The Wandering Photographer

The War of 1812 Militia Muster

Always photogenic, military encampments and battle re-enactments are a fun way to learn history and get some great pictures for the photo album. We are likely to see many Civil War battles re-enacted over the next four years in celebration of the 150th anniversary of America's nation defining conflict.

Another war, oft forgotten, is soon to celebrate it's 200th anniversary. In 1812 the fledgling United States again went to war with Great Britain over a myriad of disputes. I had the opportunity to attend an 1812 militia muster at Greenfield Village. Greenfield Village is a living museum that is part of the Dearborn Michigan attraction "The Henry Ford."

Part of every re-enactment are soldiers dressed in the uniforms of the era. The military of the early republic still retained the colorful military style of earlier years. The bright colors were often necessary for the troops to recognize friend from foe.Especially in the "fog od War."

Imagine this smoke multiplied by hundreds of soldiers.

The re-enactment included weapons demonstrations, crafts and a fashion show. This gives the observer a good idea of what life was like. somewhat simplistic but a great starting point.

Firing a mortar in 1812 required a crew of five to six men.

Men's civilian fashion very much mimicked military dress.

Women's fashion began to evolve and become "less proper" I can here the dad now "you can leave the house dressed like that!"

The War of 1812 has been often ignored. It was important and widespread however. Detroit was surrendered to the Canadians without the firing of a shot. The new Americans attacked and ransacked the city of York, Upper Canada (now Toronto), while the British attacked the District of Columbia, burning the White House before they left.

If you get a chance to visit a re-enactment of an encampment do it, and don't forget your camera.

© 2011 Tim Marks

Easy Black and White with Silver Efex Pro 2

JPEG version of Original RAW file as it imported into LightRoom 3

I captured the above image of The Old Mission Point Lighthouse on a trip to Michigan's Grand Traverse region last Summer. I really liked the composition but like almost all RAW files it needed some post processing to bring out its best.

I took a look at the photo, and noticed a number of things that needed attention in order to make the image reflect what I saw that day.

 Marked up for post-processing

Three of the major problems are shown above. What was a gorgeous blue sky looks faded and boring in the photo. The clouds lack definition and the rails are way overexposed distracting the eye away from the centerpiece of the image, the lighthouse. The entire image looks flat and lifeless.

I opened the photo in Lightroom's develop module and began to process the image.

• Basic Tab - Auto as a starting point
• I adjusted the exposure until it looked right
• I adjusted the black point
• I chose "Strong Contrast" in the Tone Curve Tab
• I set the Vibrance to +43
• In the HSL Tab, I set Luminance Blue -48 and Green -57
• I used the Adjustment Brush to tone down the exposure on the rails

Result is below.

Color Processed version

I thought it looked pretty good except for the fact that I over saturated the sky so it looked a bit garish. That is easily fixed but before I started correcting it I thought, "ya know that might look pretty good in Black and White."

There are a number of ways to convert a color image to B+W. The controls found in both Lightroom and Camera RAW work very nicely and of course you can go through a bunch of steps in Photoshop to get there, but I find working in NIK Software's Silver Efex Pro 2 both satisfying and intuitive.

I opened the image in Silver Efex Pro and started to play with the myriad of presets that come with the program. After sampling a number of them I settled on "High Structure Harsh" ending up with the results below.

Output from Siver Efex Pro 2

Not bad, if I say so myself. Of course there is that nasty bit of flare in the sky (circled). Back in Lightroom I used the Adjustment Brush in Healing mode to replace the flare with clouds. I also further darkened selected spots on the rails to even things out a bit.

The final result is below. I really like the way the clouds form a halo around the tower. I think I'm going to keep working on this one to refine it even more, but as far as I'm concerned this result is not too bad for only about 25 minutes work.

Old Mission Lighthouse at the tip of the Old Misssion Peninsula in Grand Traverse County, MI Half way between the equator and the north Pole (45 degrees North)

Playing around with black and White conversions is fun and rewarding. While I find using Silver Efex Pro easy and fun, if you have any other image editing software, you too can create great Black and White images, just like in the days of Film.

