully photography will help remedy my shyness.

Street photography is something you need a lot of patience for... days and days of taking pictures, often coming back with only 1 semi-usable shot, or perhaps nothing.

Some words of advice...

Sometimes you just get lucky.

Biding time at epoch

2011-01-07T02:03:00.000-08:00

My apartment complex took this long winter break to do renovations on the apartment, unfortunately this means that I get a loud *BANG BANG BANG* that wakes me up every morning... sometimes even on the opposite wall of my bedroom. So... to escape the annoyance I went to Epoch, normally a place where I'd cram for finals, but this time just a place to chill, surf the web, and play some board games.

People at the cafe are really nice... some even bring their pets =).

After leaving the parking lot, the sun was setting and the clouds formed this beautiful swirly pattern... I instantly thought that it could be a good picture, but I hesitated and continued home, I regretted it and immediately drove back, in the matter of just 2-3 minutes the light drastically changed and it became almost too dark for this pic. Never hesitate, just take the picture.

See you later Julien

2011-01-06T14:08:00.000-08:00

Best of luck to you, have fun in New York!

Winter Break

2011-01-04T23:10:00.000-08:00

-Chilling with the cousins
Winter break has been quite boring... I haven't been taking many pictures or going out much. I have been hanging out with my cousins a lot more than I normally do though.

Here's William, Lauren, and Jessica.

The images above were taken with a 5D with either the EF 50mm f/1.4 or EF 100mm f/2.

-Can't forget the friends...

The previous 2 images were taken with a GF1, I've been really impressed with panasonic quality lately. I've also stumbled upon some very stunning images by Jim Radcliffe, who used the GF1 almost exclusively for more than a year. Check out his website Boxed Light.

Yay for getting away with underaged drinking next to a rooftop playground. Parents were too busy downing their own beer and wine to notice anyways. My 21st is coming up in less than a month!

-The food

Mexican food. *drool* I don't really like Mexican fusion... there's really no need to mess with the classics. If the image looks foreign to you, I suggest that you visit a local taqueria or taco cart.

A rant on Bokeh

2010-12-21T04:13:00.000-08:00

First of all what is this bokeh stuff I always talk about? It's a Japanese term that refers to the out of focus parts of the image.

Present Tense: JoAnn Verburg

At the Moma in New York, I was taken aback by the simple beauty of this image, it inspired me to start taking pictures...

A lot of times in when I'm in my car waiting on a red light, I like to ask myself, "Why is photography so important to me?" And most of the times I come up with an answer similar to this: Photography is preserving a moment for later inspection. A second chance at re-living a highlight of beauty, a peek of emotion. It's not only a method for me to show others how I perceive the world, but also a way for me to see it again as well. To finally see everything, the "complete picture" if you will... is a treat.

The camera works uncannily like our eyes, but unlike film our minds usually only take in what's in focus. In darker areas our pupils widen and so do apertures. Put your hand close to your face and focus your eyes on it, and try to examine everything behind it... it feels weird right? The thing is... that out of focusness is beautiful, just awkward to look at normally, and a photo gives us a relaxed way of looking at it.

Bokeh adds to the composition of an image. One major goal of photography is to entertain the eyes... to make them search for the subject. So why not give the eyes something pleasant to look at while they're dancing around? Even when my subject is smack dab in the middle, the bokeh draws attention elsewhere, it makes the image more interesting, not so obvious(I hate being obvious). I'm not Ansel Adams... I don't live in a beautiful national forest where everything is beautiful and everything needs to be in focus. Blast that boring background with a low F stop and make it something special.

Bokeh gives a picture depth, a 3rd dimension to a physically flat canvas. It's character derived directly from our gear... it makes me crave zeiss and leica glass. (even though all of these were taken with a lowly canon 50mm f/1.4)

Bokeh allows for creativity, it can actually be the subject of the image.

And for some of us... the more pictures we take the more we want to see it. Like addicts... Seeing in real life is boring without it.

