1 Year of Rock, Shot and everything in between… \m/

Ladies and Gents, welcome to the special edition of Shot n’ Roll as we open the book of annual photo compilation, in celebration of 1 year of Photography, Art and Music. Welcome to the Bonded by Blog gallery!

Bonded by Blog, A Shot n Roll Anniversary Photo Compilation

For those of you who are wondering what the crap am I saying, Bonded by Blog is a compilation of different kinds of photos taken from this day, minus(-) 365 days.   This compilation also includes the tracks that I’ve used and other shots that I’ve never posted. So I hope you guys enjoy what you’ll see as much as I show.

Chapter List: (click to view)

Chapter 1: Escape from Scape
Chapter 2: Random Faces
Chapter 3: The Daily Shot n Roll
Chapter 4: Metamorphosis
Chapter 5: The Picture Underneath
Chapter 6: Two-Colored Visions
Chapter 7: The Man Behind the Glass

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Chapter 1: Escape from Scape

Bonded by Blog, A Shot n Roll Anniversary Photo Compilation

Chapter 1: Escape from Scape

Inside: Landscape, Architecture and Structure, Streetscape, Seascape, Travel Photos

OST: Megadeth – A Secret Place

– S \n/ R –

Chapter 2: Random Faces

Bonded by Blog, A Shot n Roll Anniversary Photo Compilation

Chapter 2: Random Faces

Inside: Studio Portraits, Candid Photos, Indoor/Events Portrait, Outdoor/Street Portraits, On Stage Photos

OST: Nirvana – Come as you are

– S \n/ R –

Chapter 3: The Daily Shot n Roll

Bonded by Blog, A Shot n Roll Anniversary Photo Compilation

Chapter 3: The Daily Shot n Roll

Inside: Events and Photojournalism Photos

OST: Juan Dela Cruz – Himig Natin

– S \n/ R –

Chapter 4: Metamorphosis

Bonded by Blog, A Shot n Roll Anniversary Photo Compilation

Chapter 4: Metamorphosis

Inside: Insect, Animal, Underwater Photos on a Macro style and Close Up Shots

OST: White Zombie – More Human than Human

– S \n/ R –

Chapter 5: The Picture Underneath

Bonded by Blog, A Shot n Roll Anniversary Photo Compilation

Chapter 5: The Picture Underneath

Inside: Art, Abstract and Still Life Photos

OST: Slayer – Seasons in the Abyss

– S \n/ R –

Chapter 6: Two-Colored Visions

Bonded by Blog, A Shot n Roll Anniversary Photo Compilation

Chapter 6: Two-Colored Visions

Inside: Black and White Photos, Random Shots, Different Subjects.

OST: Earth Crisis – Paint it Black

– S \n/ R –

Chapter 7: The Man Behind the Glass

Bonded by Blog, A Shot n Roll Anniversary Photo Compilation

Chapter 7: The Man Behind the Glass

Inside: Self-Portrait Photos

OST: Alice In Chains – Man in the Box

– S \n/ R –

says Thank You…

Bonded by Blog, A Shot n Roll Anniversary Photo Compilation

Shot n’ Roll says thank you, thank you, and thank you to all of you folks for showing support to this blog. Your visits were truly appreciated…

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Gears Used:
Canon EOS 1000D
Canon 18-55 Kit Lens
Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens

Good image quality and very cheap price (2 reasons why I bought this lens). I’ve scored this one on Canon D Zone around 5000 bucks and a lens hood that costs 1300 PHP. Doin’ a little math here, you can have a Prime lens, a very good quality image and a large 1.8 aperture for a small price of 6300 bucks. Now how good is that?! If you don’t have a lens like this, I suggest that you should go and get one right now! Make no mistake about it, you’ll get much more on what you’ve paid for. This lens simply rocks! \m/

Here’s my nifty fifty test shots on Streetscape, Food and Portrait under low light condition. No image alteration, editing and brightness/contrast adjustments… In short, no post processing (except for image resizing and watermarks). Check this out!

