August 2010 - Lenspiration

Pic of the Month: August ‘10

by James Staddon | Aug 31, 2010 | Pic of the Month

Indiana Countryside When I was first getting into photography, I remember reading something like this: “A landscape photographer never has any leisure time. He’s out before dawn; he scouts locations during the heat of the day; and he doesn’t return until after dusk.” In the digital world today, you could add: “And... Read More »

Shedding Some Light on Lens Hoods

by James Staddon | Aug 23, 2010 | Tips & Tricks

What is the purpose of a lens hood and when do you use one? –Hannah I remember many a cheery late-afternoon, squatting in some awkward position in some secluded location attempting to get just the perfect angle of some perfect composition, where I had to get in an even more awkward position to hold my hand just above... Read More »

Need Help Choosing a Canon Lens

by James Staddon | Aug 22, 2010 | Recommendations

Recently someone told me that they were seriously updating their lenses and wanted my recommendation on what portrait lens I would recommend. I couldn’t really tell her exactly what lens to buy because I don’t do enough portraiture to be 100% confident, but I could point her to this website which I have found to be... Read More »

Shooting at Midday

by James Staddon | Aug 21, 2010 | Tips & Tricks

If you have to take a picture in the sun, how can you use the bright light to your advantage? Often, our “working on the farm” shots need taken in the heat of the day–when we’re working. Is there a way to do that right, or will all the pictures look bleached? –Barbara Here are a few... Read More »

Want to Learn Desktop Publishing?

by James Staddon | Aug 20, 2010 | Recommendations

I drove down to Indianapolis with three folks from Headquarters today and joined five other students who are greatly anticipating a lively, full, intense week of learning DTP! I’m looking forward to sharing tips in Photoshop and InDesign, studying principles of design with everyone, and working on a few design... Read More »

Critiquing the Details

by James Staddon | Aug 19, 2010 | Updates & Opportunities

Michael is an energetic, responsible young photographer who attends the same church here in Chicago that I’ve been attending for the past two years. I didn’t know he enjoyed photography until recently, so I was quite elated when I received an e-mail from him requesting that I critique some of his work. My overall... Read More »

Finding the Right Camera

by James Staddon | Aug 17, 2010 | Recommendations

I have often been asked: “What camera would you recommend I buy?” There is no easy answer. There are dozens of important factors to consider such as what type of photography you want to pursue and how much you are willing to pay. Add to this technical factors such as durability, frames per second, processing speed,... Read More »

A Piece of Montana

by James Staddon | Aug 14, 2010 | Tips & Tricks

Thanks for letting me critique your pictures, Barbara. I’ve never been to Montana before, so it’s neat to see your beautiful state from your perspective. No matter how brilliant a sunset may be, they indefinitely end up looking “flat” without a subject in the foreground. That’s why I love the old windmill. It adds... Read More »

Comments on a Battery Grip

by James Staddon | Aug 12, 2010 | Recommendations

I just got a new battery grip for my 40D. I usually only buy Canon products and accessories, but I didn’t feel like spending all the extra money. So I held my breath and bought a Zeikos ZE-CBG50 Battery Power Grip for Canon 40D & 50Ds. And I guess I’m still holding my breath. I haven’t experienced any problems... Read More »