Matt Laur

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. At our latitude, we're seeing lots of fiery colors in the deciduous trees, but other stuff is staying green and even bearing berries, of a sort. It's a good week for colors, so I suspect we'll see some this Nikon Wednesday, right?

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. Almost into gather-round-the-fire season here, so bringing back such a shot from a few years ago for this Nikon Wednesday. D810 with a 24-75/2.8, out a moving car window in the dark. So I got THAT going for me 🙂

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. Fall's sorta kinda here. But we still have leaves up. This is last autumn somewhere in Virginia just as the sun was headed down for the evening. Z9 with a 200-500, as I recall. That hilltop was a long way away. A good Nikon Wednesday to all!

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. Continuing my personal wayback tour this week, but don't feel obliged! This time, the roll of the dice lands me somewhere in Italy in 2007 (with a D200). Things just look different there.

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. Nikon may be retro-ing with their new FX, but I'm only going to retro back to when I was using a D600 (with a 16-35, in this case) for this Nikon Wednesday. Here, I was doing a sunrise business exterior shoot. We were waiting for the sun to come up, and had an Einstein monolight in a parabolic metal reflecting dish out in the parking lot up on a 20' mast to provide fill on the front of the business. That thing threw an amazing amount of light, more than enough to fill the shaded front of the building as the sun came up behind. At the time, Buff's remote control unit - a little primitive compared to current phone-app-based systems now - was a huge asset, in being able to remotely fiddle with the strobe up on that high stand. Some shots really are all about making light that isn't going to be right on its own. Nothing like heading to the site at 3:00AM to prep for one shot for a web site - but that's the glamor of doing commercial work!

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. Another Wayback Wednesday from me today, revisiting a file from the D300 (with the venerable 17-55), along with a bit of post production tone curve drama. Here's a firefighter's turnout gear waiting while he sleeps in the bunk room, hoping for a peaceful shift. Hope everyone's having a fine week, and looking forward to the usual images from far and wide. Go!

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. Thanks very much to Shun for launching last week's Nikon Wednesday. I'm still not entirely sure how I got talked into this once Jose decided to retire from the sport, but here some of us still are! So I thought I'd dig out a PN throwback of mine for this week. Used, I believe, a D300 and a Sigma 10-20. It was a lovely early evening in Venice over a decade ago. But that view, from that bridge, at that hour, has looked much the same for a very, very long time. Bring back a favorite this week, if you like - quite all right if it's been seen before!

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. Another throwback this week (been making project images for several weeks now without a camera - this is getting three-dimensionally serious!). 10 years or so ago with one of them old-fashioned digital Nikons that had a shutter on it!

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. A random pick from the past for this Wayback Wednesday, so it's no rules: go!

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. Got a little retro over the weekend, and instead of some fun target shooting, went a little more medieval. Have to say, throwing axes can be very gratifying once you get the hang of it. Next time, I'll try some dangerous-looking head-on angles with axes in flight. That will involve a long lens, needless to say. A good Nikon Wednesday to all!

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. A throwback, this Nikon Wednesday, using the roll-dice-throw-dart method. Here, we have a test shot from a vinyard visit. Ugh, hard sun at mid-day. Normally that 70-200/2.8 doesn't make such a mess of the OoF background. But, ugh! I call this Le Château de l'Horrible Bokeh. Share something better!

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. This week, a couple of outtakes from the puppy shoot last weekend. There are always a few of these moments, and they're the fun part. All talent-not-at-their-best shots welcome for this Nikon Wednesday: go!

We used a standard six foot folding table in our host’s living room. My wife handles the puppies while I shoot from a sitting position across the room using a 70-200/2.8 …. In this case around f/11 and at roughly 110mm. The Z9’s ability to brighten the viewfinder really helps in the sim modeling light glow between the strobes firing.

