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BEN'S BLOG PAGE TWO
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The rainy weekend here in San Diego kept me from doing any photography stuff, and/or anything car related. But I did find time to update more of my galleries with watermarks to ensure protection of my work, and caught today's race on tv.
I also found a new resource for directly ordering my favorite car care products from Meguiars instead of driving all over town to pick up the stuff I like to use from various auto parts stores. If you do your own car washing/detailing then check out the site:
http://meguiarsdirect.com/index.asp
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
This past Sunday I finally had a chance to bring my Mustang out to the monthly car show at the Coco's around the corner from my house. In addition to catching up with all the old gearheads and talking cars, I brought my camera to see what I could capture with the 16-35mm Canon EF lens I rented from Calumet for the Photo Safari I went on two days earlier. Mother Nature unfortunately wasn't in the mood to deliver good lighting conditions, so most of my shots were in cloudy/overcast skies that kept the beautiful colors of all the cars from really "popping" in my images.
You can check out my latest image additions to my "automotive" gallery by clicking HERE or by clicking the images below.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
I sorted thru all the images I shot on Friday, and have uploaded them to my ANIMALS gallery. (The latest additions are the first 16 images you will see in the gallery). CLICK HERE or on the image below to check them out.
I sorted thru all the images I shot on Friday, and have uploaded them to my ANIMALS gallery. (The latest additions are the first 16 images you will see in the gallery).
The rainy weekend here in San Diego kept me from doing any photography stuff, and/or anything car related. But I did find time to update more of my galleries with watermarks to ensure protection of my work, and caught today's race on tv.
I also found a new resource for directly ordering my favorite car care products from Meguiars instead of driving all over town to pick up the stuff I like to use from various auto parts stores. If you do your own car washing/detailing then check out the site:
http://meguiarsdirect.com/index.asp
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
This past Sunday I finally had a chance to bring my Mustang out to the monthly car show at the Coco's around the corner from my house. In addition to catching up with all the old gearheads and talking cars, I brought my camera to see what I could capture with the 16-35mm Canon EF lens I rented from Calumet for the Photo Safari I went on two days earlier. Mother Nature unfortunately wasn't in the mood to deliver good lighting conditions, so most of my shots were in cloudy/overcast skies that kept the beautiful colors of all the cars from really "popping" in my images.
You can check out my latest image additions to my "automotive" gallery by clicking HERE or by clicking the images below.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
I sorted thru all the images I shot on Friday, and have uploaded them to my ANIMALS gallery. (The latest additions are the first 16 images you will see in the gallery). CLICK HERE or on the image below to check them out.
Friday, February 19, 2010
The photo caravan was an incredible experience! Reading about other people's experiences from the tour doesn't prepare you for just how cool it is to get that close to these incredible animals. I will have those images uploaded in the next few days.
The photo caravan was an incredible experience! Reading about other people's experiences from the tour doesn't prepare you for just how cool it is to get that close to these incredible animals. I will have those images uploaded in the next few days.
Friday, February 19, 2010
I will be going on the Photo Caravan at the Wild Animal Park later today with my friend Mike(co-owner of Pet Hideaway in Seaport Village). Should be alot of fun, and the weather should be cool so the animals might be out for us to see.
I will be going on the Photo Caravan at the Wild Animal Park later today with my friend Mike(co-owner of Pet Hideaway in Seaport Village). Should be alot of fun, and the weather should be cool so the animals might be out for us to see.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
I have been busy these past few days, and haven't had much time to update what happened with my search for a replacement Point-n-Shoot camera. I went up to Calumet on Wednesday afternoon and picked up the Canon Powershot SX200 IS, along with a spare battery and memory card. So far the camera has proven to be a good choice. It came with us(Val and I) to Disneyland on Thursday, and to the ranch both yesterday and today. As you can imagine I've taken aot of pictures with it, and plan to take more on Monday when we go back to Disneyland since both of us are off work(we have annual passes). I will download all the images once we get back that day, and will share some samples of the cameras performance here later in the week.
