A lucky day today. I just made a random stop at March to take some pictures and witnessed a bit of history as an F-16 departed for it's last flight to it's place of retirement.

As discussed on podcast #53 (to be released tonight)

Posted by Allen Rockwell at 03:01 PM | Permalink

As discussed in podcast #53 (to be released tonight)

Posted by Allen Rockwell at 02:59 PM | Permalink

As discussed in podcast #53 (to be released tonight)

Posted by Allen Rockwell at 02:59 PM | Permalink

I've always wanted a roof rack for my truck that could double as a photography platform (especially for shooting at airshows). I've been shopping around for one for a while and i discovered two things, a good one costs about $1000 and if I bought one I'd have to do some serious modifications to it to suite my needs.

So... Monday I ran out and bought a bunch of metal tube and some hardware and started welding. About $150.00 and about 10 hours of hard labor later and I have exactly what I wanted.

The ladder in the back folds up and out of the way or can be removed with two quick release pins. There are 6 locations in the floor of the platform with threaded fittings where I can screw in a eye bolt for lashing down a tripod. The platform is carpeted and reasonable comfortable.

Posted by Allen Rockwell at 07:35 PM | Permalink

I took this shot just to force myself to approach these guys and ask if I could take their picture. It's amazing how hard it is to approach people and ask that question. I'll keep practicing till it becomes more natural.

Posted by Allen Rockwell at 10:21 PM | Permalink

Created from 5 RAW images taken at +/- 2EV and tone mapped in Photomatix Pro.

Posted by Allen Rockwell at 03:44 AM | Permalink

Went out and did some night shooting tonight. This one is an HDR created from 5 RAW files shot at +/- 2EV.

Posted by Allen Rockwell at 03:38 AM | Permalink

There comes a time in every young man's life when he needs to get serious about tripods.

For about the last year I have been supporting about $9000 of equipment (600mm f/4L and 1D Mark III) on a $100 monopod and I have to admit that I've nearly dropped this rig more than once, especially when trying to juggle more than one camera. So this week I got serious and bought a tripod and head that are made for this sort of heavy gear.

Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X carbon fiber tripod and Wimberly Gimbal Tripod head II.

Posted by Allen Rockwell at 03:46 AM | Permalink