In-body Shake Reduction (SR) - how well does it work?

I decided to really test the abilities of both my long lens shooting technique and the in body shake reduction of my K10D. The following images were shot closer to the end of the day. It was very windy (20+ mph/30+ kph winds) and heavily overcast.

Taken with the K10D + FA* 300/2.8 + Tamron 1.4x MC4 AF TC = 420mm. I use Wimberley lens plates attached to an Arca Swiss Z1 monoball on a Giottos MT9360 tripod. Even though SR is on and not recommended for tripod work, your technique is just as important. I normally do not have the head locked in place - it swivels easily and I rely quite a bit on my technique. The tripod and the support system is simply to allow me to focus (no pun) on the work at hand. I am barely 6 feet away from the subjects, which is the minimum focusing distance (MFD) so the Depth of Field (DOF) is very shallow at F/5.6 and F/6.3.

Little or no cropping in these images. Only default conversion from RAW in ACR, no additional sharpening, minor Levels adjustment for the background to deepen it's hues in the second image. Taken ISO 640:

The Defender

Crop:


For reference, here is another image, taken at 1/100 sec.

On Alert

Crop:

Here are the links to the larger images:
The Defender
On Alert

From my perspective, SR certainly seems to work like a champ - more images are available for viewing on my website!

Enticing the Light - online interview

The good folks at Enticing the Light were kind enough to ask me to do an online interview. If you might be interested in knowing a little bit about what goes on behind the images, you are most welcome to read their interview.

Both Jose and Peter are top-notch guys and always willing to share information. I hope you enjoy the interview!

Regards,
Marc

Vanishing Resources: Earth's Moment of Truth

Everyone,

I’ve wanted desperately to find funding to do my own conservation project for some time now, and many are closed doors. I stumbled upon an opportunity for me to become more involved in making an impact in the world around us. I have prepared my entry for this contest: Name Your Dream Assignment Home

Microsoft and Lenovo are putting up money and a high end laptop in this contest. The winner receives $50,000 for the budget/travel/equipment and a Lenovo W700ds workstation 17″ laptop. Again, there is no prize money in this contest - it is for equipment, travel and logistics. I have posted my entry and it’s my hope that you believe in my abilities as a photographer and will consider voting for it. Your votes do not determine the winner! If I make it into the top 20 ideas in terms of public votes, then my entry goes to the judging panel.

Here is my entry: Name Your Dream Assignment :: Vanishing Resources: Earth’s Moment of Truth

You have a chance to stay involved with this project. Part of the winner’s obligation is to report regularly via a blog on the assignment while out in the field. The potential to have an impact is significant. Make no mistake: this is not a vacation - this is personal sacrifice, long hours and potentially difficult work. Please pass the word!

Please leave a comment if you are comfortable doing that - this also pushes up my entry on the “most commented” list.

Public voting ends April 3rd, so please consider voting for this worthwhile cause!!

Sincerely,
Marc

Museum funding approved = image project pending!

I wrapped up the Prairie Grove Battlefield reenactment the first weekend of December. Currently I am slowly going through over 2000 images from this year and the previous two years. I have been in discussion with the historical interpreter at the museum, and it appears I'll be helping out Taylor Studios with their image works. Taylor Studios are exhibit designer and fabricators in Rantoul, IL that is doing the project for exhibit renovations the Prairie Grove Battlefield museum. I'll post information related to this project where permissible and appropriate.

Miscellaneous Updates: 2009 calendar, upcoming classes

I've been quite busy as of late, so here are a couple of things to update folks:

Images of Our Land - the 2009 calendar is now available! I've been spending time getting it ready, and some technical glitches prevented confirmation of the preview function. You can get the calendar via the link on my website.

The Digital SLR class starts at Bedfords Camera & Video on Monday, Jan. 12th, 2009. The list of people interested is quite long, so multiple classes may be needed. More to follow!

How long have I been involved in photography? (and how to improve)

Often I am asked this question: how long have you been taken photographs? Literally it's less than a week, if you only count the time of the shutter actuations. Yes I shot film for a while, and had several images published (including two sports images). However, other things took priority and consumed my time. I first began photography in 1987 with the venerable K1000 and learned everything the old school way - digital SLR cameras didn't exist back then.

Fast forward to July of 2006: I've now been shooting seriously for less than 18 months. I took a 7 month hiatus from photography just prior to the VLF competition for various reasons. Some people are surprised with my answer. So how did I end up here, at the point of being published in a nature conservation book?

Learning as much as possible is the key to improving your image success rate (aka "keepers"). I've always adhered to old school values when it comes to photography:

1. study, read and learn often - it's a lifelong journey
2. master your tools
3. critique your work well
4. practice, practice, practice
5. learn from your mistakes

From this, you can start to master light! Generally I am my worst critic. Of course many of the subjects are often not compliant, so you make due with the situation. Sharing is the key in all of this - by sharing with others, you learn from them, no matter what their experience level. Everyone has something to offer me: from the newest to the most seasoned professional.

I also believe that learning only one or two kinds of photography is a disservice to yourself as a photographer. You can learn something from every kind of photography. I am always inspired by others, their work, as well as the people/places around me to learn more.

VLF News, and an image from the competition

Hi Everyone,

Just an update from the VLF Wildlife Photo Competition - details found here: VLF Wildlife Photo Competition

I confirmed today with a staff member at VLF that the letters notifying photographers which have placed in the contest are being sent out this week. Those who did not get a placing will not receive a letter. Those receiving a letter will have their image(s) published in the upcoming nature book. It's a coffee table format hardcover - the last edition had approx. 200 images in it, and proceeds are used towards land conservation efforts. VLF is a non-profit organization promoting private land conservation in deep south Texas, and long term plans are to potentially extend into the surrounding states. Private land conservation is important, since perhaps 20-25% of all lands in the US is public (state/national parks, etc.) .

So what's the good news? I have been told that I am receiving a letter notifying me of "several placings"... The staffer was not willing to provide any additional information at this time, so I must wait. Those images will be published in the book. I have no idea how many of my images have been selected or what they placed (1st, 2nd or 3rd). I also have no idea whether or not my images might have been a division winner, or the long shot of being good enough to be a contender or even considered in the Grand Prize portfolio competition.

I've only placed several images from the competition on my website, and you are welcome to view them in the Nature galleries. I do hope to have more up in the next few days or by the weekend. I know it may not sound like it, but this waiting is killing me!!!

The above image is a full frame shot of a Long-billed Thrasher, just 12-15 feet from the blind, and I took it with my 500/4.5. The head and bill are ~15" long at 100%!!!