Mark Tantrum Photography Blog- Wedding Photographer/ Child/ Maternity/ Family Portraiture/ event photojournalism based in San Jose, California.

Blog

Interesting character I bumped into today

While going out to Harrisons GardenWorld with my parents for lunch today with my parents, an interesting man pulled into the parking lot towing a rickshaw by hand and started setting up for lunch. He turned out to be Graham Dan O’Gorman, and is attempting a walk around New Zealand in a figure 8 pattern to raise awareness for Biptron Light and Colour therapy while pulling a rickshaw with the technology on board. He is administering the therapy while accepting donations to raise money for the SPCA in New Zealand. He happily stopped to pose for a photo while standing at his rickshaw!

Graham with his rickshaw that he is pulling the length of New Zealand twice in a figure eight pattern

Feb 02, 2010 | Categories: Personal work | Leave A Comment »

Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series – Capital Classic

I had the opportunity to go and shoot the Ocean Swim race series here in Wellington Harbour and had a great time talking with the swimmers and watching the various races. I am happy with shot of the beginning of the main race, the 2.8 km ocean swim. Everyone was divided into categories based on qualifying times- the swimmers all wore caps with matching colors and were released in a staggered start. I did get quite wet, but found the results justified it!

Jan 30, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized | Leave A Comment »

Moonrise over a building site

When taking a break from being on the computer- I noticed a rather cool sunset starting to form. I grabbed the camera and walked out the front of the house. The clouds were all too high in the sky for the sunset to do anything with, but the moon rise behind a building site certainly had promise. Being a full moon, there was plenty to work with. I positioned myself to see the moon rising from the top of a wooden post behind a building site across the street- some visual fun exercise!

Shot with a Nikon D3 and 70-200mm lens

Jan 29, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized | Leave A Comment »

What is the reason to retouch?

While many of my clients are happy with the digital proofs I deliver and expect nothing more from their photo shoot. What is important to appreciate as an art buyer, is that there are many ways an image can be improved even though it may be good to begin with.

I love the book “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. The title says it all. Why settle for good when you can have great? The same can be said for ‘finishing’ photos. In this example, the capture was spot on- focus great, expression great. Processed through Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, my image processing software- the proof is ‘pretty good’

Image captured as a Nikon NEF raw file and processed in Adobe Lightroom

Once I went through the take and identified the clients and my favorites from the shoot, by adding star ratings and creating a collection in Lightroom. From that point, I opened the photo into Photoshop and did some basic retouching under the eyes, some skin softening, and blemish removal. A simple filter from Nik Color effects was applied and lightly applied using a layer mask and brushes applied with a pen and Wacom tablet.

Master file with basic retouching and some tweaks applied using Photoshop and layer masks + filters from Nik Software.

Here is another example- the image on the left is otherwise good- the capture is correct, framing and composition as I wanted. The details on the right show the differences that are important if you were to print out the shot larger than say a 5×7. The investment in getting the image ‘finished’ translate to all uses. Even on the web, arguably the least demanding medium, there is a definite difference in how the image ‘reads’

Left- Post-Processed in Lightroom, Right- Finished in Photoshop

The steps I took were to clean up the background rust in the fountain and remove the towel the bride is sitting on. Then I refined the contrast using a curves adjustment layer. Followed by Glamour Glow, a Nik Filter. Then Vignette Bur, another Nik Filter- all of these are tweaked and painted in with different opacity for best results. Finally, I apply a sharpening brush mostly for the eyes and then to lesser amounts to the remainder of the face and details I would like to highlight. This is described as ‘creative sharpening’ which calls attention to the subject without over sharpening the background.

I have to say that I prefer natural retouching- that enhances the photo and the people in particular. it is something that is dependent on taste- but creating master images that reach their potential is important. Especially if the time and effort is made to produce a shoot and capture in the best light, using the best equipment. As a photographer, I find it very satisfying to complete the photographic process through to the finished master file knowing that my clients are getting the best results possible.

Dec 14, 2009 | Categories: Hiring a Photographer | Leave A Comment »

AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens now available- worth an upgrade?

Currently, I have the older classic 80-200mm f2.8 AF ED lens. This post shares my research into the decision whether an upgrade to the newer version.

