Ken’s Shoot Notes Blog

FIRST Robotics & Tiltviewer

Posted on March 19th, 2008 by HuthPhoto.
Categories: Shoots, Schools, Teaching, Internet, Aperture, PhotoJava, Rochester NY.

I just wrapped up editing the FIRST Robotics FInger Lakes Regional photos (it was a blast, BTW) and I thought that gang of cool geeky youth would dig this new gallery style from Airtight Interactive . It’s a 3D grid effect and can load photos from a folder, or grab them from your FlickR account by tags. Try it out, it’s sweet. I particularly like the ‘next gallery’ photos falling effect. Visit the gallery HERE

0 comments.

Which Camera for Clients to Buy? Ken’s Thoughts 9/07

Posted on September 7th, 2007 by HuthPhoto.
Categories: Skills, Equipment, Schools, Photo, Teaching, PhotoJava.

John Walker @ Boces #1 asked last night which camera was best for his needs today. John does PR photos for smaller publications and the web for schools.

There is a real crossover today of the compact, ‘all in one’ snapshot-style cameras, and the larger SLR style cameras (you know, the ones where you can changes lenses). The top of the compact cameras cost nearly the same as the bottom of the SLR world… so which to choose?

Compact Advantages:
• Can be a bit cheaper
• Smaller
• Can be easier to use if you pass it off to someone else
• The newest ones have much more understandable settings and menus
• See live preview of your shot in the big LCD viewfinder

SLR (single-lens reflex) Advantages:
• More flexible
• More accessory options
• Built-in flash is usually stronger and better light quality than the compacts
• Add lenses over time
• Lenses can be higher quality if you can afford them (one key is that you can get a nice F2.8 or F4 lens that does NOT get super-dark like F8 when you zoom in
• Ready to add a nice big flash
• Top Quality: Even at the same ‘Megapixel’ amount, the larger camera has a much nicer, larger CCD inside to take the photo… result, better quality, better high ISO, etc
• Better ISO control- shoot in lower light, control it yourself easily
• Advanced settings are easier to find
• You’ll look cooler Well, seriously, it is important to look like you know what you are doing in many situations.

Some recommendations:
My favorite compact camera is my Nikon S10
for around $300
Love that swivel, big preview LCD and image quality.
Canon have the S3-5 line for around $300-400

For SLRs:
Canon & Nikon have offerings in the $700-800 price range. Since I just switched to the Canon, I’ll note the Canon Rebel XTi is very popular and comes with a lens and pop-up flash.

If you shoot a lot and want a camera that can take it, consider the Nikon D200 or the new D300, with lens and pop-up flash for around $1800.

Don’t forget the accessories you’ll really need:
• A ‘Real’ flash for groups and better light control (like the bounce-flash I’m always telling you to do)
• A big camera card- 1-2 gigs is good and a Lexar 2 Gig is only $40 at Amazon
• Extra camera battery
• NiMH AA’s for your Flash
• an Apple Gift Card to Ken for being so nice and helping

The model numbers and prices listed about will go out-of-date fast, but the principles won’t. Research the newest models and prices via my links HERE

Hope that helps!

0 comments.

FIRST Robotics Finger Lakes Site Done

Posted on March 29th, 2007 by HuthPhoto.
Categories: Shoots, Schools, Photo, Internet, Rochester NY.

I’m excited that I’ve finished the site for the Fingerlakes Regional FIRST competition.

Thanks to Xerox and FIRST for having me shoot the event each year and thanks to the Charles Finney Team for sponsoring the free downloads, slideshows and collage in this special area… Check it all out HERE!

It was great seeing all of you this year and awesome job on your ‘bots!

Good Luck at Nationals

0 comments.

FIRST Rochester Robotics New Gallery

Posted on March 14th, 2007 by HuthPhoto.
Categories: Shoots, Schools, Rochester NY.

Hello fellow geeks… I’ve put up a new gallery of FIRST photos including the top teams. HERE

It’s in a new Flash Gallery format, so let me know how you like it in the comments link below.

The Finney team has confirmed their underwriting of a complete area of these shows/galleries and downloads, so hold tight… more to come!

powered by performancing firefox

0 comments.

Digital Shoot Cheat: Take Camera Notes

Posted on March 11th, 2007 by HuthPhoto.
Categories: Shoots, Skills, Schools, Photo, Teaching, PhotoJava.

Quick silly tip…to keep organized:

If you are doing tons of photo locations (Like many different buildings, or as above, different classrooms) you can easily keep visual track of where you were and easily spot the transitions from one location to another by taking a photo-note like this.

It all started when I was taught that in sports if you shoot photos of the scoreboard periodically, you could keep your film (f’- ill- mmm’: The plasticy stuff that preceded digital capture) in order. From there, I’ve branched out to taking a quick photo of a school’s name before going in and then taking a photo of those standard xeroxed ‘Seminar Session 123: The Health Benefits of Coffee’ signs that are always outside of rooms at large conference events.

The photo above was to used to track which class I was in for a courseguide in the Rush-Henrietta Schools.

You could even shoot the subject’s name or a note about a photo someone wants for you. I’m always losing scraps of paper from shoots, but I never lose a photo, and it’s a great reminder right there with your event images!

It also is the perfect visual key for your clients who might have to edit your photos.

So the next time you have to shoot lots of similar looking things, do yourself a favor and take a quick photo note so you know where you were.

Happy low-stress shooting!

Ken

powered by performancing firefox

0 comments.

FIRST Rochester Robotics Competition

Posted on March 10th, 2007 by HuthPhoto.
Categories: Shoots, Schools, Photo, Rochester NY, Games.

I’m just editing photos from the awesome robot competition…That was a cool challenge you had to do! I’ve posted a few quick favorites HERE, and I’ll be putting more up as time goes on.

I’ll also have a post soon about a sponsorship of a cool photo area with a free download collage and slide shows… thanks to the Finney Falcons for underwriting that, and for Xerox/FIRST for having me do the event again this year. I really love it. And RIT is an awesome host for the event. Congratulations to all of the teams!

powered by performancing firefox

0 comments.

Older »