Life's a Bokeh

Canon 7D Portraits 5/1/2010

Canon 7D Portraits of Jack

Lately there has been a lot of interest in how well the Canon 7D does portraits.  With big brother 5D II grabbing the spotlight but the 7D at a more palatable price-point, thought I'd share a couple photos of my son from this morning at the park. Both were shot in RAW with the Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS and processed lightly with Lightroom 3 beta 2.  If you shoot RAW in the 7D, don't even bother with any of the Lightroom 2 versions (currently 2.7), none of them do a good job on 7D RAW files.

Judge for yourself and please let me know if you have any comments

Portrait of my son taken with Canon 7D

Portrait #2 of my son with Canon 7D

Squishing a baby bumble bee

My son picked up this rather morbid song somewhere but it was fun hearing him sing it.  I think he might have misunderstood the lyrics...or maybe it was us. 

January 22, 2010 - Here Comes Annie Spohr!

Twitter didn't endear itself to me for some time, with the constant "fail whale" in early '08 and the stark interface, I wasn't convinced it would last.  Then came April, 7th 2009...when news first broke that Maddie, the adorable daughter of Mike and Heather Spohr had passed away unexpectedly.  Although Maddie had been born prematurely, her passing caught everyone off guard and the outpouring of support for the family via Twitter and blogs was staggering.  I still remember making a donation in her name to the March of Dimes which at the time totaled less than $1,000.  As news spread the total began to jump, I found myself refreshing the browser just to see the donations mount, it didn't take long for them to exceed $20,000.  Twitter and social media were instantly legitimized & validated as a mobilizing force for good will.

Photo of balloon release at Maddie's funeral courtesy of Casey Mullins

Not long after Maddie's passing, I received a phone call from one of Heather's friends Casey Mullins AKA mooshinindy who requested assistance from my employer Tiny Prints to provide programs for the funeral service. It was at that point I went from an interested observer to an active and emotionally attached participant in both a tragedy and a touching expression of collective human warmth. 

Yesterday was a moment I know a great many people including myself have been looking forward to, the birth of Annabel Violet Spohr to Mike and Heather. Welcome to the world Annie, you have already deeply touched so many.  May you always find comfort in the love that is, has and always will be expressed toward you and your family.  We look forward to seeing more of you and hearing of your adventures! Here's a link to Annie's photo set on Flickr.

You can follow Heather and Casey on Twitter -
Heather: @mamaspohr
Casey: @mooshinindy

Thank you both for letting me be a part of your lives.

It's All About Jack

Three year old Jack was a busy kid today

First thing this morning he was drawing on his easel which usually results in something he describes as "train tracks" -  his default description for the random jumble of weaving lines.  Today was distinctly different however and I ran to get my camera to document an image that I could clearly distinguish as "balloons." It helps this this was also what he was trying to draw.

He later drew an image that took a bit more explaining, in this case a balloon that he popped. Notice that it has deflated somewhat, the horizontal line is air escaping from where he punctured it.

Since we're preparing to move, our office is a bit of a mess.  Jack found some headphones with built in microphone and was pretending to be a pilot.  Makes you wonder where he learns about such things...he's never seen me imitate being a pilot but he has flown a few times, he must have caught a glimpse into the cockpit.

Disclaimer: The headset and microphone was adjusted by him, not staged by the proud parents

Something Called Croup Can't Be Good

I've already lost track of when the cough started, it may have been Monday or Tuesday night this past week.  It began in the middle of the night and came with a slight fever.

By Thursday Jack was at the pediatrician getting poked and prodded.  Lungs OK, ears just fine, temperature normal, cough...NASTY!  Diagnosis - croup.  The name alone sounds like something that got lost in the back of the fridge for a month, or worse something growing on warm stagnant water.

It's now Sunday evening and we aren't seeing any significant improvement, if anything the lack of sleep has run him down...and us too.  Doesn't matter what we do I am up 3 to 4 times a night to try to soothe the cough which is quite painful.  Taking him outside for some cold damp air helps but it is just a temporary fix. We have a vaporizer running constantly as well so it is difficult to know how much it helps.

