Tag Archives: 105MM

Old Car City USA

Feb
11
2013
by Jessy | 0 Comments

This past weekend I packed up and headed to Old Car City USA in White Georgia.  It’s about 6 hours away but well worth the drive.  I love my cars, and I loved this place.  There are acres of cars and random buildings.  There are cars with trees growing through the grills even!

Everything is for sale or trade, but I would just pay the extra and take your camera for a few hours and enjoy the experience.

*Please note, a few hours will far from cover the amount there to photograph.

Being from Florida now, I was not prepared for the 37 degree weather, but once I saw the place I just could not leave.  Dean, the owner, was very nice and gave advice upon entering and didn’t rush me out the door when I was late to go.  There was a lot of crawling over vehicles and under trees to get to some decent shots that I wanted but the entire experience was more than worth the time and effort.  I left feeling cold, dirty, and very tired, but I am ready to go back, for a few days.

 

So many things and so many opportunities for more photos, or something to buy and fix up.  you can still see the glory in what once was of these amazing cars.  I know there is a photo workshop coming up that RC Concepcion has been talking about.  I would message him and find out the details to go.

While you are there keep your eyes open for amazing HDR opportunities as well as any other edits you can do to increase the dramatics of a photo.  With cars and shooting, the secret is in the details.  I can only hope that I get a chance to make it back out to Old Car City USA some day soon for a few days….

 

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Second Wedding out the Door!

Nov
16
2012
by Jessy | 0 Comments

wedding bouquet photoThere has been so much going on lately that I haven’t had time to post.  I’ll be doing some back logging to catch up now that I finally have time.  I have done some event photography, workshops, wedding, and surf photos.  Now that the wedding and surf photos are out the door I’m working on a video composite of images from a car show back in my hometown.

Focus of this should be on the wedding of the amazing couple I photographed last month.  These two (if you know them from the photos you will agree) are just amazing people!  Luke and I had a great time hanging out with them prior to the wedding for photos as well as during.  everyone was excited for the idea of photos so it worked well.

Great friends of theirs provided an amazing back yard for the pre-ceremony photos.  The yard was an amazing location and produced some great photos of these two.

Luke again used his canon and I was running both the Nikon D7000 and D800.  I found that during the reception I tended to lean more towards the D7000 due to the speed with it being so dark.  Most of the family and couple photos were done with the D800 though.  I

wedding couple photo

again used BorrowLenses to rent the Nikkor 50mm and 70-200mm.  Those two lenses, I would l

ove to own!  Everything good comes to those that wait. My lenses are good lenses and provide some amazing photos, especially my 105mm macro, but the glass in the 50 and 70-200 is just…wow.

My lesson learned from the last wedding was to sync the times on the cameras, we did that a day prior so editing was much easier than the lastone.  The only thing I didn’t really like is that our naming conventions are still off so when they are exported they export funny.  How does everyone else deal with that?  Do you change all filenames upon import?  Or do you just own all the cameras so that you set it how you want and it’s not an issue?

wedding photo pianoWell I have places to get some photos out to now that the couple has them.  I will wait till Monday before I start sending out the other requested photos, I just feel that the couple should have some time alone with them before they really get released.

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How to get noticed as a Photographer

Jul
13
2012
by Jessy | 0 Comments

So how do you get noticed as a photographer?

To answer this question, I still have no idea!  I have been doing landscape photography for a few short years as a hobby now, and managed to sell a few prints on various sites.  However, not enough to count for anything.  Maybe I don’t charge enough?  How much should you charge?  Where is the best place to sell?  The best format?

I have learned that I have my more questions about sales and turning photography into a business than what I probably should for considering myself a photographer.  I guess you live and learn, then you change it all because it was wrong.   I have a read many another blog on the subject and many have suggestions of buying inventory, selling that inventory to art galleries or even at crafts fairs.  I have looked into those options and due to equipment costs, my full time job, lack of funds, and the costs to buy the inventory and the booth, that’s not something I can do.

Many people say that most photographers will not make money at it, I can definitely understand.  Spending so much money to try something that I am scared I will fail so miserably at is definitely hard.  There’s a few decisions I have made personally that I will share with you, these may help you, and may not.  Keep in mind that my business is growing slowly (very slowly) and that I have spent more on equipment and costs than what I have made.  These decisions have set me up to grow in my career and have many or most, of my upcoming gigs be completely profit, only my time will be a cost.

What I have decided

1. I first decided photography was my hobby.  I have a full time job and am not willing to quit and take a shot with no existing clientele, or real work in the field.