I have been busy these past few days, and haven't had much time to update what happened with my search for a replacement Point-n-Shoot camera. I went up to Calumet on Wednesday afternoon and picked up the Canon Powershot SX200 IS, along with a spare battery and memory card. So far the camera has proven to be a good choice. It came with us(Val and I) to Disneyland on Thursday, and to the ranch both yesterday and today. As you can imagine I've taken aot of pictures with it, and plan to take more on Monday when we go back to Disneyland since both of us are off work(we have annual passes). I will download all the images once we get back that day, and will share some samples of the cameras performance here later in the week.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
After leaving work today I stopped by Calumet in Escondido to look into a Point-n-Shoot replacement for our now worn out Canon Powershot A450, which we've had for over 4 years now.
I went in with the mindset of checking out the Powershot D10 because of it's cool waterproof capabilities(which I might put to use when we go to Shasta later this year), but was disappointed in it's limited 3x zoom. Plus, it didn't have the standard Canon dial with settings for Portraits/Macro/Kids and Pets that Val likes to use. But, I was amazed to see that the current line of other Powershots include all those features, plus zooms equivalent to 28-330mm. Add in the fact that their megapixel range goes from 10 to 14, and needless to say I had nearly TOO MANY options to choose from.
I toyed with a few different models for several minutes before I was told about a model that wasn't in stock but could fit my needs, the Powershot SX200 IS. It boasts 12mp with a 12x zoom, all the standard "auto" exposure settings, and my favorite option, full control of aperature/shutterspeeds.
If they had one in stock today I probably would be testing it out around the house tonight(can't go out to test because of a strong winter rain storm that just arrived). But Calumet is having one transferred down here from the LA area for me to see tomorrow. I have a feeling I will like it's capabilities and end up buying it, so check back for my update about it tomorrow night.
After leaving work today I stopped by Calumet in Escondido to look into a Point-n-Shoot replacement for our now worn out Canon Powershot A450, which we've had for over 4 years now.
I went in with the mindset of checking out the Powershot D10 because of it's cool waterproof capabilities(which I might put to use when we go to Shasta later this year), but was disappointed in it's limited 3x zoom. Plus, it didn't have the standard Canon dial with settings for Portraits/Macro/Kids and Pets that Val likes to use. But, I was amazed to see that the current line of other Powershots include all those features, plus zooms equivalent to 28-330mm. Add in the fact that their megapixel range goes from 10 to 14, and needless to say I had nearly TOO MANY options to choose from.
I toyed with a few different models for several minutes before I was told about a model that wasn't in stock but could fit my needs, the Powershot SX200 IS. It boasts 12mp with a 12x zoom, all the standard "auto" exposure settings, and my favorite option, full control of aperature/shutterspeeds.
If they had one in stock today I probably would be testing it out around the house tonight(can't go out to test because of a strong winter rain storm that just arrived). But Calumet is having one transferred down here from the LA area for me to see tomorrow. I have a feeling I will like it's capabilities and end up buying it, so check back for my update about it tomorrow night.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Today is my last day as GM for Big 5, and I'm totally pumped up. Bigger and better things are on the horizon for me and I'm grateful that this opportunity has come.
But before I start at my new job, I will be taking a short "sabatical" if you will, 18 days to be exact. I'm not traveling out of the country or anything of that nature. Just spending quality time with Val, taking care of things around that house that need to be done, and OF COURSE I will be getting out to do some more photo shoots. Exactly what I will be shooting has yet to be determined.
Today is my last day as GM for Big 5, and I'm totally pumped up. Bigger and better things are on the horizon for me and I'm grateful that this opportunity has come.
But before I start at my new job, I will be taking a short "sabatical" if you will, 18 days to be exact. I'm not traveling out of the country or anything of that nature. Just spending quality time with Val, taking care of things around that house that need to be done, and OF COURSE I will be getting out to do some more photo shoots. Exactly what I will be shooting has yet to be determined.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
I found this interesting LA Times article after Pro Photographer Scott Bourne posted it on his Twitter account yesterday. It talks about how today's digital world has affected photographers/writers/artists salaries, and how their work has been devalued by the influx of millions of amatuers:
"Photographers are among those who found out most painfully what happens when their work (or a reasonable facsimile) becomes readily available online at little or no cost.
A decade ago, professional photographers thought nothing of selling pictures to stock photo houses. But what once provided a source of income went into catalogs of nearly endless size and accessibility.