Give it a whirl!

You can see my earlier post about the Old Mission Light here.

© 2011 Tim Marks

Quick Review: Olympus E-PL2 Micro Four-Thirds System Camera and Lenses

William McKinley Memorial and grave site. Canton, Ohio

Note: I know there has been a year long gap in posts on my blog. It was unfortunately unavoidable. But, I'm back and I'll make a sincere attempt to post at least three stories a month in the future. Thanks for all the support.

Introduction of the Four-Thirds camera system allowed Olympus and Panasonic to create high quality interchangeable lens camera systems that are much smaller and much lighter than traditional Full Frame and APS-C DSLRs. The Micro Four-Thirds cameras reduce the size and weight even further, with no loss of image quality. The smaller sensor in the M-Four-Thirds cameras results in a so called lens "crop factor" of 2X, as apposed to 1.5X with my D300 (ASP-C camera). Therefore the 14-42mm kit lens delivers an angle of view equivelent to a 28mm-84mm lens on a 35mm camera.

 The desire to cut weight, and save my poor back, led me to explore the Micro 4/3rds system and I ended up going with the Olympus PEN E-PL2 and the 14-42mm kit lens. The PEN delivers 12 mega-pixel images of a quality indistinguishable to me from my D300, The body weighs only 12-7/8 oz. and the lens add only 5-1/2 oz., My D300 body alone weighs in at 29 oz. (almost 2lbs). As you can see below the Olympus is much smaller than a DSLR.

Olympus PEN E-PL2 with 14-42mm lens sitting next to a Canon EOS 30D with 18-200mm lens

To Round out the kit I added a Panasonic Lumix 20mm f1.7 pancake lens (3-1/2 oz.), yep the Panasonic uses the same Micro Four-Thirds lens mount, and an Oly 40-150mm (6.7oz.) for a complete package weight of only 28-1/2 oz. (1-3/4 lbs). Thats right the whole kits weighs less than the D300 body alone! I carry it all in an unpadded Duluthpack #100 Double Shell Bag That brings the weight of the entire package, incuding bag, to less than 4lbs.

So, how well does the PEN system work for me? So far very nicely. I was able to take system with me on a trip to Mid-Ohio and used it exclusively. I also to it with me on a visit to Belle Isle Park in the City of Detroit. Despite some limitations I was quite happy with the results.

The image at the top of the page is a shot of the William McKinley gravesite in Canton, Ohio. Shot with the 14-42mm lens set at 21mm and an ISO 0f 200 I was qute happy with the results.Image quality is excelent up to 400 ISO and quite nice at 800. Anything above gets awfully noisy but can be used in a pinch. Below is a photo inside the Canton Stark Museum and a small 100% blowup to show the noise. The photo was shot with the 14-42mm lens at 800 ISO as you can see the noisy is noticable but for my purposes acceptable, especially for online presentation.

Interior shot at the McKinley Presidential Museum in Canton, Ohio

!00% example of noise at 800 ISO

The visit to Belle Isle yield some very nice images as well. These pictures were taken with the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 at 200 ISO.

 Downtown Skyline including the General Motors Headquarters (Renaissance Center)

 Belle Isle Casino (not the gambling kind)

So what is the bottom line? This camera won't replace my D300, but I think I'll be finding myself carrying the Oly more and more often. There are a number of pros and cons. The thing I miss the most from my DSLR is a viewfinder. There is an add-on available but it is way overpriced at $200+. Despite the price I will probably eventually buy one.

Pros

• Extremely light weight
• Extremely high image quality, especially at 200 & 400 ISO
• 12 mega-pixels are more than enough.
• Small package fits in a small bag for a very easy day of carrying

Cons

• Noise at 800 is acceptable, at 1600 not so good
• Viewfinder is high cost extra
• Not a lot of lenses available yet
• Build quality is good but not at a pro level

My recommendation is that if you want a lightweight system camera for short trips or long days walking aroung the city take a close look at the Micro Four-Thirds system. It is reasonably priced and the number of lenses and accessories for it is growing.

