This next picture I was told to take. Well I was told “go take a picture of that swing.” I took the picture of the swing and I became really fascinated about it. I took several different pictures of this swing at various angles and depth of fields to produce different results and feels. I personally chose this shot because I like the angles and the shadows. The swing was probably about 4ft high and you can tell that this swing was made and not one of those prebuilt/premade swings you can buy at the stores. I was tempted to give this swing a shot, but was too worried that I would break it and figured it would make a better eye catcher as a single piece.

The house that we rented has a view that over looks the Volcan Mountains and it provided great sunset and sunrise images. This image is a sunset image and yes it has been modified. The original colors of the sky look just like that of the sunrise images, so I had to make them more entertaining and the reds just make this image happen. This image has a warm, peaceful vibe to it and looks amazing with the red sky. I took various compositional shots of the sunset and out of the images I still prefer the red night sky.

5:30AM: I was woken up at 5:30 in the morning to take a picture of the sunrise and this is what I got. The sunrise has some amazing colors to it and the silhouette gives the whole image a relaxing feel to it. I don’t know what to say here, except that the sunrise was amazing.

Lastly we visited Smith Ranch and took their Train Ride and Mine Tour.

View more images of our Julian Trip at http://flickr.com/worlddrknss

The compact 10.2-MP D60 delivers breathtaking picture quality and the versatile handling of a D-SLR, yet is incredibly compact, easy and fun to use.Nikon’s high-performance, 10.2-megapixel DX-format CCD imaging sensor and exclusive EXPEED image processing concept provide added cropping freedom and the ability to make larger prints.With fast startup and split-second shutter response, the D60 eliminates the frustration of shutter delay, capturing moments that other cameras miss.Capture sports action, precious moments and fleeting expressions at up to 3 frames per second, for as many as 100 consecutive JPEG images.Nikon’s Active Dust Reduction System activates automatically, along with Airflow Control technology to reduce the amount of dust that reaches the sensor.Intuitive controls and an onboard HELP Menu System with Assist Images make the D60 truly easy to use, enabling everyone to capture beautiful memories perfectly.Nikon’s original digital image processing concept, EXPEED, comprehensively optimizes pictures, shot after shot.Beautifully styled, the D60 makes high-performance digital SLR photography easier and more convenient than ever. You’ll be amazed at the power packed into a camera that weighs just over 16 ounces.Playback images are easy to see and function menus are easier to use with a larger and brighter color LCD monitor. The large 2.5-inch LCD monitor enables image preview at up to 19 times magnification and has large type fonts with easy-to-view menus. Auto rotating LCD display provides automatic horizontal and vertical graphic display orientation.The D60′s Assist Images help you select the appropriate settings for many camera features by showing an example image typical of that setting, as well as an advanced HELP Menu for the current item selected. The D60′s Question Mark icon (?) indicates that help is available for the currently selected item; just press the HELP button beside the LCD monitor to see a context-sensitive HELP page.The D60′s 3D Color Matrix Metering II evaluates each scene for brightness, color, contrast, size and position of shadows and highlights, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance, comparing that information against an onboard database of more than 30,000 actual photographic scenes. The result delivers instantly and precisely determined exposures for each scene, even in challenging lighting conditions.The D60′s Optimize Image setting lets photographers adjust color, contrast and sharpening, as well as other image settings, according to the type of scene or output desired. Settings include: Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black and White, each of which are automatically adjusted based on sophisticated Nikon algorithms or user-selected settings for optimum results.Nikon’s innovative i-TTL flash control evaluates flash exposure with incredible precision to achieve better automatic flash balance and deliver outstanding results. The built-in Speedlight is always ready to bring beautiful exposures to darkened conditions, as well as add sparkle for fill flash in outdoor situations for enhanced twilight shots or an added impact to daylight images. In low-light or back-light situations, added illumination from the built-in Speedlight can make the difference between an average snapshot and a dazzling picture.The D60′s advanced 3-Area AF system and the refined algorithms inherited from more advanced Nikon digital SLR cameras deliver fast, efficient and precise Autofocus. AF refinements deliver greater precision with fast, more consistent subject acquisition and improved focus tracking for consistently sharper pictures