There is a side benefit effect for which I feel terribly guilty, his lower energy levels mean his likes hanging out close to mom & dad under a blanket on the couch.  Hoping we turn a corner soon!

My Son The Next Brilliant Painter

Admire my son painting in daycare today - He has talent, no?  I see something brilliant emerging...something vaguely familiar about the shapes.  Picasso...Dali!

Okay, I see something emerging perhaps...

Okay, may not...but good effort buddy!  At least he didn't paint on the table (as much) as his neighbor.

More Canon 7D Portraits & Observations (updated)

Canon 7D Portraits & Observations

Updated 3/28/2010: Lightroom 3 beta 2 rocks for Canon 7D RAW files. Thank you Adobe!

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Update 3/6/2010: The default processing of RAW files in Lightroom 2.6 for the Canon 7D leaves something to be desired.  This is from having using Lightroom earlier with a 20D, 1D Mark II & III.  Noise is significantly more visible in the RAW files than .jpg until significant post processing is done so it you are pressed for time you might want to just shoot .jpg. I suppose the argument for doing this is to allow the photographer more latitude for correcting noise to their personal taste.  I find myself preferring to see RAW photos look great straight from the camera...perhaps I'm just impatient.  Photoframd has a good post comparing several RAW processing software for the 7D. Since Lightroom is embedded in my own workflow, I stick with it.

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Update: 11/19/2009: Adobe products now support RAW files from the Canon 7D - Lightroom 2.6 and Adobe Camera RAW 5.6 for Photoshop have been released.  Since this is a recent development I have not had a chance to use either significantly but should make a dramatic improvement on image quality.

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This is a continuation of a prior Canon 7D post after I picked the camera up a couple weeks back.  Coming from the 1D mark III it takes some getting used to but I'm getting the hang of it.  In many ways it is a much more sophisticated camera.  These are some pictures of my son that I took with it today.  I'm not qualified to give an in-depth technical analysis but here are some of my observations. The following photos were shot in RAW and processed with Adobe Lightroom 2.5 which has not yet been updated for the camera yet, I can't say whether it will make a difference.  You can find the photos with the exif data at my Zenfolio album or by clicking a photo to go to Flickr.

Update 10/27: all files were processed in Lightroom 2.5 which has not received an update yet for properly handling images from the Canon 7D.  The result is excessive noise that is not nearly as evident when using the Canon Digital Photo Professional or DPP software. The issue is now well known and no longer speculation so the images on my site are not good representations of what the camera is capable of.

I really miss the built-in vertical grip, it was a feature I used expensively with the 1D.  Despite the fact that there is an add-on battery grip and WFT-E5a wifi grip available, the accessory grips never fit as securely in my opinion.  In addition, with the WFT-E5a attached, it can make removing the battery a challenge.

I am however really enjoying the smaller, lighter form factor and am now able to use an old Crumpler messenger style bag that I had retired because it was too cramped for the 1D. I can easily fit the 7D with 28-70 2.8 L attached, 70-200 2.8 L and either a flash or my 16-35 2.8 L into the bag and have a nice padded, inconspicuous kit to have with me at all times. 

So far I have been extremely impressed by how robust the camera is.  I had no intention of ever owning a camera with a pop-up flash ever again because I wouldn't use it and they tend to be flimsy but I am loving how the camera feels in my hand. The fact that the internal flash can act as a master for my 580 EX flash sold me on the feature.  I haven't used it yet but definitely intend to in the near future.  In addition, the memory card door has been substantially beefed up (or so it seems).  On earlier models it felt like a weak spot, something that could potentially break easily. 

I also miss having a second SD card slot for my Eye-Fi Pro card but I knew I was losing that feature going in; I'm already brainstorming a work around.  The auto-focus is supposed to compete with the 1D speed wise, I have no way of testing it but I do prefer the new interface.  Since I shoot in portrait (vertical) mode frequently, the fact that I can set a specific focus point for each orientation is a huge bonus.  When shooting wide open, no longer do I need to keep changing the focus point when switching back and forth which speeds up my response time. 

