New Gear: Wacom Intuos Pro M
For years I have edited my images using the touchpad on my laptop (really disliked using a mouse). But since I am transitioning to a desktop in the next couple of weeks for all my edits, my laptop will be primarily used for tethered shoots
For years I have edited my images using the touchpad on my laptop (really disliked using a mouse). But since I am transitioning to a desktop in the next couple of weeks for all my edits, my laptop will be primarily used for tethered shoots, it only felt natural to switch some of my tools. Enter the Wacom Intuois Pro Medium tablet, I had gotten it from one of my favorite stores, B&H Photo in New York.
The medium tablet measures 13.8 x 8.54”, just enough to fit on my desk with my dual monitors, keyboard and a few external drives. while the working area is a spacious 8.82 x 5.83”, plenty of room for me to move my hand around, there are 8 express keys on the outer border of the tablet for creating shortcuts for both Adobe Lightroom cc and Photoshop cc, and lastly, its Bluetooth compatible.
The Pro 2 pen has 8192 Levels of Pressure Sensitivity, tilt-response, and virtually lag-free tracking. there”s 2 positions switch on the pen; (up and down button) to create some more shortcuts. and best of all, its battery-free, so no having to pause from editing images so to charge it,
But just like any new piece of gear, whether its a lens, camera body or software, it is going to take some time to get used to it. I’ll write another blog in the near future once I get the desktop set up, and both the monitors calibrated. Then I can get the tablet set up according to my workflow and do some real edits...
New Gear : Nikon D800 and Tether Tools
At the time when I had blogged my decision to switch, I was still using my trusty Nikon D200 and D2x, both cameras were not supported by Adobe Lightroom for tethered shooting, Capture One did support my gear. As the months passed, I decided to sell off my Nikon D200, convincing myself I really didn’t need 2 DSLR’s anymore: I was still leaning into the Capture One for tethered shooting;
It’s been well over a year since I had written and decided to switch to Capture One software; I have since had a change of heart.
At the time when I had blogged my decision to switch, I was still using my trusty Nikon D200 and D2x, both cameras were not supported by Adobe Lightroom for tethered shooting, Capture One did support my gear. As the months passed, I decided to sell off my Nikon D200, convincing myself I really didn’t need 2 DSLR’s anymore: I was still leaning into the Capture One for tethered shooting; I still had my Nikon D2x.
Well, I thought I was going to keep my D2x until about 2 weeks ago when an had opportunity had crossed my desk that I could not pass up, I found a Nikon D800’s at a very reasonable price and low shutter actuations, around 31k,
Sure the D800’s was a full frame camera with a whopping 36.0 mp, with dual memory card ports and much higher dynamic and color range versus my crop sensor D2x, the main selling point for me was it was compatible with Lightroom cc. So I listed my D2x on eBay the next morning and by that evening it sold; I placed my order for the D800, and headed over tho Tether Tools web site to place my order for my tether cable and a few other accessories.
The D800 arrived first, followed by the tether cable a few days later, I had already set up my strobes for my first real test shoot, using D800, Adobe Lightroom cc, and the newly acquired tether cable and a tether block. (this secures the cable to the camera body with a plate and mounted on my Arca Swiss B1 monoball on the tripod.) This prevents the cable from being jerked out of the camera and cause damage.
First image I shot with the new camera, non tethered, Equipment used: Elinchrom Quadra w/ 1 head in a 35x140cm strip box with grid, Silver 4x6 reflector panel behind subject., Nikon D800 w/ a Elinchron Skyport HS transmitter , 85mm f1.8 , F16 @1/3200
Now the real test shoot came when I connected the D800 to my laptop per the tether cable. communication between Lightroom cc and the D800 took less than a minute (probably less cause I was looking at the prompts that appeared on the screen) I was ready to shoot.
My lovely wife sat for me for this test shoot, which by the way is part of a personal project I have been wanting to do for quite some time. During our session I was quite pleased with what I was seeing on the laptop, I was able to make better decisions on adjusting the amount of light, posing and critical focus.
The 2 images below are from the tethered session, Both images had basic yet minor adjustment done in Lightoom, with the exception of the second image I decided to slightly desaturated just for effect. I kept my set up simple and took full advantage of the high sync on the D800 and Elinchrom'; we shot at F16 with a shutter of 1/3200, using 1 Elinchrom pack and strobe with a socked 17” beauty dish.