What You Will Get:
Nikon D60 Body
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1:2.5-5.6G VR Lens
Nikon DX AD-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4.5-5.6ED Lens with Lens Hood
Sigma DG 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 Macro Lens with Lens Hood
Nikon Wireless Remote
Nikon Hotshoe to PC Sync Adapter
Extra Nikon Battery
Nikon Battery Charger
USB Cable
Nikon Software
Nikon Manual
Nikon School: Understanding Digital Photography
Nikon School: Fast, Fun & Easy
SanDisk 4GB SDHC Extreme III Memory Card
SanDisk SDHC Memory Card Reader
How To Photography Absolutely Everything Book

I am asking $500 OBO. Cash & Pickup Only.
Serious Buyers Only.
If interested please contact me at charles[at]charlesshowalter[dot]com

Nikon D60 Review

—– No More Studio —–

To begin with my studio has been done all summer long, because I keep going through pc sync cables. Not sure if this is because of bad build quality or my strobes just giving them to much power and they are shorting out. Either way, it has become problematic and has influence my decision to step up from entry level strobes to more reliable, professional strobes that I hope to purchase in the near future. If you plan to purchase any products from Impact, make your decisions carefully. I have gone through 3 sync cables already and one of my strobe switches has failed.

—– New Lens —–

After that I decided that it would be time to practice more on-location shooting and it couldn’t happen at the perfect time. I finally got the opportunity to purchase the Canon 70-200L IS USM lens. The quality of this lens is nothing more then spectacular, which it should be considering that its a professional lens and the amount of money that had to be forked over to purchase it. Here is just one example of the quality this one produces:

—– Kristy & Nik’s Wedding —–

June 12th, 2010 Kristy Younker and Nik Taylor were officially Married at 3:01PM. The wedding was beautiful and the colors were fabulous, but it wouldn’t make for a special day without any mishaps. The flower girl ended up having a vey tough task. First the ring bearer threw the rings so she had to go back, pick them up and carry them down the isle, second she had to make sure the ring bearer got down the isle, third she had to give the rings back to the bearer and lastly finally got to throw her flowers. Following the ceremony people began to get seated, get their drinks and appetizers while food was being prepared by the catering service.

—– Morro Bay —–

Every time I go to Morro Bay I have a blast. This past summer probably was the best trips of them all. Firstly we went on one of the new tours that they were having, and the owners were only charging $10 for Adults and $5 for Children. The tour consisted of going to the Dunes for the kids to do a treasure hunt then doing a short harbor tour. The total tour was suppose to last for a hour. We were lucky and we ended up getting a private tour that lasted for roughly 3 hours, and we even got to take the treasure hunt and got some candy. The boat owner was from Fallbrook, California so we immediately had a connection and just chattered away. We even got a special drop off at one of the docks that our family was relaxing at. And on top of all that, the house we rented had the most spectacular view thus far, the only downside that it didn’t have A/C and it was unusually hot for Morro Bay. This is what Morro Bay looks like at night from the view of the house we rented.

—– Palomar Observatory Campground —–

We went camping at Palomar Observatory Campground for a night, but the week that led up to that weekend was very busy. Not only did we have to go to Hemet twice, once to get a hitch installed and then to get a transmission cooler installed, but there was much needed work that still needed to get done with the camper. So that took a few days, then we took the camper down to get new tires installed. Great! Everything was ready to go. We get to the campground and a whole lot of trouble started to arise. 1.) The camper did not want to level, there I eventually lifted all the jacks and brought out the tap measure to get the frame level. 2) The auxiliary power decided that it didn’t want to work, so had to spend several minutes under the camper tracing the wires and making sure all ground contact where still intact. Eventually got the power working. 3) The door did not want to fit properly and left huge gaps between the door and frame. So I had to fix that issue, which took a while. Eventually got all that done and was able to relax for the remainder of the day. It was nice just being able to do absolutely nothing for the rest of the day. We were taking it so easy, that we actually went to the vegetarian restaurant twice for breakfast and dinner. It was a fantastic day, despite all the work during the first part of the day and being attacked my mosquitoes. Unfortunately I did not take any pictures. I was extremely tired and exhausted to do anything.

