Thursday, November 29, 2012

Thoughts on Phase One Capture One Pro 7

Along Red Creek, Jackson Hole Wyoming 2012
Canon 1DsIII, 24-70mm f/5 1/160 ISO 100
 
Phase One has for sometime now offered its own software processing package not only for their digital backs but other cameras as well.  I've been using Capture One Pro (C1 Pro) for several years, primarily to process images captured with the Cambo WRS tech camera and to a smaller degree other cameras we've used such as the Leica M9, Sandy's 1DsIII and now the Phase DF.
 
I am far from being an expert in C1.  I do however use it to suite me which it has.  My primary use has been performing lens caste corrections (LCC) on images taken with the WRS.  These files are further processed using the exposure and high dynamic range as well as white balance tools found in C1 Pro.  C1 Pro also allows me to have a process receipt enabling me to save the work done into a separate file that I then can open in Photoshop for final processing.  While most if not everything I do in processing an file can be done in C1 Pro I'm much more intimately familiar with Photoshop so this works well for me.  Any image I decide to share on the web is opened in C1 Pro and using a yet another set of receipts saved as a Jpeg, watermarked for web use.
 
Please don't expect any words of wisdom here regarding how to use C1 or how to unlock a secret processing receipt as frankly I don't have it.  What I can do is refer you to any number of areas on the web that contain information from those who know the program a heck of a lot more than I.  Since you're reading this on our blog the hard part is almost over.  Glance over to the right side of your screen.  See the link for Capture Integration?  Click it and get to know these people; not only do they sell great equipment they also offer training on C1.  Since you're looking on the right side of the blog continue down to the "Links" section.  Click on GetDpi and The Luminous Landscape, both are great forums that offer a free exchange of ideas and information on photographic equipment, techniques and software.
 
So you're probably a little disappointed that you haven't read much directly relating to C1 (that is if you've stayed with me this long).  
 
Here's a few of my thoughts on C1.  I like it; the LCC is much better that 6 was - again easier and much faster and I feel a tad more accurate.  There's an improvement for auto white balance, support for 16bit JPEG 2000 while supporting a slew of camera makers.  If you shoot with either a Phase, Leaf or Mamiya you are more than likely already using C1.  If you're using Canon, Nikon, Leica then you owe it to yourself to at least try the program.
 
Finally a plug.  Ken Doo and I have for the past couple years offered an excuse to get together one a year and host a "gathering".  Notice we don't call it a "workshop".  Last time we did this we were joined by our mutual friend Dave Gallagher of Capture Integration.  Dave is joining us again this coming February and will be bringing toys from Atlanta for people to not only see and touch but to try out.  We'll be shooting one-day in and around San Francisco before heading south to Carmel where we'll continue shooting in the Big Sur area before Dave puts on a multi-hour introductory course on C1 Pro 7.  We're still in the planning stages with setting up sites along the way.  What and who this is for:  Anyone interested in photography.  Likewise anyone who has a strong sense of humor.  And anyone who wants to learn something.   You'll learn and have a good time at it however don't expect a structured workshop other than Dave's presentation on C1 7.  Stay tuned here as well as Ken's blog and of course Dave's website for further information.
 
Along Red Creek, Jackson Hole Wyoming 2012
Phase One DF/55mm LS and an IQ160 f/2.8 1/200 ISO 50
 
You may have noticed 2-images with this post.  One was shot with a Canon 1DsIII and 24-70 lens while the other with a Phase DF/55mm LS lens and an IQ160 digital back.  Both were opened in C1 Pro 7 where they were checked for exposure warning, and focus mask before using auto exposure and checking high dynamic range as well as white balance tools.  The files were then saved using a process recipe for later use with Photoshop CS6 (64bit).  The files were later opened in CS6 where slightly more processing was done before saving as a Tiff.  Back to C1 where the files were saved for the web using yet another set of  processing recipes.   In short - the file was first opened in C1 before saving and opening in CS6 where it was then later saved and reopened in C1 to be saved as a web file.  I've found that C1 offers a much better and much easier method of saving web-images than CS6.  My processing isn't for everyone and you really need to find a workflow that works best for you.  One of the major reasons I open the files first in C1 is that I can zoom into the file much faster and easier than attempting to do it using Bridge.  Again it works for me.
 
