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10
Dec
18

The State Theatre In All Her Glory (Black & White) 2 of 2

By Frank T. Smith Closed
Categories: Photography
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A couple of weeks ago I lead the annual “Behind the Curtain” photography workshop at the State Theatre in Easton, PA. This is always such a joy for me to photography this amazing gem. When you take the time to look at all of the incredible art in this place it’s almost overwhelming. I am breaking this post into two. This second post only includes black & white images and the previous one was all color. All images were handheld (this is the first time I didn’t use a tripod) using the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II paired with the either the M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f2.8 PRO, the ED 12-100mm f4.0 IS PRO or the ED 40-150mm f2.8 PRO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

06
Dec
18

The State Theatre In All Her Glory (color) 1 of 2

By Frank T. Smith 2 Comments
Categories: Photography
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A couple of weeks ago I lead the annual “Behind the Curtain” photography workshop at the State Theatre in Easton, PA. This is always such a joy for me to photography this amazing gem. When you take the time to look at all of the incredible art in this place it’s almost overwhelming. I am breaking this post into two. This first one only includes color images and the next will be all monochromatic. All images were handheld (this is the first time I didn’t use a tripod) using the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II paired with the either the M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f2.8 PRO, the ED 12-100mm f4.0 IS PRO or the ED 40-150mm f2.8 PRO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21
Nov
18

University of Michigan Photo Walk

By Frank T. Smith 4 Comments
Categories: Photography
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I had the opportunity to present an architectural presentation and lead a photo walk for The CameraMall and Olympus. The events took place at the store and the photo walk took place on the University of Michigan campus. We spent time looking at abstract architectural components. All of the images were shot with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and paired with the M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f2.8 PRO lens. We had a partially overcast day, which lend itself perfectly to the in-camera Black & White Dramatic Tone mode.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15
Nov
18

8 TIPS FOR CAPTURING FAMILY HOLIDAY SCENES

By Frank T. Smith 4 Comments
Categories: Photography
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Whether you’re trying to create the ultimate holiday card, or capturing a special photo that speaks to the joy in your life, keep these simple tips in mind this holiday season.

1. SET THE STAGE

Plan for your props, test the environment and adjust the background accordingly ahead of time. Shooting outside? Take advantage of local holiday venues and try to find locations with good lighting opportunities

OM-D E-M1 Mark II | M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 PRO| 1/50sec | F2.8 | ISO1600

2. BE PREPARED

In order to get the appropriate lighting and depth of field correctly I typically will shoot the area prior to adding the subjects (kids and dogs). In this particular instance, I set my camera at ISO 200 at 50 mm (I00 mm which is 35 mm equivalent).

3. KNOW YOUR SUBJECT

When you are shooting with toddlers, remember that your window is short and that sensitivity to pre- or post nap is important. Don’t plan around your schedule – plan around theirs and always plan for snacks. Keep in mind that even though you planned for the day, toddlers can decide that running and falling (creating a goose egg on their forehead) is not their concern – but now yours. Regardless, get the shot and then work on the goose egg in post processing!

4. DON’T FLY SOLO

You need to enlist support of family or friends who both your subjects will respond to. You will need as many hands as possible.

See a before and after, having removed the bump from her forehead.

5. FOCUS ON WHAT’S IMPORTANT

Use defused artificial light source when natural light is not an option. Not only do you need your camera (with flash – indoors) but you may also want to use a reflector to capture light in shadow areas. For this shot, I used one on camera flash with a modifier and a reflector positioned low to the ground in order to get even light distribution.

6. ADD LIGHT

Use defused artificial light source when natural light is not an option. Not only do you need your camera (with flash – indoors) but you may also want to use a reflector to capture light in shadow areas. For this shot, I used one on camera flash with a modifier and a reflector positioned low to the ground in order to get even light distribution.

7. BE NIMBLE, TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOS

Take photos using multiple poses and angles – even if though they may or may not reflect your planned final result. You may be surprised! Be nimble and quick – take as many shots as your subjects (in this case a dog and toddler) will tolerate, adjusting positioning and lighting as you go. With this shoot I had many great takes with just the toddler so I decided to make an additional gift of a “triptych” image of 3 great poses.

8. PERSONALITY, NOT PERFECTION

Remember, perfection of the subjects is not the goal – moreover seeing the personalities come through should be your aim.