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens on Streetscape

These shots were taken at the Ayala Triangle Park. Using ISO 800 on both shots produces nice and noiseless image.
Streetscape shots #1 and #2 Settings:
ISO 800
f/2.5
1/20 sec

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens on Streetscape

This photo below was taken on the streets of Makati. A nice place to test the lens on street lights. Notice the blue spots? Yeah, this is one major problem of this lens. It casts flares/ghosts easily even if you have your lens hood attached.
Streetscape #3 Settings:
ISO 800
f/3.2
1/15 sec

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens on Streetscape

Food shooting time! Here’s a shot of an ice cream on a low-light resto bar. Image quality is very good and sharp without post-processing.
Food Shot Settings:
ISO 200
f/2.2
1/10 sec

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens on Food Shot

Portraits… Let’s see what this lens can bring on ISO 800 and Flash On under Florescent lights.
Portrait Settings:
ISO 800
f/5.0
1/125 sec
Flash On

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens on Portrait

After taking these series of shots, I give you the Pros and Cons, Positive and Negative, the Good and Bad Points of this lens.

Good Points:
1. Very Nice Image Quality
2. Good in low-light conditions
3. Large Aperture (f/1.8)
4. Cheap and Affordable
5. Durability – Trust me man, even if it’s plastic built, this lens has a lot of durability! Here’s a proof:
This lens fell off, bouncing 4 steps down on the stair that I was sitting. So how’s my nifty fifty after that? Well my lens hood got wrecked and the rear cap received deep scratches, but the lens itself was all good. And that folks is how you test the durability of the nifty fifty! This lens rocks! \m/

Bad Points:
1. Ghosting/ Flare – See Streetscape Shot #3.
2. No IS – Since it is an EF lens, it has no Image Stabilizer feature compared to 50mm L lens. Shooting hand held with this one would be a problem specially If you’re hands were shaky. Solution? Set aside your laziness and bring your tripod!
3. Hard to Focus – Watch your distance from your subject.  Make sure you have 0.45m/1.5 ft distance and above from the subject to the lens to achieve your focus.
4. Noisy on Focusing – This is one thing noticeable but never bothers me.

Recommendation: Hell Yeah! I would recommend this lens if you’re planning to buy one.
Ratings: I’ll give 4/5 horns for this lens! \m/ \m/ \m/ \m/

Oh by the way, make sure you’ll listen to Pantera’s Walk before goin’ out and grabbing a lens! \m/

That’s it folks! Thanks for dropping by to my Nifty Fifty test. By the way, if you like this post, you can drop some comments and rate it. Just click those stars and gimme a hell yeah! \m/
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Gears Used:
Canon EOS 1000D
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens

Press Menu button, go to the first tab/selection, then go to Quality. You’ll notice there’s a lot of qualities to choose from like S, M, L, RAW and RAW+L.

At first, I’m using RAW+L to see the difference between them. But then later, I’m switching from one quality to another since using RAW+L quality will eat a lot of space on your memory card. Just do remember that using RAW type consumes approximately from 8-10mb max on your memory card per shot, while L (jpg) consumes from 2-4mb max.

Many photographers prefer using RAW because of its clarity, image quality and post processing capabilities, compare to JPG types. Below are the illustrations and actual shots when I’m still using RAW+L quality, so be the judge ladies and gents, compare and conclude! To start of the judgement, I bring you my first shot, taken at the grounds of The Fort.

1st Shot: Skater Boy

Picture Style
User Defined 1: Monochrome
Filter effect: Green

L (jpg) image quality from Canon 1000D

Here are two images generated on a single shot. The above image is L, while the image below is RAW. Here’s what happens when you open the RAW file on Adobe Lightroom. The Picture Style is discarded and retains its original format and colors. So if you’re going to use the Mono Style on your cam, you should use the L(jpg) format.

RAW quality image when opened on Adobe Lightroom

Doing a little post-processing on this one, like increasing exposure, brightness and contrast, here’s the output:

Post-processed Raw quality image on Adobe Lightroom

Applying the same adjustments here on L (jpg) quality, here’s the output:

Post-processed L (jpg) quality image on Adobe Lightroom

Setting the Saturation on both RAW and JPG types to -100, here’s the output:

Applying Black and White colors on both Raw and JPG quality

Applying saved preset on both RAW and JPG image quality using Adobe Lightroom, here it is…
Preset used: Creative – Antique Light

Creative - Antique Light applied on Raw image quality

Creative - Antique Light applied on L (jpg) image quality

2nd Shot: Lonely Coffee just for One

Here are the two coffees generated on one shot.

