Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Wedding Photographer

Ahh, here are some pictures from Drew and Jeanie's beautiful and fun wedding in Oakland, California.

Ahh, these pix are from Drew and Jeanie's beautiful and fun wedding in Oakland, California.
I was given the license to shoot whatever I wanted. That was the fun part. At the rehearsal, my camera started to wig out and crash on the infamous "Err 99" about every 3 shots or so. Lots of shots out of focus or simply failed. That was a ton of stress. It got progressively worse and worse and the camera finally just died at the end of the ceremony (totally by the grace of God, no kidding)!!!
As it turned out, it was the 17-85mm lens that completely failed. Fortunately I had just gotten an el cheapo 50mm lens days ago. That prime (fixed focal length) lens carried me through the reception with much footwork in place of zooming.
In the end, this is what I learned:

  • Friends and love. Moments and laughters. These are a few of my favorite things.
  • I don’t like getting into people’s faces and taking pictures. (That makes me a bad photographer, doesn't it?)
  • There is no such a thing as too many toys, lenses, accessories, or a even a second camera.
  • RAW can and does save one’s neck.
  • White bridal gown and black tuxes, and bright stage lights and dimmed audience (you know what I mean) make for a long tough day and lots of Photoshop time.
  • Time to learn about HDR photography.
  • To avoid perpetual blood-shot eyes, always have your glasses ready for those busy times instead replying on only contact lenses.


Steven

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Vector Prodigy - an electric violin

I came across this clip from "How It's Made" on electric violin. This one happens to be the same electric violin I have! The owner/maker, Nick Tipney of Nova Scotia, is a great guy and makes beautiful instruments both in sounds and aesthetics. If you like warm sounds closer to that of a classical violin, Vector is better than the famed Zeta in my opinion. Plugged into a guitar effects box, this thing can truly make magic!