2. Given that Photography was my hobby I slowly, over about 3 years, purchased equipment and what I wanted for my hobby.

3.  If I was going to get a paid gig that I would buy what I needed for that gig then as a way to help grow my equipment.

4. I would create a site and sell my photography online in some way.  This decision proved harder than I initially thought.  So many people have sites and sell there work but for one that has never professionally printed I didn’t know where to start with the sales side.  I found a safe site called FineArtAmerica and signed up.  I was able to link to that from my site, change the look and feel to match, and they did all the money, printing, and shipping.  Given my full time job (as management in IT I put in many many hours) I would not have time to print and ship myself, this was a great decision.

5. I would go to classes, conferences, and workshops that sounded interesting to learn, not improve my business.

6.  I would never take a gig that I didn’t really want to do, or feel that I was capable of doing well.
These six points above have gotten me to where I am today.  I have an amazing 27 inch monitor for my mac, that was a hobby purchase.  I now have a d800 to go with my d7000, the 800 was part hobby part for the portrait gigs I’m getting.  By purchasing lenses slowly I was able to take my time and buy used Nikon lenses from Ebay so I have fantastic lenses that I got used at half price and in perfect shape.  I was able to get the 12-24 for $600, and the 105 for $500!  These are amazing deals that I would not have been able to wait for if I had not had the luxury of looking at this craft as a hobby to start with.

I am sure many others have grown their businesses and financial intakes much faster than I but these were the decisions that I was comfortable making and I have been pleased with the outcome.  I am now doing engagement and wedding shoots, as well as other site portraits, and even babies.

Per an upcoming wedding shoot I purchased several more memory cards for the D800 than what I had initially but it was for a reason and now I have all I need to continue shooting weddings as not additional cost.

If you are a photographer what do you do?  If you were, what do you think you would do?  What do you think of my plan?

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Album Cover Images – Sound of One Hand Clapping

Jul
10
2012
by Jessy | 0 Comments

A few weeks ago I had the oopportunity to go to Denver for my company and shoot even photos.  You can read about the amazing opportunity that they gave me on my blog here.  While I was there I was able to stay a few extra days and stay with my cousin, back in the day we were great friends.  Our families did everything together and shortly before I moved to Florida she moved from the piano to the guitar and singing.  Even then I was amazed with her talent.  I am so happy she kept it up and has formed a band.  They have some great music, if you are looking for something new check out Sound of One Hand Clapping on Reverbnation.  If you want more information on them or are in the Denver area and what to keep up on their upcoming shows then like them on Facebook.

Erica and Dan asked me to do a photo shoot that weekend for album covers of their upcoming release.  I was absolutely ecstatic to do something like this for a band, and especially my cousin.  She is such a talented individual it was a great feeling that she thought enough of my photo work to ask something like this of me.  This was one of my very first portrait type of sessions and I’m thankful that it was them.  They are both so easy going and laid back, we were able to just have a lot of fun and not do too much posing other than what they wanted.

Maybe I’m crazy but I think the images came out great just by talking with them and having them talk to each other and have fun rather than trying to get the perfect posed shot.

All of these photos were  of course shot in color, with my Nikon D7000.  I switched between the kit lens, my 105MM and a 12-24.  Any black and white conversion was done post processing in Lightroom, or photoshop.  I did also use On One software for a few things, just because I am very specific about what software I use for what and when.

Even after completing the shoot and going back I was almost nervous to drop them on my machine and see what they really turned out like.  Having not done my portrait shots and it being so important for them I was just worried.  I had scheduled to go hang out with my parents for a while so I left Erica (my cousin) with the SD cards and my laptop so she could load them and go through them.  When I got back and saw how happy she was that before editing she saw images she liked it relieved my fears.

Going through and processing the images I found a new love for this kind of work.  I had such a great time taking the photos, and they have become some of my favorite to process with all the personality that they each have.  From this I shortly after accepted a gig to do engagement photos for another set of friends I have.  Those photos have just completed processing and are out the door and in their hands.  I have even agreed to do a wedding this upcoming week.  I have found a second shooter to assist and am more excited than nervous.

Peter Hurley taught us at G+ Photographers Conference that when shooting portraits you are 90% therapist and 10% photographer.  I think I am loving that combination and having a great time.

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Use What you Have

Apr
29
2012
by Jessy | 0 Comments

Today on G+ is SacredSunday.  There are many themes for each day of the week and I try to contribute when I can because it’s great to get the feedback on images and to continue learning.  I didn’t have much to contribute today but I remembered the great ideas so many others always have.  Many times the images are created with the smoke from incense, flowers and vases around the house, etc.  They always have such great ideas and I have never been able to really put things together like this, so today was my day!