And there we have it, this blog was not about one editing software being faster or better than the other, but more about using what I already had with a more updated camera. That’s not to say I wouldn’t want to give Capture one a spin around the block. Who knows, that might be a future blog; Lightroom cc versus Capture One.
The Unofficial Wedding Photographer
After 20 years, I tied the knot one last time; 2nd time only in my lifetime. The ceremony was small, simple. A few close friends and family were in attendance. Everyone pitched in to make our day as close to perfect as possible.
Cover Image By ©Sheena Pendley Design and Photography used with permission
After 20 years, I tied the knot one last time; 2nd time only in my lifetime. The ceremony was small, simple. A few close friends and family were in attendance. Everyone pitched in to make our day as close to perfect as possible.
I have participated as a “unofficial” photographer at a few weddings over the years, gifting my images to the newlyweds as seen in the 2 images below. So when it came to my own wedding it was no surprise I was to fill the roll as the “unofficial” photographer again, Though I was just as happy with a few smartphone images from our guest,
So I set up my gear for a few intimate portraitures of my own of my bride and her family after the ceremony, with the exception of an extra extraordinary friend and fellow photographer we invited, Sheena Pendley, She provided images of all in attendance; We invited Sheena as a guest, as our friend, It was a huge surprise and an honor she provided us with such beautiful images, making herself the unofficial photographer as I have done in the past.
Following the 5 images I shot, I have provided 4 images (aside from Sheena’s cover image) , along with a link to her professional website and the Facebook link to the rest of the images from our wedding that she so kindly shot for us at the end of this photoblog…..Enjoy...
Our Wedding
© Brian Cade Photography: Collective Works
© Brian Cade Photography: Collective Works
I wanted an image with my beautiful bride done with my lighting setup, so I handed my camera to my friend Tammy to get the shot.
Here are 4 sample images by photographer Sheena Pendley, her website and Facebook links are below.
©Sheena Pendley Design and Photography used with permission
Facebook:
Sheena Pendley Design + Photography
Website:
Beating The Odds:: A Story About My Miniature Schnauzer, Milo Pt 2 of
I’ve been in Milo’s life since he was 5 weeks old [he turned 7 years old in July]. In contrast, when he was just a little pup, I would hold him in my arms, with his head on my shoulder and tell him every day how much he meant to me, that I loved him and that where I go, he goes
I’ve been part of Milo’s life since he was 5 weeks old [he turned 7 years old in July]. In contrast, when he was just a little pup, I would hold him in my arms, with his head on my shoulder, and tell him every day how much he meant to me, that I loved him, and that wherever I go, he goes. I would also tell him I’d never abandoned him in some shelter and that I would never let anything bad happen to him. Needless to say, I felt so helpless during his time of need; I almost felt as if I was breaking a promise.
Midnight was upon us, Milo was up and down all night, and this continued into the early morning. I had laid out some blankets next to his bed to be close; I still couldn’t sleep, and every time he slightly moved or breathed, I was at his beck and call.
Milo grew weaker and weaker, with his belly sucked in and very tight, he was worsening by the minute. I began to Google his symptoms, and the only thing I thought it could be was the Parvovirus; I frantically searched through my files for Milo’s medical records to see when I had him vaccinated for parvo, but I came up empty-handed.
It was another two hours until Milo’s other vet would open. I had already decided that I would get Milo to the animal hospital well before the original 10 am appointment. It was just after 7 am when Milo and I hit the road heading to the animal hospital, about a 20-minute ride. I talked to Milo the whole way there, repeating his name to let him know I was still there.
It was just after 7 am when Milo and I hit the road heading to the animal hospital (about a 20-minute ride) I spoke to Milo the whole way there, saying his name over and over to let him know that I was still there.
At the Fairlea Animal Hospital, Fairlea, WV.
At the vet's office, we didn’t have to wait long before they had Milo and me in an examination room. Right away, Milo’s vet thought it was parvo; all the signs pointed to it. However, the area Milo and our two Dachshunds shared was always clean. I always picked up their feces and disposed of it properly. The area was mowed and fenced in—no other animals could get in unless they jumped the fence. Then we discussed what Milo had eaten before he became ill; the only other thing I had given him besides his dry food was some dried cranberries three days earlier. Milo’s core temperature was 97°F. They started running a test on him and putting him on an IV. They said they would contact me later that day.
