Tea Room at Caddo Lake

Right across from the Johnson’s Ranch is the Tea Room. This dilapidated shack that looks like something straight out of a gruesome horror film used to serve as a speakeasy during Prohibition. Appearances of the Tea Room include the opening credits scene of the television show “True Blood”, in the feature film “Gator Bait” and in a number of Disney films and productions. I have mostly seen straight on photos of the place, so naturally I wanted to get a different and unique angle close in and showing the side! This print is also available in black and white.

Caddo Lake – Tea Room

Fall in the Swamps with intense fog and rain

Just added on my fine art photography site some photos of fall colors and foggy swamps at Caddo Lake, one of the most beautiful places on earth. I was so happy be be finally out there with my kayak and to be able to take somany images! Click on each photo to open the gallery where you can see much larger photos and purchase prints. The main gallery with a lot more photos is here. All photos are available for licensing.

Prints for sale of Caddo Lake swamps
Swamps are naturally beautiful, when the fog is so thick and the fall colors are just “ripe” it is and amazing show to witness in person. Breathtaking and humbling comes to mind. Click on each photo to open the gallery where you can purchase prints.
Photos for sale of Caddo Lake swamps
Warm water and cold air temperature are creating these magic moments which don’t last very long at all! (click on photo to purchase a print)
Amazing light and scenery, I can’t wait to go back! (click on photo to purchase a print)
I got lucky enough be under a heavy rain day, and very cold weather that helped creating as the results the fog. Because the conditions it was hard to shoot in but worth it and very rewarding as well. (click on photo to purchase prints)
“Add a caption”…, what caption does this photo need? 🙂 (click on photo to purchase prints)
Hard to see with a wide angle but right here it was pouring down, I had to empty my kayak form the rain with a cup (click on photo to purchase prints)
I got lucky enough be under a heavy rain day, and very cold weather that helped creating as the results the fog. Because the conditions it was hard to shoot in but worth it and very rewarding as well. (click on photo to purchase prints)

Foggy and still water, me myself and I…(click on photo to purchase prints)

Wouldn’t you want to glide with your kayak on this!? (Click on photo to purchase a print)

Caddo Lake at its best!(Click on photo to purchase a print)
(Click on photo to purchase a print

The main gallery with a lot more photos is here. All photos are available for licensing.

New Cinema Headshots Sessions For the Year 2019

© 2019 Alfonso Bresciani

New Orleans Headshots© 2019 Alfonso Bresciani

Headshots New Orleans© 2019 Alfonso Bresciani

After having shot headshots for the past years with mostly available light ( daylight) I have decided to start using some of my professional lighting system that I have been using to shoot actors in the film industry. The images are more cinematic and will make you look even better! You’ll be the judge! Head on over to my cinema headshots page  to see all the details! The film industry has kept me very busy for the past year and it looks like it will be even better this coming year, but I will be able to shoot some cinema headshots in between jobs.

Website is being re-done!

posted in: Uncategorized | 0

Since this website is being re-done, it may be looking a bit incomplete at times. It will be functional but not every photos are going to be showing until finished, which shouldn’t take too long. Please excuse the dust!

New Canon 7D Mark II !

It’s finally here! After what it seems like forever the new iteration of the Canon 7D has been finally announced at the 2014  Photokina and it is available for pre-orders!

Quick specs: 10 frames per second, brand new 20.2 Mega Pixel APS-C Sensor, ISO from 100 to 16000 (Expandable to 51200), 65 cross-type Auto focus Points, 1080p HD Video (no 4k!) , Built-In GPS tagging (it even records which direction the camera is pointing!), internal compass customizable viewfinder, built in intervalometer, Weather Sealed Dual Card Slots (FC and SD).

 

It’s finally here! After what it seems like forever the new iteration of the Canon 7D has been finally announced at the 2014  Photokina at is available for pre-orders!

