One of my fav's

This is one of the very first good/decent photos I made with my D-SLR. It seems like it was only yesterday, but it was actually 2 years ago now. Wow, time goes by fast...

A little piece of Holyoke's History

In Memory of James Smith, an article written by Editor Greg Saulmon. Here is the link to the masslive.com (Local Buzz Blog)

http://www.masslive.com/localbuzz/index.ssf/2008/09/in_memory_of_james_smith.html

There is a great portrait of James Smith on this site. Be sure to check it out.

This is an unedited shot of a canal in Holyoke Ma. I shot this on my way home from the studio today. There is a rich history in Holyoke. I can't unfortunately begin to even fill you in on it's history. Be on the look out for more photographs of Holyoke.

Northampton on a Sunday Afternoon

Below are a few shots from Northampton. All of them are straight from the camera with no post editing done.

Every so often we see people dressed in clothes that we some times feel are a little more than questionable. For instance, this man was wearing a one piece pajama outfit while walking down Main St in Northampton.


People are always watching me when I am holding my camera. It always seems that people take notice that I am shooting. I don't mind the attention. Some times it's great to start up a friendly conversation. There was an instance however where a very strange person stopped and asked me one night if I was spying on someone. That was just a very silly question seeing as how my camera was mounted to the tripod and in FULL view of everyone passing by. Kids these days.







This photo is very blurry and shot from the hip. She watched me point the camera up as I placed it at my hip. She was watching me as she was walking towards where we were standing. I some times like to think that people desire to have their picture taken when they see me with my camera. Especially when they are watching me so intently.



As cliche and stereotypical as it is to photograph street musicians I still like to. I mean look at this guy. He is on the street with out a care of what people think, playing the music he feels in his soul. You can hear so many different sounds on the streets of Northampton.

Here is my first attempt at a new in camera technique. This photo and the photo below are unedited and straight from the camera. This of course can be added to my Northampton Collection.

New Camera Technique

So after meeting up with a friend this past Sunday. I was informed something in camera that I didn't know existed. But below is an example of it that I shot in the studio today. This is just a test shot of it. I plan on seeing where I can take this. I do have one from Sunday that I will post in a minute.

Disputes over RAW vs. JPEG

During a friendly walk through Northampton this past Sunday I had a conversation with a photographer and colleague of mine. We talked about where we stood on JPEG vs. RAW. Both of us currently shoot in JPEG for specific reasons. However, we agreed that we should be shooting in RAW. Software was definitely an issue for us. I am currently doing all of my post-editing using Adobe Photoshop. With my lap top I can not upload RAW files from my camera. I haven't had the chance to purchase the Nikon software. Capture NX, though it is on my list to purchase. We also discussed how in our work flow adding the conversion process would hinder our ability to work quickly. After reading ShutterBug I found two alternatives to paying out a-lot of money for software to accommodate shooting RAW. Arcosoft's PhotoStudio Darkroom 1.5 and Photoshop Elements. Of course if you are working with Photoshop CS3 you're all set to just up-load and edit your heart out. But, if you're like me then you need an alternative. Arcsoft's new program has a list of features that sound pretty impressive. You have the ability to import or export files from your camera or another form of media. It supports JPEG, TIFF, and RAW files that cameras are capable of shooting. Most major cameras are compatible with this program. Included in this list of features is the ability to adjust levels and curves, white balance, and exposure settings. I think this sounds really straight forward and worth while purchase considering Capture NX is over $200.00, Photoshop is upwards of $600.00 and other programs run in those price ranges. Where as Arcsoft's program will only run you a whopping $100.00. Here is the link to Arcsoft.

http://www.arcsoft.com/public/

On a side note, I strongly recommend using Arcsoft. I use their software for my film scanner and it is a quick, easy, and painless process. They have some great products out.

Checking in

After a very long and crazy hectic weekend I am finally back to work. This week is going to be just as crazy. I will be writting a story for the Phoenix Press based on the Holyoke Community College Budget cuts. As well, I will be shooting some photos for the Phoenix.

I met up wtih a friend yesterday and did some shooting briefly in NoHo. So look out for those photos as well.

So this week is going to be jam packed. I appologize for not having made a post in the last few days.

Small School, Big Results

SUPPORT THE ARTS

My education thus far consists of an Associates Degree in Photography. Seems like a small step into a big industry right? Well, more or less an Associates Degree will only get my foot into the door of some small studios. I don't need a degree to start a photography business, but the education pays off in the long run. I am not stopping at an Associates Degree. I will be back in school in January for a BFA (Bachelors in Fine Arts with a concentration in Photography). I would like to obtain a Masters to have something to fall back onto later in life.

Ok, so you maybe asking yourself, "why is he talking about his education?" Well the answer is very clear. Because, with out my education I wouldn't be where I am today. I can credit the amazingly talented professors at Holyoke Community College for having educated me as well as given me direction and encouragement in all of my academic pursuits. I fully support the Educators at Holyoke Community College. Having expressed this, I would like to take a moment to express some terrible news that I received this evening from a professor from the school.

Holyoke Community College is in the process of updating its photography program. They are finishing up the construction of a brand new state of the art photography lab. Full digital capabilities as well as new classes being offered. Robert Aller is the Professor that can be credited for having made this change possible. But of course, even the strengths, determination, and drive of one amazing person, that is not enough to protect the institution of high budget slashes. From a source tonight the photography program lost a substantial amount of funding. $100,000 to be exact. This money was going to be used for the digital lab as well as the rest of the lab and darkroom.

I am bringing this to your attention because I would like to see donations being made. Your donations will help place the very much needed equipment into a new lab that will further educated students in the arts. If you are interested in making any kind of donation PLEASE contact me via email at JeffreyrByrnes@verizon.net I will put you in touch with the right people that will gladly speak with you about any and all types of donations and contributions you can make. Please help support the arts, your support will further the education of many talented people and help a struggling institution.

Thank you,

Jeffrey Byrnes

Point and Shoot

In search of a decent point and shoot digital camera? Well then, take a look at this pretty little camera. Nikon has been releasing some great cameras this past year, so its no surprise that I speak of this consumer based Point and Shoot camera.

The Nikon CoolPix S700 is a great point and shoot digital camera that I am going to make sure I pick up to keep on me at all times. The small sleek design makes carrying around a digital camera an ease. Home to a 2.7 inch screen and firing away at 12.1 megapixels, this camera is worth $265.00 you will invest.As most of you know, I speak highly of Nikon. Their cameras range from point and shoot all the way up to top of the line pro models like the D3. If asked what I shoot with, I always excitedly say Nikon. If asked what makes Nikon so great over its competitors, I always make sure to include the technical aspects as well as how the camera matches my personality, featuring a luxurious black body as well as an aggressive, edgy look. If you don't believe me, take a stroll into your local camera shop and say, "let me see some Nikon cameras" I guarantee you will not be disappointed.