I'm Going Live on Twitter

After having a Twitter account since the early days (which on the web means last year) but not using it, I've decided to give it a go and get active with the service.

What is Twitter? Well, that's kind of hard to explain. it's a free service that allows you to post quick updates (text message sized of 140 characters or less) that are sent out to everyone following you. You can also follow other user's updates. It really works best using text messaging.

The short updates can be pretty funny. One of the web-celebrities I'm following is Jason Calacanis. He was posting play-by-play updates yesterday from a Jewish wedding reception in NYC that were hilarious. I also found out that my friend (and fellow blogger) Bryan is active on Twitter as well. His updates are funny in a Bryan the Scientist kind of way.

If you want to follow me, check out my Twitter page at twitter.com/leggnet. And if you're already using Twitter, let me know so I can follow you.

It Takes Its Toll

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens - 1/80 second, f/4, ISO 250

Photowalking Utah: Trax Event

There was a nice turnout for today's Photowalking Utah event in Salt Lake City. I joined twenty-five other photographers aboard TRAX (Salt Lake City's light rail system) for a train ride around the city. We got off the train at various stops to photograph, before boarding the next train to continue our journey. It was great to meet several first-time photowalkers as well as catching up with the regulars.

The next Photowalking Utah event will be in April as the group heads South to Thanksgiving Point for the annual Tulip Festival. Stay tuned for details.

Today's image is of one of the original members of Photowalking Utah, Scott Smith, working his new 40D aboard the train as the event unfolded. Be sure to check out Scott's photoblog at www.scottosmith.com.

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens - 1/160 second, f/4, ISO 1000

Zero Miles

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens - 1/125 second, f/8, ISO 100

The Request Line is OPEN

I get a fair amount of email asking photography related questions. While I do my best to respond to all of them immediately, I know that sadly I miss a few (email just doesn't scale well). Since I'm always on the lookout for blog-post material, I thought I'd throw open the request line and see if there are questions or subjects that our readers would like covered. I know a bit about photography, but more importantly I have a pretty good network of brilliant photographer friends that I can turn to for help.

So if there is a subject that you would like to see covered or a question answered, please add a comment below. I will do my best.

Morning Prayer

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens - 1/1250 second, f/4, ISO 100

Aloe Abstract

Canon 5D, Canon 70-200 f/4L lens - 1/200 second, f/4, ISO 100

Morning Kayaker

I just returned from an Easter weekend visit to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. While the trip was more about family than photography, I did manage a bit of time doing some shooting.

This early morning black & white capture of a lone kayaker in the Bridgewater Channel was captured from the famous London Bridge (which was relocated to Arizona in 1971). Had I taken the image from this spot a few hours later, the channel would be filled with powerboats and spring breakers.

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens - 1/40 second, f/9, ISO 100

Havasu Beach

Canon 5D, Canon 70-200 f/4L lens - 1/50 second, f/4, ISO 400

Happy Easter

I'm on the road for the next few days for an Easter visit to my parents, so blog updates might be less than my usually consistent schedule. In my absence, here are a couple of adorable sisters in their Easter dresses to keep you company. Have a great weekend!

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens - f/7.1, 1/125 second, ISO 100

Save the Date: Photowalk #7, March 29, 2008

This month's Photowalking Utah event is coming up on Saturday March 29th at 4:00 pm. We will be riding TRAX (Salt Lake City's light rail system).

We will begin our journey at the University of Utah and head West toward our final stop near the Gateway. We will be getting off at various stops to photograph and then catch the next train. Depending on how many stops we get off at, this will take around 2 hours.

As always, these events are open to photographers of all skill levels, from brand new shooters to seasoned pros. Our main goal is to get together and have fun.

We will be meeting at the station adjacent to the Moran Eye Center at 4:00 pm. This is located at 65 Medical Drive in Salt Lake City (there is plenty of parking at the eye center).

For more information, visit Photowalking Utah's community page on Flickr at www.photowalkingutah.com or email me at rich(at)leggnet.com. If you are planning on attending, please comment on the thread on Flickr and/or comment here.

See you all on the 29th!

Monday Monday

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens - 1/125 second, f/7.1, ISO 100

Welcome to SLC

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens - 1/15 second, f/4, ISO 200

Attitude

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens - 1/125 second, f/8, ISO 100

There's still time to "Create Your Own Creativity"

As I wrote about a couple of weeks ago, internationally recognized portrait photographer Henk van Kooten will be hosting a one-night seminar in Salt Lake City on March 25th. The main subject will be "How to Create your Own Creativity". It only takes a few moments on Henk's website to see how creative and unconventional he is with his photography. He is able to take somewhat radical ideas and introduce it into his portrait work to create stunning results.

This seminar is not only for portrait photographers, but really any photographer that wants to improve the creativity in their work. It doesn't matter if your main subject is landscapes or weddings, Henk will inspire you creatively.

Doors open at 6:30pm and the seminar starts 7pm precisely. It lasts until 9:30 with 2 breaks. The price of the seminar is $85 with a maximum of 40 students. To sign up, email Kenneth Linge's International School of Photography at: intsop@gmail.com. In the mean time, be sure to check Henk's work out at www.henkvankooten.com.

