AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G & other new Nikkor lenses announced!
Nikon has just released a fast aperture medium telephoto lens in the shape of the AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G. Featuring a completely new optical design and a built-in Silent Wave focus motor, it also includes Nikon’s top-end goodies including a 9-bladed diaphragm, Nano Crystal coating for the reduction of flare, a magnesium alloy body shell and weathersealing.
Availability will be from 2nd September 2010 but
You can Pre-Order on Amazon right now!
August 19, 2010
Three Nikon FX-format compatible lenses offering the superior image quality and performance of the NIKKOR brand
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of three new lenses compatible with Nikon FX-format digital-SLR cameras. The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is a fast, mid-telephoto prime (fixed focal length) lens that combines a large maximum aperture of f/1.4 with beautiful blur characteristics and superior rendering. The AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is a 5X standard zoom lens with a fixed maximum aperture of f/4 throughout its entire zoom range. Nano Crystal Coat has been deposited on some lens elements for fine, clear images, and the lens is equipped with Nikon’s latest vibration reduction mechanism, VR II. The NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a 10.7X super-telephoto lens that covers a broad range of focal lengths from the wide-angle 28mm to telephoto 300mm. This lens is also equipped with the VR II vibration reduction mechanism.
Nikon has long had the support of professional and advanced amateur photographers for its consistent development of innovative products that respond to the demands of users and are equipped with the optical technologies Nikon has spent years cultivating as a manufacturer of optical devices. Nikon will continue to offer exceptional products, including FX-format compatible lenses that strengthen and enrich the NIKKOR lens lineup with superior functions and performance that satisfy the needs of professional and advanced amateur photographers.
AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
• A fast, high-performance mid-telephoto 85mm fixed focal length lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.4 that offers superior image quality Adoption of a maximum aperture of f/1.4 and rounded diaphragm (9 blades) enables the expression of bright and beautiful blur characteristics. The lens exhibits excellent rendering capability with shooting all distances, from close-up to infinity, making it especially suited to portrait photography. It is also an excellent choice for shooting in relatively dark situations, such as indoors or for capturing night landscapes.
• A new optical design that makes the most of the performance expected of the latest fast fixed focal length NIKKOR lens
• Nano Crystal Coat adopted to significantly reduce ghost and flare
• Equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for extremely quiet autofocusing
• Equipped with two focus modes, M/A and M, as well as a new and improved manual focus drive mechanism The lens offers two focus modes, M/A (autofocus with manual override) and M (manual). In addition, the new and improved manual focus drive mechanism reduces manual focus time lag for improved manual focus operation in M/A mode.
• Nikon’s internal focusing (IF) system has been adopted with no increase in the length of the lens
AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Pre-Order on Amazon right now!
• A 5X standard zoom lens with a fixed maximum aperture of f/4 through the full 24mm to 120mm range of focal lengths A 5X standard zoom lens that offers superior function and performance. This zoom lens has a high reproduction ratio that is both practical and functional for professional and advanced amateur photographers. It consistently demonstrates excellent rendering performance.
• Built-in vibration reduction (VR II) offering camera shake compensation equivalent to a shutter speed increase of approximately four steps Equipped with two VR modes, Normal and Active, the vibration reduction function responds to a variety of shooting scenes.
• Nano Crystal Coat adopted to significantly reduce ghost and flare
• Nikon’s internal focusing (IF) system has been adopted with no increase in the length of the lens
• Equipped with two ED and three aspherical lens elements for superior optical performance
• Equipped with two focus modes, M/A (autofocus with manual override) and M (manual)
• Equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for extremely quiet autofocusing
AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Pre-Order on Amazon right now!
• A 10.7X, high-performance and high-power zoom lens covering focal lengths from 28mm to 300mm This single 10.7X lens covers a broad range of angles of view, making it extremely practical for shooting at a variety of focal lengths, from wide-angle landscape shots to telephoto shooting.
• A size and weight that makes it very portable
• Built-in vibration reduction (VR II) offering camera shake compensation equivalent to a shutter speed increase of approximately four steps Equipped with two VR modes, Normal and Active, the vibration reduction function responds to a variety of shooting scenes.
• The f/5.6 maximum aperture at the maximum telephoto position enables capture of bright images
• Equipped with two ED and three aspherical lens elements for superior optical performance
• Nikon’s internal focusing (IF) system has been adopted with no increase in the length of the lens
• Equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for extremely quiet autofocusing
• Equipped with two focus modes, M/A (autofocus with manual override) and M (manual)
• A zoom lock has been adopted to prevent the lens from extending due to its own weight
Satchmo Summerfest
On Sunday August 8th, as part of the 2010 Satchmo Summerfest, held every year in New Orleans to celebrate the life, music and legacy of New Orleans’ native son, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, I had the privilege to attend and photograph another great event! Although the weather was 99F with heat index as high as 105F to 110F, after the parade started, everyone seemed to enjoy the second line and music as usual and forget how hot and miserable it was. Someone said once…If you don’t know why New Orleanians aren’t afraid to go to Hell, you never been down there in the middle of the summer! Please see some of the images I shot at the second line and do not forget that all comments are highly appreciated! These images and many more are available as fine art prints (also framed) at my other site nolaPIC.com.
I will make sure next year to be there in time at 10 AM for the Jazz Mass, since this year I have only caught the end of it and I wished so bad I made it in…The church was packed!!! See the video below it’s the very end of the Satchmo Jazz Mass right before I sshot the image above of Jennifer Jones leading the Second Line out of the church. Video shot by Ricky Riccardi a Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong aficionado.
More fine art photography at www.nolaPIC.com
More fine art photography at www.nolaPIC.com
More fine art photography at www.nolaPIC.com
More fine art photography at www.nolaPIC.com
Actor’s Headshots and Portraits Photo Sessions
Your Headshot is Your Strongest Tool and Calling Card!