Seemingly overnight, a publisher who wanted a picture of a sunset could choose from thousands on any number of databases. Why pay a photographer hundreds, or thousands, of dollars to go out and shoot a new one?
Amateurs produce Photoshopped pictures that once wouldn't have made it out of a darkroom. "
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-et-onthemedia22-2010jan22,1,2309960,full.column
I found this interesting LA Times article after Pro Photographer Scott Bourne posted it on his Twitter account yesterday. It talks about how today's digital world has affected photographers/writers/artists salaries, and how their work has been devalued by the influx of millions of amatuers:
"Photographers are among those who found out most painfully what happens when their work (or a reasonable facsimile) becomes readily available online at little or no cost.
A decade ago, professional photographers thought nothing of selling pictures to stock photo houses. But what once provided a source of income went into catalogs of nearly endless size and accessibility.
Seemingly overnight, a publisher who wanted a picture of a sunset could choose from thousands on any number of databases. Why pay a photographer hundreds, or thousands, of dollars to go out and shoot a new one?
Amateurs produce Photoshopped pictures that once wouldn't have made it out of a darkroom. "
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-et-onthemedia22-2010jan22,1,2309960,full.column
Friday, February 5, 2010
Kick ass news!!!! I accepted a job offer that totally eclipses my current day job, and I'm looking forward to starting there in a couple weeks. There are so many reasons this new opportunity is a better situation for me, and I am grateful for having it come my way right now. I'm sure you're curious about who/where, and I'd go in to details about it, but I think the basic news is all that needs to be shared today. :)
Kick ass news!!!! I accepted a job offer that totally eclipses my current day job, and I'm looking forward to starting there in a couple weeks. There are so many reasons this new opportunity is a better situation for me, and I am grateful for having it come my way right now. I'm sure you're curious about who/where, and I'd go in to details about it, but I think the basic news is all that needs to be shared today. :)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Val and I had the day off together, so we went back to the Wild Animal Park for a couple mile hike around the grounds, and I brought my gear to see what I could shoot while we were there. Since this wasn't a planned trip, and it was on a Sunday when Calumet is usually closed, I couldn't rent the lens I had earlier in the week. So used my Canon 10D with my 700-300mm lens and a monopod. I was able to get the cool shot of the a Vulture seen below, as well as a couple new Meerkat, Stork, and Duck images. You can see them all in my ANIMALS gallery.
Val and I had the day off together, so we went back to the Wild Animal Park for a couple mile hike around the grounds, and I brought my gear to see what I could shoot while we were there. Since this wasn't a planned trip, and it was on a Sunday when Calumet is usually closed, I couldn't rent the lens I had earlier in the week. So used my Canon 10D with my 700-300mm lens and a monopod. I was able to get the cool shot of the a Vulture seen below, as well as a couple new Meerkat, Stork, and Duck images. You can see them all in my ANIMALS gallery.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
This past Monday the 25th, I was off of work, and I decided to take advantage of a small window of opportunity I had to go shoot some pictures at the Wild Animal Park. On my way up there I stopped by Calumet Photographic in Escondido to rent a Canon 100mm to 400mm IS USM lens. Since I didn't have alot of time to shoot, I only visited the Gorilla's, Geese, and Meerkats.
Below are two of the images I was able to get that day. You can check out rest of the images in my ANIMALS gallery by clicking HERE.
This past Monday the 25th, I was off of work, and I decided to take advantage of a small window of opportunity I had to go shoot some pictures at the Wild Animal Park. On my way up there I stopped by Calumet Photographic in Escondido to rent a Canon 100mm to 400mm IS USM lens. Since I didn't have alot of time to shoot, I only visited the Gorilla's, Geese, and Meerkats.
Below are two of the images I was able to get that day. You can check out rest of the images in my ANIMALS gallery by clicking HERE.
Monday, January 11, 2010
My visit to the Wild Animal Park this past Saturday was a short one(only 2 hours), and I have uploaded four new images to my ANIMALS gallery from that trip. You can check them out by clicking HERE.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
I finally uploaded the last of the pics I took at the San Diego Zoo with Val last weekend. Below you'll find two previews, and you can check out the rest by clicking HERE.
I finally uploaded the last of the pics I took at the San Diego Zoo with Val last weekend. Below you'll find two previews, and you can check out the rest by clicking HERE.
