Long Canyon

Artistic rendition of a photo.  Long Canyon, Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument , Utah.  The road in the canyon is Burr Trail Scenic Byway

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i  f/9.0  at 1/125 sec Aperture Priority  29.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro.  Further processing with Photoshop Elements 9 and stylized with Topaz Labs B&W Effects.

Tom Winfield Photography

My photography web site has been moved inside of TomWinfield.com.  On the index (home page) of the web site, you will find links to all of my web sites and blogs.

Today's news is TomWinfieldPhotography.com is now a redirect to TomWinfield.com/photography/index.html. 

The gallery will take you to photos offered for sale.

Digital downloads are available on my Zenfolio web site:  TomWinfieldPhotography.zenfolio.com. 

Fine Art prints and framed prints are available at: fineartamerica.com/profiles/tom-winfield.html

Event and race photos are available for download at:  Win-photo.photoreflect.com

Cedar Breaks

Cedar Breaks National Monument, Cedar City, UT  10/10/12

Canon EOS Rebel T1i  with Tamron Super Wide Angle lens  f/7.1 at 1/250 sec  Aperture Priority  10.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro

Skyline Arch

Skyline Arch, Arches National Park,  10/14/12

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/11.0 at 1/200 sec Aperture Priority  48.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro

Fifth Ave

Fifth Avenue, Arches National Park - 10/16/12

Canon EOS Rebel T1i with Tamron 10-24 Super Wide Angle lens.   f/8.0 at 1/200 sec  Aperture Priority  19.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW by HDR Photo Pro.

J.E.M. Trail

J.E.M. Trail is outside of Hurricane, Utah.  The trail is usually (preferred on weekends) ridden downhill from near Gooseberry Mesa.

Canon Powershot S95   f/5.6 at 1/320 sec   12.8 mm,  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW by HDR Photo Pro.

Fine Art America

In an attempt to sell more of my photos, I have opened an account with Fine Art America.  There, you can order prints with various framing and surfaces options.  At this time, regardless of the size of the print I am keeping my commission the same. 

Valley of Fire

Valley of Fire State Park is in Southern Nevada, about 55 miles from Las Vegas.  Its an easy drive off I-15.  While in the area, you might want to visit Lake Meade National Recreation Area.

Canon EOS Digital T1i  f/8.0 ar 1/320 sec  Aperture Priority.  55.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW by HDR Photo Pro and Photoshop Elements 9.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef is the least well known of Utah's national parks.  The park recently its 75th anniversary.  Nearby towns are Torrey and Hanksville.  As you can see, Capitol Reef is at "Red Rock" park.  This photo was taken along the park's Scenic Drive.  10/17/12

Canon EOS Digital T1i   f/9 at 1/320 sec  Aperture Priority  49.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV0 processed from RAW by HDR Photo Pro

Intrepid Trail

Intrepid Trail - Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah  10/15/12

Canon PowerShot S95   f/5.6 at 1/500 sec  6.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) Processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro

Canyonlands - Island in the Sky

Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky.  10/15/12

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/9 at 1/250 sec  Aperture Priority   50.0 mm IOS 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro.

Colorado National Monument

Colorado National Monument is located just outside of Grand Junction/Fruita, Colorado.  Rim Rock Drive takes you up to the top of the monument.  Vistas are looking back down into the canyons.  In this photo you can see the Rim Rock Drive winding up the Monument.  10/13/12

Canon EOS Digital T1i   Tamron 10-24mm wide angle lens  f/6.3 at 1/800 sec  Aperture priority  14.0 mm  ISO 200   Three bracketed exposures (+2.0,  0.0, -2.0 EV) processed by HDR Photo Pro.  Further processing by Photoshop Elements 9.

Cades Cove Mill

Mill in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Was on my way home from Army Reunion.  If you visit the "Smokies" take time to do Cades Cove. - 7/2/2010

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/13 at 1/16 sec  Aperture Priority  18.0 mm  ISO 800 Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW by and converted to grayscale Photomatix Essentials 3. Further processing by Photoshop Elements 9 and Topaz Labs Lens Effects.