Below is my Duluthpack bag with body, three lenses and ThinkTank Peewee Pixel Pocket Rocket. Lots of room in the front pockets for phone, wallrt, etc. Since the bag is not padded I have the lenses in neoprene pouches.

Come back later in the month for some more adventures in photography.

© 2011 Tim Marks

Great Lakes Lighthouses: Old Mission Point Lighthouse

Last week I wrote about The Grand Traverse Lighthouse on Lake Michigan at the entrance to Grand Traverse Bay. Today I'd like to show you some images of The Old Mission Point Light on Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City.

The lighthouse sits 14-1/2 miles South South East across the Grand Traverse Bay from the Grand Traverse Light and 16 miles North of Traverse City at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula.

Built in 1870, the light was intended to guide ships into the West arm of Grand Traverse Bay. The Light is no longer active as it was replaced by a Beacon 2-1/4 miles off shore.

One of the interesting factoids about Old Mission Point is that it is located almost exactly halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, very near 45° North latitude. A coordinate reading taken form a Delorme software atlas puts it at N44° 59.5' (44.99°).

Old mission Point Lighthouse, another great reason to visit Pure Michigan.

© 2010 Tim Marks all rights reserved

Great Lakes Lighthouses: Grand Traverse Light Station in Northport, MI

One of the grand Lake Michigan lighthouses sits at the entrance to Grand Traverse Bay at the tip of Michigan's "little finger." Built in 1852 and rebuilt and relocated in 1858 the Grand Traverse Light guided ships through the Manitou Passage as they headed to the Straits of Mackinaw and Lake Huron or Lake Superior.

Sitting on the grounds of Leelanau State Park, the light houses a museum and gift/book shop. The light and the surrounding beach is a great place to spend a few hours with a camera at any time of year.

When we visited this past July the landscaping was in full bloom.

 

The grounds are nicely landscaped and well kept up, however, the plaster seagull is a bit kitschy.

 

Winter is another great time to visit the light as this shot from February 2007 shows.

Another Winter view of this grand light.

Next time you are in Northern Michigan be sure to drop by a lighthouse. There is bound to be one nearby.

You can see my earlier post about photographing the nearby Point Betsie Lighthouse here.

© Tim Marks all rights reserved

Barns and Farms: Port Onieda Rural Historical District

In the mid 19th century a number of sturdy immigrant families settled and built farms along lake Michigan near Pyramid Point. By 1862 the people had built a dock and named their small settlement Port Onieda after one of the first ships to visit the village, the SS Onieda. By 1908 all of the original farms, except one, in Port Onieda had been abandoned. New families arrived and the village thrived until World War II. Today only a few families live in the immediate area.

Today the village is being restored as one of two historical districts by the National Park Service, in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I had the chance to spend an afternoon driving around the village and photographing some of the wonderful farm ruins and relics. I hope you enjoy the results.

The outhouse on the Carsten Burfiend Farm c. 1893

 

Here is a close up of closure hardware on one of the Burfiend farm out buildings

 

A small shed on the Martin Basch Farm c.1880s

 

A detail from the Miller Barn c. 1855. the Miller Barn is also shown in the picture at the top of this post.

 

This one is the detail of a shed on the Echart Farm built about 1862.

 

Detail of the old farm house on the Eckhert property. Obviously this one needs work.

 

This historical site is well worth the visit. I could easily spend hours here making images of an interesting past that was an important part of the Northern Michigan experience.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes are located in Benzie and Leelanau counties in Northern Michigan. the National lakeshore is a treasure of natural beauty and historic discovery. Visit them on the web at www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm

© 2010 Tim Marks all rights reserved

Camera Bag Review: Think Tank Retrospective 20

"Camera Bags, I've had a few. But then again too few to mention." Apologies to Paul Anka

If you are anything like me you have a pile of, way too many, camera bags in your closet. we are always looking for the perfect bag/backpack to haul around our ever growing collection of lenses, bodies and accessories. Unfortunately for us, but to the joy of the bag makers, there is no perfect bag for all purposes.