-----------

If you're wondering how to achieve this effect, take a look at my basic tutorial for it
http://leicapat.blogspot.com/p/basics-pt1-general-iso-and-aperture.html

tapioca with jane

2010-12-21T02:59:00.000-08:00

In moderate light the Lumix GF1 + 20mm f/1.7 can really go to work. Since I've finally done some extensive photo taking with this combo I'll do a post on my opinions of micro 4/3rds soon (hopefully).

millie

2010-12-21T02:54:00.000-08:00

Don't really know what to do with this site. I think I need to revise the way I do tips... or maybe not give any tips at all. Perhaps this will be a less emo version of my regular blog.

A while ago I stumbled on Millie's xanga(a long while ago), and I was intrigued by her... sort of dark and mysterious personality.

I'm glad I got an afternoon with her for myself, shes actually quite cute and quirky.

easy to remember...

2010-11-28T01:03:00.000-08:00

I printed this picture for my brother last Christmas, his wife brought it up when we got tea after dinner today.

Perhaps the best meal I've had in my life so far, an Omakase at Sushi of Gari in New York.

Back in Texas we drive everywhere; there is barely any street life. One moment you're here, the next you're at your destination. I remember walking to the restaurant from my brother's apartment, the feel of the streets, loving the the fact that walking was a necessity.

Omakase means "It's up to you" you let the chef decide what to make based on whats fresh, what he feels like, you're trusting him to show you a good time. At the sushi bar we had those prepackaged chopsticks that all Japanese places have, and for the life of me I can never break the chopsticks evenly. Usually after I fail, I just suck it up and carry on with my meal. However... this time a waitress noticed my displeased look and gave me a second chance. I knew there was going to be beer, I know now it's not a big deal... but back then getting to drink alcohol was worth noticing, it was different, fresh. It's as if every Sapporo I drink now is a futile attempt at reliving that moment. There are better beers, but I still drink Sapporo anyway just to see if I can get that spark back.

The rice was extraordinary. First time sushi rice has ever really surprised my tongue, it... tingled, in a good way of course. The fish was fresher than any I've had before, but the chef took it to the next level by pairing each fish with a flavor, essence of lemon, a hint of spice from the skin of hot peppers, creme fresh, always something extra special. There was fois gras sushi for heavens sake. I was lost trying to quantify it all. It was as if all the tension built up from years of watching food network and travel channel was being released from my brain into the stratosphere. I was happily snapping away at the first few dishes, but suddenly I felt guilty... I felt as if I should have been just enjoying the chef's preparations without pausing to take a snap. So I skipped some courses, and just so happens the one course that I did decide to pick up my camera for, someone walks through the door. All the chefs look up... *click*

Photoshop Tutorials: Basics

2010-11-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

These tutorials go over the basic tools that I use in photoshop. Somethings I'll explain are the RAW editor in the photoshop CS series, curves, basic detail management, and basic tools to achieve "pop." Make sure to watch in 720p, and perhaps full screen it.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask, thanks for watching.

Lauren

2010-11-27T14:23:00.001-08:00

Instead of letting this blog die, I'm going to try and salvage it.

My cousin lauren, taken at my brother's wedding.

Canon 5D, Canon EF 50mm f/1.4, at f/2.5, 1/200 sec, ISO 100.

Not a true F/stop I know, but I'll take it anyways.

by the pawn shop

2010-10-14T20:15:00.001-07:00

Meimei's wedding

2010-09-30T21:09:00.001-07:00

I haven't been updating :/, however I have a new microphone, so I will be doing a photoshop tutorial on black and white processing.

molé

2010-09-15T00:00:00.001-07:00

thu

2010-09-12T02:17:00.001-07:00

Canon 100mm f/2 test~

2010-09-07T11:25:00.001-07:00

Went downtown with my friend Joanne. It was drizzling a little bit at first, but then it started to clear up, which made the lighting conditions into a mix of soft and strong light.