Other things I like but haven't yet used, the HD video, the grid overlay to help keeps lines and horizons straight and the built-in digital level. My 16-35 2.8 L is likely not wide enough and I might sell it in favor of the Tokina 11-16 2.8 which is getting rave reviews.

I am still looking for a tripod head solution.  I currently use the Kirk BH-3 ball head which is great for stills but not very good for video.  Since I prefer an Arca style clamp it looks like selection is limited in the fluid head department.  I can't afford to have two heads so I'm looking for an affordable hybrid solution.  Right now it looks like the combination of a Bogen fluid head, Arca clamp adapter and either Kirk or Really Right Stuff L plate is the best option.  The L plate is necessary because video fluid heads don't have a vertical or portrait orientation. 

I welcome your thoughts and suggestions, thanks for stopping by.

More recent photos from the Canon 7D indoors with flash.

Funny Video of My Son Rockin' Out

My 3 year old son and I hung out this morning at a local cafe and he was really diggin' the music and dancing in his seat so I took out my phone and captured a few funny clips of him enjoying himself, this is a compilation of the videos.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did, he was entertaining everyone in the place.

Here is the best of the shorter video clips if you get impatient.

The Importance of Always Saying Something Brilliant

Yesterday I was tagged in a photo on Facebook by a Middle School classmate, it was a scanned copy of a page from the Pacific Grove Middle School newspaper The Foghorn (circa 1981).  In it, students were asked "If I were a pilgrim, the thing I would miss most would be..."

When I saw the question, I was hoping to see something profound, knowing full well that it was highly unlikely.  I'll leave it to you to find my thought provoking answer.  Having seen some of the other answers however, I'm somewhat glad I stuck with something safe and benign. 

I wonder how different answers would be now? What else would find its way on the list?

New Portraits with the Canon 7D

Updates

5/1/2010: If you shoot RAW in the Canon 7D, don't bother with any of the Lightroom 2 versions (currently 2.7) Lightroom 3 (currently beta 2) is the only one that processes the files to my satisfaction.

11/19/2009: Adobe products now support RAW files from the Canon 7D - Lightroom 2.6 and Adobe Camera RAW 5.6 for Photoshop have been released.  Since this is a recent development I have not had a chance to use either significantly but should make a dramatic improvement on image quality.

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Got a chance to give the new Canon 7D a little workout this morning and captured a few portraits of my son using my new Canon 7D and 70-200 L IS lens.

They were shot in RAW and processed in Lightroom 2.5 for expediency sake even though it has yet to be updated to accommodate the new Canon 7D.  As a result, the photos are less than spectacular up close using the loupe but plenty sufficient for use here.

My son Jack at a neighbor's birthday party this morning

Update 10/27: all files were processed in Lightroom 2.5 which has not received an update yet for properly handling images from the Canon 7D.  The result is excessive noise that is not nearly as evident when using the Canon Digital Photo Professional or DPP software. The issue is now well known and no longer speculation so the images on my site are not good representations of what the camera is capable of.

I have since done a follow up post on the Canon 7D with more observations and Canon 7D indoor shots with flash.

Jack Likes to Bake

At my son's daycare they do all sorts of fun and engaging activities, recently they did some baking.  They're constantly taking photos and videos but usually there are other kids in the picture so I can't share due to privacy concerns.  I found these recently of my son making cake batter and wanted to share.

Cake batter almost finished! Yes, mom and dad got to eat some of the finished product.

Jack Kissing Mommy

Jack Kissing Mommy

IMG_0498.JPG, originally uploaded by jack'sdad.

