Nikon D200 Potpourri | a 7 Image Story

Nikon D200 Potpourri | Badlands LandscapeNikon D200 Potpourri | a 7 Image Story   The D200 was my first digital SLR camera.  As you can see, it’s a fine camera capable of rendering nice photographs.  Of course, my learning course was steep at first, but eventually I began to capture some decent images.  These seven images represent some of my better images from aviation, landscapes, wildlife, and an occasional family portrait.

Badlands Landscape  Spring in the Badlands can make for beautiful landscapes.  It’s only green a for a few weeks during the last of May and beginning of June.  The D200’s exposure in bright sun still kept enough detail to make a nice image.

Nikon D200 Potpourri | PilotsYellowstone Panoramic  Is this image a landscape or wildlife? To me, it’s more landscape accented with wildlife.  The fall’s brown grasses studded with Elk provide contrast to the new forest growing through an old burned forest.  The D200 picked up the stunning detail in the panoramic.

Portrait  Of course, the D200 makes a nice family images.  This image uses natural early morning light from eastern exposure windows with translucent shades.

Pugs   Spring brings warmer temperatures making it easier on the paws on a long walk.  The D200 with a super zoom lens captured the moment.

Black & White The countryside in Montana contains numerous gravel roads running along old fence lines. These gravel roads look much like they did a hundred years ago.

Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Nikon D200 Potpourri.

Click any image below for a slide show.

Depth of Field | a 7 Image Story

Depth of Field | Crabapple Blossoms f4Depth of Field | a 7 Image Story  Depth of Field: the distance between the nearest and the furthest objects in acceptably sharp focus in an image.  Seems like a simple enough concept!  Applying this simple concept might be a bit more difficult than it seems.  To help visualize DoF, these 7 images of a difficult subject at t different f-stops (f1.4, f2, f2.8, f4, f5.6, f8, f16) show the impact of small aperture changes.

The three main factors that affect the control of depth of field are aperture (f-stop), distance to the subject from the camera, and focal length of the lens.  The higher the f-stop, the larger the depth of field.  The shorter the distance between camera and subject, the shorter the depth of field.  The longer the focal length of the lens, the shallower the depth of field.

This post will only show how changes to aperture affect depth of field.  Aperture is the diameter of the hole through which light enters the camera’s sensor or film.  The aperture size (f-stop) controls the amount of light entering the camera.  The lower the f-stop number, the smaller the depth of field.  The higher the f-stop, the larger the depth of field.  Notice how the DoF in the crabapple blossoms continues to get deeper going from f-stop f1.4 to f2 to f2.8 to f4 to f5.6 to f8 to f16.  As the f-stop number goes up, the aperture hole gets smaller; letting in less light.  Notice, as the f-stop goes up, the shutter speed may get slower and/or the ISO get higher to maintain the correct exposure.  In these 7 images, my camera was set to Aperture Priority and Auto ISO.  When the aperture f-stop was increased, the camera set the shutter speed and ISO.

Controlling DoF can turn an everyday snapshot into a very nice image.  In this case, both the f2.8 and f4 images are pleasing to me.  They make the foreground cluster of blossoms stand out from the busy flower background.  All 7 images were captured at approximately the same distances from camera to subject.  However, the Nikon 1 V3 has a 2.7 crop factor so the 50mm f1.4 lens becomes 135mm.  Thus, the images all have some compression; reducing the DoF a bit for all f-stops.

Crabapple Blossoms f1.4   An f-stop set to f1.4 produces a very narrow depth of field.  Only the very front of the lighter flowers are in sharp focus.  Even the second tier of flowers show some blur.  F1.4 can produce some dramatic images by isolating a small area in the frame.  In portrait images, one eye can be in focus while the other isn’t.  In wildlife photos, f1.4 isolates the eye.  In insect images, it isolates the insect from its surroundings.

Crabapple Blossoms f2   An f-stop set to f2 still produces a very narrow depth of field; just a tad deeper than f1.4.  Now, the very front flowers and some of the second tier are in sharp focus.  F2 can produce some dramatic images by isolating a small area in the frame.  In portrait images, one eye can still be in focus while the other isn’t; depending on the angle from camera to the face.  In wildlife photos, f2 still isolates the eye.  In insect images, it isolates a larger insect from its surroundings.

