Free Workshop at Google Giveaway!

Are you in the LA area and want to join me for a great day at Google for a photography workshop?  I’ll be going through my process inside their secret vaults…  Watch my Google+ Stream today for instructions on how to win the giveaway today.  The workshop will be on Friday in Venice.

Reactions on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter

Thank you for ALL the conversation threads.  I read them all, even though commenting on all of them is almost impossible… so, I have put many amalgamated responses here!

• Facebook Threads - Many great points and some confusion/angst too that I hope this post helps…
• Google+ Threads – A similar discussion to Facebook that broke down along other lines
• Twitter Threads – A lot of quick thoughts and instant reactions, including a mild disagreement with my friend Stu Maschwitz

Scott Bourne Analyzes the Haters

A reaction (and unexpected Defense!) from Scott Bourne went up quickly on his blog.  I will quote a bit below. What do you think?

Here is a snippet from Scott’s full article:

I read a few of them and then grew tired of some of the negativity. You have your nay sayers attacking Trey’s post. These people (in my opinion) break down into a few different groups
1. Those who just spent a ton of money on DSLRs and feel the need to defend that decision so they are upset at Trey’s predictions
2. Those who think you need a “big” or “pro-looking” camera to get pro results or to get paid – pretty sure their portfolios would speak volumes about that statement
3. Those who would disagree with Trey no matter what position he took because they think it makes them cool to fight with a genuine thought leader in the field
4. Those who didn’t read the article carefully and didn’t notice some of the qualifiers he mentioned like – the five year time frame – or the fact that people who shoot fast action (like sports or wildlife) may still have a need for DSLRs
5. Pedants who want to prove how smart they are by picking at every little thing like whether or not these really are “third generation” cameras to which I respond “who cares?”

Will I be capturing images like this without a DSLR next year? Probably. If I can, you can too. It's very exciting...

Further Thoughts… (From Trey, me…. this is getting confusing)

So, remember that I say that DSLR Cameras are indeed a “dyning breed” – it does not mean they are dead. If you (gentle reader) agree that you won’t be using a mechanical mirror-flipping device in the future, then we are in agreement. We may disagree on the rate-of-death – but that is all.

In my judgment, I think the extreme pace of technological change makes this rate-of-death faster than people think, especially given the rate that most camera-owners buy new equipment combined with the inevitable vector of Moore’s Law. I feel confident in saying that most photographers simply want to make interesting images faster and easier.

The path to that future is not one of bulky cameras with flipping innards. It is the one that has been hinted at by the full-frame Leica M9 or the amazing Sony NEX series or any other number of examples. Note that I am not paid or sponsored (now or in the past) by Nikon or Sony or Leica or Panasonic or any camera manufacturer. Because of my recent expose on Photography Magazines, most of them hate me — so I am completely independent and I can clearly state the trends I see.

By identifying these trends, perhaps I can help save you money. Don’t let the popular media goad you into having to dump more money into DSLR technology. Since I already have a good set of DSLR equipment that I will use for the next few years, I am personally not going to not spend any more money on bodies or lenses in this line of cameras. Maybe this is your situation too. (Note that if you are just getting started, then maybe this does not apply, since you are entering the world of photography at a point of tremendous technology upheaval.) I’ll be using my DSLR until these 3rd Gen Cameras make a few more iterations, which will happen faster than most people think.

Caption: I took this photo above with a DSLR, but there is nothing about it that I can’t do with some of these emerging 3rd Gen Cameras.

Filed under the categories: Barcelona, Spain, Travel

Another Post-Processing Tutorial Photo

Here is the one of the final photos that I worked on in class for the HDR Video Tutorial. It was a tough one… a lot of issues that needed fixing, but I’m pretty happy with the way it turned out.

I wanted to thank my support team for really working hard to help out all the customers that got this product. Luke does an amazing and very patient job of personally helping each and every question he gets at support (at) stuckincustoms.com. I really appreciate him… glad he is around to keep everything going smoothly. As always, if you have any questions or feedback, let us know!

Daily Photo – Exploring the Church

I like all the colorful votives. They make everything a bit more festive…. Cathedrals can be sort of melancholy places, so anything to liven things up a bit are a nice change of pace. I’m not saying we should go neon-signs or blinky-text on the church’s website or anything crazy like that…. just a little somethin-somethin to spice things up a bit.

