Brian R. Hitch Photography

Here fishy, fishy

2011-03-13T23:31:00.000-04:00

Stuck my arm down in the pond and grabbed this shot with my Fuji XP10. Not bad for murky water.

Fall/Winter in the Smoky's

2011-03-13T23:24:00.000-04:00

Shot this one last fall on a trip to the Smoky's. Love when it snows in the fall down there.

Fuji XP10 out of water

2010-07-23T16:49:00.000-04:00

Testing out the Fuji XP10 still. Here is an above water shot.
Fujifilm FinePix XP10 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Green)

Fuji Finepix XP10

2010-07-03T09:32:00.000-04:00

Found out that I actually had a need for a waterproof camera when I took the little one to the water park recently. After doing some research and deciding what I was actually going to use the camera for I went with the Fuji Finepix XP10. For the money I couldn't beat it for what I wanted it for. It's waterproof down to about 3 meters and shoots 720p HD video. So far I'm pleased considering I've only had it a day. Time to head to the water park now.

Stock Portfolio

2010-05-22T23:15:00.000-04:00

It's been a really long time since I have posted to my photo blog. Trying to get back into shooting on a regular basis. It's hard to do once you stop. Lots of stuff going on that takes priority, but hopefully in the coming weeks I can get some more stuff online. In the meantime, I'm working on building my stock portfolio again. It's been a really long time since I have shot any stock photos but now seems like a great time to get back into it and hopefully make a little money in the process.

The Alphabet Project

2009-12-04T22:57:00.002-05:00

I recently started a photo forum for some of my close photography friends. As part of doing so I try to come up with different photo assignments for us to do to try to expand on our photographic knowledge. In doing so I came up with the idea of shooting the alphabet. Check the blog as I try to find objects around that represent each of the letters in the alphabet.

Art crime

2009-11-08T21:55:00.001-05:00

Had a little fun with the poladroid software I mentioned in an earlier post. A friend of mine who posts in a photo forum I participate in said the original image I posted looked like a crime scene for art supplies. So after some thought and her help this is the final image. Shot with the 50mm I believe.

Guitar man

2009-11-08T21:42:00.001-05:00

I shot this photo several years ago and was never happy with the color version so after lots of thought and several attempts I finally came up with this black and white version. This was shot at a Blue Grass festival I was covering with an 80-200mm lens. Can’t remember exactly what camera I was shooting with at the time. Lots of dodging and burning with this one though.

It’s been awhile

2009-11-08T21:41:00.001-05:00

Ok, back after a lapse in posts. Been kinda neglecting the blog, but have gotten back to shooting quite a bit lately. I’ve gotten to spend my lunch break at work wandering along the river and have came across several different photos. I’ll be getting them posted as I get time so stay tuned.

Help-Portrait

2009-09-11T10:20:00.002-04:00

Pass it on!

Shake it like a Polaroid picture

2009-07-30T10:16:00.001-04:00

I have recently stumbled across one of the coolest FREE apps I have found in a long time. It's called Poladroid. It is a Polaroid photo emulator. Just open the program, drag your image to the little camera on screen. The photo will pop out and then you can wait on the image to develop or use your mouse to shake it around to speed development. Very cool fun. It's as close as you can get to a Polaroid since they stopped making film. I've been having tons of fun with it. The novelty may eventually wear off but I doubt it since I'm easily amused.

Sky and light

2009-07-21T22:45:00.001-04:00

This light just caught my attention while I was parking my car a few days ago. There happened to be a dark cloud moving in on the right of the frame and a jet stream trailing away from the light. I always keep a camera handy for when a photo presents itself. Shot with a Nikon D200 and 50mm f/1.4 lens. Converted to black and white. Not much else in the way of post processing. What you see is what you get. Sometimes something simple can make a nice photo.

On a side note, you may have noticed a donation button in the right hand column of my blog. If you find anything useful on my blog or you just have some spare change laying around feel free to drop some coin. I'll try to keep posting when I come up with something interesting.

Til next time. Keep shootin'!

A sad day for film

2009-06-22T19:00:00.005-04:00

I got a Nikon camera

I love to take a photograph

So mama don't take my Kodachrome away

- Paul Simon

Well, Kodak has made the announcement. The reign of Kodachrome is ending. You can read more about it here.

