radityopradipto

Spike

2009-08-10T21:04:00.001+10:00

Sparkling Sydney

2009-08-04T21:39:00.002+10:00

The power of golden hours doesn't last right after the dusk. Here, I'm showing you that after the sun sets, the sky becomes darker, still with lots of blue in it... That's your aim! Shoot the cityscape when the sky is still blue (or dark blue) with the city lights turned on already! And whenever is possible, add some additional power to your image such as reflection from water. Here I use long shutter shot so that the reflection blurred and dramatizing the scene...

Mysterious Dissapearance

2009-08-02T15:17:00.003+10:00

One of my best B&W so far... I like the mysteriously disappearing steps in the middle ground and also the dark shadow of the rocks extends the obscurity to the next level... The black paths were done by burn it in Photoshop CS4

Looking away

2009-07-31T21:34:00.002+10:00

Green Parrot

2009-07-29T21:10:00.003+10:00

The Rocks (HDR)

2009-07-19T19:25:00.002+10:00

Melbourne CBD EAST

2009-07-08T17:27:00.002+10:00

Fields of Hope

2009-07-07T14:14:00.000+10:00

Cityscape 101.2

2009-07-05T16:25:00.004+10:00

Here comes another tips for shooting cityscapes...

Most of the cityscape photographs will be stunning if it's taken from higher elevation!

Look for tall buildings which is not quite interesting to be taken and shoot from it!

This photo was taken from the famous Singapore Flyer, pointing to Singapore itself at dusk time (remember the Golden Hour rule!) and using an 11 mm ultra-wide lens! Go wide always

works best with also cityscape and landscape photography!

Travellography Volume 1 is OUT! Download now!

2009-06-29T15:08:00.004+10:00

Last week I said I would try to create a SoFoBoMo right? And now, it's done and you can download it for free... This Travellography book will be my first of a series of books about my travels through the world (well, it's all around the world actually, have no money to do it >.<)

Well, I hope that you will like this book... I plan to create another one when I visit Sydney next month... Enjoy and I'm waiting for comments about this one as usual...

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Introduction to SoFoBoMo

2009-06-20T10:01:00.003+10:00

Hey, have you heard this term before? I just read about it this morning and found out that SoFoBoMo might be a challenging activity for photographers. SoFoBoMo stands for Solo Photo Book Month, firstly started by Paul Butzi. Now, there is around 125 books completed and available to download in the website.

In SoFoBoMo, you have to create a PDF book, created and finished in 31 days. You should layout your photos in a canvas using any layout designer (Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher etc). I prefer to use iPhoto '09 from Apple though because it's always quick, simple, and the result is gorgeous with Mac! The layout doesn't have to be cool, put a lot of detail on the photo captions, etc... It's said that the rule are only: it's done in 31 days, at least 35 photos/book, and layout your photos in PDF format. That's it!

I haven't created any yet, because most of my portfolio was done in random dates. I think SoFoBoMo is essential for photographers because it push us to be consistent on producing photos (don't have to be great ones) and at least continuously learning something new everyday. I'll tell you when I created one...

Hope that I will find someway to put in on the net so you can download it too ^^

Well, read the detail on the web of www.sofobomo.org for more details...

Stunning Portraits 101.1

2009-06-18T17:54:00.005+10:00

Being called "Portraits" doesn't mean that the orientation have to be in portrait every time! Shoot in landscape orientation can add variety to your Portraits portfolio...

Try to use properties such as chairs and windows and frame your object nicely!

The picture below is one of my favorite "landscaped" portrait photographs ^^

Cityscape 101.1

2009-06-17T22:02:00.006+10:00

Wandering how to shoot great cityscapes images?

Bet on the golden rule of landscape! Shoot in dawn and dusk (which will create stunning sky!)

For cityscape, personally I prefer shooting in dusk because the light from the building will help creating colorful image, merged with the stunning sky light; cityscape is one of my favorite branches of photography!

