Lumix TZ4

Being There

April 14, 2010 by Justin Balog 1 Comment

Lately I have had a bit of full frame/big glass envy. I have my kit, and I’m very happy with it. But there always seems to be something I would like to add or upgrade. At least for me, this desire (rationalized as an artistic need) is that fact that I don’t ever want to let an image get away. I want to be prepared, with the best possible toolset, for when ‘that’ image presents itself. It is when I find images like this, shot with a sub $150 camera, that I remind myself that its not about the gear, it’s about being there. There is no question that great gear will help, but it won’t help you if you aren’t out chasing it.

Capture Notes:

Panasonic TZ4

Processing Notes:

Capture (1 Image)
Nik Silver Efex Pro (High Structure Red Filter)
LightAsMagic.com

Filed Under: Black & White, Colorado, Lumix TZ4, Nik Software, Processing Notes

Paul Revere’s Bakery

January 12, 2010 by Justin Balog 4 Comments

Remember that bakery I wrote about in a previous post? The one in Boston’s North End (that doesn’t sound right)? It is called Bova’s. Click the link to find out more about it: http://www.northendboston.com/bovabakery/

I wouldn’t be surprised if Paul Revere picked up a loaf of bread here prior to making his famous midnight ride. The bakery is a delightful stop for anyone walking (or warning of a British invasion) along Boston’s Freedom Trail.

Nikon D300
Nikkor 17-35 AFS

Processing Notes:
Capture (1 image)
Photomatix (pseudo hdr)
Photoshop (Levels adjustment)
NIK ColorEFX (Tonal Contrast boosted highlight/midtone contrast and saturation)
NIK Define 2.0 (Auto entire image)
NIK Sharpener (Display 35% adaptive sharpening)

Here is a sneak peek!

Filed Under: Boston, HDR, Lumix TZ4, Massachusetts, Nikon 17-35 2.8 AFS, Nikon D300, Processing Notes, Travel

Seasonal Affective Disorder

November 12, 2009 by Justin Balog 0 Comments

Seasonal Affective Disorder, originally uploaded by LightAsMagic.

This image was made on one of my evening strolls while visiting Cozumel last winter.

Wake up early, go diving, eat lunch, nap, workout, take a photo walk at sunset, a margarita with dinner, then do it again the next day. No better cure for ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’.

We are headed back soon so check back. Hopefully I will return with beautiful images of the town we so dearly love. I am looking forward to sharing them with you all!

Camera: Lumix TZ4

Filed Under: Cozumel, Lumix TZ4, Mexico, Travel

Window On The Wall

October 11, 2009 by Justin Balog 0 Comments

Window To The Sky, originally uploaded by LightAsMagic.

Wherever you are or wherever you go make sure to spend time observing. Normally I will set aside at least an hour or so for a photo walk. Usually I schedule it for early morning or early evening so that I have the best light. It is both relaxing and meditative. Even if you don’t come away with award winning photos, you will leave your destination with a better understanding of where you were.

This image from the stairwell to our room was made with my simple point and shoot camera. It is a Lumix TZ4 and is capable enough for creativity yet simple enough for the less technical on the team. To highlight the sky and darken the hall I underexposed the image by 3 full stops. It is a technique I often use with this camera.

Filed Under: Cozumel, Lumix TZ4, Travel

Misty Mountain

September 23, 2009 by Justin Balog 0 Comments

Misty Mountain, originally uploaded by LightAsMagic.

This summer we traveled to San Mateo, CA to cheer my father (‘pops’) on in the National Senior Games Time Trial. He is a long time bike racer who not only generates 220 watts at his lactate threshold, but still does swing handstands on the parallel bars he built in his backyard. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention he is 66. Those that know him aspire to be like him when they reach that age. Hell, those that know him aspire to be like him at any age. He truly is the man, the myth, the legend.

As for this photo, we were doing some forward recon on the TT course so we could review the race strategy. The sun was almost gone when we turned the corner and spotted this single cloud cradled in the hills. This particular image is an HDR produced from 5 bracketed images. It was a tricky piece of work. Initially I wished I had shot 9 images so I could have worked with a greater dynamic range to lighten the foreground, but after review I really came to love the look of this one, broad mono-toned layers leading the eye up to the lone misty mountain (where the spirits go now…..)