castermer's photostream

It's time to upgrade. I'm having a hell of a time with post production on my teeny tiny netbook. I currently use Digital Photography Pro which would be sufficient on a different computer, but this is simply inefficient and seemingly impossible. Can you imagine having to scroll down just to view the bottom half of your photo? It's horrible. I've been wanting to get a Mac for a few years now, but I've opted for more camera equipment instead. I don't regret any of those decisions at all. I've been able to accumulate an impressive arsenal of lights, lenses, and modifiers. It's been incredible! I'm ready for that next level now.

I still want to get that Mark 5D II, but not this year. This year is the year of the Mac. I'm getting that bad boy. I know I could use the money to upgrade my crappy kitchen or redo the bathroom but that doesn't bring me any pleasure. Is that selfish? Probably, but I've been pushing this to the side for too long now. I believe post work is an integral part of becoming a better photographer. I'll get to see what things I'm doing right and what I need to do to eliminate or decrease the errors I'm making in camera. I really just want it to build my confidence. Plus, it's going to be sick to go from an ASUS Eee PC with a 10.1" screen to the massive 27" iMac; and I'm super excited.

For all of you photographers out there, has post production work made you a better photographer? What system and software do you prefer? I'll be using the iMac and Lightroom to begin with. CS5 will come at a later date. :)

I love these rosco gels. I still despise the lack of room I have in my home but I'm dealing with it.

It took a while to get everything set up just right. When all was said and done, I only had about a 3 foot space between me and the soft box. It was a tight squeeze, but it was the only way I was going to get this shot. One day I'll have it all. My own studio; a cyc wall; a Mark 5D II; and all the lights and modifiers my heart desires.

I absolutely love photography. It's frustrating, exciting, fun, creative, and I love being able to just slip away from the world through the lens of my camera.

I don't plan on becoming famous nor am I seeking it. I don't plan on making money from photography although I would welcome it. I just want to be the best photographer I can be for me. I don't have a signature style and I don't know if I ever will. Flickr is inspirational and educational while provided a seemingly endless world to draw from. So many perspectives; so many styles; so many great artists. I get lost trying to take it all in.

I know you don't have to have all the big boy toys to be a great photographer but wouldn't it be nice to have it all?

My batteries died. I have a crap load of rechargeables at my disposal and I'm constantly reusing the same ones. I never think about it. For the past year, I really haven't used my equipment so when I did I was always prepared and made sure batteries where charged, backups ready, and everything was in order. I took it for granted.

I got home today and was ready to get my flash on. I took some test shots, got the set up ready, got my wifey to stand in for me, and then the flash didn't fire. I checked my bag for batteries and they were all in use. I hadn't bothered to charge any more because I honestly didn't think about it.

I had enough power left to shoot a couple of silhouettes, so that is exactly what I did. Needless to say, I charged all my batteries and will have multiple backups in place from now on.

I still have about 40 or so rechargeable AA batteries still in the package, but I'll keep them that way...for now. I didn't get what I set out for, but I was happy with the results.

Simple two light setup. Somewhat simple anyway. I had a different image in my head but I couldn't quite control the lighting as much as I would have liked to.

I definitely have to bring my photos up a notch. I have all the tools I need to take these awesome photographs, but I really limit myself by staying indoors.

Time is a commodity that I don't have much of to spare. As it is, I'm up at 5:30 every morning and it doesn't stop for twelve hours. I get home and I'm just exhausted.

Enough with the excuses though. I'm really going to try to get the most out of my shots. At least that's the current plan. ;^)

My wife considers me a pretty good baker. I have to disagree. I do not know how to bake but I can follow directions like my life depended on it. I do enjoy baking though. The aromas that waft through the house while the cookies or fresh bread are in the oven are heavenly. I love sitting in my living room enjoying some show on Netflix and have my senses piqued as my baked goods come to fruition.

Co-workers, friends, and family have all complimented and raved on some of the stuff I've made. I'll even have some requests for one thing or another. When that happens, I just look up the recipe on my iPhone and shoot them an email. 99% of the time, they don't want that; they just want me to make it for them. To that I say, "Hell No!"

I do this shit for me.

If I get the munchies...I bake.

If I want some fresh bread...I bake.

If I come across some recipe that sounds good...I bake.

There's no secret to my methods. No special methods. No special ingredients. Just a recipe, some time, and the desire to eat snicker doodles.

If I can do it, anybody can.