Every Day is the Day to Shoot Photos!

Don't ever let anyone tell you there's nothing to shoot photos of. It doesn't matter where you are or what time of year it is, there are always things to capture with the little digital sensor in your camera.
Not too long ago, I was in a funk... yeah, I said a funk. I wanted to shoot pictures, but the weather was dreary. Then, it turned cold. UGH!
After trying to wait the weather out, I felt like I was loosing... so, I decided to just get out and go shoot something anyway... even if the photos turned out to be horrid. I was going to practice composition and look for ways to practice natural lighting. In the midst of a concrete & steel downtown (that is boring and not at all well-lit), I happened upon a little insect -- a cool little grasshopper.
This little fella was hanging onto the glass entrance door of an abandoned downtown store. The reflected light was perfect to capture him and a double reflection on the glass door. WOW! This shot made my day, too.

For those folks who like EXIF data...
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel XT 350D
Exposure: 1/100 sec
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 100

Leave a comment and let me know YOU think!

M42 Lenses? Shhhh... Don't Tell Anybody

As I mentioned last week, I'm not writing as much original content as I would like for CharlieJ's Blog/o/Foto. So, I decided to conjure up a post about something I just discovered... a secret in the ranks of digital photographers... the M42 lens.

And just when I googled some resources for my article, I ran across "the wheel" article on EpicEdits.com... and it didn't need to be reinvented again. So, here is another link for your review, amusement and learning enjoyment: Don’t Forget About Those Old M42 Lenses For Your Modern dSLR…

BTW, I already own two M42 lenses - and LOVE them! The first is a 50mm f/1.8 prime. The second is a fine piece of metal & glass, a 135mm f/2.8. And I don't mind tellin' ya, I paid ~$30 for the 50mm prime and ~$60 for the 135mm. Using the APS-C sensor "magnification" conversion (mm x 1.6), I have an ~80mm and an ~200mm prime lens for less than $100.00 total. That's AWESOME!

15 Must Have Photography Accessories (Plus a Few More) Under $25

I just read a nifty little article on my favorite photography-related website, Digital Photography School. The title is "15 Must Have Photography Accessories Under $25". With the exception of the two items I don't already carry in my bag, I agree with all the things listed as "must haves" for any photographer -- amateur or professional. If you're shooting photos outside, you should take the time to collect these items and carry them with you.
I would also add a few more things... which are in my bag: 16) Rubber bands - you can use a rubber band to strap down a flash diffuser, snug your strap to your shoulder or even hang a backdrop (provided its lightweight, of course). 17) Ziplock bags - I always keep a gallon size and a couple quart size ziplocks in my camera bag. They are great for keep things dry and/or sand-free and provide excellent temporary cover if the weather should change, but you need to keep shooting. 18) Batteries - This one has a high DUH factor, but batteries should not be forgotten. I carry at least four AA's and two AAA's with me, at all times. That way, I can always change my flash and trigger/receiver batteries, as needed. Although your camera battery might not fit the "under $25" part of the list, it's a good idea to purchase a second battery for your camera. I keep two batteries and even a 2nd charger handy... to minimize points of failure for any shoot I conduct.

What's are the must have items - under $25 - in your bag?