MooseNewsBlog

The GPS craze has hit big time, must have been a favorite stocking stuffer this year. That’s cool! I’ve received a number of emails in regards to the di-GPS especially about it just “dangling” when you have something else in the camera’s hot shot. Here’s my solution.

I rarely work with flash on camera, it’s mostly off camera so I’m using an SC cable, either the SC-28 or SC-29. The SC-28 is the cord I use for general photography; the SC-29 I’ve cut down and is used just with the Wimberley F-9 Flash Arm when I’m shooting with the 600f4 on a tripod. I have a number of “hot shoe” receivers lying around in the drawers, so I have attached them to the tops of the SC cable foot that slips into the camera’s hot shoe. You can just Crazy Glue them on, but they tend to snap off. Using Pilot Point drill bits (not pointed tips), I’ve drilled holes into the top of the SC foot and screwed in as well as Crazy glued the hot shoe receiver. They never snap off, but drilling holes into your cords is not for the weak of heart and it most definitely voids the warranty.

What about when I have a SU-800 attached? I’ve not had the nerve to drill into the side of mine yet to attach a hot shoe receiver. That’s where I draw the line. But, I’m still looking for a solution to when it’s attached to the hot shoe. There are times when the SU-800 is in a SC cable and those times, the problem is solved.

One last note. The hot shoe receivers don’t always snuggly hold the di-GPS. I simply used a couple layers of electrical tape in the base of the hot shoe receiver to build it up and hold the di-GPS foot in tight. Hope this helps, have fun!

Nikon has posted the 40pg brochure for the D3. It includes some great images by Joe McNally & Dave Black, two mighty fine photographers!

In addition, you might want to check out this new little comprehensive D3 micro site Nikon has posted. You can see more images from the 3 photographers in the brochure and read a little bit behind their D3 shooting experience. There is also a lot of tech info available at this site.

If things just weren’t interesting enough when you fly these days, TSA is making them even more so starting Jan 1. TSA has a whole new set of regs for lithium batteries, spare batteries in particular that can no longer fly. It’s not all grim, some spare batteries can go as carry-on though not checked (you had plenty of spare room for spare batteries in your carry-on, right?).

TSA uses a unit of measure, grams lithium, which while we might be able to decipher it, I seriously doubt most TSA agents will be able to with some of our unique camera batteries. Especially on the fly as bags go past them with the pressure of time on their shoulders. I contemplated adding my spare Dell batteries to this photo but I didn’t want to totally freak you out with the news. So, I guess I’ll be shipping all my spare batteries in my FedEx Pelican along with lenses and other items that simply can’t be trusted to fly in the belly of the plane.

Update: This explanation of the new regs was just posted. Interesting that the TSA site pictures rechargeable batteries, has it in its text, yet it’s supposed to only cover non-rechargeable batteries as a possible fire risk. Clear as mud!

In case you’re wondering, I use the Pelican 1660 to ship my extra gear to locations. These days, typically this contains the 200-400VR, 200VR, Lastolite panels, SB-800s, Leatherman, litestands, Justin Clamps, binoculars and now, spare batteries.

With a break between storms, it was time to get out shooting. With my good friend Jeff Cable from Lexar in town, we headed out to a part of California’s history to shoot. Benton Hot Springs is an old town that was founded in 1852. Today, the Great Basin sage is its largest resident. What’s left is the famous hot springs, a B&B, a collection of old wagons and a couple of old homes.

All of these photos were finished using my new favorite tool found in the new Nik Color Efex 3.0. Those coming to DLWS in 2008 will find out exactly what that filter is, and a whole lot more.

Photos captured by D3, 24-70AFS (top) & 14-24AFS (bottom 2) on Lexar UDMA digital film

Just in time for the family portraits around the ole xmas tree, Really Right Stuff (RRS) delievered their BD3-L plate. It’s truly a work of art besides being an incredibly important tool!

I’ve received a number of emails from folks asking just how I use / deal with all the body plates. Well, the BD3-L resides the majority of the time off my main D3 body. I attach it to the main body (what is normally attached to the 600f4 AFS II) when I’m heading out to photograph landscapes. I always have the BD3-L with me, just not always on the body. The second D3 body which always has a strap on it and rides mainly on my shoulder, always, always has the RRS BD3 plate attached. The D300 always has attached to it the RRS BD300 . Why do I do it this way?

The L Plate is essential when shooting landscapes, couldn’t make the images without it. It’s not needed when shooting wildlife so why carry the weight? The 2nd body riding on my shoulder is rarely on a tripod, but just in case, it has the BD3. Why not just attach the BD3-L onto it? Why carry the weight? While I might have all the right stuff with me doesn’t mean I need to have it on me all the time, only those times when I need their magic. Hope that helps.

From the entire Peterson Family…Merry Christmas!

I know, I know, 2009 dates being announced already, BUT….the response to our Yellowstone 2008 DLWS being the biggest we’ve ever had (heck, we’re just about full for all of 2008) the DLWS staff elected to go back to Yellowstone again. 11-14 Jan, 2009 we’ll be working out of West Yellowstone and heading into Yellowstone Nat’l Park for three FULL days of shooting. Unlike our typical DLWS schedule, we spend the whole day shooting and the night teaching in the digital darkroom. We have our own, private coaches and guides taking us into the park and our own Joe McNally singing mountain tunes to entertain us along the way (if you pay him enough, he’ll stop singing).

