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November 29, 2005

Reworked Photos

A couple of weeks ago I took a Photoshop class for Digital Photographers. I now have a much better understanding of the curves tool and all the wonderful fixes it can do to save some photos. I took this photo of the Huntington Beach Pier about a year ago and I ended up trashing it since I was never able to get the photo to look right. There is actually alot going on in this picture when you consider the various light levels. I could get the sky to look great, but the pier would end up being a black blob. Or the water would be washed out and not show any of the reflection. Thanks to curves and a little practice, I was able to salvage this photo. It still may not be the best shot, but I'm proud of what I was able to create from my junk pile.

Posted by Mark Anderson on November 29, 2005 07:41 PM Permalink

November 26, 2005

Mark's 2005 Christmas Wishlist

Christmas is just around the corner and we spent the day decorating the house. So its that time of the year again!

Here is my list in no particular order.

Full Metal Jacket

Full Metal Jacket (Jackay) is one of my favorite Vietnam Movies. This is one of my cult classics.

The Deer Hunter
Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, The Deer Hunter is simultaneously an audacious directorial conceit and one of the greatest films ever made about friendship and the personal impact of war. (stolen from an Editorial review :-)

Canon Speedlite 430EX Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras

I'm finding that the on-board flash with my 300D is not producing very good results. I was taking pictures this weekend during Thanksgiving and was finding that the flash produces a spotlight effect when trying to take group shots. The center will be very bright and it quickly fades to no flash in the outer parts of the frame.

Lightsphere II Domeless Diffuser

This is a great tool that works well with the flash above. The diffuser attaches directly to the flash and really softens the harshness that a flash produces. If you purchase this, make sure to get the P3 size.

Grundig FR200 AM/FM Shortwave World Band Crank Radio and Light

This item has been on my personal wishlist for sometime and I never get around to buying it. Its one of those items you hope you never need, but will sure be glad you have it when you need it.

Beginner's Guide to Photographic Lighting: Techniques for Success in the Studio or on Location

A good start to learn about studio photography.

LensPen MiniPro

This was recently listed on a gift giving guide for photographers. I have actually been looking for something like this for quick lens cleanups while out shooting.

Update: I made out like a bandit this year! Thanks to everyone.

Posted by Mark Anderson on November 26, 2005 09:43 PM Permalink

November 23, 2005

Happy Thanksgiving

We just got back for a final shopping trip to get prepared for turkey day tomorrow. We have 7 friends coming over and the holiday season is starting to kick into full gear.

We are also having our first snow of the winter season. It's just a small flurry, but it sure does feel nice to step outside and feel the crisp cool weather. It's also a pleasant suprise to feel the small snow flakes land on your face.

These are just two of the things I'm thankful for this year.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.

Posted by Mark Anderson on November 23, 2005 07:55 PM Permalink

November 20, 2005

The Chain

Posted by Mark Anderson on November 20, 2005 08:57 PM Permalink

November 16, 2005

More Fall

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Posted by Mark Anderson on November 16, 2005 09:16 AM Permalink

November 15, 2005

Clean Up After Dog

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Posted by Mark Anderson on November 15, 2005 09:13 AM Permalink

November 14, 2005

Posed Lion

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Posted by Mark Anderson on November 14, 2005 09:06 AM Permalink

November 13, 2005

Caged Kitty

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Posted by Mark Anderson on November 13, 2005 09:05 AM Permalink

November 12, 2005

Fall Color

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Posted by Mark Anderson on November 12, 2005 10:37 AM Permalink

November 11, 2005

Zoo Lake in Fall

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This shot was taken at Catocin Zoo last weekend. It just so happened to be the height of the Fall color for our area. So I dedicate this picture to JED. See what your missing :-)

Posted by Mark Anderson on November 11, 2005 05:31 PM Permalink

November 8, 2005

Fall Ride

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Posted by Mark Anderson on November 8, 2005 10:10 AM Permalink

November 7, 2005

Orange Leaves

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Posted by Mark Anderson on November 7, 2005 10:03 AM Permalink

November 6, 2005

Forgotten

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Posted by Mark Anderson on November 6, 2005 09:41 AM Permalink

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