Photographing the Aurora Borealis
I have added a new tip on my tips page on "Photographing the Aurora Borealis" Click here for a direct link
Blurs and Abstracts
Many an image of birds in flight have been photographed while panning and using slow shutter speeds to create blurry images (aka "pleasing blurs"). I decided to try something similar but different. Rather than capturing a whole flock I concentrated on a few. Waited for a decent formation and captured the image. Enhanced in photoshop to augment the high key effect and treated with NiK Color Efex Pro for added impact.Your thoughts and comments are welcome?
Bosque del Apache - Sandhill Cranes
While working on a audio visual show about the workshop this past November these two images really lifted my spirits.I am looking for a good title for the first. The second is "Dance to your Heart's Content"
Should you backup to the cloud???
I was asked a question today: What is a good on line backup service or program?Let me ask you, do you backup your computers, all your data or, selectively just what you believe is important, like your images?I have multiple terabytes of data, mainly images that I can not afford to lose. I continue to generate many gigabytes each month. Just a day’s shoot can be 32 to 64 GB of images. For me a backup system is an absolute must. At the present, I backup all my data (currently resident on raid arrays) to networked drives and secondarily, to a duplicate set of local drives. The data is scheduled to backup nightly on the local drives and weekly on the networked drives. Key client data is also retained on BluRay disks.So what about the cloud? Online backup services are becoming increasingly popular. The number of online back up companies that have been established in the last few years is amazing and difficult to list. However, some of these companies like Mozy, Carbonite, Crashplan, Dropbox, and SpiderOak have been around for a while. They all have their pros and cons. They all provide on line backup services and offer programs for a very reasonable fee (small Backups can even be free) based on the amount of data all the way to unlimited storage. These services require you to download and install programs on your computer that will monitor your system and backup to their remote servers, as long as your computer is connected to the Internet. All of this is fairly simple, and once set up, the entire backup is done in the background requiring no intervention on your part.I decided to check out two of these services, Carbonite and Crashplan. Carbonite was no good for me as I am an Apple Mac user. For Mac users Carbonite’s backup is limited to your main system and will not accommodate connected devices. So after a brief test, I dropped them. Also worthy of note is that Carbonite will throttle your data speed after you reach a certain data transfer threshold. I next tested Crashplan, another free trial. They offer all that I would need, backup the main system, connected drives, selected folders etc. I installed the software on my MacBook Pro and started the backup. I should point out that I have Verizon FIOS with 50 up and 25 down speeds. More than fast enough. Well the test started and a month later, when the trial expired, it had not completed the backup, a mere 400 GB of data. At this rate it would take more than a year to back 6 terabytes and up to 2 years for my main system that houses all my images. So much for the free trial, I did not subscribe.During this trial period I have given the online/cloud backup services some thought and here are some of my concerns.A service provider’s disgruntled employee, could take control of your information. This can be achieved using the very software that you install to manage the backup of data on your computer to the service provider’s data storage bank. This is just one concern and so many what if’s – hackers, information mining, etc., etc. Yes these service providers say the data is transferred via SSL (Secure Sockets Layer, the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between systems) and is stored encrypted. But all the encryption would be useless if your login identity could be compromised. It is worth reading a blog by an industry expert at http://dereknewton.com/2011/04/dropbox-authentication-static-host-ids/The other significant concern it the time it takes to backup, so how can you possibly check a full restore. In my case it would be two years to back up and I would know that it succeeded or failed two years later.Privacy and your personal data security concerns:
- All files you backup to an online/cloud service company can be viewed for review purposes by the service company. Though your data is encrypted the service company may decrypt it on an as needed basis.
