Trixology

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: xairbusdriver on April 29, 2016, 04:58:56 PM

Title: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 29, 2016, 04:58:56 PM
Just ran across some tips and suggestions for using whatever weather you have to help make great images. I know that many here are avid photographers and probably already know these tips. This photographer concentrates on landscapes and so has to deal with what the weather throws at her. She can explain things quite well in simple terms even a 'arm-chair' photographer can understand.  [tup]
http://annemckinnell.com/2016/03/09/how-to-photograph-weather/?utm_source=Anne+McKinnell+Photography+Newsletter&utm_campaign=b25c9a576f-April_2016_Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1505b02a04-b25c9a576f-325349725 (http://annemckinnell.com/2016/03/09/how-to-photograph-weather/?utm_source=Anne+McKinnell+Photography+Newsletter&utm_campaign=b25c9a576f-April_2016_Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1505b02a04-b25c9a576f-325349725)
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: The Grand Poohbah on April 29, 2016, 09:03:08 PM
Thanks for the link. I just bought a used Sony Alpha-6000 and am re-energizing my 35mm instincts. These modern cameras are even more complicated than my iPhone.
Title: Thanks for the link - pre SLR though (Re: Photography and weather)
Post by: elagache on April 30, 2016, 12:51:42 AM
Dear X-Air, Grand, and WeatherCat shutterbugs, (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/camera_small.gif)

Quote from: xairbusdriver on April 29, 2016, 04:58:56 PM
Just ran across some tips and suggestions for using whatever weather you have to help make great images. I know that many here are avid photographers and probably already know these tips. This photographer concentrates on landscapes and so has to deal with what the weather throws at her. She can explain things quite well in simple terms even a 'arm-chair' photographer can understand.  [tup]

Okay thanks it was interesting, but alas I can tell this woman was directing her comments toward the "point and shoot" crowd.  If you want to photograph weather and have an SLR (or DSLR) one of the first things you'll want is a circular polarizing filter.  It makes cloud effects much more dramatic.

If you really want to stick to your iPhone but want a polarizing filter, you can buy it:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/900555-REG/B_W_651074941_Smart_Pro_Circ_Pol_Filter.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/900555-REG/B_W_651074941_Smart_Pro_Circ_Pol_Filter.html)

Hmm, is this a good or bad thing??? .. . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/scratch_head.gif)

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 30, 2016, 01:18:01 AM
I seem to remember her mentioning polarizing filters for two specific weather 'problem' areas; just after a rain and clouds. I may be wrong about the two 'events' but she definitely doesn't speak to the "point & shoot" crowd.

If you already have a portfolio, you'll may already know everything in that one article. But most professionals like to hear how others work and often pick up new tricks or ideas.

If you are a "Point and Shoot" type, you can still benefit from her discussing how she approaches and studies her 'subject' before even taking any camera out of a bag. And many of her ideas/tips apply to any camera, even what you have on a 'smart' phone, not just expensive DSLR's. I've heard that the best camera is the one you have with you! [lol]

I enjoy reading her short emailed tips, even if I don't have time to exercise her techniques. I don't even have time to read her blogs very often! I simply like her way of simplifying some details and admire her ability to travel and enjoy the the images she captures! Only hope to share that with others here. :)
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: Steve on April 30, 2016, 04:30:31 PM
That was a nice article, @Xairbusdriver, and a good review of techniques for varying conditions. @Edouard, I'm not sure how you got a point-n-shoot bias from the article. She was talking about using depth of field, adjusting shutter speed and aperture, using wide angle lenses, and did mention using a polarizer. several things she mentioned are not features available on basic P&S cameras.

I dod have a couple circular polarizers, but use them sparingly. While they do make some scenes quite dramatic, their use is sometimes too obvious and artificial. Like any technique or tool, it has its place.
Title: The peril's of skim reading (Re: Photography and weather)
Post by: elagache on April 30, 2016, 10:56:09 PM
Dear X-Air, Steve, and WeatherCat shutterbugs,

Sorry guys, I got on the forum rather late yesterday and I really had to skim though that photography article.  :-[

So I missed those details.  My bad.  :(

One thing I've been looking for and never found is a technique to capture the appearance of raindrops falling from the sky.  Once more I've never searched very hard, but I'm curious, are you guys aware of any way to catch falling drops on "film"?

