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Page last updated: 1 April 2012

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What is this site about?

This site is a photo album and a set of notes that journals my endeavor as an amateur photographer. It will capture my progress as I learn the art.

Photography is a rewarding hobby:

  • Pictures capture the beauty of nature and the environment, the beauty of people and their personalities, and the memories that you will cherish for a long, long time.

If you are contemplating getting into photography, there is no time like the present to dive into this hobby. Why?

  • Digital photography has never been so affordable. Quality digital SLRs are now available for around $500. While that is still a tidy sum, after this initial investment, you can take as many pictures as you want, without having to pony up more cash to buy film and develop the film. (I started my photography hobby in 1985, when film cameras were still going strong. And being a college student then, I had to think twice before pressing the shutter button.)

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Picture1

 

What camera do I use?

I finally bit the bullet and bought a Nikon D5000 in June 2011 on clearance. I paid $580 + tax for the camera and the Nikon 18-55mm zoom (kit) lens. This model has been around since April 2009 but I was willing to trade state-of-the-art technology for a great deal. The successor model, Nikon D5100, came out in April 2011, so most stores had long discontinued the Nikon D5000 model. Best Buy was offering it with a nice discount, while the successor D5100 with the same kit lens is fetching about $850. The money I save will go towards another lens.

So far, I am very happy with the D5000. It strikes a nice balance between simplicity (for the rest of my family to use) and sophistication (so that I can continue to develop my art and techniques as an amateur photographer).

  • Articulating LCD monitor: adds flexibility for over-the-head and low-to-the-ground shots, as well as protection of the LCD monitor when it is flipped inward
  • Quiet Shooting mode: keeps the internal mechanical shutter release noise to a minimum
  • 720p/24-fps HD video recording
  • Auto bracketing

Nikon D5000 General Specifications:

  • 12.3-megapixel DX-format image sensor
  • Vari-angle 2.6-inch LCD monitor
  • 4 frames-per-second (fps) continuous shooting
  • 11-point autofocus system with 3-D focus tracking
  • Live View
  • ISO sensitivity 200-3200
  • 420-pixel color RGB sensor

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Why Nikon?

My first camera was a Canon AE-1 35mm film SLR, bought in 1985 after graduating from high school. I could not afford a Nikon then. And ever since, I have had what I call "Nikon envy". While Canon has come a long way since then, particularly with digital imaging and D-SLR technology (and some would argue that Canon has surpassed Nikon), I went with the Nikon line because of ergonomics, their legacy of Nikkor lens, and industrial design of their camera bodies.

Ergonomically, I like the Nikon D5000 from the placement and operation of the power (on/off) button, allowing you to pick up the camera with your right hand, flip the power button on with your index finger, and then push the shutter release button half-way down to focus your picture. Another example is Nikon's menu navigation with the cursor control around the center "OK" button on the back panel. I did not like Canon's rotating ring design.

Though I would never dream of buying any of Nikkor's coveted professional-grade lenses that made Nikon famous, I assume that there is some "trickle down" know-how in the consumer-grade and prosumer-grade lenses (someday I hope to experience the latter).

The look and feel of the Nikon D-SLR camera bodies appeal to me. While this is a very subjective area, Nikon's industrial design agree with me like that of Apple Computer (iPod, iPad, iMac, MacBook Pro) appeal to the computing masses. I appreciate how Nikon designed the general proportions and shape of the camera body to the characteristic "hump" of the SLR penta-mirror (above the lens). Finally, the rubbery texture of a Nikon camera body is just right.

What about other brands? I will admit that I have only considered Nikons and Canons for SLR and D-SLR cameras. Collectively, I believe they are the best.

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picture courtesy of Nikon Inc.

 

picture courtesy of Nikon Inc.

 

picture courtesy of Nikon Inc.

 

        

Other Camera Gear?

About six months after my initial purchase of the Nikon D5000 and 18-55mm kit lens, I started to accumulate more equipment. Currently, I have the following equipment in my camera bag:

  • Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S zoom lens
  • Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 AF-S zoom lens
  • Hoya Pro1 Digital UV filter, 77mm
  • Hoya Pro1 Digital circular polarizer filter, 77mm
  • Nikon SB-910 flash unit
  • custom-made (home made) flash light modifier
  • Nikon SC-28 TTL off-camera flash cord
  • Eneloop AA NiMH batteries (for flash unit)
  • Dolica 62" AX620B100 tripod
  • Nikon ML-L3 wireless remote shutter release
  • Nikon lens pen cleaning system
  • Neewer 43" 5-in-1 collapsible multi-disc light reflector
  • Adorama step up ring for 52mm-to-77mm
    •

Yes, as you can see, I got serious with the hobby after the D5000 purchase and spent a small fortune on the above gear. Now if only I can upgrade my camera bag from the one I bought 27 years ago when I first bought my Canon AE-1 Program 35mm SLR... Speaking of future purchases, here are some items I am contemplating:

  • camera bag
  • full-frame sensor D-SLR (Nikon does not make anything that I can afford yet) for better low light sensitivity

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Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S zoom lens

 

Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 AF-S zoom

 

Nikon SB-910 Speedlight flash unit

 

What kind of photography do I enjoy?

Currently my interests are in the following areas:

  • Travel
    I enjoy traveling. But I do not always have the opportunity to do so. Check out my business trip to San Diego, California. It was my first trip since buying the Nikon D5000, and my first trip where I had time to take pictures.
     
  • Landscape
    This is hard for me to do well.
     
  • Architecture
    Cathedrals are awe-inspiring. Some college campuses also have interesting architectures.
     
  • Flowers
    Flowers are naturally beautiful and relatively easy to shoot well.
     
  • Birds
    Birds can be elusive as subjects.
     
    •
  • Still Life
    I have had some good results so far.
     

What areas I hope to explore further?

  • Sunsets
    This continues to be a challenge for me.
     
  • Portraits
    Taking people portraits is intimidating. You have to know what you are doing and work fast.
     
  • Weddings
    A number of my cousins are due to be married in the next 5 years. I should have some opportunities here.
     
  • Flags
    Particularly the United States flag, the good old red, white, and blue. I love the colors.
     
  • Musical Instruments
    Pianos and more.
     
  • Bokeh
    New area for me.
     
    •
  • Aerial
    Even if it is only from a commercial airline seat.
     
    •
  • Air Shows
    I love airplanes, in flight or on static display.
     
  • Cars
    Just everyday cars -- does not have to be fancy.
     
  • Sports
    I plan to give this more of a try.
     
  • Wild Life
    Occasionally I will capture zoo animals, the indigenous city pigeon. I am not so sure about going on safari.
    •

I hope you enjoy my gallery, and I wish you luck in your photographic endeavors.

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Contact

If you would like to contact me, I can be reached at this e-mail address: photo @ pragnotion.com (without the spaces).

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San Diego, CA

 

Flowers

 

Birds

 

Universal Studios Florida (Orlando, FL)

 

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