And don't forget your tripod! Shooting at golden hour means you let the shutter opened for 1-4 seconds. Keep it steady-still to preserve every crisp details possible!

Spark!

2009-06-15T01:28:00.001+10:00

Coastal Landscape

2009-06-12T11:58:00.001+10:00

Clash of the Titans: Canon vs Nikon!

2009-06-11T13:51:00.008+10:00

After you read my Why or Why not DSLR, maybe you make up your mind to buy a new DSLR now... Therefore your next decision is to make which brand will you buy (and determine how your next gears will be for probably... the rest of your life ^^)

Well... Many manufacturers offers huge range of DSLR nowadays, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Sigma, Sony etc... Then maybe after you look closer, most of the popular ones are Canon and Nikon... These two are (well, it's for me) the most reliable DSLR manufacturers in the market nowadays. Sony is building its popularity, but it offers less range on its lenses. Well... If you had a dilemma in choosing the best option, Canon or Nikon, I got the same thing too when choosing my system...

Canon is undoubtedly leading the race, ahead of Nikon because its 1D Series is the first full frame 35 mm DSLR in the market (before the arrival of Nikon D3 in 2007). Canon is generally cheaper compare to Nikon, and offers cool L-series lenses (marked with red stripe on the end of the lens, it’s cool!)

Nikon on the other hand, is claimed (by Nikonians of course ^^) that its design feel comfy on your hand. Nikon new CMOS sensor, which was introduced in 2007 on its D3 and D300, was the beginning of the change in how consumers see Nikon’s quality. Nikon now offers low noise performance on extreme ISO setting.

I choose Nikon because I prefer the heavier one (the heavier, the better for me). I also love Nikon’s grip design, love its shutter sound (Canon’s sounds funny to me). The other advantage is Nikon’s lens system never change. I got 4 lenses already, 1 is my lovely new 18-200 and the other 3 I got from my Dad’s Nikon FM2 (it’s old full frame film camera!). Those 3 lenses still works well with my D90, though I lost the AF capabilities on the non AF lenses. But it’s still worth using.

Start to get more confused? My suggestion, go to the shop and try to feel them by yourself. Both have reasonably equal quality and capability. It’s just like choosing a pair of shoes, choose the one that fit your style the most (and the most comfortable to you). If you think Pentax or Sony suits you well, why not taking it. Just consider carefully because your decision will determine your succeeding gears. Anything you choose, enjoy it!

God's Painting!

2009-06-07T13:29:00.003+10:00

I'm quite lucky to be able to capture this full rainbow by myself...

I saw it started to form in the sea and continually make the beautiful curve to the land around 6.30 AM in Phillip Island...

This picture consists of 2 separate photos which I merged with PS CS4 later on...

Close Up!

2009-06-06T13:02:00.003+10:00

Sleeping Wombat

2009-06-06T12:47:00.002+10:00

Why fast lens is crucial?

This is it! Shooting in very dim light!

I use 50mm F/1.4 prime lens to shoot 1/40 with ISO 800 (extremely low ISO for very dark condition, I need ISO 6400 to shoot with my 18-200)

Get one fast lens (50mm F/1.8 is the cheapest one, but still quite fast) and you'll thank to yourself that you have one when you need it later

WHY and WHY NOT DSLR?

2009-06-05T21:53:00.001+10:00

MY TEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BUY A DSLR

Full control to your camera’s settings
Bigger sensor (compare to PoCaDu) that makes the quality of the image superb
Lens quality: super sharp, low light resistance, less distortion, and many more
Interchangeable lens, give you opportunity to use different type of lenses for different purposes
Superb quality of result even in extreme ISO setting (1600, 3200 or even more)
High speed autofocus and burst rate for better performance in shooting sports
Shortcut to settings everywhere! The more Pro DSLR you buy, the more shortcut you get to access the setting. Sometimes you won’t need to enter the Menu in your screen.
Opportunity to shoot with external flashguns and access to wireless lighting
The “feels” of DSLR (through its weight), feels very comfy in your hand
Sounds funny, but carrying a huge DSLR into certain events sometimes give you “special” privilege to duck on the very front row (trust me, people won’t mind a DSLR user to stand in front of them, taking photos. They thought you’re a Pro!)

