July 14, 2009

FAQ

Photographer’s FAQ

1. Can I hire you to take pictures for me?

Typically, no.  I prefer to shoot life as it comes to me.  However, I have done a number of events for which I was an official photographer (for charity, fun and pay).  Some of these events included a World Series parade, annual fundraisers for local charities, family parties and professional conferences.  You may see sample images from these events under the Past Shoots section of this website.  So, although I say no, I would recommend contacting me via e-mail (lifescenethroughthelens at gmail), because I may be willing to take some pictures for you.

2. Will you take pictures for my wedding?

At the moment, I don’t do any weddings whatsoever.  I have been asked a few times to be a wedding photographer. Unfortunately, I cannot afford the time required to process the images, handle the prints and create the proper contracts while I am also trying to obtain a Ph.D in Electrophysics.

3. Can I order any of your pictures?

Sure!  Contact me for more info (lifescenethroughthelens at gmail).  I post only limited resolution images on this site.

4. Have you ever taken any photography classes?

Sadly, no.  I have read many books, and have a leg up on the technology side as an expert in optical materials and condensed matter physics.  I see photography as an art-filled outpouring of my love for light.

5. What is the best photography book you have ever read?

It’s a group of three books by Ansel Adams: The Camera, The Negative and The Print.  They are rich and deep, teaching about the intricacies of technology, yet full expounding upon the art as well.  They’re also rather complex.  If you’re interested in simpler ones, feel free to contact me (lifescenethroughthelens at gmail).

6. Can we take pictures together?

If you live in the greater Philadelphia area, sure.  Send me an e-mail.

Photographic Technical FAQ

1. What equipment do you use?

Cameras: Nikon D300, Nikon D50, Nikon D40, Nikon Coolpix 3200, Canon Powershot A75

Lenses: Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-f/5.6, Nikon 50mm f/1.4, Nikon 105mm f/2.8 (1:1, macro), Nikon 70-300 f/4-f/5.6, Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-f/5.6, Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8 (fisheye), Sigma 10-20mm f/4-f/5.6 

Filters: Circular Polarizer (Tiffen), 720 nm IR Cutoff Filter (Hoya), Red #25 (Hoya)

Flashes: Nikon SB600, Nikon SB400

Tripod: An old one from the 70’s…but it’s solid.

Computers: Self-built Media Center PC (At Home), Macbook Pro (Travel)

Software: Adobe Creative Suite Professional, Adobe Lightroom, Canon Photostitch, Capture NX, Picasa

2. Canon or Nikon?

Either.  Although I own almost entirely Nikon equipment, it is out of necessity rather than a strict adherence to Nikon itself.  In an ideal world, I would own both, and use them where I see their respective strengths to be.

I am preferential to Canon and Nikon, however, due to the large collection of lenses that are available for their cameras.  Other brands make quality cameras, but have more limited choices from an optics perspective.

3. In what mode do you shoot?

Most of the time, aperture priority (Av), although I am known to switch to full manual when the situation calls for it.  I never shoot in any auto modes anymore (sorry).

4. What type of light metering do you use?

Default mode is matrix, although I often change depending on the situation.

5. Why do you not do any film photography?

I actually own two film camera bodies.  However, I believe film to be a dying art.  And while I could try to pretend to be sentimental about the history of the art of photography, and its film background, I desire to stick with the future of the art rather than dwell in the past.  I believe one can learn quality photography starting from a digital medium.

And, as an aside, film does have its advantages (resolution, dynamic range, non-linear response).  As time goes on, and I believe that in the next few years, there will no longer be any advantages to film aside from nostalgia.

6.  What is your stance on photoshopping?

If you intend your photograph to be art, have at it!  There is no law dictating the need for realistic reproduction of human sight in a photograph.  Sometimes I do a lot of editting, and sometimes I just take the picture right from the camera and upload it.

If your question cannot be found here, contact me at (lifescenethroughthelens at gmail).