3 days before Milo had gotten sick, July 28, 2019
Some hours later, the vet called. The good news was Milo tested negative for parvovirus, but they had him on IVs and were still running tests. They were trying to figure out what was affecting him. One possible cause the vet suggested was cranberries. I asked about Milo’s chances of pulling through. The answer was brief: they didn’t expect him to make it through the night; he had lost so much blood and could go into shock at any moment. The vet said that if Milo survived the night, he might face permanent effects on his heart, kidneys, or liver. My heart sank—I could lose him in minutes or hours. I felt I had let him down. The vet said they would do their best to keep him comfortable and would update me sometime on Friday afternoon.
I had been with Milo for the last two days, awake over 48 hours with him. This night was going to be very long for both of us. Milo was fighting for his life. I just wasn’t going to be there for what might be his final battle, win or lose.
It was Friday morning, August 2, 2019. I hadn’t slept again. I went to work that morning, running on pure adrenaline. I hoped Milo had pulled through, but a small part of me was bracing for the worst.
I had been with Milo for the last 2 days and had been awake for over 48 hours with him. This night was going to be very long for both me and for Milo; Milo had a battle on his hands, and I wasn’t going to be with him for what was ultimately the last battle, win or lose.
It was Friday morning, August 2, 2019. Again, I had not slept, and I went into work that morning, running on pure adrenaline. I was hopeful Milo had pulled through, yet a small part of me was bracing for the worst.
August 3, 8:32 am — I received the call I had been bracing myself for all night. Milo had made it through a rough night and was resting. He had drunk a little water and eaten a small amount of food. I was so thankful to the vet and staff for all they had done for him. Milo was going to stay at the hospital another night to ensure he didn’t rebound and to check his blood work. I received several updates throughout the day on Milo’s recovery, and I was very hopeful he was coming home.
Thank you for hanging in there to read Milo’s story. I had no idea what HGE was until I googled the symptoms. Although they were very similar to parvovirus, I knew it was not that.
This disease comes on suddenly and can be fatal if not treated within 24 hours. By the time this disease took full hold of Milo and his vet saw him, that window for recovery was almost closed. I have included some links below to shed light on this horrible disease. Please check them out and read the comments from others who have experienced this with their furbabies. I have also included Milo’s vet and their wonderful staff’s website.
Thank you for hanging in there to read Milo’s story. I had no idea what HGE was till I googled the symptoms. Though they were very similar to the parvovirus, I just knew it was not that.
This disease comes on without warning and can be fatal if not treated within 24 hours. By the time this disease took complete hold of Milo, and by the time his vets saw him, that window to recovery was almost closed. I have included some links below to shed light on this horrible disease. Please check them out and read the comment section about others who have experienced this with their furbabies. I have also included Milo’s vet and their wonderful staff’s website.
“Hero’s don’t always wear capes”
Fairlea Animal Hospital/ Servicing Small Animals
A Blog By Susan Bulanda/ Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, (HGE) in dogs
A Blog By Susan Bulanda/Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) in dogs revisited
South Boston Animal Hospital/What You Should Know About Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) in Dogs
VCA Hospitals/Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome in Dogs (Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis)
Beating The Odds: A Story About My Miniature Schnauzer, Milo Pt 1 of 2
Taking a slight detour from any photography and music themed blogs to tell a story of my amazing miniature Schnauzer, Milo and his bout with a life threatening condition called HGE (Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis) or AHDS (Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome) which it has been renamed. It’s a life threatening intestinal condition that can effect all healthy dogs, but is common in smaller breeds, such as Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers.
Taking a slight detour from photography and music-themed blogs to tell a story about my amazing miniature Schnauzer, Milo, and his bout with a life-threatening condition called HGE (Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis) or AHDS (Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome). It’s a life-threatening intestinal condition that can affect all healthy dogs. Still, it is common in smaller breeds, such as the Miniature Schnauzer and the Yorkshire Terrier.
Milo and his sister (Esme) don’t like thunderstorms.