MY TEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE A DSLR

They’re insanely expensive because you’ll want a lot of lenses added to your collection
They’re heavy! If you mind carrying 0.6-1.0 kg (sometimes even more than that) of camera everywhere, don’t get a DSLR!
If you ALWAYS shoot AUTO in your pocket, DSLR is a waste of money!
They need special treatment for cleaning.
Some High-End (means expensive) PoCaDu have superb image quality in normal lighting condition (search Canon G10 and Panasonic Lumix LX3 in Google!)
They cannot fit in your pocket (both literally and figuratively)
You’re more attractive to thief
If you’re new to photography, maybe it’s just a burden to you. People will have a lot of expectations for you to shoot gorgeous image (which you’re not capable of it yet)
Having a DSLR means you’ve made a commitment to learn REAL photography
Absolutely NO if you think that you’ll look cool just by carrying DSLR when you hang out with your friends

Grasshopper

2009-06-01T15:34:00.003+10:00

Make Love

2009-06-01T15:31:00.003+10:00

Nikon D5000; is it worth the upgrade?

2009-05-31T20:43:00.005+10:00

Hey Nikonians, I'm absolutely sure that all of you already heard about the arrival of Nikon D5000, don't you? It's probably the most controversial DSLR for Nikon users on the market today (while the Canon's users still very excited with EOS 500D)

Controversial? Why? because D5000 is being questioned all the time, is it worth upgrading from D40/D60, or buy it instead of D90...

Well... D5000 came with D90's features in D60's body, plus swivel LCD screen... sounds good... but wait, let's take a look on D5000's real capabilities...

(picture from www.dpreview.com)

D5000's Plus:

Swivel LCD Screen, probably the most attractive feature of D5000
Same resolution with D90 and the movie capability
11 Area AF Points (same as D90)
CMOS sensor like D90, means promising the same ISO capabilities as D90

D5000's Minus:

A lot more expensive than D60, only a little bit different from D90
Minus minor LCD screen on the top of the body (which I can't leave when choosing a DSLR)
Only a little bit lighter than D90, means a lot heavier than D60
No in-body focus motor, means you cannot use any AF-D lenses (such as the extremely cheap but great lens 50mm f/1.8)

Well... comparing D90 with D5000, personally I still argue that D90 is still a lot better than D5000, even D90 doesn't have swivel screen. Swivel screen might be useful for Live View mode, but personally, I never used Live View other than for fine tuning focus in macro shots. Live view makes you lazy to find interesting angles and makes your DSLR looks like gigantic PoCaDu (remember this term?). And D90's LCD is absolutely much better than D5000's, D90 has 3x higher resolution than D5000...

For those who want to take D5000 instead of D60, D5000 is still better because the upgrade of the sensor from CCD to CMOS. But remember to take a look in the price difference and weight. If you can really say OK with the price and weight, I bet you'll be much pleased with D90 (which cost you only a few dollars and grams more). D5000's biggest trap is the swivel LCD, which is quite fancy but might be useless. Make sure you think whether you'll need it or not.

Well, the rest of the choice is yours... The design, lens selection, and many things must be take account to before you buy a DSLR... It's worth to spend some times reading forums in the internet to find out which one will suit you the most... Whichever you choose, enjoy it...

C U on the next review

Fireworks Blue Ignite@Dockland

2009-05-30T23:51:00.002+10:00

Fireworks Pink Ignite@Dockland

2009-05-30T23:49:00.004+10:00

Fireworks Blue & Yellow Ignite@Dockland

2009-05-30T23:45:00.004+10:00

Ignite at Dockland starts this weekend!

