Converting RAW images to JPEG

My first RAW to JPEG conversion! The professor wants us to shoot in RAW, but I was getting a little concerned that I would not be able to get the pictures I have taken in RAW format converted to JPEG. I didn't do a whole lot of research on RAW to JPEG conversion, but it works now and I am glad.

If you have PSE and are finding that you need to shoot in RAW format but can not view your photos go to Adobe web page here http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4365 and scroll down the page and find the info on how to install the plug-in.

Or if you do not have PSE 6 you can at least view your RAW images by going to Windows Live Photo Gallery. You are asked to create an account. I was trying to find a stand alone program because at the time I didn't realize I would be able to get PSE 6 to open and then convert the RAW image to a JPEG image.

5 Film Cameras Later

Film camera recap:
1. Messed up the focusing screen on my dad's Sears film camera
2. Bought replacement and returned it to dad
3. Purchase Nikon EM
-Based on list of film camera's the Professor recommended
-First day of class discover it had an automatic shutter speed and will not work for class
4. Professor issues Nikon FM with nice lens
- Took one picture and film will not advance
-Need newly issued camera for school
-Resort to using the EM so I will have film to develop in class
-Load film wrong=no film to develop
5. Professor issues Nikon FG

5 Film Cameras Later, 5 trips downtown, and 2 attempts to develop film; I chose to process this print of a shoe rack outside the shoe store during the farmers market. The professor said that it was more than adequate for the first assignment and I could use it for one of my final 15 prints. He said to work on it just a bit by trying a lower number filter to see if I could get a few of the darker areas just a tad bit lighter. It should be interesting trying to do so as this was my first print. It is a scanned image of the original so it may appear to be darker than it really is.

I did not realize when I took the picture that there is only one shoe in each of the boxes. Very clever technique to get patrons into the store in addition to thwart any potential thievery!

Ahoy Mate

Class and Outing

My first photography class was pretty good despite the fact that the second film camera I got will not be suitable for the class. I discovered that the camera does not allow manipulation of the shutter priority. After class I brought it to the Professors attention. He was pretty cool and set me up with a Nikon instead of the Cannons he assigned to the class members who did not have their own cameras. Not only did he provide me with a Nikon but the lens that just happened to be on the camera is a 28 to 70mm zoom with a macro attachment. I can still use my 50 mm lens, the other lens, and flash with my assigned camera.

Although the class is primarily emphasizes film photography, we will get to use digital SLR's as well. I grabbed my D60 before I left work, but it was pretty rainy all day. I did not get to go out at lunch time. After work it started to clear up, so I went downtown. Upon my first few minutes of getting set up and figuring out a few meter readings and applying them, I was approached by a man who needed my financial assistance in sending him back to where he came from. Seriously???? I expected I would encounter an undesirable situation, so to avoid anymore situations where I'd be alone I call my boyfriend Z to come be my bodyguard/assistant.

Despite the fact that we were only downtown for an hour and half we were approached 3 more times for a total of 4 encounters by panhandlers who may possibly be homeless. The solicitors were distracting, but I was able to get a few shots where I believe my meter readings and corresponding photos turned out ok. There are a few where the composition was off but the light was pretty good and others where the composition was creative but the lighting was less than desirable.

Photography Class Tomorrow

Tomorrow evening my photography class starts! I'm excited for it. My head is already starting to spin. Hopefully the professor keeps a steady and smooth pace.

One of my biggest problems is just taking pictures. The assignment for Thursday's class is to take 24 exposures of a very visual scene-one where there are many sensory impressions. I have an idea, but it will take up my lunch hour as there is a farmers market within waking distance from my workplace. The other semi issue is the lighting. I can take lunch anywhere from 11:30 to 12-30 so if the sun is out it will be really harsh. On the other hand it may rain or even be somewhat of an overcast. The overcast day would be ideal. If the farmers market idea falls through I may go to the park after work on Wednesday. Either way I'm sure I will find a scene filled with visual elements to capture.