"L" is for Luxury...or something.

I've had the opportunity to shoot with the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS USM for the past week, and it has made me fall in love with my [camera] body all over again. You can hear all the hype about the lens, read the reviews and do the research on "L" glass in general; but nothing compares to shooting with it. The fact about Photography, or any craft, is that you can continually get better at it, for as long as you do it. There will always be Photographers that boast about the images that can be created with minimal equipment, but to face reality, you need the tools to do the job. For an extreme example, imagine shooting a football game with only an 18-55mm kit lens. Sure it can be done, sure you can get some awesome pictures, but you will be very limited in your output.
The photo above was taken from the first series of images I captured with the 70-200. It was taken at full telephoto with auto-focus, and as you can see the image is very sharp. If I knew she was going to land there, I would have just focused on the line. But this just gives you an idea of how fast this lens is [also note minimal to 0 aberration].
As a Photographer, you should always want to do your best work. After some shoots, clients ask me if this was my best, I think to myself "no, my next shoot will be my best."
It may not show immediately from project to project, but over all you should progressively get better each time you shoot. And at some point, that will mean getting the right tools.

Canon 550D Sample Footage

Today Canon officially announced the release of the Rebel T2i aka the 550D. Later in the afternoon they released this sample footage!



Specs at DPReview

TE - The Weatherproof Canon 7D

Photo By Ole Jorgen Liodden

It's official, the Canon 7D has won me over and will be the next cam in my arsenal. And after seeing the great work of long time film maker Philip Bloom and Photographer Vincent Laforet, I had to get hands on. This cam will greatly compliment the 50D, and being that I recently started shooting weddings, a second cam is essential. Yes it would be nice to have the full frame of the 5D MKii, but at the current price points, the 7D is perfect for my workload. Plus it allows me to take full advantage of my 580exii.

Something I have been researching lately is weatherproofing. Everyone is a little touchy when it comes to their pricey equipment being exposed to the elements, but as new equipment rolls out this becomes less of an issue. Even Canon's latest flash units come weather sealed. In the case of the 7D I saw the most extreme. Actually, this seems like a vision out of a nightmare. Photographer Ole Jorgen Liodden went on an expedition to Antarctica last year and had his bare 7D with him. I've never had more than 10 drops of rain on any of my equipment, but needless to say, a rainy day is looking like no reason to cancel a gig. Ole reports no issues with the 7D after the shoot. Personally, I recommend a rain cover, umbrella, or simple plastic covering when applicable. Also as a note, when shooting in the elements be sure that all of your gear is protected, not just your camera body!

TE - Still got love for Favre

Bahh...I had to bite my tongue for an entire day!!  Yesterday I got so sick of hearing people talk about Favre and how the Vikings could have won the game.  I have never been a Vikings fan (or Packers or Jets for that matter) but I do respect Mr. Brett Favre.  Come on, the man is great.  I mean three consecutive AP MVP awards?  I'm not even going to talk about the track record.  What gets me is how predictable people are.  Going online and hearing about the rants on "Brett's giant mistake" and how the game was in his hands.  Though there is some truth to this, lets not put the fate of the game in one play.  Consider Garrett Hartley's field goal at the end of the game.  Sure we can say the game was in his hands, but lets not forget Brees' three touchdown passes, and what about Thomas' 61 rushing yards and his touchdown?  I understand the backlash, but my position is, at that moment, the game was in that individual player's hands.  In other words, the game was in the hands of the TEAM.  Lets not forget that. /rant

In all honesty, it will not change my day whether or not Brett decides to retire [again].  But this man has proved his point time and time again, he is in this game to play, and he has the heart and the ability to lead entire teams to victory.  Sunday's game was nothing different.  If you check my twitter you will see that I knew the Saints would win all along, simply because their team had the most heart.  And in most situations, that is the team that will win.  Favre had heart, perhaps more than anyone on the field, but unfortunately his team was not playing the same game.  The Saints played their game, but obviously the Vikings are a more skilled team.  Yes, Brett slipped up on the last play; they all made mistakes, and they weren't in the game the way they should have been.

Bush was right, the Saint's did deserve to win...because they played with heart and they were on one accord.

Congratulations to Brett Favre for continuing to lead amongst all interferance!  And congrats to the Saints for their first Super Bowl appearance!

Favre after the Cowboys game. Photo by Andy King, AP

Ambassador - The Amabasador

While on my trip to Detroit, I was fortunate enough take a cruise down the Detroit River. In this photo we are passing under the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit, Michigan to Windsor, Ontario. This bride was built in 1929, and at the time had the longest suspended central span in the world. It can be seen from miles away, with a clear view from I-96, as well as other surrounding highways. It's presence is unreal (although this is the only bridge I have went under) and the feeling is unbelievable. Can't wait to go back in September for the Jazz Festival!

MLK Day Parade - 2010

Today I visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade in Downtown Orlando, FL. The atmosphere was very rich and uplifting and there was a great turnout! It is wonderful to see the parade grow each year, every time bringing more and more nationalities together. Today was the 26th annual parade - motto: "Let's Take The Next Step." The parade was hosted by Myra J. of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, and lasted from 10am to 12pm.

There was so much to see and one can easily get caught up in the atmosphere...it did not feel like "work" at all. Bands, step shows, food, vendors, the list goes on. Most memorable is the sea of smiling faces, and a surprising amount of adults above the age of 25 hawking for candy!!!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is next Monday (third Monday of each January). It is one of four United States federal holidays to commemorate an individual person. His birthday is January 15th.

Performer from the Jones High School Band

TE - Ivan Reitman to Direct 'Ghostbusters 3'

Welcome to the Tues...uh, Wednesday? Edition.

I apologize [not really] I know I usually only talk news on Tuesdays, but this is too big to go until next week. It has been confirmed that Ivan Reitman will Direct Ghostbusters 3! Reitman was the Director of Ghostbusters 1 and 2, and forget re-inventing the wheel, he is bringing in the original cast! As many of you may know, Sigourney Weaver let a few details slip about the sequel in an interview last month. It is not confirmed if she will be in the film, but she has read the script. Rumors are also circulating that Rick Moranis will be coming out of retirement!! At the time of this article, production was on the second draft, with hopes of beginning shooting next year. The film is set to be released in 2012. Keep up to date on IMDB.