Shooting the State Fair Rodeo

My main interest in the New Mexico State Fair was to attend one of the rodeo performances.  It was the first time I attended the New Mexico fair.  Was not sure if the rodeo would be inside or outside. When I researched the venue, I found out the rodeo is being held in the Tingley Coliseum, and indoor venue.

The indoor venue meant I would he shooting under lower light conditions.  My cousin in Albuquerque accompanied me in the fair & rodeo.  Arrived early for the rodeo to check out the fair a little and grab some food.  We arrived just in time to see a couple dock jumping dogs (ALA David Letterman).  Walked around a little, but soon my left knee was giving me problems.  We staarted headed toward the coliseum for the rodeo.

Dock Dogs (DockDogs)

I brought my camera bag with my Canon 60D and Tamron 18-200mm lens.  As we were able to sit in the center of the coliseum seating, I realized that I would be able to shoot the whole rodeo with the one lens - no need to use any of the other lenses I had with me in the camera bag.

Dressed for the Rodeo (OutsideColiseum)

I set about to setting the camera for the shoot.  I realized I would need to use a high ISO setting.  Settling on ISO 3200.  Camera mode was Auto White Balance and Aperture Priority.  This gave me shutter speeds of 1/80 to 1/125 sec.

It was Military day at the State Fair. Both being veterans, my cousin and I got into the fair for $2 each.  The rodeo show was also geared to the military and veteran's.  Was a special tribute the us Vietnam Vets. 

Started using auto focus.  The camera could not keep up with the action.  I changed to manual focus.  This was the first time I shot so many photos with manual focus while also changing the lens focal length.

 Team Roping (TeamRoping)

The camera was shooting both RAW and JPG at the same time.  I have been doing this typically, so I can get quick edits for facebook, my blogs, and my web site.  When I want some for commercial uses or enlargements, I reprocess the photos from the camera RAW.

 Barrel Racing (BarrelRacing)

We enjoyed the rodeo.  The cowboys and cowgirls gave us a good show. The stock (calves, horses, and bulls) won the rodeo in our scoring.

Cowboy Faceplant (CowboyFaceplant)

I learned a lot of running my camera in low light conditions.  The camera and software preformed like a champ under these conditions.  All photos at the rodeo were processed by Photoshop Elements 9.  While I shot about 150 frames, there just under 100 that are worth posting on my web site.  Soon, the web site page will be created and photos will be posted.

Bull Riding (BullRiding)

These blog photos are available for sale.  Click on the "download" button under the photo.  You can order a full sized photo file without watermark.

WINNER - Gurushots - Raw Talent

This photo "The Window" I took in Monument Valley Tribal Park won as the top vote-getter in Gurushots Raw Talent Challenge.  the challenge was for photos as they came of ouf the camera, no post processing.


Canon EOS Rebel T1i with stock lens   f/6.3 at 1/80 sec    Program Mode  55.0mm  ISO 100

Lensbaby Circular Fisheye

Added another lens to my camera bag.  Years ago, I had an auxiliary fisheye lens (mounted to the primary lens) for my Canon film camera.  Fisheye lenses (optics) create some awesome imaged.  Many of my best were city scapes, looking upward.

E-mail from B&H Photo Video advertised a new fisheye lens from Lensbaby (best known for their tilt-shift lenses).  The lens is available with a Canon mount and priced at $300.00!  (OK, $299.95). Add in free shipping, I could not resist.

 

Some of particulars of the lens:  5.8mm circular fisheye,  aperture f/3.5 - 22,  185 deg view,  manual focus, compatible with APS-C and full frame sensors, focus from 0.25" to infinity.

Late yesterday afternoon, UPS delivered my toys (bought a couple other things while at it).  Had to check out my new lens.  Made a couple test shots in the front yard.

First thing I noticed was that the aperture adjustment is also manual.  It may be that my camera was set up for Aperture Priority. Taking a couple of test shots, the LCD monitor was showing artifacts/flares in the imaged (outside of the base circle).  I did not have this situation with the auxiliary lens. If this is what the specifications call as "creative flare effect" I thinks it detracts to the image.

Thinking that perhaps this might not show in processed image, I loaded my test shots into the computer.  Unfortunately, the "flare" is still there.  Did some research on the Lensbaby web site, all of their example images show the same effect.  It looks like I will need to create a mask for photoshop elements if I want to remove the flare effect.

