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  1. bilzmale

    It's been 10 good years but it's time to bid farewell.

    Ten years ago today I followed Amin Sabet and BBW over here to the newly resurrected Serious Compacts forum. I was very fortunate to spend some of those early times as a Mod and as the publican of Bill's Pub. There have been very few days when I've not visited at least once and I've enjoyed...
  2. bilzmale

    Some advanced selfie ideas for lock-down.

    Sharing a video from DPS that may inspire bored photographers.
  3. bilzmale

    Animals Back in the aquarium game.

    Not quite nature but they are animals. We have kept fish on and off for over 50 years and recently decided to reinstall this 25-year-old 60L octagonal tank. I have been running it for a month empty of fish to establish the nitrogen cycle and allow beneficial bacteria to colonise. Been testing...
  4. bilzmale

    My camera gear rationalization strategy is under way (again!).

    About 3 or 4 years ago I decided to get out of mirrorless and just use fixed lens cameras. I settled on a Sony RX10 III for versatility and a Fuji X100T for its style. This was driven largely by my developing Parkinson's Disease and the resulting clumsiness - a sound decision. In the last...
  5. bilzmale

    Software Selective colour in Luminar 4.

    Found this interesting video from Dave Kelly showing how to use the B&W tool to reintroduce selective colour(s). Jump straight to Saturation sliders (ie do not convert to B&W first) as this screenshot shows.
  6. bilzmale

    Nature Leaf Fall.

    I often regret (photographically) that in Australia we don't have a fall season but here in mid-summer we can get a leaf buildup. Here is a selection of treatments from the driveway.
  7. bilzmale

    Software Topaz Mask AI released.

    The next of Topaz' AI offerings is a remake of Remask 5. It is not cheap at $100 but as usual there is a discount for early adopters ($70). I've spent a few hours playing today with mixed results. It is a bit buggy still and there is very minimal instructional material yet at Topaz. If you...
  8. bilzmale

    Mucking about with HDR software.

    It's not a secret that I'm a keen software collector and tryer-outer. When I was putting the 2020 version of On1 Photo RAW to the test I was disappointed with how it merged a 3 photo exposure bracket from the X100T (+1. 0, -1). So also owning Aurora 2019, Photomatix Pro 6.1.1 and Franzis HDR...
  9. bilzmale

    Micro 4/3 Finally tried some focus bracketing.

    The E-M1 Mk I added focus bracketing with firmware 1.4. After tracking down a video I tried it today. I used the Pana 20mm f1.7 and used a 22 shot bracket which was about 10 more than I needed. Experiments will continue. I stacked the shots in Franzis Focus 4 and it did a good job on the...
  10. bilzmale

    Micro 4/3 Help me bond with the Sigma 30mm f2.8.

    I bought this lens a few months ago as a 1/2 price special from the Aussie agent. At the time I couldn't stretch to the Panasonic 20mm f1.7. I've since picked up a 20mm and can't find any love for the 30mm. Can anyone suggest why I should keep the 30? On m4/3 it is equiv to 60mm - perhaps it...
  11. bilzmale

    Amazing lightning shot at 1000fps.

    https://petapixel.com/2019/09/26/storm-chaser-creates-jaw-dropping-reel-of-4k-1000fps-lightning-footage/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PetaPixel+%28PetaPixel%29
  12. bilzmale

    Wildlife Comedy Photo Awards.

    These are hilarious. https://petapixel.com/2019/09/12/comedy-wildlife-photography-awards-finalists-prove-that-nature-has-a-sense-of-humor/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PetaPixel+%28PetaPixel%29
  13. bilzmale

    Sigma Sigma fp. No one saw that coming.

    World's smallest full-frame camera. https://petapixel.com/2019/07/11/sigma-unveils-the-fp-the-worlds-smallest-full-frame-mirrorless-camera/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PetaPixel+%28PetaPixel%29
  14. bilzmale

    Generalist or Specialist?

    Nothing earthshaking here but I'm very much a generalist interested in landscapes, panoramas, close-ups, family, wide-angle and fisheye, flowers and nature and infrared. Share your interests. https://digital-photography-school.com/generalist-vs-specialist-photography-what-best-describes-you/
  15. bilzmale

    Software Topaz Adjust AI - free to some previous owners.

    As per headline if you own earlier copies of Topaz Adjust, Clarity or Detail you will get a free copy. Just download, install and log in with your account details. For me this is the best of the AI based revisions from Topaz. https://topazlabs.com/adjust-ai/ref/96/ Link also to a Jim Nix...
  16. bilzmale

    Me and PD.

    On a couple of occasions on this forum I've mentioned that I have Parkinson's Disease (PD). I was diagnosed in 2013 but have probably had it for at least 10 years. I want to share some of the insights I now have by posting here once or twice a week. My intention is to keep it pretty light. I'd...
  17. bilzmale

    Dusk - full moon.

