The Leica M9, the Rolls Royce of cameras, has a supporting actor role in this romantic new Chanel No. 5 commercial. In fact, I dare say, it has never looked better! I discovered this little detail this past week walking by Macy’s 34th Street (NYC). This Chanel commercial was playing as part of the window display. What first drew me to the display was the distinctive crooning of Billie Holiday singing her classic “I’m a Fool To Want You.” Well, anything that features Billie’s vocal stylings is sure to peak my interest. Then, to my surprise, that handsome devil, the Leica M9 makes a cameo appearance towards the end of the commercial. It never looked better! As commercials go, this one is beautifully done! Correction: Although it is a matter of dispute, experienced Leica users have advised that it is more likely that the camera in question is a variant of the Leica M8 model, owned by the actress Audrey Tautou. Thanks to photographer Etienne Michiels for the correction!
‘Photography News’ Category
The Most Romantic Leica M9 Commercial Ever . . .
November 1, 2009Adobe Lightroom 3 Beta, A Brief Personal Review
November 1, 2009
Photo: 34th Street, NYC. File processed using Adobe Lightroom 3 Beta
I am convinced that the fastest advances being made today in digital photography technology is not in the sensors that record light in digital cameras, but rather, the software that renders the resulting images. With each new generation of image processing software, I see improvements in the images created even by older DSLR camera RAW files. The beta version of Adobe Lightroom 3 is an example of such progress. It uses a new processing engine (simply known as Process Version 2 in the Settings menu) that offers refinements in rendering image detail and color when compared to Lightroom 2. This refinement is not easily seen when viewing images on the web (web browser resolution is too low), but is discernable when viewing RAW images and the processed tiff or jpeg photos at 100% size on screen. This is a refinement best used and seen when making large prints where every bit of detail is needed.
I always enjoyed Lightroom for the depth of tools it provided for editing RAW images. This beta release makes it equal to Capture One 4 in the pixel level quality of the final image. I tested Lightroom 3 Beta with files from my Nikon D60, and older RAW images from a variety of older cameras I’ve owned in the past. I could see the improvements in pixel level detail quite easily.
Rather than upgrade your camera, it may be an even better bargain to shoot RAW and upgrade your image editing software! The movie embedded below provides a nice introduction to the enhancements in Adobe Lightroom 3 Beta.
I’m Moving Back to New York!
August 25, 2009After three wonderful years spent photographing the wonders of New Mexico and Arizona, I am heading back to New York! Why would I want to leave the stunning visual playgrounds of the American Southwest? Well, the realities of a shrinking economy make the move imperative. In my real-world occupation as a web designer, I now need to be closer to my main clients, and potential clients. That means one place, baby! “The Big Apple!”
I will miss the southwestern United States! I have grown accustomed to mild, snow-free winters and endless desert vistas. However, I will adjust rather quickly. I make it a point to look for the best in any place I find myself. New York is my home. And, lets be honest, who would not fall in love with New York? So, while I will still be posting images from my archive of Arizona and New Mexico landscapes, you will begin to see a change in scenery. Or, not . . . I am debating whether to start a new web site or simply add to abqstyle.com. Nevertheless, no matter where I go, my love for photography will travel with me!
What’s New On ABQStyle - May 08, 2009
May 8, 2009Well, I am enjoying going over thousands of photos shot over the past four years, post-processing the images and making them look as good as possible for abqstyle.com. Here are a few things you may enjoy;
Route 66 Photos: I have started to upload images I captured along Route 66 (Central Ave.) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, one October evening four years ago. A classic car club had the streets all to themselves and were parked for a gathering at a downtown restaurant. It was surreal seeing nothing but vintage vehicles as far as the eyes can see parked along old Route 66!
Wildlife Photos: I am uploading more photos of migrating ducks that spend the winter in Papago Park including Pintail Ducks and Herons. There were fewer migrating waterfowl this year because of the relatively mild winters in most of the the country.
Soon, I will be removing the Nikon D40 category. I have used so many different cameras (Nikon D40, Olympus E-300, Canon Rebel XT, & D30, Pentax *ist DS, K100D, Samsung GX-1L . . . plus a number of point and shoot models), that now realize that a good eye is far more important than what model camera I work with. I’ve gotten good results with every camera I’ve used. Ken Rockwell is right . . . the camera doesn’t matter!
Stay tuned as new photos are being added daily. I am also adding the ability to purchase high-quality prints at a modest price for my most popular photos. Thank you for stopping by and viewing my work!