There are times I get asked what type of equipment I am using for photography and the general artwork. I use a variety of things that I felt it should get its own page.
What Printer Are You Using?
I have used the Epson R800
and the Epson 2200 to print out various sizes of prints & photographs.
Both of these printers are considered "archival" printers by Epson. (Read the FAQ for more information
on the longevity of these prints.)
I have also used some local specialized print shops, in addition to the Epsons. However, I find the Epsons to be wonderful printers, true to the colors I envision.
What Software Are You Using?
Photoshop CS, of course.
But, then again, I have been using Photoshop since Photoshop 4.0 in the workplace, and it is a very very powerful software tool. Often times,
it's "too" powerful for most consumers.
(Photoshop Elements is the watered-down version of its powerful cousin, PS CS, but, it doesn't mean that it's worse. In fact, they've taken out a lot of the more advanced tools everyday folks would most not likely use. If you just want to resize, crop, use just a few specialized filters on your photos, and convert to B&W or Sepia...or even create automated slideshows for your family & friends, then Elements is the better option for you. Plus, you can always upgrade later, if you so choose.)
Raw Essentials
This application is really nifty. A friend of mine turned me onto using it, and I have to say, it's a great
previewer of RAW files. It lets look at all your RAW files at a glance, and it lets you 'mark' which photos you want to keep,
and which ones you can delete. And it will convert your files from RAW to TIFF without touching your RAW files! Unforunately,
Photoshop CS changes the RAW files when you do any modification, which I hate.
Noise Ninja
A nifty noise reduction software that does a really great job reducing noise whenever you're shooting a high ISO.
You can choose the plug-in version for CS or just the standalone application. Either way, this piece of software is a must
in your overall workflow.
In conjunction with the above software, I find that the
- Wacom Intuos 3 (4x5) is really great for retouching up photographs and minor artwork. For my original uses, it was more than enough, especially since I didn't have that much room on my desktop.
- Wacom Intuos 2 (9x12) is a really great addition to the 4x5 tablet I have. My love got it for me from a surplus store, and I am really enjoying using it. I STILL use the 4x5 for most work, but this particular tablet allows me to experiment with a bit more creativity. It is big, so I only get it out when I am feeling a bit more creative than usual.
What Camera Equipment Are You Using?
I actually have several cameras that I've used over the years.
Actual Cameras
- Canon AE-1
-
Canon G3
With the following lenses: - And my digital-SLR, Canon 20D with a variety of lenses, including, but not limited to
- a 17-85IS USM lens
- a Sigma 10-20mm
for general landscapes
- a Canon 50mm f1.8
- a Canon 100-400mm
I also use a slew of Compact Flash cards (ie: digital film)
Camera Bags:
If you think there is a magical camera bag out there that can "do everything for every occasion"....you're wrong. It is true that you
can get away with only using one bag for everything, but I find that for
traveling: on planes, hiking, camping, or just trekking around town,
it's easier to use one bag over another. I am partial to backpacks and messenger packs, because I find it just easier to carry them. I don't like
too many waist packs or shoulder bags. With shoulder bags, I find myself switching the bag from one shoulder to another too often.
-
Tamrac Velocity 7
This is my general bag that I tote around town, or on very very short trips when I only need my shorter lenses. It's a great bag, but I'd never use it for longer traveling or hiking. The sling strap is NOT comfortable after 6-8 hours of continual wearing. -
Kata GDC R-103 Camera Bag
Now, THIS is a great pack for air travel and toting around different cities. It's comfortable and roomy. This is a great bag for when I need to travel for work and I want to bring my camera, but not carry a camera case AND a laptop bag.
Or you can try the Kata Backpack R-102 which doesn't have the laptop sleeve. -
Kata H-14 Holster
- LowePro Dryzone Rover
Camera Support Structures
Camera support is just as important as the camera. After all, if you can't take a steady picture, what's the use of having a really great
camera and great lens, if your camera support shakes with the wind?
I have both a monopod & tripod for various uses.
- Bogen 3006 Monopod with a Bogen 3229 Swivel Head
- GITZO G1228 CF tripod
Studio Lighting
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