Shooting "long"

[RichK]

Sometimes, it's amazing at how the soft bokeh (background) of an image can make the subject "pop". I processed the image in Nikon Capture 4.4 (minor levels and curves adjustments) and then to CS for a slight crop. That's it. Here is a portrait of Aja taken at 600 mm as an example.

D2x, 300 2.8 AF-S, TC 20E II


C&C welcomed of course.

[97TurboDSM]

i love it. beautiful dog too.

[james_ls]

How do you like Nikon Capture?

I use Nikon Picture Project for basic importing and stuff, and have been wondering if the switch was worth it.

Hell of a picture too...she looks so focused.

[Chris_PA]

Technically, that's 900mm

Picture is great as an example, but seems like a snapshot

[TROLL]

playing with some more new toys? . impressive photo technically...

[RichK]

Originally Posted by Chris_PA

Technically, that's 900mm

Picture is great as an example, but seems like a snapshot

It is a snapshot and you are also right, 900mm. I left out the 1.5x crop factor of the D2x. I was just trying to post an example of how long glass can be utilized in a situation such as a portrait. The long glass enables you to isolate the subject. This can be particularly helpful when shooting against a busy background. Here is a sample (not another snapshot) of what the lens is primarily used for:

D2x, 300 AF-S 2.8, and T 20EII:


Again, processed in Nikon Capture 4.4 and then to CS2 for minor crop and frame.

[RichK]

Originally Posted by TROLL

playing with some more new toys? . impressive photo technically...

Thanks. Yes, I "cleaned house" and sold a few things. and was able to get the 300 2.8 AF-S, the TC 20E II, and a 70-200 2.8 VR. So far, the 300 2.8 has been, by far, my favorite camera related purchase since my D2h (which I sold). I can't wait to see what it can do mated with a D3.

[S4toSTI]

Hey rich i really like that bird in the snow where was that taken?

[BradC]

I wish I had a lens that long...

[RichK]

Originally Posted by S4toSTI

Hey rich i really like that bird in the snow where was that taken?

Barry, that shot was taken at Wilson Farm Park, which is the park behind the Genuardi's in Chesterbrook. Was hoping to head to the dam that day, but weather looked crappy. The pond at the park was frozen at the edges, which I think really added to the "mood" of the shot.

[RichK]

Originally Posted by james_ls

How do you like Nikon Capture?

I use Nikon Picture Project for basic importing and stuff, and have been wondering if the switch was worth it.

Hell of a picture too...she looks so focused.

I like Capture alot. The learning curve isn't as "steep" as the curve for CS2, and I feel that the Nikon software "reads" the color more accurately from the RAW files I use. I use CS2 for cleaning up the image (cloning out stuff) and basic resizing/cropping. Other than that, it is all done in Capture 4.4 or Capture NX.

[sisforsurfing]

Originally Posted by RichK

...300 2.8 AF-S, the TC 20E II, and a 70-200 2.8 VR.

Very nice... I don't think I even have enough stuff to "clean up" and sell to buy just that 300.
While I like the heron more as an image, the bokeh is way more pronounced and so creamy in the first. Shooting long can be fun. Have you used the TC 20E on the 70-200 at all? I know it's got to be awesome on the 300 and don't see why it wouldn't be, but am curious if you have tried.

[BlackTypeR]

I really like the second picture you posted. The boarder you chose compliments the picture nicely too.

[james_ls]

Originally Posted by RichK

Other than that, it is all done in Capture 4.4 or Capture NX.

What's the difference between the two?

[RichK]

Originally Posted by james_ls

What's the difference between the two?

Since you will be new to Nikon editing software, I would recommend Capture 4.4. The user interface is much easier to understand. Capture NX (the new version) supports files from the new D300 or D3 which are 14bit files. Plus, since 4.4 is technically discontinued, you may be able to find a copy online for about 50 bux. You may find it all you need. I was quite happy with it (and still am) as I find it does about 90% of what I need it to do.

NX, to me, is a bit advanced. I think if you were to get that, you may find it too "labor intensive" to get the results you are looking for. You can also go to Nikons site: www.nikonusa.com and download a trial version to see if it is what you are looking for. Hope this helps somewhat.