A Question for Kathy

[deebee29]

I am mostly a lurker, and don't post a whole lot on here... but I love the podcast and listen regularly. Even when I don't have a trip planned, you all make me feel like I am there... it's the next best thing!

I also enjoy the blogs, and while reading "Summer Nightastic debuts at Magic Kingdom", I was impressed with the photos that Kathy had taken of the MSEP and the new fireworks. So Kathy, I was wondering what type of camera you use, and any settings used or tips you might have to achieve those clear night time photos. I hope this hasn't been asked already...

Thanks!!! Love the podcast and the blogs!!! Keep up the great work that you all do!

 

[safetymom]

I am glad you enjoyed my photos. I use a Nikon D90 with a 18-200 VR lens. Having the VR is great when taking low light photos.

 

[deebee29]

Thanks Kathy!

 

[insoin]

I am glad you enjoyed my photos. I use a Nikon D90 with a 18-200 VR lens. Having the VR is great when taking low light photos.

Hey Kathy, that is the same camera I have, and the same lense. What f/stop do you usually use, and what ISO? What shooting mode do you use?

 

[safetymom]

The best advise I can give is to go out and practice with the camera. I go out once a month or so with an "assignment" to learn the features of my camera better.

As far as ISO I try not to go too high.

 

[OKW Lover]

Kathy, what significance is "VR" in the lens you have?

Its been a real long time since I carried a serious SLR camera and I'm really out of touch.

 

[safetymom]

Vibration reduction. I very seldom need to use a tripod. It comes in very handy.

 

[OKW Lover]

Vibration reduction. I very seldom need to use a tripod. It comes in very handy.

Ahh. I understand. Especially important with a long lens as we get older.

I used to hand-hold a 200+mm lens and never have a problem with sharpness. Now? I doubt it.

One of these days I may get back to a serious camera. I've still got my old Pentax stuff around somewhere but, of course, it uses film.

 

[safetymom]

Jeff, you would love a DSLR. I have my good film Canon but it is great being able to shoot digital. The VR is great on the Kilimanjaro Safari.

Back when I shot film I never took the range of photos that I do now.

 

[OKW Lover]

Shooting digital is liberating, isn't it. You get to see your pictures immediately and you don't have to pay for processing so you can shoot a lot of pictures to get the one that's just right.

 

[safetymom]

I love digital. You take photos of things you never would have done with film. The problem I see is when photographers take a sub par photo and then attempt to fix it in photoshop.

If you take a good photo from the start your post processing is minimal.

 

[ssanders79]

Digital allows for free trial and error. No more worries about the film/processing costs when experimenting.