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 01, 2016, 01:16:43 AM
For streaks of falling drops, Ms. McKinnell suggests as slow a shutter speed as possible. If you just want 'stationary' drops, the settings could be more 'normal. The problem I see is the lighting. I'd suggest some rather strong back lighting (Sun?) but some fairly dark/shadowy/shaded background. One problem is with a slow shutter, one probably have to use a smaller f stop which may make the depth of field so deep that the background becomes too detailed and distracting. I'd think a light shower would be better than a flash-flood downpour, also! Too many drops might make it difficult to see individual drops. Probably best not to be standing in the rain, either... [banghead] [WCSmall]

Now for specifically 'catch[ing] falling drops on "film"', I'd suggest using at least 35mm. 16mm is just too narrow unless it's raining pretty hard. 8mm is simply too hard to hold when it gets wet, even with gloves. I'm not sure why you want to do this, anyway. I collect rain drops by diverting some of my gutter downspouts into a large container to replenish my fish pond.
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Poly%20Bottle_zpsaclvsont.jpg)
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: Steve on May 01, 2016, 04:01:12 AM
Rain is tough. As airx said, for streaks, a slow shutter speed captures the blur, but it isn't really satisfying. For stationary drops I find you need a really fast shutter speed or you'll get short streaks. Thing is, when it is raining, it isn't very bright, so you need a wide open large diameter lens, and then the shallow depth of field comes into play. It looks more like fog or just a bad photo in my attempts. I was going to post some examples, but I guess I tossed them...

Set up a sprinkler and experiment to see what you can get.
Title: Guess it doesn't rain here enough (Re: Photography and weather)
Post by: elagache on May 01, 2016, 11:23:19 PM
Dear X-Air, Steve, and WeatherCat shutterbugs,

Oh well, at least I haven't overlooked something obvious.  I suppose I wouldn't be so interested in photographing rain . . . if it wasn't relatively rare in these parts!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 02, 2016, 12:35:35 AM
Another way might be to have a decorative container or even a large puddle and get down and close to capture the splashes. You could even use your flash to catch some of the 'crowns' in the early stages of the splash formation. <High Speed droplet photography (http://www.penguinslab.com/water.htm)> I guess this is the quickest way...
If you're really looking for some <unique images... (https://iso.500px.com/high-speed-water-drop-photography-tutorial/)>
But here is the <Ultimate Tutorial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrIZp7HG7Jo)> with time-lapse video of how to do this professionally! I dare you to sit through this captivating movie till the end! [rolleyes2] [cheer] [banghead]
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 02, 2016, 10:19:59 PM
OK, just to make you drool over how much more rain we have... Note that the "rain" doesn't show, just its 'impacts' with the pond water. This may be due to the very light precip as opposed to anything else. I'm pretty sure there actually were rain drops falling...

(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Wet_Water_zpsuicedw9c.jpg)
1/60, ?2.8, 109mm, ISO:200

(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Water_Mushroom_zpsw7pundur.jpg)
1/80, ?2.8, 290mm, ISO:200

(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Suspended_zpsfpd9btwx.jpg)
1/80, ?2.8, 290mm, ISO:200

Panasonic DMC-FZ200 dSLR
Title: Splashes can be captured - why not rain? (Re: Photography and weather)
Post by: elagache on May 02, 2016, 11:39:13 PM
Dear X-Air and WeatherCat Shutterbugs,

Quote from: xairbusdriver on May 02, 2016, 10:19:59 PM
OK, just to make you drool over how much more rain we have... Note that the "rain" doesn't show, just its 'impacts' with the pond water. This may be due to the very light precip as opposed to anything else. I'm pretty sure there actually were rain drops falling...

 [wink] . . . . Oh yeah, rub it in won't you!  . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/desert-smiley.gif)

Seriously, I've noticed that splashes can be captured.  I have a picture like that of my rain gauge (if I could just find it! . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif) )

Still, I can see raindrops with my eyes and I can take video of raindrops.  So I don't understand why you cannot take still photos.  Oh well, one of these days I'll have to see if there is an explanation somewhere.

Oh well, . . . . Edouard

P.S. We are supposed to get some rain later this week, perhaps I can try one more time.
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 03, 2016, 12:02:39 AM
Part of the problem with 'capturing' falling drops may be that there are not as many as we think there are so they may be widely separated. But our eyes/brains are more adept at seeing moving objects, even as small as a rain drop. To get even these images, I took around a dozen. It was a very light rain and most of my 'captures' where nothing but the ripples of the collapsed 'event'.
Title: Rain drops
Post by: dfw_pilot on May 05, 2016, 03:16:44 AM
I've had good luck capturing rain drop streaks at around 1/30th at 100 mm.  To stop them, a little fill flash does wonders.
Title: Hmm, interesting idea! (Re: Rain drops)
Post by: elagache on May 05, 2016, 11:46:14 PM
Dear dfw and WeatherCat shutterbugs,

Quote from: dfw_pilot on May 05, 2016, 03:16:44 AM
I've had good luck capturing rain drop streaks at around 1/30th at 100 mm.  To stop them, a little fill flash does wonders.

Hmm, I never thought about trying the flash.  If we get some decent rain around here, I'll definitely give that a try.