2185_AF-S-NIKKOR-70-200mm-f-2.8G-ED-VR-II_front

The new AF-S-NIKKOR-70-200mm-f-2.8G-ED-VR-II lens

As background, I should start by saying that I am very happy with the 80-200mm f2.8 AF D. I use it on every shoot for weddings, portraits, and photojournalism. I don’t have any complaints on its performance at all. The 80-200 can produce essentially the same results as the newer 70-200 in good light. There are bigger differences in the extremes of low light, back light and fast moving subjects where the focus is rapidly changing.

1986_AF-Zoom-NIKKOR-80-200mm-f-2.8-ED_front

Previous generation AF-Zoom-NIKKOR-80-200mm-f-2.8-ED lens

Back in July there was an announcement of the 70-200. I knew that the previous 2 versions of the 70-200 were not great performers on the FX or full frame cameras. Seeing as how I had upgraded to the FX, I was interested in what improvements were in store for the full frame format.

The great thing about the 80-200 is that it was designed in the film days- this means that on the full frame 35mm sized sensors, the old lenses work great. Since getting the full frame camera, I have had to upgrade my wide angle and standard lenses. I first bought the 14-24mm ultra wide angle lens. Followed by the 24-70mm standard lens. The normal progression would be to add the 70-200mm with matching optical technology.

Ken Rockwell, a prolific writer about Nikon gear, wrote a preview based on the specs- . He mentions the Nano-Cyrstal coating is a ‘marketing feature.’ I would agree that while it does sound like hype, the 14-24 and 24-70 are absolutely amazing performers- it may not all be because of the Nano, but whatever Nikon are doing with these new lenses is obviously working.

I was pleased to hear that the Image Doctors did a review of the lens on their podcast. Both Rick and Jason pre-ordered the lens, and gave an objective review of their first impressions using it. From what they said in the initial reports the big improvements are:

Little or no “Ghosting” image flare when shooting into backlit or even full sun situations. I have noticed great results with the 14-24 & 24-70 so believe the 70-200 is equally good.
Improved VR. I don’t have any lenses with Vibration Reduction, so was not that worried about it. Though I am sure if I had it, I would use it and get better results in low light.
Improved Autofocus. The 80-200 has a very old version of AF, using the camera to power the mechanism. With pro-cameras, this has not been a big problem for me- again I would see a significant improvement in AF for action and low light shooting. I love the AF-S in my 14-24, 24-70 and older 17-55mm DX lenses. I am sure I would appreciate the speed improvements and ease of use of the newer AF system on board.

The final piece of research that I did was to look for reviews online- I found this good blog post by Cliff Muatner using a early release pre-production version. He indicates a huge improvement over the older 70-200’s. In some areas like performance and handling, there would be a bigger difference from the 80-200. However, I would expect to see less optical differences as the 80-200 is such a great lens optically, even today.

I have posted my 80-200 on eBay, along with the 17-55mm f2.8 DX lens that is not getting used any more since I got the new wide angles. If they both sell for reasonable amounts, I will place an order for a new Nikon 70-200 VR ii and make sure to post some pictures to see!

Summary- should you get the new lens.

If you dont have a lens in this focal range, the I for sure suggest considering any of the 80 or 70-200 lenses. They all work well on the DX format cameras. If you work as a professional and are using FX cameras, then the new lens is for you.

Dec 13, 2009 | Categories: Gear | Leave A Comment »

Spotted a sunset in between shoots

Today I had two newspaper shoots, one a cover assignment for the Cupertino Courier up in the Steven’s Creek Canyon. On the way back from that shoot and on the way to the next, it was twilight. I got toward the reservoir at the beginning of the canyon and the light just turned on its head and started glowing!

I slowed down and found a spot to pull over. There was already a guy out there with a camera. Great minds- it was kind of funny, a couple of photographers seeing the light. The other thing was that we had no subject- just good light. He walked down to the reservoir wall, while I walked to the waters edge. I looked for something to place in the foreground and just let the light do the talking. The show was over in about 10 minutes- it was nice to be there to see it. I have no idea what the other photographer captured, but I am happy with these results in between assignments.

Dec 13, 2009 | Categories: Personal work, Uncategorized | Leave A Comment »

Polaroid makes a comeback with the “Impossible Project”

A couple of years ago, I acquired a Polaroid SX-70 camera that my family was given but no one else wanted. I thought that I may be able to make use of the camera in some way- once I got some film! Mostly this is exciting because the camera uses the same type of film that is used for the painterly effects of Polaroid manipulation.

