Tell you the truth; there should be a reason why Apple has made most of its top of the line products at an affordable prices upon its market margin. It seems that Apple is yet to introduce a more powerful feature that would still based on the iCore processors. With all the student discounts available; it’s a good deal still. We’re expecting to have more features introduced and those great deals on our next purchase. At WWDC 2010, even more new stuff will be revealed.
Shot taken late in the evening at Pulau Redang. Images were converted to HDR using Photo Matix Pro, was later then edited in Photoshop CS3 for further retouching. Color Efex Pro was also being used in the final mark up. Camera used; Canon EOS 30D with 24-135mm @ 64mm 1/40sec f14 ISO 100.
A table top with simple studio set-up. Bottom light with honeycomb, a snoot and a softbox as main light. Kitchen utensils; is all you need. Some minor adjustments say Exposure and White Balance and yes, Lightroom is used here indeed for the dreamy effect unless you have a soft focus filter; either way, it should have made the shot. Camera used; Canon EOS 350D with Canon EF 100mm f2 USM @ f13 ISO 100.
Currently trying this new plugins on my CS3. Also available on Lightroom etc. I found it quite interesting. The available presets are adjustable. May not apply to all our shots but it does the job pretty well indeed. For advance users, this may seem a little messy at times on your workspace as it has its own interface and doesn’t stick on CS3 original interface but as long as its hideable and valueble at times; why not give it a shot at.
Many of my fellow collegue has been into the bussiness or industry if i may call it; proving themselves by starting off on a few wedding assignments. After a few jobs of so, many tend to switch cameras for the sake of having the latest gadgets money can buy. Here’s a few guide lines though.
Frankly having a mid end equipment is eventually good enough for starters and weddings photogs. As for me, i’d rather spend on a good body first then a wide lens like the reputable 17-40 f4 and a standard zoom lens say 24-105 or maybe something inexpensive like 28-105 USM II. Yes of course, a prime lens will always come in handy upon low light and potraiture range from 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8 or those really amazing 135mm f2.
A full frame is inevitable. Rich color and full frame capability is all i care off. Shoot RAW always. It offers a wider retouching and saves me a lot upon handling exposures. On top of having all the above, a good file management is a must for all as well. Adobe Bridge has a lot to offer. File handling and archiving has never been easier. Lightroom has been fun too.
Photography is a new the media. A new form of so called art that’s actually assisted with the new found technology that evolves from time to time. No matter how much we praise the almighty Canon 1Ds Mark III. Deep down, we know, there’s more to come and soon will be replaced with yet another and another, only time will tell. One thing for certain, technology never stops so does our beloved toy.
Speaking of toys, this is what this whole article should be about. You know, talking about cameras and stuff, sometimes I just get too excited. Pardon me on that. Back on track, being a photographer unlike other profession, it’s just so easy to jump in. All you need is to crack your bank account and get yourself all the luxury stuffs money can buy and out of no time, you’re are a photographer. The question remain is that, what exactly is the counter measurement here? As far as I can barely think of, there is none.
Photographers are not being made of, they emerge within the crowd. Finding that single shot that often take days, now that’s a photographer. Today, photography has become unlikely a trend if I must say. The good thing is, the manufacturers make better money but how exactly does it help the art scene that was once and still, highly criticized for not being the real art form.
To some, it’s not the point where a painting is much more valuable compared to a photograph just because it’s made on canvas not printed on a photo printer. It’s the creativity that matters they say but looking up to the finishing of the images, it’s the machine that does the job again. We’re just pretty much doing the camera a favor by pressing the shutter at our chosen place and time. Amazing doesn’t it? Probably that is why, even for the very foundation of the well known Singapore Art scene with huge exhibition hall like the 2902 Gallery, some stunning works worth nothing better than just stock images.
At times, it makes me wonder why those images in the good old days appear to be more valuable. Perhaps the efforts that being put in, just pays off back in return. Sigh.
