DMC-365 - Exploring the Interface Between Equipment and Creativity in Photography

DMC-365 focuses on creative photography equipment, techniques, and approaches. I believe that equipment is part of the creative process. I use Leica, Panasonic Lumix, Nikon and other cameras, both digital and film. On DMC-365, you can expect to see a lot of my own work, as well as work by others that I find interesting. I share methods, equipment developments, and creative approaches to photography.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Aboud Dweck of Everything Photo Blog Adds Lumix to His Kit

Aboud Dweck of Everything Photo

Image Source: http://everything-foto.blogspot.com/2012/02/new-toy-panasonic-gh-2-chapter-1.html

My friend and fellow capital-area blogger, Aboud Dweck, has just added a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 to his camera bag. Aboud is a fine art photographer, and has no qualms carrying his Pentax 645D around to get those shots you can print at billboard size.

(Click Here) to go to Aboud's blog, Everything Photo.

Aboud is taking his new GH2 to New Orleans this weekend. I can't wait to see what he accomplishes with it!

I share Aboud's appreciation of simple cameras (and initial trepidation with all of the controls on the Lumix cameras). As with all things in life, I learn what I need, then slowly, very slowly, begin to learn the rest. For example, on my G3s, the lack of a sensor to let the camera know whether I am looking through the finder or using live view has never been a problem; I have yet to take a picture except using the finder. Of course, I am missing out on some nice features, but I will get to them.

Good luck in your trip, Aboud!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Adobe Releases Photoshop Touch For The iPad

Adobe Releases Photoshop Touch for the iPad!

Image Source: http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-touch.html

I love the way my photographs look on the backlit screen of my iPad 2. Now that I have the ability to transfer images using the iPad Camera Connect Kit, there are only two things missing: 1) sufficient storage to treat the iPad as my backup device, and 2) software to edit images on the go.

Click below for a link to the Apple iPad Camera Connect Kit:

Now, Adobe has announced an iPad app called Photoshop Touch, potentially solving one of my two issues. The app reportedly provides a lot of Photoshop-like functionality, and interfaces with the touchscreen interface well.

(Click Here) for the Adobe page about the new app.

It is available on the App Store for $9.99. I will be downloading this in the next day or so, and will report on how it works for me.

Further Note - after reading a little further, I'm not so sure this is going to help me all that much. The adobe site says that image size is limited to 1600 pixels on a side. That's only 2.5 Megapixels, folks! Really? I'm sure that's enough to look good on the iPad screen, but means that the resulting files won't be big enough for other uses. Well, I may still give it a try...

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Monday, February 27, 2012

I Had a Blast at Furnace Mountain Band's Recording Session - DMC-G3 Pics Included

Furnace Mountain Band at Cabin Studios, February 25, 2012

by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, 14mm f2.5

iso1600, f2.5, 1/60 sec

On Friday and Saturday, February 24 and 25, 2012, the Furnace Mountain Band held three open studio recording sessions at Cabin Studios in Leesburg, Virginia. I was happy to attend the final session on Saturday evening. Cabin Studios has awesome acoustics, and is just the right size to host an intimate musical event.

Furnace Mountain features four excellent local Northern Virginia musicians - left to right above - Danny Knicely, Aimee Curl, Morgan Morrison, and David Van Deventer.

(Click Here) to go to Furnace Mountain's website. Take a listen, buy a CD. You'll be pleased.

I was mainly here to listen, especially since I wanted to be careful not to interfere - you see, they were recording their upcoming album. Last thing I want to is be that annoying noise in the recording, or cause them to do another take on a song. Luckily, none of that happened.

Aimee Curl

by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit

iso1600, f2.8, 1/60 sec

This was the first recording session I have attended since my buddy's garage (barn, actually) band. That was so long ago, they were recording on 8 track cassettes! No joke. Anyway, the sound was very nice, even though the vocals were a little difficult to hear, due to being wired directly to the mixer. And, I must say, Aimee and Morgan's voices are not to be missed. I look forward to hearing it all again when their CD comes out in a couple of months.

