Yesterday I attended Laconia World Championship Sled Dog Derby , a yearly event I enjoy attending.
It's fun watching the dogs, as soon as the harness in place and rigged up the sled, the dogs start barking in anticipation...they love running.
Best run time wins.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Laconia World Championship Sled Dog Derby 07
Friday, March 02, 2007
Why Shoot In the RAW Format?
I have been questioned about the advantage of shooting in the RAW format. I am learning so I relied on CmishVicki to help answer our questions. Thank you Vicki for you help :).
Check out Vicki's photos at: Visions
Why Shoot Raw?
First of all, I've heard from many, many photographers that JPEGs are fine for all that they do. While this may be correct in some cases, I've always been an overachiever and want the highest potential quality and flexibility possible in my photos. I do make adjustments in photoshop so having as much information as possible available to me can only be a good thing.
What's the difference? JPEG files are smaller because they're compressed. Your camera does the processing and throws away information and pixels in order to create the image. You can capture and store more files on your cards and in your computer. You can usually shoot faster when you're shooting JPEGs because of the file size, too. When quality isn't the most important concern, JPEG files are fine and can be a good solution. Another benefit of JPEGs is that they don't NEED to be processed and converted before sharing with others. RAW files, on the other hand, are larger because a RAW file records all of the data captured by your camera's sensor--the most information available. Your camera isn't processing the images--you don't have to trust that your camera is making the best decisions possible for your image. Most RAW files are captured in 16-bit or higher, giving you more tonal values for each color channel. JPEGs are captured in 8-bit per channel, giving you much less tonal value.
Ok...that's the technical part. Now for the practical. Once you shoot an image in JPEG format, you're pretty much done. You can make adjustments in Photoshop or other editing software, but every time you open and resave that image, you're losing more pixels (and quality). Saving it as a TIF file or PSD file can prevent further compression and deterioration, but it's already been compressed by virtue of being a JPEG in the first place. In RAW format, you process the file in a Camera Raw software (sort of like developing a negative) and the original file isn't affected. Essentially, RAW files aren't images, they're a collection of data that you turn into an image when you process them. One of my favorite reasons for shooting RAW is that you can correct any problems created by an incorrect white balance. When you're moving from indoors to outdoors, it's easy to forget to change your settings...when you shoot in RAW format, this isn't an issue because it can be corrected in the software. You can also adjust exposure, saturation and other settings.
The bottom line for me is that I want the best possible image. I don't believe I get that when I shoot JPEGs. "Good enough" isn't good enough. :)
Check out Vicki's photos at: Visions
Why Shoot Raw?
First of all, I've heard from many, many photographers that JPEGs are fine for all that they do. While this may be correct in some cases, I've always been an overachiever and want the highest potential quality and flexibility possible in my photos. I do make adjustments in photoshop so having as much information as possible available to me can only be a good thing.
What's the difference? JPEG files are smaller because they're compressed. Your camera does the processing and throws away information and pixels in order to create the image. You can capture and store more files on your cards and in your computer. You can usually shoot faster when you're shooting JPEGs because of the file size, too. When quality isn't the most important concern, JPEG files are fine and can be a good solution. Another benefit of JPEGs is that they don't NEED to be processed and converted before sharing with others. RAW files, on the other hand, are larger because a RAW file records all of the data captured by your camera's sensor--the most information available. Your camera isn't processing the images--you don't have to trust that your camera is making the best decisions possible for your image. Most RAW files are captured in 16-bit or higher, giving you more tonal values for each color channel. JPEGs are captured in 8-bit per channel, giving you much less tonal value.
Ok...that's the technical part. Now for the practical. Once you shoot an image in JPEG format, you're pretty much done. You can make adjustments in Photoshop or other editing software, but every time you open and resave that image, you're losing more pixels (and quality). Saving it as a TIF file or PSD file can prevent further compression and deterioration, but it's already been compressed by virtue of being a JPEG in the first place. In RAW format, you process the file in a Camera Raw software (sort of like developing a negative) and the original file isn't affected. Essentially, RAW files aren't images, they're a collection of data that you turn into an image when you process them. One of my favorite reasons for shooting RAW is that you can correct any problems created by an incorrect white balance. When you're moving from indoors to outdoors, it's easy to forget to change your settings...when you shoot in RAW format, this isn't an issue because it can be corrected in the software. You can also adjust exposure, saturation and other settings.
The bottom line for me is that I want the best possible image. I don't believe I get that when I shoot JPEGs. "Good enough" isn't good enough. :)
China Ranch Date Farm, Tecopa, CA
Click on images for full size.
We settle in as best we could at Tecopa Hot Springs Resort our day (quite a funny story about the place, it needed a little work..OK more than a little but the hot spring were wonderful. We will never forget our stay there.)
CamraJoky, Tom arrived earlier and scoped out area, suggested we take a short ride before dark to China Ranch Date Farm....I am so glad he did, the scenery was spectacular, to go along with excellent lightings that time of day, along with a beautiful drive to the place. The dates were delicious.
