Blue Angels
Air National Guard /Red Bull Stunt
A great opportunity for airplane photographs comes to our town once a year. The Sea & Sky Spectacular is a wonderful opportunity to capture some unique images. Everything from skydivers and aerobatic stunt planes to military jets show their flying skills. I am in awe of the talent the pilots have. The show finale is everyones favorite part. The US Navy’s precision flying team the “Blue Angels”. These pilots and their F/A 18s are incredible!
When I shoot an air show I bring out a long lens. The faster the better. Because of the distance and speed of the planes I end up shooting lots of frames. I try to be very steady with my moves and stay on target. Due to the image compression of a telephoto lens, the planes can look closer than they are. This can make for some impressive photography.
With all the food, the scream of jet engines, and tens of thousands of your neighbors how can you not have fun?
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November 3, 2009 · Published in
Imagery by pvidave ·
Sometimes I feel like it was yesterday I was up to my elbows in developer, stop, and fix. I’m always playing catch-up when it comes to photography equipment. As technology advances so does photography. They go hand in hand.
The best thing about digital photography is the digital darkroom. I do not miss all the chemicals! They were toxic,environmentally nasty, and expensive. I love photoshop and the things it enables me to do. Photoshop itself is a never ending education.
The new camera I just had to have has been discontinued. So now I’m waiting for the new improved version of the same camera. Of course the new camera needs new lenses to operate as designed. Now I am faced with basically replacing my whole system. The new digital cameras are computers with a lens. The electronics inside my first camera consisted of a light meter.
I guess it’s all good (except for the cost). The new equipment today is more sophisticated and complex allowing for more versatility. The images are sharper, and more vibrant. Combined with the digital darkroom the artistic possibilities are endless.
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October 23, 2009 · Published in
Imagery by pvidave ·
Mahi-Mahi
As an avid fisherman I enjoy the array of different colors the fish have. I often bring my camera when fishing hoping to capture something unique or just a different perspective of color. While some oceanic fish are feeding they “light up”. The colors are spectacular! The Dolphin attached is a fine example of one of the most beautiful fish in the sea. (They are also great to eat!!)
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September 20, 2009 · Published in
Photography by pvidave ·
Due to my not so great blogging skills somehow I deleted my post on infrared photography. Since I believe it has great artistic value here it is again.
Infrared light has a wave length that is longer than visable light and produces a unique look in B+W and color photography.
To shoot in IR I use a Hoya R-72. Since the exposures are very long a tripod is a must. The filter is very dark so compose the shot before installing the filter. The focus will also be affected due to the nature of the lights wavelength. Lots of lenses have a mark on them for IR so adjust accordingly. Infinity is not infinity in IR. I like to use a wide lens so this affect is minimal.
When in photoshop, for B+W desaturate then click on shadows / highlights and that will get you close. Its really cool to see all the possibilities. Remember to experiment and let the artist in you show!
Mountain Cabin Deep Gap
Deep Gap Country Road
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As an Industrial photographer sometimes full color or B+W does not convey my thoughts on a shot. Todays digital photographers have a great opportunity to produce images that have a “feel”. With the advent of photoshop there are no limits. In this shot I wanted to show dirt, rust, and a sense of age.
In post production I added some color filters, and desaturated the image when the feeling I wanted was achieved. You have to play around a little. Sometimes less color is better than a “pretty” picture with blue skies. Experiment and have fun.
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July 7, 2009 · Published in
Imagery by pvidave ·
While marketing a product, some companies use visual cues, others have been successful utilizing audio bites as an additional driver. Intel is one company that comes to mind with their 4 note chime at the end of computer adds. Everyone is familiar with the chime and immediately knows the Intel processors are incorporated in the equipment. This gives the consumer a familiarity with the product and a sense of quality. ESPN & NBC have also been very successful with this approach even though their product is very different. It’s still a product.
Having an advertising or marketing campaign appeal to as many senses as possible will make it easier for the consumer to remember the product resulting in higher sales.
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Every year in the U.S. we celebrate our independence on the 4th of July. There are fireworks displays all over the country giving us an opportunity to get some great photographs. All that is required is a camera, tripod, and a shutter release is helpful but not necessary.
The procedure is simple. Set the camera on the tripod, Set the lens on the widest angle, and close down the aperture to f:16 or f:22. Set the shutter to “B” or a long exposure. Focus on a burst, lock it in, and shoot. I like to shoot multiple bursts on one frame. A digital camera is helpful because you can review the photo after the shot and make appropriate adjustments. Experiment with different settings and have fun!
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As I write this I am looking at some great footage of a waterspout on the St. Johns River. I love to shoot bad weather.
One trick to getting good weather shots is using a wide angle lens and having a good background for perspective. An obvious concern when shooting weather is safety. Lightning has a way of striking when you least expect it. Be careful and take your time. The results should outweigh the risks.
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Recently, I have seen an advertising campaign from AT&T utilizing subliminal messaging. The first time I saw the add using the famous “Bars” (signifying the better reception) I thought it was clever but over done. As time has gone on I found myself trying to count how many times I could find the bars in one ad. I believe the most I’ve been able to count is 10 in 1 30 second add. I have found the technique very effective in capturing a viewers attention and holding it.
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April 23, 2009 · Published in
Imagery by pvidave ·
Marketing products through photography and imagery has been a very powerful tool since the beginning of advertising. Advertisers have always wanted to make a product very familiar to the buying public. This can be accomplished through a number of avenues. Color is one important aspect. For example Coca-Cola has been using the same color #25 red since the beginning. McDonald’s has used yellow in the “Golden Arches” from the start.
Shape has also been used effectively. The hour glass shape of the Coke bottle is universal, as well as the Arches used by McDonald’s.
The use of color and shape added with a quality product will convey a since of familiarity which will build a relationship with the consumer. The result is the consumer will seek out that specific product for many years to come. Some like Coke others like Pepsi, but how many people go out of their way to buy RC?
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