Being 185 deg view, I need to be careful that my stomach does not show in the bottom of the image. Was a problem with most of my test shots.  The lower photo in the blog is one of my test shots taken yesterday afternoon.

Shooting the Blood Moon

Early this morning we in the USA were treated by a celestial show - full lunar eclipse.  Moon rise of the April 14th was mostly clear with a few light clouds. While I had napped during the day, not sure if I would be up for the whole eclipse. Gathered the equipment for a shoot.

All photos processed from RAW by Adobe Camera RAW. The camera was supported by Sunpak tripod.  Canon wired electronic shutter release.

Early evening shot. The first thing I did was set a negative EV, trying to adjust the metering for the bright subject. 

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens.  f/5.6 at 0.800 sec  Aperture Priority  102.0mm  ISO 100   EV -2.67

At my location, approximately 20 miles due East of downtown Omaha, NE, the eclipse started about 1:00 am CDT. Clear and cold (upper 20s) with no wind.  Camera was set up in my driveway. This photo was taken at 1:16 am.

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens.  f/5.3 at 1/13 sec  Aperture Priority  200.0mm  ISO 100   EV -5.00

Changed my len before subsequent shots.  Wanted to get a close as my equipment would allow.  Caught this photo as the eclipse nears totality and the moon starts turning red.  1:57am

Canon EOS 60D with .Canon EF 75-300 (1.6 cf) lens  f/8.0 at 1/2 sec  Aperture Priority  300.0mm  (effective 480mm)  ISO 100   EV -5.00

The "money" shot of the shoot.  You can understand why its called a "Blood Moon".  This shot required changes to my procedure.  I switched to "live" mode to get a good focus.  Fortunately, I had time to go into the house to process earlier photos and realized I had a focus problem.  

Canon EOS 60D with .Canon EF 75-300 (1.6 cf) lens  f/6.3 at 5.00 sec  Bulb  300.0mm  (effective 480mm)  ISO 100   EV 0.00

 

On the way back to the full moon, I was having problems with artifacts - see above. There was no detail in the moon like I was hoping to see.  It was now 4:00 am.  

Canon EOS 60D with .Canon EF 75-300 (1.6 cf) lens  f/6.3 at 1.00 sec  Bulb  300.0mm  (effective 480mm)  ISO 100   EV 0.00

Some more experimenting, I was able to get some detail into the moon before the eclipse was finished.   4:25 am

Canon EOS 60D with .Canon EF 75-300 (1.6 cf) lens  f/5.6 at 1/125 sec  Manual  300.0mm  (effective 480mm)  ISO 100   EV 0.00

 A final shot of the moon as I head out for coffee at 5:40 am.  This one was taken hand-held. 

Canon EOS 60D with .Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/6.3 at 1/320 sec  Manual  200.0mm  ISO 100   EV 0.00

While it was a long time in the cold (between breaks inside the garage and house) it was a productive shoot.  I learned a lot about my Canon 60D camera and "shooting the moon".  These photos will not be available for sale.  At a later date, I will post information of any that may be for sale.

Shooting at the Zoo

It had been nearly 10 years since I visited the Zoo here in Omaha.  Bought a Zoo membership this Winter, figuring to get out when weather is not good for bike riding.  It would also give me a chance to hone my photography skills.

I did not want to overload myself with gear, so only brought my Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens, a spare battery and cleared SD card.  In my 2 1/2 hour walk in sections of the zoo, I got a good feeling for the versatility of the camera/lens combo.

Desert Dome, March 19, 2014

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/8.0 at 1/320 sec  Aperture Priority  22.0mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) Processed from RAW by HDR Darkroom 2 Pro with finishing with Photoshop Elements 9


A real challenge was shooting in the Aquarium.  Issues with low light, moving subjects, and shooting through glass were on my mind.  I did have some problems, but was still able to get some good shots.

Jelly Fish,  Scott Aquarium,  March 19, 2014

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/6.3 at 1/40 sec  Aperture Priority  35.0mm  ISO 3200  Processed from RAW by Adobe Camera Raw and finished with Photoshop Elements 9 

Gorilla, Hubbard Gorilla Valley.  March 19, 2014

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/6.3 at 1/60 sec  Aperture Priority  42.0mm  ISO 250  Processed from RAW by Adobe Camera Raw and finished with Photoshop Elements 9

I had started in the Desert Dome but did not take many photos there as much of the dome is under reconstruction.  However, I was able to use the telephoto section of the lens in that dome for the shot below.

