Post-Ramadhan…

Ramadhan has passed, and so did Eid (The Feast), and now I'm back to my normal pace. Well, almost. If you can call my life normal anyway.

As much as it was idle, I had the chance to do some experiments during Ramadhan, and the majority of my work with photography was actually visiting old photos and doing effects or re-working panoramas I've done in the past (mainly from Malta). All this experimenting did actually trigger me to place an order, which I will explain later.

An Ghrian

An Ghrian, the sun, in Irish. I did try to take shots for the sun before (and almost got my sensor fried too!). However, this time it's a bit different, with my converted Canon EOS 7D and an ultraviolet-pass filter. Though I did some trials using my Rokinon mirror lens which I didn't use much, but most of my trials were done with my Sigma 70-300mm plus two teleconverters (yielding a total of 1200mm in focal length). Not only controlling the Sigma lens is relatively easily in terms of focusing (a must-be manual), but also most of my filters (ND, IR, and UV) are circular filters that fit the Sigma lens only (with a step-down ring). As for Rokinon's mirror lens, and despite the great zooming that could be achieved, the fact that filters can hardly be used here made it a dangerous tool and hard to control.

The sun shot with a stack of 4 filters.
Story about it here.

In the process of capturing better images for the sun (and the moon), I came into the swirl of the world of filters and not only for lenses, but also for telescopes and eyepieces, as I was looking for ways to get the desired look (scientifically) and checking probability for finding what I need in other categories; but without the need to get a telescope either.

Taken in UV filter.
The set can be found
in my stream.

In the process of learning more about the world of filters in relation to shooting the sun and astrophotography in general, I've encountered the sad fact that my B+W Black 403 UV Pass filter is not a pure UV Pass filter, but it does leak some great amount of IR. Hence, probably many images I've taken before using this filter specifically were actually formed by IR beams and not by UV spectrum specifically. Nevertheless, some of these were good, and weather in IR or UV, I was able to show some surface features for the sun, even though the usual filter used for such detail is the H-α filter (another filter on my wishlist). After researching a bit further for some way to enhance the performance of my UV-pass filter, I've found out that the only way to do this is by attaching a hot-mirror filter or NIR-cut filter (Near InfraRed). I'll talk about them a bit later, as it seems I couldn't get exactly what I wanted.

Beside the mess, I'm considering seriously to get some 30.5mm filters for the rear of my mirror lens, but that should be on hold for some time now since more important issues must be dealt with.

1200mm, f/128, 0.8s, ISO100.
Using UV-pass filter.
The dot on the sun is Venus.
June 17^th, 2016.

Re-Work

During Ramadhan, the majority of work was actually re-working or editing my old panoramas and applying some techniques or effects on them (e.g. watercolor effect). The majority of this work is just to post these images on Instagram later on though. However, I was able to mingle a bit with some older panoramas to discover some new projections that I've never done before to them.

Qalaoid

Gruama

In fact, my work also included some old shots from 2013, like Gruama, which was shot using my then-new infrared-pass filter. It was just a re-process in some different way since I was not experienced back then with such filters (and it was taken with a regular camera). Back then I didn't appreciate the effect much but now I realize that my B+W infrared pass filter with threshold of about 650nm is in fact pretty useful for artistic uses. Increasing the threshold for infrared filters will approach photography more into the realm of monochrome rather than being colored infrared with the typical vivid and pleasant strange color cast. Kodak's gel filter which I usually use with my fisheye lenses has a threshold of 1000nm, and thus chances for producing vivid colors even with my converted camera is next to null; shots are always monochromatic, in between red and blue tints, as can be seen in Dawwar tal Qaddis and Planeta InfraĠużeppi.

Planeta InfraĠużeppi

Dawwar tal Qaddis

Toys

 Now to the fun part: new order placed and excitation in the air! Though I wished that I could expand the list of my items this time but all is placed in the wishlist waiting. I have a budget I'm trying not to exceed, and yet I'm trying to educate myself further in terms of filters and some aspects of astrophotography.

Source: B&H.

As I'm limited in terms of the budget, I've tried to limit myself to the very essential items, like this one: CamRanger MP-360 Motorized Pan/Tilt Tripod Head. This tripod head must be one of the MOST wanted items in my list since I'm having hard time controlling my lens when it is zoomed in (specially when it comes to shooting the sun or the moon). Tripod heads available for me now are just impractical, since at large magnification values for objects like the sun or the moon, the object would look to travel faster than it would appear to the naked eye, and I would have to adjust the knobs for the tripod head after each shot to follow up. This head should and is supposed to solve such problem quite easily by controlling the orientation by a cable remote.

Source: B&H.

