River Ridge Photo - Photography of Michael Spotts - Oceanside, San Diego, Nationwide

2011 iPhone Favorites (30 Images)

2011-12-31T16:29:00.001-08:00

Without a doubt this has been for me the year of fauxtography. Yes, that's right, my iPhone officially supplanted my DSLRs as the carry-about camera of choice for opportunistic shots. Remarkably, I didn't take bajillions of trash-snaps as one might have expected. From my modest collection of just over 300 shots, I present to you thirty of my favorites. Let me know what you think and please feel free to share links to your favorite personal photos from 2011. Thanks for looking! More after the jump...

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Orfila Vineyards — Escondido, California (6 Images)

2011-12-22T18:42:00.000-08:00

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Easter in the Weeds — 31 Images

2011-12-22T14:11:00.000-08:00

22 Dec. 2011 — Now that I've updated my computer, I'm going through the old archive to edit personal photos from the past year. Fun at last! These images were taken on Easter with my girlfriend and her bestie, Bee. Speaking of Bee and Ashley, they took the ones of me, and did a fine job. If you would like to arrange a shoot with your friends, please look through my portfolio and contact me for pricing. Thanks. More after the jump...

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Southwest Medical: Murder Mystery Dinner

2011-12-19T23:12:00.000-08:00

17 Dec. 2011 — It was my enormous pleasure to photograph the 2011 holiday party for Southwest Medical Resources. The company treated its staff to a murder mystery dinner, complete with chalk outlines and a zany troupe of actors hidden among the guests. Capturing the action was exciting, especially since I was as much along for the ride as anyone. My sincere thanks to the generous and friendly patrons who chose my services.

View more highlights from the night below. If you were present at the event you may download the files in print-resolution from these links:

Color Files (220 images, 240MB .zip)
Black & White Files (220 images, 245MB.zip)

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How to begin professional photography

2011-11-22T23:43:00.001-08:00

This year I am rounding out a decade of work in professional photography. In that time I have trained numerous photographers who are now multi-year wedding and portrait pros. As such, I am frequently asked where to find introductory materials about getting into the business... [Read More]

True, there is a wealth of technical information available about how to shoot and what to buy. However, most resources omit the important details that really set professionals apart. Things like having a systematic backup process, book keeping and grade-A people skills, and using multiple cameras throughout events as a fail-safe against electronic error. Just to start out, I want to say those details are best learned in face-to-face mentor programs. However, here are some of the basics I always tell people. You don't have to understand and you certainly don't have to agree, but I figure if you're reading this, I probably have more experience than you and you're better off hearing me out...

WHY AM I SHARING THIS INFO FREELY?

One might wonder why I am willing to give away my "secrets to becoming a pro". That kind of cuts into my own market, right? The fact is that there are precious few people who are actually dedicated enough to get where the seasoned pros are. I presume the same is true in most fields. The majority of up-start photographers remain side-job enthusiasts. No hard feelings: they serve a particular, less demanding clientele, usually at a lower price-point. Clients who discern quality images and service, and who cannot afford to risk their events to chance, however, will pay a premium for established professionals. So in reality there is not so much competition. And frankly, if you have enough drive to stick through the learning period then you have my respect. I 'm willing to help out and even compete with you.

IS BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER A WORTHWHILE VENTURE?

Yes, I think so. In the long run a good livelihood can be made and I find the job to be personally and socially rewarding. However, getting to that point of consistency and success may be costly in terms of money, time, and failure. Many people rush in for the cash and find out the hard way that getting in over one's head can result in catastrophic errors, mistakes that screw up clients' lives—at least for a while—and potentially your own. Imagine botching "the kiss" during a wedding because you relied on Auto mode and the camera took a series of terribly underexposed or blurry shots. You could get sued for the cost of the wedding plus thousands of dollars in emotional damages. Seriously.

This is not to dissuade you from getting into the business. But it should sober you to really study and develop your skills before accepting too much responsibility. It's one thing to be a "second shooter" taking fill-shots for $250 per event. It's another to bear the entire burden if images are subpar or missing.

WHAT TO BUY FIRST?

I've written about this subject more extensively elsewhere, but here are my suggestions. If you want the reasoning behind these items, maybe I'll expound on that later. What works for me may not work for you, but if you look through my portfolio you'll discover that absolutely everything in there can be created with this setup, and nothing more.

Rule 1: Go with Canon if you aren't already invested heavily in another system? Not because Canon is technically better, but that there is a broader range of bodies and lenses on the market, new and used, that generally sell for less. Perhaps part of being an artist is choosing gear that moves you, but part of being a professional is increasing your profit margin. Buy Nikon when you're loaded. Better yet, buy Mamiya and Leica.
Rule 2: purchase used gear in excellent condition from reputable dealers like KEH and BHPHOTOVIDEO whenever possible. Both have good return policies, KEH offers a six-month warranty. DSLRs are incredibly durable. I have no fear of buying "pre-loved" gear and have purchased more than seven cameras and who knows how many lenses without issues. (YMMV) The savings can be enormous: I paid $1500 for my Canon 20D, brand-new, in 2005. Now that camera is available in like-new condition for $300. That model still takes the same amazing images today. Don't be fooled by marketing pitches.
Here we come to the inflammatory part, what to buy in particular. If anyone questions items on this list, I am prepared to give a reasonable defense for my inclusions and exclusions. I repeat, there isn't an image in my portfolio that could not have been made with this kit. Ten years and hard work have taught me how to get great images while saving serious money. For instance, the Wacom tablet, while least essential, cuts my post-processing time in half and dramatically improves editing. Also, some would suggest expensive, long telephotos or cheap mid-range zooms. In practice, these are hardly needed for most wedding work, especially when starting as a second-shooter. Prime (non-zoom) lenses produce more of "the look" you are probably going for.

