November 2009
Ant has been studying a interesting photo technique we want to use at Carly's wedding. Referred to as the "Brenizer" method; you take a series of photos with a extremely low f-stop to create a photo that looks wide-angle with a very shallow depth of field.
For our first experiment or proof of concept we used our 50mm at f/1.4. As 9-5ers we seem doomed to shoot at night, so we hauled our gear out into a freezing NYC night to try our hand. We took around 20 photos with our subject in focus and stitched the photos together to create the wide-angle effect.
I feel like it was a great proof of concept and with a little practice we should be able to nail the look every time.
For our first experiment or proof of concept we used our 50mm at f/1.4. As 9-5ers we seem doomed to shoot at night, so we hauled our gear out into a freezing NYC night to try our hand. We took around 20 photos with our subject in focus and stitched the photos together to create the wide-angle effect.
I feel like it was a great proof of concept and with a little practice we should be able to nail the look every time.
This morning we conducted a lighting test using the house-hold models...Ant, Venus and myself. Using our snazzy new umbrellas and wireless firing system we felt pretty fancy, even in our living room that is the size of most people coat closet.
Let me just tell you getting second story brunch reservations on the parade route is not easy task. I probably called every food establishment, including "non-food" establishments (i.e. TGI Fridays, Olive Garden, etc.) months before the parade mostly to be barraged by rude maître d's and clueless hosts before I finally found our saving grace.
We ended up grabbing brunch with a marvelous view at Playwrights Celtic Pub's second floor restaurant. Over a traditional Irish breakfast (meaty!) and mimosas we watched the rather disturbingly large characters float by. After the parade we ran home to start my very first Thanksgiving dinner, which was a tasty success and thanks to the cleaning contributions of my father, not quite the nightmare it could have been in my teeny tiny apartment.
After the family left Venus, Anthony and myself went out to Long Island to work off our extra calories with some T-day wheelie time.
We ended up grabbing brunch with a marvelous view at Playwrights Celtic Pub's second floor restaurant. Over a traditional Irish breakfast (meaty!) and mimosas we watched the rather disturbingly large characters float by. After the parade we ran home to start my very first Thanksgiving dinner, which was a tasty success and thanks to the cleaning contributions of my father, not quite the nightmare it could have been in my teeny tiny apartment.
After the family left Venus, Anthony and myself went out to Long Island to work off our extra calories with some T-day wheelie time.
Today Venus had to get her nails trimmed, which is her most despised thing to get done. Normally Anthony and myself will do them, it takes a little time and is a bit nerve racking but we never encounter any huge problems. But Venus is a pill and I always wonder if it's worth the $15 to have someone else do it. So I decided to take her down to the local groomer "Dogie Styles" on Roebling and South 3rd. Venus was blissfully ignorant of the whole ordeal until the groom drug her into the grooming area and threw a muzzle on her. She became a drama queen and whined for all to hear as her ten tiny claws were shortened. Alas she lived (as always) and I decided it wasn't worth the $15, since they look the exact same as when I do them!
After the eventful mani-pedi we wandered over to the Continental Army Plaza for a little history. We learned the plaza was opened in 1903 in conjunction with the opening of the Williamsburg bridge (the plaza is right at the Brooklyn side entrance). There is a rather grand statue of Old George Dub on a very cute pony that was dedicated to the city in 1906. The statue is entitled "Washington at Valley Forge."
You can see Venus dramatically posing at the statue and in one photo I think she's recounting the horrors of her nail trimming experience and indicating where the torturous muzzle was placed. While photo-safari-ing it up on the way home we ran into Venus's complete opposite, a huge black Great Dane. Venus was having nothing to do with the beast and made sure to walk as far from him as possible. But I really can't blame her.
After the eventful mani-pedi we wandered over to the Continental Army Plaza for a little history. We learned the plaza was opened in 1903 in conjunction with the opening of the Williamsburg bridge (the plaza is right at the Brooklyn side entrance). There is a rather grand statue of Old George Dub on a very cute pony that was dedicated to the city in 1906. The statue is entitled "Washington at Valley Forge."
You can see Venus dramatically posing at the statue and in one photo I think she's recounting the horrors of her nail trimming experience and indicating where the torturous muzzle was placed. While photo-safari-ing it up on the way home we ran into Venus's complete opposite, a huge black Great Dane. Venus was having nothing to do with the beast and made sure to walk as far from him as possible. But I really can't blame her.
I've always loved macaroons, but for some odd reason I have never made them before. So this afternoon I tried my hand at them, as I owed the guys some cookies at the stunt spot for helping out with some consumer research. I used a modified recipe from the back of the coconut bag, basically coconut, flour, sugar, salt, vanilla and egg whites (I threw in some sweetened condensed milk for flair). They were a hit with everyone at the spot and I think I ate myself into a sugar coma with them.
Tonight I used Alton's pizza recipe. I made a simple pie with tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella. Despite the fact I was working without a rolling pin OR a pizza stone, I would say it was a great success.