Danny Knicely and Aimee Curl

by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit

iso1600, f2.8, 1/80 sec

Foolin' Around - Furnace Mountain Band

by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica 25mm f1.4 Summilux

iso1600, f2, 1/125 sec

This band knows how to have a good time. They were joking with the audience throughout, including Danny playing the shortest fiddle tune in history ("Mousetrap"), which I won't even try to describe here, and Dave telling us how he had to stand on tape marks on the floor throughout the whole session. When he did cause the only retake of the night, he blamed it on stepping off the tape.

Another interesting note was how the audience was allowed to interact. We were allowed to clap after each song, but only after the last note was allowed to ring out much longer than any of us could hear it. Below, you can see Dave playing with the "Applaud" sign. I'm sorry to admit I didn't catch the guy's name who really held it up for us, because he too was quite entertaining, quoting Chinese poetry (in Chinese), as well as Lewis Carroll and others. I was sorely tempted to ask him to recite some Lewis Black, but didn't get the chance.

Foolin' Around Some More - Furnace Mountain Band

by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica 25mm f1.4 Summilux

iso1600, f2, 1/125 sec

Don't let all the play fool you; these guys are seriously talented musicians. Don't forget to try out some of their music.

Once again, my pair of Lumix DMC-G3s served me well. The shutter is reasonably quiet, so I don't think anyone noticed my shooting much. The lighting was certainly not set up for photography, as Dave and Morgan were under a very strong yellow light, while Aimee and Danny were under a lower intensity white light. There were cables and stands everywhere, as you can see. Given all that, I can say that I am pleased to have captured a few images good enough to remind me of a really fun evening.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

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Sunday, February 26, 2012

Lumix DMC-G3 in Cyprus - Amazing Dynamic Range, Shot With Kit Lens

Look at the dynamic range in this shot! Wonderful!

Such Detail and Dynamic Range From the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and Kit Lens!

The Tomb of the Kings, Paphos Cyprus

by Annie381 on flickr

Image Source: http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7149/6772722113_873f2c39f4.jpg

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, 14-42 f3.5-5.6

iso160, f4.5, 1/200 sec

This is a great testament to the G3 sensor, and the frequently-panned 14-42 kit lens. I have two of these lenses that came with my G3s, and have never tried either of them. Hmmm. Perhaps I should.

It is going to be tough to rival this shot anywhere, anytime, but especially Virginia in winter!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Get your G3 kit here:

Saturday, February 25, 2012

More Bluegrass Concert Shots Made with Lumix DMC-G3

Big Winter Concert, Shot With Lumix DMC-G3

Danny Knicely's Big Winter Concert, February 17, 2012

Franklin Park Performing Arts Center, Purcellville, Virginia

By Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, 25mm Pana-Leica Summilux f1.4

iso3200, f4, 1/125 sec

I had the distinct pleasure of shooting at a local concert last Friday night. This one was Danny Knicely's Big Winter Concert at the Franklin Park Performing Arts Center in Purcellville, Virginia. Jeff Stern of Franklin Park was nice enough to invite me to shoot backstage for this show. In the image above, left to right, the performers are James Leva on guitar, David Knicely on bass, Danny Knicely mandolin, Tim O'Brien fiddle, and David Via on guitar.

While I was shooting, I got the chance to meet Jim Mcwalters, who writes for the live music blog "Cosmic Vibes Live."

(Click Here) to go to Cosmic Vibes Live

Jim and I are looking forward to working together on future shows. Jim is planning to post a write-up of this show, so I'll leave the musical aspects of the story to him, and focus on the photographic aspects here.

I shot with a kit of two DMC-G3s, 14mm f2.5, 25mm f1.4 Summilux, 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit, and 100-300 f4-5.6. I also used a Nikon SB800 for a few flash shots.

Danny and David

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6 at 108mm

iso3200, f4.1, 1/200 sec

by Reed A. George

Danny and James

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit

iso3200, f4.5, 1/320 sec

by Reed A. George

Tim O'Brien

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit

iso3200, f4, 1/125 sec

by Reed A. George

Tim O'Brien

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6 at 258mm

iso3200, f5.4, 1/100 sec

by Reed A. George

Final Song

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 14mm f2.5

iso1600, f2.8, 1/100 sec

by Reed A. George

Franklin Park has truly excellent stage lighting. The audience seating area is completely dark, however. Since I wanted to include the audience in some of the images, I mounted my Nikon SB800 flash on the G3 hot shoe, set it to full manual power, and pointed at the rather dark, high ceiling. I didn't have much hope of spreading enough light through bouncing off a dark surface, over such a large area. But, it actually worked at some level! I am happy to have caught the clapping hands of the audience during the final song.

I am not quite yet comfortable shooting backstage, but plan to work on getting closer to the artists as I continue to build experience, and get to know them better at the same time. Here's one example from backstage:

David Via, Backstage

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica 25mm f1.4 Summilux

iso800, f2, 1/125 sec

by Reed A. George

Let me be clear - my lack of comfort up close was entirely self-inflicted. These guys and their friends and family backstage were very welcoming. Danny's Dad was really engaging, and told me about how he learned to repair and restore string instruments, as well as sharing a story or two about his musical pursuits. Gaining confidence backstage is the area I need to focus on most.

Franklin Park Performing Arts Center

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 14mm f2.5

iso1600, f2.5, 1/60 sec

by Reed A. George

Franklin Park is a wonderful place to get out and hear some great music. I look forward to more outstanding shows like this one in the future!

Danny Knicely's Big Winter Concert, February 17, 2012

Franklin Park Performing Arts Center, Purcellville, Virginia

By Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, 25mm Pana-Leica Summilux f1.4

iso1600, f2.8, 1/60 sec

I found that the two G3 kit, along with 14mm, 25mm, 45mm primes and 100-300 zoom served me very well during the show. I would enjoy a (very) fast zoom to cover the primes' focal lengths, but probably would not leave them at home for a slower zoom. I hear that Panasonic is planning for f2.8 zooms in this range; I'm not sure that's fast enough. Maybe in combination with the Summilux, I could reduce my lens count by two? That would be worthwhile. But, this 2-body, 4-lens kit was pretty darned easy to haul around.

As I mentioned, where I need to concentrate is in getting more comfortable close up with the artists. Jodi Cobb, a long-time National Geographic and live music photographer is a great role model for me in this. I posted on her work here on DMC-365 in the past. She has some wonderful candid images of many of the greats. I will review her work more often.

(Click Here) to see Jodi's images of musicians and concerts.

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Lumix 7-14mm Image

So Close You Can Smell Him

Image Source:

http://kari.smugmug.com/Pictureoftheday2012/Jan-2012/i-TfChDQV/0/M/1201310046office-dog-M.jpg

Lumix DMC-GF1, Lumix 7-14mm

Let me start with an admission that will alienate me from half of my readers - I am not a dog person. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike dogs, I just don't need them around me.

Anyway, I have mentioned that I have a natural tendency toward telephoto lenses, and have been pushing myself over several years to get comfortable with wide angle. Well, this one is really wide angle. This was shot by Kari Rannisto, and posted on dpreview (Click Here).

I have been seriously considering purchasing either this lens, the 7-14mm, or the 8mm fisheye. However, as soon as they become available, I'm going to try the new wide attachment (DMW-GWC1), which decreases the 14mm to an equivalent 11mm focal length, and the fisheye attachment (DMC-GFC1), which give 120 degree angle of view. I'm looking forward to seeing the prices for these. If they're reasonable, I see them as a very compact way to widen the wide end of my lens kit. Since I don't shoot super-wide very often, I am willing to trade off some image quality for size in this area.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

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Friday, February 24, 2012

Some Interesting Quotes About Cameras

I decided to do something a little different today. I did a search for different people's perspectives about cameras. Here's what I found interesting.

"I don’t think about what camera I should use that much. I just pick up the one that looks nicest on the day."