Essential gear for under $3000 (as of November 2011):

Canon 40D w/ memory cards and spare batteries ($550)
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 ($600) - Super-wide to wide
28mm 1.8 ($400) - Portraits, low light medium-wide
50mm 1.8 ($80) - Portraits, low-light long lens
Adobe Lightroom 3.0 ($200)
Cheap manual flash and craft-foam diffuser ($50)
Wireless flash trigger for off-camera use ($30)
Dolica Ball-head Tripod ($40)
Backup camera - Canon 20D ($300)
Nylon belt and several LowePro lens pouches, UTG bag ($50)
Wacom Graphics Tablet ($200)
Photoshop CS5 ($200-600)

Yes, that's a lot of money. But I've done dozens of weddings for about the same amount and, once purchased, the overhead is low. Also, investigate how much you can write off as business expenses for a substantial tax credit.

SOMETHING TO AVOID

Expensive classes. I have friends who went to Brooks Institute ($40K) and walked out with little if any practical advantage over wedding photographers who learned from free tutorials online and from mentors. That's not to say an extended formal education cannot help, but in my opinion it is hardly essential to the self-motivated learner in this particular field. No one will ask to see your degree. Everyone will ask to see your portfolio.

CONCLUSION

I consider the most important characteristics in becoming a professional photographer to be dedication, the drive to develop marketable taste, and great people skills. Remember, unless you are a landscape photographer you will work with some intense, emotional people on very subjective projects. Perhaps in that case it wouldn't hurt to have some experience bar-tending. ;)

Feel free to browse my work for posing ideas, etc., and if you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

— Michael Spotts:.

www.riverridgephoto.com

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Death Valley, Part 4—Home by Way of Whitney

2011-11-18T00:12:00.001-08:00

If you're new to this series, I suggest you go back to Part 1, Dawn at Dante's View, and check out the other two parts (here and here) as well. But here you are on the final day of our Death Valley trip. I had a horrendous case of food poisoning that caused me to lay on my belly in a deserted parking lot most of the night. This condition somewhat soured my remaining experience of the trip, but I could not restrain myself from photographing some of the views along the way. We made a detour, as well, to the foot hills of the great Mt. Whitney, Eastern door keeper of the Sierras. I wish you could see these images in their original size! See the rest after the link...

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Death Valley, Part 3—The Dunes

2011-11-17T23:47:00.001-08:00

If you missed part 1, Dawn at Dante's view, or 2, Devil's Golf Course and Salt Flats, you might want to check those out first. But here you are at the world famous Death Valley dunes. Actually, Jake and I only visited the 100' dunes. Much further North East were 600' dunes, the tallest in North America. We tried rather unsuccessfully to slide down the dunes on a piece of cardboard. To make things worse, I had food poisoning at this point and trudging up and down the dunes was torture. At least it was beautiful. See the rest of the photos after the link...

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Death Valley, Part 2—Devil's Golf Course & Salt Flats

2011-11-17T23:25:00.001-08:00

If you missed Part 1, go check out an amazing dawn at Dante's Peak. Here are some images from our first day in Death Valley. For the record, breakfast on the Golf Course was a weird experience. More images after the jump...

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Death Valley, Part 1—Dawn at Dante's View

2011-11-17T23:13:00.001-08:00

Way back in January, I took an impromptu trip up to Death Valley with one of my good friends, Jake. Seven hours later we arrived at Dante's View. We were greeted just in time for a phenomenal moonset and sunrise. Man was it chilly up there. Hit the link to see the rest...

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Richard & Priscilla — Wedding

2011-11-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

Several years ago I met Richard on a flight to Tahoe. We were headed to a mutual friend's wedding which I was photographing. Things have come around and now it's Richard's turn to tie the knot. I was so glad to have the opportunity to be there for him, too, and my thanks go to all the family. Read more to see the rest...

Update: Richard sent me this kind note:

Thanks Michael! Not only did you take awesome photos, you made the whole process an absolute pleasure. =)

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Simon & Heather - Wedding Celebration

2011-11-06T01:36:00.000-07:00

This lovely couple got hitched a few months earlier in the Midwest, but asked if I would shoot their post-wedding celebration is California. Of course! Below are some images from their romantic session as well as a few highlights from the setup and event. Enjoy, and feel free to share. Thanks!