2009 YEAR IN REVIEW
My adventures this year allowed me to greatly expand my subject matter, and this gallery is just a small snippet of what I was able to capture thru the lenses of my cameras. Click on the image below to see which ones were my favorites from all of my photoshoots in 2009.
My adventures this year allowed me to greatly expand my subject matter, and this gallery is just a small snippet of what I was able to capture thru the lenses of my cameras. Click on the image below to see which ones were my favorites from all of my photoshoots in 2009.
Friday, December 19,2009
4 days into my 10 days straight at my day job, and I'm soooooo looking forward Christmas being done and overwith. I've been brainstorming photo ideas for the new year, and can't wait to get back out in the field to make those ideas a reality.
4 days into my 10 days straight at my day job, and I'm soooooo looking forward Christmas being done and overwith. I've been brainstorming photo ideas for the new year, and can't wait to get back out in the field to make those ideas a reality.
Monday, December 14,2009
I spent some time going thru my archives and added a few more images to my ANIMALS gallery today. Some of them were taken earlier this year during one of our many trips to Big Bear Mountain and the Moon Ridge Zoo. The others were snap shots of our cats as they lounged around the house during a rain storm.
I spent some time going thru my archives and added a few more images to my ANIMALS gallery today. Some of them were taken earlier this year during one of our many trips to Big Bear Mountain and the Moon Ridge Zoo. The others were snap shots of our cats as they lounged around the house during a rain storm.
Monday, November 30,2009
Welcome to my new website! Many of you have been to my old site BENSGARAGE.NET, and I appreciate you following my photography work to it's new online home here at BLEIMAGES.COM.
The idea behind this transition started several weeks ago, with the intent of moving my online presence to a domain more condusive to furthering my professional aspirations in the photography industry.
I hope you like the changes that I've made, and that you come back often to see what I'm able to create with my cameras out in the world.
Welcome to my new website! Many of you have been to my old site BENSGARAGE.NET, and I appreciate you following my photography work to it's new online home here at BLEIMAGES.COM.
The idea behind this transition started several weeks ago, with the intent of moving my online presence to a domain more condusive to furthering my professional aspirations in the photography industry.
I hope you like the changes that I've made, and that you come back often to see what I'm able to create with my cameras out in the world.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Val and I decided to get ourselves a one year membership to the USS Midway Museum. While we were there I took advantage of the opportunity to get some shots of some of the aircraft on display, and a mini-photo shoot of Val's Sierra by the bay.
We had both talked about signing up for annual passes to the Midway in the past, but simply didn't make it happen whenever we were in the area for other things until now and I'm looking forward to going there alot in the future.
Just walking around the lower decks I could feel the history of the Midway, and could only imagine what life must have been like on board that great ship during it's time serving our country.
My goal is to take my time over the next year and see just how in depth I can go on the ship with my cameras, and see how creative my work can be with that much history as my inspiration.
You can check out the rest of the images I captured in my STILL IMAGES 09 and AUTOMOTIVE 09 galleries by clicking HERE.
Val and I decided to get ourselves a one year membership to the USS Midway Museum. While we were there I took advantage of the opportunity to get some shots of some of the aircraft on display, and a mini-photo shoot of Val's Sierra by the bay.
We had both talked about signing up for annual passes to the Midway in the past, but simply didn't make it happen whenever we were in the area for other things until now and I'm looking forward to going there alot in the future.
Just walking around the lower decks I could feel the history of the Midway, and could only imagine what life must have been like on board that great ship during it's time serving our country.
My goal is to take my time over the next year and see just how in depth I can go on the ship with my cameras, and see how creative my work can be with that much history as my inspiration.
You can check out the rest of the images I captured in my STILL IMAGES 09 and AUTOMOTIVE 09 galleries by clicking HERE.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
During the construction of this website I audited alot of my old photography work from back in 2006, and I rediscovered alot of images that I took at the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. After going back thru them all, I selected a few of my favorites and added them to my "ANIMALS" gallery. You can check them out by clicking HERE.
During the construction of this website I audited alot of my old photography work from back in 2006, and I rediscovered alot of images that I took at the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. After going back thru them all, I selected a few of my favorites and added them to my "ANIMALS" gallery. You can check them out by clicking HERE.