Portrait sessions are available to anyone in the New Orleans metro area that are in need of professional photography for personal use such as own website, internet social networks (Facebook etc.) or portfolio submissions for acting or modeling. The photo sessions are done outdoors using, natural, available lighting or even indoor if you have a location in mind that is bright enough in your house, (by a window) in your greenhouse, etc. I am not a fan of artificial light, therefore I only use natural light which I sometimes bounce with a silver reflector if the light is harsh. There is a reason why I own some of the brightest lenses that Canon makes. So, pick a date and location in the New Orleans metro area and please contact me Canon[at]pompo.com (change the [at] with @ ) a few days in advance to schedule with me.
My main objective is to communicate through a photograph your uniqueness and who you truly are. Your headshot is indeed the strongest tool you have until you become an established actor and it is your calling card!
If you are thinking of pursuing an acting career, please do keep in mind that movie productions and talent agencies aren’t only searching for good looking people; lots of extras and actors are marketable because of their unique characters and features. These are a few of the qualities that makes them interesting and therefore successful in getting noticed. Danny Devito is one great example…Don’t you love him? He is one of my favorite actors and despite being 5′ tall, overweight (and balding), he has managed to become one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors! With all the new motion pictures coming to New Orleans, the needs for extras it’s only gonna get greater, ( check the Louisiana Entertainment and the New Orleans Office of Film & Video sites!) so be yourself and do market yourself for who you really are, nobody better than you knows what your strenghts are!
Rates and Details
Photo shoots are priced at $150 if done at City Park in New Orleans or at Lafreniere Park in Metairie and $200 in the French Quarter and includes:
- Photo session on location (up to one hour of actual shooting or a maximum of 200 shots whichever comes first)
- FIVE of the best images from you photo shoot will be cropped and professionally adjusted, (including minor touch ups) and will be posted online in your own public or password protected gallery. You will then be able to download the FIVE digital files for free
- One of the best five shots will be selected by you, printed at 8×12 and mailed to you via USPS, printing and standard shipping included!
Additional prints (not included in the above rates) can be ordered and delivered to anyone from the online gallery. All printing will be done on Kodak Professional Supra Endura VC Digital Paper. The standard archival value is 100 years in home display and 200 years in dark storage.
Jazz Funeral to honor the life of Captain Phil Harris from TV’s Deadliest Catch
UPDATE Discovery Channel will air AFTER THE CATCH Episode 5 on Tuesday, July 13!
Episode 5 – Tuesday, July 13 at 10PM ET/PT
The fleet wraps up its time at the French Quarter’s Blue Nile bar in the season finale of AFTER THE CATCH. Captain Phil Harris is remembered in true ‘Nawlins style as fans pour onto Frenchmen Street for a traditional, raucous Jazz Parade. The celebration brings together all the captains to pay tribute to their friend and colleague.
On June 9th, 2010, Discovery channel filmed a funeral parade to honor the life of Captain Phil Harris from TV’s Deadliest Catch in the Marigny District of New Orleans. Crew members from the tv show, The Soul Rebels Brass Band and parades goers attended the New Orleans style Jazz Funeral which will be aired sometimes in July 2010. More images from the jazz Funeral at nolaPIC.com
When I got there, (too early as usual), the Discovery channel crew was already setting up cameras and gear in front of the Blue Nile, and up under a scorcing heat and humidity, I got a chance to meet and talk to the Discovery Channel Vice President of Communications Mr. Joshua Weinberg. More images from the jazz Funeral at nolaPIC.com
The procession didn’t last very long at all, but at the end (as in every Jazz Funerals) it got pretty wild and crazy! Mike Rowe from “Dirty Jobs” seemed to be having a blast as well! Please go to nolaPIC.com where you can see more images take during this Jazz Funeral and more New Orleans Fine Art Photography. More images from the jazz Funeral at nolaPIC.com
Treme Brass Band at Preservation Hall
When I first heard that on April 30th the Treme Brass was going to be playing at the Preservation Hall in the French Quarter of New Orleans, my reactions were mixed: I got very excited, because I could see in my mind’s eye the unique pictures of the Treme Brass Band Band playing in that awesome and antique venue…Yay!!! What a perfect match I thought! What other Band would “blend in” and complement with the Preservation Hall atmosphere!?! Yet, I were mad because the following day I had already something else planned that would have required me to wake up very early in the morning, which that made me think there was no way I could have attended a concert that started at 12:00 AM and would have ended at about 2:00 AM, or possibly even later! I even tried to find out how often did the Treme Brass Band play there, since I knew they played every week at the Candle Light.
More New Orleans Fine Art Photography on nolaPIC.com
More New Orleans Fine Art Photography on nolaPIC.com
To cut the story short, I ended up going online and purchased myself a ticket for the event, which was sold out about a week before the performance (by the way I was in line and waiting to get it about 45 minutes in advance, pretty much first in pole position, since I wanted to have the very first choice in deciding where to sit and shoot from:).
More New Orleans Fine Art Photography on nolaPIC.com
For those of you not familiar with the Preservation Hall, if you do happen to visit, do not forget to check it out. The place is “magic” and I guarantee, you won’t find anithing this raw and funky anywhere in the world! You can’t describe the venue with words, you must and should experience it! In the meantime I hope you do enjoy my photos and you could decide to purchase yourself a picture or two!
Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday 2010
Every year on the closest Sunday to St. Joseph day, the Mardi Gras Indians parades uptown New Orleans where visitors and locals can admire their amazing costumes, and follow the parade with them. The Super Sunday parade, after being postponed from prevous Sunday, ended at Taylor park with more music and food…don’t miss this very unique New Orleans tradition next year! While the pictures are not for sale you can view them all at my my Fine Art gallery site: nolaPIC.com
Prints of Uncle Lionel Batiste & Oswald Jones – Treme Brass Band members
During the pre Super Bowl pep rally Second Line held in New Orleans on Saturday February 6, 2010 I had the chance to take a few great pictures of “Uncle” Lionel Batiste while he was at the French Market with the Treme Brass Band. New Orleans is full of characters, but Uncle Lionel definitely stands out! Somebody…I forgot who, said about him, “we gonna miss him, when WE die!”
Look out for the new HBO series Treme which will premiere on April 11 2010 and will feature among man local New Orleans musicians, the Treme Brass Band!
“Uncle” Lionel Batiste is a jazz and blues musician and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Born on February 1st, 1931, he began in music career at the age of 11 playing bass drum with the Square Deal Social & Pleasure Club. He is currently the bass drummer, vocalist and assistant leader of the Treme Brass Band; he is known for his kazoo playing as well. He also sings, and has recorded a cd as a vocalist. Besides inspiring younger musicians with his playing, he serves as a role model to many of them: trumpeter Kermit Ruffins calls Batiste his “total influence,” saying that Batiste “taught [him] how to act, how to dress, how to feel about life.” Internationally, Batiste has served as leader of the daily Moldejazz parade since 2000. He is arguably New Orleans most loved uncle!
More New Orleans Fine Art Photography on nolaPIC.com
More New Orleans Fine Art Photography on nolaPIC.com
More New Orleans Fine Art Photography on nolaPIC.com
More New Orleans Fine Art Photography on nolaPIC.com
Pictures of HBO Treme Second Line
To view all the shots and/or purchase high quality prints of the Second Line: www.nolaPIC.com
To view all the shots and/or purchase high quality prints, please visit www.nolaPIC.com
On January 30, 2010 I attended a killer Second Line in Treme, New Orleans. Although it was very cold (for Louisiana standards that is) I had the opportunity to take some killer and unique shots while HBO was filming for their new tv series: Treme. To view all the shots and/or purchase high quality prints, please visit my other site www.nolaPIC.com. and If you are not familiar with HBO ‘s Treme please read below.
If you lived in New Orleans, you would have known by now, that soon another motion pictures will be added to the long list of the many others that have already been shot in the Big Easy. Treme, is the name of the new HBO series, co-created by “The Wire” David Simon, (among its writers is also New Orlenian Tom Piazza) takes place three months after Hurricane Katrina, where the residents of New Orleans, including musicians, chefs, Mardi Gras Indians and ordinary New Orleanians try to rebuild their lives, their homes and their unique culture in the aftermath of the 2005 hurricane. The series is scheduled to premiere April 11th 2010 on HBO. The video below lives me salivating for more, it says so much without saying much at all…oh and the music…Does Wynton Marsalis ring a bell?!
Pre-Order on Amazon the Complete First Season
of HBO’s Treme on DVD and save 35% !
How to make your own custom made bokeh filter
From Wikipedia: In photography, bokeh is the blur, or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image, or “the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light”. Differences in and shape cause some lens designs to blur the image in a way that is pleasing to the eye, while others produce blurring that is unpleasant or distracting— “good” or “bad” bokeh, respectively. Bokeh occurs for parts of the scene that lie outside the depth of field. Photographers sometimes deliberately use a shallow focus technique to create images with prominent out-of-focus.
What lenses are best for a good bokeh? A large aperture lens with a fast or very fast aperture (smaller numbers=larger maximum aperture) would be necessary so a lens with a maximum aperture of 1.8 or 1.4 will be very good, I use most of times a Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM, which is indeed super fast and bright but again 1.4 or 1.8 is good already and it won’t break your bank account!
Bokeh, bokeh shapes and boke filters:
Recently, photographers have found how to exploit the shape of the bokeh by creating a simple mask out of card with the shape that the photographer wishes the bokeh to be, and placing it over the lens. Common shapes are stars and hearts, but it is possible to create it with almost any shape imagined.
After owning that fast lens ( and a camera..DUH!) you will need the following:
- Spare Camera lens cap to fit the size of the lens you will be using to do bokeh shots with
- Squeeze paper Punch (pictured here is a 3/4″ x 3/4″ square puncher)
- One thin sheet of black carboard
- Knife
- Candle
- Tape or glue
- Black Marker (if using a light color cardboard)
Light up a candle and after your knife is super HOT cut the rectangular shape in your lens cape roughfly in the middle of the cap. Don’t worry if it’s not super straight or super smooth, since the cardboard mask that you have previously made with the puncher is what is gonna give you the clean bokeh edges that you want. Do not try to cut the bokeh shape/mask with scissors or an exacto knife, otherwise your bokeh will look fuzzy and imperfect (basically like crap!). All you need to worry is that the cut in the cap will be fairly large and larger than your actual carboard mask with the bokeh shape. The puncher shown here has a hole of 3/4″ x 3/4″
Do keep in mind that the smaller the bokeh mask hole you ‘ll make, the less the light it’s going to get to your lens, forcing you to either:
- Shoot with a higher ISO and therefore getting a grainier (more noise) picture
- Use a tripod or even worse get a blurry shot instead
After you cut the lens cap sand it off and make smooth on the inside (the side facing the lens) so you can glue your bokeh mask in there, you really only have to worry about placing the bokeh mask cenetered, since you are gonna be able to rotate the lens cap and make it horizontal as you please, once your bokeh filter is on the camera.
Last but not least, do not forget that to get the most evident bokeh you’ll always need to keep these 3 very simple rules in mind and try to apply all of them when shooting for bokeh, and you will become a bokeh king like myself! 
- Use the brightest lens you have and use it wide open (with the smallest numer, set to that number) 2.0, or 1.8, or even 1.4
- Stay as close as possible to the subject, as close as your lens allows you to focus that is!
