David Hood Photography

I’m a strong advocate of shooting in Camera Raw because all of the light that enters the lens is captured in the file – not just the lights that the camera jpeg algorithm thinks is needed for the desired exposure.  This photo is an example of one where using that wider dynamic range of light can produce a better photograph when other alternatives such as bracketed shots and high dynamic range (HDR) processing are not available.  This was a single photo shot in camera raw.  I purposely under exposed the photo in order to avoid over exposing or “blowing out” the sun and the bright, early morning sky.  Of course, the result was that much of the sidewalk and flowers were in deep shadow lacking any significant detail.  The fix was straight forward: Process the same raw file twice – once for the highlights (sun and sky) and again for the shadows (sidewalk and flowers).  I opened up the file exposed for the highlights as a smart object in Photoshop, then opened the camera raw filter and increased the exposure to bring out the details in the shadows and flowers. I rather like the results of the blended effect – a wider dynamic range of light, while still realistic looking and not “over the top” as seen in some HDR processed photos.

If you live in the Albuquerque, NM area and would like to master your DSLR or quickly become proficient in Photoshop editing, please consider me as your personal tutor.  Photography is my passion, and I’d be privileged to assist you on your journey.

Capture the Memories Found in Travel and Life                                Email: d300dave@gmail.com

I captured this photo looking East on the Arkansas River early in the morning on our first full day of vacation in Salida, Colorado. Nikon D500 fitted with Nikkor 18-300mm zoom lens at 122mm, ISO 100, aperture f/6.3, shutter speed 1/25th second (hand held resting on bridge railing). I lost my lens cap and hood in the process, but I think the photo was worth it.

Capture the Wonders Found in Travel and Life                               email: d300dave@gmail.com

Yesterday I made my first visit to Rio Grande Nature Center and made my first ever attempt to photograph hummingbirds. I used my Nikon D7100 crop sensor camera fitted with a Nikon f/2.8 70-200mm zoom lens, manual mode, shutter speed 1/1250 second, aperture f/8, spot metering, and auto ISO (around 1800). I’m satisfied with the results, but the bird photos were heavily cropped (in excess of 100%) to create these photos. The next time I will use my Nikon 18-300mm zoom lens in order to avoid the visible grain that often comes with significant cropping.

These are other photos captured at the visitor center’s viewing area and during my walk around the scenic and serene trailways.

Bird photography, like many other photography venues, requires an understanding of your camera’s manual controls – specifically the control of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Reading your camera manual and trying to understand the “how” and “why” of these settings can be a time consuming and frustrating experience. If you live in central New Mexico I can provide one-on-one tutoring tailored to your camera and your needs – see my page, Albuquerque’s Personal Photography Tutor. I’d enjoy meeting or speaking with you – no charge for initial meeting and consultation.

Capture the Wonders Found In Travel and Life Email: d300dave@gmail.com

Today grandson Billy’s soccer team Mexico played team Brazil in the Zia Youth Soccer League “Under 11” age bracket. Team Mexico won the match 4-2 and thus earned bragging rights at Billy’s elementary school where the 2 teams are rivals. Whenever my schedule permits, I take action photos of the games and post the edited photos to my website for the parents and coaches to see. Today was such a day, and I chose my equipment accordingly – my trusty Nikon D7100 outfitted with the superb lens for sports action – the Nikon f/2.8 70-200mm VR2 telephoto lens. To my surprise after the game, I was asked to take a team photo because all 15 of the kids and both coaches were present – a rarity. Normally I would bring at least one off camera flash to properly light a group shot, so I was unprepared for the task. The team was lined up and waiting, so I hurried over and took the shot (photo 1). During editing I did the best I could to minimize the “raccoon eyes” that typically result from lack of flash fill, but I was unhappy with the distracting background. So using some Photoshop magic, I very carefully selected the team from the background and moved it to a more suitable background – a photo that I took at last week’s game. If the parents and coaches like the photo, I’d like to think that it’s an example of how to make lemonade out of lemons. 🙂

Capture the Wonders Found in Travel and Life Email: d300dave@gmail.com

If you’re a photographer, you never know when you might need a “tool” from your bag that you didn’t bring.  Today I found myself taking a pro bono basketball team photo that I hadn’t planned for. Because I didn’t have any off camera flash equipment with me, I had to make do with the pop-up flash on my camera.  While editing I also  used a little Photoshop magic to substitute a better background than that presented by the multi-colored wall in the gym.  

Capture the Wonders Found in Travel and Life                        Email: d300dave@gmail.com