And I do like that hallway quite a lot… it’s got a nice M.C. Escher quality to it.

Filed under the categories: Barcelona, Nikon D3X, Spain

Top 5 people to follow in Instagram

I’m @TreyRatcliff at Instagram and I’ve been following quite a few people that are really talented… but I need more people to follow! Here is my list of my Top 5. What’s your Instagram name and who are your favorites?

1) @zarias

2) @JoshJohnson

3) @takahiroooo

4) @Aaronburden

5) @sweetness_smile

More from Spain

The Spain Photos Category here is slowly filling up with photos! I know…I know… people want more of that girl in Ibiza… MAYBE those are coming in the future… you never know…

Daily Photo – The Endless Alley

The dirt and grit and color that comes with European alleys make for great subjects for dynamic night photography. Usually I only stay out for about an hour after it gets dark, but it’s hard to stop with this kind of scenery… I mean, you can make a legitimate excuse to stay out all night!

But a lot of people warned me about how dangerous Barcelona can be… I did already meet many people that were robbed blind… I was extra-extra careful… and, in this case, decided to head back to the hotel early. Also, I was feeling pretty under the weather…so yet another excuse.

Filed under the categories: Barcelona, Nikon D3X, Spain

Daily Photo – The Gaudi Cheesecake Factory

I was stuck doing handheld shots all over this awesome Gaudi house because the PR staff would not let me use a tripod. They also said I was not allowed to post any photos of the house on my blog. I told them this was absolutely ridiculous and of course I would post photos on the blog. They said it was not ridiculous and I should really listen. I then said, “But everyone else is here taking photos and posting on Facebook and Flickr!, right?” And they said, “Oh, well, they shouldn’t be doing that either.”

Anyway, I just don’t deal well with that kind of insanity… I found this place to be quite beautiful, and I wanted to share it with you anyway. If you want to see it yourself, visit the CASA BATLLÓ in Barcelona. Oh, I know…. PR team at Gaudi… this is so terrible… #1 Travel Blog in the world showing a beautiful photo of your property and encouraging people to go… This really is as horrible as you imagined.

Filed under the categories: Barcelona, Nikon D3X, Spain

Okay, Silver Efex 2 is Even Better

I mentioned my Silver Efex Pro Review recently and how I’ve been playing with the new version lately. I made this photo below the other night during the Webinar, and I’m happy to report that the new version is even better than the last! As you guys know, I don’t post a lot of B&W stuff, even though I do make a lot of them. Maybe I should post more?

Daily Photo – The Barcelona Airport

This is another reason I like to get to airports early. Not only do I hate being rushed, but I like to take time to explore with my camera. Well, I guess that only is in the case where the airport happens to be particularly beautiful, like the one here in Barcelona.

I always start out extremely rushed, because I picture security closing down on me from every angle. So, my first shot is usually rushed and not perfectly centered. Then, if the guards don’t gang-tackle me like I’m streaking at Yankee Stadium, then I keep adjusting my position and the camera until things are more and more aligned and composed to my satisfaction. This one was even a little bit tilted, but I fixed that bit with the crop tool later in Photoshop (as people saw).

Filed under the categories: Barcelona, Nikon D3X, Spain, Travel

The EG Program

At the EG Conference, they give everyone a unique program and a set of specialized playing cards, each adorned with customized art. Their team takes all the presenters and portrays them in some kind of a scene. For example, last year they did “movies”, and this year they did “fine art.” Anyway, you can thumb through their program and see if you can find me! (If you are mega bored…)

One other cool thing about the playing cards is that people often get “special” one-time cards in there that are prizes. Most prizes are very unique and are offered by one of the speakers. The one I traded for ended up being a balloon ride with Jonathan Trappe, one of the other speakers there. Know who he is? Ever hear of that guy that started tying balloons to his office chair until it took off? That’s him! I don’t know where we’ll do our balloon ride yet… I’m trying to talk him into Myanmar.

Daily Photo – The Prismatic Cathedral

In the webinar, I gave people a small set of images for homework. This is the second of the two sets (the first I posted yesterday). I didn’t mean for both to be from Spain, but I guess they are! Anyway, I thought it was kind of fun for people all over the world to be processing my images while I am processing them… kind of strange but cool. I will try to post things on a regular basis as we work on them together.

