tim_mulholland

Greetings! I received my Light L16 about ten days ago and have written the following review of it for anyone who might be interested in this new type of camera: Light L16 Camera Hands-on Review – a different kind of camera! Enjoy, Tim!

<p>Sanjay -</p> <p>FYI: <br> http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-67-500mm-F5.6-Lens.html</p> <p>Tim!</p>

<p>Sanjay - </p> <p>Here's my opinion, experience...</p> <p>I've worked with the Pentax 6x7, 67 and 67II, using the 135 f/4 macro lens, along with the extension tubes and the autobellows, in the past. I've not used the 105 macro, but have wanted to use it. I now use a Pentax 645Z with this combination of lenses, extension tubes and bellows, but not frequently.</p> <p>I feel that these combinations of equipment are difficult to use - but you don't have a lot of choice if you've already made the choice to work with the Pentax 67 system. I find it very difficult to create photographs that have, what I believe to be, a desirable amount of sharpness/focus and are reasonably well lit.</p> <p>As you're aware, the Pentax 67II is a heavy beast of a camera body. It needs to be very securely mounted on a tripod that can handle its weight. The 135 macro is not a light lens, but it's not heavy, either. Working with this combination on a tripod is readily doable. Once you feel competent with this system, then start working with the extension tubes...</p> <p>Now, add in the extension tubes. The additional length of this combination means that any shake in the system is magnified - you need mirror up on the body, aperture set on your lens and a cable release (but, that's true for using just the lens alone). With the low amount of light that gets through the system, it's difficult to focus. In this situation, I typically use a lot of added, continuous light on the scene - it could be a flashlight, lightbulb and I've even used mirrors reflecting sunlight. With the advent of LED lighting, it's now easier to light the scene and not heat your subject (if that's critical).</p> <p>Finally, let's put the auto bellows into the mix. Yes, they can be found on eBay, every once in awhile. Expect to pay $300 to $500 US, I'm guessing. Now the whole system is even longer and more prone to shaking. I use a second tripod - one for the heavy camera body and one to support the bellows. Trying to move, manage and focus this system is difficult, as I hope that you can manage. And, getting enough light through the system so that you might be able to see to focus the lens or focus using the bellows' various tools is difficult. More continuous light is needed. In all of these approaches, it is very useful and possible to use a strobe/flash or more than one, with reflectors, but that 1/30th sync speed can be problematic because of all of the possible shake in the system - anchor the camera and bellow securely! :) </p> <p>I'm NOT trying to dissuade you, not at all. I AM trying to give you information so that you walk into this with your eyes wide open. ;) Based on what I know and what I've done in the past, I *know* that it's difficult and frustrating with a Pentax 67II because you don't see your results for a week or so. It's still difficult and frustrating with the 645Z, but at least I get immediate results and can figure out how to adjust by subject, focus and lighting. Even though I have the bellows, I use it only once every other year or so. I can usually get reasonable results with the 135 lens and the extension tubes. I say this mostly because I feel that I rarely get decent results adding in the bellows - there's just too much going on that I need to control and my abilities to control all of these variables haven't been sufficiently refined. If I shot a LOT with the bellows, I believe that I'd be better as I'd figure out to improve my lighting possibilities. For example, I do not own a ring flash and that would make a significant difference. By the same token, I'm usually using multiple flash units and reflectors, so my possibilities are close/similar, I'd like to think.</p> <p>I had a quick-turnaround job a couple of months ago where a possible client wanted a detailed macro image of an eye - especially the iris detail. It was very, very difficult. I added a LOT of light to my eye and my daughter's eye while trying to take these shots and it was hard not to blink. I couldn't really see well through the whole system to focus decently because of the low light levels. Every time I'd even lightly touch anything - the camera body, the lens, the bellows - it seemed that I'd mess something up. I must have taken a hundred shots and got five to ten that were decent, and none that were really satisfying to me or the client. HOWEVER, it was a really cool opportunity and I really enjoyed seeing the results. I was amazed at how much detail I could capture in the iris that I'd never noticed before - IT WAS SO COOL!!! :)</p> <p>I would LOVE to hear from someone else who has had better experiences with the bellows so that I might learn how to better use mine...</p> <p>Good luck,</p> <p>Tim!</p>

<p>Mathew -</p> <p>I've used the 645D and 645Z for the past several years. I've had very good results with my Acratech ball head and a Benro CF tripod. It appears that the current version of the tripod that I'm using is: http://www.benrousa.com/products/benro-tad28c.aspx</p> <p>And, as always, YMMV...</p> <p>Good luck,</p> <p>Tim!</p>

