New Lytro Feature

Lytro today introduced a new feature that I think is pretty cool. It allows you to change the perspective inside the photo. Below are shots I took, and under that is one of the shots that Eric Cheng from Lytro shot… it has the live interactive bit so you can see what it is like to change the perspective there.

You can see more on their blog post here.

Here’s a few shots embedded from the Lytro site where you can control stuff by clicking and dragging to change the perspective.

And here are some animated GIFs.

And here is a nice one from Eric Cheng.

Next PhotoWalk

Where should I do the next PhotoWalk? I always have great fun at these events… I want to do more! 🙂

Daily Photo – Exploring Battery Park

Thanks again to people from New York that suggested we have the PhotoWalk end here in Battery Park. I had never been here before, and it was scenic and nice. There was no crowd there (well, except for us), and we had a very pleasant and relaxing evening.

I think this was the final photo I took that evening… I was happy to see it while I was in the middle of saying good-bye to everyone! I had to take a quick break from my farewell to go take the photo… and then I resumed my farewells! 🙂

Exploring Battery Park

Photo Information

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• Date Taken2012-08-14 21:25:59
• CameraNIKON D800
• Camera MakeNikon
• Exposure Time8
• Aperture5.6
• ISO100
• Focal Length18.0 mm
• FlashOff, Did not fire
• Exposure ProgramAperture-priority AE
• Exposure Bias

Strong Winds

When I was up here on the cliffside with Tom, he was commenting about how he enjoyed all the strong winds. I was surprised, because I don’t like it windy at all. I find the wind (after a certain speed) to be rather annoying. But he likes a strong wind blowing around him! I didn’t think anyone would like such a thing… so this was interesting to me.

Given the choice, I prefer still air or a slight breeze at 72 degrees (21 C)!

Daily Photo – Along the Coast of Oahu

It doesn’t take too long to drive around the edge of Oahu — maybe just a few hours or so. This is pretty convenient to quickly check the whole island for weather and lighting conditions. When there is interesting weather in one part, there is probably something quite different in another part of the island. And since there is scenic stuff everywhere, this makes photo-taking a pretty fun and convenient experience!

Along the Coast of Oahu

Photo Information

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• Date Taken2012-03-03 18:02:40
• CameraNIKON D3X
• Camera MakeNikon
• Exposure Time1/750
• Aperture5.6
• ISO200
• Focal Length210.0 mm
• FlashNo Flash
• Exposure ProgramAperture-priority AE
• Exposure Bias+1

More New Zealand in Stuck On Earth

I know we have a good group of people coming to New Zealand in February for a fun event together (see Photography Workshops) , but even if you are unable to make it, remember to check Stuck On Earth for a great load of photo locations. I put together a list of photo highlights in the South Island there for you.

Here is the exact map point where I took this photo, btw… you can zoom out and see how there is just not much around!

Daily Photo – Driving Along the Lakes of New Zealand

When I drive along the countless electric-blue lakes of New Zealand, I keep thinking, “This reminds me of Switzerland!” But this is actually a strange thing to think, because I’ve only spent a short amount of time in Switzerland. Really, you can make the case that New Zealand is more like Switzerland than Switzerland. This is a very confusing thing to say, but maybe you know what I mean.

For this one, I’m afraid I did have to jump a fence. But this lake near Wanaka (Lake Hawea) is pretty much completely devoid of houses or any lake-side habitation. You can drive for hours and never see anybody or anything. I’m not big on jumping fences, but it seemed pretty harmless here… and, besides, I just HAD to take a photo of this tree! You know how it is…

Driving Along the Lakes of New Zealand

Photo Information

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• Date Taken2012-06-09 22:55:20
• CameraNIKON D800
• Camera MakeNikon
• Exposure Time1/250
• Aperture5.6
• ISO100
• Focal Length135.0 mm
• FlashOff, Did not fire
• Exposure ProgramAperture-priority AE
• Exposure Bias+1

Nikon 14-24mm Lens

If you never saw my Nikon 14-24 Review, now is a good time! I try to pop in there from time to time to add new photos. And yes, of course I post-process all my photos… so it’s not exactly lab conditions. But, that’s not how I roll, you know… at least you know what you’re gonna get ahead of time with my reviews! 🙂

Daily Photo – The Old Train Station in Los Angeles

Here’s another place I found thanks to sweet Stuck On Earth.

I think LA has a bunch of these places that are kinda secret – sort of hidden away and no one would ever find them. For example, I can’t think of a reason I would ever go into the train station in Los Angeles. Maybe if trains were a bit better in the US, then I would have occasioned them… anyway, I’m glad I found out about this place.

Tom and I went in here and had a fun time shooting. We were approached by security because of our tripods. We thought we were in heap-big-trouble, but it turns out they brought a form to sign right there on the spot. How convenient! 🙂

The Old Train Station in Los Angeles

Photo Information

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• Date Taken2012-02-26 14:49:40
• CameraNIKON D3X
• Camera MakeNikon
• Exposure Time3
• Aperture22
• ISO100
• Focal Length14.0 mm
• FlashNo Flash
• Exposure ProgramAperture-priority AE
• Exposure Bias-1

Tripod like a Marine

Have you seen those videos of Marines disassembling and reassembling their gun blindfolded? I can do this with my tripod and camera. It’s not nearly as cool or impressive, and I usually do it while I’m alone. It’s just really from habit, since I’m always opening and closing my system. It’s become more of a meditation than a hassle.

