A Jetski story...

Photographing Jetski races is one of the most difficult tasks of photography and one of the least discussed online because of the little global interest among people.  Being an expensive sport there are few people able to achieve both physical and financial support for this kind of exercise.  Someone needs to be in constant contact with the sea (or lake) throughout the year in order not to lose his skills.  This is also a sport that demands a lot of free time and access to the sea and it is difficult for city people to combine it with their daily jobs.

Stop the spamming!!!

Dear spammers,

it seems you have not understood that there's no chance of anonymously posting your BS with some links inside to lure or trick the readers of this blog.  Every comment goes through examination before it is released, so please stop wasting your time trying to post some random text you pulled out of your head in order to expose your sites etc.

IT WILL NOT WORK!!!!
 
All comments are now blocked. You can comment only if you have a facebook account or you are a registered user (Google+ etc)

Marianna summer shooting

This was the first photo shooting for Marianna and I must say it went very good for a first timer. The main object of the photo shooting was to . take some stock-related photographs and give Marianna the chance to familiarize with being in front of the camera.  Needless to say that it went very good and she showed true professionalism (and even beyond that, to a point I had to stop her!!).  

Canon Canon 700D and Canon EOS 100D Hands-on Preview on dpreview

Those guys on dpreview just posted a hands-on preview for the new Canon 700D and Canon 100D.

Links here: http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canon-eos-100d-rebel-sl1

and here: http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canon-eos-700d-rebel-t5i

Canon EOS 700D preview

With the EOS 700D/Rebel T5i, Canon's made an early move to replace last year's 650D/Rebel T4i, though one with only very minor refinements. Indeed the changes over the 650D are so subtle that it's the older T3i/600D that stays on alongside the 700D - while the too-similar 650D fades into the sunset. Among the few improvements, the 700D includes a new mode dial that turns 360 degrees, a new 'upmarket' body finish; and real-time preview of Creative Filters in Live View mode. 

Adobe posts Lightroom 4.4 and ACR 7.4 release candidates

Adobe has announced 'release candidate' versions of Lightroom 4.4 and Adobe Camera Raw 7.4. As usual, the latest near-complete versions add support for recent cameras. What makes this release especially significant, however, is improved support for Fujifilm's X-Trans sensor models, including the X-Pro1 and X-E1. The Lightroom update also corrects a series of bugs present in the current version of the software. As usual, release candidates are considered well tested but not final.

 

Click here to download the Adobe Camera Raw 7.4 release candidate from Adobe Labs

Click here to download the Lightroom 4.4 release candidate from Adobe Labs

Aghia Samarina, August 2011

Aghia Samarina is an old church located near Kalogerorachi in Messinia.  I had to locate it on Google maps, then take the coordinates and copy them to my mobile GPS device to find the exact spot.  The name is said that it derives from Aghia Marina (=Santa Marina =Samarina), but it is widely known as Aghia Samarina.  The church has some ancient parts that are built into the walls.

Nikon issues service advisory on D600's dust issue

There have been numerous complaints about dust and dirt accumulation on the camera's sensor for Nikon's D800 and D600 cameras.  I have personally heard owners of D800 cameras say they had them serviced and I have read one specific review of a repaired D800 saying that the Nikon service guys were just using duct tape to solve the dust issue with pictures of the camera after it had been serviced.  Well now Nikon issued an advice for all affected camera owners to have their camera serviced mentioning specifically the D600 model. Here's the service advisory from Nikon's European Site.

Nikon announces the D7100

 Melville, NY (February 20, 2013) – Nikon Inc. today announced the D7100, the HD-SLR that ushers in a new era of DX-format image quality and functionality for the experienced shooter and photo enthusiast. The lightweight Nikon D7100 has an impressive array of intuitive features and controls bolstered by rapid performance and a robust feature set that includes a new 24.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, Nikon’s 51-point AF system and wireless connectivity.

Nikos Ifantis to win PTTL best photo contest

I was very happy to be informed that another good friend of mine won the first prize with his impressive photo on PTTL.  Nikos Ifantis is a photographer with a very good eye when it comes to taking a photo.  With Nikos we are good internet friends and we met in person some years ago at a photo exhibition back in 2009 and later again in 2011. His unique perspective makes the images as if they were shot in a parallel universe, where you can't see what he sees even if you are looking at the same direction. 

Birdie, birdie please stand still!!

Shooting birds is not an easy task (and I don't mean just shooting them down with a rifle!).  The birds can rarely stand still for a second and these few seconds are when the action starts for most photographers. Having the proper combination of equipment also helps to freeze motion a bit, maybe raise the ISO, lower the aperture and remove all filters from the lens.  But have you ever wondered what really makes the shot?

Ancient Messini in 2012

I just could not miss "portes" of Mavromati in my last visit to the area. A pleasant ascent in green and quietness, that every time I drive through I find it even more beautiful than the last time, or I have more and more the need to get lost in the green embrace of nature…

Karytaina April 2011

Karytaina is a village and a community in Arcadia, Greece. It was the seat of the former municipality Gortyna. in 2001 Karytaina had a population of 204 for the village and 257 for the community, which includes the villages Kalyvakia and Karvounaris. Karytaina is situated on a hill on the right bank of the river Alfeios, near its confluence with the Lousios. The Frankish Castle of Karytaina was built on a steep rocky outcrop in 1245 by Hugues de Bruyères. During Frankish domination (13th-15th century) its name was Skorta.

Davelis Cave, 2011

Davelis Cave is a well-known cave in Penteli, a mountain to the north of Athens, Greece. Davelis Cave was brought to light around the 5th century BC. The surrounding area was used as a marble quarry by the builders of the Acropolis, and the cave was discovered by chance, during works for the extraction of marble.