Crabapple Blossoms f2.8   An f-stop set to f2.8 still produces a reasonably narrow depth of field; just a little deeper than f2.  Now, the entire cluster of flowers in the foreground are in sharp focus.  F2.8 isolates a medium size area in the frame.  In portrait images, the entire face is in focus.  In wildlife photos, f2.8 still isolates the entire head.  In insect images, the insect and some of its surroundings are in focus.

Crabapple Blossoms f4   An f-stop set to f4 produce a little deeper DoF than f2.8.  Now, the entire cluster of flowers in the foreground are in sharp focus and the background out of focus flowers have a bit more definition with deeper color.  In portrait images, the entire head and shoulders is in focus.  In wildlife photos, f4 still isolates the entire head and shoulder.  In insect images, the insect and much of its surroundings are in focus.

Crabapple Blossoms f5.6   An f-stop set to f5.6 produces a little deeper DoF.  Now, the entire cluster of flowers in the foreground are in sharp focus as well as a few background flowers.  The background out of focus flowers have a even more definition.  In portrait images, the entire person as well as some of the surroundings are in focus.  In wildlife photos, f5.6 most of the animal and maybe some surroundings are in focus.  In insect images, the insect and all of its surroundings are in focus unless the background is far away.

Crabapple Blossoms f8   An f-stop set to f8 produces a fairly deep DoF.  Now, the entire cluster of flowers in the foreground are in sharp focus as well as a few far background flowers.  The background out of focus flowers have a even more definition.  If the lens was not a 135mm telephoto, the background flowers would very likely be in focus.  In portrait images, the entire person as well as some of the surroundings and background are in focus.  In wildlife photos, f8 all of the animal and most of the surroundings as well as the background are in focus.  In insect images, the insect and all of its surroundings and background are in focus.

Crabapple Blossoms f16   An f-stop set to f16 produces a very deep DoF.  Now, the entire cluster of flowers in the foreground are in sharp focus and the far background flowers are a bit more in focus.  The background out of focus flowers have a even more definition.  If the lens was not a 135mm telephoto, the background flowers might be in better focus.  However, at f16 and higher f-stops, light infraction may soften the sharpness rather than make the image sharper.

Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Depth of Field.

Click any image below for a slide show!

Nikon 1 V3 for Insects | a 7 Image Story

Nikon 1 V3 for Insects | Praying MantisNikon 1 V3 for Insects| a 7 Image Story  The Nikon 1 V3, and the V1 before it, captures a wide variety of image types quite well.  With the right lens and a little patience, it will capture really nice insect images.  The camera body and lenses are relatively small and light to carry.  On a local hike to capture wildlife and/or insect images, only one or two lenses will likely be required.  One goes on the camera and the other in your pocket.  See my walkabout kit list below.  Now, I’m not a serious insect photog and do not own a macro lens.  Still, I like to capture insect images when the opportunity arises.  Of course, without a macro lens (called micro lens in the Nikon world), those really close 1:1 magnification images are not possible, no matter what the camera body.

The V3 is my preferred carry camera for capturing daily walkabout images.  It handles much like a DSLR in continuous mode.  Although a bit noisy at higher ISOs, the image quality is quite good, particularly for posting.  The 2.7 crop factor helps improve images where getting closer is not an option.  Thus, the V3 allows me to capture wildlife, landscape, and some insect images on my walkabouts.

In a nutshell, what makes the Nikon 1 V3 suitable for capturing insect images::

  • The Nikon 1 V3 is relatively small and light to carry.
  • With it’s 2.7 crop factor, it adds inexpensive reach to telephoto lenses; actually any lens.
  • It’s easy to carry with a telephoto lens attached, like the AFS 70-300mm & FT-1, using the sun sniper shoulder strap.
  • Image quality seems quite good unless a really large print is required.
  • The tilting LCD reduces the time spent focusing those awkward angles; particularly for focusing insects on ground level.
  • A short video makes a nice addition to some posts.
  • Of course, most Nikon AFS lenses work nicely, using the FT-1 adapter.

