**official Photography Chat Thread**

[Vudoo4u2]

best example of HDR ive seen as of late (perfect use):

linkd from user "froggy" on thephotoforum.com (may potm winner)

[rodi]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_system

[rodi]

fuck. that's nice.

Originally Posted by Vudoo4u2

best example of HDR ive seen as of late (perfect use):

linkd from user "froggy" on thephotoforum.com (may potm winner)

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by Vudoo4u2

best example of HDR ive seen as of late (perfect use):

linkd from user "froggy" on thephotoforum.com (may potm winner)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/...aa4431f2_b.jpg

That's pretty nice and a great example.

[rodi]

more food for thought. hopefully this type of photography is new to someone here.

infrared:

not mine, just posting it.

[c0nstant]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

With that said, anyone use any special tools/filters for their processing? I stumbled across Totally Rad Actions (http://www.gettotallyrad.com/) a few months ago and it has become a vital part of my post work. I HIGHLY recommend checking it out. Take a look at the "recipes" (http://gettotallyrad.com/recipes/) section to see user-submitted photos and how they used the filters to achieve that particular look.

wow, great link

[Vudoo4u2]

Originally Posted by rodi

more food for thought. hopefully this type of photography is new to someone here.

infrared:

not mine, just posting it.

infrared is very cool. Been debating whether the filter is needed on a digital format, or whether the effect can be had with pp properly...still not sure, probably just have to go out and try with my tripod

love the surreal effect, its like looking @ life on the moon

[Vudoo4u2]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

With that said, anyone use any special tools/filters for their processing? I stumbled across Totally Rad Actions (http://www.gettotallyrad.com/) a few months ago and it has become a vital part of my post work. I HIGHLY recommend checking it out. Take a look at the "recipes" (http://gettotallyrad.com/recipes/) section to see user-submitted photos and how they used the filters to achieve that particular look.

i like the effects they have preset..its neat to package it up that way...pricey, but then again, what isnt for photos nowadays (other than toying with it and figuring it out w/adjustment masks yourself lol)

hmmmm....lets make our own!

[c0nstant]

i feel you. id probably apply each preset and mess around with it. id use it for inspiration more than anything

[rodi]

Originally Posted by Vudoo4u2

infrared is very cool. Been debating whether the filter is needed on a digital format, or whether the effect can be had with pp properly...still not sure, probably just have to go out and try with my tripod

love the surreal effect, its like looking @ life on the moon

you can't fake IR in post enough. just can't match it.
either get an IR filter for your lens, or - better yet - convert a DSLR to IR. $200 for a conversion - just use a cheap camera (old D40 or 30D or what-have-you). the advantage of the latter is that you don't have to use super long 30 second exposures in daylight.

[1013mm]

converted my old d70 to IR, what a useful tool, just never had the chance to use it....

[c0nstant]

i know that IS lenses mean (image stabilization), but what are 'prime' and 'L' lenses? inb4lmgtfy

[Dr_Jones]

Is it safe for a careful noob to clean his APS C sensor by himself? Ive tried to blow it out with air and its not coming free so i think it has to be a wet cleaning.

Any suggestions on a kit. The one i was looking at last night said that shipping was prohibited.

Unless i shoot wide open all my pictures have spots!

[Vudoo4u2]

Originally Posted by jh valley

i know that IS lenses mean (image stabilization), but what are 'prime' and 'L' lenses? inb4lmgtfy

prime is just a fixed focal length lens...such as a 50mm lens, or a 35mm lens..a Non-Zoom

L-lenses is the moniker that Canon created for its higher end glass (not sure what the Nikon equivalent title is...but there is one..nikon guys?), they are weather sealed and use a different coating/glass internally..usually the build quality is what sets them apart from their non-L counterparts

Originally Posted by Dr_Jones

Is it safe for a careful noob to clean his APS C sensor by himself? Ive tried to blow it out with air and its not coming free so i think it has to be a wet cleaning.

Any suggestions on a kit. The one i was looking at last night said that shipping was prohibited.

Unless i shoot wide open all my pictures have spots!

I would say, you can clean it yourself, but for the low cost of bringing it to a local camera shop, they can do it for you and you dont have to worry about making a mistake

[TWiTCHY]

Cool thread

Question here: So I went Gaffa' tape crazy on my 70-200mm f/4 IS and somehow the tape gunk made its way in between the focusing ring, so now the focusing (manually) is sticky and makes squeaky noises. What's the best way to clean it out? Tried using a blade to push it out but no luck.

[Vudoo4u2]

Originally Posted by TWiTCHY

Cool thread

Question here: So I went Gaffa' tape crazy on my 70-200mm f/4 IS and somehow the tape gunk made its way in between the focusing ring, so now the focusing (manually) is sticky and makes squeaky noises. What's the best way to clean it out? Tried using a blade to push it out but no luck.

oh noes..

if you call canon, they do offer professional cleaning...which im sure would clean that right out..I cant think of any way to do it yourself that would guaranteed get it out and not mess things up

[c0nstant]

holy shit, mark; the Totally Rad Mega Mix - Version 1.2a is nearly $300

[PNF]

Hey guys, the other thread brings an interesting point on the filters.

I still have not purchased any CPL, and so far, I have been using my friend's Tiffen MC CPL, which works alright, but I cannot really compare it to anything else, because I have never tried anything else.

So, do you justify those $200 B+W CPLs?

I currently use all B+W UV Filters, which are not as expensive as those CPLS. (at about $70-80 a piece for my 67mm and 77mm)

I have read a few comparisons, but just wondering what comments/feedback any of you actual users might have.


If it is worth it, I might get it during that double cashback Bing during week of 8/10

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by jh valley

holy shit, mark; the Totally Rad Mega Mix - Version 1.2a is nearly $300

Yea they are pricey, but definitely worth it when compared to other filter/plugin packages. I also have nik color efex pro, but find TRA to be way more powerful and useful.

[TWiTCHY]

Originally Posted by Vudoo4u2

oh noes..

if you call canon, they do offer professional cleaning...which im sure would clean that right out..I cant think of any way to do it yourself that would guaranteed get it out and not mess things up

It's under warranty, so it should be free, right?

[Vudoo4u2]

Originally Posted by PNF

Hey guys, the other thread brings an interesting point on the filters.

I still have not purchased any CPL, and so far, I have been using my friend's Tiffen MC CPL, which works alright, but I cannot really compare it to anything else, because I have never tried anything else.

So, do you justify those $200 B+W CPLs?

I currently use all B+W UV Filters, which are not as expensive as those CPLS. (at about $70-80 a piece for my 67mm and 77mm)

I have read a few comparisons, but just wondering what comments/feedback any of you actual users might have.

If it is worth it, I might get it during that double cashback Bing during week of 8/10

I'll quote my post from the other thread...maybe this will make your day

I got my B+W UV and CPL filters from hvstar.net...which while it comes from hong kong..they are legit real B+W filters (I checked)...and youll find them about ~50% cheaper than anywhere else (but itll take 1 week to arrive once you order)

link below for the B+W XS-PRO slim MRC UV filter 77m & B+W slim 77mm Kaesemann MRC CPL(B+W's best CPL...its sealed internally)...for only $203.90 for BOTH!!! + free shipping (pretty much...as cheap as youll ever find)

http://maxsaver.net/B-W-Filter-Kit-X...-CPL-77mm.aspx

[Vudoo4u2]

Originally Posted by TWiTCHY

It's under warranty, so it should be free, right?

erg...you could try