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Jake & Kristen - A Classy Engagement

2011-10-26T03:07:00.001-07:00

Shoots like this make me wish I shot engagements every week. The whole time was fun and my clients were incredibly relaxed. We also had some great Mexican food together. But really, look at those two. They're adorable. Man, I love romantic portrait work!

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Hayase Family Portraits

2011-10-13T13:57:00.000-07:00

This was my second time photographing the Hayase family. Two years later, it was fun to see the kids getting bigger and everyone still smiling. I hope you all enjoyed visiting San Diego! Here are some highlights from the shoot.

PS: I just received this wonderful note from Mrs. Hayase,

"I have definitely been singing your praises. Now if you just moved to Orange County, I’d have your schedule booked! ;-) In addition to your amazing photography skills, I really appreciate your low-key vibe and the way you put people to ease. It really helps us to relax and allow you to capture our true selves. May God continue to bless you in your pursuits. We hope to keep in touch and look forward to more of your fabulous photo sessions!"

Thanks again!

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Joshua Tree National Park

2011-10-04T15:07:00.000-07:00

Some images from a recent trip. Enjoy.

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Hand-made cases

2011-09-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

I cooked this case up myself.

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La Jolla Coves

2011-09-19T13:15:00.001-07:00

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Engagement: Richard & Priscilla

2011-08-21T02:15:00.000-07:00

6 Aug. 2011

Once again, thank-yous are in order to my friends, Richard and Priscilla, for the wonderful time I had with them in Fullerton, CA, photographing their engagement session. They had noted to me their desire for a hip, retro feel. In addition to the vintage versions, there are a total of more than 120 natural color images, plus their monochrome counterparts. But here's a selection of highlights, enjoy!

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Wedding: Peter & Joanna

2011-07-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

San Diego, California

I'm very grateful for the opportunity I was given to photograph this lovely couple's wedding, especially as I happened to see many people there from another wedding I shot in Detroit. Three cheers for referrals! Enjoy these highlights, and if you'd like to see more, I've put larger albums up on both Google+ and FaceBook. (G+ is prettier) Feel free to leave a comment or share. Thanks!

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Fun on the Bridge, Part 1: Brittney

2011-07-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

A group of my friends went out to the old bridge for spontaneous pizza and a photo shoot. Our main goal was probably to use up a certain number of hours in good company, and I think we succeeded wonderfully.

Canon 60D + 50mm / 85mm lenses, 580EX / 430EX flashes w. reflectors.

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Yosemite Valley, California. 2010

2011-07-05T23:45:00.000-07:00

Canon 40D + 17-40mm f/4 L 2010 © Michael Spotts:.

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Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco, California

2011-07-04T14:46:00.000-07:00

I took this photo just minutes after finishing my 1500-mile solo bicycle ride in 2010. Rather than ride, I chose to walk the last 20 miles and cross the bridge into the city on foot. I was a joyous wreck and for a moment I felt like I owned the world.

Canon G11 2010 © Michael Spotts:.

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Big Basin Forest, California

2011-07-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

From a visit with Ryan Day Thompson along my 4-month journey around the United States. Stitched from about 5 shots.

Canon 40D + Canon 17-40mm f/4 L 2010 © Michael Spotts:.

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Romantic Couple in Ireland

2011-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

This lovely couple, to which I am forever indebted, brought me to Ireland to capture their engagement photos. They were about as wonderful as people come. It helped that both possess killer style.

Canon 40D + 50mm f/1.4 2008 © Michael Spotts:.

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Abandoned House, Appleton, WI

2011-06-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

There is a worn-down farm house just twenty minutes outside of Appleton, WI. The unassuming, dilapidated structure became a fixture in my memory of the State and my time living there. The first experience of the house was on a moonlit, snowy midnight during my first visit to Wisconsin, in January of 2005. We had decided to pull a prank on some friends, telling them to meet us at the house. Little did they expect that I was not only in town, but was hiding inside the forlorn building dressed as a homeless man. 

Unfortunately, plans didn't work out as expected. Someone was already holed up inside, who half-scared the life out of me when he/she/it came lurching out of the shadows. Actually, in the fog of sheer fright my first instinct was to stab the devil. Once I realized my knife wasn't even in my pocket, I collapsed in horror and back-crawled like a crab to escape, screaming butchery the whole way. It turns out the joke was on me: the person inside was a friend of mine and everyone had been in on it.

From that time we made several more trips to the house, exploring the expansive barn still full of old hay, or to eat lunch in the parlor with its collapsed roof. It remains a special place to me.

Canon 40D + Canon 17-40mm f/4 L 2008 © Michael Spotts:.

Canon 20D + Canon 17-85mm f/3.5-5.6 EF-s 2005 © Michael Spotts:.

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An Old Collection of Self Portraits (2006)

2011-06-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

I shot these images while living in Appleton, Wisconsin. I think it was raining outside and I was in a creative bent, so my quaint apartment served as a studio. The outfits were thrown together from thrifted clothes. I did my best to look the part of a sullen man-of-the-past. It is interesting to note that the real reason for straight faces in so many turn-of-the-century photographs was the long exposures needed for primitive films; it was easier to hold a straight face for two seconds than to hold a smile. Speaking of smiles, these still make me chuckle a little.