The V3 presents a few more challenges over my DSLRs!  The Nikon 1 V3 requires a bit more camera discipline than a my DSLRs.  The controls sometimes move during normal handling so the photographer must often check to ensure the settings are correct.  Panning in low light can be demanding and a high ISO generates a good bit of noise.  The small camera frame, attached to a long, heavy telephoto lens, does not seem balanced; making handling a bit tricky.  The Nikon AFS 70-300mm works nicely, whereas, the AFS 70-200mm; not so much.  Also, care must be taken not to break the camera mount with a heavy telephoto lens.  Always carry it by the lens or the FT-1, not the camera.  Higher ISO images sometimes require a pass through noise reduction in post processing.  Changing the battery and/or the MicroSD card in the field takes some time and care.  Build quality is more consumer than professional.  If dropped, it can break.

What’s next?  Nikon appears to have discontinued the Nikon 1 V series; too bad.  A V4 camera could have addressed several V3 issues to become a really great camera.  It’s not yet clear what my next walkabout camera will be; maybe another V3.

Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Nikon 1 V3 for Insects.

Click any image below for a slide show!

My Nikon 1 V3 walkabout kit fits into a very small Lowepro camera backpack.  The camera equipment includes a Nikon 1 V3 Body, Nikon FT-1 Adapter, 1 VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom, 1 VR 30-110mm f3.8-5.6, AFS 50mm f1.4G, and a AFS 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR.  The supporting equipment includes a Nikon Speedlight SB-N5 Flash, LitePanels MicroPro Hybrid, Sennheiser MKE 400 Directional Mic, Sun Sniper Shoulder Strap, Extra Nikon EN-EL15 Battery, Nikon MH-25 Charger, Extra SD Cards, Lens Cleaning Supplies, and a Headlamp with red & white light.  A small MeFOTO tripod has its own bag.  Find more Nikon 1 V1 and V3 experiences posted under IMHO.  On local walkabouts, I usually only carry the camera with a lens and one other lens in my pocket.

Nikon 1 V3 for Travelers | a 7 Image Story

Nikon 1 V3 for Travelers | Break TimeNikon 1 V3 for Travelers | a 7 Image Story  The Nikon 1 V3, and the V1 before it, travel very well.  The camera body and lenses are relatively small and light.  They fit easily into half of a briefcase allowing plenty of room for a computer and paper work.  See my travel kit list below.  The small kit means no extra bags are required.  The first rule of the road warrior is two hands; no more than two bags. 

The V3 captures a wide variety of image types quite well.  It’s now my preferred carry camera for capturing images while traveling on business.  It handles much like a DSLR in continuous mode.  Although a bit noisy at higher ISOs, the image quality is quite good, particularly for posting; even when capturing images through an aircraft window.  The 2.7 crop factor helps improve images where getting closer is not an option.  Thus, the V3 allows me to capture business and travel images as well as landscape, wildlife, and aviation images during time off work.

In a nutshell, what makes the Nikon 1 V3 suitable as a travel camera:

  • The Nikon 1 V3 is relatively small and light to carry.
  • With it’s 2.7 crop factor, it adds inexpensive reach to telephoto lenses.
  • It’s easy to carry with a telephoto lens attached, like the AFS 70-300mm & FT-1, using the sun sniper shoulder strap.
  • Image quality seems quite good unless a really large print is required.
  • The tilting LCD reduces the time spent focusing those awkward angles.
  • A short video makes a nice addition to some posts.
  • Of course, most Nikon AFS lenses work nicely, using the FT-1 adapter.

