TBL UPDATES AND NEWS

Hillsdale Lake, Hillsdale, Kansas

2012-01-16T12:29:00.000-08:00

Hillsdale Lake

I received a telephone call last night from a friend who told me that he had spotted an eagle nest at Hillsdale Lake. Now, with this being January, I was not expecting the eagles to be using the nest. I was however hopeful that they would still be hanging around the area. I trudged out this morning on a scouting trip to find the nest. I did find the nest, and did see the eagles (two adults and two juveniles). They did not feel like cooperating with the length of my camera lens, so I was focused on shooting other things.

I noticed that the water was lower than normal, and slugged my way out into the open mud flats. The wind was kicking up some waves, but it was not unbearable as a warming front was moving in.

This is a lake that holds hunting memories for me of my dog, Cody. It holds hunting memories of past duck hunts that went well, and many others that ended without a shot. I guess that is why I was so concerned when I started to notice the hand of man around me.

I can understand maybe loosing a decoy, or the accident of dropping something. I can... it has happened to me. But the wholesale, short sightedness of just throwing things into the lake? Most of the guys and gals that I hunt with are awesome at taking care of the land we are privileged to use. One part of the hunter safety coarse that I learned some 30 years ago was to leave the land BETTER than what you found it. Why is it that more people can not do this?

Why is it that certain "outdoorsmen" can not take care to clean up after themselves?

I picked up what I could, and will have to resign to trying to pick up more the next time I go out.

Will you?

2012-01-16T04:21:00.000-08:00

Classic Single Light Portrait

I was walking through the kitchen the other afternoon, and looked over at my wife. I then saw what must have struck some of the old masters of paint. The classic single light (window light) highlight of a beautiful woman's face.

We see scenes like this everyday. We see the instance where the light strikes something and we think, "Wow that is nice... very pretty." Here is the rub. We need to capture those moments, or at least know how to recreate what we saw (and sometimes improve on it).

I happened to have my camera handy (I know, shocking right?). This was shot hand held, and then processed in Lightroom 3 and Nik Software Color Efex Pro.

Go here to Nik Software

Contest by Rick Sammon for a copy of his book

2012-01-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

Rick Sammon is one of my favorite and prolific photographers / teachers. If you have not had a chance to see him teach you should. I caught him on Creative Live http://www.creativelive.com/, and he was awesome. Some of the best energy from someone who you can tell cares about the art of photography. His blog / site is here:http://www.ricksammon.info/.

Anyway, I usually check his blog and watch his doings on facebook. I noticed this morning that he had put out a contest using NIK Software's Color Efex Pro (http://www.niksoftware.com/index/usa/entry.php). If you are into making photographs of anything, I can say to go get this software. IT IS AMAZING, and I love it. Some of the things you can change your photo into astound me. I also love the way it is used as a plug-in for Lightroom, or you can use it as a stand alone composing tool.

Back to Mr. Sammon and his challenge. He listed two images on his site and here they are:

His request was that you take the two photographs and make something new using Nik Software's Color Efex on the edit. He posted an edit of his:

I dig this edit. The drop shadow added in post gives the three (balanced) birds movement from right to left - toward the moon. I wanted to use the moon as more of a backdrop. Using it as a common image that we all see all the time, and using it to set the birds further apart from the sky.

Now realize that these are low resolution photographs published for the web. The only software I used was Photoshop Elements for the layers, and the Nik Color Efex Pro 4. In Nik, a little fog filter was used to soften the backdrop of the blue sky and moon. I also used this to allow for some false bokah in the image to separate the birds from the moon. I also adjusted the levels of the birds to provide light movement from right to left. A small, fine border was added to give it a set away from the web backdrop. I also added a bi-color filter to give the image some color depth.

2012-01-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

So here we are into the new year and the world has not come to a screeching halt. I am dropping by to officially say, I am going to start this year with a goal of a Project 52. With the weeks of the year coming to a start, I thought I would try to endeavor to share one image a week on here. Spread the word! You can also request to be part of the Project 52! Send me a pic, request a certain pic.... hell, holler at me and you can be the pic :-)

2011-12-14T04:59:00.000-08:00

With the season of Christmas and giving here upon us, I just wanted to stop by to say thank you. Thank you to all of those who have supported my photography and my art. Thank you to those who have wanted my interpretation of light for your personal portraits. Thank you to those who have given freely of their feedback (both good and bad) for me to cultivate and grow from. Here is a glass raised in holiday spirit to you. May you have more than you want, and need for nothing.

http://www.tblphotography.com/droplets

2011-10-31T16:57:00.001-07:00

Just had to stop by long enough to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

I am discovering a new program to help with some of the sales on the site. VIOLA seems to be a very straight forward way to capture video from the screen of your computer. I think this will help tremendously on the way I can show people how to order, sell, and otherwise share on the website. See what you think :

Zenfolio and BlackRapid! What a pair!