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. Every year or two our friends who breed stellar German Shorthaired Pointers will ask us to do a batch of portraits when the pups are at seven weeks old and about to go to their new homes. The new owners always love it, but it also serves as a developmental record (they are very serious about their breeding program). Here are some from the weekend's efforts. There are nine pups, so you don't get to see them all. It's a familiar three-light setup on gray paper, but the first time I've done with with the Z9 body. I'm here to tell you that body made the job much easier than ever before. So, it's a Canine Nikon Wednesday for me. Share some stuff!

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. A throwback, this week, to a product shoot a decade or so ago. Shot near an historical building along the Potomac River. The model was nearly carried off by the mosquitos, but never stopped smiling. What a trooper!

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. Fresh out of the very-not-fresh Wayback Wednesday random shot generator, we find ourselves in the D600 era, with the lovely Sigma 35/1.4 ... uh, taking a photo to amuse myself while filling a truck tire. I've since replaced that camera AND those tires. Nikon Wednesday, away!

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. We've now had ourselves a couple rounds of that thick smoke from the fires in Canada. Here's a shot of a canal inlet along the Potomac. It feels like twilight, but it's much earlier than that. The late afternoon sun was reduced to a molten smudge, seen in the water. Nikon Wednesday: Go!

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. OK, last of the recent air show shots, promise. I did like the wingtip vortices formed by this A-10's hard turn, though, so you have to see it too. For our next Nikon Wednesday, I'll do my best to round up something fresh! OK, off we go:

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. As threatened last Nikon Wednesday, another bit from a recent air show. I'll move on to something else soon, promise! So, carry on, and let's see 'em.

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. Sunday found me at one of the annual air shows we like to attend, and we were relatively lucky with the weather. I'll probably haunt this weekly thread with shots from this visit for a couple or three weeks, so apologies in advance - it's that time of year! Here we have the amazing F-35 Lightning being flown by accomplished pilot Captain Kristin "Beo" Wolfe from the Lightning demo team. She danced that machine around from barely moving to ripping by at 700mph, and made incredible moves that no earlier fighter could make. Very impressive to watch her work. Carry on, Nikon Wednesday!

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. This week I'm busy making images that don't even include a camera. Feels unnatural! So it's Wayback Wednesday, and the roll of the dice takes me to The D300/17-55 era, and a couple of mounted hunt test judges coming down a snowy trail in the Pennsylvania woods. Shaking off this early summer warmth and mugginess a bit, I suppose! Hope everyone's having a fine June, and looking forward to some photos.

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. Busy with other things this past week (I spent it on the Dark Side, learning to create photo-realistic 3D scenes for a commercial project into which we'll be dropping product images generated from 3D models ... but it all still starts with photographs, really!). So, it's Wayback Wednesday again. Here, an outtake from a 2015 landscape architecture project using the ol' D600 and 16-35. This little guy seemed to be following me around the place and wouldn't leave until I involved him in a couple of shots.

I’d say he was flying at about two hundred feet above ground, but I was on a hill that compensated by perhaps fifty feet. He was flying over the river about a quarter mile away, and then banked into a path that took him maybe a hundred yards right in front of us. That was hand held at f/7-ish if I recall, and about 1/1000th. I was using continual focus and the Z9 tracked it perfectly.

I was using a Z9, and the adapter for the mount.

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. It's the week before Memorial Day, so it's once again commissioning week at the Naval Academy here in nearby Annapolis. And that means as always that some rather high-profile alumni will be flying F18s up and down the Severn River to mark the occasion. Enter the Blue Angels. Today (Tuesday) was their practice run, with the formal flight demonstration happening tomorrow. It was a very high, gray sky - made for some challenging exposure choices as the fighters were quite backlit in mid-afternoon. Still, here are a few from the day - I can still hear those engines roaring out the freedom. The Z9's AF (with the 200-500/5.6) did a splendid job keeping up with these fast moving subjects. A good Nikon Wednesday to all, and let's see what everyone's been up to.