I tried to think of what I had around my studio that would work for this theme and how to mix and match to make a great photo and something that would work.

I have this great little bistro set I purchased a while back that has some words and sayings painted on the top of the table and stools that say “Everything grows with love”, and “a dream is a wish the heart makes”.  I thought this was very inspirational and would work….so now how do I make it even more perfect for a sacred sunday…something that will make it pop.  Thinking I remembered my necklace that I always wear, people tend to think it’s a cross.  It’s actually a cut out from a spoon and is a dragonfly but the wings do make it look like a cross.  I took it off and put it on the bistro set to see if it would work.  I was quit impressed with what I had put together!

With the cross from the necklace the wonderful inspiration from the set it was perfect!  I moved the necklace around between the words, on the stool, on the table, etc.  I took about 50 images using my NikonD7000 and my Nikkor 105MM macro lens.  Using this lens gave great clarity to the images but was so tight on the subject that I found myself standing on the bistro set to get some distance.

I think the images turn out rather well.  This just goes to show that with anything you have on or around you current location you can make great images and things that will not only inspire others, but yourself as well.  If you have tried this before, post some links so that others can be inspired by your story.  If you have not tried this, then go out and try it today, don’t wait for something great, make something great!

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Baby Showers

Apr
21
2012
by Jessy | 1 Comment

It is the season for babies and baby showers again.  Yes, there’s  a season when more children seem to be born than others.  A while back I was hired to photograph a baby shower.  Since I love to get to observe people and photograph I of course welcomed this idea with open arms.  I was told this would be a real baby shower where men are welcome to smoke cigars and there will be no games.  I was not sure what that meant but was happy to go experience this and learn all about it.

When I arrived there were not many people there yet (thank god because I got lost, yes my GPS failed me!).  I took this opportunity to wander around and get the shots of the decorations as people seem to love those shots as well.  This family had put a lot of work into the decorations and making everything just dreamy!  There was a huge set up out in the perfectly manicured back yard, round tables with chairs, table cloths, and each had a center piece similar to the image here.  There was coffee, drinks, cigars, etc.  Everything had chalk boards with the painted pens used to label what was available at each location.  Not only did it look fantastic but I was also jealous of the hand writing (little things right?).

The sun started to go down and more people began to arrive.  The men tended to gather outback around the fire pit and smoke their cigars, it was really more of a cocktail party than a baby shower.  About 30 people arrived and all mingled and congratulated the happy couple on their new addition to the family.  The little boy is going to be very loved by this family, they were all so very happy and excited for his arrival!  I have never been invited to an event where everyone was so welcoming and glad to have someone there to do something for them.

 

The family also owns a few restaurants and had their waiters cater the event for them.  The food set up was gorgeous as well as delicious.  No, I did not eat the food, but just the smell going through the house was enough to fill you up.  You could smell the different flavors and even imagine the taste of each thing you smelt.  It was really quite an amazing and eloquent event.

The images were rather difficult to get with decent white balance due to the yellow painted walls, candles, and the fact that was dark outside.  With no way to set up lights and no real natural light to work with I was challenged during the processing to get the right white balance back into the images but it was worth the time.  The family was overjoyed with the images I provided and the way in which they were provided.  I of course provided a DVD with print files and web files so they can easily Facebook and also easily print.  I light scribed the event and date onto the disk and purchased a case with an image of the happy couple and date on the front.

I had taken my Domke camera bag with my extra lenses, batteries, and memory cards.  This I tucked back in a hallway out of the way but with easy access to get to and switch lenses.  I had several with me but seemed to only use my 105MM and randomly used my kit lens due to the small space.  This worked out rather well for me though I would love a 50MM prime, but someday I’ll give in and buy one.

Being my first baby shower photography shoot with my D7000 I think I did well and produced photos that the family appreciates as well as providing them in a way that will be a great keepsake.  Just remember to think about the way in which the images are provided after the event as that is the way that you will be remembered.

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Work on Good Friday

Apr
06
2012
by Jessy | 0 Comments

I’m still new to the photography world so I was thrilled when I was asked to do company portraits for Oyova!  I spent a little time this afternoon taking pics of the guys standing in front of a white wall.  Several months back I had done the images for the President so I was excited that he thought enough of it to have me come and do the rest of his team.

They are a great set of guys and seemed to have a little fun giving me profile shots, and randomly making faces. I used my best/only portrait lens, my 105MM to take the pics.  Due to the focal length I had to be a ways away.  I can’t wait till Adorama has a 50MM back in stock for me to order.  A fixed lens of that length will be perfect and not require me to be so far away.  I’ll be able to make the experience a more comfortable one as well.