2011-10-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

So what are the two most important accessories you would say a photographer has? I would argue that the strap/sling for the camera, and the way you display your art would fall into the top ten! In the list, Zenfolio has to rank toward the top with an easy to use interface for web-based display. The ability to compose galleries, custom price lists, send links and emails to customers, change and customize your orders.... love it! The vendors in the background are national superstars of print (MPix Pro is one of my favorite print services). Head over to my site, www.tblphotography.com, select a photograph you like, hit buy and try out all the different things you can add to your favorite wall!

The strap comes next in this. I have had my eye on BlackRapid for some time, and would dearly love to try one out. I have looked at several, and spoke to several photographers that use them. I have not heard one bad thing about them. I think if you knew that you were not going to be going back and forth to a tripod, this would be the sling for you!

First Fridays

2011-09-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Start of a new month is here. With it, a new First Fridays in the Crossroads Art District in downtown Kansas City, Mo. Several things have changed over the last month. One, my lovely wife gave me a healthy baby girl. Two, I have added seven prints for display at the El Patron Restaurant. Tricia Cronk, owner of Ethan Cole Desgins, contacted me about the possibility of displaying some of my work for the restaurant. I took her up on her idea, and we will see what the first First Fridays brings.

The works are of various iconic areas and views of Kansas City. Feel free to stop by the Facebook page with the album El Patron images. While you are there, hit the like button to be able to follow updates for TBL Photography on Facebook.

Also, for those of you who love to adorn your walls with photographic art... Fracture is a very unique way of getting your favorite shots up on the wall. I have a couple of these (soon to be more), and love them. The photo is uploaded to their website (give it a minute as there is not an upload monitor) and then the process begins. Pick the size you want, add a fancy digital frame around the pic, and order.

The idea behind this is one of simplicity. The photo is adhered to the back of the glass so that you can scrub away those pesky toddler fingerprints, and there is no worry of scratching your photo. Also, the back has your mounting already as part of the backing. Pull out the provided screw when you open it up, screw it in the wall, and you are set.

One of the interesting things about this item, is the size is measured from corner to corner (like your television). There are some estimates as to size comparison on the website. Also, you can email the company for custom works (i.e. three panel splits). I think that will be one of my next orders. All in all, I really like the product.

Hope to see all of you at the First Fridays tonight. Don't forget to stop by 2010 Gallery KC (located at 2010 Main Street, KC, Mo) for some great artwork. Currently I have one gallery piece there, and it looks great. A 20x30 framed print of the Liberty Memorial (Happy Easter from the Liberty Memorial).

Have a safe and fun weekend,

Jason

TBL Photography

Been interesting around here...

2011-08-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

Well, the last few days have been intersting. You would think that a guy (or gal) could go out on a photo-walk, and not have that many major incidents. I get home the other night, and end up having to run in with my wife. This is what happened...

Now let us talk about baby photography. Shallow depth of field seems to be the norm in the industry that is baby photography. The dreamy soft edges and the loving gaze of mom and dad are what we are going for. Shoot for the eyes, and make them sparkle! The depth of field is great, but if you can not nail the eyes you have lost the shot.

This is where I love the focus lock, and then recompose the shot. Focus on the eyes, hold the focal point, then readjust and put the subject just off center. This will make the shots pop!

Oh, and welcome to the world Mackenna!

The Kauffman Center for Performing Arts

2011-08-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have been on here, and things have been busy. I just placed some art in the El Patron Restaurant located at 29th and Southwest Blvd in Kansas City, Mo. Stop by on your way downtown for great food and margaritas. I also have placed a 20x30 print of the Liberty Memorial downtown at the 2010 Gallery Kc (2010 Main Street) for First Fridays.

Over the last few months, the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts has received some substantial publication coverage. The building is a noticeable change to the skyline of downtown Kansas City. The newest addition to the downtown area, shows the lines much akin to the Sydney Opera House.

I have been waiting, in between catering to my pregnant wife, for some night outings downtown to see what it looks like lit up.

As soon as I can make it down there, I will be sure to post more shots.

In the meantime... be sure to stop by my website at www.tblphotography.com and see what prints you would like to order.

The Tallgrass Prairie of the Flint Hills

2011-04-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

Tallgrass Prairie Gallery

I made a drive the other day that ended up being about 400 miles by the time it was all said and done. I went from the industrial, downtown area of Kansas City...

and ended up in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

The Konza Prairie just south of Manhattan, Kansas offers excellent hiking opportunities. The rolling hills and gentle slopes of the area make for a wonderful day out. Please be sure to pack out what you bring in. There are numerous scientific studies being performed on the prairie, so please stay on the trail. OH! No pets, bikes, or horses are allowed on the trails... and don't forget the minimal $2.00 trail fee at the trailhead... its worth the experience.