Camera: Canon 5D

Lens: Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L

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Sneak Peek: Peter & Joanna

2011-06-24T00:46:00.000-07:00

23 June 2011 Here's a surprise look at the happy couple. More photos on the way soon. :)

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Titus 3:3-8

Michael Horton Gets Re-Imaged

2011-05-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

Many, many thanks to Brooke and the staff at White Horse Inn for opening an opportunity to photograph a person I've looked up to for years, Dr. Michael Horton of Westminster Seminary California. He was incredibly easy to work with, setting aside his pedagogical role for that of a student before the camera. In fact, I think he had fun.

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Titus 3:3-8

Wedding: Scott & Cara

2011-04-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

It was my happy privilege to photograph the wedding of Scott & Cara, in Denver, CO. The images attest to how enjoyable the day was, and I am pleased to say they had the best wedding sermon ever. Blessings to you both!

Yours truly and thankfully.

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Titus 3:3-8

TIP: Great Travel Case for Compacts, Lenses & Electronics.

2011-02-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

I didn't think of this myself, but I've benefited from the genius who did...

Since I backpack and hike a lot, not to mention carry a camera everywhere, I wanted a case that's easy to access and protects the camera well. Solution: Rock Climbing Chalk Bags! The outside is durable, the inside is lined with VERY soft material, and there is a pinch-locking cinch cord to close it securely. They come in all sorts of styles, even plain black, and are about $15 at the local outdoors store. Not bad!

This method works out great for the Canon G series, and even fits a Leica M. I've also used chalk bags to carry SLR lenses, for which it is ideal. I could see myself using multiple bags for a GPS and other kit, since I dislike having bulky stuff in my pockets. Awesome product!

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Titus 3:3-8

GUTTER AT DUSK ~ OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA

2010-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

31 December 2010

Gutter at Dusk. Oceanside, California. 2007 © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF07-0512-01

12 May 2007 ~ One of my few film shots taken while walking home from work.

Camera: Pentax P3Lens: 50mm f/2.0__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

SARA BY THE SEA SHORE ~ LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA

2010-12-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

30 December 2010

Sara by the Sea Shore. La Jolla, California. 2006 © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF06-0521-01

21 May 2006 ~ My friend Sara paid me a surprise visit while she was in town from Wisconsin. We took a stroll down to the beach.

Camera: Canon 5DLens: Canon EFs 24-70mm 2.8__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

HOMIES DOWNTOWN ~ OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA

2010-12-29T12:23:00.000-08:00

29 December 2010

Homies Downtown. Oceanside, California. 2008 © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF08-0624-01

24 June 2008 ~ I was out with a friend teaching him basic skills for street photography. One of the first rules is, "Connect if you can." So I approached this large group of people and told them I was teaching my friend, and that they looked like great subjects. Then I showed them some prints I keep in my camera bag for that purpose. While they looked through the photos and loosened up, we shot away and became friends too. Most people drop their guard to help someone if they can.

Granted, lots of people associate street photography with voyeurism or almost spy work. I don't think it has to be that way. Hip shots can be incredible but more often the expressions I get out of interacting are more rewarding. You see less of the cold stranger and more of the warm citizen and fellow.

Camera: Canon 40DLens: Canon EFs 28mm 1.8__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

HUDSON RIVER FROM ABOVE ~ NEW YORK

2010-12-28T23:45:00.000-08:00

28 December 2010

Hudson River from above. New York. 2006 © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF06-0213-01

13 February 2006 ~ This was my first view of New York and I'll never forget it.
Camera: Canon 20DLens: Canon EFs 17-85mm@ f/5.6__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

PROUD CATCH ~ OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA

2010-12-26T23:35:00.000-08:00

27 December 2010

Proud Catch. Oceanside, California. 2008. © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF08-0624-01

24 June 2008 ~ I find most strangers pardon the intrusion of my camera so long as they have something to boast of.

Camera: Canon 40DLens: Canon 28mm f/1.8 __________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

VAUDEVILLE FRIENDS

2010-12-25T23:56:00.000-08:00

26 December 2010

Vaudeville Friends. Appleton, Wisconsin. 2007. © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF07-0629-01

29 June 2007 ~ This was a test-shot for an image she and I were taking to commemorate my last week in Wisconsin, before moving home to California. Yeah, I cut my head off, but the photo is fun to look at.