Kodak retires Kodachrome film

It is a sad day indeed. Granted, I have never shot a roll of Kodachrome. But it always makes me sad to see film disappear. Especially one with such a history. I have always had a fondness for film. There is just something magical about it that I don't feel with digital photography, but that being said, I don't shoot alot of film anymore, simply because my DSLR is always with me and ready to go. It's day's like today though when I hear about the announcement from Kodak that makes me realize that I am one of the reasons films are being discontinued. I need to shoot more film. Photographs taken on film, many of which were shot with Kodachrome, (ie Steve McCurry's Afghan Girl) were the inspiration for me picking up a camera. Time to dust off my film cameras and go shoot some film. There's just something about holding a roll in your hand. RIP Kodachrome.

Snow in May

2009-05-30T23:19:00.004-04:00

Ok, so not really snow in May. Just me digging through the archives again. This is one I shot a couple winters ago when there was a light snow on here in Kentucky. I really liked the natural blueish tint to the photo and how the snow was sticking to the thistles and the fence post. The roll bale in the backgroung just added to the image for me. Can't remember the camera settings. Sorry to any of those interest in those details, but I think I did use a 50mm lens and I know it was shot with the D200.

Point and shoots and model trains

2009-03-27T21:26:00.002-04:00

A lot of times when I go places I like to travel light with my camera gear. Even times when I have my D200 with me I will reach for my point and shoot. One such occasion was the Tri-State 26th Annual Model Train Railroad Show at Greenbo Lake in Ky. I love trains of all sizes and hadn't been to the model railroad show since I was a child and thought it would be a good opportunity to do some macro photography. I packed all of my gear as usual but opted for my point and shoot once I arrived at the show. A long as you take your time, plan your shots, know the limitations of the equipment and allow for the shutter lag you can come up with some pretty nice stuff. My point and shoot is an older 5 megapixel Canon SD400. I love it. Right now it does everything I need it to do. It is beginning to show some battle scars but is serving me well. Check out my favorite pic of the trip below.

Life, Luck and Preparedness

2009-02-03T17:10:00.004-05:00

As a photographer you have to be prepared. That means having your camera with you all the time. Even though I don't work full time as a photojournalist anymore I rarely go anywhere without a camera of some sort with me. I didn't have my lens that I would really have wished for for the photo but I did have my camera and a moderate zoom with me so I was able to make a few snaps of a scene I might have otherwise missed. I was prepared. Throw in a little luck for being in the right place at the right time and I ended up with the photo of the mother cow cleaning off her newborn calf in the snow covered field. The calf couldn't have been more than a few minutes old and I was lucky enough to be traveling past during the first minutes of its life.

Don't neglect your lenses

2008-11-17T22:21:00.003-05:00

I have been shooting quite a few senior photos lately and while shooting the other day realized that there was one very un-used lens in my bag. Everyone always raves about the quality of the 50mm lens and says that it is a must have lens for any photog. I would be inclined to agree. Mine unfortunately had been sitting un-used in my bag for quite sometime until a couple of weeks ago. I must say I am sorry I had neglected it. I always carry it with me but use my zooms more often than not. I forgot how great the shallow depth of field of the Nikon 50 f/1.4 can be and the great contrast if gives the photograph. I finally dug it out for a few shots on my last senior shoot and am glad I did. Below is an available light shot with my Nikon 50mm f/1.4. If you don't have a 50mm in your kit yet, pick one up. If you are short on cash then go for the f/1.8, even a used one. Nikon, Canon, Pentax, whatever you shoot, it's a must have. Those of you who have one already. Please don't neglect it.

A must visit link

2008-08-15T23:41:00.002-04:00

Just have to let all the photo enthusiasts out there know about a photo site that I frequent. If you are looking for a wide variety of great photography check out onexposure.net

You'll find everything from portraits, to fine art and photojournalism. Definitely worth checking out when you need some inspiration.

Hot air balloons and Gravity Clowns

2008-08-14T23:43:00.002-04:00

Here are some of my photos from the recent Buffalo Trace Balloon Race and the Gravity Clowns skydiving team. The balloon race once again had a great turnout and this year I got to take a few shots of the balloon glow. If you missed it this year make plans now for next year or find a balloon festival near you.

