Daisy and Blue

Hello Everyone,
It's been quite some time since I did a new blog post and for that I apologize. I'm sure it's no excuse but things have been very busy with traveling, lecturers and personal family life.

I made this image in Kelly's garden last night. I love how the white stands out against a pastel blue background. It's a in camera multiple exposure.

As with all of my images I used Nik's Software to process this image! If you are interested in saving yourself a few $$$ on Nik's Software please make sure you use my discount code: "EHEATON"

Thanks for checking in, and stay tuned for many more images and notes from the field.

Best of Light,
Ed

Looking for some tips on what to photograph, then sign-up for my "Image of the Week" and see what inspires me!www.edheaton.com

Check out my 2013 Workshops and Tours!
· 2013 Creative Composition Workshops & Tours

Grafton Schoolhouse & DXO Software

I recently had the opportunity to start using the DXO software and let me tell you… it's good stuff.
On this image I used both the "Film Pack" and "Viewpoint". The “Film Pack” has more than 60 authentic film renderings and 25 creative renderings and is a creative paradise for the photographer.
“Viewpoint” is an amazing tool that corrects just about every distortion in your image. When I say this, it corrects , keystoning,distortion horizon lines and camera position angles allowing you to fine-tune the position of your camera.

I haven't had a chance to use the "Optics Pro" but I'm really looking forward to it for a few of my future images.

The schoolhouse at Grafton was built in 1886, and was also used as a church and public meeting place.  It's a ghost town now and provides for a great photo opportunity. Here I use DXO Film Pack and Viewpoint which allowed me to straighten the building and provide a nice black and white feel.

If you have a chance check out the DXO software at: http://www.dxo.com/us/photo

Lowepro Rover Pro 45L AW Impressions

Last weekend I visited the frozen terrain of Ricketts Glen State Park, which boasts a series of 22 named wild, free-flowing waterfalls, each cascading through rock-strewn clefts in this ancient hillside.. As you can imagine visiting this area in the winter has its pluses and minuses. The advantages, are that the gorge is turned into a winter wonderland with icicles and ice draping the falls. The drawbacks are that suddenly a normal easily accessible area is turned into a treacherous frozen pathway. Let me mention that the falls trail is closed during the winter months to all except properly equipped ice climbers and hikers, making it necessary to have ice crampons. You can just imagine how slippery and icy things turn with the frozen mist of the falls drifting through the gorge.

The first thing I noticed about the Lowepro Rover Pro 45L AW bag were the clean lines and close resemblance to a true outdoors backpacking pack. I say this because for years I was a backpacker and needed a comfortable and practical bag that would carry my camping gear.
I was extremely impressed, how comfortable this bag was to carry. It’s made from lightweight technical fabrics that really help reduce the overall weight of the bag even when empty. I also loved the suspension system, which allowed me to adjust the shoulder straps, waist strap, sternum strap and the torso length to fit my body size making it comfortable to carry all day. It is also made of water resistant material, which helped keep the frozen mist from reaching my gear and spare clothing.

The bag is set up conveniently with two main compartments, a top area to store extra clothing and lunch and a bottom area with two removable padded gear pouches to store your camera and lenses. These gear pouches are easily accessible because they can be reached either from the front zipper panel or through the top. There are also numerous pockets to store things like a First Aid Kit, GPS, Multi-Tool or you name it. The main compartment also has an integrated laptop sleeve capable of fitting a 15″ computer, which is a plus for traveling with the bag.
The bag has multiple lash points allowing you to attach gear that you need quick access too. It also has a tripod attachment area to help free up your hands while hiking. I lashed my Crampons to the outside of the bag when they weren’t in use but it still gave me quick access to them when needed. Located on the side of the pack, was a compartment for a 2-liter hydration reservoir allowing you stay hydrated without always fumbling for a bottle. 

Now let me talk about the camera gear that I carried. I shot with a full frame, full-sized Nikon D3 and two Tamron lenses. The first lens was a full-size hefty 24 – 70mm F/2.8 and a wide-angle 17 – 35mm F/4. I also threw in a variable neutral density filter, polarizer, cable release and an extra battery with plenty of room to spare.

 Bottom line… this is a great bag for hiking / outdoor photography and I would highly recommend it. 

I would like to thank my good friend Michael Lawrence for shooting the image of me wearing the pack!  

