3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

Project 365

Still Evaluating Shooting RAW Photography vs. JPG?

by

My journey of taking all my photographs in JPG format is over. After experimenting with photo editing between the two formats I will always shoot my RAW photography format  (RAW +jpeg setting) photos. I have much more creativity range once I get to the editing or photo processing phase.

One thing I love about Spring in Nebraska is the blooming of spring flowers. I sometimes get so excited about the sun and colors I forget to meter my camera to the new lighting caused by the bright sun. I’m either over exposing or under exposing.

So  how do we fix what could be a wonderful picture.  If you have a RAW option in your camera you can easily adjust the exposure without causing image degradation or artifacts. If not using Photoshop and adjusting the levels might be your only option. But be warned it doesn’t work on all photos as you can see below.

Did you know that every time you open a jpg file you lose a little bit of digital information in the image? After a few times you don’t notice a difference, but work and rework that file and pixel by pixel it loses detail. (I’m learning just a little bit more and more)

Think of a RAW file as an undeveloped photo, much like film. In a RAW photo editing program you can adjust the exposure, without destroying pixels or the detail.

How to Fix an Underexposed Photo in RAW photography
I know, it’s not sharp either, darned Nebraska wind.

Below is an example of how messy adjusting jpg files can become. In most pictures there is enough texture to “hide” the destruction, but in this night sky the gradient colors quickly become degraded. “Banding” occurs in the color gradients detracting from the night image. With RAW photography files the gradients are smooth.

Over processing destroys jpg images, shoot in RAW when you can

Ideally I would get the right exposure the first time and not have to adjust, but I’m not quite there yet. Many will argue that every digital image needs some post production to perfect it. What do you think? Do you shoot RAW?

Since I took this shot I have started using Adobe Lightroom to process my RAW images. The program is extremely powerful, yet economical in cost and user friendly.

If you want to learn more about why people take pictures in RAW this photography forum thread is worth reading  http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=684360

Learn About RAW Photography

Black and White Digital Photography Photo WorkshopUnderstanding RAW Photography (Expanded Guides – Techniques)Camera Raw with Photoshop For DummiesCamera RAW 101: Better Photos with Photoshop, Elements,The Digital Negative: Raw Image Processing in Lightroom,Lexar Professional 1100x 64GB XQD Card (LXQD64GCTBNA1100) Size:

More Photography Articles

19 Facts About Daffodils

by

19 Facts About Daffodils

19 Facts About Daffodils

Here are some facts you may not know about these cheerful blooms of spring.

  • The daffodil is also known as Jonquil, Narcissus, Paperwhite, and the ‘Poet’s Hower’.
  • Narcissus is a classical Greek name in honor of a beautiful youth who became so entranced with his own reflection that he pined away and the gods turned him into this flower.  (Daff Seek, official photo database of the American Daffodil Society)
  • Squirrels will not eat daffodil bulbs, the bulbs and leaves contain poisonous crystals that only certain insects can eat with impunity, so don’t plant where dogs like to dig. (American Daffodil Society)
  • Poultry keepers thought the flower to be unlucky and disallowed it in their homes, as they believed it would stop their hens from laying eggs. (Funflowerfacts.com)
  • Scientists have discovered narciclasine, a natural compound found in daffodil bulbs, may be therapeutic in treating brain cancer.
  • Daffodils contain a toxic sap which is harmful to other flowers. When arranging in a vase don’t mix with other flowers unless the daffodils have been soaking in water for 24 hours. Do not recut the stems as it will re-release the toxin. (Funflowerfacts.com)
  • The ancient Romans cultivated them extensively, though daffodils became a forgotten flower till 1600. Sometime around 1629, a few Englishmen took the daffodil out of the weeds and gave it a place in the garden. (Onlinegardeningtips.com)
  • The daffodil is the flower for March.  (Gonetopot.com #7-12)
  • The Romans believed the sap from these flowers had special healing powers.
  • The Daffodil Data Bank accounts for over 13,000 hybrids, and apart from the regular yellow kind, there are others which come in a range of color combinations, like yellow and orange, yellow and white, orange and white, lime-green and pink colors.
  • In the Victorian days, Daffodils represented chivalry. Today it represents hope.)
  • In Wales, it is traditional to wear a daffodil on Saint David’s Day (March 1).
  • The daffodil is the national flower of Wales.
  • Their botanic name is narcissus, daffodils are sometimes called jonquils, and in England, because of their long association with Lent, they’re known as the “Lent Lily.”( Teleflora #14-18)
  • In Wales, it’s said if you spot the first daffodil of the season, your next 12 months will be filled with wealth.
  • Chinese legend has it that if a daffodil bulb is forced to bloom during the New Year, it will bring good luck to your home.
  • The Daffodil is the 10th wedding anniversary flower
  • A gift of daffodils is said to ensure happiness.
  • Always remember to present daffodils in a bunch – the same legends that associate this cheerful flower with good fortune warn us that when given as a single bloom, a daffodil can foretell misfortune.

