I was asked the other day why I accept any and all people as friends on Facebook, Google Plus and even LinkedIn. Is that not dangerous?
It’s rather simple, the more friends you have on social networks the more audience you have, the more the audience the more likely you are to pass your message and be successful.
Yes it would be dangerous if I minded people seeing what I write, I am always mindful of the fact that once I write something on the net, no matter if it’s my blogs, a social network site or anywhere else on the net, I am aware that it’s out there and could potentially damage my reputation or worst.
I think that the message here is, much like flying in a storm with a biplane, I’d rather not. If you want to discuss something private, use secure means of communications.
Tags: Social Media
This point of view is entirely from the official specifications on the official Canon website as we will not get the camera for a couple of months.
I am impressed with the fact that Canon obviously listened to the market but mostly to it’s user requirements.
Let me list the good:
- Canon seem to have given up on the mega-pixel race for better low light sensitivity, in my opinion a vast step forward in the right direction.
- My pet peeve with Canon EOS Cameras, including the 7D, was that the maximum auto exposure bracketing at 3 shots with a maximum of 3 EV increments, now at 7 shots at 3 EV increments a dream come trough for HDR shooters like me.
- The new focusing technology, I wear glasses and truthfully I rely on it vastly.
- The multi-exposure setting also looks interesting.
- Dual card, 1 CF + 1SD
The things that make me indifferent, mostly because I do not use these function yet
- The better video quality and support.
The things this camera could do without
- The actual HDR processing, I find that entry level.
What’s missing
- Built in RF wireless for new series of flashes, like the Speedlite 600EX-RT
- Built in GPS receiver, though it’s available as an add-on.
In short, I am exited that it’s out and I can’t wait to gets my hands on one.
I also found some photos done with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III here.
Over my blogging days I have come to realize that blogging is not a social platform, in fact I do not use it a such. However I have also noticed that, because I “advertise” my entries on social platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Google + and others, I get most of my responses / replies on those platforms. People seem to think that whether they reply on the social platform of their choosing it is the same as replying on the post. It is not, there is no aggregation of the replies on the posts and often the discussion falls flat.
Let be be clear about this too, I am talking about replies not Facebook likes, Google +1’s or re-tweets though I find those problematic too, however this is a technology issue.
So now I face a problem, and I am certain I am not alone, I can aggregate Facebook discussions on my blog but I may end up violating privacy. But if I do aggregate it would need to be across all social networks and I have not found an easy solution to that as yet.
So what is the solution? Truthfully, user education, post replies where you read the article, it helps the writer’s credibility with the search engines. At this time there is little more that can be done.
Have you got a solution?
I have been advocating and using HDR for certain photographic uses for a while now, the response has been rather positive, I can only assume that I must be doing something right. In the past month I have attempted to tackle a whole new aspect of HDR, pushing the envelop if you will, I started doing “large” daylight panoramic images. I am amazed by both the results and response. I have learned so much more about HDR and normal photography in good lighting conditions (often not suitable for HDRs) and how to do good panoramic images.
So what is the trick?
- Take each section as wide as possible, all my panoramic images are done at 16mm, it will be more forgiving on your movement up and down.
- Overlap each section by at least 30%, 50% will give you double the information to stich.
- Keep the same focus, aperture, speed and ISO for each section, do not be afraid to go manual, in fact I encourage it.
- Tripods help, the truth is I do not use them much because I find them restrictive, say what you will it’s cumbersome to carry around.
- Before you do a panoramic, pan your camera, look where you begin and where you are going to end, find your panoramic line if you will, it’s like framing only wider. When doing the initial panning watch out for:
- The sun and flares.
- Water reflections.
- Moving people, animals and objects as they may appear more than once in your panoramic image.
- Camera tilting, try to stay on the same horizontal axis but keep that camera at 90 degrees.
- As so many say, look up, look down look everywhere, pan it twice or more before you start.
- When you do the panoramic sections do 30% more on either sides, it will let you crop better.
- Understand the fisheye effect and how to use it or avoid it, a panoramic image has lens curvature and that is that.
- 180 degrees panoramic images taken on a road or any visible straight live will result in a perceived 90 degrees panoramic.
- Use a good stitching program and there I have not found any software that beats Photoshop CS though I believe Photoshop Elements does it well to, though I have never used it. Why Photoshop Lightroom does not have it is beyond me. You can download the trial for any of them and try.
- Lastly, it takes processing time to do a panoramic image, be patient.
But most importantly, enjoy making and sharing them.
Tags: HDR, How to, Panoramics
I have made a lot of Panoramic HDRs lately, I got various complaints about the bending on these. I think I owe an explanation about that. I do my panoramic photographs using a 16mm in portrait, inevitably much like a fisheye lens, the closer to the centre of the panoramic you get the closer you are to the subject and thus the “fisheye” effect as shown in the photograph bellow made from 5 portrait photographs.
But here is one photograph that does not have that effect, yet it is indeed a panoramic made of no less than 7 portrait photos, so why is there no bending? Simple there is nothing in the centre, so you cannot see it! But look at the horizon line, it is bent so ever slightly…
And there you have it, the simple explanation.
Tags: Techniques
I am a proud Joburg Photowalker nearly since inception just over 2 years ago. The guys and gals are great and a special mention goes to Mark Straw for organizing some amazing locations and so much more. In the old group many have helped out and helped to organise something some point in times. It’s been a group effort.
Unfortunately, success comes at a price and that price is as we have more walks we have greater numbers and greater numbers mean requires greater care.
Etiquette on street photography and photo walks as I see it is paramount, I find that it makes for better photos. I thought I’d share what I consider proper and please note this is not researched by far this is my thoughts.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and fellow photographers, do not put yourself in front of another’s lens.
- Be courteous, it cost nothing and brings out the best in people.
- Before you even pickup your camera to shot someone, ask, you will rarely be told no, I never have.
- Children are fascinating but this in my opinion is a sensitive subject, more so every day. Ask the parents for permission first, if you can.
- Do not invade private space, this only creates an uneasiness that will be felt in your photos and gives a bad reputation to all photographers.
- You can take anything and anyone in public space, it does not mean you should, think and look before you pull the trigger, you may just be embarrassing someone or invading their privacy.
- Do not hog a space, you are not the only photographer there.
Though I intend to expand on the subject in the future, those are my 7 rules, what are yours?
- By anonymous: “10 000 images does not make for a good photo walk – think before you press the button- it’s a question of quality not quantity.”
Tags: Photo Walking