Thanks!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: Blicj11 on May 06, 2016, 12:18:20 AM
Nice photos Xair.
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: wurzelmac on May 08, 2016, 07:02:01 PM
Heavy rain during heavy sunshine - lasts just a few minutes.  :)

Small view:
(http://wetter.unterwurzacher.at/bilder/IMG_3607_small.jpg)

Big view:
Photo opens in new window (http://wetter.unterwurzacher.at/bilder/IMG_3607.JPG)

Quote
Yes, Virginia, you DO have an image editing tool!
Is this ok, xair?  ;D
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 08, 2016, 08:12:52 PM
Great shot! [cheer] I'd be afraid I'd melt if I got out in a rain like that! [lol] Do you recall the settings used? Maybe in the EXIF data? Looks like a pretty small aperture based on the depth of field and the Sun does provide a nice amount of light! 1/50 or slower? Tripod? Umbrella?! Snorkel!! [lol]

Nothing like a nice, small, Spring/Summer shower while the Sun is shining! Only thing as good is what I call 'thunder snow' where it snows from a some cold but small cumulus clouds while the Sun shines! I you may see more of that than I do! [tup]

BTW, having two views is another way of handling the 'demands' of many people! [rolleyes2]
Title: Hadn't thought of that either - thanks! (Re: Photography and weather)
Post by: elagache on May 08, 2016, 11:02:23 PM
Dear Reinhard, X-Air and WeatherCat shutterbugs, . .

Quote from: wurzelmac on May 08, 2016, 07:02:01 PM
Heavy rain during heavy sunshine - lasts just a few minutes.  :)

Great photos and obvious moment to try to capture rain in an image.  A little sunshine goes a long way to making the drops visible.  Rain and sunshine don't happen every often around here, but the next time it does I'll give it a try.

Quote from: xairbusdriver on May 08, 2016, 08:12:52 PM
BTW, having two views is another way of handling the 'demands' of many people! [rolleyes2]

Some online photo management services like SmugMug provide BBS code that you can paste directly so that you have an image that is of a manageable size and still allows people to click on the image if they want something bigger.  Here is how SmugMug works:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Rainbow-2014-11-20/i-w3XSp83/0/XL/Rainbow%20looking%20down%20street-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Rainbow-2014-11-20/i-w3XSp83/A)

Try clicking on that to see.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: Steve on May 09, 2016, 03:48:15 PM
Quote from: xairbusdriver on May 08, 2016, 08:12:52 PM
Do you recall the settings used? Maybe in the EXIF data? Looks like a pretty small aperture based on the depth of field and the Sun does provide a nice amount of light! 1/50 or slower?

(http://www.morrisgarage.com/skitch/Photography_and_weather-20160509-104553.jpg)

Using ExifExt extension for Safari
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 09, 2016, 04:34:38 PM
WOW! Those drops must have been very near their terminal velocity! :o Even at 1/197 sec, look how far they travelled! Increasing the ISO and locking the aperture might have allowed for an much faster shutter speed and 'stopped' the drops in mid-air. Those suckers are fast!

After some very deep thought experiments, I think a big part is that they are basically invisible! After all, there is very little, if any, color in the water (except when it is 'raining cats and dogs'). So they really need some strong light that they can refract to make them stand out from any background. Otherwise, they simply transmit the light/color from behind them come through, albeit modified/refracted/distorted. Strong Sun light seems best, but a flash might reflect from the back surface of the drop similar to the 'red eye' problem seen in animal images with the flash on the camera.
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: Blicj11 on May 09, 2016, 05:36:11 PM
Quote from: Steve on May 09, 2016, 03:48:15 PM
Using ExifExt extension for Safari

Thanks for sharing this hint, Steve. I had no idea it even existed. Looks like another extension I need for Safari.
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 09, 2016, 05:50:28 PM
You already have an exif viewer/editor "extension" on your Mac. It's called Photos. Select an image and click the 'info' icon in the group of icons in the top, right-hand side of the window.
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Photos%20Info%20icon_zpsczyybsyg.jpg)

(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Photos%20exif%20viewer_zpshbr3rij3.jpg)
Of course, most any image editor app also has access to that file.
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: Steve on May 09, 2016, 07:06:11 PM
Quote from: xairbusdriver on May 09, 2016, 05:50:28 PM
You already have an exif viewer/editor "extension" on your Mac. It's called Photos.

The Exif extension works on any photo on any web page without having to copy it into your photo library or open it with Photos. Simply right-click show exif (or Command-E.) Of course the image has to have EXIF date embedded, and many don't. Either it never had it (any graphic image), it's been stripped when saving, or the hosting company hides it. Then it will show something like this:

(http://www.morrisgarage.com/skitch/Post_reply-20160509-140401.jpg)
Title: Browser Exif options. (Re: Photography and weather)
Post by: elagache on May 09, 2016, 11:41:54 PM
Dear Steve, X-Air, Blick, and WeatherCat shutterbugs,

Quote from: Steve on May 09, 2016, 03:48:15 PM
Using ExifExt extension for Safari

If you want to learn more about this extension, here is the developer's website:

http://phriedrich.de/?module=projects&options=view;0005.xml (http://phriedrich.de/?module=projects&options=view;0005.xml)

Since I've been using Firefox since before Safari existed, that remains my browser of choice.  However, there is one but several Firefox extensions to view Exif data.  After doing a little "shopping" I selected Fxif because it continues to get active support:

http://christian-eyrich.de/mozilla/fxif/ (http://christian-eyrich.de/mozilla/fxif/)

So now you have some choices!