One of the major items and one of which I've been hesitant to order is the Tiffen 58mm Standard Hot Mirror Filter. The idea was primary about using this filter to aid my UV-pass filter and stop the IR leakage in it. However, checking the transmission curves provided, things would seem shaky with this filter because it does block spectrum in the range of UV as well. Roaming the net around, I've learned more and I've experienced more on how to read transmission charts, but unfortunately, no perfect match for my need was found. Few filters were found with quite narrow band passage allowance in the UV, but the corresponding websites looked weird a bit and I couldn't even place an order! Anyway, if this filter didn't work well with my UV-pass filter, I'm planning to use it normally and directly with my lenses, since it helps on clearing the image and increase its sharpness as I read in some articles; so in essence, it has a clearing factor just like what UVC (Haze, or UV-cut) filters do, but in a different region of the spectrum. However, this is not the end of the story with filter, as the lens itself play a major part in UV Photography, because modern lenses are usually multi-coated for UV protection, and seems older lenses are more appropriate for the task!

Kylemore Abbey

Coming to mention UV-cut filters, I've noticed some bluish streak in the panorama done for Kylemore Abbey in 2014. Even though the panorama is tone-mapped from HDR, yet such bluish haze (in the mountains) might not be removed with HDR technique and would require UV-cut filter indeed. For this reason, I've started to look for gel (or polyster or resin) UV filter to be used specifically with my fisheye lenses. Ironically, I barely used my circular 58mm UV-cut filter!

Source: B&H

Another critical item which I've been postponing its purchase is the ring flash for macro photography. Since I don't delve deeper on a professional level with macro photography, I've thought that such professional ring flashes like Canon's are way too expensive for my simple use. Thus, I've decided to head to something more simple and cheap for occasional usage: Bolt VM-110 LED Macro Ring Light. It comes with various adapters for various diameters, and it uses LED instead of a flash tube. Moreover, this ring flash is universal and doesn't depend on TTL system, thus it works with any DSLR almost as the description reads. Some people would strongly recommend using TTL systems but I'm quite used by now on using manual modes in regular speedlites. Thus, handling this item should not be a problem supposedly.

Beside these major items, I've ordered some cheap infrared polyester filters and other stuff which I might talk about later. Also on the way but from another resource, some Baader filter sheet (or solar filter) to be cut and shaped freely for shooting the sun, and a book about Sumerians (been my fascination for some time). I can somehow consider this to be my own birthday gift to myself, but a bit early.

Finale

Up till this moment, my life is undergoing a storm, despite the calm appearance from the outside. Let's not delve into these matters of the heart for now. All I can say for now is I'm urging these new toys to arrive, as soon as possible, to get me started playing around. I need to put my worries onto something; the sooner the better…
 

Toys Toys Toys!

Here are they! My new toys and gear! Well, forgot to mention anything about them in previous posts but I will dedicate this post to them. Up until this moment I'm trying to find some time to test what I got here and write a review for them on B&H website. However, this week has been hectic for many things (and believe it or not some of that because of work despite the dormant summer season). Add to that, a turmoil at home because of renovation work that I just can't swallow.

Toys!

Now, to the business. All in all, beside the toys there is a side order of 2 books but I'll keep those for later down. Most of the items were actually from the wish list I've stored on B&H website and I've just realized that I was just "window shopping" for more than a year without thinking of upgrading anything in my arsenal of "toys!" Most probably it is all related to the downgrading financial situation worldwide.

Source: B&H

Anyway, first things first. A camera and lenses case or bag, from Think Tank. This item was on my wishlist for 2 years or even more! Now it is the time to get I thought, specially with the deteriorating conditions of my own bag right now. It has lot of pockets and the main inner body can adjusted to many positions to fit even a bazooka lens (sarcastic term for telephoto lenses; sorry photographers' joke). I can even fit my Rokinon barrel (mirror) 800mm lens in it instead of leaving out as I used to do before. The bag is supposedly made to accelerate your airport experience (a hassle every photographer might have encountered already). However, with many metallic stuff and batteries inside, I'm not quite sure if this will work with the increased security issues worldwide now. The best thing here even is that I could attach my tripod and I don't have carry it by hand... finally!

Source: B&H

One of the interesting items here, and I mean "very" interesting, is what I've discovered on B&H as I was surfing looking for some other items. A UV filter. Usually when "UV filter" is mentioned, people would think of that yellowish filter that enhances the colors of the scene by blocking the bluish UV haze. This one is completely different and acts like a cold mirror in the case of infrared: allows UV and blocks visible light. This is a completely new field to me and I still need to discover and try. One thing for sure though, Long Exposure. It does require film or converted sensor as well just like in the case of infrared photography, but the sources here can be different. One of the interesting facts here is that flash tubes (e.g. speedlites) can be used for UV photography but some protective layers must be removed (hence it would be a good idea to get a cheap flash and adjust it). Till the moment of writing this, I've tried the filter only once in the outside in my workplace just to test the length of the exposure and I have to say... it's long!

