Thinking of My First Home

Recent passing of an Aunt

With the recent passing of an Aunt that was the last of my fathers immediate family, I been thinking a lot of New Zealand, my first home. Even though I left New Zealand as a young child, I still consider it home and still have many family members there. I do occasionally get to go back and visit but not as often as I like.

For the photographers out there and anyone who likes outdoors, New Zealand is a beautiful county and I think is one of the places where you can experience every kind of environment from the Snowy Alps in the south to Desserts in the central highlands, and of course everything in between like the tropics or at least subtropics.

The photo below is one of those places that I just had to visit my last time back home.

Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove on the Northeast side of the Coromandel Peninsula of the North Island. There is a little hiking involved to get down to this beach and some area’s are very steep, but the track was well maintained when we were there.

Cathedral Cove New Zealand
Cathedral Cove Beach on the New Zealand North Island East Coast

#NewZealand #CathedralCove #Beach


Making your Apple Aperture Photos available to Luminar 3 with Libraries

While reading posts about Luminar 3 with Libraries I saw several questions about how us older Aperture users could get our photos into the new Luminar 3 with Libraries. So I decided to create this short video showing you how.

If the video doesn’t load form some reason you can access it here. https://www.markdoddphotography.com/recommends/aperture-to-luminar-3/

#aperture #luminar3 #video #howto


Luminar with Sky Enhancement

Supercharge your 
photo editing with AI.

The new Luminar uses Artificial Intelligence to make the sky on your photos look incredible automatically. No need to do complex selections, masks or apply layers. No other photo software has a feature as amazing as this one.
Learn more

Use the coupon code MARKDODD to get extra US $10 OFF

*Immediately after your purchase you’ll get the current version of Luminar 2018 with the new AI Sky Enhancer. The Libraries feature will be available in December this year as a free update.
US$59 US$69
Buy Luminar
Use the coupon code MARKDODD 
to get extra US $10 OFF

#luminar #Skyenhancement #affiliate


Photolemur

Photolemur – Comparison between version 2 and 3

A short video comparing the options between the previous version of Photolemur and the current Photolemur 3 versions.

 

 

 

Check out Photolemur version 3

#affiliate #photolemur3 #video #comparison


Nikon Announces Mirrorless Camera

Nikon has just announced the release of their first Mirrorless Camera

 

Nikon announced two new mirrorless cameras early this morning EDT.

The Nikon Z6, a 24.5mp FX sensor and the Nikon Z7, a 45.7mp FX sensor.

They are both full frame sensors and it has been announced that you can use your existing F mount lenses with an adapter. So for you existing full frame sensor Nikon users you don’t have to get the newer lenses to use these cameras

 

The new lens mount is the Z-Mount and they have a new set of Z-Mount Lenses to go along with the new cameras. But again, you can still use your F mount full Frame lenses using the Nikon FTZ Adapter.

The 3 Z-Mount lenses they are releasing now are

  • 24-70mm F/4 S
  • 35mm F/1.8 S – Prime Lens
  • 50mm F/1.8 S – Prime Lens

58mm f/0.95 S NOCT is still in development and will be released later

These are all part of the new NiKKOR S series lenses.

The Z-Mount has a larger ring opening that lets more light to hit the sensor and can provide a sharper image to the sensor. It also has more connectors to transfer information to and from the lens at a faster rate than existing lenses. It is a size of a 55mm inner mount diameter and a 16mm flange focal distance.

There is an optional Battery Pack to increase your shooting time.

There list prices are

Nikon Z6 Body for $270,000 yen including tax or around $2400 USD

Nikon Z7 Body for $440,000 yen including tax or around $3900 USD

Release dates

for camera bodies in late September, Lenses to be released later. Most in October.

 

For all the specs on each camera and all details visit nikonusa.com


 

Peak Design Travel Line

PeakDesign announces a new product line, The Travel Line

Today Peak Design releases their Travel Line of products via Kickstarter.

 

I’m a customer and big believer in the design and quality of the Peak Design Products. I own two bags, the backpack and the everyday sling bag, along with several camera straps. They have been great products.

 

If you have ever considered getting their products, getting them during a Kickstarter is the least expensive way to get the new products. Granted you may have to wait for a little to get them, but it will be well worth the wait.

 

So what is in this new Peak Design Travel Line.