    Looking east. Moon at 600mm (cropped). Looking west through the power lines.
  18. bilzmale

    The New House at Number 35.

    There is a new house being built on the block behind our house. I have taken a few photos at significant stages and thought I'd continue to share them from time to time in this thread. Unfortunately, I missed recording the demolition. Photos are taken with the Samyang 7.5mm fisheye lens set to...
  19. bilzmale

    Infrared Images Comparison of various IR wavelength filters. B&W jpgs for interest only - sooc.

    If I want an infrared image to be B&W I always process from RAW. However, I set my IR camera to RAW + jpg and use a B&W camera preset. The only reason for this is that the viewfinder is easier to see in B&W than the mostly red IR version. The sooc images below are just for interest.
  20. bilzmale

    Infrared Images Comparison of various IR wavelength filters. Processsed from RAW.

    The 5 RAW images in the previous post are processed as follows: 1. In Adobe Camera Raw apply a pre-prepared camera profile which is based on a custom IR white balance. 2. In ACR use the eyedropper to set local WB from a neutral area. 3. In PS use the Channel Mixer to swap the Red and Blue...
  21. bilzmale

    Infrared Images Comparison of various IR wavelength filters. RAW.

    As I've mentioned I own a full spectrum converted infrared camera so it 'sees' most of the ultraviolet and infrared range of light (deliberately blocked in a normal camera) as well as the visible spectrum. You can limit this to parts of the visible + infrared spectrum by using external filters...
  22. bilzmale

    Free Franzis HDR Projects Professional 4.

    This is available for a week from the link below. I own and use V 5 Pro. It will blend exposure brackets or a single file. It is German software and English support is basic but it is reasonably intuitive to use even if you just rely on the presets...
  23. bilzmale

    Here's one for Jock, and all other raptor fans.

    Check out this image. https://petapixel.com/2019/05/20/photographer-catches-bald-eagle-with-symmetrical-reflection/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PetaPixel+%28PetaPixel%29
  24. bilzmale

    Software DxO Nik Collection 2 rumoured soon.

    No details available yet. https://photorumors.com/2019/05/15/new-nik-collection-2-by-dxo-to-be-release-soon/
  25. bilzmale

    I don't want to teach grandma to suck eggs but .....

    ..... I found this video from David Du Chemin on 'Making the Image' instructive. The Photographer's Process
  26. bilzmale

    Software Suggestion that Adobe might be canning its $10 a month plan.

    Not sure of the truth of the matter but this is from Petapixel. Adobe's $10 Photography Plan Gone from Site: Cheapest is $20/Month
  27. bilzmale

    Infrared Gear Infrared false colour.

    You have seen my palm tree (Cocos plumosa) a few times here but there was an interesting sky today so tried a few Ps infrared actions I've collected and collaged them for easy viewing.
  28. bilzmale

    Infrared Gear Starting to crack the infrared code?

    I have visited IR photography many times over the years and have previously owned two converted cameras (Oly E500 and Canon G9) prior to picking up a Pana GF1 this month with a broad spectrum conversion ( sees UV + Visible + IR). The advantage of this is by changing the external filters you can...
  29. bilzmale

    Variations on a Theme.

    Took this palm shot a week or two ago and played around with sky replacement in LandscapePro 3. Top left is the original. Some tweaking after sky replacement in On1. Reactions welcome.
  30. bilzmale

    Software You may be entitled to a free copy of Topaz' new Sharpen AI.

    Released last week this new AI-based sharpening app is available from https://topazlabs.com/sharpen-ai/ It is free to owners of Topaz In Focus or the Complete Bundle. Apparently Topaz is emailing upgrade tokens to those eligible but I found my token in my online account. First impressions are...
  31. bilzmale

    Summer Fun - Perth WA - 2019

    Tomorrow is Australia Day and I thought I'd add some summer cheer for our freezing northern members. Taken at a popular family spot - Point Walter on our beautiful Swan River. The first 5 images are defished in PaintShop Pro using the Samyang 7.5mm. The remaining 8 images are from the 14-150...
  32. bilzmale

    Micro 4/3 Samyang Fisheye arrived today.

    I've owned the 7.5mm f/3.5 from Samyang before so was keen to add a copy as I re-enter :mu43:. My as new s/hand lens arrived a few hours ago. I found Paintshop Pro to do the best job of de-fishing, much better than Fisheye-Hemi. A few samples including a 3 shot pano not defished. PSPro defish...
  33. bilzmale

    Micro 4/3 Oly 14-150 arrived today.

    My :mu43: kit is coming together. The E-P3 is back on ebay and my E-M1 MkI and Oly 60mm macro lens were joined today by a brand new 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II. It's not optically fast but is very versatile. A couple of shots from the back patio.
  34. bilzmale

    Time to revive this thread?