The V3 presents a few more challenges over my DSLRs!  The Nikon 1 V3 requires a bit more camera discipline than a my DSLRs.  The controls sometimes move during normal handling so the photographer must often check to ensure the settings are correct.  Panning in low light can be demanding and a high ISO generates a good bit of noise.  The small camera frame, attached to a long, heavy telephoto lens, does not seem balanced; making handling a bit tricky.  The Nikon AFS 70-300mm works nicely, whereas, the AFS 70-200mm; not so much.  Also, care must be taken not to break the camera mount with a heavy telephoto lens.  Always carry it by the lens or the FT-1, not the camera.  Higher ISO images sometimes require a pass through noise reduction in post processing.  Changing the battery and/or the MicroSD card in the field takes some time and care.  Build quality is more consumer than professional.  If dropped, it can break.

What’s next?  Nikon appears to have discontinued the Nikon 1 V series; too bad.  A V4 camera could have addressed several V3 issues to become a really great camera.  It’s not yet clear what my next travel camera will be; maybe another V3.

Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Nikon 1 V3 for Travelers.

Click any image below for a slide show!

My Nikon 1 V3 travel kit easily fits into one side of my briefcase.  The camera equipment includes a Nikon 1 V3 Body, Nikon FT-1 Adapter, 1 VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom, 1 VR 30-110mm f3.8-5.6, and sometimes, a AFS 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR.  The supporting equipment includes a Nikon Speedlight SB-N5 Flash, Sun Sniper Shoulder Strap, extra Nikon EN-EL15 Batteries, extra SD Cards, and lens cleaning supplies.  Find more Nikon 1 V1 and V3 experiences posted under IMHO.

Nikon 1 V3 for Birds | a 7 Image Story

Nikon 1 V3 for Birds | Male Northern CardinalNikon 1 V3 for Birds | a 7 Image Story   The Nikon 1 V3 makes bird photography possible for amateurs who do not specialize on birds.  As an amateur, who captures mostly wildlife, landscapes, and aviation, investing in very expensive 400mm – 600mm telephoto lens just to capture bird images, is hard to justify.  A Nikon AFS 70-300mm lens on a Nikon 1 V3 with its 2.7 crop factor, becomes a 189-810mm lens.  Of course, the image quality will not be nearly as good as with the expensive lens, but it’s still possible to capture very nice bird images.  My V3 has captured a variety of bird images large and small.

What the V3 does well, it does very well.  The V3 is my preferred carry camera for capturing daily walkabout images.  It shoots much like a DSLR in continuous mode.  Although a bit noisy at higher ISOs, the image quality is quite good, particularly for posting.  The 2.7 crop factor helps improve images where getting closer is not an option and/or where the subject is very small.  In a nutshell, what makes the Nikon 1 V3 suitable for bird photography:

  • The Nikon 1 V3 is relatively small and light to carry.
  • With it’s 2.7 crop factor, it adds inexpensive reach to telephoto lens.
  • It’s easy to carry with a telephoto lens attached, like the AFS 70-300mm & FT-1, using the sun sniper shoulder strap.
  • Image quality seems quite good unless a really large print is required.
  • The tilting LCD reduces the time spent focusing those awkward angles.
  • A short video makes a nice addition to some posts.
  • Of course, most Nikon AFS lenses work nicely, using the FT-1 adapter.

The V3 presents a few more challenges over my DSLRs!  The Nikon 1 V3 requires a bit more camera discipline than a my DSLRs.  The controls sometimes move during normal handling so the photographer must often check to ensure the settings are correct.  Panning in low light can be demanding and a high ISO generates a good bit of noise.  The small camera frame, attached to a long, heavy telephoto lens, does not seem balanced; making handling a bit tricky.  The Nikon AFS 70-300mm works nicely, whereas, the AFS 70-200mm; not so much.  Also, care must be taken not to break the camera mount with a heavy telephoto lens.  Always carry it by the lens or the FT-1, not the camera.  Higher ISO images sometimes require a pass through noise reduction in post processing.  Changing the battery and/or the MicroSD card in the field takes some time and care.  Build quality is more consumer than professional.  If dropped, it can break.

What’s next?  Nikon appears to have discontinued the Nikon 1 V series; too bad.  A V4 camera could have addressed several V3 issues to become a really great camera.  It’s not yet clear what my next carry and/or bird camera will be; maybe another V3.

Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Nikon 1 V3 for Birds.

Click any image below for a slide show!