Further south on Highway 177, and a slight jog off the paved road, is the Fr. Padilla monument -

Further south on 177, and you come to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve just north and a little west of Strong City, KS.

"The preserve protects a nationally significant example of the once vast tallgrass ecosystem. Of the 400,000 square miles of tallgrass prairie that once covered the North American Continent, less than 4 percent remains, primarily in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a new kind of national park. The preserve is 10,861 acres, but most of that land will remain under the ownership of the Nature Conservancy, which purchased the land in 2005. The land was originally purchased by the National Park Trust in 1994. The National Park Service may own up to 180 acres, yet the legislation calls for the entire acreage to be managed cooperatively by the National Park Service and the private land owner.

On September 20, 2002, approximately 32 acres were donated to the National Park Service from the National Park Trust. This area includes the 1881 historic ranch house, limestone barn and outbuildings, and one-room schoolhouse." - Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve [National Park Service - US Dept of the Inerior]

Go to the Gallery - Tallgrass Prairie Gallery

The Search for New Glass

2011-03-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been looking for a solution to a mid-range want for a nice telephoto. I have anguished over the last several weeks... pouring over reviews and pages of text on the performance of different equipment.

I had thought about saving some cash, and looking into the Sigma line of lenses. I don't know about you guys, but the "gamble" of getting a good lens when spending $500.00 to $1300.00 doesn't appeal to me. I would think that if you are spending that type of money, you should EXPECT a quality lens. I read and read about the different Sigmas (The Bigma - 50-500mm) and the 70-200. From everything I could find, they were "okay." Now the Bigma (50-500) is consistently listed as a bit soft, some over focus, some short focus.... really? For $1600.00 and they ALL don't WORK like they are EXPECTED?

I listened to a podcast the other day by Frederick Van Johnson called "This Week In Photo." First, if you are into photography and want a weekly little show about the industry and what is going on... you should listen. Anyway, they had Dave Metz on from Sigma. Now I understand that he is employed by Sigma, but I think he kind of skirted a couple of the questions. I also understand that he probably doesn't know what the quality and control standards are at the factory, so I will give him that. I am baffled by his lack of brand commitment when asked how the Sigma lenses stack up to professional use. His comment was to the effect that some of the lenses are made for the backyard shooter. Hmmmm... doesn't inspire me into dropping $1600.00 on a lens Dave. (This Week In Photo)

The one set of lenses (and no I did not look at Nikon as I happen to shot Canon) that consistently had high reviews with apparently few quality and control issues were the Canon L-Series lenses. The reviews showed that these lenses were being used by not only novice shooters, but by professional portrait and outdoor photogs. So I buckled down and then had the next decision to make... what F-stop range to go for.

I had narrowed my search down to a 70 - 200 lens. I looked and checked and looked again... this looks to be a great area for portraits and moderate event photos. I see it also as a short end wildlife lens, and should fall into a great range for some of my hunting shots. So, do I plop the $$$$ out for the 2.8 or the 4.0? After checking some more, I boiled it down to this....

- the 2.8 non image stabilized (i.s.) lens is not weather and dust resistant
- the 2.8 does give better low light ability when compared to the 4.0 (twice the amount of light on the one f-stop difference)
- the 2.8 apparently does show some softness on the edges (but not much)
- the 4.0 with i.s. has been reviewed as "tack sharp"
- the 4.0 with i.s. is cheaper than the 2.8 without i.s.
- the 2.8 with i.s. is twice the price of the 4.0 with i.s.
-both of the i.s. lenses are weather and dust resistant

I took all of this in, and came up with the Canon 70-200 F4 L. It is on the way now, and I will post results as soon as I have some camera time with it. [I got mine from Adorama Camera - Canon F4 kit]

I came to this by looking at something else... the cameras made today. The ISO ability of the new digital cameras is amazing. I have been making some great shots with ISO of 1250, with very little grain. This being said, I get that the i.s. is only going to help in steadying camera shake, and not in the motion stopping ability (shutter speed). I am anxious in seeing how I can balance a great lens with the appropriate ISO, and shutter speed.

more to follow.....

A moment about portraits...

2011-02-19T03:07:00.000-08:00

I have been pouring over books and the interwebs looking and delving into the use of strobes and off camera flash. Now, I am not opposed to flash. I think it should be looked at as just another tool to achieve a desired look. After all there is no photo without light, and in the absence of light we have to introduce some.

I have the standard flash units, but I broke down an purchased a set of studio strobes. I received the box much as a child rips into the paper on Christmas. I had the lights set up in about ten minutes with the umbrellas attached, and then waited for the correct subject matter to strike me. Thankfully my wife and daughter arrived home just in the nick of time.

