Category: Photography

Initial Tests for ERR99 and EF-S 17-85mm

Canon EFS 17-85mm f/4-5.6 iS USM

Canon EFS 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

My initial tests revealed it might be with this lens, the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, might have been causing the error. Yet, I still have to do more rigid tests, as when I attached back this lens after rubbing off gently its gold contacts, error was gone again.

The Cory Aquino Funeral and the Error 99

I don’t think I could let it pass when I knew that former President Cory Aquino’s funeral march will pass by near my place. So I grabbed my camera and tried my best to document the event despite the heavy rains.

However, as I was shooting around, I got the much dreaded Error 99 by every Canon camera owners. Maybe it was because of the dying battery, maybe the CF card, maybe the lens, or worst–the camera itself (God forbid!)

Everytime the error occured, I had to turn off the camera and back on again before I can actually get the shot. It was real annoying, but at least I got to take some pictures (see below). Continue reading

Serenity and Peace

Imagine that deep blue sky, the white cotton clouds, the beach with the powder-fine sand, a lazy late-afternoon walk along the beach lines–miles away from the busy life in Makati.

It could only be perfect!

Food Photography: Sans the Dirty Tricks

I once wrote about the dirty tricks used by food photographers to enhance the photo of their subject product.

What really happens without those dirty tricks? See how reality differs from the ads. (The photo in the left represents what is in the ads, and in the right – the reality.)

arbys-beef-and-cheddar

Each item was purchased, taken home, and photographed immediately. Nothing was tampered with, run over by a car, or anything of the sort. It is an accurate representation in every case. Shiny, neon-orange, liquefied pump-cheese, and all.

mcdo-sausage-breakfast-burrito

See more examples in the original article at “Fast Food: Ads vs. Reality“.

DSLR Cameras: What’s the Take?

If you’ve been from vacation lately, or even in malls and parks, you’ll see a lot of Digital SLR’s (DSLR’s) around. They seem like the regular digital point-and-shoot (P&S) cameras of four years ago. Owning one don’t seem like a luxury any longer, although they are yet worth a fortune especially the accessories (financial crisis, my a**).

The good thing about it is you won’t attract much attention anymore as you would before – maybe around 2-3 years ago – while lagging that big black camera around.

DSLR manufacturers likely have succeeded in selling their products. DSLR’s of today are treated like P&S, the sad thing is more often than not, they are used like one. The weight and the bulk is the bonus.

But of course, there are serious hobbyists and amateurs. A lot of friends who got their own DSLR lately have been asking what and where to start. And my suggestion has always been:

  • Read the manual;
  • Read about techniques; and
  • Practice

A lot of things are available in the manual but not in the internet or in any other books, especially when it comes to the functions specific to your camera.

One can always refer to resources available from books to digital e-books and various articles all over the internet. To start with, I always suggest the article, “Beginner’s FAQ” from the Photonotes.org. Take a look also at these 21 Settings, Techniques and Rules All New Camera Owners Should Know.

Practice – ahh practice. I definitely myself lack thereof.

Travelogue Series: Coron, Palawan

What made this trip more fun, beside the photo op, was that I was in the company of 16. Just imagine the constant laughter throughout the duration of the tour.

The tour package for a group this size with Coron Village Lodge amounted to P4,400 each person inclusive of meals, snacks, boat rentals, entrance fees, tour guides and transportation (including airport van transfer).

Velbon Sherpa Pro Pod 1 Monopod for Sale

Velbon Sherpa Pro Pod 1I’m selling my monopod. It’s a carbon fiber Velbon Sherpa Pro Pod 1. Asking price is at P4,500, negotiable.

Bought this in Qatar in 2007. I don’t use it too often that’s why I decided to dispose of it.

A monopod adds stability to your camera to avoid camera shake. It’s not as stable as a tripod but definitely more convenient to carry around. It’s mostly used by photographers who have long lenses, as they add support to the lens as well.

Media college summarizes the advantages as follows:

  • Lighter and easier to carry than tripods.
  • Can be set up much faster than a tripod.
  • Can be set up in places which are difficult or impossible for a tripod (e.g. rough terrain or in the middle of a crowd).
  • Gives you some added flexibility for different types of camera movement.

Continue reading