—– MacBook Dies —–

I finally got the money to get started on purchasing some new strobes. I was very excited that I finally get to purchase my first professional studio strobe and guess what….my MacBook died. Ugh! I know that it was aging, but couldn’t it just have waited a little longer, preferably another year. So I had to purchase a new laptop with the money that I was going to use to the new strobe. No, I did not buy another Mac. So now that is going to have to wait, but hopefully I have at least one by the end of the year. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

I bought one of these for a couple reasons. 1.) Didn’t have enough to buy another MacBook 2.) Their chargers suck. I gone threw three of them and was not willing to put out $95 for a new charger every couple months. 3.) Windows 7 offers similar performance compared to Snow Leopard. 4.) Performance vs. Price

Elephants: The elephants in Disneynature earth have two threats presented to them. During the day elephants and lions get along with each other, but as night turns their friendly neighbor now becomes foe. Lions will attempt to hunt the young, but because elephants travel in packs they quickly surround the young to protect them from the lions. Unfortunately as hunger strives the lion pack containing at least 30 take charge after a full grown adult elephant. The second and most deadliest and threat to elephants is dehydration. Elephant have to track for days in order to reach a watering hole to drink from. The mothers and the head elephant have to constantly encourage everyone and the calves to press on.

Polar Bears: Polars Bears are having a tough time to get a meal as each year the arctic ices continue to defrost more rapidly. This makes it extremely tough for the polar bears to find and capture food, and also puts them in danger if the ice breaks. Polars Bears are extremely well swimmers, but as they become exhausted and hungry they could potentially drown. In Disneynature Earth, the father of two cubs was desperately hunger, that he swam for a considerable amount of time before he landed in a walrus breeding ground. Unfortunately he wasn’t able to capture a baby walrus or an adult. But because of his exhaustion, injury from being stab with a tusk, and hunger he found him a spot near the walrus to lie down and pass away.

There are many more examples during the show and its unfortunate that such amazing species are having to resort to desperate measures in order to make it through the night. Who’s to blame, acts humans or acts of nature? I am going to end this with a simple Thank You. Thank You to all those who participated in Disneynature, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the many others who are taking efforts to protect such wonderful species. Finally thank you to everyone who will see Disneynature Earth during opening week, as each and everyone one of you will have a tree planted in your honor.

Location Lighting with Drew Gardner is packed with information, thoughts and the inside scoop on how to perform epic on location shoots. During the DVD it will cut to commentary scenes in which Drew himself explains the setup, shows you the shot diagram and he gives you his thoughts behind why he is doing that particular shot. Therefore you essentially get to become part of Drew Gardner. The DVD consists of three sections for each Epic shoot. The first section is the actual shoot, second is the lighting setup, and third is how it post processed the image.

This DVD was fun to watch, but I personally would not recommend it to someone who is just starting photography. The technical aspects of the DVD will have anyone who is starting lost in words and thoughts as they try to make sense of what Drew is talking about. While at the mean time it may also give the novice inspiration to continue with photography or turn them away due to the amount of work that can be involved to produce an epic shot. If you are someone who understands your camera, understands lighting and has a passion for photography, then I would highly recommend this DVD to you. You will be given great insight on how to produce epic shots and be inspired to use some of the techniques that are seen in the DVD.