HDR Expose 2

My search continues to find a suitable replacement for HDR Photo Pro.  I have likes the results of the software, (see http://tomwinfieldphoto.blogspot.com/2012/09/rio-grande-road-to-taos.html) but there have been crashing problems and lack of updates.  Recently I updated a trial copy I have of HDR Expose 2 by Unified Color. 

First, must comment about the update.  Just a month or two ago since I downloaded and installed the software.  There was an update which I installed, and it gave me an additional 7 days of trial time.  Since I process much of my photos from camera RAW, updates can be important (new cameras need new RAW processing).

The big problem I had with HDR Expose 2 was getting a good image alignment.  Most of my HDR photos are created from 3 exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) and HAND HELD.  I do not take a tripod on my bicycle to shoot trail photos.  Many of my shots are also taken while stopping along the road.

HDR Expose has 3 different alignment schemes.  I tried all three with varying results.  All were unacceptable.  At this time, I stopped the test as the software does not fit my needs. Did not try to enhance the color.  Here's the best alignment I was able to get with the hand held photo.

HDR Expose 2 sells for $149.00.

Rio Grande & Road to Taos

Rio Grande River just downstream from the Rio Grande Gorge.  "Low" road to Taos in the distance.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/9 at 1/160 sec    18,0 mm, aperture priority, ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from camera RAW by HDR Photo Pro and Photoshop Elements 9.

Trail 4 Artistic Rendition

This is the same photo stylized with Topaz Labs Simplify 4 plug-in.

Trail 4

Trail 4 in Nine Mile Forest near Wausau, WI.  A relaxing singletrack ride in the pine woods.

Canon PowerShot S95   f/4.5 ay 1/50 sec  6.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures 9+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed by HDR Photo Pro and Photoshop Elements 9.

Mountain-Bay Trail

Mountain Bay Trail runs 83 miles from Weston to Green Bay in Wisconsin.  "Mountain" comes from Rib Mountain which is in the area.  This artistic treatment of the original HDR photo was accomplished by Topaz Labs Simplify 4.  The bicycle is my Trek Fuel EX7 trail bike.

Canon PowerShot S95   f/7.1 at 1/200 sec   6.0 mm,  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed by HDR Photo Pro, Photoshop Elements 9, and Topaz Labs Simplify 4.

Bikes & Beer

Beer is a staple of the mountain biking community.  And not just any beer, preference is for craft brews.  Fat Bikes (bicycle on the left) are gaining in popularity.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i    f/7.1 at 1/160 sec   28 mm  ISO 100  Aperture Priority  Processed from RAW by ACR 6.4 and Photoshop Elements 9

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon is called the "Grand Canyon of Texas".  The state park is located outside of Amarillo, 

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/7.1 @ 1/400 sec  Aperture priority. 10.0 mm (Tamron SP AF-10-24 lens)  ISO 100   Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed with HDR Photo Pro

Ashland Ore Dock

Old iron ore loading dock in Ashland, Wisconsin.  When I was there in June 2011, the dock was scheduled for demolition.  6/7/11

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/5.6 at 1/250 sec  Aperture priority  18.0 mm ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0,  -2.0 EV) processed with Photomatix Essentials 3.2.  Further processing and converted grayscale using Photoshop Elements 9 and Topaz Labs B&W Effects.

Bosque del Apache Refuge Landscape

Was looking at my 2012 photos to select some for artistic treatment.  This photo (in its original color version) was a nice landscape, but nothing special.  Decided to see what would happen with some monochrome stylizing.  Above is what I ended up with.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/5.0 at 1/200 sec, shutter priority   85.0 mm  ISO 100  Processed from the camera raw by ACR 6.4 and Photoshop Elements 9.  Converted and tinted by Topaz Labs B&W Effects filter.

Mountain Bike Race Photos

For several years, I have been shooting the local mountain bike races.  For more information about mountain bike racing in Western Iowa/Eastern Nebraska, check out Psycowpath.com.  Their races officiated and sanctioned by USA Cycling.