Our Yellowstone 2008 DLWS event filled up more than 6 months in advance. If you are considering this incredible adventure, you’d best act sooner rather than later. We’ll be announcing our two other spring 2009 events just after New Year. Come join us, it is one hell of a good time!

Photo captured by D2Xs, 14mm on Lexar digital film

There’s no secret I’m a HUGE Nik fan using their products in every image I process. From NX , Dfine2.0, Color Efex 3.0 to Sharperner Pro 2.0, I use them all. You’d probably wouldn’t be surprised to find out that I’m also involved in the beta testing of all of these products. I mention all of this because it all comes back to help you! Nik, to say thanks for my voicing my two cents worth is offering YOU a heck of a deal for the holidays. Good until 01.31.08, when you head to this page and put in the code MP2008 (wonder what that stands for), YOU receive 10% OFF (offer expires 01.31.08). You’re buying this directly from Nik right from their site. It’s just a real nice way of their saying thanks that benefits you!

Now the photo you see here is a prime example of how I use Color Efex 3.0. With this particular image, I first used the Darken/Lighten Center filter and then I applied the Glamour Glow filter on top of that. The finishing of the photo took no longer than simply clicking on these filters. CF 3.0 is all new with a UI that’s to die for! There are a bunch of new filters, my favorite I’m not telling you about, it’s my secret weapon. But, updated are old favorites such as Classical Soft Focus, Darken/Lighten Center, and Vignette filters with exciting new filters like Film Effects, Glamour Glow, High Key, Tonal Contrast, Bleach Bypass, and more (two of these are demoed here).

Here’s an opportunity to give yourself (or drop the hint) an early Christmas present and save yourself some dough. Thanks Nik!

Photo captured by D3, 24-70AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film

Sharon & I along with the dogs went for a walk this afternoon to see the new snow on Mammoth Mtn. And than the light started to dance so up we went.

And while I was loaded for photographing wildlife, none was around but darn if the light just didn’t keep kissing the mtn side. I just couldn’t ignore it. So up we continued.

It was just a fine afternoon to take the dogs (or they took us) for a walk.

To make the most of the warm glow of the light, I switched to Vivid Picture Control. Since I’ve added this to My Menu in the D3, it’s real easy to switch to it when desired. At this point, I’m still playing with Vivid to see when it does and doesn’t work for my images.

We have been receiving many a phone call asking if WRP has gift certificates. You can’t get them off our webstore, but you can call our office and talk with Sharon. You can get a “gift certificate” for just about anything we offer from DLWS, Base Camp, gallery print or private tutoring. And for xmas, we send out an autographed “gallery print” gift card as your gift certificate. Give us a call if we can be of service.

Photos captured by D3, 24-70AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film

After looking at dirt, literally for way too long all about the Sierra, we finally received our first real snow for the winter. More than I wanted the dirt to disappear, I wanted the birds back in the feeders. I got my wish. These Pygmy Nuthatches are just two of a group of five that kept coming in today during the storm. They are a blast to watch. These little guys which are smaller than your thumb take on Hairy Woodpeckers at the feeder, a bird easily 4x their size!

And just at sunset, a window in the snow appeared long enough to let the glow come into the forest behind our home. Ah…winter is here!

Photos captured by D3, 600f4AFS II & 24-70AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film

No sooner than the first IP D3 arrived and I needed to clean the CCD. I reached for my favorite tool, the Arctic Butterfly, and realized it was the wrong size. You guessed it, it was for DX and not an FX sensor. So, I contacted my good friends at VisibleDust and asked what they recommended. In a heartbeat Mr Postman delivered the coolest kit I’ve ever seen. The SD 800 kit rocks because it covers ALL the bases. It includes: BriteVue XL Sensor Loupe (my favorite), Arctic Butterfly, 1.6x Sensor Brush, 1.0-1.3x Sensor Brush, Angled Mirror/Focusing Screen Brush (great tool!), and one size fits all adapter.

You’ll be cleaning the sensor of your D3 or D300 the most when it’s new during the lens mount break in period. I strongly recommend you check out our CCD Cleaning pages and buying the right, new brush sizes you need! If you don’t know what’s the right size for your camera, contact the folks at VisibleDust, they are really nice!

I can tell folks have been receiving their D3’s, the emails are flooding in asking what settings to use. While I did publish my D3 settings on our D3 website, and updated the AF page with this important info, I will admit the new AF settings might be a little overwhelming for “right out of the box” shooting. SO….here’s a visual. When you have a subject like this, a wild Mallard Duck, but more to the point, a single subject against an simple background, you might want to use 51 3D. If you want a complete explanation of the D3’s AF (same as the D300) and times to apply which AF mode to what and how, quickly, you’ll simply need to get the upcoming (mailed later this month) BT Journal. Hey, I can’t give it all away for free.

Photo captured by D3, 600f4 AFS II w/TC-17e on Lexar UDMA digital film