Depth of field is the big problem with macro, and can only partially be solved by heaving lots of light at the subject so that you can use a fast shutter speed (where necessary) AND a smal aperture.

G

There is no point in shooting both RAW and JPG at once, unless you urgently need to print off some pictures before you have time to process them properly.

There are actually no arguments in favour of shooting JPEG except file size, unless you have a point and shoot and are happy to do no post-processing.

It's just as quick to process a batch of RAW files in a proper converter as it is to process JPEGs (though you do need to go off and have a coffee while the computer does the conversion).

The paid-for version of Silkypix does batch conversions of all supported RAW files (including all varieties of PEF) and DNG.

G

It's my view that the best accessory you can buy for your camera is a good RAW converter.

And the best RAW converter is probably Silkypix. I don't really do any post-processing to speak of, after the RAW conversion, because Silkypix does everything that I need to do with a whole image (full or cropped).

It won't allow me to work on selected areas of an image, so for that, or for serious image manipulation, I use Picture Window Pro. But I avoid doing so if I can possibly help it.

G

You could get a job with Sigma any day. They use sticky tape in their lenses, too.

G

I'm very disappointed.

I go away for a few days, and all hell breaks out.

Apparently, people were being rude to each other.

Don't they know that's my job?

Bah!

G

I'm a bit slow today. I've only just realised who he was quoting, although I did think it sounded rather familiar.

G

I think that's only a fair point if you, or I, were just general viewers. But we're not, we're photographers, and we have a legitimate interest in the tools other photographers use to create their masterworks.

You can bet that when Leonardo and Michelangelo met, they discussed tools and techniques, paints and paintbrushes.

G

Well done, Daniel, a sterling effort. Perhaps in future we should make the winner just choose the subject, and let the loser do the judging!

And congratulations, Lilly. There were some very good pictures here, so winning is quite an accolade.

This competition is proving to be a great success. I think the absence of lots of rules is good, though personally I would like to see people mention the camera and lens, and perhaps the exposure details too.

G

K10D, FA 100 1:2.8 macro, AF360FGZ, 1/180 at f5.6.




G

Gu is the name for a newish range of high quality desserts, many made of chocolate, that are stocked by some supermarkets.

They are superb. Divine. Scrumptious. Especially the souffle.

G