I use an old Lowepro Nature Trekker backpack for hauling my equipment while on a plane or in the car and I often use the Think Tank Modular Component Belt System when I am on a hike or elsewhere in the field. Neither of these work for me at events or just walking around town on a shoot. Until recently I relied on my trusty Domke F2 Original shoulder bag for just those occasions. Being an old design the domke has issues with today's larger camera bodies and lenses, it is certainly usable however.

Enter the Retrospective 20 by Think Tank Photo.

This is the shoulder bag I've been waiting for. It doesn't look like a camera bag, more like an oversize messenger bag. The strap and shoulder pad are the most comfortable of all the shoulder bags I've owned over almost 30 years of photography. And it looks really sophisticated.

The Bag has plenty of storage space for all the equipment most people will need for any assignment, or a day of shooting on vacation. A pro body with 80-200mm f/2.8 or 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 attached fits nicely in the center compartment. Compartments on the side will hold lenses and or a flash with no problem. The front exterior pocket will allow you to carry a second body without lens.

As you can see above it is no problem fitting 2 - 3 extra lenses and a flash unit inside the main compartment. This configuration is how I usually carry the bag. I have the camera hanging from my R-Strap. Without the camera and third lens inside it is easy to carry the bag all day. My first outing was a 2 hour photowalk in a local garden and the bag never felt heavy thanks to the wonderfully designed strap.  Because the padding is minimal (much like the Domke), the bag conforms nicely to your body making it even easier on your back and shoulder. The minimal padding is sufficient to protect your equipment while limiting weight and bulk.

The Retrospective has plenty of storage space for accessories. There is a zippered exterior pocket on the rear of the bag that will hold paper work and notes. Some folk even put an i-Pad in this pocket but I would worry about the lack of protection. The inside back panel also has a similar zippered pocket. the end pockets are very tight but will hold a camera manual without problem. There is also attachments for Think Tank modular components on each end.

the front side of the bag comes equipped with an interior and an exterior pocket. The interior pocket is perfect for small notebooks, a memory card pouch, a cell phone, and assorted pens, pencils, and tools. All of the pockets (except the zippered ones) and the main flap have hook & loop closures. Because the closures can be awfully noisy, each can be locked into a position out of the way to allow silent access to all equipment. This is very important when shooting concerts, weddings or similar events.

Here is a common load for me when shooting form this bag, though I will often substitute the 80-200 f/2.8 for the 70-300 zoom. The bag certainly will hold much more but my 57 year old back will not :)

Bottom Line: If you want a bag that is great for events such as concerts, art fairs, photowalks, farmer's markets, or just walking around town, the Retrospective line from Think Tank Photo is hard to beat.

© 2010 Tim Marks all rights reserved

A Museum for Car Lovers in Auburn, Indiana

When we think of classic American made cars most of us immediately think of Detroit and Ford, GM and Chrysler. Another place to look is Auburn, Indiana, home of the Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg Museum. Founded in 1900, for the next 36 years, the Auburn Automobile Company manufactured luxurious performance cars for the upper crust of society. The museum is a paradise for car lovers of all stripes.

The Auburn company produced three name plates. The Auburn was the companies mainstay automobile and in 1903 a new one cylinder Auburn could be had for the princely sum of $1400. By 1932 a 12 Cylinder version of the Auburn could be purchased for $1425.

Introduced in 1929, the Indianapolis 500, inspired Cord was the first production front wheel drive car offered for sale. The price was about $3200. Within months of the introduction of the Cord models the stock market crash of '29 started the company's demise.