Camera: Canon 5DLens: Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

BEACH HOUSE ~ CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA

2010-12-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

23 December 2010

Beach House. Carlsbad, California. 2008. © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF08-0113-01

13 January 2008 ~ I like to take walks down the coast on Sunday mornings.

Camera: Canon 40DLens: EF 50mm f/1.4 __________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

BENEATH THE MANSION ~ WISCONSIN

2010-12-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

23 December 2010

Beneath the Mansion. Wisconsin. 2007. © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF07-0421-01

1 April 2007 ~ What we witnessed is hard to account of.

Camera: Canon 5DLens: EF 50mm f/1.4 __________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

LILY AT BALBOA PARK ~ CALIFORNIA

2010-12-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

22 December 2010

Lily at Balboa Park. San Diego, California. 2009. © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF09-0620-01

20 June 2009 ~ From the mirror pond at Balboa Park.

Camera: Canon 40DLens: EF 85mm f/1.8 @ F/2.5 __________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

JAKE ~ LA JOLLA COVE, CALIFORNIA

2010-12-21T04:34:00.000-08:00

21 December 2010

Jake. La Jolla Cove, California. 2006. © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF06-0618-01

18 June 2006 ~ Sifting sand. Man, this is a sweet combination of camera and lens.

Camera: Canon 5DLens: EF 50mm f/1.4 @ F/2 __________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

HARBOR ~ CATALINA ISLAND, CALIFORNIA

2010-12-20T00:13:00.000-08:00

20 December 2010

Harbor. Catalina Island, California. 2008. © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF08-0224-02

24 February 2008 ~ I was out for a wedding and a look around.

Camera: Canon 40DLens: EF 28mm f/1.8 __________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

THE ARTIST IN 1864

2010-12-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

19 December 2010

The Artist in 1864. Wisconsin. 2007. © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF07-0127-01

27 January 2007 ~ I time traveled to the Civil War.

Camera: Canon 5DLens: EF 24-70mm f/2.8 __________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

CLOUDS OVER NEW MEXICO

2010-12-18T00:18:00.000-08:00

18 December 2010

Clouds Over New Mexico. 2008. © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF08-0123-01

23 January 2008 ~ Always pick a window seat.

Camera: Canon 40DLens: EF 17-40mm f/4 L __________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

ERIN LOOKS OUT ~ WISCONSIN

2010-12-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

17 December 2010

27 July 2008 ~ Two friends and I spent a long day at Old World Wisconsin, and something like ten hours in the car.

Camera: Canon 40DLens: EF 28mm f/1.8 @ f/2.8 __________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

HALF DOME FROM YOSEMITE FALLS

2010-12-16T00:27:00.000-08:00

16 December 2010

24 July 2010 ~ Two days later I crested Half Dome by moonlight. See the color version here.

Camera: Canon 40DLens: EF 17-40mm f/4 L__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

HALF DOME FROM YOSEMITE FALLS ~ COLOR

2010-12-16T00:16:00.000-08:00

16 December 2010

24 July 2010 ~ Two days later I crested Half Dome by moonlight. See the monochrome version here.

Camera: Canon 40DLens: EF 17-40mm f/4 L__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

SANTA CATALINA ISLAND FROM AIR ~ CALIFORNIA

2010-12-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

15 December 2010

23 January 2008 ~ I lived on this island for a summer when I was eighteen.

Camera: Canon 40DLens: EF 17-40mm f/4 L__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

SELF PORTRAIT ~ MANITOWAC, WISCONSIN

2010-12-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

14 December 2010

9 May 2007 ~ I came to walk the shore of Lake Michigan with a friend. She had no jacket and, the weather falling ill, I exchanged my coat for a few thin blankets rummaged from her Jeep. We tramped along blanched dunes, our faces cleansed with spray from an approaching storm, and crept over bosky hills opposite the beach as pioneers of these billowy breakers of Marram and Sand Cherry.

As Abraham first gazed on Canaan's verdant bounds, so I view the landscapes of the world each with patriarchal wonder. On coming to a place of natural splendor, I am compelled to remove my shoes and exchange Eastern greetings with the local soil, for I am Guest of all ancient grottoes, monuments, valleys and seas. See that hut, that pilgrim pavilion of dust? I sojourn in yon' momentary tent of flesh, passing quietly to survey these, my promised lands of immortal trust. Self, I say, in light of Christ's covenant, there is neither stone nor stalk upon the globe which does not cast shadows of thy future inheritance. So I go lightly and with love, for all the earth is mine by divine endowment.

Camera: Canon 5DLens: EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

LAKE MICHIGAN FROM MANITOWAC, WISCONSIN

2010-12-13T00:10:00.000-08:00

13 December 2010

9 May 2007 ~ Before ending a tumultuous year in Wisconsin and returning to California, I took a bittersweet walk with an old friend at one of my favorite haunts in Manitowac.

Camera: Canon 5DLens: EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

MATTHEW & SHERRENE ~ SAN DIEGO

2010-12-12T11:40:00.000-08:00

12 December 2010

27 November 2010 ~ The botanical gardens in Balboa Park seem rarely to be open, but for us that day they were. Happy engagement to this lovely couple. And thanks to the good folks at Chick-Fil-A, for giving us a free meal and donning the cowstume!

Camera: Canon 40DLenses: EF 28mm f/1.8, EF 85 f/1.8, EF 17-40 f/4 L__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

KLEINS & PUPS ~ REDWING, MINNESOTA

2010-12-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

11 December 2010

19 May 2007 ~ It was all a bit more natural, then.

Camera: Canon 5DLens: EF 50mm 1.4__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

WOMAN ON SHORE ~ CATALINA ISLAND, CALIFORNIA

2010-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

10 December 2010


Woman on shore. Catalina Island, California. 2008. © Michael Spotts:. ID#FF08-0224-01

24 February 2008 ~ On the eastern shore of the island of Santa Catalina, off the coast of Los Angeles, California, are multitudes of rocks in lieu of sand.

