Life's a Bokeh

Mavericks Surf Contest GPS Tour Using Tracks

For my first time as a spectator for the Mavericks Surf Contest I experimented using a new Android app called Tracks from Google. I have never used it before but thought the idea of having GPS to track all my movement on the day sounded intriguing considering I'd be off-shore on a spectator boat. I was able to embed several of the photos taken during the surf competition on the different points on the map, nice touch. The map below is of Half Moon Bay and the surf break is due south west off shore from Princeton, CA (green marker). Visit MavericksSurf.com to purchase tickets for next year's surf contest.

Zoom in and click on points on the map for more details

View Mavericks Surf Contest 2010 in a larger map

I can see where the Tracks Android app could have lots of potential additional uses. Considering this was the first time I ever used it, I found it pretty intuitive.

My Favorite Mavericks Surf Contest Photos

Mavericks Surf Photographs

Two weeks have passed since the Mavericks Surf Competition. This is a simple image heavy post showing off some of my favorites now that I have had a chance to go through all the photos and identified most of the surfers.

The winners of the February 13 contest were:

1. Chris Bertish - South Africa
2. Shane Desmond - Santa Cruz
3. Anthony Tashnick - Santa Cruz (won Mavericks in 2005)
4. Dave Wassell - Hawaii
5. Carlos Burle - Brazil
6. Kenny "Skindog" Collins - Santa Cruz

Zach Wormhoudt taking off on a steep wave in the first heat. Probably my signature photo for the entire event. Special thanks to Zack for pointing out my error of identifying the surfer as Ion Banner. Apologies Zack!

Evan Slater takes off on a monster Mavericks wave with a flotilla of rescue watercraft in foreground.

I believe this is Peter Mel in heat two being cheered on by Zack Wormhoudt. I like this photo because it captures the camaraderie between the surfers.

Anthony Tashnick (I think) in heat two coming down a big Mavericks wave with other contestants and rescue watercraft in foreground.

Still trying to identify this surfer emerging from being completely obscured by a wave. He was almost completely lost in the spray twice on this ride yet stayed up the entire time.

5th place finisher Carlos Burle in a thick frothy milkshake wave at Mavericks. I like the contrast of the bright orange jersey against the sea of white foam.

If you're still with me, I leave you with a black & white photo of Pillar Point Harbor that I took right before dawn the day of the Mavericks contest.

I am really looking forward to next year's competition and already have my spectator boat tickets. I'll be better prepared for the motion sickness however!

Here's an album containing a few other favorite photos from Mavericks 2010

A Great Time For Used Digital Camera Gear - Canon 1Ds Edition

Canon 1Ds Full Frame DSLR Camera

The recent advances in digital photography have made it possible for amazing new features on even the most entry level DSLR. It is almost a prerequisite for a camera to shoot in HD video now and pixel counts far exceed what the average user will ever need.  New camera models come out every eight months or so with intriguing new gadgets that make us want to upgrade regularly.  This frequent churning of new hardware puts pressure on the used market however and there are steals to be had.

For someone looking to take professional grade photographs, there are numerous models that cater to market that have been passed over technology wise but more than able of capturing photos better than the photographer is capable of.  For instance, for a little more than the price of an entry level Canon Digital Rebel, you could be the proud owner of the former flagship of the Canon professional line circa 2002, the Canon 1Ds which originally retailed for around $8,000 can be had now in the $900 range. It is the original Canon full frame DSLR packed with a tons of useful features you'll never find on a lesser camera such as 45 selectable auto-focus points and the only thing you'll ever have to worry about is whether you're good enough to take advantage of what it can offer. At "only" 11 mega-pixels it might be taken lightly but very few of us will ever need more and this camera was the staple of many a professional fashion photographer.  Visit this Canon 1Ds gallery containing nearly 50,000 photographs and see for yourself.

What do you get with an old workhorse like the Canon 1Ds? The downside: A limited buffer, meaning you won't be able to take as many photos in rapid succession. Lower maximum ISO range, it maxes out at 1250 which means it won't do well in low light situations. It won't shoot video naturally and isn't exactly compact, it weighs as much as it looks, the body only is almost 45 ounces without a lens. It also won't write to some of the newer flash memory card specifications like UDMA but if I have to explain that last acronym, you probably won't miss it. Lastly, the LCD does not have enough resolution for critical in-camera editing which means you'll want to check sharpness on your computer monitor prior to deleting photos in the camera.  If you don't own or don't like using a tripod, this is probably not the right camera for you.

