john_wolf2

<p>Just found this post. I shoot square exclusively (<a href="http://www.johnwolfphoto.com">www.johnwolfphoto.com</a>) until recently with a 5DII. LiveView offers a grid that indicates a square aspect ratio. I did not like that much. So I bought an Eg-S screen and had Maxwell Precision Optics etch two vertical gridlines that form a square. It's perfect.<br>

Incidentally, I no longer shoot with a 5DII, but still have the screen. If any of your 5DII square lovers are interested, send me an email at johnwolf@earthlink.net.<br>

John</p>

<p>I also use an L358 with a 5DII, but I use solid ND filters (for long exposures). I would think an incident reading and checking the histogram would be all you need. Even with a spot meter I'd be checking the histogram, so what would be the point? Why add complexity when everything you need is there in the histogram?<br>

John</p>

<p>Thanks, everyone. I agree about the editing. I wanted to reduce it by another 10 or so pictures, but couldn't decide and the deadline came. Lame excuse, I know.</p>

<p>Charlie, I think there are two pictures at the park across the street from the beach. Close enough for my intention, and at least somewhat in the spirit of beach life. </p>

<p>Again, thanks for responding.</p>

<p>John</p>

<p>I wanted to share that I just posted my completed 2010 SoFoBoMo PDF project on a street/beach theme.<br>

Have a look at it on the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://sofobomo.org/book-412-The-Road-Ends-in-Water">SoFoBoMo web site</a>. Give it fifteen seconds or so to open. Comments welcome, as always.<br>

John</p>

<p>The Art Institute itself is a nice place to shoot. The HCB show starts July 25. Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and all along the lake are full of people all summer. Nights at Millennium Park are wonderful.</p>

<p>I've never done it, but folks say the architecture boat tour is pretty good. I have taken the architecture kayak tour on the Chicago River, and it was great.</p><div></div>

<p>Agree on the 24-105. But I also like Ben's suggestion. I've been many times and taken SLRs. Next time I'd probably get a GF1, the 20mm, and kit zoom. That's about the cost of a 24-105.</p>

<p>Had a little problem with my photo post. Here it is.</p><div></div>

<p>I like Daniel's color palatte vary much -- the muted grays, browns, and flesh colors. Remindes me of some contemporary paintings. (This is picky, but I think the black border takes away from the photo.) Quite a curious moment also, with the women so obviously engaged with each other, and the strange figure between them. Odd that they are wearing warm clothing and he is shirtless. The strong vertical line is nice, too. Over all, I find this a compelling picture.</p>

<p>I shot a bit in Ginza and really enjoyed it. Go on a Sunday when the main street is closed to traffic. Very lively with lots of people.</p><div></div>

<p>Jamie,<br>

I can't offer a technical solution, but your project reminds me of Harvey Keitel's character, Auggie, in Smoke. Really nice film. <br>

Check out this YouTube clip from the movie: <a href="

The reference to Ellen is the William Hurt character's wife, who was killed a few years earlier in a bank robbery.<br>

Sorry for the OT reference; just thought you might enjoy it.</p>

<p>John</p>

<p>Mark, I like the pictures very much, but I'm honestly torn about their nature as documentary. They seem more like a collection of individual photographs to me. Maybe it's the editing, but more likely for me it's the post-processing. The high structure effect, coloring, and vignetting seem counter to documentary work. To my eye, some seem more about the post work than the content. I found myself wondering what the scenes really looks like. But I understand the need for a diversion and some experimentation, and I'm sure the BW collection will tell the real story. <br>

John</p>

<p>I actually like these kinds of lists, although the spirit of them always seems more valuable than the letter.</p>

<div></div>

<p>David's large groups post got me thinking that I like shooting smaller groups in large spaces. Something about the way the all the little forms come together on a big backdrop. -- John</p><div></div>

<p>Gary,<br>

I don't have a 5DII, but out of curiosity, I tried it on the 5D. It works as you describe: the camera LCD displays the file only if preferences are set to store the file on both. Otherwise it previews only on the computer monitor.<br>

John</p>

Jon, If you're really set on emulating Bruce Gilden and his close, one-handed style, the choice is obvious: wide and light weight.

 

But I'm really curious what appeals to you about his style? Seems like such an unpleasant way to spend the day.

Stephanie, You might consider purchasing a diffuser for your 580 EX II, and also practice using fill flash. I

have a Demb DFD and really like it. Many people like Gary Fong's diffusers. For little cost, this will make a big

difference in your pictures at dusk and under the trees. You can favor ambient light, but fill the shadows in the

eyes, etc.

 

John

Thanks, Bob. That makes sense.

 

Ben, I'll check with my daughter on used. I think she'd prefer new.

Amazon sells it for for $176 and says it ships in one or two months? Anyone else?

 

- John

Anyone seen this lens available anywhere in the US? Thanks.

 

John

I re-read "The Tao of Photography" every once in a while and always find something valuable. I especially like the concepts of aimless wandering, receptivity, and constricted vs. unconstricted awareness. Our seeing does indeed tend to become patterned, so whatever open us more is good.

 

The comparisons between the photographer and the enlightened Taoist sage are a stretch for me. But the principles by themselves would be helpful to anyone's photography (and life), I think. But I'm a long-time meditator, so whenever someone tries to link photography and expanded awareness, I'm in.

 

John Loori's "Zen and Creativity" is also very good.

 

I've taken a Miksang workshop, which employs similar attitudes and practices. I really like their emphasis on openness and responding to what they call "the flash of perception." But I really wonder how open the Miksang mindset is when most so-called Miksang photographs look so similar.

Nacho, Maybe the lack of response to your post is the response. I expect most would agree it's better to shoot what touches us and let the pictures suffice as an explanation.

Hansen, Are you aware that Sigma just announced a 50 1.4? I have not seen any reviews yet, and I could not even find size/weight specs. But it might be worth waiting a bit. I have the Canon 1.4. It's fine but not stellar. --John

One more thing. On the lens choice, since you have most focal lengths covered, why not rent something distinctive, such as an ultra wide or 85 1.2? Just for a new experience.

Agree with the above. There are two Calumet's in my area. Always reliable and helpful. I've also rented from them. A great outfit.

Sergio, It's hard to gauge the scope of the M8's reliability problems from internet discussions. But I visit this forum, RFF, and LUF enough to know there really are many reported problems, especially with shutter failure and electrical issues that appear to be related to the battery.

 

I had one for a year without a single incident. It was wonderful. But I would not buy another without a warranty.

 

Have you considered a demo with warranty? To me the warranty would definitely be worth the extra few hundred in cost. But now that I think about it, for me this would not apply to just the M8. I'm not sure I would buy any digital body without a warranty.