The International School of Photography is a sponsor of LeggNet's Digital Capture. I have attended several of their training seminars over the past year and value their mission of sharing information and training photographers. I will be featuring their programs from time to time on this site.

Rockin' the Studio

Jessica and Andrew were in the studio last night for a Rocker Chick photo shoot. With the models playing their parts very well to the accompanying 80's rock on the stereo, we had fun shooting it.

This shot was lit with a single key light to the right of camera and a red-gelled hair light in the back left. The shadows created by the angled main light worked well to create the mood to the image I sought. To further enhance this feel with some extra punch, a cross-processed effect was added.

Now, I'm off to process the rest of the images from the shoot to add to my portfolio.

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens - 1/125 second, f/9, ISO 100

Capitol

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens - 1/160 second, f/4, ISO 100

Photowalking Utah - February Event Video

Here is a video of last month's Photowalking Utah event at the University of Utah's Moran Eye Center. As always, big time thanks go to Jeremy Hall for shooting and editing video for the events.

Setting the Background in Stock Photography

One of the most enjoyable times for me to photograph is when I am doing a stock shoot on location. I like the challenge provided by setting up a realistic looking scene in a new place. An important item to remember when setting up a scene is not only to focus on the main subject, but plan the background as well.

In today's shot of Holly at the health club, I placed Tyler in the background doing curls with a dumbbell to better communicate the theme. Combining this model placement and a shallow depth-of-field not only adds depth to the image but increases the 'realism' of the shot.

Another example of this technique is demonstrated in last month's laboratory photo shoot. By placing models Ron and Julie working on the bench behind Michelle, the scene becomes more interesting.



One drawback to adding background people is a bit of complication to the lighting. In the health club shoot I set a low-power monolight aimed specifically at the background model(s). I set the exposure for this light at approximately half f/stop below the subject exposure. I wanted them to pop, but not overpower the main subject.

This technique can be utilized in recreational photography as well. By paying attention to the background and either adding or removing people, the impact of a shot can be greatly increased.

View these images in my stock portfolio: Health Club - Laboratory

Photowalking Utah - TRAX

The monthly Photowalking Utah events have become quite popular. Last month's event at the University of Utah's Moran Eye Center attracted over 50 photographers. Thanks to everyone who supported the outing.

This month's event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday March 29th at 4:00 pm. The plan is to have the group meet at the TRAX station located at the University of Utah. We will then ride West toward the Gateway, getting off at each stop to photograph then catching the next train.

We have applied with UTA for the necessary permissions to bring 50+ photographers onto their trains. We did this to minimize the "FREAK OUT" factor that the railroad cops might have when we showed up photographing everything in site.

I am posting this now (prior to permission being received) so everyone can mark their calendar. In the event that we don't receive permission in time, we will push this event to next month (April) and come up with an alternate location.

As they say in show biz, "Stay tuned for details..."

For more information on Photowalking Utah, please visit our Flickr community page at www.photowalkingutah.com.

Breakfast Blogging

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens - 1/125 second, f/6.3, ISO 100

Muted Color

One effect that I use occasionally on portraits is Muted Color. This treatment can help to give an antique feel to the image similar to sepia-tone while still retaining color.

The young couple in today's image wanted an old-fashioned look to their engagement photos. Their initial thought was to go with black & white or sepia-tone. However, upon seeing the muted color version it immediately became their favorite.

There are several methods available to create this look. The method I use is simple and straightforward. I process the original RAW image in three ways: color, sepia-tone and cross-processed (I use Linge's Photoshop Actions for the sepia and cross-processed effect). I then create a Photoshop layer of each version of the file. Once I have the three layers, I use the color layer as my base and blend the other two layers over it, adjusting the transparency until I get my desired result.

If you have a process you use to create a similar effect, please share it.

Canon 5D, Canon 70-200 f/4L lens - 1/200 second, f/4, ISO 100

Austere

Canon 5D, Canon 70-200 f/4L lens - 1/125 second, f/10, ISO 100

"Create Your Own Creativity" with Henk van Kooten

Do you sometimes find yourself in an inspirational rut with your photography? Then come along with me as we spend an evening with Henk van Kooten and free your imagination.

Epson and The International School of Photography are hosting a seminar with Henk van Kooten from The Netherlands in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 25th at 7pm.

Henk's main subject will be "How to Create your own Creativity". Henk is unquestionably one of the most creative photographers you will ever meet. There is no end to his imagination and creativity, it is simply AMAZING!

It will be held at the new SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Salt Lake City Downtown located at 625 South 300 West. It is very close to Pictureline and if you need a room for the night ask for the Pictureline rate.

Doors open at 6:30pm and the seminar starts 7pm precisely. It lasts until 9:30 with 2 breaks. The price of the seminar is $85 with a maximum of 40 students.

To sign up, email Kenneth Linge's International School of Photography at: intsop@gmail.com. In the mean time, be sure to check Henk's work out at www.henkvankooten.com.

NOTE FROM RICH: The International School of Photography is a sponsor of LeggNet's Digital Capture. I have attended several of their training seminars over the past year and value their mission of sharing information and training photographers. I will be featuring their programs from time to time on this site.

Red Dress

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens - 1/160 second, f/8, ISO 100