- Try to keep your subject as far as possible from the highlights in the background that will become your bokeh, move the subject when you can the further for the background, or position yourself somewhere else so the background will be further from your object.
Please see some other bokeh shots of mine here at www.nolaPIC.com and click on the gallery named “Bokeh Addiction”.
2009 Photo Gifts Guide
Finding photography related gifts for Christmas is fairly easy, if you are a photographer that is! I compiled a list of affordable and useful gifts for your special someone so all you have to do is go through the photo goodies and make the 2009 Christmas ho-ho-holiday shopping experience painless!
Lensbaby The Composer for Canon EF mount Digital SLR Cameras
All Lensbaby selective focus SLR camera lenses provide photographers with a new way to control depth of field by bringing one area of a photo into sharpest focus with that Sweet Spot surrounded by graduated blur. By bending the Lensbaby lens, the photographer moves the sharp area around the photo for customized creative effects. Read all the reviews and great ratings Lensbaby gets from people who bought it (scroll on the bottom of page once there on the Amazon page). Make sure that you get a Nikon mount Lensbaby if you are buying it for a Nikon DSLR user! Price: $ 269.95 + free shipping
Canon TC80N3 Timer Remote Control
This Canon TC80N3 timer remote controller for EOS is equipped with quick-lock remote control socket (Shutter release function is provided). It connects to the camera via 80 cm (2.6 ft) cord and the mode button sets the mode and the convenient Jog dial that allows entering values with a single thumb sets the time or number of exposures. With this remote you can set a self-timer, intervalometer or interval timer, long-release or long exposure timer (for Bulb exposure). The Canon TC80N3 timer can be set for any time from 1 sec. to 99 hrs, 59 min, 59 sec. The LCD panel can also be illuminated for easy reading.
- Ideal for time-lapse photography including blooming flowers and astrophotography
- Remote switch with a 2.6-foot cord
- Self-timer, interval timer, long-exposure timer and exposure-count setting features
- Easily enter the numeric settings with a single thumb
- LCD panel can also be illuminated
If buying for a Nikon user you can purchase the Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote Cord instead. Price $136.61
See this killer time lapse video here below done with a timer remote …Time lapse photography has been hot for quite a while and I don’t see that interest slowing down anytime soon! Do not buy cheaper off brands alternatives anywhere since they don’t last at all and they are a waste of money! Price: $ 135.98
Canon EF 1.4X II Extender ( Telephoto Extender )
Multiply the focal length of your 135mm or longer lens by 1.4x without sacrificing image quality with the Canon EF 1.4x II extender. Optically superb, the lens fits all Canon 135mm fixed focal length lenses (except the 135mm f/2.8 Softfocus lens), along with the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L, 70-200mm f/2.8L, 70-200mm f/4.0L, 70-200mm f/4.0L IS USM, and 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS zoom lenses. In addition, the extender doesn’t sacrifice your autofocus on any EOS camera as long as it’s combined with a lens having an f/4 or faster maximum aperture (the extender reduces the effective aperture by one f-stop). Best of all, this version maintains the outstanding optics of the earlier incarnation, but adds a weather-resistant construction and improved anti-reflective surfaces in the barrel. The EF 1.4x II extender, which measures 2.9 inches in diameter and 1.1 inches long, weighs 7.8 ounces. I do have one, use it often and I strongly suggest to get this instead of the 2.0x extender. The 1.4X II quality is unreal and you only lose one stop of light! Price $299.99
If buying for a Nikon user you should this consider this instead:
Nikon TC-17E II (1.7x) Teleconverter AF-S for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Nikon TC-17E II is the first teleconverter to offer 1.7x performance. Designed exclusively for use with AF-S and AF-I lenses, the AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II completes the Nikon lineup of 1.4x, 1.7x, and 2.0x compact teleconverters.With dimensions of just 66 x 31.5mm (2.6 x 1.2 in.) and a weight of only 250g (8.8oz.)(approx.), the Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II allows focal length to be extended by a factor of 1.7 times while retaining a sense of overall comfort in the hand. Many such teleconverters can also have a detrimental effect on the speed of the lens, however the AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II makes available f-stops only 1.5 stops slower.The AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II also has the ability to communicate with the signals from most lenses. Furthermore, it supports the convenient Nikon Vibration Reduction (VR) function, has a design that is consistent with the current TC-14EII and TC-20EII, and Eco-Glass is also used.This product is designed for AF-I & AF-S Lenses only. Price $549.95
Here are some hourly updated lists of Amazon’s that you might find very useful for your HO-HO-HOLIDAY shopping and give you some extra ideas!
- Bestsellers Point & Shoot Digital Cameras
- Bestsellers Digital Cameras
- Most Gifted in Digital SLRs
- Bestsellers in Digital SLRs
- Canon Lenses
- Nikon Lenses
- Camera Bags
- Digital Frames
- 2 TB External Hard drives
- Compact Flash Memory Cards
Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays!!!
Pictures of Holt Cemetery in New Orleans
I just added three new pictures of the Holt cemetery in New Orleans to the Gallery named “New Orleans Cemeteries” on my e-commerce site www.nolaPIC.com! To see more New Orleans photography and purchase high quality prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
The same gallery contains other images taken at Lake Lawn cemetery and Cypress Grove cemetery in New Orleans. High quality edition prints can be ordered online, framed, matted and with non-glare glass at very affordable prices. Many other different Louisiana subjects are available online as well, including Fine Art pictures of the French Quarter, City Park and Second Lines in New Orleans.
