HDR, Photoshop CS5 & actions by The Windy Pixel

After doing some research and teaching myself the very basics of Photoshop, I have put the tools to the test from The Windy Pixel HDR workshop. I am really enjoying all these new tools, but it is a bit overwhelming... I would like to put the new camera to the test on some new HDR images. Here is my first "processed" HDR image. I first use Photomatix to generate the HDR image, then use two of the original images and the HDR image to enhance it in Photoshop. The BEST part, I have lots more to learn. Thanks Justin!

TheWindyPixel.com

One of the first High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography web sites i came across was www.thewindypixel.com. The site focuses on Chicago, with great HDR photos from all over the city. I have enjoyed the photos very much. I recent had the great opportunity to attend one of their only two workshops. I really enjoyed learning more about ways to process HDR images & some great photo sites with views of the Chicago skyline. I suffered some technical difficulties with my gear, but my back up travel camera made it not a total lost. I met some really nice people, and really look forward to more photo get togethers.

Prime is good.

I have read many places that a 50mm f1.4 lens can help improve your photography skills. This fixed focal length lens is also referred to as a "prime" lens. This past winter I was able to pick one up. The shallow depth of field allows you a whole new creative aspect. I am really enjoying it. Here's one of my favorites so far. My Puggle (pug & beagle) Barrett, he's four years old.

a blog just for photos

Here is my first attempt at photographing smoke with an off camera flash fitted with a gel.



I saw this first here:
photocritic.org/artsmoke-photographing-smoke/

and here:
www.flickr.com/photos/photocritic/4342229520/in/photostream/

and learned more about it here: www.flickr.com/photos/photocritic/4341563141/in/photostream/

Thank you to Photocritic.org for answering my questions.

I found it very difficult at first. My Canon Digital Rebel XT with a 50mm & 36mm extension tube, then a 18-200 & 36mm extension tube. It's super hard to focus.

Using a Canon 430 EX II flash fired with a Cactus V2 wireless trigger & Honl gels & strap.

Frustrated...I tried a few with my Canon G11(which i brought to take a photo of the set up, but didn't get around to it), manual 1/250 f8, locked the auto focus at the base of the incense stick then brought it up to the smoke.

This is one of my favorites. I will post more. I will try it again soon.