Another use of focus trap is for self portraits! I set exposure, then guess at the focus on my manual lens, hold the camera out and slowly bring it closer until “click” the shutter opens when the camera sees I’m in focus.
I know, if it was a point and shoot camera, I wouldn’t even be concerned, as most can autofocus. The neat thing about a DSLR, is the variety of lenses that can be used.
I’m using a Russian made Zenitar 16mm manual lens. Manual in that no auto anything. The focus and exposure are both set by me, not the camera. The 16mm means it’s a ultra-wide angle lens, which converts to about 24mm on the particular DSLR I’m using, the Pentax K20D. Most point & shoot digicams don’t go near that wide.
The wide angle in this photo, gives you a glimpse at our sunroom. It’s our favorite room in the house. Just to the right (in the frame) of my neck, you see our only TV in the house - a 9 inch with a dvd player integrated. Only occasionally do we miss a bigger screen. You also can see the door to the room, the loveseat, Karen’s chair, the notebook I’m typing this on (black on the floor), my chair and one of the chairs of the dining table in the room. Try that with your point & shoot!
I’m not one to say that more pixels is always better. You can make a very nice 8×10inch print from a 1 megapixel photograph. I have a wonderful 16×20 print on my wall at work from a 2.1 megapixel photo. I sometimes tell people that fact about that photo and their eyes pop in amazement. More isn’t needed always. But it does bring some benefits, when done as well as is done in my Pentax K20D.
This drive by photo is about a 50% crop of the full frame. I spotted this group walking, and thought it would make a good composition.
I had my window already down, and my exposure and focal setting already dialed in. Prop the camera on my arm (which is holding the wheel of the car!) and snap the shutter at the right moment.
The No Outlet sign is a supreme bonus which really makes this composition pop for me. A happy accident, which being ready made perfect.
No Outlet, but we’re outta here. =)
Taken with my 50mm f1.4 lovely, sharp and honey of a lens, pointed at my reflection in a mirror.
I thought the sepia gives it a nice warm tone, to go along with my twinkling eyes.
A gray early evening sky after a mostly sunny day.
Karen’s pretty red car caught my eye as I pulled in next to it.
Of course, my camera was already out and ready to go.
Set exposure, focus and grab me.
I remembered to smile at the last second. =)
Easter Sunday dinner at Karen’s Mom & Dads. Both Karen and her Dad & Mom joined culinary forces for the feast.
Uncle Don had just made it back from his 3 months Wintering in Mexico.
It snowed! Unusual for Easter, but not unprecedented.
We stayed warm with good family, food and conversation.
The hotel is found at the corner of 4th and Jefferson streets in Springfield, IL. It houses a great new restaurant: Catie Girl, and apartments.
I notice that my angle is off on this. A bit hard to fix in camera, which is my only development tool for this, being as I’m at work tonight.
I love the reflected sunset, with the flare shining in several windows.
I’m having to stay at work to help with a server upgrade. I’m grateful that this is an infrequent occurrence
Some hand-held goodness.
Dig the mirror effect of my windows when the sun has gone down.
