I haven't added a post lately. So, I thought I would just add a few new pictures. I took these over the past couple months. This has been a time of reflection. So, I have been shooting in the same locations seeing if I would get a different inspiration. Although this does help to improve ones eye, it doesn't always move along a quickly as they want. Nevertheless, I was reminded of the importance of taking your time and checking all angles. 

Night Photography in Camden

I was fortunate to take a few images at the Camden Waterfront. In celebration of  Labor Day the Ben Franklin Bridge was lit up with red, white and blue lights. Due to various events, the area was alive with activity. I couldn't think of a better time to take some night shots. These were taken at f18 IS0 100 at a 1 minute and 10 second shutter speed. I would of preferred to shoot at f13. However, I was under a time restriction and moving to fast. I only had a hour to shoot. Anyway, here are three images I captured. 

If you like them, they can be purchased at  paul-watkins.artistwebsites.com. 

Unique Fondness for Fowl

New York City offers various opportunities to shoot. Rather you prefer landscapes, cityscapes, street photography, event shooting or shoots with models, New York has what you need. I have only shot cityscapes and the occasional street shot there. I tend to stay in the Manhattan, mainly because I am not familiar with the 5 boroughs enough to extend my search past my comfort zone. Never the less, the highly populated area with it's diverse architecture, cultures, and personally has more going on in 20 blocks than most photographers can capture in a week of shooting. On this trek through the city I stumbled about a gentleman with an unique fondness for fowl. I thought this pictures was entertaining enough to share. I hope you enjoy.

I've also shared this image on my Facebook and other pages. So, you may see it in different places.

Night Photography at 30th Street Station

This was a very good weekend for night photography. For those who do not know, it is always a good choice to bring a tripod.Especially if you are partial to slow shutter and/or HDR photography.  When shooting at night I prefer to shoot at 100 ISO (or ASA) at around f11. This way I can limit the noise that creeps in and get a nice sharp image. Of course, this results in nice long shutter (usually 35 seconds to 1 minute and 10 seconds). However, it is definitely worth it. A nice clean image always trumps a grainy one.On this occasion, I was able to photography around the 30th street station. I was tempted to shoot indoor. But the opportunity to shoot in that area with a somewhat sturdy tripod was to good to pass up. I shot with the 8 millimeter Rokinon  and the 24 to 105 millimeter Canon. I am happy with the results. I did get enough lens flair to make Michael Bay do a dance, but it couldn't be helped.

Any way, here are a few of the pictures that I took. Hope you enjoy. If you like them, you can purchase any of the three at:  http://paul-watkins.artistwebsites.com/

Short Tamron 90mm SP Di Maco lens review

I recently purchased a Tamron 90mm SP Di Maco lens. I have to say that this purchase was well worth it. This lens produces sharp detailed images. I was initially concerned that the hype about this lens was not warranted. Mainly because, third party lenses have been a mixed bag for me. Some perform great, while others produce images that have so much color fringing that it looks like the world is coated in rainbows. Fortunately,  Tamron put their best foot forward with this lens. The color is good, I really haven't experienced much chromatic aberration and focusing the lens isn't that bad. As a macro this lens is excellent. I can focus with the lens six inches from the subject!

On the negative side. This is the noisiest lens I have ever owned. I'm not talking about image quality. That is excellent. I'm taking about the barrel noise. This thing is loud. I'm not sneaking up on any insects with this lens. Also, the body feels cheap, like most entry level kit lenses. I recommend that you keep this lens secure at all times. If you drop it, you may soon regret it.

With that being said, this lens is worth the noise and the extra caution. The lens does what it is suppose to do. Which is to deliver clean, sharp images. I highly recommend it!

Here are a few pictures I took with this lens. If you like them you can purchase them on my Fine Art America store. Here is the link  http://paul-watkins.artistwebsites.com/

The Rokinon 8mm Ultra Fisheye lens In Manhattan

OK. When I get a new lens it is important to take it through it's paces and make sure it is worth keeping. So I took the Rokinon 8mm Ultra Fisheye lens on a field trip. My goal was to get more familiar with the lens and try to identify some good areas for my type of shooting. I mainly shot between 32nd & 8th avenue and 50th and 5th avenue. I was only able to observe a fraction of that area and I'm sure it will take awhile before I find   the holy grail. Still, it was a fun day and great opportunity. The weather was hot but dry and the sky had good detail. 