Who is this an ideal camera for? Probably landscape, nature and portrait photographers, it definitely isn't well suited for sports or fast moving subjects but either are the entry level DSLRs in the same price range. And lastly, since much of the original cost has already been depreciated, it should hold it's value relatively well for a few more years and last much longer due to its heavy duty construction and weather sealing.  In this price point, there really is only one other camera to consider if you want full frame and that is the Canon 5D.

Where to buy used camera gear: The local camera shop that caters to professionals is a good start but if you're looking online, I have purchased from and can recommend BH Photo & Adorama both in NYC and KEH Cameras based in Atlanta.  Since their stock of popular items turns over often, check in frequently. What about eBay? I still buy and sell on eBay on occasion but you have to be careful of hijacked accounts and too low prices.  If you know exactly what you're looking for and savvy on how to spot trouble, it can still be a viable place to purchase. If someone is selling a $4000 camera for $1500 and all of their other auction items are antique china dolls, be very wary. If someone publishes their e-mail address in the description area of an auction, don't bite, it usually means trouble.

Creating a Mask in Adobe Photoshop CS4

Probably not what you're expecting. Below is an amazing video of how a mask was created out of Adobe Photoshop CS4 boxes. Watch the whole video to see the stunning final mask result.

Mavericks Surf Contest - Video from Spectator Boat

Brief video taken with my Canon 7D on a spectator boat as we traveled out to the break at the 2010 Mavericks Surf Contest.  Unfortunately I had to put the camera down prematurely as I needed both hands to brace myself.

Our captain Dennis from the New Captain Pete had to time the swells to get us there safely.  The video does not do justice to the size of the swells that day.  While we were unscathed, my stomach was not, despite motion sickness pills.  Neither were spectators down at the beach when a exceptionally large wave broke through the seawall and injured several people.

Mavericks Surf Contest 2010 Spectator Boat from Rick Bucich on Vimeo.

I had intended to do video throughout the competition as well but ended up only doing stills, apparently being seasick quelled my ambition.  I'll be better prepared next year.

Here I have some of my Mavericks Surf Contest photos up and will be adding more shortly.

Maverick Surf Contest Photos

The surf contest at Maverick in Half Moon Bay, CA just wrapped up and I wanted to quickly post a few of my favorite photos.  These are just a few hours old so they haven't been properly edited or cropped.  The photos were taken from a boat located right off where the waves were breaking. It doesn't take a trained eye to tell that these were massive waves, although the break is known for getting even bigger! A special thank you to our captain Dennis Baxter aboard the New Captain Pete Sport Fishing boat for keeping us right in the action.

Needless to say it was extremely rough and many on the boat became sick (including myself).

The contest was won by South Africa's Chris Bertish, congratulations Chris!!!

I have a few more quickly edited photos in my Mavericks photo album on Flickr.  If you have any photos of your own from this year's competition, consider adding them to the Mavericks 2010 Flickr Group.

The jury is still out but so far very satisfied with how my Canon 7D handled.  I coupled it with a Canon 70-200 2.8 IS and 1.4 TC so you have an idea on the range I was dealing with.  A longer lens would have been nice but it was difficult to steady what I had as it was.  Planned on shooting some video...but considering how my stomach felt, that was a little too ambitious.

Mavericks Surf Contest or Movers?

We're moving to a new house, in fact the movers come to our house this Saturday. But today the organization that runs the Mavericks Surf Contest held a vote amongst the contestants and decided to hold it...you guessed it, Saturday. 

But this isn't any ordinary contest, it is only held when conditions are perfect and announced with only 24 hours notice.  The wave is one of the largest ride-able in the world, and is by invitation only.  Last year it wasn't even held because the ideal conditions didn't present themselves.

I'm in a bind, on one hand I have a boat pass to photograph the contest, something I've been waiting over two years to do. On the other hand, lots of work needs to be done around here to prepare for Saturday. If I miss it this year, it could take two more to see the opportunity again.

With my wife's blessing I will be in attendance in Half Moon Bay Saturday. Hoping my photos live up to my expectations.

And here I was feeling sorry for myself for missing the AT&T Pro AM Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach this weekend.

Creating a Google Buzz RSS Feed

Buzz Update Feeds

Public Buzz updates are available as Atom feeds, enhanced with Activity Stream data, published in real-time with PubSubHubbub notifications.