2009-05-27T00:25:00.006+10:00

Hey! Photographers in Melbourne!! Don't miss this one!

I just received my newsletter today, and it's fantastic...

Ignite will come to Melbourne (again? I don't know, they said so... This is my first year in Melbourne XD) From the newsletter I got, it's kind of Light Festival that will be held in Dockland every weekends from May 30-June 13... It will be held in Dockland City promenade... You really don't want to miss this chance...

I never come to this event before (as I said, this is my first year in Melbourne!!!) but I think it will be a great chance for us (photographers) to practice long exposure shots (don't leave your tripod at home guys)... They said they will have Pyrophone Juggernaut Organ, Suits of Light, LightScrapper etc (I don't have idea what these things are >.<, if someone know, please give us any information) The event starts at 5.30-9.00 (with fireworks at 7.00)

For the non-photographers, there is no reason why you should stay at home at Saturday night...

I bet this event is worth to watch...

So see you on the events...

Misty Melbourne

2009-05-26T12:20:00.004+10:00

Stand Alone

2009-05-26T12:16:00.005+10:00

Frosty Morning in Melbourne

2009-05-26T11:42:00.006+10:00

Snapshots.co.nr Officially On-Air!

2009-05-26T01:25:00.002+10:00

WOW! O.o

So this is the final look (so far) of snapshots.co.nr

I can’t wait to upload my photos and posts articles here... I hope that this site can be really useful for me and everyone who loves photography (especially for those who just sta

rted learning it like me ^^)

Let's go to the point: As an outline, my posts will consist of several main themes

My Gallery ~ is the main theme of my site and will be divided into several section later on (e.g. Landscape, Portrait etc)
Tutorials ~ will be the second main theme of this site because I want to share my experience and techniques that I learn
Gears and Accessories ~ will show you the newest photography gears (of course I do not review it myself, I will try to read the reviews from many sources and make an important outlines and features of these stuffs)
Outlines of the Week ~ will be posted probably once in one or two weeks, outlining essential events that happens in the photography world

Anyway, how’s the overall design of my sites to you? Is it quite impressive? I asked my designer to make my web as simple as possible so that you can focus with the contents, not the distracting environment... I’d like to hear your comments about my site, so if you have a spare time, please put your comments below this posting about the looks of this site (so that I can discuss it with my web designer later XD)

Last words, this is both a brand new site (which needs enthusiastic readers) and brand new hobby for me (I never write blogs before >.<) so I honestly need advices and comments to improve myself and my site. Feel free to spread the existence of this site to your friends and relatives to help me grow this site

Enjoy this site

P.S.

Special thx to happiihachi

snapshots.co.nr will be fully released soon!

2009-05-18T07:42:00.001+10:00

Hi...

ThiS is My fiRst posTinG in my snapshots.co.nr

This site is meant for people who are interested in photography (and maybe really fascinated to become Professional Photographer)

Most of my posting is like a sharing-media for me, what I learned all the way until now...

I'm not Pro yet, but I'm learning something new everyday of my life

I know my rocky road is still very long but I know that I'm one step closer to it everytime I take photos with my magnificent Nikon D90

My sites will mostly consists of my photos (so it will be like an online gallery for everyone). And I'll also posts tips and tricks that I learned (can be from magazines that I read, sites, another photographer etc) and they will be DSLR applicable techniques and tricks (for those who only have PoCaDu, don't close this window yet, there will be a lot of PoCaDu-applicable technique too!)

But...

Hey... wait!

PoCaDu... What the heck is that?

It's actually Pocket Camera Dude!

It's my own term to call the point and shoot camera, but you can call it whatever you want...

it's just my own term... ^^

Anyway... this is just a testing post

As soon as the web finished, I'll start my serious posts...

It will be launched officially on next Tuesday

So...

Make sure you come back on that day to see the full version of my web...

see you on Tuesday

Radityo Pradipto

===============

Editor in chief snapshots.co.nr