Now…About Holt Cemetery: It’s basically a potter’s field– the final resting place for some of New Orleans poor and indigent peoples for over a century. Because it’s a cemetery for the poor, people are buried in the ground rather than housed in the mausoleums you see throughout the city’s scenic cemeteries. More prosperous dead people rot in fancy tombs, but most of the graves here are personally decorated with bed frames, brightly-painted piles of earthly possessions, wooden headstones, and planter boxes, among other touching displays.
The Plant Gallery New Orleans Photo Shoot
I recently did this photo shoot at The Plant Gallery in New Orleans of their wedding bouquets. The light was just perfect for this type of subjects, since the cloudy sky provided a huge natural soft box, decreasing the contrast.I’m pleased with the results (they were too:).
Click the thumbnails to see larger size images.
All Pictures Taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Framed New Orleans Fine Art Photography
To see more New Orleans photography and purchase prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
To see more New Orleans photography and purchase prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
To see more New Orleans photography and purchase prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
While you will see some photography samples on this blog, to purchase online high quality open edition prints by Alfonso “Pompo” Bresciani, please visit my e-commerce and secure site: www.nolaPIC.com where all the high quality prints are displayed and updated often as they become available. All of the open edition prints can now be ordered online, framed, matted and with non-glare glass!
These above and below are just a few samples of the many ordering options available online at www.nolaPIC.com
To see more New Orleans photography and purchase high quality prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
To see more New Orleans photography and purchase high quality prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
To see more New Orleans photography and purchase high quality prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
To see more New Orleans photography and purchase high quality prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
Basically after the delivery truck pulls up by you house all you have to do is hang the framed pictures up!
This collection below (named “My Favorites”) is just a sample of
some of the prints that you will find for sale at www.nolaPIC.com
Nikon Announces New D3S Digital SLR
AVAILABILITY UPDATE! (November 27, 2009) Amazon have the Nikon D3S in stock and is shipping!
Pre-Order Nikon D3S 12.1 MP on Amazon
October 14, 2009
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of its newest FX-format digital SLR flagship for fast response and high light sensitivity: the Nikon D3S.
Standing on the shoulders of the world-renowned D3, the Nikon D3S takes the potential of Nikon’s proprietary FX format to incredible new levels designed to meet or exceed a professional’s high standards.
The D3S delivers ISO 200 to ISO 12800 as standard, with the excellent noise control and wide dynamic range that the D3 is famous for. This provides photographers of any discipline with additional latitude to achieve quality images in most lighting situations. When needed, ISO sensitivity can be expanded from Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) up to Hi 3 (ISO 102400 equivalent), making a significant difference in extremely low-lit shooting scenarios and other situations where faster shutter speeds or more depth of field is required. In a first for an FX-format flagship, the Nikon D3S incorporates the HD-quality D-Movie function, letting users take full advantage of the wide dynamic range and high ISO performance, including the breakthrough High-Sensitivity Movie mode.
The D3S’s D-Movie also offers compatibility with an external stereo recording microphone, as well as convenient in-camera editing functions such as the ability to select the starting or ending points in order to trim D-Movie footage, as well as the option to save selected movie frames as JPEGs. The Nikon D3S shoots approximately 9-frames-per-second high-speed continuous shooting in FX format and 11 fps in DX format, with a buffer twice the size of the D3′s. These features, along with a 0.04-second* shutter release time lag and improved AF accuracy work seamlessly for lightning-fast responses. Various improvements in ergonomics, operation, and reliability, such as image sensor cleaning, will help photographers focus on shooting under any conditions. When combined with state-of-the-art NIKKOR lenses and the Nikon Total Imaging System, which includes Nikon Speedlights, wireless transmitters and various software, the D3S delivers exceptional quality and versatility for an unprecedented variety of professional and personal assignments. * Based on CIPA Guidelines.
Pre-Order Nikon D3S 12.1 MP on Amazon
Nikon D3S Feature Highlights
ISO performance: ISO 12800 as standard, expandable to ISO equivalent of 102400 (Hi 3)
Professional photographers can now rely on ISO 200 to ISO 12800 as the professional standard of image quality for their assignments — an incredible advantage when shooting indoor sports, stadium events at night, dimly lit spot news or any other shooting situation where light is limited and Speedlights are not applicable. Shooting at ISOs as high as 12800, the Nikon D3S can take commercial-quality, tack-sharp images in low light at action-freezing shutter speeds — a capability that will open a new world of photographic opportunities. When needed, the D3S expands to the amazing ISO equivalent of 102400, still revealing colors and details even in extremely low-lit places where human eyes may find it difficult to discern objects. This exceptional low-noise performance also applies to D-Movie capture, which creates new potential for multimedia projects and assignments.
Large pixel pitch: the 12.1-megapixel FX-format advantage
The Nikon D3S‘s image sensor has been completely redesigned from the one utilized in the D3. This new sensor’s inner structure has been further optimized, with the pixel count and large pixel pitch maintained for even greater latitude in high ISO performance. As a result, the D3S captures and renders light in ways that no other ordinary digital SLR cameras have yet achieved, with a significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio and a wide dynamic range for unmatched image quality for both still images and movies throughout the broadened ISO sensitivity capabilities.
Pre-Order Nikon D3S 12.1 MP on Amazon
New and improved D-Movie function
From well-lit scenes to extremely low-lit situations, the Nikon D3S‘s D-Movie mode delivers unique versatility. The newly refined D-Movie offers HD quality (1,280 x 720 pixels) Motion-JPEG movies at 24 fps. By controlling the aperture from the widest f-stop to the smallest, the large FX-format sensor renders low-noise images with beautiful bokeh effects from a large selection of NIKKOR lenses. High-Sensitivity Movie mode allows users to shoot at up to ISO equivalent of 102400 in places too dark to see clearly with their own eyes. D-Movie footage is easy to trim in-camera by simply selecting the starting or ending point. An extra bonus for sports and spot news photographers is the ability to save selected movie frames as JPEGs for immediate print and web publishing needs. The Nikon D3S has both an internal monaural microphone and an external stereo microphone input, enabling higher fidelity audio recording.