    Recently took advantage of my new-to-me Olympus OM-D E-M1 with the Oly 60mm f/2.8 macro. Years since I had a real macro lens and my technique needs work (not many keepers). Think I need to resort to a tripod as my PD really effects this handheld. Anyway, enough excuses so here are a few shots...
  35. bilzmale

    Got the determination for a 52 week photo challenge?

    Not for me but someone might find this useful. Shoot This 52-Week Photo Challenge to Improve Your Skills in 2019
  36. bilzmale

    Are these old MF lenses worth saving?

    I have 2 old film lenses that came with a pair of Zenit SLRs I bought many years ago. Neither of them rotate freely. They are : Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 50mm f2.9 (a tiny lens with stuck focus ring). Helios-44-2 58mm f2 (heavy lens with stuck aperture ring). Are either of them worth...
  37. bilzmale

    Manual Lens Olympus OM 50mm f1.4

    Since venturing back into :mu43: I've tried a few old MF lenses and had most success with the Oly 50. Taken indoors at my desk and it's a rubbish photo but had to share the dof available at 1.4. This was on the E-P3 which I've already upgraded to an E-M1 (still in the post) and I can't wait to...
  38. bilzmale

    Micro 4/3 Should I upgrade?

    I've recently bought back into :mu43: with an E-P3, 14mm, 14-42mm, 60mm macro and VF-4. Being honest I'm a bit underwhelmed with the E-P3 and am now lusting after an OM-D EM-1 body (MK I). Offloading the E-P3, 14-42 and VF-4 I'd need to outlay another $300. My main cameras are a Sony RX10 III...
  39. bilzmale

    Micro 4/3 Anyone had experience with the 7 Artisans Fisheye.

    I've recently bought back into :mu43: with an E-P3, 14mm, 14-42mm, 60mm macro and VF-4. I previously owned a Samyang fish eye but recently noticed the 7a version at about 1/3 the price. Any comments? NEWYI 7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Manual Fisheye lens for Micro 4/3, SONY NEX E mount | eBay
  40. bilzmale

    Franzis Denoise Projects is 80% off today.

    Standalone denoise software is a bit old hat these days but this is worth a look. Free trial available. Denoise projects - Photo Editing Software - 80% off Mac & PC
  41. bilzmale

    Software Luminar 3 released early in Australia, Austria and Canada.

    Yes I've got my copy of Luminar 3 three days early. Looks like they chose the first letters in 3 continents and the rest is coming on the 18th. It is reasonably quick to download but rather slow to install (3-5 minutes). After install it asks your image location and 'loads' the images -...
  42. bilzmale

    Philosophy Embracing the Shadows.

    Came across this video by Sean Tucker which I enjoyed. It does end with a commercial plug but I still found it thought provoking. Embracing Shadows in Photography - A Lesson for Light and Life
  43. bilzmale

    I feel a Saga unfolding ...

    ... as I try to get my latest ebay purchase sorted. My GAS has been bubbling away to add a small MILC to my pair of fixed lens cameras. Been looking at twin lens kits and put unsuccessful offers on a Nikon 1 J5, a Pen E-PL5 and a Pen E-P3 plus a new E-PL8 (unwanted prize). Of course I was...
  44. bilzmale

    This too shall pass!

    Took this 28 shot pano of a Moreton Bay fig tree at the University of WA in Feb 2006 Yesterday about 1/3 of the tree crashed to the ground and was captured on video by Tim Stanley who was alerted by a loud sound before this happened.
  45. bilzmale

    David du Chemin on going DEEPER.

    David is one of the photographer/educator/bloggers that I follow, I subscribe to his emails, and the most recent one hit a nerve with me. I have tried to go BROAD with my photography as far as equipment, software, techniques, genres and subject matter is concerned. I've enjoyed the experiences...
  46. bilzmale

    Some inexpensive camera tips.

  47. bilzmale

    SiO 2018 - Day Thirty One.

    No quotes today - feel good because you've completed the first SiO. Matt will be setting up a separate thread for your comments, reflections, suggestions and what ever.
  48. bilzmale

    SiO 2018 - Day Thirty.

    “I love the people I photograph. I mean, they’re my friends. I’ve never met most of them or I don’t know them at all, yet through my images I live with them.” — Bruce Gilden “If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff.” — Jim Richardson “When I say I want...
  49. bilzmale

    SiO 2018 - Day Twenty Nine.

    “You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine” – John C. Maxwell
  50. bilzmale

    SiO 2018 - Day Twenty Eight.

    “All photographs are accurate. None of them is the truth.” — Richard Avedon “Today everything exists to end in a photograph.” — Susan Sontag “I think good dreaming is what leads to good photographs.” — Wayne Miller
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