On Assignment

Jason Geil/The Cincinnati Post

Hey photogs,

Here’s an oft-discussed and old topic that I’ve recently thought about and I’m hoping to see your takes on the subject…

http://www.reuters.com/article/RCOMUS_NWS/idUSRTXDGA7

Basically, i think you’ve all encountered, or even shot photos where the horizon was purposely tilted for dramatic compositional effect. Personally, i’ve never like it. I think its a huge cliché and way over-used by wedding photographers, etc (i’m biased against that stuff as some of you know). But, I do occasionally see photojournalists employ the technique, whether on-purpose or accidental, and i’ve come to realize their occasional appropriateness, nay brilliance, when employed correctly.

So, what do you guys think?

- Do you share the belief that news photos should always convey scenes in the most ‘natural’ angles and views?

- Is it ethical to tilt? Can it be both appropriate and when can it be inappropriate? (I just find myself artistically challenged so that’s probably why i’ve shunned the technique…)

- Is it just a stupid fad?

Here’s two photog’s views, first FOR, and the other AGAINST (above image from him):
http://www.aperculture.com/aperculture-blog/2008/9/30/when-in-doubt-tilt.html

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/photos/2006/12/tilt-frame-ugg.asp

Finally, a quick fun (but deep?) question to chew on: What type of photojournalist are you?
See the 3 types here: http://blog.kevinmoloney.com/?p=196

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First, sorry for the lack of updates. Work has been consistently taking up all my time and my free time tends not to include blogging.. ;-(

Recently, i’ve had problem with one of my macbooks, (late 2008 unibody model) and diagnosed it with a bad optical disc drive… can’t tell you how many of these suckers i’ve killed in all my years.

So, since it was still under warranty, and i’m a professional, i had the replacement drive sent to me and thus replaced it. Since its the first time i’ve opened up this particular laptop, i thought i’d post a few shots.

The MPB with back case cover removed to show logic board

Nothing too exceptional with these unibody MBPs, compared to the older models of yore, although i do admit it’s a lot easier to service from the number of screws (only 8!) you have to remove. The unibody design is definitely light-years ahead of any other computer maker, and it shows inside, kinda like looking at the well-tuned, well thought-out engine compartment of a fine German sports coupe…

One particularly interesting “technology” included in these new Apple laptops are what they call “submersion sensors”. Basically, they’re little round stickers placed inside the machine that turn red-herring pink if they come in contact with too much moisture. It allows AppleCare to say your laptop suffered water damage and thus your warranty is void. Bummer. Luckily, looks like my laptop’s sensors are still bright virgin white… even though the machine has definitely lived through some thunderstorms this summer in Comerica Park.

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As I’d said when i started this feature, the only true reason I take pictures is to make computer desktop wallpapers. Had some nice success recently, so I added more to the collection on this site.

You’re Welcome.

Check out fresh Michigan Football Fall Camp:

Michigan Football Fall Camp 2009

And the awesomeness that is Tiger Woods, clenching what was probably the last ever Buick Open (sad):

Tiger Woods at 2009 Buick Open

(More in the two galleries when you click on the above pics)

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So Rodrigo suggested that I should put my old PhotoMechanic tutorials on YouTube. After much trouble trying to covert them (swf format) to mpeg4, i was able to combine 4 parts of the old tutorial into one 10 min YouTube clip. I’ll update the links on my Tutorials section now so you guys can watch these in full Youtube glory.

Be sure to use full-screen, because the vids are hi-def and scale well. Enjoy and comments welcomed!

[Watch on YouTube]

PS:

I found another loose clip (part 5 of old tutorial) that’s on YouTube now too. This one covers using Variables in PhotoMechanic:

[Watch on YouTube]

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Snag this QBForce desktop to get pumped for season's start

My good friend Clif Reeder once said it best that the only reason he keeps on taking photos is for making computer desktop background wallpapers. I totally agree with him. Often times, i catch myself taking a certain photo or composing shots in certain ways (wide, landscape) that lend to the possibility of making a new desktop image.

Recently, I’ve given a number of people my images of athletes or teams they’re fans of. This impressed upon me that a lot more people may be interested in some free wallpapers.

So, from now on, i’ll start posting free downloadable desktop wallpaper images whenever I create one for myself. They’ll be collected in the new “Freebies” section of my blog. Take them as they are, i’m sure most of you won’t care much about my choices. Feel free to send me requests though!

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