NOTE: I have been asked about shooting in the raw format. I am new using the format but have asked for help, enable me to post information. Stay tuned.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Back From Death Valley
I returned last Wednesday, visiting Death Valley with online photographer friends. It was great!!! Death Valley is photographers dream, great people also a learning experience...what a great trip.
Most the photographers at the meet are professional also joining us was Don Mason, co-author of Color Management for Digital Photographers for Dummies. I bought Don's book, his book is excellent and a heck of nice man. Don's book is very helpful, easy to follow (I am a novice).
One of my photographers suggestions, I start shooting in the RAW format. I was nervous shooting in the RAW format, having no clue how to retrieve my images and work with the format. After a few tears, help, I was able to figure it out :). I love the format!!!!
My first images were taken at Tecopa's old talc mine.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Snow On Leaves - Trip to Death Valley
Back to snow images for a another few days.
Stay tuned!!! Next Friday a group of us are meeting at Death Valley CA for a photo shoot. Talk about a change in landscapes!!! I cannot wait to return home and share my images with you.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Just Because I Feel Like It :)
Daylily
Clemantis
My Summer Garden - a photoset on Flickr and checkout Summer Garden -- created with PhotoSite
I feel like taking a break from winter images and events. Something colorful and NOT white LOL.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Winter Scenery
FINALLY we had a snow fall, about 5 inches, enough to showcase winter scenery in NH. I bought polarizer for my lens....using the filter for the first time and I could see the difference when taking my snow images.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Old Shed With Green Door
I found an old shed on Rt. 113a in Tamworth, NH. A previous road trip, I had to passed up the shed, do to lighting, time of day was all wrong. I was glad this road trip conditions allowed to take the images.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Greg Asks Who Inspires You?
Greg posted in his journal a question who Asks Who Inspires You?
The person who has really inspires, challenges me over the years is my mentor and good friend Flatland Photo, Charles Loy. Be sure to check out his People section of his site, my favorite.
He has always taken his time to teach, explain, offer his expertise, offering me 100% honest critique. At times his comments have been very rough but I know his honesty is what inspires and challenges me to improve. I really appreciate his help. Thank you, Charlie.
Of course my family, children and grandchildren are a major contribution.
Others who have inspired me are a close friend Rebecca, Marie, Greg and the wonderful people who read and post in my journal. I will share with you in the future, others who have inspired me.
Ice Fishing On Meredith Bay
I took the above image of the anglers setting up for Meredith Rotary 2007 Fishing Derby. Thankfully our weather turned colder and our lakes are finally freezing.
Weather permitting I will be taking more images...it's a fun event and I love checking the bob houses. I really enjoy attending the winter events our area offers.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Ice Fishing On Newfound Lake, NH
I took a series of images of ice fishing on Newfound Lake, NH. It was the first weekend the ice was safe to set up.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Old Workshop?
A few weeks ago, on one of my photo shoots rides we passed an building. Do to the traffic we were unable to back track so I could take a few images. Last weekend we went back.
I have no clue what it might have been used for. My husband thinks it might be an old work shop.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Meet My Namesake "Rap"
Rap (photos taken by Connie)
Rap on the left and Reb on the right
Our friend Connie and her husband raise goats. Recently twins were born. Connie informed Reb and me yesterday she named the twins Reb and Rap. What an honor...they are adorable.
Connie is a professional photographer check out her site ''Capturing moments'' -- created with PhotoSite
While you are at it check out Reb's site also R Raybon Photography -- created with PhotoSite
Tags: Namesake, Goats, Rap and Reb, Connie
Monday, January 29, 2007
Round and About NH: Cheever Chapel
I found a quaint chapel on Rt. 118, Groton NH. It was snowing at the time adding to charm when visiting the chapel.
The chapel had also had a beautiful stain glass window I took.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Reply to Sonny's Post About Ice Formations on the Side of Roadways In NH
Hi all,
I decided to post my reply to my Ice Formations On The Side Of A Road to Sonny about the ice formations. After reading Sonny's post it occured to me some of you who live in the warmer climate, may never seen the ice formations.
That is a neat formation. If the sunlight was to shine through the formation,, at the right angle, I wonder what prism effects, if any, one could see. From a far off vantage point, sunlight shining on this spot might resemble an extra-ordinary bright spot of sorts.
To me, this formation is odd. Is there ice, as this, all along the roadside or just in this spot? That's a lot of water to have frozen that way. If just in this spot, then I would think there is some water source that has been diverted, in order for all that water to flow to this area, and hence cascade in this otherwise unnatural spot (unnatural "stream" path). If this is the case, I wonder what water source has been diverted (to here) and how the source was diverted.... Ice jam, mini-landslide (of some sort), ???? (other).
The first pic indicates you are on top of a hill or rise, when taking this pic. My assumptions, in the above paragraph, may be totally off base. A significant water source, on top of a hill, may not be practical. ...... I just don't know. It just made me think, on the scene as a whole.... and those that might be just out of the picture. Maybe I study (the images) too much, LOL.