Discovery

Public per-user feeds can be discovered via the user's public profile page. The feed URL is referenced via a <link> element of rel="alternate" and type="application/atom+xml". The href attribute will contain a public Atom feed containing the user's recent updates and activity.

The updates feed URL will be of the form:

http://buzz.googleapis.com/feeds/{user}/public/posted

Please refer to the HTML5 link element specification for further details regarding link discovery.

via code.google.com

Bookmarking this page to remind myself how to create a RSS feed from my Google Buzz stream

http://buzz.googleapis.com/feeds/rick.bucich/public/posted

Just insert your own username where you see mine

Canon Rebel T2i with @EyefiCard support! My Next Camera?

Canon has unveiled the latest in its long line of consumer digital SLRs, the Rebel T2i (EOS 550D). Highlights include 1080p HD video recording (with full manual control), an 18MP CMOS sensor, 3 inch 3:2 LCD with 1040k dot resolution and the 63-point iFCL metering system first seen on the EOS 7D. The new Rebel also offers a handful of less attention-grabbing upgrades, including redesigned buttons, 3.7 fps continous shooting, +/-5 stops exposure compensation and UI support for Eye-Fi cards. We spent a little time with a pre-production EOS 550D last week and have produced a detailed hands-on preview and (quick) gallery of Beta samples - check it out after the link...

Click here to read our hands-on preview of the Canon EOS 550D

Jump to:

• Press Release
• Additional images
• Hands-on Preview

Press Release:

18MP, 1080p HD Movies, ISO 6400: Canon redefines the boundaries of the consumer DSLR with the EOS 550D

London, 8th February 2010 – Canon today announces a groundbreaking new addition to its expanding, world-famous EOS range of Digital SLR cameras – the EOS 550D.
 
The EOS 550D redefines the boundaries of Canon’s consumer DSLR range, incorporating technologies and features more commonly found in semi-professional DSLRs into the compact, lightweight body favoured by consumers. With a newly-developed 18 Megapixel (MP) APS-C CMOS sensor, coupled with Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and the ability to shoot Full HD movies, photography enthusiasts are empowered to explore new levels of creativity.

Creative control with no compromise on quality
The EOS 550D makes Canon’s powerful imaging technology more accessible to consumers. Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14-bit image processing also produces smoother tonal gradation and natural looking colours for high quality prints and on-screen display.

For swift and accurate focusing, the EOS 550D features a 9-point AF system with one extra-sensitive cross–type point at the centre for f/2.8 or faster lenses. The EOS 550D also supports high-speed, continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second (fps). These features provide users with the opportunity to exert greater control over their images, allowing them to capture split-second moments with ease and accuracy.

Continuing Canon’s tradition of filtering new technology and features down from its advanced and professional DSLR ranges, the EOS 550D includes the iFCL metering system first launched in the EOS 7D. New for EOS is the ability to set the top limit for automatic ISO, allowing users to control the maximum amount of noise in their images. In a first for entry level EOS, exposure compensation and bracketing can be set up to plus or minus five and two stops respectively, allowing the photographer to take a number of differently exposed versions of the same shot to ensure they capture a well-exposed image, even in difficult lighting conditions.

“Digital SLR photography has captured the imagination of consumers globally,” said Kieran Magee, Director of Product Planning, Consumer Products, Canon Europe.  “Every year, more and more individuals are looking to record key life events with unrivalled quality or to test and explore their creativity. The EOS 550D redefines the entry level DSLR category, putting technologies and features previously the preserve of the professional into the hands of the consumer – allowing them to achieve outstanding results. With the EOS 550D, consumers are free to explore the limits of their own creative vision.”

EOS Movies: Full HD video with creative control
As the ability to record Full HD video becomes increasingly important, Canon continues to deliver DSLR technology that sets the industry benchmark for multimedia functionality. The EOS 550D records video in full 1920x1080p HD resolution, allowing photographers to select the frame rate preferred from 30, 25 and 24fps, as well as offering 720p video at 60 and 50fps. The EOS 550D also includes a 3.5mm stereo microphone socket, enabling the use of an external microphone when capturing video.

Photographers can also take manual control over exposure settings, changing the depth of field and degree of motion blur to shoot more creatively. To provide the best possible video quality, highlight tone priority (HTP) can be set independently for movie capture, without changing any still image capture settings. In situations where the subject is further away, the EOS 550D Movie Crop function records with the central 640x480 pixel area of the sensor, creating an effective magnification of approximately seven times. The EOS 550D is the first in the EOS range to feature Movie Crop and gives consumers more flexibility to capture important moments which would otherwise be too far away.