I actually didn't spot these until Joanne pointed them out!

There was a triathlon going on, but I found the crowd a bit more interesting~ I take pics of dogs and little kids... hah.

I actually really enjoy the 100mm focal range for street shooting! I'll do a review after a month shooting with it.

Singapore Harbors

2010-08-27T01:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't been shooting much lately :( But hopefully that will change since I'm going to be carrying my film camera around with me now, and I'll be getting a 100mm f/2 lens for my Canon on Wednesday.

New york~

2010-08-25T00:25:00.000-07:00

Sorting old archives... and noticing interesting pictures =)!

Rule of thirds

2010-08-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

Haven't been taking many pictures since I've been only moving stuff around :/

Here's a video on rule of thirds, but remember that it's not really a rule, only a guide line, use it, then break it!

Ashley @ zilker park

2010-08-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Daytime went pretty well =). I'm still writing a small article on portraits... I have a final in 2 days, so hold on!

If you would like to see more from this set, visit my smugmug album : http://moarbokeh.smugmug.com/People/Ashley-Austin/13253358_42WyR#962463672_eKBwL

As far as the Canon 85mm f/1.2 L goes, it's a spectacular lens, but for my purposes it's a bit excessive.

The thing weighs a ton, and the autofocus is a bit slow. With adequite light, f/1.2 seems to give too much dof, I found myself opting for f/1.8 - f/2 most of the time... using the maximum aperture seemed to give a to make her nose out of focus with the focus on her eyes... and the rest of her body? Totally blurred, and blasted away.

Even with the extra f stop, the dang thing is too heavy... causing some additional shake from your hands. If you want to take it for a try, go to precision and rent it for yourself!

Ashley @ night

2010-08-08T00:38:00.000-07:00

I think things went really well tonight, I'm not sure how people will take the weird / very dark lit shots, but we'll see :P.

Basics Pt1: General, ISO and Aperture

2010-08-04T23:28:00.001-07:00

I put together a general tutorial on ISO and Aperture... check it out. Please leave comments =)!

http://leicapat.blogspot.com/p/basics-pt1-general-iso-and-aperture.html

Well, obviously...

2010-08-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

2010-07-30T14:03:00.001-07:00

I'll be posting a tutorial on portraits in a bit...

2010-07-29T00:58:00.001-07:00

for a while now... I've been obsessing over getting a 100mm or 135mm f/2 lens. I think I should just stick with the good old 50mm.

Work

2010-07-21T14:33:00.001-07:00

Adopt Me!

2010-07-20T19:27:00.001-07:00

Vicky and Henry

2010-07-20T00:28:00.000-07:00

Micro 4/3rds cameras can be quite good =P

Gear recommendations.

2010-07-13T22:30:00.001-07:00

As far as this blog goes, I haven't posted much on what gear I recommend, but here it is:

DSLR's allow you to have more control over pictures than your traditional small "point and shoot" camera. After a long time of being a gear snob... I'm going to tell you now that your gear isn't THAT important. There's really a marginal difference after making the jump to these somewhat larger/clunky gadgets.

Right now, if you're looking to buy a DSLR, I recommend getting almost any camera you can get at a reasonable price. Well, whats a reasonable price you ask? Use the search feature(by registering) on the Fred Miranda Buy/Sell forum and see what the average price is... the market fluctuates too much for me to tell you right now ^^; Generally an older body should be around 300-500 dollars, models released recently in the past year should be relatively expensive still... take a look and see what fits your budget.

**(Update): I have a general brand preference for Canon and Nikon... but brands such as Olympus, Sony, Pentax, Panasonic, and (of course) Leica are all good, I just didn't do much research into their DSLR lines. My photography professor, Eli Reed, prefers Olympus and Leica to any other brand. If you asked me... "What is your dream camera?" I would answer "Leica M9 with a 50mm Noctilux." anyways~...