Just a set of photos of I took today of my son Jack and wife Becky while trying out the diminutive Canon XSi. Let me clarify, diminutive compared to my 1D III. Used my 28-70 L 2.8 which completely overwhelmed the camera size wise but was still quite easy the handle. If I were to use the camera more frequently, I think I would mount the lightweight 35 f/2 or similar lens. The menu system isn't terribly intuitive but perhaps I'm just not accustomed to it yet.

Really looking forward to getting my hands on the 7D. Take a look at this weeding video so see what the camera can do in capable hands:

jc plus esther // all 7d highlights from stillmotion on Vimeo.

More photos from the day:

Funny Three Year Old Expressions

New 3 year old sayings are thick in our household, apparently streaming from outside influences.  The newest from our little guy is "I'm talking about" which is his version of "what are you talking about?" and "what's going on?"  Both are used completely out of context but he clearly loves getting a rise out of us when he says them.  I'm going to have to do a follow-up post if I can catch either on video, it's pretty funny stuff.

In addition, the "whys" are now coming on strong, usually from the back seat when I'm driving.  On the occasions that we're stopped at a light and I can catch his expression, the devilish look on his face makes it clear that he is finding pleasure in his petty annoyances.  If you haven't had the pleasure, the "whys" are when every statement you make is followed by "why?" regardless of the subject.

Good times!

What I learned This Weekend

I learned that my son might finally like swimming pools! 

May sound trivial but he's almost three and has been particularly reluctant to embrace swimming and pools in general.  On a trip to a friend's home in Davis on Saturday, Jack finally got a positive taste for the merits of that hole in the ground full of water. Of course it helped that there were two older boys  having a good time splashing around as well.  Never hurts to have a little peer pressure. 

I'm including a few pictures of the fun, although we had no idea how much he enjoyed it until we got home.  After returning he found a deflated raft at our house and has insisted on playing in it ever since.

I am so grateful for the precious time spent with friends and family over the Labor Day weekend, in this case with friends who were in town from New York with their two sons. 

Jack with mommy

Cannonball!

Busted

Wife and I went to the mall this weekend to run some errands.  While we were there we needed a little snack and decided to use the free McDonald's burger coupons from the Cheeseburgher Party.  This is quite out of character for us since we typically avoid all kinds of fast food, especially with Jack in tow.

While we sat outside I tried to grasp why Jack repeatedly was pointing toward the restaurant and asking for a toy.  Before long it became apparent that someone has been sneaking him to McDonald's.  While he did not divulge who the culprit is we have our suspicions. 

As he gets older, clandestine activities including Jack become ever more difficult...gotta keep that in mind when I try to be sly.

Neighborhood Block Party

Jack at Block Party, originally uploaded by jack'sdad.

Several homes in the immediate area had a block party this evening. It wasn't our idea so we can't take credit for it but we (especially my wife) helped set it up. Different homes host the party every other week in about a one half mile square area of Los Altos and a schedule is published so turn out is very good.

It isn't very relevant that I'm using my son as the primary photo of the post but, well, he's my son and it's a cut picture of him. I guess it's my prerogative.

In this edition we had a shaved ice machine, popcorn machine, two grills with chicken, hot dogs etc., margaritas, beer and a bounce house. The kids played, the parents talked and everyone wandered freely in the street since basically the whole neighborhood was in attendance...until well after dark.

I feel gratitude to live in a neighborhood where this type of behavior is encouraged and supported by all. Fortunately mean, nasty, landlord lady next door lives elsewhere so she doesn't count.

Wish I had taken more pics, these don't accurately represent the turn-out but take my word for it, we had lots of fun and it was well attended. In fact, after staying out a bit later than my wife and son, I found her out cold in bed. He was cheerfully watching TV, knowing that he was getting to stay up far later than normal while she dozed.

You should visit some time.

Unrepresentative street scene that shows only a portion of those in attendance

Yum! Love the smell of a good summer grill

The Bounce House

Jack in Mom's Shoes

Jack in Mom's Shoes, originally uploaded by jack'sdad.

This is my Wordless Wednesday post, it really needs no explanation. Glad the shoes weren't too expensive...and that I had a camera around to catch him in the act.