bruce g. collier

December 26, 2010

Hello, I've searched the archives but didn't come up with anything. Apologies if this has been answered before. What is the best week, or date range, in which to witness fall colors in the south of France, and specifically, in the Languedoc-Roussillon areas? Looking for when the plane trees are at their reddest. We are chartering a boat in the Canal di Midi in the fall of 2011, but our dates are flexible. If it's not too late, I'd optimize for the best fall colors (photography). Thanks in advance, Bruce Signature URL removed. Not allowed per photo.net Terms of Use.

May 16, 2009

Give Pro Photo Supply (<a href="http://www.prophotosupply.com/">http://www.prophotosupply.com/</a>), 800.835.3314 a call and ask if they stock those. They are one of the top professional photo stores in the city. About the biggest is Camera World downtown, 503-205-5900. Between the two, you should be able to find what you need.

Regards, Bruce

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May 16, 2009

Steven - the issue wasn't when I was handholding, rather when I was tripoding (is that a word)? I failed to understand the mechanics behind IS when no motion is present, and likewise failed to give these images a critical review in the field. Many were blurry because IS was enabled at these times. Not all, seemed random.

Eric, Thomas - thank you for the comments. Yes, I'm very pleased with my first real DSLR. It usually takes me a couple of tries to get something right, but luckily not this. :)

Regards, Bruce

May 16, 2009

Nick, stunning photography from an obviously beautiful country. Thank you for sharing. I especially like the tailor's scissors. The bokeh is fantastic - in camera or post process? I recently had my 5D Mk II in Italy and am likewise pleased with the results. Signature URL removed. Not allowed per photo.net Terms of Use.

May 15, 2009

Dennis - thank you; I appreciate the feedback!

Mark - I would venture to guess that DSLR is gaining on MF, and in some respects such as light sensitivity, even ahead now. However, I still see the 5D MII as a compliment to my film cameras. Nothing beats a well scanned 4x5 or 8x10, or even a 6x9 negative/slide. But the fact is, I did leave the MF rig home this trip, and this DSLR does things none of those cameras (really, the film) can do. Sure, would have loved to bring all three, but it was barely practical bringing the two.

Regards, Bruce

May 15, 2009

Okay, probably no new news to anyone here, but I can't say enough good things about the 5D MII. I recently finished a new gallery from some trips to Italy, and the last one I was fortunate enough to have brought my new-at-the-time 5D. The majority of images were taken with the EF24-105mm f/4L zoom, but I also used the EF100-400mm f/4.5L, TS-E24mm F/3.5L, and 85 mm f1.8 prime. Places visited included Venice, Murano/Burano/San Michele, Urbino, San Marino, San Leo, Assisi, Montalcino, Montepuliciano, Pienza, Siena, Tivoli, and of course, Rome.

<a href="http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleries/italy/level2_z_5dmii.htm">Canon EOS 5D Mark II Italy images</a>

Some background - I'm a film shooter and I normally tote a 4x5 large format and 6x7 or 6x9 medium format gear when I travel abroad. This time, I decided to leave the MF at home and bring this DSLR as I needed a camera that I could use in low-light situations such as church interiors, or anywhere tripods would be discouraged.

All shots were taken ISO 6400 or lower. At 6400, I had no problems shooting in the darkest interior handheld, and even the night photos of the Colosseum were shot by hand. Noise is manageable and does need some cleaning up (~ISO 2000 and above); but when I think of what I would have missed without this capability, not a problem.

About my only disappointment was not learning about IS during tripod useage before leaving, and learned the hard way once I got back home and viewed those images critically. That's really my fault, not the camera's.

No issue with the battery. Easily would have held up 2, maybe 3 days of all day use, but I would always top it off at night. After a full days shooting (say 300 images), it would take 30-40 mins to recharge.

All in all, I highly recommend this camera for travel. As long as you can contain yourself to one or two lenses tops, it makes for a fairly lightweight and small photography package.

Regards, Bruce

May 12, 2009

Jeff - I know what you're saying, but many of us don't have the opportunity but once in a lifetime. So, why not optimize for the best image capture one can manage be it financially or ergonomically or whatever? I'm not suggesting someone should have their eye glued to the viewfinder and miss the totality of the experience, just that a balance can and should be struck.

Spotmatics rock!

Regards, Bruce

<a href="http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleries/italy/level2_clr1.htm">Italy Travel Images</a>

May 9, 2009

Walter, with all that extra time, ample cash, and proximity to some great natural wonders, why not go large format? :) Seriously, the 5D Mark II is an extremly fine tool, and I wouldn't part with mine. I recently took it to Italy (and a 4x5) for the express purpose of using it in interior and other low-light situations where a tripod would not be allowed. It excels in this arena. And yes, if you do use it as such, you will routinely park it in the 800-6400 ISO range. I could hand hold it at nightfall even.

I could have cared less about the HD video feature when I bought it, but after having used it, wow.

