This composite image was my primary goal for the 2024 total solar eclipse. What I didn't foresee was the effort required to get the shots.
The weather forecast was the problem, and the over 1,000 miles added to the rental car tell only part of the story that included a day-prior relocation from an ideal shooting location in central TX to north central AR — storm unchasing.
Fortunately, the clear sky chase was successful, and the second-darkest exposures from the C1 brackets described in the Total Solar Eclipse Photography Plan provided the optimal exposures for this image.
The images in this composite were captured 1-second apart, illustrating how fast the favorite Baily's Beads stage passes.
The individual images are straight out of Lightroom with the default settings, with slight shadow brightness and clarity increases added to the final image in PS.
The left and right-side images are independently rotated to enable a horizontal format that retains clear visibility of the progression.
A larger version of this image is available here.
One Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM Lens is in stock at Amazon via Canon-authorized Berger Bros.
Mark May 15th on your calender. USPS is set to release Ansel Adams landscape stamps:
Postal Service to Honor Ansel Adams With Stamps Showcasing 16 Stunning Portraits of the American Landscape
What:
First-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Ansel Adams Forever stamps featuring 16 photographs made by the esteemed artist and environmentalist.
The first-day-of-issue event for the Ansel Adams Forever stamps is free and open to all visitors of Yosemite National Park. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #AnselAdamsStamps.
Who:
The Hon. Daniel Tangherlini, a member of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, will serve as the dedicating official.
Matthew Adams, grandson of Ansel Adams
Cicely Muldoon, superintendent, Yosemite National Park
Scott Gediman, public affairs officer, Yosemite National Park
Shelton Johnson, park ranger, Yosemite National Park
Alan Ross, photographer
When:
May 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. PDT
Where:
The Ansel Adams Gallery
9031 Village Drive
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
RSVP:
Ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at usps.com/anseladamsstamps.
Background:
Experience the wonder of the American West through the lens of one of America’s most iconic photographers, Ansel Adams (1902-1984). This pane of 16 stamps features some of Adams’ most famous images in his signature “straight photography” style, an approach defined by its precision and directness.
The first row of stamps, left to right, features “Half Dome, Merced River, Winter, Yosemite National Park, California” (1938); “Oak Tree, Sunset City, Sierra Foothills, California” (1962); “Thundercloud, Ellery Lake, High Sierra, Sierra Nevada, California” (1934); and “Denali and Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska” (1947).
The second row, left to right, features “The Golden Gate and Bridge from Baker Beach, San Francisco, California” (c.1953); “Road and Fog, Del Monte Forest, Pebble Beach, California” (1964); “Rock and Grass, Moraine Lake, Sequoia National Park, California” (1936); and “Leaves, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington” (c.1942).
The third row, left to right, features “Monument Valley, Arizona” (1958); “Tetons and Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming” (1942); “Jeffrey Pine, Sentinel Dome, Yosemite National Park, California” (1940); and “Mirror Lake, Mount Watkins, Spring, Yosemite National Park, California” (1935).
The fourth row, left to right, features “Maroon Bells, near Aspen, Colorado” (1951); “Aspens, Dawn, Autumn, Dolores River Canyon, Colorado” (1937); “Road After Rain, Northern California” (1960); and “Dunes, Oceano, California” (1963).
As evidenced by the striking images in this collection, Adams devoted much of his career to the advancement of photography as a fine art. Derry Noyes, an art director with USPS, designed the stamps using existing photographs.
Watch for the Ansel Adams stamps to become available here.
ProGrade Digital just added six new products to their lineup:
ProGrade Digital is thrilled to introduce new CFexpress 4.0 memory cards in Type A and Type B formats. The CFexpress 4.0 Type A is VPG 200 rated and comes in 480GB and 960GB capacity. The CFexpress 4.0 Type B is VPG 400 rated and comes in a 400GB, 800GB, and 1.6TB capacity.
In conjunction with our introduction to the CFexpress 4.0 Type A cards, we are excited to announce a CFexpress Type A Single-Slot USB 4.0 Reader (PG09.6). Paring both products enables you to cut your workflow in half.
ProGrade Digital is also introducing Ingest Pro - a software that enables videographers and photographers to streamline their data management workflow. Ingest Pro incorporates functionality from Refresh Pro which enables you to sanitize ProGrade Digital memory cards to ensure they are ready for re-use in the capture environment and monitor the health of the card.
We are also introducing a 256GB CFexpress 4.0 Type B Gold memory card. This capacity provides optimal performance for RAW shooting applications with higher performance and write speed capability.
CFexpress 4.0 Type A Iridium Memory Cards:
CFexpress 4.0 Type B Iridium Memory Cards:
CFexpress Type A Single Slot USB 4.0 Reader (PG09.6):
CFexpress 4.0 Type B Gold 256GB Memory Card:
Today, April 11, 2024, we have launched a higher capacity 512GB microSDXC V60. This capacity enables you to record an extended number of video clips and capture a larger number of stills. Ideal for drones, action cams, and cameras like the Nikon Zf and Canon Power Shot V10.
microSDXC V60 512GB Memory Card:
Get your ProGrade Digital cards and readers at B&H.
