Category: General Blog Post

Making the Most of a Busted Sunrise Photo Trip

On By Mark DoddIn Baltimore, Baltimore County, Fort Howard Park, General Blog Post, Home Page Slider Images, Inner Harbor, Maryland, North Point State Park, Photo LocationsLeave a comment

On a recent Sunday, I planned on getting up early to get Sunrise pictures. This is not something that I do easily as I am not a morning person. I normally do not get up until well after the sun has risen as I work the later shift at work.

Well on this Sunday I did my best the night before to check what the forecast would be. Based on what I saw I thought it was worth getting up early and driving down to the Baltimore Inner Harbor to get the sunrise as it had the potential to be a spectacular sunrise.

I arrived early enough to find a nice cloud deck above, the water was still, and there was a small sliver of an opening on the horizon. Well, the appointed time for the sun to come up came and went and it never made an appearance on the horizon as the clouds were just too thick. So my chance of an epic sunrise was a bust.

So I made the best of disappointment and decided let’s see what else I can get photos of. I ended up driving to four different locations this day as it was one of those rare warm days in February.  Here are some of the pictures I got on my 102-mile round trip.

 

Since the water was still in the Inner Harbor tried my best to get a few reflection shots. Here is one of them.

West side of the Inner Harbour on a still Sunday morning

It was so early I was able to get a shot of the visitors center without all the folks walking around. Sometime I’ll actually be down at the Inner Harbor when the visitors center is open so I can go in. It is supposed to be a very nice visitors center.

Baltimore Visitors Center

 

Next Stop, the Under Armour Corporate Headquarters and the pier nearby.

Seagulls on the Pier

I don’t have too many usable pictures from this location as I was testing out some manual lens that I had acquired. Seems I need to learn a few things about them still as things didn’t turn out as I had hoped for some images.

Off to North Point Park to meet up with a photography buddy, but along the way, I took a picture of some street art that I have been meaning to get for some time.

Unknown artist’s work only Key Highway

 

Last spot of the day, Fort Howard Park

Still working on editing some of the other images, but found this one dark room in one of the bunkers that had some artwork painted on the back and had some fun going a little overboard on the editing as I though it just lending itself to the wild side. So here are 2 different versions.

 

The first is a standard HDR shot.

BY THE LAW OF THE SISTERHOOD OF THREE AS IS DONE TO THE INNOCENTS THRICE SHALL IT BE

 

I didn’t like the fact that the words were covered so I’m trying my hand at some photoshop techniques. Still learning and this is my first attempt at combining 2 shots together to get the words.  Not quite happy with this version yet, but still figuring things out.

Let me know what you think of this or any of the images in this post

 

Luminar Free Presets and other learning resources

On By Mark DoddIn General Blog PostLeave a comment

Get your Luminar free presets and check out these other learning resources to make the best use of Luminar

 

As of this writing, there are 4 Luminar Free Preset packs available. Macphun I’m sure will add more over time. These presets are made but some of the best photographers out there. You can use the presets to do the final changes, or use them as a starting point for making your own adjustments in Luminar.

 

The currently available Luminar free and paid presets

 

As with ever new app everyone needs some help to learn about how to use all the features. Luminar is no exception to this, so Macphun has an extensive video tutorial library that walks you through how to do most things in Luminar.

 

 View the complete Luminar Video Tutorial Library

 

Macphun also has a blog section where you can get tips, tutorial, and trends on Luminar and other Macphun products from the Macphun team and friends. Recent additions include How to Restore Old Photos, How to Colorize a Black and White Photo, and How to Make a Picture Black and White all using Luminar.

 

 View the blog for more tips, tutorials, and trends from Macphun and Friends

 

You know that you can use Luminar as a standalone program, but don’t forget  you can use it as a plug-in to popular photo editors such as Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Aperture, and Photoshop Elements.

 

Make sure your copy of Luminar is up to date by choosing the “Check for Updates” under the Luminar menu.  The current version is 1.1.0 Luminar/Pluto.

 

If you do not yet have Luminar, Download your Free Trial of Luminar.