Rafina July 2011

Rafina is a town located on the eastern coast of Attica in Greece. It has a population of 10,701 inhabitants (2001 census). Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Rafina-Pikermi, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit.

Archaeological Museum of Kalamata in 2011

The museum building is located at the heart of the historic center of Kalamata, where the Municipal Market of the city used to be, a place that was bustling with merchants and shoppers every day. 

Ancient Messini

Messini was an ancient city in Messinia prefecture in the southwest section of Peloponissos. It is located next to Mavromati village. 

Vasilis Protopapas 2nd place in dpreview challenge

With a photo submitted at Wednesday 30th January 2013, Greek photographer (and internet friend) Vasilis Protopapas scored 2nd place at dpreview challenge with theme "Stone Bridges". 

Tokina exhibits 70-200mm F4 FX and 12-28mm F4 DX lenses at CP+

Tokina has announced it will be exhibiting two soon-to-be-released lenses at the CP+ trade show in Japan. The AT-X 70-200 F4 PRO FX VCM-S is a telephoto zoom that's designed for use on both full frame and APS-C SLRs, and features both optical image stabilisation and a ring-type ultrasonic autofocus motor with full-time manual override. 

Neda, then and now...

Neda is a river of Peloponnisos at the frontier of Ilia and Messinia. It flows from Mount Lykaion, westward and into the Ionian Sea, between the shores of Kyparissia and Zacharo. Its length is 32 km.

Nature closeups

When I last visited my hometown, it was only a matter of time until I hit the fields near my village.  I was thinking about taking some macro shots of nature such as mushroom and fungus related and I just waited for the right time to come, preferable after a small rain.  The weather was cloudy and the light not adequate for a crisp handheld shot at desirable values.  I had to use an upper ISO value of 800 and I witnessed the shutter speed dropping at just above 1/25 with many shots requiring 1/40.

Marianna "Furry"

By the time I arrived at Kalamata, Marianna and I had already planned a photo shooting with the general idea of a "furry" theme.  The weather was better than fine and after deciding the type of clothing and type of accessories to bring with us, all we had to do was find a place to start shooting.  We decided that it was a good idea to head for Kapetanakis tower near Sotirianika village, not far from Kalamata.  So we headed, fully equipped and with lots of ideas.

Nikon D5200, 24MP DSLR with 39-point AF gets US launch

THE ARTISTS' MODERN MUSE: THE NIKON D5200 INSPIRES USERS TO CAPTURE CREATIVELY

Las Vegas, CES Booth #8643 (January 7, 2013) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the U.S. availability of the Nikon D5200, a camera that provides the imaginative features and D-SLR versatility needed to fulfill any creative vision through stunning imagery and Full HD video. Whether new to D-SLR shooting, or for those simply ready to step-up to a higher level of photography, the 24.1-megapixel D5200 will inspire new ways to capture with an easy-to-use interface, in-camera Special Effects and creative modes, plus the ability to share wirelessly in an instant. 

Christmas in Kalamata

Sunny Christmas in Kalamata, the weather was good and the nights a bit chilly.  The town was decorated with few, but beautiful lights.  The truth is that the decorations were not as much because of the low cost budget at the time of economic crisis in Greece,  but people were not letting this to restrict them to their houses.

Christmas in Athens

Would I spend Christmas in Athens?  Well…yes and no.  You see, I am a countryside person; I don’t like crowds and stupid events that cost a lot of money.  I would prefer buying some food for the poor man next door and maybe a stroll in a high mountain from time to time.  

Mikrolimano, Piraeus December 2012

It is mid-December and it had been a while since my last photo shooting.  You might not get it, but for us photographers (and by the term I don’t mean the business-oriented fellows with no fantasy that only raise their camera just for money) this is far too long.  I was in the mood for a good photo and I would do almost anything to get one.  I did my research and had a couple of locations in my mind.  Being mostly a landscape photographer I had some difficulty in finding something “nice” in the city.  I know that it was almost Christmas and the city was decorated with all the lights the economic crisis allowed to glow, but I found it ordinary and overused.  At last I decided to head for Mikrolimano in Piraeus, a little marina full of light and opportunities.  

Bokeh Christmas Images Ideas

Christmas time has come and now it's the time to create great images using your creativity.  All type of lenses can be used for these shots, your imagination is the only barrier. There are many ways and tutorials out there and I have selected my favorite ones and when done right the results will amaze you.

Neohori Ithomis blog

It was asked and here it is: The link for my other blog for Neohori Ithomis (near Meligala). It will be a permanent link under About me section.

The blog is scheduled to feature photographs and articles about the area and people there.  I am responsible for the photographic part and also writing some words when it is needed.

Exposing to the Right

 
by Elliot Hook

source: digital-photography-school 

Exposing to the right (often referred to as ETTR) is a technique that seems to polarize opinions across the internet so you can find plenty of examples of people supporting its use and an equal number of people claiming it adds no value.  The principles of the technique however do hold value and are valid to consider when out taking images.  As it is a technique that I regularly employ when photographing landscapes I wanted to share the reasoning behind it, and show an example of the benefit it can bring.

Adobe Announces HiDPI Support in Lightroom 4.3 and Camera Raw 7.3 Release Candidates

Press Release:

Adobe Announces HiDPI Support in Lightroom 4.3 and Camera Raw 7.3 Release Candidates

Adobe today announced the availability of Lightroom 4.3 and Camera Raw 7.3 release candidates on Adobe Labs. The Lightroom 4.3 Release Candidate includes support for HiDPI displays within the Develop Module, and both updates add raw file support for the following cameras: