Donations help keep this page published

Donations help keep this blog going. Thank You!

Instagram!

Instagram

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Join PPA go to Imaging USA show FREE








Join PPA and Go to Imaging USA for Free!*

Want to grow your photography business? Need to spend less while still having a blast? (Who doesn't?) Well, whether you're starting out or established in the industry, you'll find the resources and network you need to grow with Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and Imaging USA 2014 in Phoenix.

There's simply no better way to get the know-how you need to succeed with your pro photography!


What You Get with Imaging USA

Thousands attend this convention and expo each year for a level of learning and networking you simply can't find elsewhere. Get the lowdown at www.ImagingUSA.org and on twitter #IUSA14.

  • 3 days of world-class art & business education

  • 600+ trade show booths with mouthwatering product deals

  • 10,000 pro photographers & industry peers to connect with

Bonus: 3-Hour Workshop!

Be More Profitable: Planning for Your Success
Saturday, Jan. 11, 1-4pm
With PPA Mentors Bridget Jackson, CPA & Angela Kurkian, M.Photog.Cr., CPP

Pricing, sales, marketing and finance are the fundamental elements of a profitable business. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what you need to do to get where you want to go. From profitable pricing, SEO and social media, to planning your marketing calendar, this is the workshop to boost your business. And it's FREE!

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Asus ViviBook Deal

Asus VivoBook 11.6" Touch Screen Notebook Computer, Intel Core i3-3217U 1.8GHz, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 500GB 5400rpm HDD, Windows 8 64-Bit - Pink

Sale price: $349.99 (Reg: $399)

like this one, but pink


Sale starts tonight at 8:00pm EST, limited time only, so hurry

The Asus VivoBook 11.6" Notebook Computer features a traditional notebook computer design, but has a capacitive touchscreen for added convenience. You'll be able to use your keyboard, mouse and now your fingers as you can tap directly on tiles instead of clicking on them.

This Asus VivoBook also features the Windows 8 Home Premium (64-bit) operating system. With a redesigned Start screen and an emphasis on tiles that update real-time and capacitive touchscreen support, Windows 8 provides a unique user experience.

The system is powered by a dual-core 1.8 GHz Intel Core i3-3217U processor. It also has 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, a 500 GB 5400 rpm hard drive, a 3-in-1 media card reader, 10/100 Mbps fast Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and an integrated 0.3-megapixel webcam.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Low Price Ultra-Wide (Fish-Eye) for APS-C Format

It's found under several different brand names. Even changes focal lengths in some of them (because of allowances in focal length labeling). 

The version I'm using is the Rokinon 8mm f/3.5

This newer version adds a chip for synching to the Nikon digital APS-C DSLRs. It is manual focus only, but the chip lets you use the camera's focus confirmation, and allows the aperture to be controlled  thru the camera, so it even works in Program mode.

The lens feels solid, has some heft to it, and mounts perfectly to the camera bayonet mount. Earlier versions had some reviews saying the fit was a bit tight, but that seems to be fixed. 

The focus ring is just stiff enough to allow you to set a distance and forget it if you want. It doesn't budge during normal use, but it will move if you grab the lens by it. I set it at a hyperfocal distance for what aperture I'm using, often about 1m, and this gets me depth of field from rather close out to infinity even at f/5.6

I shot into the sun, into sodium vapor lights, and with flash, and saw little or no lens flare or ghosting. The images are sharp and have neutral color rendition.

Over all, I approve of this lens. Useful for realty work like raw files for virtual tours or just as wide interior shots, landscapes, any time you need an ultra wide coverage, and for creating special perspective effects.

Some unretouched sample pics: 




Saturday, December 21, 2013

Ice Storm Flower Photos

Bright sunny days are great for creating stunning images. But, that isn't the only outdoor light and weather that you can use to create great images.

Our ice storm is continuing, but right outside our place is a bush with tiny, colorful berries still on it. The light source was a completely overcast day with fill flash added for highlights and contrast.

A little bit of color correction and cropping...


Sunday, December 15, 2013

New Gear Reviews Coming

Recently, Steve's Fine Finish  upgraded to a higher MP count DSLR, a full frame fish eye lens, and a nodal point panorama head. 

I will write some use reviews on each item in a few days.

The new(ish) camera:



The lens.


The Pano head.

Cool Photoblogs

coolphotoblogs Check out this collection of photo blogs.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Profoto Lighting Deal from Adorama






If you're in the market for this type of professional lighting equipment, this is a deal you can't pass up. Buy the generator, get a head for free. It's not for everyone, but go ahead and shop all of Adorama's pro lighting equipment.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Discount Computers and iPhones in OKC

 is a good place for discount, used, and refurbished computers, smart phones, and tablets. 
Facebook account required to see his deals.



Friday, December 6, 2013

Be careful out there!



A lightsickle

Where is my sidewalk?

Where is the street?


Be careful out there!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Olympus Deals at Olympus dot com


Use code HOLIDAY1231 for an extra 5% off any qualifying Olympus.com order thru 12/31/2013