 

 

 

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II digital SLR camera is designed to meet the demands of photographers and videographers who want a camera that can provide a wide range of artistic opportunities. With a winning combination of cutting-edge operations and a robust, ergonomic design, it is optimized to make even the most challenging photography simple and easy. The EOS 7D Mark II features a refined APS-C sized 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor with Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors for gorgeous imagery. It shoots up to 10 frames per second at ISOs ranging from 100–16000 (expandable to H1: 25600, H2: 51200), has a 65-point* all cross-type AF system and features Canon’s amazing Dual Pixel CMOS AF for brilliant Live-View AF. It has dual card slots for both CF and SD cards, USB 3.0 connectivity and even has built-in GPS** for easy location tagging, automatically. Compatible with an ever-expanding collection of EF and EF-S lenses plus a host of EOS accessories, the EOS 7D Mark II is an ideal tool for creative and ambitious photography.

* The number of available AF points, and whether single line or cross-type, varies depending on the lens.
** In certain countries and regions, the use of GPS may be restricted. Therefore be sure to use GPS in accordance with the laws and regulations of your country or region. Be particularly careful when traveling outside your home country. As a signal is received from GPS satellites, take sufficient measures when using in locations where the use of electronics is regulated.

Superlative Sensor for Gorgeous Images

20.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and ISO 100–16000

The EOS 7D Mark II has a newly designed 20.2 Megapixel sensor that delivers high-resolution image files with stunning detail and impressive clarity. Optimized for low-light shooting, the EOS 7D Mark II’s sensor captures images at up to ISO 16000 (expandable to H1: 25600, H2: 51200) with remarkably low noise, thanks to its improved, higher sensitivity design. Phenomenal for stills, the EOS 7D Mark II’s sensor is equally up to the task for movies, delivering Full HD capture even at rates of up to 60p.

Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors

The EOS 7D Mark II’s sensor works seamlessly with its Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors for advanced image processing across the board. These image processors help the EOS 7D Mark II capture up to 1090 JPEG, 31 RAW, and 19 RAW + JPEG shots in a single burst for amazing action photography. Further, they enable the camera’s powerful image processing on-the-fly: lens aberration, variances in peripheral illumination and image distortion can all be corrected in real time thanks to the EOS 7D Mark II’s Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors.

Speed Improvements Across the Board

7D Mark II
High speed continuous shooting up to 10.0 fps allows you to capture fast action

With a new, rugged shutter designed for 200,000 cycles, the EOS 7D Mark II can shoot up to 10 frames per second to capture all the action. With super quick AF and exposure systems complementing the shutter’s 55 msec shutter release time lag, the EOS 7D Mark II is tailored to meet and even exceed the speed of the action. Refined mechanics like a newly designed, more efficient shutter-drive motor and a vibration dampened mirror drive mean impressive performance for high caliber image quality, fast.

Sophisticated Mirror Control System

The EOS 7D Mark II camera employs an advanced mirror vibration control technology that enables the camera to support its speedy, continuous shooting capabilities while ensuring great image quality. The system uses a motor to help reduce the vibrations caused by high-speed shooting. By reducing the vibrations, the camera can achieve accurate and precise autofocus to provide steady and clear action shots at up to 10.0 frames per second.

Brilliant, Speedy AF Tracking

65-point* all cross-type AF system for high-performance, accurate subject tracking with EV -3 sensitivity (center point) for focusing in extreme low-light conditions

An EOS first, the EOS 7D Mark II features 65 all cross-type AF points* for high precision AF at remarkable speed. Cross-type AF points ensure stable AF that is not influenced by the subject’s shape or color. On the EOS 7D Mark II, the AF points are spread over a wide area of the frame, enabling faster AF, wherever the subject lies. With a central dual cross-type AF point of f/2.8, AF is enhanced with lenses faster than f/2.8. And thanks to this new system, AF is possible even in dim lighting as low as EV-3.

* The number of available AF points, and whether single line or cross-type, varies depending on the lens.