Source: B&H

Then we arrive at the next major toy! The Microfier from Vello. It is relatively cheaper than reversing rings from other brands and it offers the essential control over the lens when it is reversed and mounted on the camera for macro photography. It does offer somehow a greater magnification level more than extension tubes (by calculations) specially when used with 18-55mm kit lens (the smaller the length, the greater the magnification). There is still the issue of the closest focusing distance which I didn't experience or read about yet. However, I did take a simple shot for my fingerprint which does look good (with high ISO here though). Left to say that it comes with several mounting rings to accommodate for the various diameters for lenses.

My fingerprint taken with Microfier.

Now, the rest of the toys are simple accessories, and some of them are really needed though, specially as a replacement!

Source: B&H

First, we have here the Flex Lens Shade I guess the name says it all. Anyway, one can also argue that even lens hoods don't do the job perfectly in blocking the light flare (in the description of this item by the manufacturer, they state it can be attached to hoods themselves!). Anyway, this is not only for daytime photography, but also for nighttime to block the remnants of street lights. However, the real test would be with fisheye lenses and their excessive field of view (specially the Rokinon 8mm that I own). Seems a night shooting session is due, despite the horrible weather!

Source: B&H

The next in line is something I needed as a replacement. A step-down ring to fit a small filter on a large lens diameter (58mm onto 62mm). The comedy here is in the fact that I've only found one store which sells those here in Kuwait, and for my fantastic luck, they don't have this particular size. Please note the sarcasm when I said "fantastic." This ring though is better than the one I've lost already since it is made from aluminum alloy and not plastic. I've ordered 2 rings just in case!

Source: B&H

The last item in this list is just some Manfrotto 1/4' screws to keep as spare parts. I've kept this time in my wishlist for a long time, specifically when I noticed one of the screws in my Manfrotto VR-head was missing (and during that time I was using a spare screw from Manfrotto macro rail head). However, I did find that missing screw later on! But nevertheless, it would be a good idea to keep some of those available whenever needed for such "disasters!"

Büche

I don't know why I used a German subtitle for this section, but oh well. I didn't read photography books in such a long time I guess, and still I do have a queue of Arabic books that I need to go through still. I'm planning to stop reading a novel in Arabic in bedtime and replace it with one of the photography books I've recently ordered.

Source: Amazon

The first book on the list is by Bruce Barnbaum. This is the second book I have from him. The previous one was The Art of Photography; a very intellectual approach beside a long and detailed technical description for the chemical processes done for films development. It was/is such an amazing book and I thought this is the time to rejuvenate my eyes and vision in photography after such a dormant period. Thus, I'm hoping that The Essence of Photography would be like its predecessor. It is not only about the information in a book that one would stick to it, but also to the style of writing and the order and organization of the book itself that one might lose him- or herself reading it.

Source: Amazon

 The second book is supposedly about the art of using flashes (speedlites) in a creative way. I had other books about flash photography, specifically those by Syl Arena, but this one seems different in essence, since it discusses ways and methods instead of the technical aspects as it was in Syl's books. I will keep this book for later reading. I think I will be taking one of them anyway with me when I travel... I need something to pass the time with from time to time.

Finale

Things are done and ready, almost, for my travel. All what is left is... the visa! After completing my papers, I've set an appointment to "submit" the papers and complete the procedures - I heard an interview is involved. So, we'll see by next Monday, August 10^th. Good thing that Mom has no dialysis session on this day. Because of all this hassle my ongoing Geltani documents are on hold, again. I just can't wait till I start my vacation and off the country. One thing though I do wish for... a specific someone to be with me on the way…

Game Time!

Ouch, Ouch, Ouch. What a fast and a busy week it was. I miss sleeping so much like a lover missing his heartthrob! I'm missing this opportunity even on weekends (but that's not something new).
My schedule had been busy; so much that I barely had the time to think about my camera and process new images. However, I had the chance to test my new toys a little bit - yet more testing is needed. More to come about that later.

Splashing:

Dimensionality
Canon EF 50mm, f/16,
60^-1sec, ISO 100.

By last week we had one of our first practical outdoors workshop in part of the Philosophy of Light workshop with the group. The appointed location was Shuwaikh beach area. The day was windy and really refreshing. While everyone was struggling with jackets seemed to be I'm the only one who was satisfied with a T-shirt!
I was the first to arrive and started to work straight away with some shots of high-speed flavor trying to freeze the water splashing on the rocks. But soon I've moved to long exposures and ND filters.

Nature Paints
Tamron 70-300mm @228mm, f/40,
0.5sec, ISO 100.