Michael - I have not upgraded PS to CS4, but I do my conversion in DPP before piping it over to CS3. Yes, it's a slow process, but works.

Here are some Canon 5D Mark II samples:

<a href="http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleries/italy/level2_z_5dmii.htm">Canon 5D Mark II Images</a>

Regards, Bruce

May 8, 2009

I second the motion. Retouching techniques and other post-processing topics mixed in with questions around scanner software releases and favorite monitor recommendations is a bit overly broad.

May 8, 2009

First, relax about all the security worries. If you keep your wits about you and are concious of your camera gear at all times, you're 99% covered. Use common sense and listen to your instincts, and you'll be fine. Italy is no different than anywhere you've traveled. Like most places, it has its share of petty crime. A couple of specific tips - make sure someone stays with your camera bags at all times in public, put a chair leg through your bag straps when seated in large public areas, and make sure your bag is firmly attached to you when walking through areas that share motorbike/scooter access. Another good idea is to use a camera bag that doesn't yell "camera gear here".

Gypsies, pickpockets? I dunno, been many times, never seen a one. I still stick my wallet in front pocket, and move my backpack to my front on crowded trains, but again, just being aware of your environment will keep you out of trouble.

Tripods, I bring mine, but I never count on being able to use it. Many places won't allow you to bring one in, and if they do, sometimes they are impractical due to the crowds. Make sure yours is small, lights, and easily transportable.

Lastly, your images are perhaps even more important than your gear. Upload early, upload often.

Regards, Bruce

<a href="http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleries/italy/level2_clr1.htm">Italy Travel Images</a>

February 11, 2007

Try it now. I re-jpeg'd the most offending images. Larger file sizes, but better quality overall. Thanks for the input.

February 8, 2007

Take a day cruise through Ao Phang-Nga National Marine Park - it's other worldly. If you have time, take a smaller longtail through the mangroves.

Have a great trip - Thailand is fantastic.

Regards, Bruce

February 8, 2007

Thanks, Alberto, for checking the site out and especially the comments.

Regarding the posterization, the scans are actually good - it's the jpeg conversion that causes that. I try to balance the quality vs. the file size (load time), but I don't always strike it.

Bruce

February 6, 2007

Thanks, Stephen. No, have never been to Cambodia but it is high on my list. The ruins you reference are from the Isan province of eastern Thailand which has a number of Great Khmer ruins along the border with Cambodia.

Regards, Bruce

February 6, 2007

Hi All,

Just finished posting a gallery of travel photos from a recent trip to

Turkey. Destinations included Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Termessos,

Dogubayazit, Van, Nemrut, and a host of others.

Images are primarily medium-format, but there are a number of large-format

(4x5) shots as well. The following link is a sample, but if you are

interested in further exploration, you can use the pull-down on the left

labeled 'Turkey', and navigate from there. The 'all' gallery is subject-

ordered, but extremely large.

<a

href="http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleries/turkey/level2_sample.htm">Turke

y Images</a>

I welcome your valuable feedback.

What a fantastic country.

Regards, Bruce

February 9, 2006

If B/W is your preferred film type, and you are familiar with the AE-1, you should go with what you know. If you're wanting to try a new film in a new camera, great, but definitely familiarize yourself with this set-up and test a few rolls before you leave. You are going to a spectacular area, so don't leave things to chance.

When I went, I shot mainly color in an SLR and B/W in a rangefinder. At the time, I preferred color and that is what I was familiar with. I was there in December and the skies were dull and featureless, probably due to dust in the air. I would recommend a polarizer for color film and perhaps an orange filter for your b/w. A neutral gradient filter might be a good idea, too. Also, I don't recommend bringing a tripod if a good portion of your trip will involve seeing the ancient sites. You won't be allowed to use them in the temples and complexes for the most part (although around the pyramids will be fine). I brought a small towel and would prop my camera up on available walls, rocks, etc. A beanbag support would also work.

Regards, Bruce

February 2, 2006

Same experience as Craig: three cameras, no fees, no problems.

As you know, it's quite humid there most places. I found it useful to bring some fresh desiccant packets in my bag. They won't do much while you're outside, but they will help in dehumidifying your gear back at the hotel.

Regards, Bruce

February 2, 2006

No, never had any problems with mirror slap. When I hand hold, I definitely try to keep the shutter speed 1/250 sec or higher. This doesn't work too well in the early morning or late afternoon, so I will drop down to 1/60 if I have to. Most blur comes from mis-focusing at my end. The camera is heavy, but I have a speed grip that seems to help. Great camera for the most part.

Regards, Bruce

January 30, 2006

Thank you, everyone, for the comments and suggestions.

Rajiv - for this trip, I brought a converted Polaroid 110b with 4x5 back. Lens is the original, built-in 127 mm Ysarex. Very convenient for travel, but lacking in any bells and whistles. I did get some attention at the Taj, but only because they thought it was a video camera and thus, I believe, subject to a higher special fee. I was there right as it opened. There was about a 10 min period where, if you hustled, could get the front sans people. The shots from across the Yamuna were with a tripod, but those in the complex were handheld.

