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After realizing that the Canon 1D MKIII was a little too much for my wallet to chew, a good compromise looked like a Canon 40D and some new lenses to cope with the 1.6x crop factor on the new sensor.  The Canon 35 F/2.0 was a major workhorse for me, accounting for probably 40,000 photos taken at National Racquetball events.  Through some research on Fred Miranda, I quickly noticed the 1.4′s benefits of faster USM, sharper photos, and of course an extra stop of light (extremely crucial for low-light sports – like racquetball).

I quickly sold the 2.0 to a colleague, and turned to a “WTB” ad on craigslist to find a primo copy of the 1.4 locally.  Within about 5 mintues of posting the ad, I had a reply from a local photographer wanting to sell his mint copy at the right price.  Needless to say, this lens didn’t dissapoint.  Solid metal construction, tack sharp photos, and wonderful contrast have turned this into one of my favorite Canon primes.

Here is my son learning how to compose with the Digital Rebel (taken with a Canon 1D MKI, F/1.4, 1/30, hand-held):

Big thanks to Don for my first trip on the water this season!

While attending a boot camp / crash course during a LONG week in Needham, MA (just outside of Boston), I noticed this little boat house right behind my hotel.  I was able to sneak away for 15 minutes (literally), and snap this shot.  I must have looked like an idiot running down the road in slacks and dress shoes, but oh well – it was worth it .

I’d have to say that this is probably my most successful HDR endeavor to date.  I’m finally getting the hang of properly bracketing to capture the entire tonal range of the image, and then blending and toning the final product.

East Waterfront – Steel Bridge, Rose Garden, Convention Center Towers:

East Waterfront – Burnside Bridge, West Waterfront:

US Bank Tower: West Downtown Area

Another attempt at hand held exposure bracketing for HDR – The Deschutes River as it runs through Bend, OR.  Some Orton thrown in, to boot.

Here’s my second try at wedding photography! Peter and Alissa were married on July 8th at the Oregon City Golf Club. These guys did a GREAT job planning the event, which went off without a hitch.

Willamette Falls Park, West Linn, OR