I got the images all converted over (color, black and white), updated, and resized.  They are back out my door and the team seems happy with them!  Hopefully this will lead to more opportunities in the future!

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Flowers for a Brighter Day

Apr
03
2012
by Jessy | 0 Comments

It’s only Tuesday and it’s already been one of those weeks.  Do you know what I’m talking about?  It’s those weeks where you are getting several days worth of work completed in a single day but there is no end in site.  It seems as though these are very prevalent during holiday weeks.  Yes, Friday is Good Friday, and I’m excited to have it off to spend some time away from the computer and with family and friends.

Last night while I was out playing ball with the dogs I noticed my roses were blooming!  No only did I get to play with my dogs but I ran in the house to grab the camera and get a few shots of the roses.  I think they came out very well and helped to brighten my day a bit…and my week.

These were taken with my Nikon 7000 and my macro 105MM lens.  Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Pink Rose

105MM ISO 400 1/45 sec at f/4.8

White Rose Pink Tips

105MM ISO400 1/45sec at f/4.8

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Blue Orchid Bud

Feb
12
2012
by Jessy | 0 Comments

While at Lowes the other day picking up things for our garden I found these amazing blue orchids.  I am a fan of orchids and always seem to kill them but I have learned a new secret from a friend to keep them alive.  I decided maybe these orchids are the ones that will survive, so I’m trying.

This is an image of the bloom and buds on the end of the orchid stem.  I kept turning myself, camera, and plan to ensure the bokah was strong and the tile produced a nice smooth tan in the back to not distract from the amazing color of these orchids.  I took this image with my 105MM Macro on my Nikon D7000.  I didn’t use any amazing lighting or anything, this was actually taken in the evening on the floor in my entryway.

Blue Orchid Bud

D7000, 105MM, ISO 1000, 1/10 sec at f/3.2, no flash

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Nikkor Lens 105MM #2 – Lens Review

Oct
22
2011
by Jessy | 0 Comments

As promised my Nikon (Nikkor) 105MM f/2.8 G ED AF-S Micro arrived in the mail!  It took a few days before I had time to play with this but I was out front taking a few images this morning.

Upon receiving the lens I did work with it a little in the house and found a few things that created a few questions.

1. Most of my Nikkor Lens’ are from Japan,  that said since I ordered this from Ebay I was concerned it may be not of the same quality.  Upon review and searching online I found that nikkor lenses are made in Japan, Taiwan, and China.  Each factory follows the same training, quality control, and standards as each other factory.

2. While focusing the lens appeared to randomly “click”, this odd noise really concerned me as none of my other lenses do that.  I did some searching on this as well and on the nikonian.org site I found that this is also normal and that it’s at standard f-stops across all of the 105MM.  This is not an issue as the lens still performs well!

When on auto focus the lens does hunt a little while trying to determine how to focus and this takes longer than on other lenses.  The hunting will take a bit to get use to but I really prefer manual focus thus far on this lens anyway.  This mixed with the breathing may cause issues for some people, but for me it servers the need and quite well I may add.

Below are a few of the images I took this morning, the only editing that was done to these was cropping in Adobe LightRoom but with extra work they may be made more dramatic and impressive.  I will continue to post about this lens with updates of things I learned as well as more images as I learn to better use this lens.  These images in raw form will give you an idea  of what you can get out of this lens with little to no experience with Macro work.

Pink Hibiscus Stamen Macro Image

Dimensions: 4928 X 3264 Cropped: 3638 X 2939 Exposure: 1/250 sec at f/3.3 ISO: 100

I have included the dimensions, cropped, exposure, and ISO of each of these images to provide an idea of the settings and any changes.  The impressiveness of images of the stamens is the little hairs that you can see in some of these images.

Pink Hibiscus detailed pollen

Dimensions: 4928 X 3264 Cropped: 956 X 973 Exposure: 1/500 sec at f/33 ISO: 100

The image above is cropped in very closely as I was impressed with the shapes of everything on the stamen.  The detail that you can see with each piece of pollen.  For those of you with macro experience I am sure this is all normal, but for people like me this is still all new and exciting!

yellow hibiscus ants

Dimensions: 4928 X 3264 Cropped: 3512 X 2875 Exposure: 1/250 sec at f/3.3 ISO: 100

 

This image shows the detail and color in those tiny ants that are on the flowers.  I was shocked when I was looking through the view finder and was able to see the color in the ant even.  Those ants are tiny and I know I would be able to see details on small items but this was amazing!

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