Stars and… Stars.

Sell photos on photrade | By MSchoonmaker

 

I like symetry.  And Metal.  So i found this. 

Work Lights FTW for contrast.  Had to eliminate a little bit of noise with Noise Ninja… 

Quack!!!

 

Its well into that part of the year where the ducks and geese run rampant on their way to the warmth of the south… Actually, up my way its just about over.

This photo is from August, pre-migration.  A nice little American Black Duck who decided to entertain me in Lake George, NY.  

This is why i miss my Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II.  Past dusk shooting.  Given, obviously, there is blurring of the wings.  But Hey, i like movement.  My 50mm f/1.8 II took a jump off a mountain (well, rock outcropping) in Delhi NY on a hike.  I still have it.  Its just in pieces, heh.  Lesson learned, use two hands when changing lenses.

Out of the Bottle

Sell photos on photrade | By MSchoonmaker

In a continued interest in stock photography, here is an attempt.  Fairly simple idea, fairly simple execution.

Bottle = Lindemans Framboise…. if you haven’t had an opportunity to taste this utterly delicious beverage, do it.  Raspberry Beer.  Yes, you heard me right.

The same setup as “Self Portrait” was used, with one minor addition.  An actual backdrop.  White Sheet FTW.   The uneven backdrop lighting was on purpose, to attempt to get some depth out of the photo (afterthought: the foil has more than enough depth on its own)…

I realize this may not be a stereotypical stock photo, but its part of mastering the backdrop/lighting aspect before i bring in your normal subjects.  And, its more interesting than a keyboard and hands.  Yes, i said it.

As a side note, anyone else feel like we’re entering a new chapter of american history?

Comment.  Share.

Self Portrait: An Exploration

Sell photos on photrade | By MSchoonmaker

 

I figured an adequate way to start off this blog would be a self portrait.  Yea, thats me.  I applogize for subjecting you to what is, well, me, but its to late for appologies.  

Beginnings…

Hey there everybody!  Welcome to my outlet… This is/will be a place where i post pictures on a weekly/not so weekly basis to… well… give me another reason to shoot.  

Now, i post these pictures with great hopes of some helpful reviews/violent critisisms in hopes of learning and hearing other’s opinions.  I am in NO way a professional photographer… an Amatuer just taking his first steps if you will… 

Noise Ninja in Aperture… Natively.

I know at least a few people have been waiting for this… and this, via email from the friendly PictureCode customer support….

“Noise Ninja for Aperture will be released August 5th”

August 5th, 2008… Noise Ninja for Aperture!  Rock.

Also, i was told to wait to purchase a license for any of their products until then… so can you presume that the Aperture version of Noise Ninja will not be included under the Pro Plug-in License?  I’m guessing yes.  New License, sadly enough.  But worth it!

Note: this was not an official press release/inquiry on my part… simply the response of someone at customer support.  So keep an eye out.

Picture Code, makers of noise ninja.

Current Noise Ninja Licenses.

this post is also on Schoon Multimedia – Tech…

Pro-Optic 2X Tele Converter Review (on a budget)

Pro-Optic 2X Tele Converter Review (on a budget)

As soon as I received my Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6III USM I wanted to get even closer(on a budget). I started to look in to different tele converters… 1.4x, 2x, Canon, 3^rd Party… It took me weeks to make a decision on what I wanted to order, and I finally have… and here is my review of what I wound up with…

The Pro-Optics 2x Teleconverter DG (C/N)AF

Gimp 2.4.6 Mini Review

In the theme of my recent “reviews” (keep in mind, i’m someone with an opinion, not a journalist) here is a short review of Gimp 2.4.6.

For those of you not in the know, Gimp is an Open Source Photo Shopish option.  I like cheap.  Even more so, I like free (and legal, pirates!).

Gimp, The Image Editor

I’m always hunting for something free to replace pirated software.  Not that I mind pirating certain software (see: big even corporation, also see: microsoft).  But this is what I’d call a good find.

Open Source software can often be iffy.  Pros: many users that contribute, quick bug fixes, a community of developers you can ask questions of.  Cons: compatibility testing isn’t as thorough, no financial liability for failed/slow releases.

Gimp really does hit the Pros of open source software.  New versions every month or so, a great community, and a great product!

Oh yea, and there are windows/mac/linux versions.  Rock.

for the rest…

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Review

So let me put this out there… I’m an amateur photographer, working on a quite low budget.  I like deals, and i like cheap fast lenses even more.  I can’t say I’ve used any really nice lenses, so everything said here is simply my experience.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II      

read more…