Camera: Canon 40DLens: EF 28mm 1.8ISO 200 ~ f/7.1 ~ 1/1000__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

DOUBLE RAINBOW ~ SAN ONOFRE, CALIFORNIA

2010-12-08T19:03:00.000-08:00

9 December 2010

25 January 2008 ~ I had just returned from a whirlwind week in Ireland, and found my State all dressed up in a bow. This shot was composited from five overlapping files, without the use of a tripod, on the shoulder of the I-5 freeway.

Camera: Canon 40DLens: 17-40mm f/4 L__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

SCRIPPS INSTITUTE PIER - LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA

2010-12-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

8 December 2010

9 December 2007 ~ I like to take the bus an hour south to La Jolla, walk the beaches that wash beneath the cliffs of Torrey Pines, and spend afternoons in the aquarium at Scripps Institute.

Camera: Pentax P3 c. 1980Lens: 50mm 2.0Film: Some expired HP junk.__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

NEW MEXICO, ABOVE

2010-12-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

7 December 2010

24 January 2008 ~Taken through the horrendously opaque window of an airliner, in transit from Ireland to California.

Camera: Canon 40DLens: 17-40mm f/4 L @ F/9__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

WOMAN AT SUNSET ~ LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA

2010-12-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

6 December 2010

9 December 2007 ~ I saw this young woman in La Jolla. Negative film has impressive range.
Camera: Pentax P3 c. 1980Lens: 50mm 2.0Film: Some expired HP junk.__________________________________
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Titus 3:3-8.

What to buy first: Guide for $eriou$ amatuers.

2010-07-13T20:39:00.001-07:00

2010 - Oceanside, CA

NOTE: The links pictured here may not remain active, nor are they necessarily the best prices available. They are for educational reference only. Search around and compare. Make sure any used camera comes with a battery and charger. As well, these are strictly my OPINIONS. Yours may vary.

So you're pretty serious about photos, you think. Maybe even considering an offer to second shoot a wedding to get some experience. But you only have a compact camera and a couple cool shots of friends on your FaceBook. Oh, and a couple hundred clams to shell out on some gear. Where should you begin?

As a professional, I have done a first-rate job of wasting money when I first started out. I bought what I saw others using, and they might have done the same. I had no real idea why I should have certain contraptions, but had them I did, in abundance and often to little effect. Diffusers that came from Gary Fong's enviable fridge; over-priced plastic brushes to clean dust from the lens; enormous camera bags to hold my growing ego until I had more than two lenses. So, I'd like to help you avoid that route.

I want you to know in the first place, purchase what you feel comfortable with. For many people, photography is a very rewarding hobby. For some it even becomes a legitimate career or means of side income. If you start with very cheap equipment, you may become discouraged by the results. For instance, Rebel series cameras have excellent image quality but lack of a thumb wheel on the back can make them difficult to control and adjust in fast-paced environments (as most paid shoots are). That thumb wheel lets you immediately adjust your shutter speed, rather than holding down one button while turning another wheel. Besides, xxD cameras are mostly metal, like Robo-Cop, and clearly that worked out for him. However, buying something more expensive and then finding out you are not so interested as you thought can be very disheartening, too!

WHERE TO BUY: I recommend first-time buyers to purchase used equipment from a reputable seller. To me, there are four: BHphotovideo, KEH, Adorama, and someone you know well enough. Each of these will let you return the camera within 14 days if something doesn't seem right. Craigslist may also be an option in your area. Check an option if you live near larger cities. Be smart about it. This may save you $50-150 on each item, but may seem like more work and stress. I've done it, but only as a seller. It turned out well.

IS IT RELIABLE? Personally, I can attest that buying used camera gear has worked out well for me. Most cameras can shoot nearly 100,000 images before showing signs of detrimental wear. Few photographers hit that point; they sell to upgrade, or because they lost interest.

As well, good lenses are often sold just to upgrade. For instance, the Canon 50mm 1.8 is $100 new. The next-best 50mm lens is $350. After that, the top version is $1400. Start at the bottom, and decide from there what you need! Usually going up the scale is like this, in terms of build and image quality:

Cheapest: C+ to B+
Middle range: B+ to A-
Most expensive: A- to A+

Keep in mind, the C+ lens may have B+ image quality but a cheap-feeling body. As well, less experienced users often find even the worst SLR lenses to be miles better than what they were used to from point-and-shoots. To the initiated, most image quality issues are only visible in very large prints, like 16" x 20" viewed up close. However, another part of cost is how large the aperture opens. A larger aperture allows more light in, so that you can shoot in low-light without flash or at lower ISO settings, meaning less image noise. Larger apertures also create more dramatic focal blur in front of and behind the focus point. That costs money.