Cheers, Edouard

P.S. Here is how Fxif looks like in action on the image I uploaded to this topic earlier:

(http://www.canebas.org/misc/Voila_images/Fxif%20in%20use%202016-05-09.png)
Title: EXIF Viewer
Post by: dfw_pilot on May 09, 2016, 11:45:40 PM
What I use (http://www.tucows.com/preview/1103787/Simple-EXIF-Viewer-For-Mac-OS-X). Simple, free, works great.
Title: Re: EXIF Viewer
Post by: Blicj11 on May 09, 2016, 11:59:50 PM
Quote from: dfw_pilot on May 09, 2016, 11:45:40 PM
What I use (http://www.tucows.com/preview/1103787/Simple-EXIF-Viewer-For-Mac-OS-X). Simple, free, works great.

Thanks. I just downloaded it. It works great and provides a wee bit more information than Photos.
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: wurzelmac on May 10, 2016, 04:43:04 PM
Hello xair, hello all!

Sorry for replying a bit late, I see the Exif-Info is already shown. If I recall right, the picture was taken in Landscape-Mode by the EOS 1100d. Another shot taken with another lens (EF 70-300) and in Sport-Mode, zoomed to the roof where the raindrops are shattering on:

(http://wetter.unterwurzacher.at/bilder/IMG_3613_small.JPG)

Big view (http://wetter.unterwurzacher.at/bilder/IMG_3613.JPG) (new window).

Only the small views are edited with Pixelmator (Image size, sharpened). Big views are not edited.

Cheers,
Reinhard
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 10, 2016, 05:19:43 PM
...and the exif info? I assume that "Sport-Mode" uses a faster shutter speed? Again, the abundance of light and the angle of the Sun to the lens' axis is what I think helps 'capture' the drops.

FYI, these images still take up two thirds of my 27" screen... I won't even look at it on an iPhone... it is, after all, 1200 pixels wide! [rolleyes2] I simply don't understand why everyone doesn't follow my rules... [rockon] [goofy] oh well, when I become king... [lol2]
Title: EXIF
Post by: dfw_pilot on May 10, 2016, 05:48:54 PM
I want to submit the idea that the EXIF data, which is good for a photographer to keep records of his or her own work, is meaningless to anyone else.

Photography is about light and being there at the right time to capture that light. Ansel Adams was always asked what settings he used for a particular shot and he would answer something off the top of his head, like, "2 minutes at f/64!" The point was that the settings didn't matter nearly as much as the lighting and the being there. To bounce off of that idea, I love the thought of just going out and trying the different settings and finding out what works. One person's settings will be meaningless to another person who is using different equipment in different light. Each photographer is trying to create his own art with his own vision, so others' info and data would be meaningless in helping someone create their own vision.

It's all about the light. As for rain drops, I still like the photos where rain drops are frozen with 1/2000ths shutter speeds with flash or sunlight, and also love the 1/15th speeds for long rain drop streaks.

Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: wurzelmac on May 10, 2016, 05:52:14 PM
Exif attached as screenshot. Did you click on "Big View" to see the original in 4272x2848px?
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 10, 2016, 07:22:36 PM
Quote
Did you click on "Big View" to see the original in 4272x2848px?
No need to. I just dragged the edge of my browser till the horizontal scroll bar went away. :D Besides, everyone else seems to use an extension that displays that info. [lol] Or, was there something in the "big image" that I needed to see? I promise to open it as soon as I post this.

Seriously, I'm not really interested in all the data that the exif file contains, the shutter speed, f-stop and ISO are plenty.

Apparently, there are some who want to keep that info to themselves? [lol2] :P

Quote
I want to submit the idea that the EXIF data, which is good for a photographer to keep records of his or her own work, is meaningless to anyone else.
Duly recorded in the "Submitted Ideas" DB. Your check will be in the mail soon!

I agree, in general, that exif data, "settings" and such are not as important as the photographers skills and "eyes". However, the question was asked as to why we seem to be unable to 'capture' rain drops very well. Therefore, the settings used are about the only way we can attempt to replicate the successful attempts we are shown. BTW, why do you want to have that information? :)

So far, it seems to support my theory that you can't have too much light. [tup] Since heavy rain usually comes with heavy clouds, a flash may be required. Obviously shutter speed is important and the higher that is, the more light you'll need. Depth of field will need to be considered so we can get the area we want into focus, so it's good to know not only the f-stop but the actual distance to the in focus drops, assuming that is the desired effect.

