Self Portrait

I acquired Adobe Lightroom so I've been messing around with RAW shooting and I can tell I've got a lot to learn in that arena!  The editability is hugely increased when shooting in RAW.

Anyway, here's a quicky self-portrait.  I'm quite shy so this is probably all you're going to get out of me!

EXIF data of the exposure:
Focal Length: 47 mm
F/5.6
1/13 sec.

Fall in the midwest

No HDR's in this set.  Decided to step outside of the norm and shoot some single exposures.

EXIF data of the "correct" exposure:
Focal Length: 50 mm
F/5
1/160 sec.

EXIF data of the exposure:
Focal Length: 50 mm
F/5
1/125 sec.

R.I.P.

Wandering my favorite car dealership I spotted the most pathetic Porsche I have ever seen.  No hood, flat tire; a wreck.  Its situation did allow me to get some unique engine shots though.  I'm normally not a fan of selective color, but I think it works here.

EXIF data of the "correct" exposure:
Focal Length: 29 mm
F/8
1/160 sec.

New lens!

My 50mm f1.8 "nifty-fifty" came in today so naturally I went out shooting.  Here's two pictures.  Out of maybe 100 I have half a dozen worth keeping.  I'm very impressed with the sharpness of the 50mm, it definitely lived up to my expectations.  As always, EXIF data is included.

This is NOT an HDR!!  (for once)

EXIF data:
Focal Length: 50 mm
F/3.5
1/80 sec.

EXIF data of the "correct" exposure:
Focal Length: 50 mm
F/5
1/50 sec.

A friends EVO + my whip

A friend of mine recently got hit in this custom turbo'd Honda Civic totalling it.  He got a replacement which is a significant improvement.  A brand new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.  It's black and my '09 MazdaSpeed3 is white, we park next to each other at work; it's a match made in heaven.  Both are 3 exposure HDR images.  The EXIF data of each "correct" exposure is included.

2009 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 

EXIF data of the "correct" exposure:
Focal Length: 43 mm
F/8
2/5 sec.

EXIF data of the "correct" exposure:
Focal Length: 18 mm
F/3.5
1/40 sec.0

Lack of updates

I apologize for the lack of updates as of late.  Crazy college work load, etc.

I've been mainly shooting my own car recently.  I did a shoot in an alley (the same alley as the previous post actually) and also a shoot in a parking garage.  I think my white balance was off for the entire alley shoot, doesn't that piss you off?!  I got it right for the parking garage shoot though and those pictures turned out really great.  I will post one or two here in a few minutes.

I also purchased a circular polarizing filter last weekend.  I haven't had a whole lot of time to play with it, but I'm looking forward to it this weekend.

I just bought a "nifty-fifty" lens about a half-hour ago.  A Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II for you non-photographers.  It's supposed to be a VERY sharp lens.  I'm looking forward to it because I've found the kit lens leaves much to be desired in that arena.

A dandelion

Probably my best image so far.

EXIF data of the "correct" exposure:
Focal Length: 55 mm
F/5.6
1/100

Two different foci.

Correctly focused(at least in my opinion) on the wheel as opposed to the water.  Once again and HDR image composed of 3 different exposures (+2, 0, -2.)

EXIF data of the "correct" exposure:
Focal Length: 51 mm
F/5.6
1/10

This one looks like I focused through the water, to the bottom of the puddle.  Doesn't look as good in my opinion.  Another HDR image composed of 3 different exposures (+2, 0, -2.)

EXIF data of the "correct" exposure:
Focal Length: 51 mm
F/5.6
1/10

A local alleyway.  To me it looks like a bomb went off in the distance.

EXIF data of the "correct" exposure:
Focal Length: 34 mm
F/8
1/100

Mural closeup.

A closeup of the same mural.

EXIF data of the "correct" exposure:
Focal Length: 55mm
F/8
1/80

A Mural

A local mural.  3 exposures merged in Dynamic Photo HDR.  Also, major work on Photoshop CS4.

EXIF data of the "correct" exposure:
Focal Length: 55mm
F/8
1/80

A little Porsche love.

A little HDR I did of a Porsche at my local dealer lot.  Comprised of three bracketed shots merged in Dynamic Photo HDR with slight curves and levels adjustments in Photoshop.  I think the waterspots of the unwashed car lend it a grungy tone that most wouldn't think of when they think "Porsche."  Overall I am happy with this shot.

EXIF data of "correct" exposure:
21mm
F3.5
1/400

Introduction

Hey people!
I created this blog to share some of my photographic endeavors with the world.  I've been just posting them on Facebook, but that isn't getting much of a response so I thought I'd try something new.

I tend to shoot a lot of automotive photos (hence the name) but I do a fair amount of nature scenes and macro's as well.  Some of my early stuff that I post would have been shot with a Canon Powershot SX120IS point and shoot camera, but I just recently bought a Canon Eos Rebel XS 1000d that I absolutely love!  I've got the kit 18-55mm lens and also a 75-300mm Canon zoom lens at my disposal.  For software I have Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended and Dynamic Photo HDR.  I shoot a lot of HDR.  I think the vibrancy and colors shown in HDR photography are absolutely beautiful.  If you DO NOT like HDR, you probably won't like my style of photography.  Photography is art and not everyone has the same tastes.  I won't hold it against you.

I've been actively shooting for about 6 months, but only recently have I discovered that I really enjoy it.  Quite a few of my shots are taken on my frequent road cycling trips around the area.  I just throw my equipment in a backpack and away I go.  I shoot what I see, oftentimes things that aren't usually thought of as very photogenic.

Feel free to comment as you see fit, I'm always open to new suggestions on how I can improve.

Enough talk.
Enjoy the pics!