On July 30th, the day before Milo was affected by HGE/AHDS, he was active like any other dog—playing and eating—showing no signs of distress. The following day began normally. I let Milo out to do his business, and when he came back inside, I offered him his morning Greenie dental treat; however, this time, he refused it. I then prepared his food as usual, but he merely sniffed it and walked away; he also didn’t drink any water, which was unusual for him. Initially, I thought the thunderstorms approaching our area that day might have triggered his reaction, as Milo was terrified of storms and often stayed close to us when one was nearby. I decided to stay home with him that day, and I noticed he was more clingy than usual, following me from room to room. I also observed that his stool was slightly runny. Again, I attributed his behavior to the impending thunderstorms.
As morning turned into afternoon, Milo still had not eaten or drunk any water. He even refused a treat I offered him. I thought he was just scared. By the late afternoon, I noticed Milo began to vomit. The vomit was foamy and contained thick, clear mucus. I saw something that looked like blood in it. I called Fairlea Animal Hospital immediately and made an appointment for him. They scheduled him for 10 a.m. the next day.
By 5 pm, Milo began to become lethargic, as if he were somewhere else. He clearly showed signs of something much more than a fear of storms or an upset stomach. His fur started to feel like straw. His vomit became denser with mucus and clingy to his mouth. By 6:09 pm, Milo wasn’t answering to his name at all, his vomiting was more frequent, and much more foam and mucus in texture. Then by 7:39 pm, His stool was pure blood. It started with him releasing small amounts of this, and within minutes, it was a puddle. Milo got to the point where he could barely make it outside before each episode.
All I could do was assure him that I was not leaving his side, make him as comfortable as possible, and let him know he was loved and cared for. Deep inside, I believe he has always known this. By 11:37 pm, the bloody diarrhea was still nothing but blood; it had a raspberry look about it with pieces of clotted blood, and it was getting worse. By now I was already awake over 24 hours with him, never leaving his side, if he breathed differently than usual I was there, if he got up from his bed I kept mt my eye on him; by 3:47 am Milo was straining, his poor gut to pass a stool, his stomach was tight and pushed in, with every strain, he groaned and grunted. This part of his life was breaking my heart. Milo did try to drink some water, and he lapped up as much as he could. Maybe he was out of the darkness; no sooner than Milo drank the water, he vomited every bit of it along with a precise, slimy mixture, with bits of white looking particles I believed were food he had eaten the day before. The darkness was only beginning.
Test: Pocket Light Meter App For iPhone X Pt 2 of 2
First a little back history on my RZ67, I bought this camera “as-is” last year, the electronics didn’t work, but the camera was still usable at the emergency shutter speed of 1//400th of a sec,
You live and you learn, sometimes the hard way. When I had decided to test the Pocket Light Meter App for iPhone X against my Sekonic L-358 light meter, I also decided to pair it with one of my medium format cameras had not tested; The Mamiya RZ67 Pro.
First a little back history on my RZ67, I bought this camera “as-is” last year, the electronics didn’t work, but the camera was still usable at the emergency shutter speed of 1//400th of a sec, The bad news is that since the cameras electronics were not operable, there is no warning that the dark slide was still in the film back, and unlike my other “manual” medium formats; the shutter button can not be engaged if the dark slide was still in the film back. So during the test, there were a lot of missed shots, I mean a whole lot of missed shots.
My test included the following:
Mamiya RZ67 Pro camera body
Mamiya Sekkor 50mm C lens
Mamiya RZ67 Pro II 120 film back
ilford HP5+ black and white 120 film
Pocket Light Meter for iPhone X
Sekonic L-358 light meter
For the most part of my test. the iPhone app pretty much kept up my handheld meter (Sekonic L-358) The readings for the highlights were point on, the Shadow readings were for the most part about a third off, no game killer though.
As stated above, the test would have been more in depth if I had not forgotten to remove the dark slide from the film back, resulting in many missed opportunities.
Will I trust this app for any future shoots: The short answer is Yes and No. If the shoot is for a client, I would always opt for my trusty handheld meter, personal projects on the other hand, I would switch between this app and my Sekonic.
The next time I plan to use this app will be when I shoot some 4x5 film in the next week or so. I’ll post the results from that shoot soon.
New/Old Gear: Toyo 45G II Large Format Camera
Well, I just added a new addition to my gear box; the Toyo 45G II 4X5 large format camera. I had always entertained the idea of buying a large format for years, within the past month I started looking at the Sinar F and P series, the Horseman 450 series and lastly the Toyo G series.