Thank you for staying with me this long and come back for more updates as they develop.  As always, your thoughts, suggestions, and questions are always welcome.
 
 
Don
 

Sunday, October 28, 2012

New Offerings


We never offer an image without first printing.  Test printing serves a dual purpose; we make certain the media is appropriate and more importantly we need to like it.  We ask ourselves is this an image we'd pay money for and want to display.  If the answer is yes then we offer it.  The past couple years we've offered the majority of our images on canvas however we're about to break with that tradition.

We've completed testing a couple images from our Wyoming trip and want to share the results.


"Fairy Wings".  Is offered in 2-sizes, 11x14 or 16x20 and will be printed on Breathing Color Vibrance Metallic paper.  The cost of the image is $65.00 for 11x14 and $75.00 for the 16x20.  This will be tube rolled and shipped for an additional cost of $10.00.  Overseas shipping is available at an additional cost, please check with us for pricing.


"Wings"  Is offered in 2-sizes, 11x14 or 16x20 and will be printed on Breathing Color Vibrance Metallic paper.  The cost of the image is $65.00 for 11x14 and $75.00 for the 16x20.  This will be tube rolled and shipped for an additional cost of $10.00.  Overseas shipping is available at an additional cost, please check with us for pricing.

There are likely to be more images offered in the weeks to come so stay tuned.  The web gallery will also be updated shortly to include the above images.

 
Don

 

Friday, October 26, 2012

Breathing Color Vibrance Metallic

We've been offering canvas as our primary media for many years and while we don't intend to stop the practice we have found a new media.  Canvas (Breathing Color Lyve) has been our canvas of choice while we've offered Breathing Color Vibrance Rag for those wanting paper media.  Breathing Color introduced "Vibrance Metallic" a couple months ago and it has been on our "to do" list, however it's been on intergalactic backorder until now.

 
Sandy and I just completed 8-weeks shooting in the Jackson Hole, Glacier Park and Yellowstone areas and are now back in the studio processing and test printing images.  I noticed shortly before leaving Jackson that Breathing Color had a full selection of metallic in stock and quickly ordered a test roll.
 
 
Breathing Color states that Vibrance Metallic offers "Comparable to the look, feel, and quality of the Kodak metallic process." Strong words if you ask me.
 
 
I've done 4-test prints since getting the test roll and am blown away with the quality of the prints.  So much so I've just placed and order for a regular roll.
 
 
In every test print we've seen rich, vibrant colors with a feel that the images is about to jump off the paper.  It's hard to adequately describe just how beautiful the prints are; both color and black & white.  While all the images have a certain "wet-look" (this is subjective) the black & white offers the look as from a wet-darkroom versus a digital-darkroom.  The colors are just stunning and pop off the page.  I've printed the majority of the images at 16x20 which is the size we feel we'll offer for sale.  The exception was the waterfalls which was printed at 11x14. 


All images were printed on an Epson 9900 following the suggested setting by Breathing Color and using their ICC which can be downloaded from their site. 

To say that we're pleased with Vibrance Metallic is a slight understatement. 


Stay tuned for more news.


Don
 


Saturday, October 13, 2012

Jackson Hole WY & Yellowstone National Park

Moving into Kelly WY (October 4, 2012)
Phase One DF/IQ160 Mamiya 300mm f/8 1/200 ISO 50
"Wings" (October 4, 2012)
Phase One DF/IQ160 55mm LS f/11 1/160 ISO 50
 
It was difficult deciding on the title for this blog; we've been in the Jackson Hole area for several weeks visiting both the valley and Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.  The images in this blog entry include those from both Parks as well as a ride along the eastern portion of Idaho going north into Montana and West Yellowstone.
 