Image sensor cleaning: assured protection
Another important improvement from the D3 is the employment of the Image Sensor Cleaning function, which generates vibrations at four specific frequencies to optimize dust removal. This function can be set to operate automatically when the camera is turned on and off, or manually.
EXPEED: Nikon’s comprehensive approach to quality digital images
Nikon’s fast, comprehensive, and energy-efficient approach to in-camera image processing maintains the rich initial data’s integrity through 14-bit A/D conversion and a 16-bit image-processing pipeline, which shows the enormous creative potential inherent in the NEF (Nikon Electronic Image Format). Combined with Nikon’s FX-format sensor, the Nikon D3S produces an exceptional tonal range and minimized tone jumps. Users can expect more accuracy with difficult color combinations such as skin tones and strong reds in the same frame without over-saturation, plus finer tonal gradation in highlights, even with extremely bright subject matter.
Lateral chromatic aberration reduction: edge-to-edge sharpness
The D3S corrects color fringes caused by chromatic aberrations that, in some instances, can appear at the edges between differing subject elements. Because lateral chromatic aberrations are corrected regardless of lens type — whether telephoto, wide-angle, non-CPU and other types of NIKKOR lenses — this important aspect of the Nikon D3S contributes substantially to the highly refined, edge-to-edge image integrity that professionals demand.
Active D-Lighting: rescuing tone in highlights and shadows
Nikon’s Active D-Lighting automatically regulates the dynamic range of high-contrast scenes, pulling out shadow details and preserving highlights while maintaining proper contrast. The Nikon D3S allows photographers to choose from six Active D-Lighting settings, including the newly added Auto and Extra high, as well as High, Normal, Low and Off. You can also bracket Active D-Lighting strength levels up to five frames and select the best rendition afterwards.
Picture Control: custom-tailored tone and color
Picture Control helps you define the look and feel of your images by custom-tailoring sharpness, saturation and other parameters to match your creative intentions. The D3S comes with four pre-installed Picture Control profiles, which can be fine-tuned and saved as new custom Picture Control profiles that match your personal shooting style or particular shooting conditions. These profiles can easily be copied to additional cameras.
Speed and readiness throughout the workflow
The Nikon D3S optimizes workflow speed and fluidity throughout the entire shooting process. Start-up time is approx. 0.12 seconds* and release time lag is minimized to approx. 0.04 seconds*, exactly as fast as the D3, but the D3S’s increased buffer memory is twice as large as that of the D3′s. In addition, the D3S’s autofocusing, image processing, memory card access and recording, USB interface and optional wireless transmitter all work together to keep professional photographers focused and moving forward. And for sport and spot news photographers, many of the D3S’s JPEG files are print-ready with little or no post-production: an extra edge when time is short. * Based on CIPA Guidelines.
9-frames-per-second* shooting rate in FX format, 11 fps* in DX crop
The D3S’s continuous shooting rates are impressive, but what makes them truly unique is that the Nikon D3S‘s powerful stepping motor allows for a steadier delivery of fast continuous shooting speeds at a wider range of aperture settings than lesser cameras can achieve. Professionals will now have greater control and fewer limitations when creating the images they desire. With the DX crop, photographers can also add a 1.5x picture angle and a faster frame rate to their arsenal. Furthermore, the factory-installed buffer memory is twice the capacity of the D3, dramatically increasing the power of continuous shooting. * Based on CIPA Guidelines.
Scene Recognition System: enlightened accuracy and intelligence
Nikon’s exclusive 1,005-pixel RGB sensor precisely reads brightness and color information to raise the overall accuracy of AF, AE, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance to new heights, thanks to the Scene Recognition System. The NikonD3S‘s AF delivers superb subject tracking and subject identification performance. Highlight analysis used for AE reproduces brightness faithful to what your eyes see, and light source identification makes auto white balance uniquely precise and reliable.
51-point AF: fast and accurate subject acquisition The D3S‘s strategically positioned 51 AF points deliver faster focus, even with quick and/or erratic subject movement. The 15 cross-type sensors in the center of the frame maintain the same outstanding performance with any AF NIKKOR lens f/5.6 or faster. There are four Dynamic-area AF options, including 51 points (3D-tracking), which accurately follows your subject by shifting focus points using color and brightness information from the Scene Recognition System. This gives users an extra advantage when composition is important but your subject’s movement is extremely erratic. Single-point and Auto-area AF modes are also available.
Sophisticated AE with highlight analysis
Nikon’s exclusive 3D color matrix metering II is highly praised for its outstanding performance and faithful exposure results — even in complex, unforgiving lighting conditions. The D3S takes accurate exposure further, using highlight analysis from the Scene Recognition System and then carefully selecting from a database containing information from over 30,000 actual shooting situations.
Informed auto white balance
Leading professionals often note that Nikon’s auto white balance exhibits remarkable results, even in challenging conditions with mixed light sources. With the D3S, auto white balance makes even further progress. Professionals can expect white as truly white in a wider variety of settings.
Approx. 100% frame coverage
The D3S’s large prism gives you the FX-format visual advantage when you shoot. Not only is the viewfinder image larger and brighter, the focusing screen is also carefully designed to help you more intuitively sense sharp focus, be it manual or autofocus.
Superior durability For the reliability professionals demand, the shutter of the D3S has been tested for up to 300,000 cycles in fully assembled cameras under rigorous conditions. The ruggedly constructed D3S employs a strong yet lightweight magnesium alloy for its body, exterior cover, chassis and mirror box. Furthermore, a comprehensive series of O-rings and other specialized seals, combined with additional Nikon engineering, protect the D3S against invasive moisture, dust and even electromagnetic interference.
