Most popular photo

After two months of having my photo website in operation I wanted to check the statistics for image views.

The Phoenix

Not surprising to me was that the image we have named The Phoenix which was taken by Kevin is the most popular image, from over 100 on my website!  Congratulations Kevin, well deserved, it is a great image and a special memory of one of our favorite places, St. Thomas.

As you can see from my website, I enjoy shooting sunrises and sunsets both.  This image is special as I had never before and never since seen a sunset like this!

New Nikon software updates available

As I wait for a D7000 body to become available, I have a chance to buy a D7000 kit.  Decisions, decisions?

On that same note, Nikon has released updates for its Nikon Capture NX2 software to include the RAW profile for the new D7000 as well as several changes and fixes.  The software can be updated here:

http://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/17041

As always please read any notices and disclaimers regarding the update of your existing software.  You should also have a working backup of your pc just in case.

Fall has hit here very abruptly with lots of color in the leaves.  I really need to get out this weekend to grab some shots for my weekend shoot.  Hopefully I will have some new images to post!

Weekend photo shoot 10/23 - 10/24

A busy weekend for me and still very few leaves.  I may try to experiment with some HDR photography as I enjoy seeing images that are processed this way if they are well done.

I will post some shots later this weekend.

Update:  Well the weekend had beautiful weather but major computer problems at my home kept me indoors the entire weekend.  No new images , sorry.

The leaves are finally starting to turn and with my pc working better, though still not 100%, I hope to get back to taking pictures this week.

Weekend photo shoot 10/16 - 10/17

With perfect weather looming and the leaves beginning to turn I will be going out to the Long Branch Hot Air Balloon, Wine and Music Festival this weekend.  I am looking forward to lots of colors both on the balloons and the leaves.

Long Branch Balloon festival

I will be shooting with my Nikon D90 and my new Nikkor 24-70 lens as well as my Sigma DP2s which should be wonderful on the colors. I will post up some images early next week.

Update:  Well the weather was perfect, the wine was great but beyond that it was a disappointing day for photography.  Although I did see some interesting locations for future shoots, the wind was too much for the balloons and the leaves have yet to turn.  In keeping with  the theme and the time of year, pumpkins were in abundance.

Fall pumpkins

Until next weekend!

For those following along on the What kind of camera do you have posting from last week, my old Nikon D70 took the Diamond Cay image.  My Nikon D90 took the Ogunquit Harbor image.  The point (which I learned earlier this year) is that it is the quality of the sensor, the quality of the lens and the skill of the photographer matter, NOT the number of megapixels that a camera has.  High quality images are possible with all kinds of cameras.

What kind of camera do you have?

Every photographer has been asked this question and it is one that brings a smile to my face.  As a serious amatuer photographer that is constantly trying to improve my skills, the question implies that there is something special about a particular kind of camera.  It is all about the exposure.

There may be differences in specs and from a marketing perspective but the reality is that the photographer composes and creates the image.  The camera simply records the light that makes up the image.  Much like a cook, author or seamstress, it is not the oven, the word processor or the sewing machine that makes the finished product.  It is the talent and skill of the person.

Diamond Cay, BVI

Ogunquit Harbor, Maine

One of these two images is 4 years old and taken with a camera that was 5 years old.  The other image is 2 years old and was taken with a different, newer camera.

I'll let you ponder which is which and say thanks when you ask me what kind of camera I use.  I will update which cameras were used in a future post!

Weekend photo shoot 10/9-10/11

Although it is getting a little warmer, the days are getting shorter and the trees are beginning to show some color change.  I hope to get out this weekend and look for some new images to create.

It was a busy weekend and I did not think I had any good shots but I was pleasantly suprised when I imported my sd card into Adobe Lightroom.  Leaves that have begun to turn are few and far between, however the ones I found really stood out.

These brilliant leathery red leaves caught my eye as they were but a handful of leaves on a tree that was still mostly green.

Autumn Leaves

Just as in my last post, I found more of these fall grasses.  This time I used a single one to frame the dome of the US Capitol

US Capitol Dome

Until next weekend, keep looking and shooting!

Sometimes you just want to have fun

While waiting for fall, waiting for the leaves to change I found myself searching for some inspiration.  This sun spinner twirls around in the wind when he is lucky, otherwise he just hangs there.  I felt the expression, the color and texture of the metal made for an interesting image.  Visit my offbeat gallery for this and other images like this and perhaps you can look around to see what is nearby to shoot.

Sun Spinner

I shot this with my favorite little point and shoot camera, a Panasonic ZS7.  This is a great camera with a super Leica lens, built in GPS, HD video recording and lots of fun and interesting in camera settings.  I highly recommend this camera!

Offbeat images at Brian Shannon Photography

Weekend shoot 10/2-10/3

Well sometimes simple is better.  The days and the temps were beautiful enough but I found myself wanting for good subject matter to shoot.  While my bag was packed and I had what I needed to take some great images, I could not find anything that really stood out.

Fall Grasses

I shot this simple image almost as an after thought as I was walking, looking and imagining what I wanted to find.  For those that ask me what settings I use, here is the image data 1/160, F3.2, ISO 200, 62mm.  This was shot with my D90 and my Nikon 24-70 lens.  I process my images with Adobe Lightroom.

Hope you enjoy.

Good photoblogs I have discovered

I have been searching for some great photo blogs both for my own photography education and for ideas to improve my photo blog.  I will update this list as I find more blogs that I am interested in.

http://www.phildolinger.com/

http://www.lightstalking.com/

http://www.stuckincustoms.com/

http://singhray.blogspot.com/search/label/Vari-ND