If you are ready to purchase, Add Luminar to a shopping cart

And use Luminar Coupon Code of MDPDEAL to get $10 off now.

 

#Luminar #Freepreset #affiliate #Macphun

Recent photo trip and a New Magazine

On By Mark DoddIn Cunningham Falls, General Blog Post, Photography Nation MagazineLeave a comment

Took a little photo trip recently out to Cunningham Falls in Thurmont Md with a friend of mine.

I don’t get out as much as I should, but my partner in crime for the Photography Nation Magazine, Sean Simmons, came out my way so I had no excuse not to go. I’m still working on the photos, but here is a quick preview with an iPhone panorama of the top of Cunningham Falls, near Thurmont Md.

Cunningham Falls
Cunningham Falls, Md. Click on the image to view full size

I’m still editing the rest of the images that I took that day and will post some more here along with on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/markdoddphotography/ If you visit my page, don’t forget to like and share the page and the post. I’d appreciate it.

 

The Magazine

As I mentioned Sean Simmons of Clear Elite Photography and I have teamed up to create a new magazine. We had our first issue released this month.  Check it out.

 

The Moon and Venus

I’m still learning how to use my new camera and one night recently I while I was out walking the dogs I saw that the moon was setting and Venus was nearby. So after taking the dogs back inside, I thought I would see how well the new camera did in low light for astrophotography. I think this is the first time I’ve actually been able to capture the dark side of the moon clearly. Although a larger lens would be nicer next time to get a closer shot. This is the result of my trial. I used Macphun’s Luminar to edit the photo, but it didn’t need many adjustments as it was almost perfect right out of the camera.

 

The Moon Waxing with Venus in Tow

 

#fujifilm #astrophotography #Venus #Moon #Magazine #XT-2

 

Virus Protection and Cable Security

On By Mark DoddIn General Blog PostLeave a comment

As a new year begins it is a good time to think about your computer virus protection and cable security.

Make a resolution to get your computer secured.

 

Get Virus and Malware Protection for your computer

If you do not yet have a virus protection program here are 2 options that I can recommend.

 

Malwarebytes for Mac and Windows


Malwarebytes for Home | Anti-Malware Premium | Free Trial Download

 

 

Cable Security for your Mac

Physical Cable Security. Not everyone needs this, but if you travel, in a business, or just want to secure your computer at home.

The newer Mac Models no longer come with the security slot, so what are you going to do to physically secure your computer.  MacLocks to the rescue.

MacLocks makes a complete line of products to secure you iMac, MacBooks, and iPads. My employer does use these products and they have been much more reliable and secure than previous vendor products we used.

 

10% Off at Maclocks.com CODE:LL10

 

 

#malwarebytes #maclocks #affiliate #antivirus #malwareremover

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

On By Mark DoddIn General Blog PostLeave a comment

Merry Christmas

 

Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

 

I hope everyone has an enjoyable day with their friends and family this Christmas day. I’m grateful for all who follow my blog and I truly appreciate you all.

 

Now that the holiday season is over I hope to get back to being able to post more of my photography for you to enjoy. And be sure to check out all of my work that is available for purchase at AmericanKiwiPhoto.com

 

Stuck In Customs Passport

On By Mark DoddIn General Blog PostLeave a comment

Stuck in Customs Passport

Stuck in Customs Passport

Your passport to all things Trey Ratcliff and Stuck in Customs.

So what is the Stuck in Customs Passport

It is a subscription plan that lets you get access to some of the best photography tutorials, tips, and tools out there. You are getting access to the “Trey Ratcliff” items from the Stuck in Customs store.

 

Here is what you get with your subscription.

 

The Content

  • Video Streaming of Trey’s Best Tutorials – Note that this is Streamed. If you want to get the downloaded content, you still need to purchase separately.
  • Download Specialty Presets Packs
  • Download all of Trey’s eBooks
  • Exclusive Tips & Tutorials
  • Trey’s RAW files for select images

Special discounts and access

  • Discounts on Photo Adventures & Workshops
  • Live Monthly Q&A with Trey
  • Early Access to New Tutorials
  • Exclusive discounts on 3rd party products
  • No Advertising on StuckinCustoms.com – Since you actually sign into stuck in customs they have removed all the advertising that you would normally see so you can get the best experience of the content and just the content.