7D Mark II
Achieve Impressive AF During Video Capture

Canon’s innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables you to shoot video like a camcorder with smooth, fast, and accurate autofocus and lets you enjoy instant and precise autofocus even when shooting stills

The EOS 7D Mark II features Canon’s revolutionary Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a milestone in AF speed and accuracy that unlocks the potential of Live View shooting. This advanced technology has truly changed what is possible with a DSLR camera.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF involves a sophisticated rethinking of the CMOS sensor. Traditionally, image sensors have one photodiode per pixel for recording, but the CMOS sensor on the EOS 7D Mark II has two photodiodes per pixel, 40 million in total, enabling each pixel on the sensor to both perform phase-difference detection autofocus and capture light. With phase-difference detection AF, autofocus is achieved quickly and easily on the camera. This unique AF system enables autofocus on approximately 80% of the image plane, vertically and horizontally, and helps ensure virtually no loss in image quality.
The benefits of Dual Pixel CMOS AF are clearly evident in Live View and video shooting, where the EOS 7D Mark II achieves natural, precise focus very quickly, even when switching between subjects. And, combined with the predictive power of Movie Servo AF, subjects in motion are smoothly and consistently tracked – once focus is locked, the EOS 7D Mark II holds on! Plus, with the shallow depth-of-field afforded by EOS optics, video gains a brilliant, cinematic ambience lacking when shooting video with many other Digital SLRs.
HD Quality, EOS Performance

Stunning Full HD video with custom Movie Servo AF (speed and sensitivity) for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects, multiple frame rates including Full HD recording at 60p in MOV and MP4 formats and uncompressed HDMI out

While offering performance improvements across the board for still photography, the EOS 7D Mark II is also an incredibly capable HD movie camera. Taking advantage of its Dual Pixel CMOS AF capabilities, the EOS 7D Mark II has customizable Movie Servo AF options: not only can AF location be defined, AF speed and tracking intervals can be specified too, for fluid, smooth focus transitions. The EOS 7D Mark II delivers refined and detailed image quality with Full HD 60P recording at ISO values up to 16000, has an HDMI output and records to both SD and CF cards for versatility and security during important shoots.

Comprehensive Information, Right in the Viewfinder

Intelligent Viewfinder II provides approximately 100% field of view for shooting ease

The EOS 7D Mark II’s Intelligent Viewfinder II makes it easy to both shoot, change and confirm camera settings and shooting modes all without looking away from the viewfinder. Displaying approximately 100% of the composition, the viewfinder can show settings like shooting mode, exposure level, white balance, drive mode, AF operation, metering mode, recording format, even an electronic level and more. All of this information can be displayed by or superimposed easily over the image for review while shooting, and multiple views are customizable through the EOS 7D Mark II’s simple user interface.

Specialty Controls, Built Right In

Improved custom controls and built-in intervalometer and bulb timer for expanded creativity

An EOS first, the EOS 7D Mark II offers time-lapse fixed-point shooting and long exposures without the need for a remote control. The EOS 7D Mark II’s interval timer takes from 1 to 99 shots at preselected intervals, ideal for shooting flowers as they bloom or clouds drifting through the sky. Its built-in bulb timer keeps the shutter open for a designated amount of time, perfect for night photography, or to capture the flow of traffic on a street corner.

Built to Perform

Magnesium alloy body with shutter durability up to 200,000 cycles and enhanced dust and weather resistance

The EOS 7D Mark II is constructed of the highest quality materials, and to exacting standards that ensure unfettered performance at all times. For example, the shutter can shoot at speeds up to 1/8000 sec. for up to 200,000 cycles, the chassis is built of lightweight and rigid magnesium, and the camera’s seals are built to resist water and dust. This combination makes the EOS 7D Mark II ready for almost anything.

Speed and Accuracy with Intelligent Subject Recognition and Analysis

EOS Scene Detection System features a new 150,000-pixel RGB+IR Metering Sensor for improved precision

The EOS 7D Mark II has an amazing iSA Intelligent Subject Analysis system that employs an independent RGB light sensor with approximately 150,000-pixel resolution. This sensor enables Canon’s intelligent Tracking and Recognition system (iTR AF) that detects and tracks subjects, automatically switching the AF point to optimize tracking. With new tracking algorithms tailored to recognize faces and colors, this system serves as a brilliant foundation to the EOS 7D Mark II’s AF system.

