Nikon D7000

Welcome To Belize

February 25, 2013 by Justin Balog 0 Comments

Belize is a diverse country. Not only in population, but geography. You have small costal islands to the east and the Mayan Mountains to the west. These two photos are from the mellow little town of Hopkins in Southern Belize. I should have more traditional Caribbean photos for you tomorrow as we make our way to the famous Salt Water Caye. A small island about 20 miles off the shore of Hopkins. Again, I’m sticking with my experiment of 1 lens/ camera and Snapseed for the iPad. Keeping it simple and letting the moments flow.

I’ll have all this outlined in a new Travel Guide I’m working on here in Belize. If you’d like to catch up on some my other travel guides just click here .

Filed Under: Belize, Nikon 18-200 VR, Nikon D7000, Tips, Travel

Further South of Currie Nevada

February 21, 2013 by Justin Balog 3 Comments

These are two of my favorite images I made in that great grass valley between Currie and Ely Nevada. Surprisingly, they were shot at the exact same spot. One was facing south, the other facing west. I always find it fascinating how many photos can be made from the same location. We each bring our own perspectives that are shaped by the unique story of our lives. I often wonder what my images say about me.

I hope you have enjoyed this week’s short little adventure. The goal was simple. Share a few images I made by asking a friend which way we should travel. The lesson is straightforward and I’m sure many of you know it better than I. The world is a big place. Asking friends and strangers to share their story will enhance your experience of this world. So next time you are out, ask someone…’which way do you think I should go?”. You might be surprised what you find.

Photographer’s Note – I’m pretty sure all the images that I have shared from this adventure were shot with my Nikon D7000 and a used 18-200mm lens. A fairly modest rig compared to some. Each images was processed in Lightroom 4. Again, another modest post processing tool. I guess the other lesson to be had is one that is the theme of this site…”It’s not about the gear…it’s about recognizing the creativity that I know is in each one of you and applying it to your own adventure”.

Filed Under: Lightroom 4, Nevada, Nikon 18-200 VR, Nikon D7000, Tips, Travel

Just South of Currie Nevada

February 20, 2013 by Justin Balog 4 Comments

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, the rest of this week is a look at the images I made on an adventure planned via my iPhone with the help of a longtime prospector. The goal was simple…we asked Jay to find us some ghost towns. That he did…The adventure took us from the town of Crescent Valley, NV to Elly, NV by way of Currie and Cherry Creek.

This image was shot just south of Currie, NV at what used to be a Pony Express stop. Years ago this was rocking rail line transporting ore from the areas around Elly, NV. Now…well, you can see what it has become.

Photographer’s Note - I shot this photo with a Nikon D7000 and 18-200 VR Lens. I processed it using Lightroom 4. To achieve the selenium look I used a ‘Duo-Toning’ technique to add some blues to the shadows. If you are interested in this lens, I have a full review of it here (Click Here).

Filed Under: Black & White, Lightroom 4, Nevada, Nikon 18-200 VR, Nikon D7000, One Click, Processing Notes, Travel

By The Dock At The Bay

February 17, 2013 by Justin Balog 2 Comments

Howdy! I hope you had a great weekend. I processed a bunch of images for the next couple of weeks. It should be fun and I’m looking forward to sharing them with you.

Today we are looking at a great place to read a book, watch a sunset, or just relax. It’s hard for me to quiet my mind, it’s always on, but places like this do the trick. Do you have a place where you like to think?

Stay tuned, this should be a fun week!

Photographer’s Note – This is a single image processed in Lightroom 4 then spiced up with some Nik CEP 4.

Filed Under: Cozumel, Landscape, Lightroom 4, Mexico, Nik Software, Nikon 18-200 VR, Nikon D7000, One Click, Travel

Good Friends

February 7, 2013 by Justin Balog 2 Comments

Does anyone else excuse themselves from the dinner table when you are out with friends, so you can go take a photo? I’m glad I have the friends I do. They let me sit the front seat of taxis so I have room for my camera bag and tripod, they point out cool photos, they even order for me if the waiter comes by when I’m off making a photo. I sound kind of high maintenance? I try to return the favors as best I can. Friends are a precious gift, no doubt!

Today’s Pic – This the view of San Miguel on the island of Cozumel. All the commerce here is a product of the cruise ship ports. Someday’s up to 8 ships, that’s close to 25,000) descend on the island. I try to avoid the town on those days. No way do you want to get mixed up in that nonsense.

Photographer’s Note – This is single image processed in Lightroom 4 and stylized with Nik Software CEP 4.

Filed Under: Cozumel, Lightroom 4, Mexico, Nik Software, Nikon 14-24mm 2.8, Nikon D7000, RRS Versa 24, Travel