HDR Play ground

HDR seems to be the new mantra

Sunset@Rancho San Antonio, Cupertino

Having seen a number of stunning HDR pictures, I was really determined to do a HDR picture myself. Every one seemed to be using photomatix. At this stage, I didn't want to spend any money on it. So I looked around for free software. Ended up downloading qtpfsgui (mouthful to pronounce and remember). It is quite simple to use. My huge inspiration for HDR stuff is - stuckincustoms.com - yes wierd name, but really good stuff for all things HDR.

To start off, I just went to the nearest park - Rancho San Antonio in Cupertino, California. Just set up the camera for 2 stops either way. Took 3 shots at -2, 0, +2. Got home, used QTPFSGUI. Experimented with number of output settings. I wanted something surreal. This seemed to fit the bill.

Hope you like it!

Photo editing softwares

From the beginning, I have been using Picasa for editing all my photos (typically for adding my signature). I always wanted to move to Photoshop - but is too expensive :-( Photoshop Elements seemed to be the only option. I started looking for deals even on the PSE!!
Finally I got it for $29 from newegg.com !! But I am yet to learn it fully even after several months. But I found you tube to be immensely helpful -

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=photoshop+elements+8+tutorial&aq=1

I found the software to be quite advanced and useful.

But here is the good news - have you even heard of GIMP? I heard it from my son! It is actually as good as Photoshop elements. But the best part is - it is FREE!! Open source package.
Try it out - http://www.gimp.org/

Some help - http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gimp+2.6+tutorial&aq=2

Download it and play around. It is fun!

If you are intimidated by complex softwares - then Picasa is the way to go - really easy to use while being able to do most stuff about photos -

http://picasa.google.com/#utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-bk&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=picasa

Let's edit and change some faces!

Niagara falls splendor!

(click on the picture to enlarge it)

Hello All,
After a long drive from Boston, we arrived at Buffalo and checked into the Hotel around 8pm. Instead of hanging around, we thought we should make a trip to Niagara falls in the night itself. When we arrived there, the first thing that got our attention was the clouds of vapor raising out of Niagara! Then the sound, then the sights!

The night view was impressive. Saw a lot of photo geeks going gaga over the picturesque location. I didn't carry my tripod because of weight (we were flying to east coast). So I rested my camera on one of the railings and started firing away pictures.

Tech: Canon XSI with 18-55 IS @ 24mm
0.6sec
f/4.0
ISO: 800

Hope you like it!

On Road - Boston to Niagara

(Click on the image to enlarge)

Hello All,
Welcome again! Last year, during my East coast trip ( July 2009), we were driving from Boston to Niagara. While driving we stopped for lunch some where on the roadside restaurant. After finishing mine, I grabbed my photo hoping to get a quick shot or two. While clicking, a passerby - an old lady who lived there, remarked she never noticed how beautiful the place was until then! How true!!

I really loved the shot and it is unedited. Didn't see a need for editing.

Tech: Canon XSI
18-55 @ 55
f/9.0
1/160s
ISO 400

Fireworks July 4th 2009, Cupertino, California

This is one photo that eluded me for months! Finally I could fish it out. I casually went to the July 4th fireworks when one of my friends invited me over to the nearby school grounds. Since there were many people with not enough space to even walk around, let alone setup a tripod. I sat on the ground and started clicking away. Some shots made the cut. This is what I really liked! Hope you like it too! Click on the image to enlarge it. When you enlarge it, scroll up and down quickly using the scroll wheel of your mouse while watching the picture for a special effect.

Tech: Canon XSI with 55-250 IS - Hand held
f/18.0
15.0 sec
ISO 800

Thanks for visiting.

Months of silence

Hello All,
I apologize for the long silence and I promise this will not happen again. I was not well and now I am back. I was traveling a bit too. Meanwhile didn't I take any new photos? No way! I kept taking but didn't stretch myself too much. Now I will start posting those photos and discuss techniques. Hopefully it will be useful for you all.

Hope you like it :-) Please feel free to leave your feedback for all my posts.

Love you all
Raghu