Proof copies of my race photos are posted on my race and events web site:  http://win-photo.photoreflect.com.

This is the first time I have tried creating an artistic "portrait" of a mountain bike racer.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i  f/5.6 at 1/100 sec   55mm (Canon 18-55mm IS lens)  ISO 800 Apature Priority.  Processed from RAW with ACR 6.4 (Photoshop Elements 9) and Topaz Labs plug-ins

2013 Bicycle Trails Calendar - PreOrder

The 2013 addition of Bicycle Trails calendar will be going to the printer within a day or two.  Reserve your copy by contacting me at photos (at) TomWinfield (dot) com. 

Calendars are $15 plus $3 shipping (Iowa residents add $1.05 sales tax).  Omaha/Council Bluffs can save shipping by picking up your copy locally.  Contact me about where/how.

Everimaging.com

Yesterday's posting gave a review and problems/concerns with Everimaging.com HDR Photo Pro.  Since then, the remnants of the forum have been removed from the company web site.  ABOUT has changed which the elimination of of mailing address and support e-mail addresses.

the ABOUT page ends with: 

"These products are backed by our world class technical support and expertise. Please check our site regularly for the latest information."

My question - WHAT world class technical support when you can't even e-mail to support.  No form to request support.  No snail mail address.  No forum.

For me, it looks like the Everimaging.com just wants to sell you their outdated software with no support.

HDR Photo Pro

Since December 2010, I have been using HDR Photo Pro by Everimaging for most of my HDR processing.  There are a couple of features of the software that I really like.

1)  In "Open Folder" you get thumbnails of all RAW and JPG images along the left side of the screen.
2)  It is very easy to create realistic photos, enhancing the photo but not giving the typical "over the top" HDR look.
3)  No separate RAW converter.  I shoot RAW and JPG at the same time with my Canon Rebel T1i.  All of the thumbnails display in the folder
4)  I can save in a variety formats and resolutions.

The problem has been that the support of the software has been lacking.

In the Spring of 2011, I purchased a Canon S95 "Point & Shoot" camera that handles bracketed exposures and records in RAW & JPG at the same time.   The HDR Photo Pro RAW converter in the software did not convert images from the S95.  I was able to get an "updated" version of the software that processes photos from the S95. So far, so good.

Later in the year, I started having problems with the software.  The "updated" software for the S95 is giving a version number of 1.1.0.  Eventually, I got errors loading the software with both Windows 7 on my laptop and Vista on my desktop (both 64 bit operating systems).  I had to remove the software, including the registry keys, and re-install the software.

At this time, I can use the software, but still get errors.  I can "continue" to process the photos.  Everimaging says they cannot duplicate my problem, even though I had sent error logs and screen dumps.

Now, it seems that Everimaging is giving up, or in the throws of collapsing.  Their software prices have been discounted.  The "Community" (forum) link on the web site does not work.  Any try to access the forum takes you to the "contact us" page.  (From the browser history on my computer, I was able to find the forum - there have been others asking if the company was still in business.)

As with most HDR photographers, I have a second piece of software i use for HDR processing.  My back-up is Photomatix Essentials (previously Photomatix Light).  I like it for the "over-the-top" processing and artistic treatment.

I do not like to have to use software that is out of date and buggy.  Looking for another primary HDR processing software to replace HDR Photo Pro - after all, the next camera I purchase will make the software obsolete.

Those of you looking at HDR processing software, I recommend you pass on HDR Photo Pro and HDR Darkroom by Everimaging.com.

Bower Lens Adapter

When I upgraded to digital in 2004, I was upgrading from the Canon FD/AE bodies and lenses.  Not happy that my old lenses would not fit on the new EOS Rebel.  After all, I have a couple of very good lenses.  Mostly, I wanted to use my Vivitar Series 1 70-210 zoom w/ macro.