The third nameplate was to become the most famous of cars to come out of Auburn. Introduced at the end of 1928, the Duesenberg Model J was aimed directly at the top of the upper crust. Originally selling for $8500 (for the chassis only) Coach work was extra and started at $2500 and went up from there. The mid 1930's price for a completed car ranges in the "mid teens".  These were unbelievable prices for an unbelievable automobile.

The company also entered the fast growing airplane market. Manufacturing quality engines to put the country into the air.

By 1936 the great depression had devastated the company. the Auburn Automobile Company was sold in 1937 after producing just over 177,000 automobiles in its 36 year life span.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum (ACD Museum) is worth the visit for anyone with even the slightest interest in cars and the life of the rich during the depression. Many of the cars in the museum have a current value well in excess of $1 million. It is located in Auburn, Indiana, 20 miles North of Fort Wayne off of I-69. 

© 2010 Tim Marks all rights reserved

Newport, Rhode Island: Marble House Mansion

Last week I took you on a sunset cruise of Narragansett Bay off Newport, RI, today I'd like to show you some images of one of the great mansions in Newport. During the Gilded Age, Newport became the summer home for many rich and powerful American industrial and banking magnates. One of the most beautiful and ostentatious was the Marble House.

William K. Vanderbilt and his wife Alva commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design and build a summer home along the Atlantic ocean. Started in 1888 the home was completed in 1892 just three years before Alva and William divorced.

Alva married Oliver Hazzard Perry Belmont in 1896 and moved to the nearby mansion Belcourt. After Belmont's death in 1908, Alva reopened the Marble house and added a "tea house" along the cliff overlooking the Ocean. Alva had a problematic relationship with her daughter Consuelo that was at least partially patched up later in their lives.

Oriental style tea house.

Oriental tea house detail.

Alva became a deeply committed Suffragist and supported organizations such as the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA)  and later the more activist National Woman's Party (NWP) founded by Alice Paul. Alva held meetings and fundraisers in both the tea house and the mansion.

The Marble house is listed as a National Historic Landmark and, along with several other mansions in Newport, is open to the public for tours. The property is owned and preserved by the Preservation Society of Newport County. All of the mansions are magnificent restorations and have interesting histories attached to them.

© 2010 Tim Marks all rights reserved

An Evening Cruise on Narragansett Bay

During a 2008 visit to Newport, RI, we decided to take a sunset cruise on Narragansett Bay. It was a perfect way to see the city from a different perspective. It was also a chance to get some awesome pictures of the Rhode Island coast.

Not wanting to carry my heavy DSLR with me I carried my Nikon CoolPix 8800 "Superzoom" compact Digital Camera.

While waiting for cruise time we sat in a dockside tavern and had dinner.

As we left the dock we passed hundreds of private yachts. Not all of them were as large and opulent as this one. I think you could buy the entire city for the price of this "boat."

Another yacht, though this one is locally owned and dates back to the Gilded Age. It was used to travel between Newport and Manhattan, NYC.

This is the Lime Rock Light. Built in 1854, it is now privately owned and serves as the Ida Lewis Yacht Club.

The Coastline is dotted with old mansions dating back to Victorian New England. This one, built in 1874 for explorer Alexander Agassiz, is now the renowned Castle Hill Inn.

One of the more colorful sailing vessels to be found on the bay.

Castle Hill Light marks the entrance of Narragansett Bay. It is on the grounds of the Castle Hill Inn Resort, however the resort graciously allows access to the public. This light is one of the most picturesque, and most photographed, lights on the East coast.

Heading back to port we passed by the Pell/Newport Bridge (named for Senator Claiborne Pell) and the Rose island Light. Built in 1870 the light is accessible by ferry during the summer months.

Back at the dock we settled into the dockside pub to watch the end of the sunset. As far as I'm concerned, a leisurely evening cruise is a great way to see Newport from a different perspective, and there is no finer way to end the evening than sitting on the dock enjoying a snack and beverage.

© 2010 Tim Marks all right reserved