Daily Photo – Driving through Remote China

I took a six hour drive through part of the Hangzhou. At some point, it began to get very hilly and moody. The ride was a little rough, so I would pull over from time to time to take breaks.

One time when I popped out, I thought the road and the scene felt fairly cinematic. I went through the old routine of opening up the tripod for a shot…

Driving through Remote China

Photo Information

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• Date Taken2010-10-05 18:15:52
• CameraNIKON D3X
• Camera MakeNikon
• Exposure Time0.3
• Aperture8
• ISO100
• Focal Length15.0 mm
• FlashNo Flash
• Exposure ProgramAperture-priority AE
• Exposure Bias+2

That Look

Okay, so I’m not a cute girl, but I think I have something strangely in common with them.

As a dude, there are a myriad of things that go on inside the heads of females that will always remain a wonderful mystery. One if them is the inability to empathize with how a girl feels when a guy stares at them for too long. You know what I mean, right? I mean, I’m guilty of it too, of course. When a guy sees a cute girl, he looks for a little too long. It’s necessarily lecherous, but, you know, we just kinda look a bit too long. It’s hardwired into us.

Anyway, now that I’ve explained that, I can explain this other thing. So, I’m not REALLY famous… just kinda internet-famous and recognizable to a certain segment of the population. So, when I go out in public, I have the same situation as above. It’s not exactly the same, because people don’t look at me for cuteness-reasons… but mostly what happens is this. People stare at me because they “think” they recognize me, or maybe know me from somewhere. And they keep staring until they can work out who I am. Or maybe they do know who I am, but they just kinda look at me, wondering if they should come over to say hello.

And these are the kind of looks that last a little too long. It’s not really uncomfortable… that’s the wrong word… but there is some invisible wall of time that the stare crosses into, and you stay completely aware of it in your peripheral vision. Even when I’m not looking in that direction, my third eye still tells me they are watching me now and working things out. So, I don’t know why I just wrote so much about this phenomenon… it’s just interesting to me I suppose.

Daily Photo – Crossing the Street in New York City

This photo was taken very nearby the Grand Central Station photo I posted a few days ago. In fact, I think it’s just one block south!

While I was taking this, a gentleman-fan of the blog was giving me “that look”. After I was done taking the photo, I beckoned him over to say hello! He was very nice and we had a nice little talk. So, if you ever find yourself in this situation, just come over and say hello – I’m happy for it! 🙂

Crossing the Street in New York City

Photo Information

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• Date Taken2012-08-16 20:17:05
• CameraNIKON D800
• Camera MakeNikon
• Exposure Time1/4
• Aperture5.6
• ISO100
• Focal Length14.0 mm
• FlashOff, Did not fire
• Exposure ProgramAperture-priority AE
• Exposure Bias+2

Which Pub is this below?

I don’t really mean for this to be a photo mystery… but it kind of is, because I forgot the name of the place! I know there are lots of heavy-drinkin’ Aussies that visit the site here, so I figure one of you will and can comment in a passing moment of sobriety.

Daily Photo – The Old Pub in The Rocks, Sydney

What a cool place! I was in Sydney on a secret mission with a friend (to be revealed later), and it was important that we visit as many pubs as possible in the oldest part of Sydney. I think this was one of our favorites.

Inside, there was a warm, old feeling that only comes from old buildings. This feeling is always missing from new buildings that are made to look old. Maybe it’s just in my head, or maybe something else is going on beyond my ken.

The Old Pub in The Rocks, Sydney

Photo Information

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• Date Taken2012-09-26 05:05:06
• CameraNIKON D800
• Camera MakeNikon
• Exposure Time4
• Aperture8
• ISO100
• Focal Length14.0 mm
• FlashOff, Did not fire
• Exposure ProgramAperture-priority AE
• Exposure Bias

New SmugMug Pricing

There is a new pricing situation at SmugMug! The STUCKINCUSTOMS code still works for it to — and will save you 20% even off the new pricing. Here is the new pricing option lets you print and sell your work!

Here’s a video I did with SmugMug… they sent their video team down to join me in Big Sur…

Daily Photo – The Chateau in Paris

We are all having the most wonderful time exploring the French countryside. I wish everyone could be here with us!

I’m sitting in the class right now, showing people how I make blog entries. They now see it is not as exciting as they may have envisioned.

The Chateau in Paris

Photo Information

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• Date Taken2012-03-16 18:12:18
• CameraNIKON D800
• Camera MakeNikon
• Exposure Time1/500
• Aperture8
• ISO100
• Focal Length14.0 mm
• FlashOff, Did not fire
• Exposure ProgramAperture-priority AE
• Exposure Bias-1

Photos from the Paris PhotoWalk

There should be a bunch of photos now flowing into the Paris PhotoWalk Event page. You can use this as an opportunity to find a few new people to circle up as well!

Daily Photo – Relaxing in the South of France

When I visited my friend (and website designer) Fabien, he invited me over to his home in the country. It was amazing! We had a picnic outside on with a view of the rolling hills and vines of the wine country. This little hammock hung under a tree near where we ate. One of the best things about it was that instead of grass, there was a field of mint underneath us. So, whenever you stepped, it sent up a fresh bouquet of scent into the air… basically, everything you imagine to be the case in the south of France is true!

Relaxing in the South of France

Photo Information

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• Date Taken2011-07-23 17:40:11
• CameraNIKON D3S
• Camera MakeNikon
• Exposure Time1/3200
• Aperture1.4
• ISO200
• Focal Length50.0 mm
• FlashNo Flash
• Exposure ProgramAperture-priority AE
• Exposure Bias-1