Project Gwaihir

To get more familiar with the video features of my camera, I am making a video of Gwaihir, Norman's Harley-Davidson Electraglide Classic which is up for sale. This past Saturday, Norman and I went to Thundering Eagle Motorsports here in Lubbock, TX where Gwahir is patiently residing until he meets his next owner. Photos are Gwahir and a window with the Thundering Eagle Motorsports logo.

Flower Shot

I've been enjoying reading The Digital Photography Book written by Scott Kelby. It has a lot of good tips for beginning photographers. This book has a chapter about taking pictures of flowers. I'm not so crazy about flower pictures, but it seemed like an simple set up so I gave it a shot. This is what I got. I think it came out pretty good. The black background is my black coat.

60D f/4 55mm ISO 100

Downtown Guy

I took my 60D downtown to give it it's first on the street experience. This guy was walking down the street and waived at me. Then he sat down on a bench in front of First Methodist Church. So, I went up and asked if I could take a picture of hime. He said, "Fire away, little girl." So, I did. I did not tell him that I'm not a little girl.

Lens: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100, f/11

Why I went with 60D

This might be a little longer than what I normally write.

Originally, I was plannnig to get a 7D because all the stellar reviews I've read in magazines and consumer reviews on B & H photo. However, a couple factors led me to purchase the 60D.

The biggest factor in my decision making was that neither 7D, nor 60D, nor the Rebel are full frame sensor cameras. Full frame sensors in Cannon start with the 5D MarkII which is $2499; out of my price range. I would have loved to have one of these full frame cameras if I could afford one because it is with these sensors that one can get that super rich cinematic look. So my reasoning was, if I have to get a cropped-frame one assuming that I would upgrade one day to a full frame camera, I might as well save some pennies getting the 60D which is about $700 less than the 7D but produces identical picture quality.

Next, I liked the fact that the 60D was not as heavy as the 7D. 7Ds have a much sturdier built because the body is made with magnesium alloy and it's supposed to be like a tank and completely weather proof. But that means it's also very heavy for a little lady like me. The 60D is made of polycarbonate plastic, but it doesn't feel plasticy at all. I suppose that people whith bigger hands than me would prefer the 7D. 7D does feel real solid in the hand.

Finally the flip screen of the 60D sealed the deal for me. I didn't put this into much consideration at first, but over and over again, I read how handy this feature is, especially for video people. I also read that this is the best LCD screen among all cannon SLRs.

I would have loved if the 60D used compact flash instead of an HD card. CF seems a little more sturdier and just cooler in general. I also would have loved if 60D had high def HDMI output like 7D instead of starndard def. output. Finally I would have loved if the 60D displayed 100% of the image in the viewfinder instead of 96%. That would have made this the perfect camera.

Still, I am so satisfied with my purchase, and with the lower cost of the camera, I was able to get a 24-100mm f/4 L series zoom lens. It seem to me the right choice since I can only afford one lense at this time.

Next is to figure out what buttons to push on this camera to get the picture I want.

Done and Done

I've spent countless hours conceptualizing and producing this Doritos commercial.
I've been writing positive affirmations each night that I would make the best Doritos ad in the universe. I don't know if it's the best one, but I'm quite pleased to see how it came out. And I certainly gave 10,000%.So here is the moment of truth.

People

Dealing with people does not come easy to me. I have learned through many unpleasant experience that I have trouble acting unintimidated and people do read that. This was a big reason why I did not choose to go into the creative field earlier in my life was. However, I am constantly working on what I perceive as a shortcoming and I'm glad I have the opportunity, ability to grow.

This video entails some of my efforts.

Set Back

It was the classic mistake. Somehow, I lost my 5 hours work of edits on Doritos.
It happened despite the fact that I was very careful and made backups. Sigh.
It could have been worse, a lot worse, so I should be thankful that I was able to redo all the work in good time. It still took 8 hours.