-- William Eggleston

Image Source: http://www.egglestontrust.com/images/portfolios/los_alamos_s.jpg

I am very different from Mr. Eggleston, in this and probably many respects. I agonize over what camera to use.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

"If you want to change your photographs, you need to change cameras. Changing cameras means that your photographs will change. A really good camera has something I suppose you might describe as its own distinctive aura."

-- Nobuyoshi Araki

NO PRESENTABLE IMAGE FOUND (Hey, this is a family-friendly site)

While I feel very much like Mr. Araki about cameras, we don't share much photographically. Maybe that's why he's famous and I'm not. I am not from a sheltered background, but his pictures are, wow, pretty dark. If that intrigues you, do a google image search.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

"But slowly I began to use cameras and then think about what it was that was going on. It took me a long time, I mean I actually played with cameras and photography for about 20 years."

-- David Hockney

Image Source:

http://www.dailyartfixx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Mother-I-David-Hockney-1985.jpg

I like the long-term, contemplative thought here. Maybe that's because I've had cameras on the brain for a very long time, as well.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

"And I'm sure after Facebook it will be the little cameras that we have implanted into the palms of our hands and we'll be debating whether we should get them, and then we'll all get them."

Jesse Eisenberg

Well, this one I just found interesting.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

So, what does all of this mean, if anything? I take from the first three quotes this idea - even great photographers vary widely in their thoughts on camera equipment and how it relates to making great photographs.

I also think that my ability to identify with Araki says that focusing on one camera system, Lumix, for the time being, is not without stress for me. I am sure this will show up throughout the year, as I continue. It's not any particular weakness in the system (though there are a few); it's more that I am used to picking up different cameras based on my mood, and using them. I will still do that from time-to-time, but so far, I've been using Lumix unless I have a real technical need to use something else.

I enjoy variety in camera gear. There is no perfect kit for me. Even if there were, I'd want to pick up an imperfect camera every once in a while.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Panasonic's Plans for High End Micro 4/3 Equipment?

Is the DMC-GX1 about to be upstaged by another Panasonic product?

Image Source: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMC-GX1KBODY

The British online magazine Amateur Photographer reports that Panasonic is planning to add a "very high end" camera to its lineup.

(Click Here) to read the story at http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/

This information is attributed to Ichiro Kitao, director of Panasonic's digital still camera business.

I do find this intriguing, as Olympus brings out the OM-D. Personally, I really enjoy the relative low cost of Panasonic's Micro 4/3 camera bodies. Even though modest in price, the DMC-G3 offers excellent sensor technology, a great electronic viewfinder, and many practical features.

I guess that I may be attracted to an upscale version, but find little lacking in the current lineup. It's not like Panasonic has a legendary past in still cameras to "go retro" with; Olympus certainly does. That said, if Panasonic took from the styling of some other manufacturer's classics (think Leica, Fuji, etc.), they may have something great.

I look forward to seeing what, if anything, this means in terms of new product offerings in the near future!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Lumix DMC-GH2 in Antarctica!

Poster PJ Reddy over on dpreview.com posted a series of images taken with the DMC-GH2, Lumix 14-140mm and 100-300mm zooms while on a recent trip to Antarctica.

PJ Reddy and DMC-GH2 Catch Penguin in Mid-Dive!

"We Are Going Swimming" by poster PJ Reddy on dpreview.com

Image Source: http://s203.photobucket.com/albums/aa106/pjreddy13/Antarctica%202011/?action=view¤t=P1000375.jpg&mediafilter=noflash

PJ reports that the camera performed well in the cold, but it was not that cold, mostly just a few degrees below freezing (-5C). He also reports that he took along a DMC-ZS3, and was pleased with the results.

(Click Here) to see the post and pictures.

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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

My Presentation on Contemplative Photography

On Monday, February 20, I gave a presentation to the Reston Photographic Society (RPS) in Reston, Virginia, about an interesting photography book and process. The book is entitled Contemplative Photography, Seeing the World With Fresh Eyes, by Andy Karr and Michael Wood.

