TwoSpy

So I picked up a new lens on eBay for cheap. Sort of a risky move, but I think I got lucky. Its the Nikon 50mm AF 1:1.4D. People may tell you there is no such thing as a magic lens - that to take a good photo is up to the photographer (composition, framing, etc.) - but set the aperture to 1.4 and fire at anything you like, and wallah, an interesting photo with super nice bokeh (a fancy photographer term for the out-of-focus part of a photo). Well maybe there is just a little more to it.

This lens is great in low light. I shot about 200 pics last night around my house with only incandescent lighting, and at ISO 200, the shutter was hovering between 1/60 and 1/100. Here’s a little sample of what it can do …

I recently discovered another great feature on my D50. Auto ISO. When enabled, the ISO will automatically adjust in low light in order to keep the shutter from dropping below a particular speed (1/30 is what I currently have mine set to). If you are not using the Auto ISO feature or were not aware of it, go turn it on immediately, and then set your ISO to 200 (or less if your camera offers it).

Sorry, I can’t refrain myself … here is one more preview of what this lens can do …

I attended another Artreach community event last night where western photographer/painter Peter Robbins brought his horse and spoke about what it is like to hang out with cowboys on a ranch. Peter was quite a character, and much credit should be given to his unique style of photography. Visit his website and see for yourself.

Enjoy some photos I snapped at the event:

We just returned from Lake DeGray, Arkansas where we had an incredibly fun and hot time wakeboarding. Ever thought you could sweat underwater, well you can. Check out the pics here.

I just returned from San Antonio where I celebrated my cousin Tony and his new wife Bridy’s wedding. On the trip I made my first attempt at taking an HDR photo, but I didn’t have too much luck getting them to look very good. I did have some fun converting the pics my brother took of the reception to Black and White. View the photos here.