Well, I just added a new addition to my gear box; the Toyo 45G II 4X5 large format camera. I had always entertained the idea of buying a large format for years, within the past month I started looking at the Sinar F and P series, the Horseman 450 series and lastly the Toyo G series. All amazing cameras, the Toyo G II won in the end, Price and durability were key points in my purchase. Some other key points included:
> Rubberized knobs,
> Metal construction
> Super bright etched fresnel ground glass [ can’t wait to get a lens for it ]
> Revolving non vigneting film back
> Geared fine focus.
> Geared front and rear with fluid axis level
> Independent locks on all movements; front and rear standards, shift, swing and focus knobs
These are just a few of the stand out features that caught my eye.
Next I will be ordering some Ilford HP5+ Film from one of my favorite camera stores; B&H PHOTO in New York. Then next on the list is too research some lenses for the type of work I plan to use the GII for, mainly portraiture. I have 3 brands in mind; Schneider, Rodenstock , and Nikkor W series, something in the 180mm and 210mm focal lengths.
I can already see that I am going to have lots of fun with this large format camera.
Until next time.
Here are “some” of my top must see documentaries/movies ; about photography and/or photographers.
Here are “some” of my top must see documentaries/movies ; about photography and/or photographers.
1. IN YOUR FACE: The Neil Zlozower Story. Tells the Story of Legendary Music Photographer Neil Zlozower
2. SHOT! The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra of Rock: The Story of Legendary Photographer Mick Rock.
3. The B-Side: Elsa Dorfman’s Portrait Photography, First Woman to shoot With The 20x24 Polaroid Camera.
4. Smash His Camera: The Story of Notorious, Reviled Photographer, Ron Galella
5. Hondros: Documentary of War Photographer Chris Hondros, Killed Photographing The Civil War in Libya.
6. The Photographer of Mauthausen: The Film Tells the Story of Photographer Francisco Boix and His Life in The Mauthausen Concentration Camp.
7. Kodachrome:
8. Salvador: A 1986 Drama about the Salvadoran Civil War, Starring James Wood.
9. Photographer Albert Watson: Presented By The Smithsonian Art Museum and The ASMP.
10. Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens
Test: Pocket Light Meter App For iPhone X Pt 1 of 2
So recently I purchased another photography app for my Apple iPhone X; The Pocket Light Meter Nuwaste studios ($10.99). Since I always have my phone with me, I thought it would be a great companion for my gear
So recently I purchased another photography app for my Apple iPhone X; The Pocket Light Meter Nuwaste studios ($10.99). Since I always have my phone with me, I thought it would be a great companion for my gear since I have been known to forget my traditional light meter at home from time to time,
Right out of the gate I noticed setting the ISO, shutter speed and aperture were a breeze on this app. it handled much like my old Minolta spot meter, the downside of the app version is it can’t take 2 separate readings for a combined exposure as in the Minolta spot meter had done. The other thing I noticed was comparing light readings between the app and my traditional light meter fell between a 3rd of a stop for the most part, not a deal breaker, but noted throughout these tests.
I am running some test paired with my Sekonic L-358 meter. Part 2 of this blog will have the final images from these test. As for the gear I will be using; Mamiya RZ67 Pro camera with a Mamiya RZ67 Pro II 6x7 film back, Mamiya Sekor C 50mm f/4.5 lens and Ilford HP5 + 120 film.
I hope to have my film ready to process in the next week or so, and part 2 of this blog written shortly there.
A New Year; No Excuses.
Hard to believe how I allowed time to slip away (again) from me, I had not blogged in about 3 months. A lot has happened since then, mostly with the new house; Acquiring some needed essentials for both my office and Barbara'a quilting room, bookshelves, desk, picture frames etc.
I have a few edits on the table from personal favors I had photographed for friends and family, still, I plan for a few self-assignments of my own that need to be more on the forefront than I have allowed.
lastly, my year ended with the passing of a friend from back home, celebrity and portrait photographer, the legendary Marc Hauser. I am thankful that he and I were able to reconnect through social media over the past 8 years. Marc had been and still is a huge influence on what I had done and plan to do in photography.
Hopefully, January will be the springboard I so desperately need to launch my medium format portrait sessions on film, luckily I still have people still wanting to participate in these projects.
Brian