What I suggest: Depending on what you can afford, and what deals are available at the time, second shooters should get a DSLR with a two control dials. For Canon uses, this means something in the xxD range, like the 20D, 30D, 40D, etc.

Canon 20D:
The 20D is the least expensive, around $300, though I bought mine new six years ago for $1500! The image quality is very good in decent lighting, but suffers from image noise as all mid-range cameras do at high ISO speeds.

Images I've taken with the 20D:

Canon 30D:
The 30D has identical image quality to the 20D, but has a noticeably larger screen. Screens don't make images better, photographers do. Still, being a year newer, a 30D may have less wear on it.

Canon 40D:
If money were not an issue, the 40D is a gem for what it is. Slightly more mega-pixels (no difference in real life for print size) but a more modern sensor, which equates to better tonal range out of the box. My 40D files require less editing than my 30D or 20D files did. It manages highlights and shadows better, and has live-view, though I do not often use it. Most importantly for me, the 40D includes three customizable settings on the mode-dial, allowing you to jump right into pre-programmed settings with the turn of a wheel. For instance, I have one set to go right into exposure bracketing so the camera snaps off three images, one bright, one middle, and one dark. I blend these in Photoshop to account for really broad tonal ranges that would have been over or under exposed otherwise. Then I rotate the mode dial and go back to normal shooting. Lastly, the 40D has an automatic sensor cleaner that works. I have no problems with dust appearing in photos as I did with the prior two cameras, which can be an annoyance. Be prepared, though -- the 40D can be quite expensive.

Images I've taken with the 40D:

As for lenses, I recommend starting out with these:

Canon EF-s 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II- used $99 -

This lens will do well outside with good light, and fine indoors with bounced flash. It goes from pretty wide to a bit zoomed in. It's not a super-zoom. Long zoom ranges usually indicate poor quality. This lens also has IS (image stablization) which will help prevent blur caused by hands shaking at long shutter speeds. The lens is small enough to take everywhere while you learn.

Canon 50mm 1.8 II - Used $80 to $90 -

The famous "nifty fifty" is fifteen times less expensive than the priciest 50mm Canon makes, but to new users it is a dream come true. If feels a bit chintzy, and the focus ring is a joke, but the image quality is nice. Because the resale value on these used 50's doesn't go down, you can probably resell it in a few years for the same amount you paid. This lens doesn't zoom, and it won't give you any more reach than the 18-55mm, but it has an aperture which opens three times larger at the same focal length. This means that not only can you get very dramatic focal blur, but you can shoot at ISO 100 or 200 (no image noise) when you would have had to use ISO 400 or 800 with the other lens, due to the small amount of light coming through the f/5.6 aperture. If you don't get this now, you'll cheer later.

Besides these, I highly recommend getting a second battery (BP511A) and several 8GB CF cards. As well, dump the original strap for something very secure and comfortable. I use an Op/Tech Pro with attach loops and quick-disconnects, and it makes my job less fatiguing... in fact, a pleasure.

For cleaning your lenses, I swear by a big makeup powder brush from the local drug store, some breath, and a soft shirt. Most pros I meet adopt this system because it works. Gimmicks don't.

I would skip the giant camera bag for now, and get a LowePro lens pouch to put your spare lens in while shooting. That way it's there at your side, ready to go, or can be tossed in a purse or pack without drawing a "hit-me" sign on your back, advertising all your nice gear. It seems thieves like bags of lenses more than lone cameras.

Yes, there are other things I recommend but not yet. These will give you a leg up and help you to know just how interested you are. The lenses will be easy to sell for similar amounts if you upgrade later, and the body would become a backup or nice gift to another student.

Remember, it's not about gear so much as getting out there often, shooting and letting others critique your work. Like music, looking at good photos might help you adsorb their style and technique.

PS: If this post was helpful to you, please consider sharing it with others. Thanks!
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Canon G11 - First shots, sunset at the beach.

2009-11-27T20:31:00.000-08:00

27 Nov. 2009 - Oceanside, CA

I just received a Canon G11 w/ Voigtlander 35mm viewfinder. (Read my review here)

These are my first images with this combo. Processed in LightRoom 2.6 & Adobe CS1. Feel free to leave your impressions or questions.

View full-resolution versions and EXIF data.

Canon G11 with Voigtlander Optical Viewfinder (View Finder 35mm)

2009-11-25T22:36:00.000-08:00

12 Nov. 2009 - Oceanside, CA

I have jumped into the G-ship!

See my first images with this combo here. FAQs about this setup at the bottom.

Having shot almost exclusively with a range of Canon DSLRs, I recently outfitted myself with the G11 for daily carry on the street, and as a camera for grab shots while traveling.

Being used to optical viewfinders (and an analog geek) I up-sold myself into purchasing the Voigtlander 35mm viewfinder. According to CameraQuest, it's the best 35mm viewfinder in existence. But then again, they sell the thing.

G11 first impressions:
I knew what I was getting into when I purchased this setup: a small sensor camera mostly for broad daylight, not above ISO 400 for anything serious. (My standards may not be yours.) Since I view this as an alternative to a small film camera with 400 speed film, I accept the amount of graininess as a fun alternative to scanning.