A clear view of your world
The EOS 550D also allows photographers to view their images and video in unhindered clarity. A 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution makes it possible to see 100% of captured images with no borders. The anti-reflective, water-repellent coating also makes it easier to see the screen in bright conditions and from a variety of angles.

EOS build – Canon quality
As consumers would expect from an EOS DSLR, the EOS 550D is built to a high quality specification. It features bigger, more intuitive buttons which have been redesigned following feedback from users. Based on this feedback, the EOS 550D also features an additional button on the new, battery grip, allowing aperture settings to be changed when shooting with the camera in a vertical position, without having to reorient the body. 

Share the moment with friends and family
For EOS 550D photographers, shooting great pictures and video is just a first step.  Thanks to an integrated HDMI port compatible with High-Definition Multimedia Interface – Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI-CEC), video and images stored on the EOS 550D can be viewed on an HD-ready TV and controlled via the TV remote.

For users who want to transfer content wirelessly, the EOS 550D includes Eye-Fi* connected functions. The EOS 550D features a dedicated Eye-Fi section in the User Interface and it disables the automatic power-down function when an Eye-Fi card is transmitting - allowing users to transfer content easily and without interruption**.

Accessories
The EOS 550D is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX series Speedlite flash units, including the compact Speedlite 270EX. The EOS 550D is also compatible with the new RC-6 Remote Control, allowing photographers to capture high quality stills and Full HD video without touching the camera body. The slimline infrared controller can trigger the shutter release from up to five metres away, with users able to select either immediate release or a two second delay for greater flexibility when shooting. As well as supporting EOS 550D, the RC-6 is also compatible with the EOS 450D, 500D, 7D and 5D Mark II.

CANON iMAGE GATEWAY – share your stories
Owners of the new Canon EOS 550D can join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, a free online facility for Canon users that makes it easy to share their photos and video. Users can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage space, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.
Features at a glance:

• 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)
• Continuous shooting at 3.7fps
• Full HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates
• 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
• iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
• Quick Control screen to change shooting settings
• Exposure compensation +/-5 stops.
• Select maximum value for Auto ISO
• External Microphone socket
• Movie crop function
• Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility

*Eye-Fi may not be available in all regions
**This product is not guaranteed to support Eye-Fi card functions (including wireless transfer). In case of an issue with an Eye-Fi card, please check with the card manufacturer.
Also note that approval is required to use Eye-Fi cards in many countries or regions. Without approval, use of the card is not permitted. If it is unclear whether the card has been approved for use in the area, please check with the card manufacturer.

Additional images

via dpreview.com

Came across the announcement of the new Canon T2i (550D) this morning and am excited to see that it offers Eye-Fi support! Can't use my Eye-Fi card in my 7D but this looks like a super compliment to it. Might have to sell some excess gear to make room for it in my camera bag.

Posted via web from Rick Bucich's Posterous

My blog: www.rickbu

Our new home!

We just got the keys yesterday and I'm just starting to run items over.  It was too dark to take any pictures last night so this is the first official one since we took possession. The home is located in Los Altos off Loyola near 280. 

The move part won't be fun but looking forward to the new house.Looking forward to sharing pictures pf the kitchen.  For once we'll have room to have guests stay over and not make them share the office.  Sure, it's just a rental but it'll be fun to have space for a change, all 2800 square feet of it. 

Some of you know I'm a camera geek, photo taken with my Google Android Nexus One, not bad huh?

via Pixelpipe

Posted via web from Rick Bucich's Posterous

My blog: www.rickbu

15 Useful Hacks for WordPress c/o Mtaram's Daze

Often it is the case where blogger wants to just link to an external resource because he/she finds it useful to their readers. The main problem they face is that they have to make a new post in order to just tell the readers to go to another site. In this Custom Field Hack we will show you how you can link to an external link from your post title.

via mtaram.com

Sharing this post because I'd like to return to it myself. Looks like some good information for WordPress users.

Amazing Mavericks Surf Video - Live From Surfboard

I had to share this amazing surf video taken at Mavericks live from camera mounted on a surfboard. Even if you don't surf it's incredible to watch.

Surf video c/o www.maverickssurf.com

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. 