From Sony Electronics:
Sony Electronics’ Launches Camera Remote SDK Firmware Updates
Version 1.12 Provides Remotely Managed Menu Settings and Camera Control Through Wi-Fi Enabling Remote Control of a Wide Range of Digital Cameras through ISO- Standard PTP Protocol
SAN DIEGO. April 12, 2024 – Today, Sony Electronics launched a new version (Version 1.12) of the previously released Camera Remote SDK (Software Development Kit), bringing more features and Wi-Fi connection amongst other improvements. Additionally, new Camera Remote Command capabilities enable remote control of a wide range of 29 digital camerasi. Through this new specification document, Sony removes restrictions to third-party software development and supports the creation of software that remotely controls Sony’s digital cameras, including shooting, monitoring, and file transfer. These updates are available at no cost through the link here: https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/app/sdk/en/index.html
Camera Remote SDK is a high-level command system designed for development efficiency that enables operation and control of Sony digital cameras using dedicated API provided by Sony. This is ideal for use with high-level APIs to efficiently develop programs. This package includes software modules, API references, and sample code.
Version 1.12 expands the capabilities of compatible models (Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III and Alpha7 IV) and now also supports the a9 III, a full-frame interchangeable lens camera with Global Shutter technology. It provides a more efficient workflow when using Sony digital cameras to take remote photographs in the B2B market, like inspections and surveys and e-commerce.
Version 1.12 and later supports the following features:
1. In addition to USB and Ethernet connections, it also supports Wi-Fi, making it possible to use it even in environments where wired connections are difficult, expanding the range of use.
2. Approximately 100 types of functionsii will be expanded for automation will be added such as: remote key operations, newly added Fn Menu operation and Custom key, etc.
In addition, it supports switching the memory card slot for recording still images and videos according to the shooting situation and switching the ISO AUTO upper/lower limit according to the shooting environment.
Camera Remote Command
Camera Remote Command enables remote control of cameras using a communication protocol that is Sony's proprietary extension of the ISO standard PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol). This increases convenience when operating camera products from different brands with a single software, or when applying existing software to Sony’s digital cameras. This package includes command references and sample code for developers. Some of the users could be healthcare system development integrators, ITS integrators or photobooth photography system developers, and more.
Both "Camera Remote Command" and "Camera Remote SDK" will be collectively called "Camera Remote Toolkit." Developers can choose the most suitable method according to their development purpose and application.
For more information and to download Camera Remote Toolkit, please visit the URL below.
https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/app/sdk/en/index.html Notes:
i For the full list of compatible cameras, please see: https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/app/sdk/en/index.html
ii Currently, the models that support this function are the A1, A7S III and A7 IV. For details on the functions, please check the specifications included with the SDK. Future supported models will be announced in upcoming updates to the API reference.
Canon has a spring instant savings promotion waiting to save you up to $700.00 on mirrorless cameras and up to $300.00 on mirrorless lenses.
* Don't wait. Some of these offers are scheduled to end on Apr 14 at 11:59 PM EDT.
Note that the discounted new price is sometimes reflected in used pricing.
Sony has launched a great spring sale, featuring up to $400.00 instant savings!
In addition, receive a $50 Sony product registration incentive mail-in rebate for each of 70 Sony camera and lens models and a $30 MIR for 14 additional items.
Note that you may already qualify for this incentive as items must be purchased between 10/15/2023 and 04/30/2024. The claim deadline is 05/14/2024.
Some of the retailers are offering bundle deals at no additional cost. Also, note that the discounted new price is sometimes reflected in used pricing.
"DJI Avata 2, Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3 Give Beginner FPV Pilots the Skills of Professionals" [DJI]
Learn more about the DJI Avata 2 FPV Drone, Goggles 3, and RC Motion 3 at B&H.
Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals.
Numerous other Apple deals are available.
Also browse the Deals of the Week at B&H.
Learn more about the DJI RS 4 Pro Gimbal Stabilizer and DJI Focus Pro at B&H.
Also: B&H Explora
Save 25% on the Backlight Series backpacks at Think Tank Photo and B&H.
I use backpacks from this series more than any other and just unpacked a 26L after the eclipse chase.
Don't forget that you'll get a free gift and free shipping when using this site's links for your purchase at Think Tank Photo ($50.00 minimum purchase required).
Sony Alpha 6700 firmware update version 1.03 is available for download (Canon USA).
Firmware Version 1.03 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sony Alpha 6700 at B&H.
Highlighting some of the used gear in B&H's Used Department. Be the first to check out at 8:45 PM EDT to score these deals.
Category | Available |
---|---|
Canon EOS Cameras | R5, R5 kit, R5 C, R7, R10 kit |
Canon RF Lenses | 14-35, 15-30, 24-105 F2.8, 50 F1.2, 600 F11, 800 F11 |
Sony Alpha Cameras | a1, a9 III, a7R V, a7C R, a6700 kit |
Sony FE Lenses | 16-35 II, 70-200 F2.8 II, 50 F1.2, 135 F1.8, 400 F2.8, 600 F4 |
Really Right Stuff | PG-02 MK2 Pano-Gimbal Head with Side Mount, Ascend-14, TVC-24L Mk2, TVC-34L Mk2, PG-01 |
Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals.
Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals.
Looking for image hosting and sharing? Want to sell prints and downloads? Need an online backup service with unlimited storage? Try SmugMug free for 14 days and save 20% if you decide to purchase.
Between now and Apr 30th, anyone that clicks this link and enters into a free trial will save 20% on their new SmugMug account if purchased within 14 days.
I use SmugMug (at no discount) for my online portfolio (using practically none of the customization available) and client photo delivery.
Save 25% on the Backlight Series backpacks at Think Tank Photo
I use backpacks from this series more than any other.
Don't forget that you'll get a free gift and free shipping when using this site's links for your purchase at Think Tank Photo ($50.00 minimum purchase required).
The Lexar 1TB Professional CFexpress Type B Card SILVER Series is on sale for only $214.49 at Amazon.
Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals.
Just posted: Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens Review
As I said before, you are going to like this one.
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
Rent the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.