Westmoreland Trees-Westmoreland, NH

I recently received some criticism from a highly respected artist and photographer for not correcting the lens distortion in this image. However, I respectfully disagree.  If this were an image of an architectural structure that would have been a very valid criticism. Aside from the fact that much of the image would have been cropped away by that correction, it totally would have ruined the impact of the image. In my humble opinion, this view seen from about 30 feet below the bottom of these trees on a hill seems to exalt them and embrace the viewer.
My point is this: TRUST YOUR OWN INSTINCTS AND ARTISTIC VISION!!!
Be sure to click on the image to get the full impact of the details in this image.

Current events

For those of you that missed the Gafney library exhibit, you can see a few of my images currently on display at the  Tuftonboro Library in Tuftonboro, NH during the month of March.  My first solo exhibit will be in June at the Franklin Gallery in Rochester, NH. I have decided to make this an exhibit entirely composed of monchromatic images.
The next solo exhibit is scheduled for June 2013 at the Wolfeboro Public Library in Wolfeboro, NH. This will be ambitious since I intend to show all new images.
On another note, "thank you" goes out to Tom Rush for our second session with him. Tom is a terrific model. Keep an eye out for his advertisement of MacKenzie & Marr Guitars. Also our images are featured on his "Fish Song" children's album.

Thank you for a successful exhibit!

Thank you to all who helped make our exhibit at The Gafney Library such a successful event.  It was very gratifying to see so many people travel so far to support us. Thank you to Betty and Coty who came all the way from Plattsburgh, my twin sister Judy who traveled from the Northeast Kingdom,  and my photo partner/sister Medora for showing me the ropes. Thanks to Matt for taking time out from his busy teaching schedule at Brown University and for bringing Skye and Ivy along. I would also like to thank Martha for sharing her magnificent rare photography collection after the reception. Special thanks go to Peter, Beryl, and all the staff at The Gafney Library for making it all work so smoothly.

Gafney Library and upcoming events

Please join me for the opening of our photo exhibit at The Gafney Library in Sanbornville, NH on 2/18/12 11:30AM-1:30PM
It will feature over thirty of my works as well as images by my sister/photo partner, Medora Hebert.


Upcoming events include a group exhibit in Wolfeboro, NH (Details TBA) in March, and a black and white exhibit at The Franklin Gallery in Rochester, NH in June. 
I will post details as they become available.

Tug Boats Portsmouth, NH

This is an example of a black and white HDR image as discussed in the previous post. Since this was captured at dawn in very low light (note the lights on the boats), a single exposure of this subject would have lost much of the detail. A tripod is essential for this type of situation.

Rockport Dock Rockport, ME

This is an example of an HDR (high dynamic range) image which combines several images employing a variety of exposures. The intent is to preserve detail and color intensity in this high contrast image that would have been lost in a single exposure. . The HDR process is actually not difficult. However, the skill is involved in the tone mapping where the details and color are coaxed out. The challenge of HDR images is to avoid the "grunge" look unless of course that is your intention.

NIKON SB 900 Flash-thermal cut out solution

I just learned some new things about flashes that I thought I'd share. You probably already know about this but anyway: The SB900, until today, Nikon's flagship flash is notorious for it's thermal cut-out after a period of prolonged use. This is caused by the BATTERIES overheating. It is aggravated by harder use such as rechargeable batteries, longer distance to subject, bounce flash, increased flash value, diffusers, or anything that makes the flash work harder. This also causes the recycle time between flashes to increase. Shooting at a higher ISO or wider aperture helps, but there are other solutions that take care of all of these.

1. The obvious and most expensive solution is to have a backup flash to spell the main flash while it is cooling down (sometimes 15 minutes or more)
2. (Bad solution warning!) Shut off the thermal cut-out resulting in the risk of cooking your flash.
3. Special rechargeable batteries replacing current rechargeable batteries or not using rechargeables in the first place.
4. Compromise your shooting techniques... why even mention this one? Only if you're at the end of a shoot and don't have other options would you remove your diffuser or stop bouncing etc.
5. Here's the biggie: A Battery pack not only practically eliminates thermal cut-out, it has the huge added benefit of decreasing flash recycle time!

This is why many wedding photographers use these things. The downside of battery packs is that they add weight/bulk, some require a pocket or a belt, some require a cord, and added expense. The upside is virtual elimination of thermal cut-out and faster flash recycle time.

You ought to check out these Youtube videos if not just for the great soundtrack:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWBPnGRY95o