My Nikon 1 V3 walkabout kit fits into a very small Lowepro camera backpack.  The camera equipment includes a Nikon 1 V3 Body, Nikon FT-1 Adapter, 1 VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom, 1 VR 30-110mm f3.8-5.6, AFS 50mm f1.4G, and a AFS 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR.  The supporting equipment includes a Nikon Speedlight SB-N5 Flash, LitePanels MicroPro Hybrid, Sennheiser MKE 400 Directional Mic, Sun Sniper Shoulder Strap, Extra Nikon EN-EL15 Battery, Nikon MH-25 Charger, Extra SD Cards, Lens Cleaning Supplies, and a Headlamp with red & white light.  A small MeFOTO tripod has its own bag.  Find more Nikon 1 V1 and V3 experiences posted under IMHO.  

Nikon 1 V3 for Walkabout Wildlife | a 7 Image Story

Nikon 1 V3 for Walkabout Wildlife | Opossum with BabiesNikon 1 V3 for Walkabout Wildlife | a 7 Image Story  What the V3 does well, it does very well.  Now, the V3 is my preferred carry camera for capturing daily walkabout images including local wildlife.  It shoots much like a DSLR in continuous mode.  Although a bit noisy at higher ISOs, the image quality is quite good, particularly for posting.  The 2.7 crop factor helps improve images where getting closer is not an option, like distant wildlife.  Would I only take it to Yellowstone NP and leave my DSLRs at home?  Well yes, if a light travel pack is required.  Still, I’d rather take both my DSLRs and the V3.

My journey with the Nikon 1 series cameras and lenses started with the V1, skipped the V2, and embraced the V3.  The V3 fixed several annoying V1 traits.  Also, handling, auto-focus, and metering improved dramatically.   The Nikon 1 V3 became a reasonably nice camera for capturing wildlife images.  I’ve captured a wide variety of wildlife images on my local walkabouts including birds, small critters, larger mammals, and insects.  Thus far, my data base contains over 75K+ V1 and V3 images with over 1330 posted on this blog.

In a nutshell, what specifically do I like about the Nikon 1 V3 for wildlife images?

  • The Nikon 1 V3 is relatively small and light to carry.  Carrying heavy gear all day hiking gets old, fast.
  • With it’s 2.7 crop factor, it adds inexpensive reach to my telephoto lens allowing me more flexibility in framing critters.
  • It’s easy to carry with a telephoto lens attached, like the AFS 70-300mm & FT-1, using the sun sniper shoulder strap.
  • Image quality seems quite good unless a really large print is required.
  • With a little practice, it can be panned handheld to capture moving critters.
  • The tilting LCD reduces the time spent hugging the ground to get that low angle shot.
  • While I seldom use video, a short video makes a nice addition to wildlife posts.
  • Of course, most Nikon AFS lenses work nicely, using the FT-1 adapter.

The V3 presents a few more challenges over my DSLRs!

  • Nikon 1 V3 for Walkabout Wildlife | Toad @ SunsetThe Nikon 1 V3 requires a bit more camera discipline than a my DSLRs.  The controls sometimes move during normal handling so the photographer must often check to ensure the settings are correct.
  • Panning in low light can be demanding and a high ISO generates a good bit of noise.
  • The small camera frame, attached to a long, heavy telephoto lens, does not seem balanced; making handling a bit tricky.  The Nikon AFS 70-300mm works nicely, whereas, the AFS 70-200mm; not so much.  Also, care must be taken not to break the camera mount with a heavy telephoto lens.  Always carry it by the lens or the FT-1, not the camera.
  • Higher ISO images sometimes require a pass through noise reduction in post processing.
  • Changing the battery and/or the MicroSD card in the field takes some time and care.
  • Build quality is more consumer than professional.  If dropped, it can break.

What’s next?  Nikon has discontinued the Nikon 1 V series; too bad.  A V4 camera could have addressed several V3 issues to become a really great camera.  Nikon has introduced two full frame mirrorless cameras, the Z6 & Z7.  To me, the Z6/Z7 cameras are more a replacement for my DSLRs than the V3.  Perhaps, after I have an opportunity to try the Z6 or Z7, I’ll feel differently.  It’s not yet clear what my next carry camera will be; maybe another V3.

Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Nikon 1 V3 for Walkabout Wildlife.

Click any image below for a slide show!

My Nikon 1 V3 walkabout kit fits into a very small Lowepro camera backpack.  The camera equipment includes a Nikon 1 V3 Body, Nikon FT-1 Adapter, 1 VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom, 1 VR 30-110mm f3.8-5.6, AFS 50mm f1.4G, and a AFS 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR.  The supporting equipment includes a Nikon Speedlight SB-N5 Flash, LitePanels MicroPro Hybrid, Sennheiser MKE 400 Directional Mic, Sun Sniper Shoulder Strap, Extra Nikon EN-EL15 Battery, Nikon MH-25 Charger, Extra SD Cards, Lens Cleaning Supplies, and a Headlamp with red & white light.  A small MeFOTO tripod has its own bag.  Find more Nikon 1 V1 and V3 experiences posted under IMHO.  On local walkabouts, I usually only carry the camera with a lens and one other lens in my pocket.

Why post an image a day? | a 7 Image Story

Why post an image a day? | Nesting RobinWhy post an image a day? | a 7 Image Story  Why post an image a day for over 5 years?  Yes, 5 project 365 projects in a row.  Utter craziness, right!  Well, maybe.  Basically, I started posting an image a day to help motivate myself to capture more images on a very regular basis; hoping to improve my photography.

What did I achieve?  Certainly, my photography improved.  And, my health improved mostly due to daily walkabouts and more exercise.  My professional life improved as well.  My day became more productive.  My knowledge of social media and the IoT, internet of things, improved as well as my writing skills.  Yes, the experience has made me a better photographer and writer; thus a better communicator.

 

Seven reasons why I post an image a day:

  1. Reflection & Quiet Time  Posting requires quiet time.  Most days, posting requires about ½ hour; occasionally up to an hour.  It’s time not working, not fixing the faucet, but focusing on only posting.  (Posts can be prepared ahead of time like on the weekend before the post dates.)  Also, taking a daily walkabout enables me to both capture a few images and reflect on the day’s challenges as well as get a little exercise.  Taking time off work each day to reflect makes me a better executive/consultant.
  1. Gather, Analyze, Decide, Action  Daily posting forces me to gather images, analyze them, decide which one to post, and post it every day.  Executives/consultants sometimes like to procrastinate.  Eventually, decisions must be made and action taken.  Images can be captured most days looking for beauty; which helps me see the flowers in everyday life.
  1. Accomplishment  Accomplishing something everyday is important.  Posting forces me to accomplish something meaningful everyday, besides making the bed; irrespective of whether or not I accomplish anything else that day.  As the year goes on, the feeling of accomplishment builds while looking back at so many posts.
  1. Why post an image a day? | IrisLearning  Improving knowledge and skills is always an ongoing challenge.  Besides improving the obvious skills like photographic and writing skills, numerous post processing edit skills as well as the technical skills need constant updating.  Internet security, SEO, metadata, social media, and digital marketing evolve very quickly.  Learning not only improves my knowledge; it keeps my head in the game.
  1. Sharing  Stories and images get created for an audience.  Sometimes, that audience is small; family, friends, etc.  Posting to my blog allows me to share with a wider audience.  People from many countries find and visit my blog.  It’s gratifying to know others find some value in my posts.
  1. Recognition & Feedback  Sharing also means some folks will like my posts and perhaps give me feedback to help me improve.  As an amateur photographer, it’s really difficult to find a good critic and receive constructive criticism.
  1. Hope & Looking Forward  Hope is a good thing; perhaps the best of things.  Looking back after five years, I find a certain amount of inspiration when viewing each year’s images.  The images reflect the events in my life without necessarily being images of the events themselves. They all give me hope … in search of and looking forward to … the next beautiful image and tomorrow’s challenges.

From daily walkabout clicks to inside photos, all images in this post are simple clicks from daily life; not so special as images, yet meaningful to me!  Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Why post an image a day?

Click any image below for a slide show!