Click below to see the book on Amazon:

Texture, By Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Pana-Leica 45mm Macro-Elmarit f2.8

iso400, f2.8, 1/13 sec

The contemplative photography approach is very different than conventional photography. Instead of focusing on subject matter, contemplative photography emphasizes the process. Instead of trying to make pretty or otherwise pleasing pictures, it aims to allow the photographer to share their vision and feelings at the time the image is captured. The book breaks the image making process into three steps:

1) "Flash of Perception"

2) "Visual Discernment"

3) "Forming the Equivalent"

There are several challenging exercises in the book. I worked through all of them, and assembled some of my results into my presentation for the group.

(Click Here) to link to my presentation (in pdf format).

I found the book to be very interesting, and the exercises to be both unconventional and difficult. However, I do feel that the process helped me to further develop as a photographer. I also now use some of the exercises to help get me into the picture taking groove when I go to a new location.

Give the book a try. You may just find some new ways to look at your photography.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Inspiration From Criticism - Connect!

Kuko, Harlem, New York City, by Reed A. George

Kuko, Harlem, New York, by Reed A. George

Nikon D700

I apologize. This is not a Lumix image. But, it's the best recent example I have of listening to the advice of photographers I respect. I have had the feedback that my photography can lack intimacy. To quote one person, "it looks like you never meet anyone"

I can take criticism; it is the key to improvement.

In this shot, I was in a place somewhat foreign to me. Having been to Harlem only once before, in the tough days of the early 1980s, I was more than a little concerned about interacting with people directly. To be honest, the painted wall is what attracted me to this scene. Then I saw Kuko. She wore such an interesting, peaceful expression, I could not help but talk with her. We spoke for only a few minutes, but I learned that she is a high priestess in her religion. Her clothing was made by a dear, recently deceased friend, in celebration of a religious holiday. We only spoke for a couple of minutes, but I definitely feel we made a connection, and I will remember her. I helped her carry her bags onto the city bus, and she was gone.

I need more experiences like this.

Here's a blog entry from Kirk Tuck, on how to take "far more interesting pictures."

(Click Here)

I need to take Kirk's advice to heart. There are a lot of good ideas there. When you connect with people, the photographic equipment you use becomes less important. I would also say that being unobtrusive becomes more important than having a long list of high performance specifications. The Nikon did fine in this situation; Kuko may have been a little more relaxed if I'd been holding a GF1.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

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Monday, February 20, 2012

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 and 100-300mm f4-5.6 on Safar!

As part of my ongoing series of images taken with Lumix cameras around the world, here's one with big carnivores. And no, I'm not talking about Americans at McDonalds.

Image Source: http://g1.img-dpreview.com/D26D04F85DE54D4286867504DD4520BE.jpg

User elherr on dpreview posted some pictures taken with the Lumix DMC-GX1 and 100-300mm f4-5.6 zoom on safari in Africa.

(Click Here) for the full post, which includes more images.

It is nice to see Lumix cameras and optics breaking through into applications that have been the province of big DSLRs and even bigger lenses in the past. Nice job!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

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Sunday, February 19, 2012

Thoughts And Sample of Lumix DMC-GX1 at iso 12,800

Image Source: http://www.pbase.com/phile/image/141224198/original.jpg

Lumix DMC-GX1 at iso12,800 by Robert Deutsch

In my earlier post about my decision to skip the DMC-GX1 in favor of the DMC-G3, I stated that it was hard for me to imagine that the ability of the GX1 to go to iso 12,800 was likely to be of use. My thought (guess, conjecture) was that it couldn't produce reasonable noise performance at that setting. Based on this sample by Robert Deutsch, I seem to be wrong.

(Click here) to read Robert's post on dpreview. It is worth reading the responses, some of which question our recent obsession with high iso performance. Some even bring up the fact that you could never buy film with sensitivity approaching these levels; I find that argument irrelevant. I know that I was very pleased to find that I can shoot my G3 at iso 6400, and used it to my advantage at a recent concert.