Maybe the exposure in some of these shots didn't exceed 30 seconds but it was hard to achieve even a one second exposure with the sun being tough. I ended up setting up 6 stops of NDs in front of the Tamron lens and trying several shutters. I've cut back to do more high-speed shots and then back to long exposures, and then was able to achieve 8 seconds (mainly because the sun was approaching the horizon and level of light was going down), but after all, I've found out that a half second is just fairly enough to give a surreal look. With the waves being so strong and splashing against the rocks (and almost made me have a full shower too!) it is not necessary to make very long exposures. Even times less than half a second might be quite enough to give the desired look. Lengthening the exposure time with strong water waves would erase most of the features on the rocks and too abstract. After exhausting all my options with the waves, I've simply stood up on the concrete barrier and started to shoot with minimalism in mind as in Dimensionality. To me, at least, this image seems a breakthrough because it is a simple structure, but yet has a depth with a vanishing point in the horizon. Maybe I was lucky? One bad thing back then though is that I didn't get my polarizing filter yet.

Der Sanfte Zorn
Canon EF 50mm, f/1.4, 8000^-1sec, ISO 100

Let's Play!

My new toys have arrived with the beginning of this week, and I didn't have much time to test them thoroughly, but few clicks here and there.

Source: B&H

One of the toys that I was eager to try and learn about is the Infrared B+W glass filter. Even though my camera is not converted (i.e. sensor adjusted to receive IR radiation), yet after some surfing about the topic a bit, seems the only problem with this is the long exposure times required, while the converted cameras would react normally with normal exposure times as in normal cameras. This is what I understood so far.

Canon EF 50mm, f/1.4, 200^-1sec, ISO 100

The title-less image above was captured as I was waiting for the TV crew who were supposed to do an interview for a program on TV with the group's members. As I was waiting I've decided to try some aspect of this filter and even it was hard to be done without a tripod. One of the hard things to do is to match the exposure metering done without the filter to the exposure metering after fixing the filter. In a quick inspection seems the difference is 4 stops. However, such calculations are not quite correct, because the type of the light to be received by the sensor (specially unconverted) is completely different. I imagine metering the light and doing a correct exposure would be done nicely only when the camera is converted, or maybe if there are special light meters that read IR only and compare its level to 18% gray!
The image above looks a typical black and white shot (after being converted from a completely red image), but certain details made me think it made some difference, like the details of the tiny clouds (which were hard to notice in reality) beside the building in the horizon on the far left which looks hazy.
I'm reading more about it for the time being and seems I could achieve more interesting shots by adjusting the white balance instead of converting to black and white. This is what I've inspected by reading so far.

Source: B&H

I didn't get the chance yet to test the polarizer thoroughly, but I got a little chance to test the Kenko extension tubes set. Extension tubes works by allowing the lens to focus in a distance closer than it is on the original lens.
After doing my part with the TV interview (which barely went on well), I've stayed away doing my own trials with the extension tubes on some plant leaf. It is a hard task to shoot with such degree of closeness and zooming without using a tripod of course.

Lamellae
Canon EF 100mm macro + 68mm, f/8, 25^-1sec, ISO 100

I've found it mandatory here to use the on-camera flash to fasten the shutter speed and reduce the shake effect. In the beginning I thought it won't work because usually with such long lens combination, the on-camera flash would cast a shadow on the subject, but probably not here in such close distance. It could be time to use rails (or maybe some parts of my VR-head) to move the camera smoothly on the tripod for- and backward.
This test is still not enough, and I'm eager to implement this with reversing lenses technique and see what effect does it yield, specially with my new 58-58 adapter ring which arrived along with the new toys!

Reality of Shadows
Canon EF 50mm, f/1.4,
50^-1sec, ISO 100.

Away from testing the new stuff (and mainly because it was night time already), the TV work was not over by then and boredom filled my head. Yet, my eyes weren't.
I noticed some decorative plant in one of the corners which inspired me for some shot with a shadow, but the problem was that I didn't bring my speedlites, thus, I had to use the available data-show device with its blue/purple light and projected it onto the pot or vase from the side (after hardly stabilizing it over a couch!).
Maybe what I personally like about Reality of Shadows is the fact that I've used the Fluorescent WB to add more bluish streak to the already-blue light. Yes, I needed to adjust the WB little bit later and reduce/add some saturation for some colors, but the starting point was fair enough. No HDR rendering.

Now for the coming week,  I might have some plans, and a busy schedule too. For sure I need to test more procedures with the IR filter. On the schedule, there is giving my own tips about Photoshop in a special session; it is not a paid service of course, but a friendly help. Also on the schedule, there are plans to get involved in more local expos, and one of them is supposedly sponsored by Kuwait University. Bearing such responsibilities do feel heavy though. A shoulder for a burdened head, is all what I would ask for in such days...