I think we all know that a photograph is more than just the settings used in the camera. But it is a starting point. The composition, framing, background, color effects, and a few hundred other "details" are the problem for the artist. OTOH, as has been said, a painter can put whatever she wants on the canvas, but a photographer must deal with what's in front of him. So, the settings only provide a summary of the f-stop/shutter speed/ISO variables; if one is fixed, the other two will have to change to keep the 'triad' balanced. All cameras use those three variable, digitals can include the ISO settings, film cameras (remember those?) get the ISO values from the film. So any camera that allows manual control of these three variables can replicate the image made from nearly any other camera by using those data points. However, that absolutely does not mean that different people will duplicate the same photograph! :o
Title: Learning takes all forms. (Re: Exif, Photography and weather)
Post by: elagache on May 10, 2016, 10:52:26 PM
Dear Reinhard, X-Air, dfw, and WeatherCat shutterbugs,

Quote from: dfw_pilot on May 10, 2016, 05:48:54 PM
I want to submit the idea that the EXIF data, which is good for a photographer to keep records of his or her own work, is meaningless to anyone else.

I'll take exception with that claim because it is simply too extreme.  True, you cannot learn everything about taking a photograph under particular conditions unless you learn about how your equipment performs best under those conditions.  Ansel Adams was lucky in a way.  He had to understand how film and his camera worked.  Most of us have digital cameras with multiple modes and some of us even have more than one of these devices and each works differently.  We have our work cut out thanks to the competition from the major camera and phone manufacturers. 

That's why having access to EXIF data could be useful.  If you see a photo and can make a reasonable guess about the lighting conditions, you might get some inspiration to try something new which you otherwise would not have thought about.

That's where Steve's suggestion of having a browser add-on is more useful than it appears most of the folks on this forum realized.  There are many tools that allow you access the EXIF information, if you download the photo - but that's an additional hassle.  Isn't it much easier to have a tool built into your browser?  If you are curious about how any photo on the web was taken - you can see the data in less than a second.  If it isn't useful, you can dismiss the experience probably a few seconds or less.  If you see something that gets you thinking about how that picture was taken, it is a learning experience that may help you out in the future - even if does nothing more than encourage you to learn more about that style of photography from a professional source.

So if you really are interested in photography, why don't you have browser EXIF add-on installed? - in addition to - any other tools you may have on your Mac that can access EXIF data? . . .   It costs you nothing, so what do you have to lose?

Edouard
Title: EXIF = Numbers, not Art.
Post by: dfw_pilot on May 10, 2016, 11:23:59 PM
I'll politely stand by my comment. It's an argument I won't win here on an internet forum because it's an unpopular position to take.

Quote from: elagache
I'll take exception with that claim because it is simply too extreme ... If you see a photo and can make a reasonable guess about the lighting conditions, you might get some inspiration to try something new which you otherwise would not have thought about.

^^ Which has nothing to do with EXIF data, imo. EXIF data is just numbers, not art, and people who want to learn from those numbers won't further their craft. Instead, they get better by understanding the rules, the process, and how light interacts with objects and their camera. Those are things best learned in forums, classes, books, by going out and practicing. I don't want this to come off as offensive, but newbies get caught up in shutter speeds and ASA/ISO values, while people who genuinely want to get better go out and practice, and read and learn from the masters (http://www.amazon.com/Light-Gesture-Color-Voices-Matter/dp/0134032268).

Please hear me, I'm not great at photography and don't claim to be. However, I used to think knowing shutter speeds and f values was important. It might be important on day 2 of a photography class, but you quickly move beyond that. John Shaw, Ken Rockwell, Jay Maisel, and countless others have been begging people in their teachings, to focus on the subject and the light, and forget f-stop and ISO values. Those will come in time, with just a bit of practice. This picture of the stars isn't great, but it's good by my standards. I didn't take it by first looking at shutter speeds and ISO values, I just went out and practiced on several nights. In the end, I learned more about the subject (stars at night) than I would have from anyone's EXIF data.
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 11, 2016, 12:44:47 AM
I'm glad you admit defeat even before we really get started. That attitude will serve you well in your marriage!

However, by your own admission, you started your night sky process without know that you should probably increase the ISO value as high as possible without it starting to show erroneous data (bright spots, dark spots that can easily 'hide' a star, etc). Digital cameras are blessed and cursed with ISO settings that you need to know about. Mr. Adams had only a few choices and the grain of the silver emulsion far exceeded what he needed, anyway.

If you didn't change/raise the ISO settings, you probably took longer to figure out that the shutter time would have to be quite long. And even longer if you closed down he iris to get the sharpest images.

Fortunately, we have the luxury of having "free" film (although it can come in quite expensive boxes)! That makes practice much easier. And there is no real substitute for that practice. On the other hand, knowing what to do with the exposure triangle can make that practice more efficient. Thus, knowing what those three primary values from the exif file were for an interesting image can speed your arrival at a satisfactory replication. A particular shutter speed is virtually the same in any camera. A particular aperture is virtually the same in any camera. A particular ISO value is virtually the same in any camera. What is usually completely different is the subject, location, Sun light available and its angle to both the subject and the camera, etc., etc. There are already dozens of variables, why add three more? Especially the three that you usually have control over! [banghead]

There's a lot of "art" in flying, but if you don't know the correct moves, speeds, power settings, and techniques, you won't live long enough to enjoy the "art" part! [lol] Of course, your employer/passengers may not look kindly to your "experimenting" with those details... :o

Now, because of your stubbornness, here's my standard passenger briefing. Yes, we quite often had jump seaters along with our freight. (Everyone likes free travel, even if it's at 0'dark-thirty!)
Quote
Sit down, shut up, and keep your feet off the seat!
If you have any questions, write 'em up in triplicate, give two to someone in the company and keep the third for your records.
We hope you enjoy the flight.
Now, where are the cookies you were supposed bring us?!
You are welcome to use that briefing (language of your choice) any time you want. BTW, I also have a verbal "drug test" I can give you for those deadheading passengers who fare less than gracious for their free transport. [rolleyes2]
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: Bull Winkus on May 11, 2016, 04:45:22 AM
FREE TRANSPORT!

