Category : Pilgrim’s Chronicles

I’m traveling all day Thursday so I thought I would do Tech Friday, Thursday. Did that make any sense? Probably not. I mentioned in a recent blog entry that mega pixels were not as critical as many people think and even said I had a number of shots that really raise eyebrows when people learn they are not form high resolution cameras. The shot above is one example, it was made with a D70, a 6 mega pixel camera!!!!

People often confuse resolution with sharpness. Any camera of good quality can make a sharp image, but you have to help. Here’s how:

1. Steady the camera, the best method is a tripod, if you don’t have a tripod do everything you can to get the camera steady.
2. Use really good glass. All lenses are capable of making sharp images, but to make blazingly sharp images you need blazingly sharp lenses.
3. Use a cable release to keep from introducing shake in the camera, at the very least learn how to softly squeeze the shutter release off.
4. Don’t use anymore filters than absolutely necessary. I seldom use anything more than a polarizer.
5. Keep your lenses clean. Don’t over do it, often all a lens needs is a good blast of air from a
lens cleaning bulb.
1. Remember that contrast has a lot to do with the appearance of sharpness, so side lighting is the
best light to show texture and thus sharpness.

My dear friend and great nature photographer, Rod Planck says, “Good technique beats equipment every time.” I say great technique and great equipment both are real winners.

Do you know how much God loves you? It never ceases to amaze me at His compassion and gentle nature. I would not want to spend one day on this earth without Him. If you haven’t talked to Him for a while, give Him a call, I know He will be thrilled to hear from you……..

the pilgrim

I think I shared with you several weeks ago about an assignment I had from Nikon to shoot images for our catalogs and website with several lenses I had not used very much. One such lens was the 18-55 VR lens that comes as the kit lens with several of our less expensive DSLRs models. The image above was from that lens and I was shocked at the quality of the lens.

For some time now, when I’m fortunate enough to be home for a few days I’ve been offering digital photography classes in my community. Most of the folks that attend are aspiring amateurs with varying levels of skills, but most beginners to intermediate. There is no shame in that, we all were there in the beginning of our photographic quests. As with the kit lens I did not have any expectations that I would meet someone in those classes that I would come to look up to as a shooter. Well, my incredible ability to ability to know about such matters was shown lacking again! Early on, a very nice man came over and asked if I would look at some of his work he had printed. I sat down, which was a good thing, because if I had remained standing I might have fallen down. This work was fresh and original and really well done. The man was Jim Begley.
You’ve probably seen a lot of comments on this blog from Jim, yes, the it’s same man. Jim now is my co-teacher in the community classes.

Jim Begley has now become a really good friend and continues to inspire me photographically
and spiritually. I think so much of Jim, that I’ve invited him to be on the teaching team for the Moab event in October with Scott Kelby. Jim is not only a great photographic craftsman, he is a really great guy. My father told me, pick your friends carefully. I know he would approve whole heartedly of Jim.

Jim is also a really smart business guy when it comes to selling his work. Most photographers that reach a level of exceptional work, strike out to become the next John Shaw or Joe McNally, big mistake. There is already a John Shaw and Joe McNally. What Jim has done, which is really a smart move, is to be become the Shaw or McNally of his region. Much of Jim’s work is of local and regional material. Guess what? Shaw and McNally never shoot around here. That gives Jim a monopoly on his market. Jim sells tons of his beautiful HDR prints to the folks in the tri-state area.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.”

One of God’s greatest blessings to me beyond salvation and my family are the great friends I’m honored to be associated with, Jim Begley is high on that list.

the pilgrim

*Photo note: D90 – 18-55 VR lens. By-the-way Jim took me to this great spot to shoot!

Some of Jim’s work for you to enjoy! And I know you will!!!!!

To see more go to:

www.wowphotoshdr.com

www.flickr.com/photos/wowphotoshdr/

This morning I would like to take a moment and openly thank God for answered prayer. Paul said pray constantly, and in our world today I can’t imagine not being in constant prayer. Over the years, as I’ve grown in my relationship with the Lord, prayer has become a vital part of that walk. The more He teaches me the more my prayer life changes. Once my prayers were a long list of what I wanted Him to do for me. The more we mature in our relationship to Him, the more we pray for His will to be done in our lives, and the lives of others.

When I was a baby Christian I was afraid to pray for His will to be done, I didn’t really know Him well enough to know what His will was! The longer we walk with Him the better we know Him and the more we trust that His will is far better for us than our own choices. Given to my own devices I would still make poor choices. Thank goodness He has more of my attention and heart.

What should we pray for? Well, I believe no issue is too large or too small to take to our Heavenly Father. This last six weeks I’ve been praying for my boss and friend, Scott Diussa. Scott was assigned to South Africa for FIFA World Cup Soccer. South Africa can be a dangerous place, and I and others who care about Scott had concerns for his safety. The prayers have been answered and he will be coming home soon. Sherelene has had a tough time at work with a hard schedule and I’ve been praying for her to get rest and recover, that prayer has been answered and continues to be answered. I constantly pray for my country, and I believe God is answering those prayers. I pray everyday, a prayer of thankfulness, that I have one more day to serve Him. I’m here today.

If you had a friend but never had or took time to talk with them, your relationship would not grow very strong. If you want to have deep meaningful relationship with your Heavenly Father the first step is to communicate with Him and let Him speak to you as well.

Luke 11
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
And he said unto them, When you pray, say,
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Give us day by day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

If you don’t know what to pray, or how to pray, this a great place to start.

the pilgrim

*Photo Note: Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. D700, 24-70 AFS f 2.8 lens.

I was recently asked that question in an interview for a magazine. That is a tough question to answer and I invite you to pretend you are being interviewed, and answer as well. Let me take a stab at it.

First I see myself as a man who loves his Lord and tries to live in a way that would never betray that relationship. Second, I hope I’m a loving husband, father, and grandfather. I hope the people that know I consider them friends, know I would be there for them if they ever needed me. Third, I’m a photographer and work for great company that makes wonderful gear and I love using it. I consider working hard at being a better visual artist my most important responsibility after the things already mentioned.

I think it is interesting that when men meet men for the first time usually the first question we ask is, what do you do? Women usually ask about family. I’m afraid this is very telling about us guys.
We have a tendency to feel we are defined by our occupation. I’ve tried very hard to escape from that and see myself as much more than just a photographer. I truly care about photography, but
my Lord, my family and my friends have made a much larger impact on me.

I am sure that some day when I go to be with the Lord, it will not be my photography that has lasting value, but my love for others and service to my Lord.

the pilgrim

*Photo note: One of my favorite pictures of myself, doing what I love to do and shot by a good friend!