Along Firehole Canyon Drive (October 9, 2012)
Canon 1DsIII EF24-70 (70mm) f/11 1/100 ISO 100

Firehole River (October 9, 2012)
Canon 1DsIII EF24-70 (70mm) f/11 1/100 ISO 100
 
Firehole River (October 9, 2012)
Phase One DF/IQ160 55mm LS f/8 10 seconds ISO 50
 
We've been keeping busy shooting in the "Hole" and visiting Yellowstone going along the 2-mile Firehole Canyon Drive, Lower Geyser and Biscuit Basins.  We've also hung out in and around the Mormon Row and Kelly areas tracking a herd of close to 300 buffalo.
 
Tree Bark (October 9, 2012)
Canon 1DsIII EF24-70 (64mm) f/8 1/100 ISO 100
 
We decided to call this blog "Jackson Hole WY & Yellowstone National Park".   
 
Buffalo (October 12, 2012)
Along Mormon Row
Canon 1DsIII EF300mm f/11 1/200 ISO 100

Bear (October 12, 2012)
Along Moose Wilson Road
Canon 1DsIII EF300mm f/11 1/200 ISO 100
 
Gold (October 9, 2012)
Grand Teton National Park
Phase One DF/IQ160 55mm LS f/2.8 1/200 ISO 50
 
The images captured by Sandy are all from her Canon 1DsIII using a variety of lenses; and Don has been using his Phase One DF/IQ160 combo with different lenses.  We've attempted to show the general location of the image and camera information.
 
Route 33, Clawson ID (October 12, 2012)
Canon 1DsIII EF17-40 (40mm) f/4 1/125 ISO 100
 
Tonight (Oct.13) we're attending a benefit BBQ hosted by Jackson Elks Lodge No. 1713.  All proceeds raised will be donated to the local Fire Department/EMS who lost Engine 18 in the recent Horsethief Canyon wildfire.  Having experienced first hand that and two other wildfires at the same time during our time here, we understand the importance of safety and fire fighting equipment.  If you're in the area we encourage you to attend the BBQ, which is open to the public.
 
Lower Geyser Basin (October 9, 2012)
Canon 1DsIII EF24-70 (51mm) f/13 1/200 ISO 50
They call the white base "bobbysox" after the trunks are saturated with silica
 
Along Biscuit Basin (October 12, 2012)
Phase One DF/IQ160 Mamiya 120mm f/11 1/100 ISO 50
 
Hoof prints (October 12, 2012)
Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone
Phase One DF/IQ160 f/11 1/100 ISO 50
 
Yellow Brick Road (October 12, 2012)
Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone
Canon 1DsIII EF24-70 70mm f/11 1/200 ISO 100
 
Along Biscuit Basin (October 12, 2012)
Canon 1DsIII EF24-70 (68mm) f/11 1/400 ISO 100

Along Biscuit Basin (October 12, 2012)
Phase One DF/IQ160 Mamiya 120mm f/4.5 1/160 ISO 50
 
The skies are clearing, clouds are moving in with early temperatures falling.  The colors in the trees are all but gone and there's a general feeling of more change to come.  It seems that Indian Summer is close by with winter at its heals.  Yellowstone will be closing the south entrance November 4th "depending on weather".  All in all this is a great time to be in the Jackson Hole area.
 
Wall Pool Biscuit Basin (October 12, 2012)
Canon 1DsIII EF24-70 (27mm) f/11 1/400 ISO 100
 
Avoca Spring (October 12, 2012)
Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone
Phase One DF/IQ160 Mamiya 120mm f/8 1/100 ISO 50

Jewel Spring (October 12, 2012)
Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone
Canon 1DSIII EF24-70 (59mm) f/11 1/400 ISO 100
 
As always, we wish to thank everyone for allowing us to share this beautiful area.  Please remember that your comments, thoughts, and questions are always welcome.
  
Sandy & Don
 
The video clip was shot along Firehole River October 9, 2012 - enjoy!
 
 
 
 

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Yellowstone Thermal Pools

Phase One DF\IQ160 Mamiya 120mm f/8 1/250 ISO 50
 
We've been going to Yellowstone at least once a week during September to see the changing of colors as well as visiting different geyser spots and there's certainly no lack of thermal activity in Yellowstone.  What we quickly noticed is the vast array of colors found near the geysers. 
 