Instead of a rolling pin, I used a sanitized wine bottle and resorted to a aerated pizza pan for the cooking. I just made sure the oven was a even, scorching 500 degrees before throwing that puppy in. I will admit while using the oven I was romantically dreaming of a backyard brick oven for pizza...someday :)
Instead of a rolling pin, I used a sanitized wine bottle and resorted to a aerated pizza pan for the cooking. I just made sure the oven was a even, scorching 500 degrees before throwing that puppy in. I will admit while using the oven I was romantically dreaming of a backyard brick oven for pizza...someday :)
Today we thoroughly enjoyed the 65 degree, sunny, fall weather by going to rip in PA. Ant and I played around with our 16-35mm lens, I worked on mastering the 636 foot-brake and Venus enjoyed her food from the Wawa.
This afternoon I practice bouncing the flash off the ceiling with my cookie monster. After adorably munching her cookie, Venus went into the bedroom and rubbed her bum across the carpet while smacking her lips! Perhaps she's just a monster.
“No Dog Zone” more like “No Fun Zone” in Long Island City
Posted November 11, 2009 in
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Today I took the G train to 21st Street in Queens, hopped off and walked toward Manhattan (or what I could see of it, which was the top of the Chrysler Building). I was headed for Gantry Plaza State Park. Approaching the park I was highly offended to find quite a few “Dog Free Zones” with obscene signs with X’s marked over dogs! What a twisted place this must be, as I mused up at the towering condos which surrounded me. How could so many people reside here and not DEMAND these beautiful parks not be off-limits to their furry companions…unless they don’t HAVE furry companions…madness I thought and proceeded into the historic park. Further into the park a saw a second sigh “Childs Play Area, Coming 2010,” frankly I can’t think of a worse nightmare, no dogs, plus encouragement to bring children.
Shooting the park was marred with the ultimate bummer: a lifeless white, sky -not gray, just a static white screen of nothingness. I played with several lenses and found myself shooting DUCKS because I could shoot down on them, thus avoiding the blinding evil sky. I also was amused by a group of teenage tourists who proceeded to take photos of themselves in just about every imaginable pose along the river over the course of the 1.5 hours I was there; including one snap with a member hanging off a pier on the wrong side of the safety fence –pretending to be falling into the East River. I had my camera ready just in case that pose turned into the real thing, unfortunately it didn’t.
Ok, so I will admit it, the park was a tad bit fun, even if it was a “DOG FREE ZONE” (grrrr, the nerve!). The park offered a great view of Manhattans skyline, the Queens-Boro bridges and Roosevelt Island in the distance. There are historic railroad arches that welcome old-time train riders to “Long Island” and remnants of the Long Island Rail Road as it once was. It was freezing but there was still a model baring almost everything to get some glamour shots against the skyline and that horrid white sky. All I have to say is she better be superbly good-looking to draw attention away from that monstrosity of a sky.
I left Long Island City thankful Ant and I chose NOT to move there, as it was on our top 5 neighborhoods when we moved to NYC last spring –for Venus’s sake (in addition to cursing the sky).
Shooting the park was marred with the ultimate bummer: a lifeless white, sky -not gray, just a static white screen of nothingness. I played with several lenses and found myself shooting DUCKS because I could shoot down on them, thus avoiding the blinding evil sky. I also was amused by a group of teenage tourists who proceeded to take photos of themselves in just about every imaginable pose along the river over the course of the 1.5 hours I was there; including one snap with a member hanging off a pier on the wrong side of the safety fence –pretending to be falling into the East River. I had my camera ready just in case that pose turned into the real thing, unfortunately it didn’t.
Ok, so I will admit it, the park was a tad bit fun, even if it was a “DOG FREE ZONE” (grrrr, the nerve!). The park offered a great view of Manhattans skyline, the Queens-Boro bridges and Roosevelt Island in the distance. There are historic railroad arches that welcome old-time train riders to “Long Island” and remnants of the Long Island Rail Road as it once was. It was freezing but there was still a model baring almost everything to get some glamour shots against the skyline and that horrid white sky. All I have to say is she better be superbly good-looking to draw attention away from that monstrosity of a sky.
I left Long Island City thankful Ant and I chose NOT to move there, as it was on our top 5 neighborhoods when we moved to NYC last spring –for Venus’s sake (in addition to cursing the sky).
Today I headed down to Canal Street to photo safari up through China Town, Little Italy and the East Village. I ended my journey by grabbing some espresso beans from the ONLY place around to get good beans, 9th Street Espresso.
Today we rode at the ‘plex and when we arrived the light was just prefect to play around with fill flash. The sun was setting in the distance and the flash helped keep things sharp and not too warm. I shot with the 70-200mm lens which provided a challenge since the range demanded I adjust the flash every so often, not something you want to mess around with while shooting extreme sports. After some time I set my sights on one rider and set up to catch him in one specific spot, then waited. The results were decent and the flash filled subtly, as desired.