Twin CF card slots
The D3S lets you designate each card slot for certain tasks: record two full CF cards of data sequentially for a large amount of storage, record the same data onto two cards (backup), record RAW and JPEG simultaneously onto separate cards, and transfer data from one card to another. You can also designate the slot for data-heavy D-Movie recording.
Long-life battery
The D3S uses an EN-EL4a rechargeable battery. Power consumption and power management systems have been engineered for greater operating efficiency, so you can expect long battery life, shooting up to 4,200 images* per charge. * Based on CIPA Standards. E
asy-to-access Live View mode
The dedicated Live View button gives you instant access to two Live View modes: Tripod mode for accurate AF operation and Hand-held mode for more versatile shooting angles. The speed for Contrast-detect AF in Tripod mode has also been improved for enhanced practicality.
Quiet Shutter-release mode for nonintrusive shooting
Photographers can select “Q” on the release mode dial to substantially reduce the sound of the camera’s mirror-down during shooting. This is particularly useful when shooting in restrictive conditions such as when photographing theatrical performances or wildlife.
3-in., approx. 921k-dot color, 170° viewing angle LCD monitor
The Nikon D3S‘s large, high-resolution LCD monitor delivers bright, crisp image playback with up to 27x enlargement for immediate and precise image confirmation. Each LCD is covered with scratch-resistant tempered glass and individually calibrated and fine-tuned at the factory to ensure consistent performance.
Additional Nikon D3S Features
Newly added image area of 1.2x crop (30 x 20) format with approx. 8.4 megapixels Multiple exposure operation that can be repeated by designating the function to the bracketing button Electronic virtual horizon that is available in Live View shooting Extended menu banks that store up to four combinations of exposure mode, shutter speed and aperture value Versatile in-camera Retouch Menus, including RAW processing to enhance your images without using a computer Compatible with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output. Type C connector (mini size) is employed. With the optional GPS Unit GP-1, location information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and time are automatically recorded to each image’s EXIF data. The Time Adjustment feature, which adjusts your camera’s time zone, is also available using the GP-1. Especially useful for group assignments that require several D3S cameras to be synchronized. Exclusive Nikon Software — Nikon Transfer and ViewNX software packages (supplied) for a range of basic photo browsing and editing operations; Capture NX 2, Camera Control Pro 2, and Image Authentication Software (all optional) enable more advanced operation and image editing.
Photos at City Park in New Orleans
Did you know that the Spanish moss that hangs on trees of tropical America and the Southern states, (also called Florida, southern, or long moss), it’s not a true moss but a member of the pineapple family, and it’s used for stuffing furniture and as a packing material?
These 2 photographs (square format) have been added in the gallery named “In and Around New Orleans” at my e-commerce site www.nolaPIC.com.
Photos taken with Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
To see more New Orleans photography and purchase high quality prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Autofocus Speed Test
Since I were once worried myself about the Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
The Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
If you are shooting portraits with the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
or with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
Please see my other post about it here, with details from Chuck Westfall.
Photo of London Lodge Motel in New Orleans
The London Lodge in New Orleans on Airline Highway as seen in the thriller movie “The Runaway Jury” with Dustin Hoffman, John Cusack and Gene Hackman. A truly all American vintage Motel.
I just shot this great image (square) of the London Lodge in New Orleans and it has been added in the gallery named “In and Around New Orleans” at my e-commerce site www.nolaPIC.com.
This high quality photograph is available as a 10″x 10″ or 20″x 20″.
To see more New Orleans photography and purchase high quality prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
Louisiana and Off Shore Aerial Photography
I have shot aerial photography in Maui for about 8 years where the wind blows hard, the helicopter shakes a lot, and constantly chasing the fast subjects on the waves makes aerial photography pretty challenging. Using an experienced pilot that can get you exactly were you want to be in rough weather (and bring you home safe) is a must! See how close I got on this shot where the pilot got so low, close to the water, that the spray from the wave wet us both since the doors on the helicopter must be removed.Canon’s IS* (Image Stabilization) can sure help with the vibrations from the helicopter but you still gotta shoot at high shutter speeds and be ready to aim! So, if you do need aerial photography in Louisiana or out of state for offshore platforms oil rigs or anything, you definitely come to the right place. Please feel free to contact me and I will be glad to provide you a quote asap with no obligation.
Katrina destruction after one year later
On July 27, 2006 , almost a year after hurricane Katrina hit, I went on a helicopter tour with the National Guard of Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, Allen Lottinger from the St. Charles Herald Guide, and other members of the Louisiana Press Association. As you can see from the pictures below, the damage was still there…unreal! (Thanks to Canon Professional Services and Allen Lottinger!) The images below are shot during a cloudy/rainy day, through a plexiglas window from a Black Hawk moving at 160 mph…not really the ideal conditions:).
Fees as they relate to copyright and reproduction rights will be established in advance before a photo shoot. Please see below how pricing is calculated.
Creative Fees
Charged for creating the images; based on creativity, deadline, technical difficulty of producing the images and duration of photo shoot. Post-production is included.
Licensing Fees
Added to the creative fees according to your needs and will be based upon these factors:
- Media (ad, book, brochure, web site etc.)
- Size
- Total Circulation (up to 10.000, 50.000 etc.)
- Language
- Distribution (worldwide/countries)
- Duration (up to six months, 1 year, 2 years etc.)
- industry you’re in (airline, banking, small business etc.)
- Placement (home page, secondary page, pdf, back cover ad etc.)
Expenses
Helicopter, pilot, travel, car rental and any other expenses that may occur.
I license the rights to use the photos for the exact licensing rights that you will actually use and need; only royalty free photography allows you to use images as you please for as long as you want.*This way of pricing photography is standard and does not only apply to aerial photography.
