Sunflower Multi-Magic and Sherb

This sunflower multiple exposure image was created on Denise Ippolito’s A Creative Adventure sunflower workshop in Newton, NJ this past Saturday. I used my favorite new macro lens, the 500 f/L IS II: Canon 500mm f/4L IS II lens, 1.4X III TC, and the Canon EOS-5D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/13 sec. at f/16 in Av mode. Central sensor/AI Servo Surround/Rear Focus AF on the flower center and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image for a larger version.

Sunflower Multi-Magic and Sherb

The 5D Mark III was one of the stars of the morning on Denise’s workshop. Everyone enjoyed the Multiple Exposure feature. Several folks put cards in our 5D IIIs and had a blast. And the Nikon folks–including several who had never tried the technique–were inspired to use the multiple exposure feature on their cameras. Denise was able to help the Nikon folks out. Things are a bit more complex with Nikon than with the 5D III. You can see several of Denise’s sunflower Multis here. Denise, who is co-leading the Nickerson Beach IPT with me this morning–we leave in 15 minutes!), presented a truly superb introductory slide lecture for the group last night and blew everyone away with great images and a great spiel. You can learn more about her workshop offerings here.

For the image above I tried something new. I set the camera up for a 5-frame Multiple Exposure. For the first four frames I rotated the camera slightly in the tripod collar. For the last frame, I did not rotate the lens but I defocused the image quite a bit by turning the manual focusing ring. (Remember, I use Rear Focus.)

In sum, I created a four-frame multiple exposure with a sharp/soft focus on top.

You can learn how I set up for Multiple Exposures in the Canon EOS-5D Mark III. in our 5D III User’s Guide here. The guide, still in progress (save $10) includes everything that I know about the camera and it’s great but complex autofocus system.

Sherb

It was a pleasure seeing Sherb Naulty again after so many years. We met at the opening of my Canon Explorers of Light-sponsored exhibit at the National Zoo in Washington, DC: “On a Wing and a Prayer;The Migratory Birds of North America.” My understanding is that because of budget cuts the exhibit still hangs today. There are 60 images in three groups of twenty in different locations. If you know that to be true, please let us know by leaving a comment. Soon after the opening I worked with Sherb on an advertising gig.

Sherb signed up for Denise’s workshop after seeing the notice in the last BAA Notes. Always smiling (and eager to learn more), he is the epitome of a Happy Camper. He had so much fun learning about the EOS-5D Mark III. that he upgraded his 5D the very next day and kindly used our B&H affiliate link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/847545-REG/Canon_5260B002_EOS_5D_Mark_III.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226. Note that when you click on the link all reference to BAA(the “/BI/6633/KBID/7226” suffix) disappears. Not to worry, the order will be tracked to us.

When I asked Sherb about his first name he wrote, “Sherb is short for Sherburne! It was between George and Sherburne. It was my grandfather’s middle name. My full name is Sherburne Fairfax Naulty; quite a collection!! True story, when I was about 11 or 12 my mom asked me if I wanted to change my name. Apparently the pediatrician had given her a really hard time about naming me what she did. Have never been in a situation where there were 2 Sherb’s. Enjoy, Sherb

Delkin 700X CompactFlash Pro UDMA Enabled Cards

You can learn more about Delkin’s new 700X CompactFlash Pro UDMA Enabled Cards by clicking here and learn why the 1000X cards are overkill for still photographers. These cards are as important to my 5DIII as the batteries in the vertical battery grip!

Shopper’s Guide

Below is a list of the gear used to create the images in today’s post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.

Canon 500mm f/4L IS II lensI decided to leave the 800 at home for the bear boat trip and quickly fell in love with the 500 II for its light weight, great versatility, and four-stop IS. A complete review will be coming soon.
1.4X III TC The latest version of the 1.4X TC is designed to work best with the Series II Super-telephoto lenses.
Canon EOS-5D Mark III. Man, I am in love with this camera body. Both the files and the AF system are superb.

And from the BAA On-line Store:

LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂 And you will love them in mega-cold weather….
Gizo GT3532 LS CF Tripod. This one replaces the GT3530LS Tripod and will last you a lifetime. I’ll be commenting on this new model soon. In short, I like it.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program.