- The government and law enforcement may request access to your files, and they will be granted access. Note: the hosting company has no obligation to notify you of any such request. As an example, here are the terms and conditions from Dropbox that is one such service.Compliance with Laws and Law Enforcement Requests; Protection of Dropbox’s Rights. We may disclose to parties outside Dropbox files stored in your Dropbox and information about you that we collect when we have a good faith belief that disclosure is reasonably necessary to (a) comply with a law, regulation or compulsory legal request; (b) protect the safety of any person from death or serious bodily injury; (c) prevent fraud or abuse of Dropbox or its users; or (d) to protect Dropbox’s property rights. If we provide your Dropbox files to a law enforcement agency as set forth above, we will remove Dropbox’s encryption from the files before providing them to law enforcement. However, Dropbox will not be able to decrypt any files that you encrypted prior to storing them on Dropbox.
- Be cautioned that these services can be just as easily hacked as American Express, Master Card, TJX Companies to name just a few. So many banks have been compromised.
I am not implying that you should not use these services or not back up. You should be aware of what can happen and what access is permitted by law. If you must back up to an online service, be selective with what you send to the cloud. If you must backup sensitive data, consider using a local encrypted vault. A product like TrueCrypt will perform this service. Then you backup the vault to the cloud. In the unfortunate event that the backup service or your backup gets hacked, your files will not be accessible as they are contained within the “vault”.Disclaimer: This article and blog post is based solely on what I am aware of and is my opinion only. I will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.All copyright and trademarks are owned by the respective companies mentioned, their owners, or their licensors.
Happy New Year
Wishing everyone a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year.I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and thank all of you who have supported my photography business and who attended my photo tours and workshops.2013 will be a year when I continue with my "Deliberate Photography" teaching and I look forward to a meeting many more wonderful people and sharing photographic journeys in 2013.
Special Products and Special Prices
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support and helping my photography Photo Tours and Workshops gain momentum. For all who have participated in any way this year a special thank you and for those who will be joining me next year, I look forward to gaining your confidence.As I look back at 2012, I can't help but feel grateful to the wonderful people who have come into my extended photo family. I have enjoyed every moment with you all.As a small token I requested my friend, supporter and sponsor Gary Farber of Hunts Photo and Video to put together some VERY SPECIAL PRICING on some of my favorite products and accessories. As you look through this list, you might want to avail of these discounts and support Hunts as they have supported the photographic community.Wishing you and yours Happy and Safe Holidays and all the best for the New Year.With warm regards,ShivClick Here for the list and special pricing good through the end of the year
INSIVITY
Once in a while one comes across a website that is truly inspiring. This web site is harmonious and echoes my photographic philosophies and what I try to instill in my workshop participants. This site has video content and is structured toget photographers and artists more interested in the HOW to take the inspiration they find and shoot and translates it into content that is inspiring. It’s a soft approach to inform and educate on tools and techniques. www.insivity.comIt is fairly new but please check it out and bookmark it - more content will be added. Do give me feedback on what you think about the site and the concept.In addition - there are some awesome deals and discounts on Wacom products.CLICK HERE FOR THE INSIVITY EXPERIENCE
Bosque del Apache and White Sands National Monument
Returned late last night after an incredible Photo Tour and Workshop (PTAW) to the Bosque and White Sands. We arrived in New Mexico on Thanksgiving and it was non stop photography from pre dawn to night every day.The PTAW officially started on Friday but early arrivers enjoyed Thanksgiving evening watching the Sandhill Cranes fly in with the golden light of the setting sun. Each morning we picked a location ideal for capturing great images - all based on the direction of the winds in conjunction with the sunrise. Mornings and mid afternoons were spent scouting out for additional opportunities in the corn fields and pools.The reserve has been cleaned up and almost every location is perfect for great image making. Some images from PTAW participants:
The image above is from the first morning and the three images below are from the following evening.
And here is one of mine at sunset.
Could not resist posting a "Fly Off" aka "Blast Off" aka "Explosion" - whatever you want to call it - it is just fabulous to witness.
The current count of Sandhill Cranes is just under 7,000 and the the Snow Goose count is about 53,000 as of November 28, 2012.