Blue Man Group is a creative organization dedicated to creating exciting and innovative work in a wide variety of media. Blue Man Group is best known for its widely popular theatrical shows and concerts that combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at the live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience. Blue Man Group has also ventured into toy development (with their Keyboard Experience and Percussion Tubes, produced by ToyQuest), film and TV scoring, commercial campaigns, television program appearances (like Scrubs and Arrested Development), and a children’s museum exhibit, Making Waves, which is currently touring the country. As the company grows, it remains true to its vision of providing exciting experiences in a variety of media which appeal to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds.

We have a nice size background and plenty of objects to photograph or use. We have flowers, roses, lanterns, lights, cacti, bird houses, two canopies, a large table, two chair swings, two grills, a shed and of course the fencing. Each area of the our background presents some sort of challenge, such as lighting and /or composition. The goal when backyard shooting is to not move anything, and use your brain instead. For example, if you want to photograph a flower, but you keep getting an ugly backdrop try moving five steps to the left and then five steps to the right. This changes your composition which may help you avoid that ugly backdrop. Another example, if want to photograph a flower, but half of that flower is in shadow and the other half is in direct sunlight what do you do? At this point you can begin to learn how to modify light in your favor. You can use a flash to fill in the shadows, you can use a reflector to fill in the shadows, or you can use an object to block or diffuse the direct sunlight. All are possibilities.

I do encourage everyone who has a backyard or a local park to get out there and photograph anything and everything and put use some of the examples I listed above. You will be amazed at the results you can achieve. Still to this day, I use my own background as a practice ground and I still continue to learn new things. After all, we are in an industry that is always changing and evolving, which means we must also do the same.

I know of some photographers that do not have a color controlled workflow and viewing their images can sometimes be painful. If you do not have a controlled workflow you risk many issues. The biggest issue when editing in a non-colored controlled workflow is skin tones. I have seen many images where people are very yellow, when they shouldn’t be. I have also printed out some of these photos for a second opinion. I use a high quality Epson Stylus Photo printer that is also color controlled. In the end it is extremely important to have a color controlled workflow so that prints match what they look like on screen.

Second, what is my style. I am going to be honest and say that I am still learning. I have not come to terms on a particularly style as I am a college student, so I am constantly trying out new techniques and styles. For the majority of my images at this moment I keep them as real as possible to the scene in which they were taken in. I do occasionally deviate from that and try out new exciting techniques and styles.

Third, consistency. If you have checked out my portfolios page, or my flickr page you will noticed that all my images are consistent and share a similar style. This way there are no shockers when it comes to final printing, displaying online or to the client. The image must feel right, and this is something that every photographer has to deal with. I am very critical when it comes to my images and I am often told to let others judge my work.

Following the rehearsal the invitees went to Journey’s End at Pechanga Resort and Casino for the rehearsal dinner. Unfortunately I was not an invitee. The following information was provided by one of the bridesmaid, Tonya. The dinner started with happy hour where everyone was talking, drinking, winding down, and having a great time. The dinner was self served and the food consisted of lasagna, pasta and garlic bread.

June 12th, 2010 Kristy Younker and Nik Taylor were officially Married at 3:01PM. The wedding was beautiful and the colors were fabulous, but it wouldn’t make for a special day without any mishaps. The flower girl ended up having a tough task and she handled it very well. First the ring bearer threw the rings so she had to go back, pick them up and carry them down the isle, second she had to make sure the ring bearer got down the isle, third she had to give the rings back to the bearer and lastly finally got to throw her flowers. Following the ceremony people began to get seated, get their drinks and appetizers while food was being prepared by the catering service. Everyone who stayed got their choice of carne asada or chicken tacos for dinner. I can’t further comment of the rest of the day, since I left immediately following the ceremony.

I was not one of the paid photographers. Kristy is my cousin and I only shot the wedding ceremony because I was asked personally by several people to take some images. Some of the information was provided by Tonya.

Shooting the event was a major challenge being limited to where I was allowed to go, battling against the hundreds possibly thousand of people and other photographers jumping in the way. Towards the end I eventually disregarded the rules and walked next the mats before I was eventually told to leave, along with the other hundred people who were standing around taking pictures of the kids.