Burgoo by Lumix DMC-G3 at iso 6,400 by Reed A. George

Acoustic Burgoo, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6 at 100mm

iso6400, f4, 1/100 sec

So, I admit I judged the GX1 prematurely. Obviously, it does okay at iso 12,800. Thanks to Robert for showing his result.

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Saturday, February 18, 2012

Antietam National Battlefield In Winter, Lumix DMC-G1 and 20mm f1.7

View from Mumma Farm, Antietam, Sharpsburg, Maryland

by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Lumix 20mm f1.7

iso100, f16, 1/100 sec

On September 17, 1862, one of the bloodiest battles of the United States Civil War began here at Sharpsburg, Maryland. This view is from the Mumma Farm, which was deliberately burned by Confederate forces, to prevent Union sharpshooters from gaining the advantage of the shelter. The Mumma family had already fled, and returned to rebuild the farm in 1863.

Mumma Farm Detail, DMC-G1, Lumix 20mm f1.7

Detail - Mumma Farm Outbuilding

by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Lumix 20mm f1.7

iso100, f3.5, 1/200 sec

I walked the Bloody Lane Trail at Antietam in December, 2009. From the Mumma farmhouse, the trail leads over the bald hillside where 10,000 Union soldiers marched to the Sunken Road, an old farm wagon road, already occupied by some 2,200 Confederates. After the battle, there were so many dead from both sides, the road was renamed "Bloody Lane."

Bloody Lane Approach, DMC-G1, Lumix 20mm f1.7

The Union Approach to Bloody Lane

by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Lumix 20mm f1.7

iso100, f16, 1/80 sec

In total, there were nearly 100,000 soldiers involved in the battle here; 23,000 were killed. While the Union held the field at the end of the fighting, both sides took horrendous damage, and the line of possession changed very little as a result.

Antietam Sunset, DMC-G1, Lumix 20mm f1.7

Sunset Over Split Rail Fence of Antietam

by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Lumix 20mm f1.7

iso100, f8, 1/1300 sec

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Friday, February 17, 2012

Jordan Steele's Night Shots of Columbus, Ohio, with GX1

Jordan Steele Posts DMC-GX1 Shots of Columbus at Night

Image Source:

http://admiringlight.com/blog/

Columbus at Night, by Jordan Steele

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1, Olympus 12mm f2

Jordan Steele has posted a few very nice night shots of Columbus (I'm assuming it's Columbus, Ohio). It's funny, I was born in Columbus, but have only frequented the suburbs; I don't recognize what the city itself looks like.

(Click Here) to see Jordan's blog and post.

These shots reminded me of my images of Alexandria, Virginia from a couple of nights ago. The high iso capability of the newest Lumix cameras really enables us to do some things in very low light.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Thursday, February 16, 2012

New Lumix Camera USA / Asia Catalogs Posted

New Panasonic Camera System Catlogs Posted

Image Source: http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/g3/img/index/head.jpg

Panasonic has posted a beautiful series of catalogs and marketing material for their camera offerings in the US and Asia.

(Click Here) for the main page.

These are really well-done pieces, in my opinion. I have looked at the DMC-G3 and DMC-LX5 catalogs pretty closely, as I own and use both. Looking at the G3 catalog reminds me that I too easily get stuck in my ways, and neglect to learn all the features of my cameras. For example, I really need to play with "Pinpoint AF" function, which allows you to indicate on the LCD the exact point in the image where you want to focus. So far, I have not used the touch screen much at all.

Of course, these catalogs also remind me of all of the optional accessories, flashes, and lenses available for the Lumix system. Uh oh, I feel Gear Acquisition Syndrome coming on again...

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Night Shots - A Walk in Alexandria, Virginia

I am on a business trip in Alexandria, Virginia. I took a brief walk this evening, down King Street. Here are a few photos I took.

King Street, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4

iso 3200, f1.4, 1/100 sec

It had just rained a little, which added a nice sheen to the street. I made my way down to Tiffany's Tavern, a place I had heard of, but never been. I stayed long enough to have a non-alcoholic Beck's beer (woohoo!), and hear a song or two.