 

Check out the Peak Design Travel Line Kickstarter today

 

It won’t take long for each level to sell out, so check it out as soon as you can.

 

#travelline #peakdesign #affilaite #kickstarter


 

Recommended Book for Photographing D.C.

Book Recommendation Snap D.C. by Angela B. Pan

I would recommend reading it through as it is a quick and easy read. Once you have read it in its entirety I’m sure you will start planning your D.C. photography trips and use this book as a reference guide for your trip and future trips to D.C.

Angela goes over the locations she recommends in the National Mall area, but also includes some lessor know locations near the National Mall that are great photo opportunities. Even has a few that are just outside of the D.C. area.

She includes transportation information, the best time to shoot at the location, some of her photography from that location, and imparts some local knowledge of the area.

If you are planning a photography trip to Washington D.C. and want to know the best times to go to a location, how to get there, and how to get a different photo that everyone else in D.C. then this book is for you.

 

Currently sold only through Amazon. You can get your Kindle or Paperback

 

Get your copy of SnapDC

 

Image of the Day

Here is an image that I took of the Cherry Trees using one of the tip locations she mentions in the book.

 

 

#SnapDC #amazon #affiliate #book #washingtonDC


 

2018 Art Show Schedule

American Kiwi Photo
Art Show Schedule

These are the locations and times that you can find me at Art Shows this 2018 season.

I will be attending under my Art Show photography business name of American Kiwi Photo.

 

This list is current as of 09/01/2018.

Check back weekly as I do have several dates and locations pending and this list will be updated as they are added.

 

Date Time Event Location
09/09/2018 9AM-1PM Sykesville Farmers Market Sandosky Rd, Sykesville, Md
09/16/2018 9AM-1PM Sykesville Farmers Market Sandosky Rd, Sykesville, Md
09/29/2018 10AM-6PM Westminster Fall Festival Westminster, Md
09/30/2018 Noon-6PM Westminster Fall Festival Westminster, Md
10/07/2018 9AM-1PM Sykesville Farmers Market Sandosky Rd, Sykesville, Md
10/14/2018 9AM-1PM Sykesville Farmers Market – Holiday Festival Main St, Sykesville, Md
11/03/2018 8AM-1PM Carroll County Farmers Market Booth #74. Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster, Md
11/04/2018 10AM-3PM BCAG Fall Show 721 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, Md
11/10/2018 10AM-3PM Catonsville HS PTSA Fall Craft Show Catonsville High School, Catonsville, Md
11/17/2018 9AM-3PM Liberty HS Fall Craft Fair Liberty High School, Eldersburg, MD
11/24/2018 9AM-3PM Skyesville Holiday Marketplace Carroll County Shipley Center, Westminster, Md
12/01/2018 8AM-1PM Carroll County Farmers Market Booth #106.Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster, Md
12/08/2018 8AM-1PM Carroll County Farmers Market Booth #102.Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster, Md
12/15/2018 8AM-1PM Carroll County Farmers Market Booth #107.Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster, Md

 

2018 Completed Art Shows form this Show Season.  These will be possible shows to keep an eye out for the 2019 Season

Date Time Event Location
March 31st, 2018 8am-2pm Carroll County Farmer’s Market -Easter Show Ag Center, Westminster, MD
April 21st, 2018 8am-2pm Carroll County Farmer’s Market – Spring Fling Ag Center, Westminster, MD
May 13th, 2018 Noon-4PM Sunday’s in Butler 14924 Falls Rd, Sparks Glencoe, MD
May 20th, 2018 Noon-4PM Sunday’s in Butler 14924 Falls Rd, Sparks Glencoe, MD
May 12th, 2018 8am-2pm Carroll County Farmer’s Market – Mothers Day Show Ag Center, Westminster, MD
May 26, 2018 8AM-4PM Hampstead Day Arcadia, MD
Jun 02, 2018 10AM-4PM Art in the Park Westminster, Md
Jun 10, 2018 Noon-4PM Sunday’s in Butler 14924 Falls Rd, Sparks Glencoe, MD
June 16, 2018 8AM-1PM Carroll County Farmers Market Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster, Md
June 23, 2018 11am-4pm WoofStock 2300 Harvey Gummel Rd
Hampstead, MD
Jun 24, 2018 Noon-4PM Sunday’s in Butler 14924 Falls Rd, Sparks Glencoe, MD
June 30, 2018 8AM-1PM Carroll County Farmers Market Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster, Md
Jul 1, 2018 9AM-1PM Sykesville Farmers Market Sandosky Rd, Sykesville, Md
Jul 7, 2018 8AM-1PM Carroll County Farmers Market Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster, Md
Jul 14, 2018 10AM-9PM Common Ground on the Hill Carroll County Farm Museum, Westminster, MD
Jul 28, 2018 8AM-1PM Carroll County Farmers Market Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster, Md
Jul 29, 2018 9AM-1PM Sykesville Farmers Market Sandosky Rd, Sykesville, Md
Aug 4, 2018 8AM-1PM Carroll County Farmers Market Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster, Md