Great example of Polaroid manipulation on flickr

Unfortunately, Polaroid ceased to make the film in 2008. Wired magazine recently wrote an article about the survival of the instant film concept and the introduction of a new project to save and modernize it. The result called The Impossible Project. Over 2008, they have been working busily on creating a film to go to market. It is estimated that in early 2010 there will be a black and white film available and my mid 2o10, color film.

The great thing about the revival is that some things you might not create in Photoshop. Sure, potentially there are ways to create anything under the sun. But is it fun always being behind a computer? Also, with a manual process- there are ways to have ‘happy accidents.’ Film is still a viable medium for personal work in modern times. I still have a Nikon FM2 manual 35mm and a Holga 120 size film camera. Mostly, I just enjoy going out and shooting film for the fun of it. In low volume, this need not be a very expensive form of creative expression.

Another reason to consider film is for large format tilt shift options. Photographers like Dan Winters are still shooting film very successfully- I really like the way he includes the film rebates in his shots. A reasonably inexpensive 4×5 inch camera can be had on eBay – adding an extra dimension to the photographers toolbox.

The SX-70 will be easy to take along on shoots and try out- it folds up into a really nice compact package:

SX-70 folded away

Once opened, it looks like a regular SLR camera and even has a reliable auto-focus function.

SX-70 camera opened up ready to shoot.

I am looking forward to experimenting with Polariod film as soon as it becomes available. I have signed up for the Twitter feed on The Impossible Project, and will stay tuned as to when I can place my first order. They even sell T-Shirts currently, all proceeds going to funding the project!

Dec 05, 2009 | Categories: Personal work | Leave A Comment »

The value of personal work for a pro

I cannot overstate the importance of continuing to pursue personal work for a working professional photographer. Here are a few simple reasons-

Keeps you fresh, engaged in areas that can be new, or some of the original reasons that you got interested in making images to begin with.
Shows to clients and people following what you do that you have some range beyond what you are known for.
It can open new doors of opportunity that were not there before.

In this economy, it is prudent to keep expenses low. This does not mean that you should stop doing personal work though. Often times it can be very low budget and fit in with other things going on in your life, like travel.

Recently, we decided to spend the stimulus tax package that we got from the last president and use it to go toward a New York trip. I had never been, so this was a great opportunity for me. I took my Nikon DSLR, I think it was the D300 from memory. Simple lenses (50 and 85mm). When sightseeing on top of the Empire State Building with the throngs of other tourists, I stopped and admired the Chrysler building and noticed a blimp in the distance. When it got closer, I lined the two up and made an exposure.

The resulting shot made for a great enlargement I printed for the wall of our apartment- and submitted for the Alt Pic Awards Photo Competition based in New York. I was pleased to find out that the shot won first place in the “Single Image” category. This also results in the image being part of the Awards exhibition and booklet published alongside. It also included a Nikon performance series camera, Wacom Intuos4 Medium Pen Tablet, Moo Package 50 Business Cards, 20 Postcards and 100 Mini Cards, 1 year SmugMug Pro Premier Storage Package and a 1 year membership to Altpick.com.

I think the moral here is to continue to photograph for the love of it- sure it is a career and a great one at that. However the root word of Amateur is for love- let that be the major component of personal work. With time, care and attention- hopefully others will love it too!

Here is the shot – I had a great time exploring New York for the first time, I hope that you to enjoy exploring things that interest and engage you- with no other agenda other than self discovery…

Nov 27, 2009 | Categories: Personal work | Leave A Comment »

I am now a proud Kiwi-American!

Just a quick post to announce that today I took the Oath Ceremony and become a US Citizen!

Nov 19, 2009 | Categories: News | Leave A Comment »

Shooting baby portraits on location

I just wanted to share this shot that came about by looking around the location and spotting opportunities. We were in the mindset of shooting ’studio’ shots with a portable backdrop and studio lighting. The happy accident was to move some furniture and realize the background wall and hardwood floor in the babies nursery and made for its own ’studio’ setting. This turned out to be one of the stronger shots from the shoot. This is pretty much straight from the camera, without cropping- and slight post processing. I wanted to share in the fun of the day quickly! This baby is 11 days old – a very challenging age to shoot. When a nice little moment like this comes together, it well worth the sweat and toil needed to get it.

A nice spot on the floor of the babies room

Nov 15, 2009 | Categories: portraits | Leave A Comment »