This post is taken from the Olympus Learning Center Page. “Click here for a link to the original content”

23
Aug
18

Goschenhoppen Folk Festival

By Frank T. Smith 4 Comments
Categories: Photography
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A little over a week ago I was introduced to this amazing festival. This is their 52nd one. I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was totally delighted with the overall friendly nature of all of the volunteers. The people are more than glad to chat with you and explain the specifics of their reenactments. Goschenhoppen is one of the oldest continuously existing Pennsylvania German communities in America.  This geographic region occupies a small corner of southeastern Pennsylvania in Montgomery County. The event is put on by The Goschenhoppen Historians, Inc. which is organized to identify, preserve and disseminate the Pennsylvania German (Pennsylvania Dutch) folk culture and history of the Goschenhoppen region. The Folk Festival is designed as an educational family event to demonstrate various home skills and trades of the Goschenhoppen area from about 1750-1880. I will definitely be putting this on my calendar for next year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14
Aug
18

Architects of Air (Albesila)

By Frank T. Smith 2 Comments
Categories: Photography
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Musikfest may be over. But, the memories from the Architects of Air experience located at Experienceplatz are still very vivid in my mind. I had the opportunity to lead a couple of exclusive workshops for ArtsQuest. The attendees were fantastic and the visuals in this place are off the chart. All images are hand held using the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk II paired with the M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f2.8 PRO and the ED 8mm F1.8 Fisheye PRO.

This year’s structure was completely different from last year and was only the second time at Musikfest. This was the Architects of Air’s new 25th Anniversary Structure, a monumental inflatable structure designed to generate a sense of awe at the beauty of light and color. This latest luminarium uses a rectilinear grid of quadraxial pods, each approaching 17 feet high. Four of these colorful eggs provide the base for an imposing tree structure, while ten more eggs are opaque silver where, looking upward, you saw an inlaid geometric pattern of illuminated lines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

05
Jul
18

Lemon Drinka

By Frank T. Smith 4 Comments
Categories: Photography
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Every year I try to make the pilgrimage to the annual Kutztown Folk Festival. It is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America. This nine-day event draws visitors from all over the world. The festival provides insight into the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch and their fascinating way of life. I try to keep a low profile and thought the small but mighty Olympus PEN-F would be my camera of choice for this visit. It clearly did not disappoint. I used the prime M.Zuiko 17mm f1.8 lens for all of the images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20
Jun
18

The High Line with Bergen County Camera

By Frank T. Smith 4 Comments
Categories: Photography
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I had the honer and pleasure to lead a photowalk at one of my favorite places in the Big Apple, the High Line. The photowalk was arranged by Bergen County Camera and sponsored by Olympus. The day was slightly overcast which, for me, means Black & White. All of the images were shot using the Olympus OM-D E-M1 MkII. A favorite style I like to employ on an overcast day is using “Dramatic Tone”. This is a mode option built into the camera (most of these shots used this mode).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17
Jun
18

The Beauties of Gurney Street

By Frank T. Smith Closed
Categories: Photography
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I was in Cape May, NJ last week for a presentation to the Photography Club of Cape May. Cape May is one of my very favorite places. For me I find it very relaxing and filled with all types of photographic opportunities. If I don’t have my Olympus OM-D E-M1 MkII with me, I always carry the ever trusty and versatile TG-5. The morning before my presentation, I had an hour or two to grab a couple of shots from Gurney Street. The handful of homes on this street are the famous Victorian Stockton Row (circa 1869). Since I was doing a presentation on Architectural photography, I thought is was quite appropriate to grab some shots here. All of the images were shot with the TG-5 and I must admit I am always blown away with the results of this little powerhouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13
Jun
18

Newsletter (Spring 2018)

By Frank T. Smith 8 Comments
Categories: Photography

Norway – March, 2018

I had the opportunity to visit Norway recently.  My goal was to see the Northern Lights, landscapes and to capture the small fishing communities when there would be the least amount of visitors.  That meant that the average daily temperatures during my time in Norway would between + 20 degrees to – 20 degrees.

The fishing villages, landscapes and lights did not disappoint on any level.  I was really pleased with the colors, skies and overall photographic opportunities.

I traveled with the same group that I went to Iceland with last year. This was my second time traveling with this group and I especially liked the focus on capturing what many others would not want to photograph based on the weather and overall conditions.