Filed under the categories: Barcelona, Nikon D3X, Spain, Travel

Giveaway and Feedback

Thanks you guys so much for the good feedback on the Webinar. P.S. Don’t forget to reply on that thread if you want to enter to win the grand prize.

It was fun to start it on Mother’s Day, and we were able to give away a Drobo to Celia from TN. She sent Andrea a note that said, “This was such a surprise ending to the 1st class. This is the cherry on top of my already wonderful Mother’s Day. I look forward to making great use of the Drobo. The Stuck In Customs crew did a GREAT job on the first in the series of the webinar classes. I am looking forward to 8 more great classes.”

It’s not too late to join us! www.StuckInCustoms.com/webinar

Daily Homework: Distant Rocks Off Ibiza

I gave the class 138 of my original RAW photos, right out of the camera. Their assignment was to begin working with these ones off Ibiza. I made this during class, so I wanted to go ahead and post it here. BTW, if you’re having trouble logging into the Clubhouse to get the files, be sure to contact support@stuckincustoms.com.

I took photos all throughout the sunset, before and after. I visited this spot 3 different times. Of the three times, this was one of the best. There was about a quarter-mile strip of beach and rock, all of which had good angles. So I kind of worked my way back and forth as the light changed…

Filed under the categories: Ibiza, Nikon D3X, Spain, Travel

The Rebekka Project

You all remember Rebekka Guðleifsdóttir? How could you forget a last name like that? Over 3 years ago, I met her in Iceland and did a post called “Rebekka in Action“, in case you have not heard of her…

Anyway, Rebekka has a new photography project, and she’s accepting donations for people that want to be part of it.

Daily Photo – Trains Across Europe

The Europeans are so lucky to have a semi-functional train system. I’m sure many of them find reasons to complain, but to me, it’s all pretty awesome. The idea of a working train system is pretty foreign to Americans.

This notion that you can get on a train in one city and then hop-skip your way to another city is kind of a novel idea to us! If you’re in Houston, for example, and you decide to go to Dallas, then “getting on the train” isn’t even one of the things that crosses your mind. I don’t know that much about the passenger rail system in the US, and I guess that means its in pretty dire shape. Without even asking, I can almost guarantee our biggest passenger rail service is subsidized by the government. And that, of course, means that I am personally paying for something that I know nothing about.

I’m reminded of this when I go to Europe and can get on a train in Montpellier and end up here, in Barcelona. And not only that, but the train stations are all pretty interesting to explore.

Filed under the categories: Barcelona, Spain, Travel

Another Jetsetter Win

This (the photo below) is the third Jetsetter place I have stayed, and they’ve all been winners so far. It’s a little weird, because Jetsetter isn’t really conducive to my style of travel because I often plan ahead. But, if I happen to be going somewhere, I will check to see if they have a special in that location. Anyway, I’ve never had a problem… and the hotels have always been pretty awesome and unique.

Daily Photo – Night View from Balcony in Ibiza

Ibiza is a really strange place. This hotel (Ibiza Gran) seemed to be typical of hotels in Ibiza when it came to the clientele. Here’s the deal… if you have never heard this, you’ll think it sounds pretty strange — and it is.

So a lot of people in Ibiza dress in all white. White pants, white shirt, free-flowing fabrics, and cavalier attitudes flow in and out of the hotel lobby, bar, poolside restaurant, and the spa. It’s all very strange. It’s sort of a combination of a Clockwork Orange and a Euro Sci-Fi Orgy. I can’t quite explain it… I’m not sure I understand it, and I didn’t succumb, even though everyone did seem very comfy.

After a long day of exploring and shooting, I went out on the balcony to get a shot of the pool and the moon behind the clouds.

Filed under the categories: Ibiza, Nikon D3X, Spain, Travel

The RED Epic

I made the decision. Red has been contacted and now I’m just sitting here, waiting…waiting…waiting… Don’t know what it is? Check out the RED Epic page. I’m so excited… oh jeez trying not to think about it…

Daily Photo – The Myst Staircase

I wish I could have met Gaudi. The only thing I know about him is his art, but I’m guessing he was an interesting guy.