 Rabbit/Hare in the Desert Dome,  March 19, 2014

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/6.3 at 1/250 sec  Aperture Priority  200.0mm  ISO 400  Processed from RAW by Adobe Camera Raw and finished with Photoshop Elements 9.

All-in-all, it was a successful day scoping out the zoo and verifying equipment needed.  My only disappointment was the Lied Jungle. Since it was a cool day outside and with the humidity in the jungle, I gave up.  It just took too long to get the camera and lens temperature stabilized.  Will have to wait until warmer weather.  Also looking forward shooting some of the flora when they come into bloom.

Canon 60D Problem - Resolution

While shooting at Boot Hill in Dodge City, KS I was changing the settings in the camera.  Beinf moving from inside to bright sun outside, I could not see well what I was doing.  The bottom line was that I might have messed up the camera settings. 

The problem was that my auto focus was not working. I could activate the focus by hitting the "AF-ON" button.  Cleaned the lens connections thinking that might be the problem - no luck.  Exchanged lenses with another camera.  Lenses worked in the older T1i, but could not auto0focus in the 60D.

Finished the day with the Canon Rebel T1i with the Tamron 18-200mm lens.  Back at the room, I researched the problem in the camera manual.  I could not find any solution.  Completed my trip using the T1i.

Today, I was able to get into Omaha to get to Rockbrook Camera (where the camera was purchased).  I was nt sure if my problem was settings locked up or a defective in the camera.  The clerk at the 108th & Center store was able to check out the camera.

Sure enough, I had set in some special functions or at locked up one of the functions.  He showed me how to clear and reset the camera.  I offer the solution with photos should I have a problem again and/or should others have a simular problem.

First - Clear all Custom Functions (see photo)

 

Then Clear all camera settings (see photo)

This was all it took.  Camera is running properly again.  Had this not resolved the problem, I would have had to send the camera in for repairs.  

Thanks to the clerk at Rockbrook Camera.  My main camera is back.

Camera Setting Errors

As I have been posting photos here on the blog, I have noticed that I have used some strange setting combinations.  If you look at the setting details under the photo, you will see some of them.

I have taken photos with shutter speeds of 1/500,  apertures of F/4.0 and ISO 800, for example.  Shot after shot will be at EV 0.33.  I attribute these from not taking time to properly set the camera and unfamiliarity with the new camera.

Unfamiliarity with the camera is the easier problem to rectify. It just takes time and shooting until it becomes second nature.  With the current kit (body with Tamron 18-200mm lens), the 60D is the camera I use most.

My EOS Rebel T1i has become my back-up camera.  I am considering having my original Rebel converted for IR photography.

Now, as for the settings problems.  A couple things have masked problems with my final photos.  The purchase of the 60D was primarily for the better frame rate for shooting mountain bike race photos.  I set the camera for recording both RAW and L jpg.  I would shoot every rider at basically the same place on the the trail, there were little changes needed.  All I needed to do was to tweak the RAW image and convert to jpg. 

The other photos I take are mostly landscapes.  For landscapes, I prefer bracketed exposures and HDR processing.  The processing software also masks camera setting problems (or should I say "errors").  I can get some damn good results adjusting the sliders in the software.  But, I am sure I could get better results if I took the time a properly set the camera (or at least verified the settings) before taking the shot.

Finally, by taking the time to evaluate the photo and read the EXIF data, I can learn from my mistakes.

Gear for Shooting Mountan Bike Races

Here's my typical kit for shooting mountain bike races - summer. Early season races are a little too cool for shorts.  The kit consists of shorts, belt, drawers, polo shirt, sneakers, socks, and cap.  The camera is my new Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens.  With this camera set-up, I should be able to shoot all of the race with just one lens and camera.

Previously, I would shoot the start with the original Rebel (6mp) and change to the Rebel T1i for catching the individual racers as the ride the course. Depending on location, I might shoot with the standard (18-55mm) lens or 70-300 telephoto (with 1.6x crop factor). I hope to be able to shoot with just the 18-200mm lens.

New Camera & Lens

Seems like any time attend the Rockbrook Camera Tent Sale, I end up spending more money than I intended.  Today was no exception.