Church to Picket Twitter's HQ - Holy Kaw!

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Reverend Fred Phelps’ infamous Westboro Baptist Church (the one known or its “God hates [blank]” signs and picketing military funerals) plans to picket Twitter’s San Francisco offices today (Thursday, January 28) at 5:30 p.m. PST. The Kansas-based church is picketing because it believes that “the people who run Twitter…don’t use their position and voice to warn a generation of rebels of the consequences of their rebellion.”

The church members will be tweeting about the Twitter HQ picketing rally as it happens. Don’t be too quick to point out the irony there.

(Via Mashable)

More oddities.

via holykaw.alltop.com

These folks are a piece of work, wonder if they'll take a trip to the Castro while in The City? That would be quite a sight.

Posted via web from Rick Bucich's Posterous

My blog: www.rickbu

Interesting Features of Google Social Search

It's a bit premature to discus or digest all of the new features of Google's Social Search since it just was launched in Beta yesterday.  But, since I already have Google Profile and Gmail account set up, I am able to see some of the impact immediately. 

If you're not already familiar, Google is beginning to blend in search results from people you trust (i.e. follow on Twitter, friends on Facebook) rather than rely on their algorithm to figure out the best sites to serve. It has the potential to take social media mainstream by providing tangible metrics and measurable results for marketing folks.

Last night I started seeing interesting results and today I finally documented a few with screen-shots.

Here's the search result when I typed in "homes for sale" a term selected at random.  Notice the result from my friend Kelby Carr's bookmarking site MomShare.  I happen to follow Kelby on Twitter so Google is able to make the connection.

 

This next image is a snapshot of what Google considers my Primary Social Circle, those that I am connected to through a variety of sources which may include Twitter, Friendfeed, Facebook, Flickr, LinkedIn etc. It states which sources we're connected through plus indicates other sites the person has a presence on which is extremely handy.

The last image is my Google Secondary Social Circle which consists of friends-of-friends. I can see where this may be very useful for for such things as making new friends and looking up potential business contacts.  So far, it appears to have a strong preference toward my friend Megan Jordan.

     

Favorite Photos from the Holiday Party

Some of my favorite (extraordinary) photos from this year's holiday party. We hold it well into the new year so we have a chance to recover from a grueling holiday in retail. Before you think we're all out of control, remember, these were hand-picked for their "virtues." The rest of the photos can be found in my holiday party photo album. 

Party was held at the Historic Del Monte Building in downtown Sunnyvale, CA.

Chris showing off his wicked break dancing skills

Jessica & Mario on the dance floor

John "I'ma let you finish" Enright with Edward

Dijon & Hilary just being themselves...nothing to see here, move along

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.

The "For Sale" Sign

Although I've already mentioned that we needed to move because our landlord has decided to sell the home we rent, the "for sale" sign finally went up which has a certain symbolic nail-in-the-coffin feeling to it.  It is a strange feeling coming home each day with the sign out there.  All of a sudden I'm more aware of any mess in the house, dirty dishes, laundry laying about, un-made beds etc.  Really looking forward to moving out now...just not the move itself.

It occurred to me this morning that this will be the 4th move for our three year old son. It's time to stay somewhere for awhile!

Fortunately we have a lease agreement for another home ready to sign which we will do today.  Move-in date is February 5th, right around the corner.  Looking forward to the move now, in a masochistic sort of way.

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

Thoughts on Moving

So we finally heard what we were expecting...that our landlord had in fact decided to sell the house.  We entertained the thought of purchasing it ourselves or making it worth their while to keep it but neither were viable in the short term.  In the mean time, we did quickly find a home that works for us (tentative...keeping fingers crossed).  We'll need to tighten the budget belt but it gives us a lot more space.  The primary downside of renting a house however, you can't get too comfortable.  Inevitably we'll be moving again next year...something to look forward to (sarcasm). 

For posterity sake, I've created a list of biggest things I'll miss most at the new house (in no particular order):

1. My beer fridge in the garage
2. Proximity to the Los Altos Sweet Shop
3. Our neighbors
4. Being walking distance to downtown
5. The living room that never got used (stayed clean)

Things I'm looking forward to in the new house:

1. A 4th bedroom
2. A 3rd bath (overkill?)
3. Enough room for guests to both visit & stay 
4. Playroom for Jack = not so much clutter
5. Closet space!

Here comes the fun part, packing while keeping the house nice and tidy so Realtors can show it.