Visited at the Rockbrook Camera tent sale, and asked about the adapters.  They do not carry then.  Knew that there is no auto focus and me not have light metering. I decided it was worth the under $40 to check one out.

Ordered the Bower adapter from B&H Photo.  The adapter arrived yesterday.  Looking forward to testing it.  For what I can see, I will have light metering.

Washington Oaks

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast, FL   12/23/11

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/5.6 at 1/100 sec  20.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, o.o, -2.0 EV)  Processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro. Further processing by Photoshop Elements 9.

Table Rock Dam

Table Rock Dam near Branson, MO   10/26/2011

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/8.0 at 1/160 sec  17.0 mm  ISO 200   Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro.  Further processed with Photoshop Elements 9

Spanish Moss

Spanish Moss hanging from Live Oak tree at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast, FL.  12/23/2012

Canon EOS Rebel T1i  f/5.0 at 1/320 sec   20.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0. 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro.  Further processing with Photoshop Elements 9

Waterfront Park Trail

Boardwalk along Waterfront  Park Road.  Palm Coast,  FL  Gary Fisher Rails Super T road bike 12/26/2011

Canon PowerShot S95   f/4.5 at 1/160 sec   6.0 mm ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW by HDR Photo Pro.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Courtyard at Castillo de San Marco National Monument, St. Augustine, FL  12/22/2011

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/4.5 at 1/500 sec   10.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV)  Processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro.

Yellow Roses

Yellow Roses.  Washington Oaks Gardens State Park,  Palm Coast, FL   12/23/2011

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/6.3 at 1/3200 sec   45.0 mm  ISO 800  Processed from RAW by Photoshop Elements 9

Dan Larson's Place.  Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park   7/2/10

Canon EOS Rebel T1i    f/13 at 1/80 sec    21.0 mm  ISO 800  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV)  Processed from RAW with Photomatix Light 1 (grunge effect)

Quorum Court Trail

Quorum Court Trail, Two Rivers Park.  Little Rock, AR  10/23/2011

Canon PowerShot S95  f/4.5 at 1/200 sec   6.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro.  Further processing with Photoshop Elements 9

Fort Matanzas

Fort Matanzas National Monument, Florida  12/22/2011

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/4.5 at 1/1000 sec.   18.0 mm  ISO 100   Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro.  Further processing with Photoshp Elements 9

Lakeshore Trail

Lakeshore Trail - Table Rock State Park, Missouri  This trail follows the shore of Table Rock Reservoir from the visitor's center to the marina.  10/29/2011

Canon PowerShot S95   f/4.5 at 1/320 sec  6.o mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0. 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro.  Further processing with Photoshop Elements 9

Tamron 60mm Macro Lens

Friday I purchased a macro lens.  Got a good deal (I think) from Rockbrook Camera (discounted price and hefty rebate).  Have been looking at Macro lenses for shooting flowers.  New lens is Tamron 60mm f/2 Macro 1:1.  Photo taken hand-held.  I can see that using my tripod will help for macro shots.

Looking forward to getting out to shoot some flowers to check out the lens more.  Note: The color is not vivid as the tree is covered with road dust.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i  f/5.6 at 1/500 sec   ISO 100  60.0 mm  Processed from RAW with Photoshop Elements 9. 

Best Part of the Day

My love of sunrises comes from my father.  As a farmer, he was always up with the sun.  I heard this many mornings when I did not want to get up and moving (my younger days).

This photo was taken in August, 2005 - just a couple months after I started riding my bicycles.  I was driving to Silver City to ride the Wabash Trace.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel   f/5.6 at 1/320th sec   205.0 mm,  ISO 100  Processed by Microsoft Digital Image Pro 7.0

Lake Manawa Trail Sunrise

In the Summer, I like to be out for my bike ride at sunrise.

Canon PowerShot S95   f/5.6  at 1/15 sec   6mm,  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed by HDR Photo Pro.  Further processing with Photoshop Elements 9 and Topaz Labs Star Effects.