Which DSLR should I get
With all the Black Friday deals and Christmas around the corner, the question "what DSLR should I buy" dominates the photography Q&A. Here is my take on the subject.Since the question is about DSLR's let's first consider two factors, full frame or crop frame. The full frame camera bodies start around $ 2,000 where as the crop sensor entry level DSLR starts around $ 400. Decide which one you want. A few quick tips - the full frame sensor camera will have better image quality, low digital noise and a shallower depth of field compared to a crop factor camera. If it is relevant consider video capability, most DSLR's in the market are video capable.Resolution and Mega Pixels do make a difference, but do not make this a key factor when you're choosing the camera. Today's entry level DSLR's are capable of capturing images that will produce sharp print enlargement. A camera with over 16 megapixels is adequate for most photography.Next is brand selection as you will make a small investment in the camera body but considerable investments in good lenses. This is a long term investment and remember lenses are not interchangeable between manufacturers. Lens selections are an important consideration and currently Canon and Nikon offer the widest lens choices with Sony following close. Third party lens manufactures offer good choices but for now I suggest you stay with the manufacturer of choice.So how do you decide? Go to your local camera store and hold various camera bodies (with the kit lens attached) in your hands. Get a good feel for weight comfort and size. Next look at the controls, the position of the key controls is important, do you feel comfortable with the position and your ability to press, turn and maneuver through these. Now look at the menus and the ease of understanding the various settings - do they make sense to you? The newer models have inbuilt help so it is easier to understand the various functions.So once you have a good feel for the camera body select a good lens in the 18 to 135 mm focal length range. If you feel you might upgrade to a full frame camera in the future, make sure you do not buy lenses designed specifically for crop factor cameras. You do not want to repurchase the same range again just because you upgraded your body. Camera Kits are cost effective but I suggest you buy the boy and better glass.Once you have made you purchase and want to learn the basics of photography, or if you just want the basics, sign up for a one day workshop on December 8, 2012 - click here for more information.
BosStrap LLC to sponsor Iceland 2
I am so happy to announce that BosStrap is sponsoring the Iceland 2 Photo Tour and Workshop. The designers of the original BosStrap Camera Sling System now have the full range of sling straps for you professional DSLR to your Point and Shoot cameras. The BosStrap is MADE IN AMERICA - here is a link to their web site:
All my camera bodies are equipped with the BosStrap - they are light, strong and so very convenient - read more on their website and support American Made.
December 2012 - One Day Workshops
The One-Day workshops for December 2012 are now available. Please reserve your spot early as these do fill up fast.Click Here to be directed to the One Day Workshop Page and the reservation form. Call 617.759.0010 if you have any questions.
The Light of Cape Cod - Fall Workshop
The last of the New England location workshops is over and it was a great one.Despite the poor forecast we lucked out and had great weather, beautiful skies and great clouds. The Cape is truly an awesome place with beautiful light all year round. The tourist can become a bit much so we plan our workshops "OFF SEASON" in the spring and the fall - it is quiet and no traffic to deal with.As usual we planned our days based on the weather, the tides, sunrise and sunsets. We covered the Cape from Brewster and Orleans all the way to Province Town. Some of the most dramatic clouds and skies were in the Dunes in Truro.We were hoping for more fall colors around the Brewster Grist Mill but it was minimal yet made for great photography.There are two workshops in Cape Cod next year so check out the schedule and start planning now.
An Image Found
It was a strange day with no internet, no phone and no TV. Spent time discarding a number of images form my library when I came across this one. This was shot this past summer at Buttonwood Farm in Connecticut.
The Golden Gate Bridge
Just realized I had not posted this image on my blog. The image was captured on the last evening in San Francisco, Sept 30, 2012. It was an unusual evening the temperature was a balmy 82 degrees and no breeze so I headed out to Marin Headlands. There was no fog, no clouds, a night after full moon, a calm bay, tons of mosquitos but fun. This is stitched this panorama. At 240 DPI this is 74 inches long.