Post-production: the files are enhanced (color balance, saturation and sharpness), delivery of images on multi platform CD or DVD in tiff format. Files will have enough resolution to be printed as murals and since they are digital you won’t have to worry about losing you original slide or negative, just back them up and be worry free!
Included Services
Post-production: the files are enhanced (color balance, saturation and sharpness), delivery of images on multi platform CD or DVD in tiff format. Files will have enough resolution to be printed as murals and since they are digital you won’t have to worry about losing you original slide or negative, just back them up and be worry free!
Additional Graphic Services
Removal of unwanted objects in image, over imposed graphics, logos, building names, street names, symbols, maps etc., overnight post-processing, custom cropping and selective blurring.
Dreamy Bokeh, Mississippi River and French Quarter Pictures
To see more New Orleans photography and purchase high quality prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
Thanks to a very low humidy record during the past weekend (unheard of for Louisiana in August!), I shot a few (IMHO) great images with the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM, at the Hale Boggs Mississippi River Bridge in Luling , LA and in the French Quarter in New Orleans, LA. The small slideshow doesn’t do any justice, since the images should be really viewed at larger size to fully appreciate the feel them and the dreamy bokeh. Open edition prints are for sale and available from 8″x12″ to very large prints sized @ 20″x30″ and can be ordered and shipped in USA and Europe.
These pictures in the flash gallery below and other prints of images taken in Louisiana (New Orleans French Quarter ) and other areas can be purchased at nolaPIC.com
Please be sure to always check out my gallery of available images nolaPIC.com since new photos are added on a weekly basis and may be harder to find on this blog.
The embedded gallery below from nolapic.com is named
“Bokeh Addiction“.
These pictures in the flash gallery below and other prints of images taken in Louisiana (New Orleans French Quarter ) and other areas can be purchased at nolaPIC.com
The embedded gallery below from nolapic.com is named
“The River“
To see more New Orleans photography and purchase high quality prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
Need VERY interesting faces, young, cute, old, older…
I need some very photogenic and cute kids between 2 and 8 years old too.
You must be in the Metairie area (or you’ll need to drive here) and willing to sign a release form for you or your kids. Pics will be taken outdoors in Metairie or New Orleans depending on type of shoot.
Thank you in advance…I look forward to hearing from you!
Kermit Ruffins @ Second Line in New Orleans to honor Michael Jackson (open edition photo prints)
The Second line to honor Michael Jackson, held on Sunday, June 28, in New Orleans (St. Bernard Ave.), and sponsored by the Revolution Social Aid & Pleasure Club was so packed, not like anything I ever seen before! It was a lot of fun; and, although the heat was horrible, they were people dancing every freaking where! Dancing from top of cars to high billboards and bus stops! New Orleans own Kermit Ruffins was there too. Click here to see the Second Line in New Orleans. All images taken with Canon EOS 5D Mark II 
and Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM 
I figured as hot at it was and since I had to walk a lot the most important thing was to be light! I didn’t regret that decision at all BTW.
If you’d like to purchase an open edition high quality photo print of Kermit Ruffins or of the Michael Jackson Second Line please click here. Available in 8″x12″, 10″x15″, 16″x24″, and 20″x30″! To see more New Orleans photography and purchase high quality prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
New Orleans Lake Lawn Cemetery Photography
Did a run for a few hours yesterday at the Lake Lawn Cemetery, it was incredibly HOT, but I managed to get a few killer pictures before I had to run away from the heat! I need to go back soon in the morning since they open at 7 am.
The images can be viewed and purchased here (look for the “New Orleans Cemeteries” gallery). Open edition high quality photo prints, in 5 sizes to choose from and/or framed.
Getting ready now to go to New Orleans for the Michael Jackson Second Line celebration, please come back tomorrow to see some photos!
High quality open edition prints of the New Orleans cemetery Lake Lawn (and others) are now available at my e-commerce enabled site www.nolaPIC.com
To see more New Orleans photography and purchase high quality prints please visit www.nolaPIC.com
Testing with Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
wide open. The AF speed of the L II is not bad at all either, kinda of slow but faster than I thought anyway.
The Canon Eg-S Focusing Screen
If you do install the Canon Eg-S precision matte screen, do not forget to change the C.Fn IV -5 setting to match the focusing screen type. This is to obtain correct exposure.
The full frame sensor of the 5Dm2 and its depth is a dream come true! Picture taken @ 1/2000 sec. f 1.2 ISO 400. Click thumbnail to see a larger image.
Testing Canon 5DMII
PS: I just installed the Canon Eg-S Focusing Screen
I finally got in the Canon EOS 5D Mark II
I still have to install the Canon precision screen EG-S which should help a lot to focus with lenses 2.8 and brighter. I can’t wait to do some aerial photography with the Canon 5D Mark II, the files are a whopping 60+MB and have lots of details! I got me the Sandisk 32GB Extreme III
“Chuck Westfall:
That said, it is true that most standard focusing screens for modern SLRs such as the EOS 5D are designed to provide a reasonable balance between viewfinder brightness and manual focusing capability. The Ee-A standard focusing screen for the EOS 5D is bright enough (and accurate enough) for manual focusing under most lighting conditions with virtually any EF lens regardless of maximum aperture. However, because of the design of the microlenses on the surface of the Ee-A, the depth of field shown through the viewfinder never appears be shallower than approximately f/2.8. Therefore, when using a lens faster than f/2.8, the depth of field in the resulting photograph may be shallower than what’s shown in the viewfinder if a working aperture larger than f/2.8 is selected. This effect can be readily seen when comparing the viewfinder image to the LCD screen during replay, if you take time to look for it.”
“If this is an issue for you, Canon offers an optional focusing screen called the Ee-S Super ( Eg-S for Canon 5DMII