After my self-imposed photographic challenge I threw the camera in the van and did some wheelies of my own!
After my self-imposed photographic challenge I threw the camera in the van and did some wheelies of my own!
As an immigrant to NYC I still get excited when I see the skyline at night, when I go to a Broadway or when Christmas time rolls around, and unlike most native New Yorkers I still go seek these touristy attractions! Anthony shares this adventurer’s attitude with me and we are looking forward to a winter with less riding and more photo safaris!
This evening we checked out the famous Grimaldi’s under the Brooklyn Bridge and the Brooklyn Promenade. Legend checked out and Grimaldi’s really was the best pizza I have ever had in NYC. Ant and I shared a mushrooms and pepperoni pie, I was not to keen on the idea of pepperoni to begin, haunted with memories of greasy slices of the past, but when the beautiful pie came out I was reminded of what a pepperoni pizza SHOULD be. The joint was cute and real, with clear view of the chefs and a partial view of the original bricks peaking out behind the ill-fitted wooden walls. So Grimaldi isn’t an interior decorator, but clearly no one cares as they are stuffing their faces.
After our dinner we checked out the Brooklyn Promenade and played around with our some long exposures with our new flash! They say practice makes perfect, so we will keep practicing…
This evening we checked out the famous Grimaldi’s under the Brooklyn Bridge and the Brooklyn Promenade. Legend checked out and Grimaldi’s really was the best pizza I have ever had in NYC. Ant and I shared a mushrooms and pepperoni pie, I was not to keen on the idea of pepperoni to begin, haunted with memories of greasy slices of the past, but when the beautiful pie came out I was reminded of what a pepperoni pizza SHOULD be. The joint was cute and real, with clear view of the chefs and a partial view of the original bricks peaking out behind the ill-fitted wooden walls. So Grimaldi isn’t an interior decorator, but clearly no one cares as they are stuffing their faces.
After our dinner we checked out the Brooklyn Promenade and played around with our some long exposures with our new flash! They say practice makes perfect, so we will keep practicing…
So today we picked up our new 16-35mm lens, WIIIIIIIIIIIDE. I headed downtown on the 1 train to Rector and wandered through Trinity Church –grave stones are so sweet with this puppy. Moving through the tourist and getting acquainted with the lens I was impressed with HOW WIDE it was! Often I would inadvertently get so close to shooting something when I removed my camera I found myself mere inches away from my subject, whoops!
I shot the South Street Sea Port in the glaring afternoon sun, which provided some interesting shadows and I was super impressed with the 1Ds’s ability to focus even while pointed straight at the sun! The financial district was a great choice to try out the lens as I was able to fit so much of the crammed buildings into the frame. The 16-35 is an awesome lens to add to our collection and I can’t wait to practice more!
I shot the South Street Sea Port in the glaring afternoon sun, which provided some interesting shadows and I was super impressed with the 1Ds’s ability to focus even while pointed straight at the sun! The financial district was a great choice to try out the lens as I was able to fit so much of the crammed buildings into the frame. The 16-35 is an awesome lens to add to our collection and I can’t wait to practice more!
I got to rip on the new stunt piece this weekend! After some intense weeks of wrenching it was solid enough for me to give it a try and with that, the F4i was retired (RIP). There was no doubt I was nervous as the 636 handles totally different then the F4i. I felt like I was going from driving a station wagon to a Lamborghini. I had a 636 for about 2 years and loved it for the streets, lots of go, aggressive stance –there’s nothing not to love about the bike! But going from 2 wheels to 1 is always interesting.I started with seat standers. Getting ready to pop it up felt cramped and uncomfortable at first and once I got it up, the intense engine braking slammed me back down quickly. After some trial and error I found the balance point and the bliss of the 636. The bike felt like it wanted to wheelie, unlike the F4i which would rather just stall or bog.
By Sunday evening I was getting the hang of handbrake and footbrake and I can’t wait to ride it again!
Bokeh: In photography, bokeh is the blur, or the æsthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image, or "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light."
This evening Ant and I headed up to Herald Square to take the scenic route to Times Square. We played with the lights from the street and Macy’s and used our new tripod along the way. In Times Square we took turns using the 1Ds to shoot on the tripod, taking mostly portraits of each other and also taking advantage of the sweet lights from the city.
After our uptown excursion we headed back down the Union Square for some fish and chips at The Coffee Shop and to watch people react to some game…with balls, or something…a world series of sorts –not important though, tonight we shot BOKEH!
This evening Ant and I headed up to Herald Square to take the scenic route to Times Square. We played with the lights from the street and Macy’s and used our new tripod along the way. In Times Square we took turns using the 1Ds to shoot on the tripod, taking mostly portraits of each other and also taking advantage of the sweet lights from the city.
After our uptown excursion we headed back down the Union Square for some fish and chips at The Coffee Shop and to watch people react to some game…with balls, or something…a world series of sorts –not important though, tonight we shot BOKEH!