Paul Bunyan Trail

Paul Bunyan State Trail just North of Pequot Lakes, MN

Canon PowerShot S95   f/4.0 at 1/320   6.0 mm,  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed from RAW by HDR Photo Pro.  Further processing by Photoshop Elements 9

High Flying Bicycle

Twin Cities Fantasy Factory traveling BMX stunt show.  Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival, Crosby, MN

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/6.3 at 1/640 sec   55.0mm, ISO 200  Converted from RAW by Photoshop Elements 9

Cuyuna Lakes MTB Festival Art Show

June 9th was the Cuyuna Lakes MTB Festival.  The theme was the "Spirit of Cuyuna". "pieces should portray the theme of mountain biking’s relationship within the community of Cuyuna Lakes."  I entered my photo of Boot Camp Trail.  HDR photo processed with HDR Photo Pro and enhanced with Photoshop Elements 9 and Topaz Labs plug-in.  Photo was printed on canvas, giving the look of a oil painting.

That is my trail bike in the photo.  The photo was taken when I was riding the trail in October, 2011.  If you have a chance, check out the trail system in Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, Minnesota (Crosby, MN about 2 hours north of the Twin Cities).

Singletrack Dreams

Little Sidewinder, Cuyuna Country Ride Center, Minnesota

Canon PowerShot S95   f/4.0  at 1/25 sec.   6.0 mm,  ISO 100.  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed by HDR Photo Pro.  Further enhancements with Photoshop Elements 9 and Topaz Labs BW Effects plug-in.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Yes, those are people climbing the dunes.  They give a perspective with the height of the dunes.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i, with Canon 75-300 telephoto lens (crop factor 1.6)    f/10.0 at 1/100 Sec.  105.0mm, ISO 100, Aperture Priority.  Tonemapped with HDR Photo Pro and further processed by Photoshop Elements 9.

Abandoned

Abandoned building near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Wildlife Refuge, Colorado

Canon EOS Rebel T1i   f/14  at 1/500 sec   33.0 mm  ISO 400  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed by HDR Photo Pro.  Further enhanced by Photoshop Elements 9 and Topaz Labs Black & White Effects plug-in.

Huey

The "huey" was the work horse of the Viet Nam war.  This huey is on display at the Viet Nam Memorial State Park new Angel Fire, NM.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i    f/9.0  at 1/160 sec.   23.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) processed by HDR Photo Pro and Photoshop Elements 9

Enchanted Circle

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is in NorthCentral New Mexico (Taos area).  Going counter-clockwise from Taos drive on US 64 past Angel Fire to Eagle Nest.  Eagle Nest on Rt. 38, through Red River, to  Questa, NM.  Returning to Taos on Rt. 522.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i  f/9.0 at 1/200 sec   47.0 mm, ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV)  Processed by HDR Photo Pro and Photoshop Elements 9.

Boca Negra Trail

Boca Negra Trail and Trek 7200 FX in Albuquerque, NM

Canon PowerShot S95  f/7.1  1/400 sec  6.0 mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV)  Processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro.  Stylized with Photoshop Elements 9 and Topaz Labs BW Effects.

The Bosque

Paseo del Bosque, Albuquerque, NM

Canon PowerShot S95   f/5.6 at 1/320 sec.   6.0 mm ISO 100.  Three bracketed exposures (-2.0, 0.0, 2.0 EV) processed from RAW by HDR Photo Pro.  Further processing with Photoshop Elements 9 and Topaz Labs B&W Effects filter.

Wagons & Tree

Fort Larned National Historic Site, KS

Canon EOS Rebel T1i  f/8 at 1/200 sec, aperture priority    18.0 mm,  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV)  Processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro.  Further processing in Photoshop Elements 9.  Stylized with Topaz Labs B&W Effects filter.

Stockade

Stockade at Fort Larned National Historic Site, KS.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i  f/8 at 1/200 sec, aperture priority   18.0 mm,  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV)  Processed from RAW with HDR Photo Pro.  Further processing in Photoshop Elements 9.  Stylized with Topaz Labs B&W Effects filter.