I like the sound of that.

 [cheers1]

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/12/Fedex-md11-N525FE-051109-21-16.jpg)
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 11, 2016, 03:52:42 PM
I can claim to have never had a "passenger" complain about a landing. Not sure if it was my superior skills or these minor details:I'm just glad I didn't have to stand by the exit to face the deplaning, paying type of passengers who might not have been as appreciative! [lol]
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: Bull Winkus on May 11, 2016, 09:29:40 PM
Well, if you made it to retirement, then all of your passengers must have made it back to the ground safely. Ask any carnival barker. It's an experience they're looking for. Ultimately, the ride is just going around in circles.

 [tup]
Title: Still won't take Steve's hint - huh? (Re: Photography and weather)
Post by: elagache on May 11, 2016, 11:58:36 PM
Dear dfw, X-Air, Herb, and WeatherCat shutterbugs,

Uh, I did make a very definite plug for a very particular bit of software technology.  Nobody seems to realize the potential interest in being able to get access to the EXIF on the fly.  For one thing, no it isn't simply numbers - it identifies the type of camera used to take the photo.  So if you see a photo that looks interesting, you can see if it was taken with an iPhone or a DSLR. 

I agree that the remainder won't mean anything to you unless you can imagine how such a photograph could have been taken, but that isn't a reason by itself to avoid all information.  Perhaps it is a very small fraction of photos that do provide you with some insights, you don't have to look up any others. 

The big point that Steve was pointing towards is if you have a browser plug-in, should you run into that unusual photo were you are curious about the EXIF data, accessing it was very fast and easy.  You don't need to leave your browser at all - it can't get any more convenient than that.

So tell me, it if costs you nothing and you truly are a curious photographer, why haven't you installed a browser plug-in?  Steve gave us one for Safari, I found one for Firefox.  I know there is one for Chrome.  So what is your excuse - really?

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: Still won't take Steve's hint - huh? (Re: Photography and weather)
Post by: wurzelmac on May 12, 2016, 10:49:36 AM
Quote from: elagache on May 11, 2016, 11:58:36 PM
I know there is one for Chrome.

Yes there is,
I am using Chrome and the *long* screenshot from my post earlier is the Chrome PlugIn called EXIF Viewer (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/exif-viewer/mmbhfeiddhndihdjeganjggkmjapkffm).
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 12, 2016, 05:31:03 PM
Quote
So tell me, it if costs you nothing and you truly are a curious photographer, why haven't you installed a browser plug-in?
Not sure who you are scolding there, although you included my name in your salutation. ;) I've not added any kind of extension because I don't have the need. Could be because I'm not a "curious" photographer, although I have been called "strange"... I'm certainly not a "serious" one. The only reason I asked for exif info was for the shutter speed and ISO values and it is now automagically available from even the cheapest cameras. I asked before I even knew there was a way to get that from an on-line image. In that sense, I'm guilty as charged. [blush]

Something being free is not my main criteria for adding an app or an extension to my machine. I'd say 99.999% of malware is free, also! I don't mind letting others find out the true costs of "free" things, and that especially applies to OS updates/upgrades! [lol]

Aside: It might be wise to consider checking exactly what info is being included with any image I upload. I may need to start editing/deleting things I consider private. My current camera doesn't have GPS recording capabilities, so that's not a problem. I gave considerable thought before allowing my Lat/Long info to be included in my several on-line weather data. Neither of my web sites have my email, phone numbers, or snail mail addresses in them and I pay a small fee to hide my domain name registration info. All that and more is available, with the 'right' tools, but I see no reason to hand it out on a silver platter. [banghead]
Title: Personal Data
Post by: dfw_pilot on May 12, 2016, 05:39:40 PM
Quote from: xairbusdriver on May 12, 2016, 05:31:03 PM
Aside: It might be wise to consider checking exactly what info is being included with any image I upload.
+1. Programs like Lightroom allow you to choose what to share and not share when exporting, but the more insidious issue is sharing things directly from cameras, like the ubiquitous smartphone. Rockwell has a great tip (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d300s/users-guide/menus-setup.htm#secret) on embedding contact info into your DSLR's EXIF data for potential help in finding/retrieving a lost camera. I put my e-mail address in there. But the last thing you want is a grandkid to post pictures with location data of your house all over social media (as an example).
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: wurzelmac on May 12, 2016, 07:04:45 PM
Quote from: xairbusdriver on May 12, 2016, 05:31:03 PM
I've not added any kind of extension because I don't have the need.