Glorious Acadia - Fall Workshop
Got back late last night after a wonderful 3 1/2 days in the Bar Harbor region. A great group of photographers and tremendous learning experience for all.The first (Friday) evening was tricky atop Cadillac Mountain with strong gusts and a cloud/fog cover that was constantly obscuring the views. This was not wispy fog but pea soup.
The forecast was not the best for the next two days but we sure did luck out with near perfect days and rain only after sunset.The following are in camera captures:
How can one go to Acadia and not shoot Monument Beach at sunrise.
Sunday evening we drove over to the Blue Hills region for cocktails and wine with some very close friends. The boat house is one of my favorites. This following image was textured with two textures and then I used the Oil Painting filter in PS6 not only to give it more texture but to add dimension and depth.
Yosemite & Mono Lake - Day 5
Early morning trip back to the lake to photograph the tufas at sunrise. One good thing as the water level rises the walk to the edge of Mono Lake will be shorter but the bad thing is that you will not be able to get as close as you can today.A quick breakfast and we headed out to the Ghost Town of Bodie. After a long drive we realized the back road into Bodie was no longer accessible and a new gold mining company owns the property and has closed assess. We back tracked and arrived around lunch time. It is impossible to photograph all that Bodie has to offer in a day but you do what you can.These two images of the church interior were photographed through large opening wire mesh.
This final image is modified to give the impression of evening (at mid afternoon)
Plans to photograph the Tufa Towers at sunset and then the full moon did not materialize as dark clouds rolled in preventing any image capture.
Yosemite & Mono Lake Day 4
A leisurely breakfast and we check out for a trip across the Tioga Pass from Yosemite to Mono Lake. On the way there we stopped briefly at Olmstead Point and arrived in Lee Vining. The Mono Lake visitor center is very interesting and full of great information about the history of the Lake, how humans nearly destroyed it and how a California Act will permit its recovery restoring the balance of salt and water that is so essential to the lake.On the north side of the lake there is a nature center and a boardwalk that takes you to the lake shore. This is a very unique area that attracts migratory shore birds and a place where 90% of the California gulls come to breed. Mono Lake is 10% salt and so does not support any fish life. The only forms of life are the Brine Shrimp and the Alkaline Flies (millions of them). The gulls appear to feed primarily on the flies and the rest feed on the shrimp. This time of year the bird species are: Marbled Godwit, American Avocet, green wing teal, mallards, eared Greebe, Wilson's Phalarope to name a few. You do need 400 mm or more to get a decent image.The evening was devoted to tufa tower photography. We captured images before the sun set, at sunset and subsequently after dark when we did some light painting.
It was worth waiting for the after glow.
How can one resist some light painting. The temperature of the light on the tufa towers has such a a varied impact. 
Yosemite & Mono Lake Day 2 & 3
After a leisurely start we headed to the valley to see if there was any water at Bridal Veil falls. No such luck there was a trickle but even that allowed us to see the magnitude of the height and widths of Bridal Veil as wing sways the falls from side to side. We drove one way loop photographing the iconic landscapes and finally got to the Merced river bed at Cathedral Beach to photograph El Capitan and its reflections. The first image is of Don photographing El Capitan while the second is an unobstructed view with the reflection in the river. The Merced is quit dry at this time and give some new opportunities to capture images from the river bed.
A reflection of El Capitan.
We did a fe more locations including the views from Swinging Bridge and the river bed below.
After lunch at the Mountain Room we went to the Meadows across Sentinel bridge in preparation for a sunset image of Half Dome from Sentinel Bridge.
Day 3 - A significant forest fire has been burning near the Cascades. The fire started as a result of a lightning strike and has been burning since mid June. The firs two days were not impacted but this morning the smoke was evident as it blew into the valley. The haze created by the smoke makes of difficult photography.
After a day photographing from various vistas we headed out to Washburn and Glacier Points.
A 10 image panorama of the view from Washburn Point:
- Half Dome at Sunset - Washburn Point