I wanted to comment on this as there is something I noted in most of the "instructional" sets for the use of off camera flash or strobes. In almost all of the posts I noticed that there was something missing.... the light settings. Now I understand this is dependent on each situation, but why can't someone give a starting point to go from. I messed with the strobes and noticed a decent set up that should save a lot of time ext time to set up. Main light - 3/4 to full, fill around 1/2, hair light 1/2 to 3/4. That is all I did... and fired away.

LIGHTS!

2011-02-14T17:34:00.001-08:00

Okay folks, I broke down and bought a set of location strobes for portrait photos! They are going to be a nice addition for shooting family sets. I am also going to work on a battery set for outdoor location shooting! This should be fun!

Update to the Boulevard Brewery!

2011-02-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

Just received the notification for the property release from Boulevard Brewery to be able to sell my shots from there! Check out the site, www.tblphotography.com and go to the Boulevard gallery. I should be back in there in a few weeks, so there will be more.

Went on a photo shoot today!

2011-01-28T17:22:00.000-08:00

The Boulevard Brewery in Kansas City, Missouri. I walked in there and the first thing I noticed was that everyone was smiling. These were not put on smiles... people, walking by themselves would walk around the corner not knowing I was there... smiling. This was one place that the employees genuinly appeared to enjoy working there! What ever they are doing as a company must be working for the employees!

http://www.tblphotography.com/boulevardbrewery

Went for a walk...

2011-01-28T03:55:00.000-08:00

I drove downtown yesterday, and went for a little walk around downtown Kansas City. I found it interesting, like so many downtown areas... there were old, run down shells of buildings. Buildings that years ago were filled with apartments, businesses, people. Now they stand waiting for something. But I also noted that there was construction going on around them. I saw streets steady with traffic. I saw people walking in and out of apartment buildings. I know that Detroit is in the news lately about the decay of its Urban Core. I just hope Kansas City, Missouri gets a hand on its core... because like all of decay... Urban Decay can spread.

Snow Birds

2011-01-21T03:43:00.000-08:00

Well, I was able to make it out to one of the local open ponds. It is about the only open water around here, as they have a bubble system in it. The geese were managing to keep the perimeter of the ice filled with their numbers.

More Snow

2011-01-19T03:00:00.001-08:00

They are predicting 4 to 8 inches of snow from this afternoon into tonight. I happen to be off tomorrow... first off that is a good but of luck, and second I hope to get out and take some night shots of the snow.

Snow day!

2011-01-11T05:28:00.000-08:00

Well, going out in the -10 wind chill this morning to try to get some great morning snow shots! Last night was fun. Talked to a couple of people out and about. Kind of interesting that the only people out on foot last night were photogs.

I was driving down the road through The Country Club Plaza, and saw this white German Shepherd on top of a large snow pile. I could not see his owner on the other side, so it was an interesting site driving toward this LARGE white dog. It looked like he was perched on his lookout waiting to pounce.

The death of film...

2010-12-30T06:56:00.001-08:00

Thought I would post a link to the New York Times article about the LAST Kodachrome processor being shut down here in Kansas....
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/30/us/30film.html?_r=1&src=tptw

Some good use out of a kit lens.

2010-12-24T05:55:00.000-08:00

I was messing around the other night with one of the kit lens that comes with the Canon 60D. The 18-135 zoom with image stabilization is a decent lens. I have had some good luck with it on several shoots (like the majority of us, I wish it was a little faster -3.5/5.6). I did find a fun use for it though.

Being that time of year with the Christmas decorations strewn about the house, I had a question. How can you take fun low light holiday pictures without a tripod. I know that setting up a tripod is not THAT big of a deal, but what if you just didn't want to drag the thing out?

Found a fun technique that takes very little effort, a zoom lens, and some Christmas lights. Set your camera to manual. Crank the shutter speed to, oh say a second and a half or two seconds and the aperture to F-11. Now zoom all the way in on a Christmas decoration or light, and focus on it. This is where manual focus is nice as it will stay focused on the light, or lock in your auto-focus.

Now start playing. Zoom in and out, adjust your time on the shutter speed... have some fun. Over the time, only zoom in and see what it does. Zoom all the way in, and only zoom out over the shot. You can end up with some very fun pics. OH, also add in some flash. I shot a couple with the built in flash, and they turned out great.

Congrats to Brain and Krsiten!

2010-12-19T03:29:00.000-08:00

Had a fun time with Brain and Kristen the other night. The little game of Pictionary to set up the engagement was a fun idea.

Crown Center, Kansas City, Missouri

2010-12-16T07:11:00.000-08:00

We went out last night for my daughter's first visit to Santa. Had a great time with friends, and she was very well behaved. I thought the lights of the Crown Center Square were interesting against the mist covered walkways.

Follow the link below to the panoramic that was comprised of 11 different shots (with the one above being one of them).

http://www.tblphotography.com/p309568230/e262ca734