On the other side you wanted to read the EXIF. No need?

Quote from: xairbusdriver on May 10, 2016, 05:19:43 PM
...and the exif info?

Cannot follow...  :-\
Title: Privacy aside, things to learn. (Re: Photography and weather)
Post by: elagache on May 12, 2016, 07:27:24 PM
Dear X-Air, dfw, Reinhard, and WeatherCat shutterbugs,

Quote from: xairbusdriver on May 12, 2016, 05:31:03 PM
I've not added any kind of extension because I don't have the need. Could be because I'm not a "curious" photographer, although I have been called "strange"... I'm certainly not a "serious" one.

There are certainly privacy issues and those concerns may cause the EXIF data to rapidly disappear from the web.  I'll be honest, Steve kind of shocked me when he first poked into the EXIF data on my own photos.  However, when I looked over that data, I didn't see anything that I was unwilling to share.  If that information ends up helping anybody else, why should I hide it?

Here is what the Firefox plug-in produces on my photo of my wagon carrying the bark nuggets yesterday:

(http://www.canebas.org/misc/Capto_images/Web%20EXIF%20capture%202016-05-12.png)

I left a sentence of text to confirm this is a screenshot of the browser displaying that image.  As I said, it takes less than second to bring up this window and it can be dismissed just as easily.

So what can be gleaned from the EXIF data?  It tell a visitor what type of camera I have, what lens I used, what focal ratio the photo was taken with, the exposure, the metering setting, and that the flash was used.  Okay not much to learn on this photo, but just as an example, people might not realize than turning on the flash in the daytime might be useful.  So there are little lessons that can be picked up.  It won't happen frequently - we are all too busy for that.  However, if you have a plug-in like this installed and remember how to use it, it is extremely convenient to look at this information.  So I'll take a page from Steve, and I will use this plug-in when I'm curious.  For the 30 seconds or so that it will take to install it - honestly, why not?

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 12, 2016, 09:09:43 PM
Dear Reinhard, Edouard and other exif reader via a browser fans,

Perhaps I didn't make myself virtually clear with the comment of "The only reason I asked for exif info was for the shutter speed and ISO values and it is now automagically available from even the cheapest cameras."

As I also said, I was not aware that there was a way to gather that info from an on-line image nor did I assume it was even available. But I did assume (second mistake?) that the OP would have the image on his computer and thus have immediate access to the file.

I guess my bigger mistake was in asking for the file instead of simply the shutter speed and maybe the ISO. My thoughts back then was that the speed was the critical item in the exposure triangle. I certainly don't expect anyone to have that info at the tip of their fingers, but assumed, again, that they still had the image, and thus the file. In fact, there is no app, other than the Finder, needed to see the info in that file. I sit corrected, I rarely use Finder, so I just checked to discover that Finder does not provide that info with a simple command-i. [rolleyes2] I use PathFinder and it does, I should have known that this is just one more thing that PathFinder does that Finder can't/won't/should. I don't understand why everyone doesn't use PathFinder! :o :P Oh, wait, that?s not my line...

I just didn't think it would seem to be such a burden.

I've learned my lesson, (http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/notworthy_zpsyi6ihgrv.gif) I'll never ask another question here without a thorough and exhaustive search of the forum, the forum wiki, the interweb and the local library. Furthermore, I will download, install, and use every single app I see mentioned at this site. If needed, I will consider buying another Mac if I don't have enough room on this one. Of course, I will probably be scarce here as most of my time will be involved in finding, installing, and running all these apps/extensions not to mention correcting any problems/conflicts created by this procedure.

Or... maybe not. (http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/cheer2_zpsuajiabdd.gif) (http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Groaner_zpsjqr46wqw.gif) (http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/rofl_zpsxhxwshj4.gif)
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: wurzelmac on May 13, 2016, 06:10:33 PM
Well spoken, xair.

 ;)

Peace.  [cheers1]
Title: Sponsored by the hard drive manufacturers assoc. (Re: Photography and weather)
Post by: elagache on May 13, 2016, 11:45:24 PM
Dear X-Air, Reinhard, and "victims" of the hard drive and SSD manufacturers association,

Quote from: xairbusdriver on May 12, 2016, 09:09:43 PM
Furthermore, I will download, install, and use every single app I see mentioned at this site. If needed, I will consider buying another Mac if I don't have enough room on this one.

[wink] . . . . Purchasing another Mac won't be necessary, just upgrade the hard drive in the one you have!  I get a larger a commission from the hard drive and SSD manufacturers association for retail purchases than when cheap-skate Apple buys another drive! . . . .  [lol2]

Quote from: xairbusdriver on May 12, 2016, 09:09:43 PM
I rarely use Finder, so I just checked to discover that Finder does not provide that info with a simple command-i. [rolleyes2] I use PathFinder and it does, I should have known that this is just one more thing that PathFinder does that Finder can't/won't/should. I don't understand why everyone doesn't use PathFinder! :o :P Oh, wait, that?s not my line...