<p>My thought, since I'm not a lawyer, is that you need as many releases as necessary to avoid legal problems.</p> <p>That being said, if you have had your models sign a blanket release that covers their likeness for the rest of their lives, like it sounds like Ian is doing, then you may be fine. But, my approach is more like John's - every time that I'm in a different situation, I prepare a new model release. My MRs are date and location specific.</p> <p>My $0.02 worth and I'm not a lawyer...</p>

<p>John -</p> <p>Here's my $0.02 worth...</p> <p>I've only been to Lower Antelope Canyon (three times) and I really enjoy it there. It's a narrow slot and if you're on a tour, then you might have to move more than you want. But, you can also "buy" the photographer's pass for a few dollars more and I believe that the guides are much more accommodating. On your tour, let everyone else go ahead and be patient. You'll definitely need a tripod.</p> <p>http://photoshelter.timmulholland.com/gallery/Antelope-Canyon/G0000BtBgEToVLpk</p> <p>I've wanted to go to Water Holes Canyon (a.k.a., "Secret Canyon") to shoot, but haven't made it - yet. You can access the lower part of Water Holes Canyon just south of Horseshoe Bend, off of Highway 89, with a permit that you can obtain from LeChee House (just south of Page), but you'll need to go on the tour to see Upper Water Holes Canyon/Secret Canyon. http://navajonationparks.org/permits.htm</p> <p>I've been to Horseshoe Bend once and went in the later afternoon and had good light.</p> <p>Page is full of chain hotels - not to worry. Also, I'd recommend a meal at Fiesta Mexicana - I've been there several times. Fun, good food. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60834-d577443-Reviews-Fiesta_Mexicana-Page_Arizona.html</p> <p>Regarding the South Rim. If you're willing to get up early, hike a mile (one way) on a path (not maintained) and do your research, then I'd highly recommend going to Shoshone Point for sunset or sunrise. I've been there three times over the years. It's away from the crowds and it's different - you won't have the same shot as everyone else. Shoshone Point is where the rangers go for their quiet, fun times on the South Rim, and many couples go there for their wedding ceremonies. There are no fences there (the last that I knew), just a few picnic tables, maybe a ramada, and a PortaPottie. I'm hoping that this info will help you locate it on Google Earth:<br> Shoshone Point<br />-112.059085772228<br /> 36.04509448111661<br />-112.0591055903369,36.04540758890469,0<br />Off of the main road, the last that I knew there was just a small, nondescript parking area. Most folks drive right past it because it's not marked.</p> <p>Frankly, there are hundreds of other places that you could visit in this area; you could spend weeks and months there. I'd focus on what you've set your heart on. You have no idea of all of the beautiful places that you'll be driving right by (ignorance is bliss!). If you've not been to the Grand Canyon before... OMG... It's my favorite place on earth... I've only been there a dozen times or more...</p> <p>Good luck,</p> <p>Tim!</p>

<p>Hi Manoj,</p> <p>With all of the warm weather, the Ice Caves are now closed. Actually, they were open only briefly this year. I hope that you were able to make it last weekend or sooner...</p> <p>Tim!</p>

<p>Greetings, Lara!</p> <p>I used a Pentax 6x7/67/67II system for many years, including with studio strobes.</p> <p>If I remember correctly, you actually have two options. First, you may buy a Pentax PC socket to shoe adapter for your flash grip. The benefit of that approach is so that you can directly connect your camera to an on-camera flash, as well as if you're trying to synch via an optical slave.</p> <p>And, as with (most) any other camera, you can connect the PC socket directly to the studio strobe or a slave. This is what I would do, and skip trying to find the special Pentax adapter - it's a simpler approach and just as effective. You should be able to go to your camera store or the studio where you worked and find the correct cable, which should have a PC connector on one end and then the appropriate strobe connector on the other end.</p> <p>Good luck,</p> <p>Tim!</p>

<p>David - <br> I apologize for being slow to respond - life in the vast lane...<br> I lived in Invercargill, NZ for a year and, frankly, I think that any time is good to visit, but I do have to agree with the general recommendation of autumn in New Zealand. Most Kiwis are on their summer vacation between Christmas and roughly early February. The new school year just started there on 2 Feb 2015. After the Kiwis head home, then there are smaller crowds at many of the places that you might want to visit. No matter where you're likely to go, you just won't find the kinds of crowds that you find at the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, or Yellowstone. Yes, there can be some busy places, such as Queenstown, but once you get out into the parks, etc., you'll feel quite alone. And, it's also useful to think like a Kiwi - it's going to rain, so get used to it, even with your camera. NZ has some of the most beautiful clouds that I've ever seen - they're just amazing!<br> There's just too much to try to tell you in a brief posting like this. That's why I've gone the extra kilometer... :) <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/new-zealand/id889656551?mt=11">New Zealand - A Traveler's & Photographer's Paradise</a><br> Enjoy and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.<br> Tim!</p>