Craig - thanks for the input. I've considered arranging the galleries in a more logical fashion, including by destination, but I keep coming back to adage that you have 15 secs to draw someone in. So, I arrange my images starting with those I feel are strongest. What I'd really like is some sort of pull-down option that allows one to display by: chronology, location, artist choice, etc. I definitely lack the html and programming skills to pull this off.

Del - For web postings, I use a CanoScan 2400 and scan 600 dpi. I process both the original and the resized JPEG, applying a bit of sharpening at each phase. I did a lot of testing early on to find the right combination for best display in a browser.

January 29, 2006

Hi All,

Recently returned from a journey through India, primarily Rajasthan,

but also fit in Agra, Varanasi, Delhi, and the magical Kumarakom area

in Kerala. Primarily medium format, some images are large format

(4x5) and a few digital.

<a

href="http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleries/india/level2_all.htm">

India Travel Photos</a>

Comments or suggestions appreciated.

Regards, Bruce

June 28, 2005

As long as your gear is going to be with you during the actual transportation phase, then many of these ultra-padded backpacks are overkill (and heavy). I have a couple of fantastic Lowepro packs when I have to get a lot of gear to a place where I don't always know how I will be traveling. But if I were carrying my camera on a business trip, I'd opt for something smaller and lightweight.

Have you looked into the Tamrac 750? I use one for my G617. It fits like a glove and I can put lightmeters, filter packs, and other accessories in the cavities. The "lid" of the pack is also a storage area that you can put a lot of stuff in there (film), and you get two side pouches and a front pouch, too. If that is a little too small, look into their 752. It's a very comfortable fit. Good luck.

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December 14, 2004

Like MacGregor, I'm also a big fan of central Oregon. I spend a lot of time shooting landscapes there and prefer it to the wooded areas that dominate west of the cascades. The Willamette Valley is very nice and is loaded with great old towns and farms, and even a number of covered bridges still in use. The Columbia Gorge is well tread terrain, but a don't-miss all the same. And the coast truly is second to none.

Personally, I would spend a couple days in Portland to photograph the city's architectural sights (and for street shooting), then do a massive loop that includes all of the aforementioned areas. Very doable in 10 days. And yes, it will rain some of the time.

November 13, 2004

Hi Cristina,

Thank you very much for the nice comments. Glad I could help. Regarding what I used in terms of lenses, equipment, film, etc., click on the 'Info' button to the right of any photo and a pop-up will show you the details. I was shooting 35 mm at the time and was a fan of Kodak Gold 100, so most the color shots were with this. It's fairly saturated on its own. I also shot a bunch of Vevia 50, but for whatever reason, I didn't end up liking to many of these, so few are posted. If I were to return, I would bring an assortment of Portra 400UC and 160VC for color print, Velvia 100F for slide. For B/W, Fuji's sublime Acros 100. But, I'd also bring a bunch of Kodak's BW400, their T400CN replacement, for handheld work.

The lens on "Dawn #9, Cairo, 1999" was a 15 mm fisheye. It's a specialty lens, of course, so definitely something I wouldn't bring if I were looking to lighten the load. But I would suggest something in the 24-32 mm range.

That said, I highly recommend that you only bring what you are already familiar with and like. You are around a month away from the trip and unless you're willing to do some experimentation now, go with with what you know. I go on each trip with a "once-in-a-lifetime" mentatility (and hope it's not), so I don't introduce any new variables. This lets you focus on the things you can't know ahead of time such as lighting and composition, instead of on equipment and film. And, bring only what you will absolutely need. The experience is far more important than the photos, IMO, and I'd much rather come home with fewer images than fewer memories.

My $0.02.

Regards, Bruce

<a href="http://www.brucegcollier.com">www.brucegcollier.com</a>

November 12, 2004

I was in Egypt in December a few years back. At the time, Cairo/Giza skies were hazy. Not sure if it was from smog or from dust coming off the desert, maybe both. It made for poor daytime landscapes but fantastic sunrise/sunsets. The further south you head (I'm assuming you'll do a Nile tour), the clearer the skies got.

I would definitely recommend the polarizer and ND grad filters. I'm not partial to enhancers or colorized grad filters, but the latter might be useful to pump up any lifeless, hazy skies.

As for the tripod, I wouldn't bother. Officially, you can't bring them in to the sites (but a little baksheesh will go a long ways...), and they are a hassle with people around. At places like the Pyramids, you'd be fine, but then you have to deal with sand. I left mine at home and brought a small towel to prop up the camera for night shots. Worked great. High-speed film, yes, for inside temples, burial chambers, museums and such. If you want to see how my shots came out:

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September 8, 2004

My G617 came with a Fuji 1-stop center ND filter. I got it used, but it sure looks like the factory filter.

Regards, Bruce

<a href="http://www.brucegcollier.com">www.brucegcollier.com</a>

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