I've made some upgrades in the photo dept. as of late and I have finally gotten a chance to spin my wheels with it a bit. First up, the upgrades: Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 180mm f/3.5 L USM Macro. The 5D is quite the pig when it comes to pixels. If you are using a Rebel (as I was before) you are going to think this camera is awesome. If you are 1D users, then you might be disappointed. The macro lens is something I've had for a week or so. I'm still getting used to it.

The new lens has given my an opportunity to try a new technique for macro photos called focus stacking. I picked up Helicon Focus to work the rendering. Basically, the idea is the same as HDR images - take multiple shots, only this time vary the focus on each bracket and have the software put them together.

So, for example, these two exposures show the limitations of depth of field for macro shots. Both were taken at f/16 with the focus placed either at the extreme foreground or background. Of course, normally you would just aim for the front, say the elephant's face and let everything else fall where it may. That's fine and all, but sometimes the bokeh blur is eliminating details that are important. So if you bracket exposures and drag the focus from foreground to background you can get all the details you want.

Pictures of nick-nacks are fine, but how about botanics? Well, they totally kick ass...

Dang, it's only been six weeks since the last post. I cannot lie and pretend that my interests have not been elsewhere. But, whatever. If all three of the riders here are still willing to share some jams, so be it. It's best to just jump straight back in, whether you're lagging behind on blogging, Poker DE practice or a college assignment.

As of late, I've gotten a nice injection of tunes from my spin instructor. Yeah, sometimes it takes a young blonde female that likes to listen to Powerman 5000-type stuff to get you out of a funk. Fine. With. Me.

One of the artists shared is Incubus, which has been loaded up the Jams*. I hadn't had any exposure to the band prior to this and I have to say that I am nicely surprised, enough to be attending the concert in Chicago in July. They've got a depth that goes beyond the average pop-metal bands, and a diversity that keeps you on your toes. Anyway, those are the hits, and I think each one has merit. Enjoy.

*Of course, the Mint Jams are listen-only. If you wish to purchase the music go here.