Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Some pics I took tonight.

They're self-explanatory. Okay, so I'm no Milky, but isn't one Milky enough? And don't forget, my camera's only worth about $400.

13 comments:

John Mielke Photography said...

Ain't nothing wrong with that Canon S3IS of yours Bob! It's an AMAZING camera!

But, like all cameras, regardless of their retail value, the key to getting great shots is turning off all the auto functions and doing things manually. I set my ISO, my shutter speed and my aperture manually. ALWAYS.

I used a tripod for my eclipse shots, as well as the mirror up mode to reduce any shake. I also fired the shutter with a cable so I wasn't touching the camera.

Your camera can do this too... by putting it on a tripod and using the timer mode.

Milky's camera tutorials are always available free of charge, and you know where to find the beer. :)

The Introduction To Digital Photography course available through the Ottawa Board Of Education's Continuing Education program is fantastic by the way! I highly recommend it!

Bob said...

I did use my tripod and timer, but everything else was on AUTO.
I might take a Digital Photography course sometime, but right now, my French course is keeping me busy and stimulated enough.
I used to know how to do all that stuff you did with your camera tonight, back when I worked in print. One of these days, I'll sit down with my camera's instruction manual and revive those brain cells.

Thanks for the tutorial.

John Mielke Photography said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
John Mielke Photography said...

Nevermind reading the manual... I'll write you out some simplified instructions... en francais. LOL!

The unfortunate thing that AUTO did for you here was change your ISO (sensitivity to light - in film days ISO was called ASA) to 1600 or 3200... maybe even higher. This caused the "noise" on the shots. Bumping the ISO to 400, or even lower (I shot at 100 and 200 ISO), will result in a LOT less noise. The tradeoff is that you have to use a longer shutter speed... but you're using a tripod so yer good to go!

By the way... what are you feeding that cat? She's big and beautiful! THAT is a great self portrait! Bravo!

Bob said...

What am I feeding the cat? Um, cat food...

Actually, being a first-time cat owner, I'mstarting to worry that I'm feeding her too much. I'm going to make a vet appointment very soon for a check-up and some advice.

She's beautiful, although Misster Kitty would probably prefer that she have some leopard spots. But she's not his cat, so there!

Ma Horton said...

I love all of your photos . I saw the moon last night too after my yoga class . ( no smart remarks ) Coffee is a sweetheart .

Bob said...

Moons, racks... my Gawd, where is your mind lately?

Maria said...

Very nice pics of the moon eclipse Bobby and an especially nice pic of you and the little coffee.

Jennywrenn said...

great shots bob!
I followed ya home from Milky's page, hope you don't mind!
cheers
Jenny

Maria said...

Hey Bobby,

This morning I heard on the radio that a recent study showed that if you are the proud owner of a cat it can cut your risk of a heart attack by 1/3. I say get 2 more cats and kitty to visit every now and then and you should be good.

Bob said...

Jennywrenn: It's okay. I'll even keep you, if you decide to stay.

Maria: I saw the same report last night. Kitty's a great guy, but I would need a humongous litter box for him. As for getting more cats, my neighbours already think I'm weird. I don't want to confirm their suspicions. So I'll continue to be happy with The Prettiest Cat in the World, and look at reducing other risk factors for the ticker going boom.

Maria said...

OK just thought I'd help you out.

JB said...

Cats only make you healthier because of all the bending down you have to do, picking up the small dead animals they leave around the house as gifts.