The first image was shot with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II camera using the M.Zuiko ED 12-100mm f4.0 IS PRO with the following settings:ISO 64, 21mm, f/14, 60.0 sec.
The second image used the same camera and the M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f2.8 PRO and the settings are ISO 200, 10mm, f/11,1/125 sec.

Don’t go chasing waterfalls…

Well I do chase waterfalls year round.  I am intrigued with there ever changing landscapes and views based on each season.  This past winter and early spring I have visited several locations in PA and NJ and have been able to capture several great images.  Pennsylvania has so many areas to hike and view waterfalls. I have been using the All Trails app on the phone and selecting different sites every chance I get to go shoot.  The first image was Hawk Falls in Hickory Run State Park.  I used the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Camera and the M.Zuiko ED 12-100mm f4.0 IS PRO.  The settings were ISO 200, 28mm, f/8.0, 60 sec. The second image was shot at Rickett’s Glen State Park used the same camera and lens and the settings were ISO 200, 12mm, f9.0, 1.50 sec.

Bold & Beauty Contest 

I was asked to consider being a photographer for the Bold  Beauty Contest with the planned exhibit outside of Philadelphia in April. “Bold Beauty Project is a powerful, visual arts exhibition that features women with varying disabilities. Through the photographer’s lens and the women’s personal stories, the project seeks to raise awareness of the women’s strength, sensuality and spirit, and in the process, change perceptions of beauty.”

My model, Claire Senita is a young woman from Pittsburgh who traveled to the Lehigh Valley to allow me to be her photographer for this year’s Bold Beauty Project titled Grit & Grace. I was able to work with the National Museum of Industrial History in Bethlehem to have early access to the museum and use their exhibits as my backdrops.  Claire was an exceptionally great model and an amazing young woman who has worked to overcome her disabilities by sheer determination and drive.  The link to the exhibit and more about the program is http://www.boldbeautyproject.com/about/

The first image was shote using the Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark II camera and the M.Zuiko ED 25 mm f1.2 PRO lens.  The settings were ISO 200, 25mm, f/1.2, 1/100 sec. This image was used to market the event and program.

The second image, same camera using the M.SZuiko 45mm, f/1.2, 1/400 sec.

First Friday at the Banana Factory – Bethlehem PA

Bethlehem has a great arts community and I am fortunate enough to be involved through my photography and serve on the ArtsQuest Visual Arts Board.  The Banana Factory is a home to local area artists occupying their studios.  There are 30 studios, several galleries and classrooms where artists from all mediums work and display their works.  The Banana Factory also includes the Glass Factory where glass is blown by expert artists.

Each month on the 1st Friday, the Banana Factory opens up its doors for anyone to come in and meet the artists.  I enjoy going studio to studio to see the artists ranging from painting, ceramics, sculpting and photography (to name a few) and capturing a few “in-studio” shots.  Every artist is different and their passion for their craft is clearly evident.

Both of the images were taken using the Olympus PEN-F camera and the M. Zuiko ED 17mm f1.2 PRO lens. The settings for the 1st image are: ISO 500, 17mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec. The second images settings were ISO 400, 17mm, f1.2, 1/80 sec.

What’s New In My Bag…

M.Zuiko ED 17mm f1.2 PRO

Olympus continues to produce amazing craftsmanship in their professional lenses.  The M.Zuiko ED 17mm f1.2 PRO is one of their pro model lenses designed for landscapes and street photography, two of my favorite things!  This has become one of my go-to lenses.

The advanced ED-DSA element is truly unique, reducing the lens’ size while improving performance, and the lightweight focusing mechanism is quiet, fast, and accurate.

The lens has superior low light performance and like all of their equipment is light weight, easy to carry and is also dust proof and splash proof.  Here are a few of the images from the lens.

To see more about the lens go to http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/lenses/m-zuiko-ed-17mm-f1-2-pro.html

Both of these images were shot using the Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark II camera using the lens referernced above.  The settings for the first image was ISO 200, 17mm, f/2.5, 1/320 sec. The second one is ISO 200, 17mm, f/1.2, 1/800 sec.

My New Toy…

DJI Spark

Over the holidays Santa brought me a new drone, the DJI Spark. I have been experimenting with the drone over the past several months and have been getting a little more comfortable (and willing to push the limit) flying the drone.  The perspective from 50’ to several hundred feet above the ground is amazing to capture.  The drone is very easy to navigate and I am thankful I have not had to go swimming to rescue the drone.  Click on the image to see the video.

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