Win a Lowepro Bag

 

In collaboration with my very first sponsor “Lowepro” I’m honored to be part of this amazing giveaway!
 
Here’s your chance to win a Lowepro Pro Runner 300 AW

Features and Benefits: 

Rainflap lids - Covers zippered closure and offers added protection for camera and accessories
Thickly padded mesh backpad - Offers superior lumbar support and wicks away moisture
All Weather AW Cover ^™ - Protects camera and gear from the elements

Fits:  

DSLR with attached lens (up to 70-200mm f/2.8) plus 2-3 lenses/flash and accessories; tripod or monopod; personal items.

Rules:
The rules to enter are simple. And you have three different ways to participate. (And yes, you can choose just one way, or do all three.)

Send a tweet. Mention why you’d love to get this bag in the same tweet Use hashtag #Prorunner

Not on Twitter? No problem.

Share a photo of your current camera bag and why you need the Pro Runner 300AW on Instagram - use hashtag #Prorunner.

Not on Twitter or Instagram? - Just add a comment to this blog about how you’d use the bag if you won. We’ll randomly select a winner on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.

The winning comment will be posted here and on my Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ed-Heaton-Photography/124629888239

This contest is open internationally, but void where prohibited. One winner will be chosen randomly.

Good luck!
 
Best of Light,
Ed

Bird in Hand Balloon Festival

Hello Everyone,
It's been quite a while since my last blog post and I do want to apologize. As we all know life can be hectic at times. Although I have been pretty regular keeping my Facebook page up-to-date and if you are on Facebook please stop by.

Here are a few images from our local balloon festival that I want to share.

As with all of my images I used Nik's Software to process this image! If you are interested in saving yourself a few $$$ on Nik's Software please make sure you use my discount code: "EHEATON"

Thanks for checking in, and stay tuned for many more images and notes from the field.

Best of Light,
Ed


Looking for some tips on what to photograph, then sign-up for my "Image of the Week" and see what inspires me!www.edheaton.com 

Plus join me on Facebook to keep up to date on my latest adventures...

Three Boats

Hello Everyone,
Creating images is all about your vision. There are many times that Kelly and I stand side by side and see totally different compositions. So as a photographer our goal is to translate that vision into our images. In other words, create an image that shows the viewer what you are seeing. As with all of my images I used Nik's Software to process this image! If you are interested in saving yourself a few $$$ on Nik's Software please make sure you use my discount code: "EHEATON"
Thanks for checking in, and stay tuned for many more images and notes from the field. 

Best of Light,
Ed

Looking for some tips on what to photograph, then sign-up for my "Image of the Week" and see what inspires me!www.edheaton.com

Appleseed Hollow/Strasburg and Cape May Tours

Hello Everyone,
 

 Kelly here to say a few words about our Appleseed/Strasburg Railroad and Cape May Tours. A great time at both. We sure were blessed with great weather for our tours. 

 

Appleseed Hollow was beautiful with Spring green and flowers blooming every where        especially Buttercups. Paths through the meadows were great lead ins to the wonderful old buildings. Sadie was there as usual herding the Roosters and chickens. Chet came out for a little visit also. Broke for lunch and then off to the Historic Strasburg Railroad. Everyone worked the scene and off for a ride through the beautiful countryside of Lancaster County. We jumped off to photograph the train and then hopped back on for a ride back to the station. A great day!

 

Cape May was wonderful also. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets once again. From Victorian homes, and Beach scenes to the Lighthouse gave us wonderful opportunities to photograph. I even had a chance to set up a couple seashell and starfish arrangements (which was fun chasing them when the waves came in) and then sat and admired the Cape May Lighthouse.

We really appreciate all our workshop attendees !!

We held raffles and gave away some awesome Products. 

 

Manfrotto Tripod 

Nik Software

Op/Tech Strap and Rain sleeves

Lowepro Backpack 

Photograph America,One Year Subscription 

Topaz  Labs

Thank you to all our sponsors for their awesome products !!

 

 

 

Thanks for checking in, and stay tuned for many more images and notes from the field.

Best of Light,
Ed & Kelly
 

Looking for some tips on what to photograph, then sign-up for my "Image of the Week" and see what inspires me!www.edheaton.com

Check out my 2012 Workshops and Tours!
Creative Composition Workshops and Tours