 

Artwork on display at these galleries or locations:

Carroll County Camera Club Show – 2nd floor of the Carroll County Art Council in Westminster Md

 

#Art #show #artshow #schedule #americankiwiphoto


 

Alien Skin Updates Exposure X3 Workflow


Exposure X3 Workflow update is out

 

Here’s what’s new in this update:

  • HSL tools to adjust hue, saturation, and luminance for each color
  • Targeted adjustment tools for detailed color adjustments
  • Kelvin-values for RAW images that record white balance
  • Printing
  • Expanded camera and lens support
  • Enhancements to watermarks, side-by-side view, keywords, and collections
  • New Fujifilm-inspired presets
  • And much more

 

 

Get Exposure X3 from Alien Skin with its new updated workflow

 

You can always try Alien Skin Software free for 30 days.

 

#alienskin #exposureX3 #update #affiliate


 

light tent

Review of the LimoStudio 16″ x 16″ Table Top Photo Photography Studio Lighting Light Tent Kit in a Box

The LimoStudio 16″ x 16″ Table Top Photo Photography Studio Lighting Light Tent Kit in a Box,  Model AGG349

 

I was looking for a way to photography items that I am posting on eBay and didn’t want to spend a lot of money to get a professional lightbox. This item fits the budget coming in at around $40.

 

The kit comes with everything you need for photographing smaller items.

 

This is what comes with this light tent:

  • Contents: 1 x Mini Stand Tripod / 1 x White Photo-shooting Tent, 16-inch Cubic with Color Backdrops / 2 x Table Top LED Light / 1 x Cellphone Clip Holder
  • Red, black, blue, white backdrop fabrics included
  • LED light stand specifications: 5500 Kelvin / 600 Lumen / 120° Beaming Angle / Maximum Height, 9.5-inch
  • Table Top Mini Camera Stand: Height adjustable with max 8-inch tall / 1/4-inch standard screw tip
  • Cellphone clip holder is compatible with any smartphones

 

The kit folds down flat

It as two pockets the outside in which you can store the lights and the tripod with the clip. The extra backdrops to not fit in the pockets, but you can put them under the straps or just carry them separately.

 

Light Tent Folded

 

Here is the light tent all set up on my table and ready to start.

It is easy to unfold and put together. The top is attached to the side with a velcro strip. Not really shown in this picture, but the side may not lay exactly flat against the surface you place this on but does not hinder taking pictures in any way.

Light Tent Setup

 

The two lights have built-in tripod legs that will folder up into the light base for storage. Each light has its own on/off switch and is easily movable to get the angle that you need

One note not on the description on Amazon, but indicated in the manual that came with the product is that you should not use the lights for more than an hour at a time.

The phone tripod and clip are very basic but work for most phones. You will likely have to tighten the adjustment screw a few times as it not the best at staying tight especially if you angle your phone. You don’t have to use the tripod setup as the scene will be bright enough for you to handhold your phone or camera to take the picture.

 

Here is a sample image

I took this with my iPod and is the item shown above in the light tent. This is straight out of the iPod before any adjustments that need to be made. But for the most part, no adjustments other than cropping and maybe a little shadow boosting.

Light Tent Sample image

 

Stock view of the panels included.

They are what I call fake felt panels that have velcro attached to one end so you can attach them to the back of the Light Tent. Due to the material, the one drawback of these panels is that they like to collect dust. So try to use this product in a dust free environment. If they do get dusty, your standard lint roller will clean the backdrops just fine.

Light tent stock view of panels

 

In summary:

For the price, I couldn’t ask for anything more. The lights are bright and you have a selection of the three colors as backgrounds that look good for most objects.

 

You can get this item from Amazon
 


#amazon #affiliate #lighttent #Review