Extraordinary GPS, Built-in

Built-in GPS* Receiver provides a digital compass, records location information (longitude, latitude, elevation and universal coordinated time (UTC)) as EXIF information for geotagging images when shooting

Ideal for travel or nature photography, the EOS 7D Mark II’s built-in GPS* can record longitude, latitude and altitude data as EXIF data, can track movement at set intervals with its logging function, and can even set the camera’s internal clock to local time! When using the logger function on a computer, you will see the exact route you travelled, and the map will show you where and when you took each image.

* In certain countries and regions, the use of GPS may be restricted. Therefore be sure to use GPS in accordance with the laws and regulations of your country or region. Be particularly careful when traveling outside your home country. As a signal is received from GPS satellites, take sufficient measures when using in locations where the use of electronics is regulated.

Sharp and Clear Viewing

3.0-inch Clear View II LCD monitor (approximately 1,040,000 dots) for bright and clear viewing

The EOS 7D Mark II comes with a 3.0-inch Clear View II LCD monitor for shooting videos and stills. Displaying fine detail (at approximately 1.04 million dots), this screen is perfect for composing and reviewing images. Thanks to a solid construction between the monitor’s resin-coated cover and the liquid crystal display, reflections are minimized, and the display can be viewed with reduced glare. The LCD’s surface is treated with a smudge-resistant coating to minimize fingerprints and maintain a bright, clear image display.

Additional Features

Anti-flicker shooting

The EOS 7D Mark II features a new flicker detection system that not only alerts the user in the viewfinder, but with the camera’s Anti-Flicker Shooting function can compensate for flickering light sources, taking shots only at peak light volume. This feature is useful for minimizing disparities in color and exposure, especially during continuous shooting in sub-optimal lighting situations.

In-camera lens aberration corrections

To help photographers with achieving high quality images, the EOS 7D Mark II corrects image distortions like peripheral illumination, chromatic aberration and distortion, in-camera, as the image is recorded. When shooting in Live View mode, the results of distortion can even be monitored in real time through the EOS 7D Mark II’s Image Simulation Function.

USB 3.0

The EOS 7D Mark II features a USB 3.0 digital terminal for fast transfer to PCs and printers, plus offers connectivity to Canon’s WFT-E7 (Version 2) for wireless transfer and Wi-Fi® compatibility.

NOTE: For connecting an interface cable to the USB 3.0 terminal, a cable protector is included with the EOS 7D Mark II, and must be used at all times to protect the camera’s circuit board.

 

It’s finally here! After what it seems like forever the new iteration of the Canon 7D has been finally announced at the 2014  Photokina and it is available for pre-orders!

 

 

Pre-Order Nikon D800 and Nikon D800E

 

 

Finally the new Nikon D800E 36 MP Digital camera has been officially announced from Nikon Japan and available for pre order on Amazon! The amazing thing Nikon is that they are releasing lots of killer features from top pro bodies in this very affordable camera. Canon what ya got cooking now? Hope something good!

 

 

Finally the new Nikon D800E 36 MP Digital camera has been officially announced from Nikon Japan and available for pre order on Amazon! The new Nikon D800e has a 36.3 MP cmos sensor and deliver around 108 mb files

 This is the link to the Nikon D800 (not the Nikon D800E, they are the same, one doesn’t have the AA filter which can render images a bit sharper but also can cause some moire).

Nikon’s latest DSLR boasts core technology borrowed from the top-end D4, married with a 36.3MP CMOS sensor that comfortably eclipses the rest of the DSLR market in resolution terms. As well as first impressions of handling and operation, and an in-depth look at the D800’s specifications we’ve also dived a little deeper into the D800E, the D800’s sister model, which lacks an anti-aliasing filter.

  • Extreme resolution 36.3-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor
  • Full 1080p HD broadcast quality video and minimized rolling shutter
  • View simultaneous Live View output on external monitors and record uncompressed video via HDMI terminal
  • Multi-Area Full HD D-Movie Video Recording Mode
  • Comprehensive high fidelity audio recording and playback control

 

My Killer Homemade Pizza Recipe!

posted in: Uncategorized | 9

 Why you may ask, are you having a pizza recipe on a photo blog?!? Well, first of all, I’m straight Italian and sick~n~tired of eating “chewing gum pizza”. Beside that, if you are into photography, chances are you might like cooking as well, since it is  a form of art. So here we go…all aboard and get ready to make your very first homemade pizza, save some money and  brag about it too!