Was a busy morning.  Started with a doctor's appointment in Omaha.  It was also the fraternity alumni luncheon - so figured I might as well stay in town and do errands.  First stop was Barnes & Noble.

At the book store I was looking for photography and Linux magazines.  Also wanted to check out a Raspberry Pi book - Programming the Raspberry Pi - Getting Started with Python.
 Found everything I was looking for except for the current issues of Linux Format.
Had time to run over to the camera store.  The main reason stopping there was to look at the Tamron 18-200mm zoom lens (vs Tamron 18-270mm).  While waiting to talk with the Tamron rep, I started talking with the Fuji and Canon reps.  Figured I might get info about the new (yet to release - as it turns out) Canon EOS 70D.

Talked to the Canon rep about the couple shortcomings with my EOS Rebel T1i.  Chiefly the slow frame refresh rate.  When shooting mountain bike races, I encounter times when after about 4 shots, I have to wait until the camera writes to the SD card.

The Canon Rep recommended looking at the Canon EOS 60D.  Where the T1i buffer holds about 4 shots, the 60D will buffer 15 or more (as I recall).  Though will also need a fast SD card.  The 60D is designed with sports photography in mind. Rockbrook, during the tent sale, I got a good deal on the Canon EOS 60D body.  No need for a lens since I was planning to purchase the Tamron 18-200mm lens.

The Canon rep tried to get me to upgrade to a faster lens.  But the lens speed was not my concern - it was the camera frame rate.  Talked with the Tamron rep and decided to purchase the AF 18-200mm XR DiII lens.  Before check-out, I added  at UV filter and Class 10 Pro 32 GB SD card.

On the way home, I picked up a extra battery for the camera.  Spent time charging the batteries.  In the late afternoon I familiarized myself with the camera. Excited to get out an shoot some photos, likely tomorrow.

Also spent some time this evening reading the new Raspberry Pi book.  Looks it will be very helpful. 
The bookstore also had a copy of the Raspberry Pi Handbook published by LinuxPro Magazine.  As for the luncheon - it was mostly enjoyable until our right-wing dido-head  started o the President.  I expressed my displeasure with his comments and have decided to no attend the luncheons (at least for a while).  I don't need the aggravation.

GoPro Hero 2

Since I started cycling, I have been looking for a video camera to record some of the trails I ride.  I tried mounting a regular video camera - its to heavy and the mount would move.  Tried using my Canon Point&Shoot camera.  I was met with limited success.

Most successful have been the "lipstick" cameras.  I have had 2 - a "Tony Hawk" camera and one from Oregon Scientific.  Had the best luck with the Tony Hawk camera.  The video file size was good for posting on my web site.  My problems was getting the camera aimed, the battery life, and memory card limitations.

I started to concentrating on my still shots.  My Canon PowerShot S95 will record both JPG and RAW.  It also does bracketed exposures (I am a believer in HDR Photography).

Over the last could years, more and more of my singletrack cycling friends have purchased GoPro Hero POV (Point of view) cameras.  This Spring, a friend of mine was looking to sell a GoPro Hero2 that he had as a demo camera.  We agreed on purchase of the camera and included mounts.

I have added the back screen and a handlebar mount.  Topped off my purchase with a hard case by UKPro for the camera.  GoPro cameras and mounts are available as several "big box" and local stores.  I purchase my UKPro case from Breeze Cycle in Omaha.  The photo above is on my GoPro in the UKPro hard case.

A couple days later, we got some decent riding weather.  After a false start (did not bring all of the required bracket parts), I attached the camera to the bike and headed out for Lake Manawa.  A couple times, I had to stop and tighten the various connections of the mount.

Downloaded the video from the camera when I got back to the house.  Doing something wrong because I recorded 8 segments of under 2GB each.  Also there were regular "jumps" in the video. Oh, the photo here, shows the GoPro mounted on my hybrid, post ride.

With some research, I found out that i needed to convert the file in GoPro CineForm Studio.  This created a stable AVI video, though still had to piece together the sections.  Tried to do that in my Pinnacle Studio 11.  The software did not seem to like the process.  Went to Best Buy where I saw Studio is up to version 16 and (the version they had on the shelf) was much more expensive than Adobe Premier Elements.  Bought that bundled with Photoshop Elements version 11.

The lower photo is of the camera mounted on my hybrid bike.  Ended up with a flash video and AVI movie.