Take heart X-Air, I've been using PathFinder for more years than I care to remember.  Apple has stolen (err, incorporated) many of the features of PathFinder into the Finder, but the Finder still can't hold a candle to the original "industrial-strength" file manager! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/hold_a_candle.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 14, 2016, 12:28:11 AM
First, thanks for the tip about changing the drive! [tup] Much cheaper for me and a better deal for you! Is that what's called a "Win-Win"? [cheer]

If you've been using PF for so long, perhaps you also used Gregg's Browser back in OS 6, 7, 8 or 9? So far back that no one would have thought of the interweb when you said "browser"! [lol] While the Finder is similar (at least in Column View), Gregg actually copied his app after the Unix file viewer. I 'assume' that's where Apple 'borrowed' their column view, since they claim so much unix heritage. [rockon]
Title: Just Path Finder. (Was: Photography and weather)
Post by: elagache on May 14, 2016, 11:03:33 PM
Dear X-Air, and WeatherCat strollers down IT memory lane,

Quote from: xairbusdriver on May 14, 2016, 12:28:11 AM
If you've been using PF for so long, perhaps you also used Gregg's Browser back in OS 6, 7, 8 or 9?

Unfortunately I never heard of Gregg's Browser.  I wish I had!  You can live without dual-pane file managers, but it is definitely "goin' about it da' hard way!"  [banghead]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Incoming
Post by: dfw_pilot on May 30, 2016, 05:59:29 AM
Here comes the rain . . .
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: WCDev on May 30, 2016, 01:48:26 PM
Nice contrast/lighting!
Title: Great shot dfw! Especially with an iPhone! (Re: Photography and weather)
Post by: elagache on May 30, 2016, 11:43:59 PM
Very impressive photo dfw!

Even more impressive that you captured it with your iPhone!

The iPhone has a really great camera, but I have a hard time composing a photo on that small screen compared to the full view you get with an SLR.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: Bull Winkus on May 31, 2016, 04:36:06 AM
Sweet shot of your weather station, and as previously stated, great contrast!

Your town has had its share of the wet stuff this year! I'll bet those lakes are all filled up.

 [cheers1]
Title: Full Lakes
Post by: dfw_pilot on May 31, 2016, 05:01:14 AM
Oh they're full alright! Not as much rain as last year, but it's been a wet year so far.

Thanks for the comments -- the contrast is what makes the photo. I knew the storm was coming and the wall of clouds hadn't yet blocked the final rays of sunlight, so the light and dark play well together.

If the iPhone camera is great for one thing, when nice light that happens for just a minute or two, it's always with you.
Title: Ain't that the truth! (Re: Full Lakes)
Post by: elagache on May 31, 2016, 11:30:21 PM
Dear Herb, dfw, and WeatherCat shutterbugs on the go.

Quote from: dfw_pilot on May 31, 2016, 05:01:14 AM
If the iPhone camera is great for one thing, when nice light that happens for just a minute or two, it's always with you.

Yes indeed!  I hadn't planned to take any photos of my trusty wagon yesterday, but at the last minute I changed my mind and of course my iPhone was ready to oblige.  I may buy myself a polarizing filter for the iPhone.  Since I wear polarizing sunglasses anyway, if I see something that looks nice with my sunglasses, it would be neat to capture exactly that effect even if I only have my iPhone.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Photography and weather
Post by: dfw_pilot on May 31, 2016, 11:32:07 PM
Just put your shades in front of the iPhone lens ;)
Title: Want stars in that weather photo? (Re: Photography and weather)
Post by: elagache on June 06, 2016, 11:38:03 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs, .  . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/camera_emoticon-1.jpg)

The dry season has arrived and interesting photographs of the weather are hard to come by here in California.  So I've been trying to think of other ways photograph the weather.  Conveniently, Outdoor Photographer has a review of the new Pentax K-1 digital camera:

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/gear/first-look/pentax-k1-astrophotography-camera.html (http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/gear/first-look/pentax-k1-astrophotography-camera.html)

According to the review, the camera has a very unique feature (and I quote from the review: )

Quote
The new Pentax K-1, the company?s first full-frame digital camera, includes an ingenious system that will eliminate the need to carry extra hardware in order to capture a perfect image of the heavens. Following in the footsteps of the popular APS-C K-3, the K-1 includes a sensor that can shift position in several directions (as well as tilt). The ostensible use for the movable sensor is to reduce blur when shooting long exposures or when the photographer is moving, but combined with the camera?s electric compass and onboard GPS, it means the K-1 can create photographs as tack-sharp as anything that comes from a system mounted to a tracker.

The review includes one impressive photo which was taken by a Pentax camera with the same capability.

Can't live without it?  Well a quick check on the web shows a discounted price of $1,796.95 for the camera body alone.

 ;) . . . . Ya' know, . . . I think I can live very nicely without this sort of a pricey device! . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/big_grin.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]