<p>John - </p> <p>I've recently been through a similar experience - and I'm horrible at marketing. :) I created a Facebook page for my book and that has been helpful - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NZ.Photographers.Paradise?ref=bookmarks">New Zealand</a></p> <p>I know that my suggestion will be quite different from what others have suggested and so take it with a grain of salt. I had wanted to publish a photo book for many years, but I heard too many horror stories from photographers who had done so - the thousands of dollars that they'd spent actually printing the book and then how many copies they still had in their inventory. One friend is (the last that I knew) carting around copies of all three of his books in boxes in the back of his car, so that he has them available when someone is interested. I just couldn't justify, in my mind, on my budget and not being known the actual physical publishing of a book.<br> So, I created a fixed-layout ePub using Adobe InDesign. In my calculus, this allowed me to create my book *and* "publish" it with minimal publishing fees. Learning InDesign sufficiently for my needs wasn't that difficult. In fact, when I prepared the book in April/May/June, 2014, the biggest difficulty was translating the InDesign file into the actual ePub. The most recent version of InDesign (2014) should make this conversion much easier. I spent about a month deconstructing my ePub, fixing it, and then reconstructing it before I got it to the final version.<br> Now, the book is available on iTunes/iBooks, and Apple is "doing" the marketing, if you will. I also do my own marketing to help push sales along. I also look at my effort as a learning opportunity and an experiment; I have a dream of creating another book in a similar fashion.<br> The following link should get you to my book on iTunes: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/new-zealand/id889656551?mt=11">New Zealand - A Traveler's & Photographer's Paradise</a><br> Again, my approach may not be what you had in mind, but it's an alternative that may have some appeal to you.</p> <p>Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions - Tim@TimMulholland.com<br> Good luck,<br> Tim!</p> <p> </p>

<p>Mark,</p> <p>Here are my suggestions:</p> <p>http://www.timmulholland.com/2014/12/11/tutorial-how-to-create-a-digital-panoramic-photograph-part-i-of-iii/</p> <p>http://www.timmulholland.com/2014/12/15/tutorial-how-to-create-a-digital-panoramic-photograph-part-ii-of-iii/</p> <p>http://www.timmulholland.com/2014/12/19/tutorial-how-to-create-a-digital-panoramic-photograph-part-iii-of-iii/</p> <p>Tim!</p>

<p>Kia Ora!<br> <img src="http://www.timmulholland.com/wordpress1/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Book-Marketing-Image-small-.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>I've just "published" my first photography books on iTunes. You can find it at this link:</p> <p> <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/new-zealand/id889656551?mt=11">http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/new-zealand/id889656551?mt=11</a></p> <p>To view this eBook, you’ll need an iPad, iPhone, iPod or Mac computer that uses Apple’s iBooks software.</p> <p>I've wanted to publish a book like this for quite some time. Over the years, I've watched photographer friends publish their real, physical and beautiful photography books at great expense, as in thousands of dollars just for the printing costs. However, many copies of those beautiful books remain sitting in storage areas, and these photographers have invested a great deal of money and not recouped their expenses. (Or, as a friend in New Zealand - the copies were in his car trunk/boot, which was his sales office.) Also, I've worked on numerous publications and reports over my years and always felt that there was a deeper, richer way to use digital channels to distribute photographs. With the sales that I've seen so far, at least I feel like I'm a bit more successful with my investment. </p> <p>This eBook is a fixed-layout EPUB (EPUB 3.0) created in the newest version of Adobe InDesign CC 2014. This is a digital book and I have no intention of printing physical copies, as a great deal of the utility of the book (i.e., the hyperlinks) would be lost, as well as the ability to readily zoom in on the pages. This EPUB is specifically designed for viewing on an iPad with the iBooks software, and also looks *great* on a Mac.</p> <p>Beyond the technical aspects of this eBook, it shares the extensive, awe-inspiring beauty of New Zealand in its many forms – light & dark, dry & wet, high & low. New Zealand is a country that’s difficult to comprehend, just as it is similarly difficult to comprehend a desert, through a book. But, I hope that this publication, the variety of photographs and the numerous links to New Zealand travel and tourism resources will help the reader to better “experience” New Zealand, prepare for their travels in Aotearoa, and savor their own memories of travel throughout New Zealand. Using an iPad or computer as the display and reading platform for this publication creates in many viewers a WOW experience similar as to what they might experience with an equivalent landscape photography coffee table book, along with the resources to take with you on your New Zealand travels. Another exciting aspect of publishing in this medium is that younger people who view this book are taken with the use of the hyperlinks and the ability to easily navigate within the book, as well as to the various New Zealand resources.</p> <p>I wanted to share my "experiment." I'm looking forward to how it unfolds and how it's received by the public.</p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Tim!<br> Tim Mulholland/Illuminata Photo<br> Fitchburg, WI<br> TimMulholland.com</p>