Coffee on RAW quality image

Above image: Coffee on RAW quality.
Below image: Coffee on JPG quality image
Spot the differences?

Coffee on L (jpg) quality image

Doing a little post-processing on this one, like the ones we did before on the Skater Boy, here’s the output:

Post-processed Raw quality image on Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom has this cool tool in which you can rotate and crop the image. It’s like rotating the image but the position remains. Check out the image below.

Rotating (Crop Overlay)

Crop Overlay Tool on Adobe Lightroom

And for the final touch, the Watermarks. This will serve as your identifier, signature and the owner of the product or media. Watermarking can also be used for a wide range of applications such as Copyright protection, etc, etc…

Coffee on its finished product

Skater Boy on its finished product

Already made your conclusion? Either of the two image qualities that you may use is fine. It will only depend on your shots and how will you use it. If you lack in memory space, you can use the L (jpg) and other image quality except for RAW. My suggestion? Buy a higher memory for you to store more shots, and it’s not that expensive by the way.

Thanks for dropping by to my Raw vs. JPG Gallery! By the way, if you like this post, you can drop some comments and rate it. Just click those stars and gimme a hell yeah! \m/
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Gears Used:
Canon EOS 1000D
Canon EF-S 18-55mm kit lens

Candid shots are wonderful photographs that shows moment and emotions of ones subject. It simply shows your subject’s feeling towards something. It requires your focus, creativity and perfect timing to capture the “blues rhythm-like” feel of your subject.

Having a nice and amazing candid shots are more harder than shooting on a posed subject. Doing this one is much harder than you think it is. Anyway, here’s my newbie candid shooting tips that I’d like to share base on my photowalking experience.

1. Timing – is indeed everything. Make sure you capture the subjects moment on his best mood, feeling and gesture. (see Portraits #1, 3, 5)
2. Composition – the basic rule. Always apply this one in any types of your shot, whether it’s a landscape or portrait, applying this one will really give an impact in all of your shots. Look for a good angle to your subject then shoot it! (see Portraits #2 – 5)
3. Depth of Field – You have the subject, you have the composition, then apply this one. Try blurring the background to emphasize the subject. (see Portraits #3, 4, 5)
4. Vert’s Finest – Try shooting vertical. Though as they say that shooting vertical is magical, it also applies good composition to your shots. (see Portraits # 4 &  5)
5. Lights – try to involve this one coz lighting gives an extra feeling to your subject. (see Portraits #1 & 5)
6. Reversing – I want always want to recreate and experiment things. Reversing(my shot n’ roll term)
was changing your subject into sidekick(vice-versa). (see Portraits #4 & 5)

Portrait #1: Blind Mariachis

Blind Mariachis from Bohol Airport. They give entertainment to a lot of people, most specially the waiting passengers by playing nice songs with their fine-tuned guitars. As for me, while amazed in the music they’re playing, I grab my trigger and shoot ‘em! The natural light that reflects from the window gives a dramatic effect to my subject.

Portrait #2: Loboc Ambassador Rondalla

The Loboc Ambassador Rondalla… These Mariachis from Loboc River dominates the dining place by playing good music to the people. Aside from the nice landscape, seascape, and delicious foods they serve, this place is packed with other interesting subjects to shoot from, just like the fine-tuned mariachis here.

Portrait #3: A Pose For A Cause

This Portrait #3 I’ve called A Pose For A Cause is one of my favorite candid shots in Bohol. Why I choose this title? Simply because this is a stolen shot. She’s posing a shot from her friend and the camera is in front of her. I find that moment interesting to shoot that’s why I grab my good old Trigger to steal something. Timing, Composition and Depth of Field, three of the components I’ve applied in shooting this one.

Portrait #4: Beautiful Ones

This Portrait #4 is what I call shot n’ roll in reverse! This one I should say is one of my difficult candid shots in Bohol. Timing, Composition, Depth of Field, Vertical shot and my favorite, Reversed! I’ve focused the butterfly instead of her to give a unique approach. I’ve titled this one Beautiful Ones by the grunge band Suede.

Portrait #5: I Drink Alone

These Portrait #5 Rocks coz this candid night and low light shot captures the moment. Instead of choosing the guy with a beer to be my focus, I chose the lantern to light the fire in this shot. I drink alone, yeah, with nobody else… Blues Rock Music from George Thorogood.