Sonny
Comment from cedarsonny - 1/27/07 8:50 AM
I want to thank everyone for you for your wonderful comments and challenges you send my way. Because of you, blogging is so much fun and I enjoy hearing from you!!! Sonny in particular, a close online friend, I always welcome his comments and suggestions...now I have to go back and try to obtain pictures with the sunlight shinning on the ice :).
On the side of the roads in NH/New England roads, roadways mapped out, are blasted through granite/stone. You will always find water seepage coming out of the rocks in certain sections on the roadways. In the winter they freeze over forming the cascades of ice. In this particular area there must a lot of water runoff, drainage is not problem they way the highways are constructed.
My photos were taken from the car window; I was unable to get out of the car. I would have preferred taking the images standing further back for a better prospect.
I decided to post my reply to my Ice Formations On The Side Of A Road to Sonny about the ice formations. After reading Sonny's post it occured to me some of you who live in the warmer climate, may never seen the ice formations.
That is a neat formation. If the sunlight was to shine through the formation,, at the right angle, I wonder what prism effects, if any, one could see. From a far off vantage point, sunlight shining on this spot might resemble an extra-ordinary bright spot of sorts.
To me, this formation is odd. Is there ice, as this, all along the roadside or just in this spot? That's a lot of water to have frozen that way. If just in this spot, then I would think there is some water source that has been diverted, in order for all that water to flow to this area, and hence cascade in this otherwise unnatural spot (unnatural "stream" path). If this is the case, I wonder what water source has been diverted (to here) and how the source was diverted.... Ice jam, mini-landslide (of some sort), ???? (other).
The first pic indicates you are on top of a hill or rise, when taking this pic. My assumptions, in the above paragraph, may be totally off base. A significant water source, on top of a hill, may not be practical. ...... I just don't know. It just made me think, on the scene as a whole.... and those that might be just out of the picture. Maybe I study (the images) too much, LOL.
Sonny
Comment from cedarsonny - 1/27/07 8:50 AM
I want to thank everyone for you for your wonderful comments and challenges you send my way. Because of you, blogging is so much fun and I enjoy hearing from you!!! Sonny in particular, a close online friend, I always welcome his comments and suggestions...now I have to go back and try to obtain pictures with the sunlight shinning on the ice :).
On the side of the roads in NH/New England roads, roadways mapped out, are blasted through granite/stone. You will always find water seepage coming out of the rocks in certain sections on the roadways. In the winter they freeze over forming the cascades of ice. In this particular area there must a lot of water runoff, drainage is not problem they way the highways are constructed.
My photos were taken from the car window; I was unable to get out of the car. I would have preferred taking the images standing further back for a better prospect.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Ice Formations On The Side Of A Road
After months of extremely mild weather we finally are now experiencing winter in NH. Taking ride and looking for views to shoot, I came across this beautiful ice formation on the side of the road.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Winter Interest In My Yard
Snow on my ornamental grass
My other passion is gardening. For winter interest in your yard, it's best not to cut down all your flowers and plants, the reason why, it is called "Winter Interest". You can see how pretty the grass is with the snow and blue sky.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Fire, Ice and Snow
Our golf course crew is cutting down huge 80 to 90ft white pines. The crew trims the branches and burns. The trunks of the trees are used for fire wood, heating in their building.....a lot of fire wood!!!
I grabbed my camera, I had to take pictures. Walking to the area where the bonfire was a little dangerous, what looks like snow was really ice. I could not pass up an opportunity for pictures.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Weekend Shoot: Pemigewasset River
Pemgewasset River Winter Images
I love exploring back roads looking for images to take. The Pemgewasset River caught my eye!!! I do have a problem when taking images in the winter, the fear of the slipping on the snow and ice, landing in the river.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Weekend Shooting: Wishing Well
Make a wish....wishing well
It's been a few weeks since I have gone shooting. I keeping hoping for snow, allowing me to photograph our snow events: dog sled racing, radar runs on the lakes, snowmobile races, ice skating and ice fishing tournaments. Our lakes have not frozen over and we lack snow :(. Looking at our weather, I might receive my wish four days of snow....bring it on!!!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
January's Snow and Ice Storm
Ice and snow can be pretty
Yesterday we has our first real snow and ice storm...not as bad as first predicted but shoveler/snowblower type.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Wildlife In NJ....Hair Do
Wildlife Hair Do
If you read my journal, you know of my conquest to photograph wildlife....is not successful.
Attending my sister Judi's surprise birthday party, Judi's neighbor's son in law was sporting a wildlife hair do. His wife, a hairdresser experimented on him. He allowed me to take a picture and post on my journal :).
Ah success ...wildlife in NJ :).
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
NH Logging
Riding behind a logging truck can be a little precarious.
NH has a huge resource of white pines. Close to 85% of our state's 5.7 million acres are forested and the logging industry contributes $1.7 billion dollars of revenue. Our New Hampshire - Our Renewable Resource
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