Daffodil Gifts for the Garden Fan

Learn facts about daffodils and find fun fun gardening gifts with yellow spring flowers. Perfect for the person who loves flower gardens and wants to decorate their home with bright spring flowers.

More Facts About Daffodils


#12/52: Spring in March? So Soon?

by

I don’t ever remember wearing shorts in March, not in Nebraska anyway. But when the temperature reaches into the 80’s the winter not only do the white legs come out, but the trees start blooming.

A photographer client told me last week he had just returned from the Smokie Mountains where the cherry blossoms were already at their peak. Six weeks early. By the time the Cherry Blossom Festival arrives there won’t be any flowers.

Not sure what species of tree this is, but it was pretty, and in honor of spring it’s  my photo of the week.

White flowering tree in spring

Related articles

#9/52: Shamrock Shake, It’s That Time of Year

by

Shamrock Shakes are Back!

It’s that time of year again. March 1st, the day I can officially enjoy a Shamrock Shake (ok I bought this last night, I couldn’t resist) I’m also not one to be trending either, but on Twitter, #ShamrockShake is the promoted trend today. According to McDonald’s 2012 is the first year the Shamrock Shake is available nationwide. Wow, didn’t know that.

Shamrock Shake from McDonalds
Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s

Last year I learned a few historical facts about the Shamrock Shake. Maybe those in the Midwest don’t relate, but since it was originally released in Connecticut I have very fond memories at an early age.

&

IRISH TREATS - 30 Dessert Recipes for St. Patrick's Day or Whenever You Want to Celebrate Like the IrishIRISH TREATS – 30 Dessert Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day or Whenever You Want to Celebrate Like the IrishCooking with Irish Cream: The 50 Most Delicious Irish Cream Recipes (Recipe Top 50's Book 54)Cooking with Irish Cream: The 50 Most Delicious Irish Cream Recipes (Recipe Top 50’s Book 54)

&

Why is it that a mint flavored shake is so tasty? I mean really. Mint? Should make you pucker just at the thought. But McDonald’s has found that magical combination of sweet, smooth and minty in one combination that is just delectable.

There is such a passion for this frosty drink a website tracks the appearance every year. Shamrockshake.com tracks the locations where they can be found, and yes, I added the McDonald’s 1-80 Gretna Exit to the list.

So until they run out enjoy the “Luck of the Irish” and St. Patricks Day with a Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s.

Looking for the taste of a Shamrock Shake the rest of the year, you can get your minty craving in a Keurig or just explore different mint recipes for that fres minty taste.

&

Junior Mints Hot Cocoa Single Serve - 12ctJunior Mints Hot Cocoa Single Serve – 12ctTop 50 Most Delicious Mint Recipes (Recipe Top 50's Book 55)Top 50 Most Delicious Mint Recipes (Recipe Top 50’s Book 55)

&

McDonalds Shamrock Shake Information

McCafé Shamrock Shake :: McDonalds.com

Smooth and creamy mint flavored shake topped with whipped cream and a cherry. But only for a limited time.

Shamrock Shake – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Shamrock Shake is a seasonal green-dyed mint flavored milkshake dessert sold at McDonald’s to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Top Secret Recipes | McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe

Get the best McDonald’s Shamrock Shake recipe on the ORIGINAL copycat recipe website! Todd Wilbur shows you how to easily duplicate the taste of famous …

Shamrock Shakes Recipe – Allrecipes.com

Joe’s Shamrock Shake Recipe – A homemade version of the perennial green … shake machine was “down”, and I really needed my annual Shamrock Shake fix,  …

#8/52: Another Birthday

by

17 Candles
17 Birthday Candles

My daughter turned 17 this month and it’s one more year closer to independence, one more day closer to college and one more year closer to moving into a dorm.  Every day brings me closer to the day where my “baby” won’t be within hugging distance.  It seems that with every year comes remarkable changes that leaves me in awe.

College brochures arrive in the mail, scholarships , ACT tests, all signs of the future to come.  Right now I’m just going to bask in the glow of the candles of my daughters burning light and enjoy the short time I have left and enjoy each day.