As far as used gear goes I use Fred Miranda. For new i use BHphotovideo or Amazon.

-Camera Body:

DSLR's actually come in 2 parts, the actual camera, and the lens. You need both.

Camera bodies to look out for: (generally from cheaper to more expensive)
-Canon: XTi, XSi, 30D, T1i, 40D, 50D, 5D
-Nikon: D80, D90, D200, D300,

Most recent models, which would be harder to find at a discounted price:
-Canon: T2i, 7D, 5D mk2
-Nikon: D300s, D700

**You'll notice that I left out the Nikon D40, 40x, D60, and D5000. These cameras are perfectly fine, but they lack an internal focus motor that will limit your next lens choices. I know a lot of people who have been taking amazing pictures with these cameras. If you see one at a bargain price, get it.

-Lenses:

Lenses are a tricky issue now days, there are just so many of them. They come in all sorts of zoom lengths... and everyone's preferences are different!

In my opinion it would be best to start off with 2 lenses. A general zoom lens, and a prime lens (a lens that cannot zoom).

Most cameras come with a general zoom lens, most of the time its a 18-55mm. If your camera comes with it, use it for a bit and get your next lens based on your own personal needs. If it doesn't... I would recommend jumping to a better lens (mentioned below).

As for the prime lens, its the 50mm F/1.8 lens for both Canon and Nikon. Now why does everyone recommend this lens, and what does it offer that your zoom lens doesn't? In short it allows you to be more creative with your pictures. First off it's a fixed lens... you can't just stand there and zoom in on something. You will have to zoom and frame with your feet, you'll actually start to give a damn about your framing due to the extra effort. Second, the lens lets you achieve a shallow depth of field or DOF. What is depth of field? Let this wonderful youtube video explain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfOC_Msb1dI

However if your camera does not come with a zoom or if you're looking to upgrade your zoom lens, hands down I recommend either the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 or the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. These zooms have a constant f/2.8 aperture. No more having to deal with your F stop changing from 3.5 to 5.6 when you zoom in! Also they're sharper than your average cheap zoom. If you get one new it comes with a 5 year warrenty, but either used or new... its the best bang for the buck in my opinion!

**There is a newer version with vibration compensation, I recommend the older one with out it due to the price difference. The 17-50 is 414$ after rebate from BHphotovideo.

The most reasonable combo for a person starting out would be in my opinion a Canon XSi, 30D, or 40D with a 50mm Prime, any zoom lens that ranges from around 18mm to 50+mm, any flash compatible with your camera, and any basic tripod(would at least spend about 100$ on one).

For a person looking for a true workhorse combo. I recommend the Canon 7D, 17-55mm F2.8 lens, 70-200mm F2.8 L lens, and a 50mm F1.8 lens(the 1.4 ain't that much better at the moment). For the Nikon shooter, either the D300, or D300s should do nicely, same with the equivalent Nikon lenses. A Canon a 530EX flash, or for Nikon a SB600,800,900. Also a Gitzo or Manfrotto tripod would be ideal.

Personally I never use flash, and I don't use a tripod either. But that's because my style is usually spontaneous and not calculated. Flash and tripods will only expand your creativity =).

-If a DSLR is not your thing

DSLR's are a pain to bring around sometimes, they're big, loud, and obtrusive. What's a better alternative?

Best point and shoots period: Canon S90, Lumix lx3

Micro 4/3rds:

My thoughts on this system are somewhat divided. I have a M4/3'rds or "EVIL" camera, and I actually like it. It provides excellent image quality while being relatively small. If you're interested visit your local camera shop and check out for yourself. To be honest the picture at the top of this post was taken by one of them... they are the real deal!

Only gripes about these cameras are that they are still pretty expensive, and their low light capability is pretty poor.