The lens continues to deliver. With it set at  f8 ( at 3 meters) I was able to get focus with no problem. The lens is consistent in its delivery. I didn't see any increase in chromatic aberrations or noticeable color shifting.  (Keep in mind this is a visual observation and not a technical one). It was easy to exchange with other lenses and light in weight (compared to my 12-24mm Tokina and 24-105 mm Canon L series lens). I personal think it's a lot like working with a Canon FD lens. 

To sum up my opinion of this lens, I'll just say it is a keeper. Here are a few of the shots I took with the Rokinon 8mm Ultra Fisheye lens in New York.

Short Review of Rokinon 8mm ultra wide f3.5 fisheye lens

I just purchased a Rokinon 8mm ultra wide f3.5 fisheye lens with the detachable lens hood. This is a fully manual lens with  aperture that ranges from f3.5 to f22. However, if you shoot at f8 (and 3 meters), you will get excellent focus. So, I wouldn't go above f11 unless you are trying slow up the shutter speed. I must say that this lens produces clean images. I did experience a little chromatic aberrations. but this is easily corrected in post. Prior to this lens my main ultra wide lens was the Tokina 12-24mm f/4 lens. Please do not misunderstand, the Tokina is still my go to lens in situations that I need a wide lens. But, the Rokinon has earned a place in my bag. I purchased the version with the detachable lens hood and I am glad I did. Firstly, it makes the lens so much easier to clean. I tried cleaning it with the hood attached just to see what it would be like if I had purchased the other model. It was a bit difficult to clean around the edge. Secondly, this version can work well with a full frame camera. Being able to remove the hood translates into an image with no visual obstructions. (keep in mind the image will be round).

 Overall I recommend this lens. Here are a few pictures I took with the Rokinon 8mm ultra wide f3.5 fisheye lens..If you like any of these images and would love to have one of them on your wall, click the link below. 

http://paul-watkins.artistwebsites.com/

Wizard World 2013

I had the opportunity to attend Wizard World 2013 in Philadelphia last weekend. I wanted to post some of the images that I took at the event. However, I thought it would be best to upload them on my Flickr account so people can find the images with ease. Here is the link to the pictures I took.

Wizard World 2013

Why I can’t recommend the HV 285 Vivitar Flash

The Vivitar HV 285 flash has been widely used by strobist for indoor and outdoor shooting. It is a cheap alternative for those of us who can’t afford to shell out 250 to 1300 bucks for a good Canon or Nikon Speedlite system. The Vivitar HV 285 flash can be used from 1/16^th to full power and only costs around 85 bucks new. Plus, it can be used with a small amount of accessories. So, “what’s the problem?” you may ask. There are many. But, I will only focus on three of them.

First is quality control. I have read countless blogs, forums and reviews from people that have had to send back a flash because it was dead on arrival. Several people have had to send their flash back after only a week or two of minimal use. I personally have one. It died after being fired less than 100 times. Of course if you get a good one, it may be well worth the cost and be considered a good value. However, the operative word is “if”.

You may say, well if it breaks, I’ll send it to the manufacture. They can fix it. Well that leads me to the second problem.

Second is customer service. There is none. The manufacturer will not honor your warranty. They will not even fix it if you pay them. There is no support for this flash. If it dies, you have lost a flash but have gained a paper weight. Now, if you are a modern day MacGyver and can fix anything; then go ahead and buy a few. However, if you’re a photographer who needs flashes that actually works, then this flash may not be for you. Speaking of work! This leads me to my third issue with the flash.

Third is functionality. When I say functionality I am referring to recycling times, flask dependability (does it fire every time) and TTL. This flash has long recycling times when used at halve and full power. If you need a lot of light and often, you will not like this flash. Even if you decide that you will only use this flash at 1/4^th to 1/16^th power, you may still be disappointed. It is not consistent. It will not always fire. It is a temperamental flash. Sometimes it’s great, other times it is infuriating. As far as TTL, it doesn’t have it. For many people this isn’t a deal breaker anyway. However, it is important enough to mention.

Overall, the Vivitar HV 285 flash has underwhelmed me. It holds a lot of promise, but it just doesn’t deliver. I would rather spend twice or three times the money if it means my flash is dependable and supported by the company that makes it. I have learned that it is best to buy from companies that stand behind their product. Even if it is an inexpensive item, they won’t just leave you to fend for yourself.

So that is why I can’t recommend the HV285 Vivitar flash. If you have had a different type of experience with this flash, I am happy for you. I’m sure there are a few out there that are built like a rock and deliver. I just think that it just isn’t worth the time or the money to try and find a good one when companies like Sunpak, Canon, Metz and Nikon are making portable and dependable flashes.