I also would have like to own one of his houses, but then I’d be in a pickle. He only designed and built a few of these houses, and I think living inside of them would be amazing. But, since it is such a work of art, I’d feel compelled to share it with the world. You can’t live in it AND open it up to the public – so what to do? I’d like to say I’d be noble and open it up to the world, but the wonderfully selfish side of me would want it all to myself. Maybe it’s not that different than owning a Renoir. Not that I own one of those either… but it is an interesting decision to think about.

This is one of the many beautiful staircases in the Casa Batlló, located in central Barcelona on Passeig de Gràcia. It’s also called the “House of Bones”, and it reminds me of the good old days playing Myst…

Filed under the categories: Barcelona, Spain, Travel

Survey Results

I posted a survey a few days ago to help me know what to include in my upcoming live webinar photography course. I love the answers to the survey question, “Why are you so interested in photography?”

There are so many reasons why people like taking photos.

They range from passion:
“It is a passion I have had since I first looked through the viewfinder.”

to sanity:
“It’s a hobby/side gig that keeps me sane.”

to attracting women:
“Chicks dig fast glass.”

to sobriety:
“I gave up crack cocaine to pursue photography.”

to self-expression:
“Because in everything there is beauty and interest. Through the lens of my camera, images often express what I cannot say with words.”

to showing off:
“Like wowing people with great images.”

to social responsibility:
“I love sharing not only my stories from different cultures, but those of the people I visit as well. I believe that as a photographer, I have a responsibility to show people’s lives just as beautifully as the people themselves live them.”

Why are YOU so interested in photography? Tell Me Here, and it will also be a tremendous help for planning the course too.

Daily Photo – Exploring Ibiza at Night

The old medieval town of Ibiza is an awesome place for exploration at night. Every nook, cranny, alley, and cobblestone street was built for photography. And it was doubly-awesome after a little rain gave everything a reflective sheen.

After we finished dinner, we started the long walk back to the hotel. It took 10x as long as normal with all the stops along the way. But comon… how can you walk past something like this and not take a photo? Impossible!

Filed under the categories: Ibiza, Spain, Travel

Peter Takes Times Square

This is a weird one. Now, I don’t know Peter Lik, and I can’t figure out why in the world he would do this on his Facebook page I got a ton of tweets and emails about it. Anyway, it seems like a pretty sorry thing to do.

I don’t really understand. Peter’s photos are just fine on their own… he (and/or his team) should not need to do something like this. What do you think?

Also, see this video of Lik’s new TV show.

All my photos are Creative Commons Noncommercial. It means anyone can use them with proper credit, as long as it is not for commercial purposes. So, kind of two strikes here. No credit AND this is a commercial purpose. The Internet Knows All. For reference, the original New York City shot is here.

Update:
1) A rambunctious discussion started on Facebook, and then
2) Peter Lik’s team removed the post (a copy for reference), and then
3) A gentleman from their social media team apologized on our Facebook wall.

My Facebook Page

Lest you be confused, pop over to good ol’ “Trey’s Facebook Page”, where you are welcome to continue sharing your own work and I can leave comments for you!

365 New Photos a Year

This is tough! A daily photo that I consider worthy! I’ve kept it going at a good 99% rate here for the past few years, but it takes a lot of work. I’m not gonna lie. This came up in the recent Mostly Photo show with Leo Laporte and Lisa Bettany (PS Leave comments there on YouTube for feedback). I guess people might think it is easy to do this every day… or maybe I am accidentally making it look easy. But, rest assured, it’s hard as hell.

Daily Photo – The Pier at the End of Times

Here is a good tip for you when it comes to sunsets. It also works if you have something in the center worthy of attention, which is commonly the case with sunsets.

When you use a wide-angle lens, like this 14-24, you will automagically get a feeling that everything is pointed to the middle. That is obvious, but you can “help the cause” and make the effect more pronounced by doing the following. If the there are repeating elements of roughly the same size (in this case: 1- slats of a dock and 2- blobs of clouds), then those elements will create leading lines to the horizon as they get logarithmically smaller towards the infinity point. In a sense, the slats only do part of the job, but the clouds do the rest of the job. Then, this allows you to have leading lines that take people in and out and back around the work.

So, one thing to look for when shooting with the wide angle lens is multiple objects of roughly the same shape. After that, you can try to set up so they repeat ever smaller towards the horizon.

This particular photo was taken in Ibiza one evening, just after the sun dipped into the Mediterranean.

Filed under the categories: Ibiza, Nikon D3X, Spain, Travel