Nikon D700

Puedo Tomar Su Photo

April 15, 2013 by Justin Balog 1 Comment

I hope everyone had a great weekend! As a gesture of respect, wherever I travel I always try to learn how to say “May I take your photograph” in the native language. In Spanish, it’s ‘puedo tomar su photo’. Although, traveling in the Yucatan, you might need to learn Mayan as well. Twelve percent of the population is pure-blooded Mayan and many of them continue to speak the language. From my experience, I have found the Mayan people to be a very proud and stoic people. When I ask to take their photo, they all assume a very similar pose to the gentleman pictured here. If you ever have a chance to speak with someone of Mayan descent, take advantage of it. You’ll be in awe of the beauty of their stories.

Filed Under: Cozumel, Lightroom 4, Mexico, Nikon 24mm 1.4, Nikon D700, People

Fisherman’s Son

April 11, 2013 by Justin Balog 0 Comments

If you aren’t listening to Port O’Brien, I recommend you do. They actually play a tune that inspired this image. The song, Fisherman’s Son, portrays the struggle between the you you’re born to be and what you dream of becoming. It does so by painting the picture of an Alaskan fisherman. Watching these boats head out through the fog into the vastness of the sea is something I will never understand. Romantic for sure, but in a haunting way. As much as I love the ocean, I have a slight phobia of cold endlessly deep water. I actually shot this image shortly after all the passengers on our cruise ship were briefed about sinking procedures…so that might have been why I was nervous.

Did you know you can click on all my photos on this site, then click the ‘X3′ above the image and save each photo as your daily desktop. I do it everyday…I thought you might like it as well.

Filed Under: Alaska, Lightroom 4, Nikon 28-300 VRII, Nikon D700

The Price Is Right

April 10, 2013 by Justin Balog 0 Comments

I found myself wandering around a cruise ship late one night. I guess I had a hard time sleeping. Anyway, I discovered that the stage crew was still working in the theatre, so I asked if I could make a couple images. “Sure…come on down…” they said. The scene kind of reminds me of everybody’s favorite game show. Does it remind you of “The Price Is Right”.

In continuing with the theme of this post’s title, the price is right when it’s free! Yep, grab this new eBook from Craft&Vision for free. CLICK HERE to get it while it lasts!

Filed Under: Nikon D700, One Click, Sigma 15mm Fisheye, Travel

Photography Should Be Fun!

April 9, 2013 by Justin Balog 4 Comments

Photography should be fun…right? Taking photos, exploring new places, meeting new people and even post processing should be fun. Like today’s image, I had a blast turning the secret beach house near Scripps Pier into something from another world. I did it all using the Complete Nik Collection by Google. First I used HDR Efex Pro 2 to tonemap a single image and give it an otherworldly look. Then I applied some additional creative styling from the Color Efex Pro Suite. I share this information with you because the price of the Complete Collection was once $500, and is now only $126.65 if you use this link…

http://hossedia.com/nik

Yep, the good folks over at Google gave me a special link that will allow you to save some money when you check out. Normally it would be $149.00, but with the discount they are giving all of my readers, it’s only $126.65 when you use the link.

It is an awesome tool set and I know you will love it! If you were wondering where this image started…here you go!

Nik Complete Collection Before & After

Filed Under: California, La Jolla, Nik Software, Nikon D700, Really Right Stuff, RRS Versa 24, Sigma 15mm Fisheye, Travel

Little Lodge In Talkeetna

April 7, 2013 by Justin Balog 4 Comments

Is anyone else excited for season three of Game of Thrones? I just got done watching it and almost fell asleep on the couch but remembered I hadn’t posted Monday’s image…no way would I let that happen!

This is a lodge just north of Talkeetna Alaska. When I travel various places, I’ll usually go on short little photowalks by myself. It’s a fun way to explore new areas, relax and shoot a few photos. In Alaska, I was always worried about bear, so my walks were a bit shorter and quite a bit closer to home. Has anyone ever visited Alaska? If so do you need to worry about bears?

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

Filed Under: Alaska, Lightroom 4, Nik Software, Nikon 28-300 VRII, Nikon D700, Talkeetna, Travel