Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus, Goglu des prés, BOBO) Franklin Centre, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKII, 500mm F4 L IS, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 400, F8 @1/250s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION. Image presented with both a visible, and invisible digital watermark by Digimarc.
Notice how perceived sharpness is increased by moving the sun far over my right shoulder. The shadows and highlights increase depth and give each feather detail. One of the hardest things to do here was maintain detail in the yellow hood, while exposing for maximum detail in the blacks. This image is anther example of how well Nik Software's Viveza helps make targeted adjustments a breeze. I took the old master Tiff and places a U Point control point on the yellow hood - selectively lowered the brightness and ...voila! Remember to use coupon code "CDODDS" at the check-out and save 15%
Reader Q & A
Hi Chris,
Enjoy reading your blog and often spend hours gazing into your incredible images – I get lost in great adventures and see some amazing sights through your eyes and lens. I was wondering if you had or used a point & shoot camera. If you have one, then which model do you have and would you recommend it to others?
- Savannah Capote Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Thank you Savannah. Yes, I own a Canon PowerShot S-95 point & shoot camera and feel comfortable recommending it to anyone. There are times when I don’t want to haul around my pro SLR equipment, but do want control over the creative process and the ability to shoot in manual mode. I chose the S-95 because it can shoot in RAW, JPEG (or both at the same time) has reasonable low light capability, and still fits in my coat pocket. I like how easy it is to navigate the menu and control the manual settings (I can even program the camera to let me decide what setting is adjusted with which switch or dial). There are smaller point & shoot cameras out there, but they produce noisy images in low light situations and they are harder to control in manual mode. I also own a Canon PowerShot G10, which is a great camera, but I find it just too big to want to pick it up and bring it along everywhere I go – though it was probably the best choice when I bought it. Be sure to read David Pogue’s “A Love Letter to a Camera” from The New York Times.
There are some very useful accessories for point & shoot cameras that I use and highly recommend; I simply can’t live without them. Lensmate makes a Quick-Change Adapter Kit that consists of a tiny receiver that sticks to the front edge of the lens and allows a filter holder to be installed in a split second. This little accessory is pure genius and makes it easy to use a polarizing filter. The instructions are as well designed as the product itself, and even tell you how to remove the adhesive without leaving any residue on the camera.
One of the disadvantages of a small camera, is it’s missing grip; I often felt like I didn’t have a great grip and that I was going to drop the S-95. Richard Franiec makes a small aluminum S-95 grip that sticks to the body of the S-95 that now gives me something to hold onto. Richard’s instructions are also well designed and easy to follow, and even show you how to remove the grip without leaving any residue.
Canon PowerShot S-95 with Richard Franiec’s S-95 Grip and Lensmate S95 Quick-Change Adapter Kit 37mm
Great FREE Gear Giveaway Continues
Sign-up for my newsletter before Dec. 15th, 2010 and you will automatically be entered to win some amazing prizes. Simply fill-in your name and email address in the form in the column to the right of this post and you are entered automatically (only sign-up once please). Tweet, Like or Share this blog entry on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a meaningful comment here for additional chances to win. Don't forget to tell your friends or fellow camera club members about the prizes.
- WH-200 Wimberley Head version II (retail value of US$595.00)
- Think-Tank Photo Urban Disguise 50 (retail value US$169.00)
- Nik Software Viveza 2 (retail value US$199.95)
- Digimarc for Images Professional Edition 1 year subscription (US$99.00)
- One of eight Canon Long Lens Rain Covers (US$125.00 each)
Dec. 15th PHOTO GEEK CHRISTMAS PARTY
I'm hosting my first annual PHOTO GEEK CHRISTMAS PARTY at the ROCKBURN PUB 2461 Mtee Rockburn, Hinchinbrook, Quebec J0S 1E0 (450) 264-2239. All amateurs and hobbyists welcome! It's an à la carte menu and there is no fee (other than paying for your own food & drinks) - I will pass the hat for a soon to be announced charity; donations are optional but encouraged. Come on out and meet me, my friends and make new contacts while networking and showing off a few of your favorite images from 2010. Feel free to bring prints, iPads or laptops with your favorite images. RSVP required - email me at chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com (please type PHOTO GEEK CHRISTMAS PARTY in the subject line) to reserve your spot. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve soon. I will be drawing some great prizes for the Great Gear Giveaway Contest and you get another name in the hat @ the party. Special thanks to Joann for opening the pub just for us!