Ingredients for two large pizza about 15-16 inches wide:
(you should really have a 16″ round pizza stone)

  1. 3 1/4 cups of unbleached bread flour is BEST (not self rising of course), Italian Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil (if you don’t find unbleached bread flour use just unbleached, I use and *LOVE* King Arthur unbleached bread flour). Otherwise plain bread flour will work too.
  2. 2 table spoons of extra virgin olive oil
  3. 2 teaspoons of fine salt (best if evaporated from sea water) otherwise regular salt would do it
  4. 1 bag of active dry yeast (1/4 OZ.-7 grams)
  5. 1 pound (450 grams) of mozzarella (better if “Mozzarella Di Bufala In Water” my favorite is Whole Foods mozzarella called Ovaline, yes it comes in water) or provolone cheese sliced or chopped, otherwise try to find whole mozzarella, NOT SKIM, “Bel Gioioso” brand is fine and VERY GOOdtoo. Do not buy any hard blocks of mozzarella or you gonna be wasting your time, it has to be very soft !
  6. 1 can of Plain Hunt’s tomato sauce (15 OZ.- 425 grams)

Buy the “plainest” sauce you can find! Look at the ingredients label, all you really need is plain tomato sauce! The less ingredients in there the better the taste!

Preparation:
Put the yeast in a small bowl and add 1 and 1/4 cup of very warm water (better if bottled water!- about 110 F), mix up and let sit for about 3 minutes.
Put the flour in a large bowl and add the 2 teaspoons of salt and the extra virgin olive oil in there and mix.

Add all the water with the yeast slowly in the big bowl with the flour while mixing with a wooden spoon and add the tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil at the end. After added all the water feel free to add more if you think it needs it…or if it’s too soft add a couple of spoons of flour til the right consistency.
When the dough gets…well looks like a dough, spread a little flour on a large cutting board and Knead for 6 to 8 minutes, until you have made a smooth and soft dough. Cut the dough in half an make two balls.

Put the dough in two lightly greased bowls with olive oil so it won’t stick.
Cover the bowls with thin foil and put in warm (…quiet…place..SHHHhhhh) microwave or oven (OFF of course!)…not in the refrigerator. Let sit for 1 and 1/2 hours at least.

After spreading the sauce I drizzle about 2 tablespoons of extra virging olive oil on it and bake at 350F for 7 minutes

Baking it:
Preheat the oven at 450 F (232 C) with the pizza cooking stone in there.

Sprinkle a tiny bit of white flour on a wide piece of tin foil about 18×22 inches wide (so you can grab the pizza later on and won’t get stuck) and put a ball of dough on it. Spread it with your hands and/or roller until you get a disc about 15-16 inches wide, about 1/8 of an inch thick.

Put about 3-4 large cooking spoons of tomato sauce on it and spread…( American pizza has way TOO MUCH SAUCE!) and drizzle all over a tiny bit of extra virgin olive oli. Grab the thin foil (you may need somebody to help you, since you don’t want the thing to fold over! To prevent the thin foil from folding over hold the ends of it tight, don’t give no slack) and place it right on the hot stone and cook for 7 minutes at 450F.

Here above I got the pizza with the sauce only (and olive oil) out and added the mozzarella, plus some marinated artichokes, kalamata olives and anchovies...YUM! :) Then put in oven again for another ten minutes at 450F

Take the pizza out and spread 1/2 pound of mozzarella (or less:) on it, and other toppings you may like, ( While the pizza is out do not forget to close the oven so temperature don’t drop) and put back on the stone and cook for another 10 minutes; when one minute is left set the oven to broil – HIGH so the mozzarella gets some nice darker brownish spots.

Once the pizza is done garnish with a few leaves of fresh basil if you have the luxury of having  it in you herb garden.

To separate the pizza from the tin foil, place the pizza on the counter, let it stick out about 25% and pulling the thin foil down keep on rotating the pizza until separated from foil.