Canon 1DsIII 24mm f/11 1/160 ISO 100
 
Canon 1DsIII 4mm f/11 1/125 ISO 100
 
Before we go any further we invite our readers to visit the following Wikipedia sites for much more information than we could ever share here.  Yellowstonegeothermal features and Fumarole.
 
Canon 1DsIII 38mm f/13 1/160 ISO 100
 
Phase One DF\IQ160 120mm f.5.6 1/200 ISO 50
 
Cambo WRS\IQ160 f/8 1/45 ISO 50
 
Our first visit was to Black Sand Basin that's less than a mile north from Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful.  Our second visit lead us to Old Faithful and the boardwalk around Upper Geyser Basin.
 
Looking into the shallow pools near the geysers and larger pools is much like looking at clouds.  Well almost.  Have you ever looked at clouds and seen shapes, forms and maybe animals?  Looking into the shallow pools is much the same.  We dare you to take a walk along the boardwalk of any geyser basin and not have your imagination run wild as you look into the shallow pools. 
 
Phase One DF\IQ160 55mm LS f/2.8 1/100 ISO 100
 
We're not finished as we still have several more basins including Biscuit, Midway and Great Fountain Geyser as well as the Morning Glory Pool back in the Upper Geyser Basin.  Our goal is to get to as many of these as possible before the Park closes the south entrance for the winter.
 
Canon 1DsIII 42mm f/13 1/160 ISO 100
 
Anyone else see a rocking horse?
Canon 1DsIII 45mm f/13 1/160 ISO 100
 
The images included here have all been captured using either Sandy's Canon 1DsIII along with a EF24-70 or Don's Phase One IQ160 digital back connected to either a Cambo WRS technical camera and Schneider 35mm lens or a Phase One DF body and either a Schneider 55mm LS or Mamiya 120mm macro lens.
 
Canon 1DsIII 70mm f/13 1/160 ISO 100
 
Phase One DF\IQ160 120mm f/8 1/250 ISO 50
 
The processing was performed using a combination or Capture One Pro and Photoshop CS6 along with some help at times with NIK software.
 
Phase One\IQ160 120mm f/8 1/250 ISO 50

 100% crop of above
 
We hope you enjoy the images and stay tuned for more as we continue to explore Yellowstone Geyser Basins.
 
Sandy & Don
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Jackson Hole Fall


This is a continuation of the fall colors we've found here in the Jackson Hole area.
 
Canon G12 f/8 1/125 ISO 80
 
Phase One DF/IQ160 55mm LS f/2.8 1/160 ISO 50

After having such great luck on Thursday we decided to revisit the same area on Saturday.  The majority of the images were taken along the Snake River on the 26/89 with a few added from the 191 along the Hobart River.
 
Canon 1DsIII EF24-70 (58mm) f/8 1/125 ISO 100 

Canon 1DsIII EF24-70 (46mm) f/8 1/125 ISO 100
 
We still feel our description of using Skittles or Starburst candy is accurate.  We actually bought a bag of Starburst and found the reds and oranges a very close match.
 
"Kahuna" along the Snake River
Canon 1DsIII EF24-70 (25mm) f/5 1/125 ISO 100
 
Colors
Canon 1DsIII EF24-70 (70mm) f/5 1/125 ISO 100
 
Canon 1DsIII EF24-70 (58mm) f/5 1/125 ISO 100
 
Canon 1DsIII EF24-70 (64mm) f/7.1 1/125 IS 100
 
There's isn't a lot we can add here other than the images so enjoy them.
 
Along the Hoback River
Canon 1DsIII EF-24-70 (70mm) f/8 1/125 ISO 50
 
Phase One DF/IQ160 55mm LS f/2.8 1/125 ISO 50 

Phase One DF/IQ160 55mm LS f/2.8 1/125 ISO 50

Phase One DF/IQ160 55mm LS f/2.8 1/200 ISO 50
 
There's more to come so stay tuned.
 
 
Sandy & Don