And you are helping a good cause.

If you have been to Trey’s site recently you know that he and his wife are supporting a foundation by the Dr who treated Trey’s wife’s cancer. 10% of all proceeds go to The Healing NET Foundation charity.

No only do you get access to great content and extras, but you can feel good about supporting a good cause.

 

There are two options when signing up. There is a yearly subscription that saves you 20% over the other option, a monthly subscription plan. All the details and how to sign up can be found via the link below.

 

Access To The Best Photography Tutorials, Tips And Tools. Sign up for Passport today

SIC Passport

#treyratcliff #stuckincustoms #passport #subscription

 

New Updated HDR Video Tutorial from the Master of HDR

On By Mark DoddIn General Blog PostLeave a comment

The Complete HDR Tutorial Version 3

Trey Ratcliff has released a completely new updated HDR Video tutorial.

 

The Complete HDR Tutorial Version 3.0

This all new HDR Tutorial featuring Lisa Bettany along with Trey. Trey not only gives you his post-processing techniques, but you get some pre-shot tips when he and Lisa discuss artistic inspirations and challenges, how they compose a shot, their camera settings and much more.

Your purchase includes downloads of:

  • 6+ hours of instruction that you download for offline viewing
    • Lesson 1: Setting up your camera
    • Lesson 2: A Basic HDR Photo
    • Lesson 3: Indoor HDR
    • Lesson 4: Outdoor HDR
    • Lesson 5: Night HDR
    • Lesson 6: Single Exposure HDR
    • Lesson 7: Mobile Photography
    • Lesson 8: Drone HDR
    • Lesson 9: A final HDR Shot
    • Bonus Lesson: HDR Sunrise in Extreme Conditions
    • Bonus Lesson: Vibrant Street Photography
  • Trey’s RAW image files
  • 5 Bonus Videos
  • Access to the Stuck in Customs Clubhouse

 

Version 3.0 comes in 2 flavors.

There is the Mac Version using Aurora HDR 2017 and a Windows version using Photomatix. So no matter what your platform, you are covered.

 

Get your copy of The Complete HDR Tutorial Version 3.0 Today

 

You can also get access to this tutorial as streamed content via the Stuck in Customs

SIC Passport

As of the time of this post, Stuck in Customs has this tutorial on sale. I’m not sure how long it will be, so if you are looking to get the tutorial now is the time.

 

#hdrtutorial #stuckincustoms #download #Passport #affiliate

 

Luminar TouchBar Support

Luminar now supports Apple’s MacBook TouchBar

On By Mark DoddIn General Blog PostLeave a comment

With the latest release,  Luminar now supports the TouchBar on MacBooks

 

With the addition of the TouchBar support, you can now select many of the menu functions right from the TouchBar. When you have selected a filter or other adjustment, you no longer have to use the touchpad on your MacBook, you can use the slider on the TouchBar and make more accurate adjustments. See the various TouchBar views here.

Current uses of Luminar will need to get the latest update.  Click Here to learn how to get the update for your version of Luminar.

 

Free Presets

In addition to the update, Macphun is currently offering 3 sets of Preset Packs for Luminar from Pro Luminar users.

 

The future of Luminar

Macphun has announced plans for a version of Luminar for Windows that is coming in 2017 but no actual ship date has been announced yet. If you want to compare Luminar’s existing features and the coming soon features versus Apple’s Aperture and Adobe’s Lightroom, check out the comparison checklist here

There are many more features coming to Luminar in the upcoming weeks. As soon as I find out about the new or pending features I’ll be sure to let you know.any

 

Luminar and Aurora HDR 2017 are still on sale for Black Friday so don’t miss out on the discount and free extras

 

#Luminar #luminarupgrade #touchbar #luminarpresets

 

Luminar for the Mac Available now

On By Mark DoddIn Carroll County, Fall, General Blog PostLeave a comment

Luminar

Luminar is Now Available for download.