Bluegrass at Tiffany's Tavern, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4

iso 3200, f1.4, 1/40 sec

On the way back to my hotel, The Majestic Cafe's blazing neon sign caught my eye.

The Majestic, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4

iso 800, f4, 1/400 sec

And here's a little self-portrait of me in the hotel's courtyard.

Self Portrait, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4

iso 400, f5.6, 0.8 sec

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Raindrops and Bokeh - Panasonic-Leica 45mm Macro-Elmarit

A heavy overnight rain left these raindrops on the trees. I love how the out of focus ones form an abstract curtain of light areas in the background.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Panasonic-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit

iso160, f5.6, 1/60 sec

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Panasonic-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit

iso160, f5.6, 1/40 sec

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Panasonic-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit

iso160, f5.6, 1/30 sec

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Monday, February 13, 2012

Tyson Robichaud Continues His Transition to the Lumix G3

Chicago in Winter - Tyson Robichaud

Image Source:

http://tysonrobichaudphotography.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/p1020114.jpg?w=680

In his latest post, Tyson Robichaud shares some great night photography from the Windy City, all taken with the Lumix G3 (except one with the GF1).

(Click Here) to see the whole post, with several great images.

Tyson comments on how it worked for him to leave his full-frame DSLR at home, and use only Lumix cameras. In addition to the Lumix 14mm f2.5 and 20mm f1.7, he used adapted legacy lenses - the Canon FD 50mm f1.2 and Contax 45mm f2.

Like Tyson, I have really embraced the Lumix DMC-G3. I am becoming more comfortable with leaving my Nikon DSLR behind much of the time. However, it is not a complete transition for me. Probably the biggest thing preventing me from leaving DSLRs all together is flash photography. I have yet to figure that out on the G3. Some of it is my need to explore it. However, I know for sure that Panasonic does not have anything as highly evolved as Nikon's wireless and iTTL systems.

Regardless, I am thankful for all that the G3 does so well, and enjoy using it very, very much. I will keep pushing the limits of the technology.

Thanks, Tyson, for sharing your experience and unique images of Chicago in winter!

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Sunday, February 12, 2012

Jazz, ETC - Local Barn Burners Play "Barns of Rose Hill" in Berryville, Virginia

On Saturday, February 11, I braved the cold weather to see an unusual concert at "Barns of Rose Hill" in Berryville, Virginia. This venue was renovated from a couple of old barns in 2010. This is how it looked in April of 2010:

Barns of Rose Hill, Pre-Renovation, April 2010, by Reed A. George

Leica M8, iso320, f11, 1/125 sec

It is now renovated, transformed into an excellent location for enjoying local music, with a combination of original materials and some modern finishes. It has an excellent sound system, and professional stage lighting (more on that later).

The concert on Saturday night was an uncommon matching of sultry vocalist Jennifer Kirkland and guitarist Burt Carlson, who work together regularly, with local musicians Robert Gordon (on bass) and Danny Knicely, mandolinist.

I had heard Burt play once in the past, on the celebration of jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt's 100th birthday. I have heard Danny play many times, mostly as part of Furnace Mountain, which is one of my favorite local bluegrass and old time music bands.

"Jazz ETC" at Barns of Rose Hill, Berryville, VA,

February 11, 2012, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4

iso3200, f2, 1/160 sec

As I mentioned above, the stage lights here are particularly challenging. They are LEDs, and really make for some strange mixes of color, even though I kept my white balance fixed for tungsten. I can only imagine what would have happened with auto white balance. Some of the images came out so blue or purple that they were saturated in that channel, with essentially no light registering in other channels. I had exactly the same phenomenon when I shot at a previous show here earlier in the year.

The music was what you may call an "eclectic mix," including everything from Leonard Cohen's "Dance Me to the End of Love," which was recently covered by Madeleine Peyroux, a tune by Louis Armstrong, another by the Carter Family, and "Can't Find My Way Home" by Blind Faith. That pretty much covers some musical ground, doesn't it?