Shooting people always have the impression and expectation of a moment. Whatever the mood it is or whatever she’s doing, make sure to capture that moment in a faster than bullet shots coz once your subject notice it, it’s over. You can’t have that moment again to repeat it, specially when your shooting a stranger.

Thanks for dropping by to my Candid Gallery! By the way, if you like this post, you can drop some comments and rate it. Just click those stars and gimme a hell yeah! \m/

Gears Used:
Canon EOS 1000D
Canon EF-S 18-55mm kit lens

My Trigger

Here are some of the words and acronyms that you will usually hear on this kind of field.

Viewfinder – is what the photographer looks through to compose, and in many cases to focus, the picture.
/* In short, this is where you put your eyes on to view your subject */

Live View – the digital counter part of view finder. Use this when you want to view your subject in LCD.
/* not all dslr cameras have this feature */

ISO – image sensor’s sensitivity to light.
/* The more ISO you use, the more noise it may produce */

Aperture – is a hole or an opening through which light travels.
/* The lower the value of your aperture, the more blurry the background is. Hence, your focus subject becomes clear and more emphasize */

Shutter Speed – is a common term used to discuss exposure time, the effective length of time a shutter is open.
/* Lets put it this way… If you want to freeze the motion of a moving subject, set your shutter speed to a higher value; If you want to create a laser-like effect on moving cars, set your shutter speed to lower value */

Subject – is the focus of your camera; your main dish; the one you emphasize the most.
AE – Auto Exposure

There are 2 shooting techniques in Canon EOS 1000d, which I think all of DSLR cams have. The Basic and the Advance techniques.

Basic Modes

• Portrait
• Landscape
• Close Up
• Sports
• Night Portrait
• Flash Off

Advance Modes

• <P> (Program AE) – this mode sets the shutter speed and aperture automatically to obtain the standard exposure.
• <Tv> (Time Value) – Shutter Priority AE
• <Av> (Aperture Value) – Aperture Priority
• <M> – Manual
• <A-DEP> – Automatic depth of field

I suggest you should directly proceed to Advance Shooting Modes than Basic Modes. Why? because shooting in a
Basic Mode is like shooting in a point and shoot camera.
Here’s a tip… Shoot in Advance Mode then select
<P> (Program AE) coz this mode sets the shutter speed and aperture automatically. In this case you’ll get
familiar with the Shutter Speed and Aperture value of each shots you’ve taken. The only thing you have to watch out
is your AF Points and ISO, and most specially your hand shakes. hehehe!
Here’s a sample shot using <P>

Longview (shot in Program Auto mode)

Now if your familiar with the Aperture, try shooting in <Av> mode. This is one of the modes that I personally like
coz it’s easy to use. If you want to blur the background of the subject, use this mode then set your f/value to the lowest.
Here’s a sample shot using <Av>

Little Wing (shot in Aperture Priority Mode)

Familiar with the Shutter Speed? Then shoot in <Tv> mode. This mode is more difficult than <Av> because this is more sensitive. The more Shutter Speed is, the slower your camera generates the image, most specially on night shots. Solution? Use a tripod. This mode is nice to use when shooting moving objects. If you want to stop the motion, or capture the laser like lights of fast moving cars, this is the mode that’s right for you.
Here’s a sample shot using <Tv>

Nocturnal Fountain (shot in Shutter Priority Mode)

How about the <A-DEP>? Use this mode when shooting wide angles and landscapes. This mode sets the focus points
automatically to all section, no need to adjust it. The only thing you should worry about is the ISO and your
hand shakes. hehehe!
Here’s a sample shot using <A-DEP>

Perfect Day (shot in A-DEP Mode)

Now if you’re familiar with all of the settings, try shooting in <M>(Manual Mode). Coz in this mode, you
will manually set the Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO, Focus Points and addtional settings like White Balance
and Picture Style. Click here to see some shots using <M>(Manual Mode).

That’s all folks! Hope my newbie shooting experience would help others… Thanks for dropping by! Shot n’ Roll!

You might also like other shooting tips:
Candid Shooting Tips
Sexy Models, Gorgeous Portraits, Studio Shots and Camera Settings

“Know your camera, and the camera will give you the shots you’ve wanted to”

Gears Used:
Canon EOS 1000D
Canon EF-S 18-55mm kit lens