 

Get it at the launch pricing for a limited time of $59 for new customers and $49 for existing Macphun customers. That’s a $10 savings off of the retail prices

And NOW, you can Try it BEFORE you Buy!

So give it a try as I’m sure you will realize this is the best photo editor for the Mac for beginner to Advanced users.
Once you download and install Luminar, you will get access to a series of 26 videos showing you how to make the most of Luminar’s features and options.

 

Here is my first photo edited with Luminar and one of the first I took with my Fujifilm X-T2

 

The tracks in the Fall

#Macphun #Luminar #Photoeditor #FujiFilmUSA

 

My New Camera Arrived – FujiFilm X-T2

On By Mark DoddIn General Blog PostLeave a comment

My FujiFilm X-T2 arrived today from Amazon Warehouse.

 

Fujifilm X-T2

Check current new pricing: Amazon|Adoroma

 

My trusty Nikon 80 is starting to show its age. It has served me well and will continue to do so as my backup camera. But I have been looking for a new camera for some time now. I checking out upgrading to another cropped sensor Nikon and even the Full Frame Nikons. Then I started seeing more and more folks including my photography friends using mirrorless cameras so I started to check those out as well.  I finally narrowed down my choices to a Nikon D7200 as the full frame Nikons are just out of my budget right now. And even though I really wanted a full Frame Sony mirrorless camera, again it was out of the budget. So I decided to get the FujiFilm X-T1, but then they announced the X-T2 model but it was just on the edge of my budget range for a new camera.

I’m always looking for the best deals to get the best bang for my buck, so when I started looking for my final choice of a Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 R LM OIS Lens as my camera replacement I wasn’t finding anything below full retail. This was expected since the camera was just released a little over a month ago. I resigned myself to sit and wait awhile to see if the price came down

In my hunt for the best price on the recent printer purchase, I stumbled upon an Amazon price-watching site called camelcamelcamel.com. I did my amazon search for the X-T2 with lens and didn’t see anything at the time that was discounted, so I added a price watch on camelcamelcamel.com.  Initially, it was just giving me the same pricing that I found myself, but then one day it showed me on for $230 less so I clicked on the link immediately. I was sent to the Amazon Warehouse listing that showed this was for a “used” classification sale of the camera. I had never heard of Amazon Warehouse so I started checking out the terms etc and when I was about to buy the camera, the listing was gone all in less that 15 mins. I was upset with myself for procrastinating, but I did my due diligence and checked out the service and terms so I was ready if it ever came up again.

Well a few days later another listing popped up and I jump right on it.  That order is the camera that arrived today. It was listed as Used: no cosmetic issues with the camera and  tested and confirmed working but only a damaged box. After opening the Amazon box and finding the X-T2 box inside I took everything out and inspected everything.  The only thing I could find wrong was the LCD screen was a little smudged, which was easily cleaned with a lint free cloth. The box hardly had a mark on it other than fresh tape.

It is obvious to me this was an Amazon returned product and they sold it via Amazon Warehouse at a discount. Don’t know why anyone would want to return such a great camera. I’m not complaining one bit as I feel I’ve gotten a new camera for several hundred dollars less than the current going price and it looks brand new. Now I’ve got some money to go out and get an additional lens, of which I wouldn’t have been able to do if I purchased it brand new.

So if you don’t mind purchasing a returned unit, I would recommend setting up a price watch with camelcamelcamel.com or your favorite price watcher so you can get notified of the reduced prices from folks like Amazon Warehouse. And make sure your service notifies you as from my experience, the Fujifilm XT-2’s do not last long.

One last note: if the price is way lower than the regular price, definitely check it out first. I was notified of one listing for this product being $600, but after checking things out it was obviously a scam.

Now the only thing to do it take my new camera out for a spin this weekend to hopefully get some great fall colors pictures.

#AmazonWarehouse #Fujifilm #XT2 #Amazon #NewCamera