Upcoming photo events

2008-08-06T23:56:00.002-04:00

Just a little note about some upcoming photo ops. The Buffalo Trace Balloon Race is coming to the grounds of Maysville Community and Technical College again this year. For more information click the link. http://www.buffalotraceballoonrace.com/

The balloons are a blast to shoot and always a colorful event.

Also coming up is the Battle Re-enactment Celebration at Blue Licks State Resort Park. I've included the info from their website below. It's always a colorful event as well.

Battle Re-enactment Celebration
8/16/2008 to 8/17/2008

Blue Licks Battlefield pays tribute to the brave pioneers who fought and died at the Battle of Blue Licks, August 19, 1782, during this weekend of special programs and demonstrations. A craft area features local crafters, artisans and vendors along with special music and a battle re-enactment at 3 p.m. each day. Stroll through the pioneer encampment and see how pioneers lived over 200 years ago. Special museum programs featuring hands-on demonstrations. Package Fee: $5 for ages 13 and above, which includes viewing the battle reenactment, unlimited access to the Pioneer Museum, 18-hole Mini Golf Course, Jr. Olympic Size Swimming Pool, and all activities and programs for the entire day.

The wish list

2008-07-22T08:53:00.002-04:00

It's official, and has been for some time now. Nikon has added the D700 to their lineup. After reading about it I can now say it is on my wish list.

I had first thought there might be a D300 or maybe even a D3 in my future to go along with my D200 but I can now say that I think the D700 has moved up my list. I'll leave the real reviews to those who've actually had their hands on one. (Hey if anyone at Nikon is reading this and would want to send me one to review, I'd be more than happy!) Anyway, Nikon's latest along with the SB900 seem like a step in the right direction. High ISO quality looks like it will be great for phojos who cover prep sports as well as other shoots where high ISO noise has caused problems in the past. Just Google it or check it out at Nikon.com.

Selling online

2008-06-10T22:15:00.002-04:00

Decided recently after a big shoot that it was time to start marketing reprints online. I didn't want to miss out on sales but wanted something more convenient than taking the orders myself and then getting the photos to my customers. After some Internet searches and talking with another local photographer I went with printroom.com. Their free account that just charges a percentage for each print was the best for my current needs. I'm not a full time photographer anymore and paying a monthly fee for the amount of sales I would have is out of the question right now. Setup was simple enough and the account management software was simple to use. Now I can market my prints online and the customer can have them shipped directly to any address they want. It's win, win!

Check me out online at brianrhitch.printroom.com

Photography close to home

2008-05-22T14:46:00.003-04:00

With rising gas prices many of us won't be traveling far this summer. That's no need to give up photography though. There are many things to be photographed close to home if we look close enough.

With some time on my hands and the weather starting to get warm, I've spent more time outside the house lately. Watering and weeding flowers and just general stuff that has to be done. While wandering around in the yard and checking on the flowers I noticed a wasp hanging out on the peonies. Bugs and other critters can sometimes make very willing portrait subjects when people aren't as willing.

I grabbed my Canon SD400 and set it to digital macro mode and moved in as close as I could. Luckily this little wasp wasn't easily spooked and made a very willing portrait subject and amused me for several minutes.

The images were cropped slightly and sharpened in photoshop. I also did a minor adjustement to the levels on the final images.

Enough for now! Time to get back out in the yard to see what else I can find.

Greenhouse color Strobist style

2008-05-01T11:43:00.002-04:00

Had a chance to spend a little time at a local greenhouse shooting photos for an advertisement. Greenhouses are

great to get an early jump on spring photos. I played with off camera lighting some using my SB800 with a Stofen omnibounce triggered by a Pocket Wizard Plus II to fill in the shadows. Flash was on full power. Shot with a Nikon D200 and 12-24 f/4 lens.

Here are a couple more.

Child Abuse Prevention

2008-04-22T16:45:00.002-04:00

Haven't blogged for a while and thought I'd put up a recent photojournalism shot.

This is one I shot while out looking for features one day recently. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and the kick-off for our community was the next morning so the photo was very fitting.

I went with a low angle and a wide lens to give a sense of importance to the scene as well as to fill the frame better and remove any unnecessary elements from the photo. Caption below.

Donna Fryman, foreground, hammers a wooden cutout representing a child into place as Mary Rushing, background, sets out more of the cutouts as the two work to set up a display outside of the Fleming County Public Library in Flemingsburg, Ky. Wednesday, April 9, 2008 for Child Abuse Prevention Month.