The most consumer friendly EVIL camera: Olympus EPL1.
Get the zoom or the 28mm.. either one would be good =). These cameras also allow you to use virtually any lens out there via an adapter, with some research you can find some reallyyy cheap, but fantastic lenses that will pair nicely with your camera. The EPL1 is simply hands down the best M4/3rds camera available, sadly... its painful to say that it's better than my Panasonic GF1 (pic above)

-In the end...
The idea is to get any camera you can get your hands on and go out and take pictures! practice practice practice!

**will be updating/editing this frequently, along with linking you to most of the gear... I have homework =(.

If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment, or message me on aim, my sn is "ibeplu"

2010-07-10T03:37:00.000-07:00

I think everyone hits a road block photographic every now and then. When your daily surroundings get boring, make an effort to put yourself in an unfamiliar location. Take a different route perhaps, or if you're in college offer your services to your school newspaper! They'll take all the help they can get, and put you in places that you'll normally won't have access to. If anything just take pictures through that block, at even the slightest thing that catches your eye.

Don't lose your way of seeing! Like everything photography requires practice, even if you're having an off day (or month~).

2010-07-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

homeslice

2010-06-27T22:45:00.001-07:00

on the patio

2010-06-25T22:22:00.001-07:00

Ashley

2010-06-24T02:33:00.000-07:00

Flickr has a great new layout, it's a really subtle change... but amazing nevertheless! And now they have a larger 640px default size, which means larger pics on this blog~!

Also, check out Ashley's current project it's wonderful.
http://sowmakeitright.wordpress.com/

fireman's 4

2010-06-23T02:48:00.001-07:00

This is what summer should be... why am I taking class? (and still under 21)

study distractions

2010-06-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

4 way chess (in the back) blows my mind.

Inspiration~!

2010-06-18T23:25:00.001-07:00

These posts will be links to amazingggg photographers.

1. Todd Heisler
The man behind New York Times 1 in 8 million...

Ordinary people... with truly powerful imagery and audio. You have to see his work for yourself, inspiring.

2. Fabuchan

Amazing japanese street photography

3. Noircorner

Film + medium format goodness =).

4. For Students at UT~~~!!!
The Harry Ransom Center has a collection of over 200,000 pictures taken by Magnum photographers, that you can actually TOUCH. This is amazing... amazing!!!

2010-06-18T14:35:00.001-07:00

Back Alley

2010-06-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

When light is just right you can make even the dullest things look quite cool.

Jerry

2010-06-16T02:22:00.001-07:00

Rethinking my own gear...

After Sunset

2010-06-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

I'm currently writing a post on camera recommendations~ Also, if you're in Austin I want to experiment with a lens... contact me =).

Wavey~

2010-06-11T22:26:00.001-07:00

waiting by a tree

2010-06-10T00:59:00.000-07:00

Jae

2010-06-09T00:19:00.000-07:00

Into the blue

2010-06-08T00:43:00.001-07:00

Rainy Reflections

2010-06-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

Zoo in Singapore

2010-06-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

Reflection in a shadow

2010-06-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

Intro

2010-06-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

So I decided to make a new blog that focuses on just photography.

I starting getting into pictures... 3 years ago when I was inspired by an exhibit at Moma in New York. Even though I've only been doing it for such a short time I think I have a good grasp of some of the basic tools of photography, and I really want to share it with you all.

I know my blog's name is "leicapat" but I really don't have any hardcore brand loyalty. I have a Canon 5D, Lumix GF1, and a Leica M6 TTL, but hand me any capable camera, be it a Nikon, Sony, Pentax, or Olympus... and I'll be just as happy.

I'm a hardcore gear junkie, so if you have any questions feel free to ask me =).

Generally posts will only be recent pictures, but eventually I'll post reviews/thoughts on camera systems and accessories, camera and photoshop techniques, and links to interesting photography blogs online. As a general rule all pictures you'll see on this site will be taken by me.

If you would like to see my older pictures, please visit my flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/moarbokeh/

*Click*