Today’s shot is an overlap between two different stock photo shoots last week. After photographing various clocks, I planned to move into capturing some medical instrument images. Since I had the props together, I thought I’d put together an image combining the two themes.

The problem is that this shot deserves a witty caption, which I haven’t been able to come up with. So, how about a little help? If you can think of a title and/or caption for this image, please share it in the comments.

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens – 1/160 second, f/9, ISO 100

UPDATE

Thanks to everyone who contributed in the comments. Here are the suggestions so far:

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens – 1/125 second, f/7.1, ISO 100

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens – 1/160 second, f/7.1, ISO 100

I frequently receive email questions from photographers that have upgraded to a digital SLR camera. One of the most often asked questions is about additional lenses they should add to their kit. The lens I recommend more than any other is the 50mm f/1.8. This lens can be had for under $100 (Canon) and is a great addition to any photographer’s gear bag. The inexpensive little lens offers numerous advantages including:

- One to two f/stops faster than a standard ‘kit’ lens
- Very narrow depth-of-field for a great blurred background
- Extremely compact and lightweight

The Canon version of the lens feels very cheap light due to its plastic build. Don’t let this deter you. The optics are very good, especially considering the low price.

Today’s image of Kenneth during a video presentation at one of his classes was taken with this lens. The combination of the fast lens speed and a high ISO made the shot possible.

Here are links to the lens for Canon & Nikon:

Canon 50mm f/1.8
Nikon 50mm f/1.8

Of course, if price is no object you can do what my scientist friend did (you know who you are) and cough up some real cash for a Canon 50mm f/1.2 :)

Canon 5D, Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens – 1/20 second, f/1.8, ISO 800

The next Photowalking Utah event is fast approaching. The event will be held at the University of Utah’s Moran Eye Center located at 65 Medical Drive in Salt Lake City. Here are the details:

Our sixth Photowalk will be February 23rd at the Moran Eye Center from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. We’ve got a two-part indoor event: a Photoshop tutorial by Ann Torrence and photographing the new Moran Eye Center (architecture, scientific labs, microscopes small and large, glassware, computers, etc.). We will start capturing photos at 9 am, Photoshopping at 11. You can attend either, part or both.

These event are open to anyone who wishes to attend, regardless of skill level. We typically have participants who vary in ability from beginners with point-and-shoot cameras to seasoned professionals with their high-end gear. The main emphasis is a sharing of knowledge and building of friendships.

For more information visit the entry on Jones Blog and/or drop by the Photowalking Utah discussion group at www.photowalkingutah.com.

Canon PowerShot G7 – 1/500 second, f/4, ISO 400

Cheers!

With the acceptance of this photo into my portfolio, I now have 2,000 images available on iStockphoto.com. Now I just have to begin building my new Getty Images portfolio.

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens – 1/160 second, f/6.3, ISO 50

It just wouldn’t seem like a Monday without a blog post highlighting one of my photo shoots from the previous weekend.

Today’s image is of a young Australian girl who is living in Utah for a couple of years. Since winter play is a new experience for her, the plan for the shoot was to capture some outdoor sledding images. Before heading out to the sledding hill we spent some time in studio. With her mom and little brother throwing synthetic snowflakes, our impromptu blizzard created a nice winter scene for the portrait.

And as an added bonus – the studio was MUCH warmer!

Canon 5D, Canon 70-200 f/4L lens – 1/160 second, f/9, ISO 100

After what seemed like weeks of overcast skies, blue sky and sunshine finally made an appearance yesterday in Northern Utah. I took the opportunity to slap on the circular polarizing filter and grab some colorful architecture shots.

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens – 1/200 second, f/8, ISO 100

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens – 1/250 second, f/4, ISO 100

To quote Col. John “Hannibal” Smith, “I love it when a plan comes together”.

Last Saturday we (myself and two photographer friends Dale and Benjamin) removed two walls in my studio and doubled the shooting space. In addition to two seamless backdrops, I now have a sitting area that can double as a set. In total, the studio is just under 600 square feet.

As Michelle and I now make the majority of our income from photography, we continue to look forward to where this journey will take us.

Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens – 2/5 second, f/4, ISO 100