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7 posts from February 2004

February 26, 2004

What's New?

I've been extremely busy lately and updates to my blog have been next to nothing so I figured I'd post something to let everyone know what's been going on.

I spent last weekend in Las Vegas celebrating the 30th birthday of an old friend. We had an amazing time and I sure hope we get to do it again, soon.

Tomorrow is the 2004 Maverick's Surf Contest and I will be aboard a boat sitting about 100 yards away from the surf break. Forecasts are showing 20+ foot waves. Once I get through all the images I take, I'll post a link so everyone can see.

To keep my camera dry as Mavericks, I just picked up an AquaTech rain guard. It should be in the mail today and I'll give a review once I return from using it.

Yesterday my studio lights came in. Hurray! I only had a few minutes to play with them and here are some samples from my first pictures using the strobes.

February 14, 2004

Let there be light

So I took the plunge and purchased some studio lights. Coming soon will be a set of Interfit 300i studio stobes, light stands, umbrellas and a photoflex softbox.

I can't wait. Let there be light!

February 13, 2004

Are they smoking crack!

Back in December I posted a blog about a new digital Leica camera (Digilux 2) that was being developed. I've been following the progress waiting for the release of the camera and an official price. Well, the camera will be shipping in a couple weeks and the price.... $2000!! Is Leica smoking crack! That is an insane price for a point and shoot digital camera. That price is crazy for ANY point and shoot. I could see that kind of price for a digital version of their M series rangefinder, but not for this.

I can't imagine Leica will sell many of them so I can only hope in a year or so the price comes way down. I'd pay $1000 for it, but even at the current street price of $1850, forget it.

February 12, 2004

Holy Beautiful Images Batman

Today Kodak announced the immediate availability of their new DCS Pro SLR/n camera. The camera is an updated version of their previous 14n camera. It supports a 14 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor and a Nikon lens mount. Current owners of the 14n can have their cameras updated with the new sensor and firmware for approx $1500.

Kodak has posted sample images from the camera that are stunning!
SAMPLE GALLERY 1
SAMPLE GALLERY 2

If Nikon doesn't announce the D2X this year, the Kodak may find a place in my camera bag to be used for everything but sports (which I'll continue to use my D2H).

Adobe updates Camera Raw plugin

Today Adobe released an updated version of the Camera Raw plugin for Photoshop CS. I've been waiting for this November as it includes support for the Nikon D2H.

You can find the plugin and more information HERE.

February 07, 2004

The East Coast is COLD

I just returned from a week in New Jersey where my wife and I were visiting friends and family. I haven't been to NJ in almost 2 years so everyone was very happy to have me home. I got to spend a lot of time with my sisters, my Mom and all my little nieces and nephews. It was great to see all the kids because they don't get to see their uncle Rob very often. Also, my sister Dawn is pregnant with her third child and it's always exciting to see her pregnant (I'll have a new Nephew in March).

The weather was COLD! The first day it was 14 degrees and by the last day the temperature went up to a warm 40 degrees. I think I'll stay in California thank you.


My pregnant sister and her husband Bob


Three of my nieces and nephews

Mavericks Surf Competition

After a 2 year hiatus the world famous Maverick's Surf Contest is back for the 2004 season and I got a front row seat. I managed to get a spot on a boat that will be parked right next to the surf break during the contest. 24 of the worlds top big wave surfers will be there competing for the ultimate bragging rights (and some cash). There is no set date for the contest and everyone attending is on 24-48 hours notice. When Mother Nature brings in the waves, the contest is on.

I'm required to sign a waiver that stops me from doing anything commercial with any of the images I take at the contest, but that's fine with me. I just want to get the experience and hopefully some PR exposure.

Stay tuned for updates.