The menu system is decent but could be more refined. Too easy to press buttons accidentally, especially in manual mode! Does anyone know how to disable the metering option while in M mode? I hate that I have to cycle through the metering option when going back and forth between aperture and shutter speed settings in M mode! Also, why can't I see the meter reading when the display is off? It shows me the settings as I change them but not the meter reading. Either I'm ignorant on this, or Canon is. (Note: turns out Canon is ignorant.)

Shutter lag is minimal with forethought and almost non-existent with the right settings. I still capture what I intend, for the most part, but autofocus could be quicker. I have a custom function preset to 2.5 meters at f/4.5, autoISO, in aperture priority for anything requiring instant response, with the lens set roughly equivalent to 32mm. I crop in post.

Voigtlander VF impressions:
Is it worth $160? Depends on who is shooting. I love the experience of an optical viewfinder, and the quality of this one puts my DSLRs to shame. In fact, it's brighter than any I've ever used. The bright lines hover beautifully in space as artfully illumined frame guides. They have an uncanny power to persuade me that every composition falling within their bounds is wonderfully artistic, which only proves that they are not to be trusted.

Is the viewfinder durable, and how does it fit in the shoe?
It was a little loose in the shoe until I put some paper under it as a shim. Now it's snug. Prior to this I managed to drop it from four feet onto concrete. My heart sank expecting broken glass. Nope. Just a microscopic fleck of paint missing from the all-metal housing. I expect that this will outlive my digital cameras and find use on future setups. It's an investment. The finder also came with a wonderful little pouch, really a tiny work of craft with a scripted "V" embellished upon it.

Finder accuracy. Let's not kid ourselves. The alignment of the Voigtlander viewfinder with the G11 is not very accurate at any lens position, but is relatively positive at three or more meters, with the lens set 2 movements from full-wide. I crop to taste in post. If shooting closer than 3 meters, I shoot full wide and crop to my original intention later.

It only takes a moment to crop in LightRoom, and I rarely print larger than 5x7 for personal stuff so it's fine. If I want perfect quality I'll use the 5D. If I want everyday fun, this G11 with viewfinder seems to do it.

Walking the streets with the screen inverted and shooting with the viewfinder is a pleasure! So inconspicuous. It causes me to focus on the next shot, rather than reviewing the last one!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'll also be posting the first set of images taken with the camera soon.

Enjoy!!

FAQs

Q. How can I set my G-series to shoot faster, like snap mode on Ricoh cameras?
A. See this blog post.

Q. What do you estimate the viewfinder magnification is (relative to naked eye)?
A. Hmm.. 50% or more perhaps. That sounds bad but for a wide it is not! It looks much better than the Canon 40D with lens set to 22mm (35 equiv.) and is far brighter, almost like no glass.

Q. Is there an FOV crop like the 78% visibility of the built-in finder?
A. The field of view with external finders is more than 100% because you can see around the projected frame lines. This allows you to anticipate movement into the frame.

Q. Is there parallax correction?
A. The only correction for parallax is manual - that is, myself purposely compensating through experience. I've only been doing it for two days and I'm already getting the hang of it, but YMMV. Think of it as moving to the next level in Tetris: it's harder, but the challenge makes it interesting and rewarding.

Q. Is the bright-line frame 4:3 ratio or is it 3:2 ratio?
A. 3:2. I like this, since shooting in 4:3 gives me room to crop in post for parallax!

Q. Roughly how much visibility is there outlying the bright-line frame (in rough linear or area terms)?
A. The field of view with external finders is more than 100% because you can see around the projected frame lines. This allows you to anticipate movement into the frame. But with this model, the viewfinder is circular. It's not as much as the 28/35 finder but is still more than an SLR. Imagine the 3:2 frame, then draw a circle on the outside that touches all four corners of the guide.

Q. Does the finder disable onboard flash?
A: Yes it does, which I find very annoying! Not that I often use it, but I want the option to bounce it with a business card. I thought of sliding paper between the contacts to block the circuit but haven't tried it yet.

Q. Why not just use the built-in finder? It is free, zooms, has some parallax correction, and is more inconspicuous.
A. Yes, the G11 built-in viewfinder is less money, less obvious, less vulnerable, and may have less parallax. But the built-in finder also has less field of view, less clarity, generates less tactile satisfaction, and to me gives less of a sense of fun. This camera is about fun to me; I have DSLRs for business. The 35mm finder is also useful on other cameras and a treat to look through.

Q. Why use a 35mm external finder instead of a 28mm? Then it would match the G11 lens at full-wide, right?
A. In theory, yes. In practice, no. I nearly bought the 28mm but someone warned me of this: Because any external finder on the G11 suffers from a certain amount of parallax and inaccuracy, using a 35mm finder with a wider lens setting (28-32mm equiv) gives you just enough room to crop without cutting off your original idea. It sounded logical and now i'm finding it makes perfect sense. I'm glad I didn't get the 28mm because there is maybe a 5 or 7% degree of inaccuracy with an external finder, since the G11 was not designed to accommodate it.

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