I know it has been a long time since I added a new post. I am very sorry for the delay.
Much of my time has been spent taking photos, preparing for a trip to Kenya in June 2010, and building a web site.
Historically my work could be seen on a photo sharing site called Redbubble. As much as I like the site I did not feel comfortable sending potential clients to the site.
Redbubble is a hybrid of photography and art. There are some images posted at Redbubble that I prefer client not see. That is why I created my own site.
My site is called Fotos For Phun
My new site has an assortment of information to include samples of portrait work, my pricing, and a new blog called - Little Light Of Mine. I am working to get that blog up and running on a more regular basis.
I have also built another site dedicated to the work I photographic work I did in Kenya. My first trip was June 2007 and this June I have the chance to head back to Kenya for a second time.
The Kenya Missions site is a simply designed site that give you a little more of a taste of Africa, to include some African music on each photo page.
I am not sure how I have been able to get so many viewer to this blog. I thank you for taking the time to stop by, read what I have to say, and maybe even share it with others.
I do plan on having a real Photo Talk blog soon. If by chance any of you readers have a topic you would like me to share my thoughts on, please drop me a line at fotosforphun@new.rr.com
Thanks again and I hope you have a chance to stop by the new web sites.
Scott
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
A Personal Note- Kenya 2010
Mid June of 2007 I went on a mission trip to Kenya. The team worked collaboratively with the Kenyan church Agape Fellowship. The mission focus was placed on door to door ministry, crusades, street ministry, and help with newly planted church sustainability.
My primary objective? To journal the mission trip through photography. The photos would be brought back to our church so members of the church could better see the activities related to the mission trip.
In June of 2010 I have the opportunity to attend Kenya for a second time. I will be journaling this trip as well. In addition I will work more closely with the mission team as counselor of sorts.
The mission team primarily consists of teenagers and young adults ranging from 16-21 years of age. In 2007 we had a “mens” team that ministered in a different way.
The men worked with Agape Fellowship members to establish a computer learning center with the 14 PC’s we brought along, trained church personnel in proper sound system techniques, trained them to construct and operate two water treatments systems we brought along, and installed a diesel to fryer oil conversion kit on a church vehicle.
I have selected a handful of the nearly 2500 photos I took on the trip to provide you a little taste of the efforts of the mission team and give you a little insight to the areas of Kenya we visited in 2007.
The first part of the trip was spent in Nairobi, Kenya. It was amazing to see how “modern” central Nairobi was. They had a shopping mall like any respectful size city here in the States.
On one side of the road you had a booming city. Cross the road and you have some of the worst slums in the world. It was something I was not used to.
We spent some time at the Agape Fellowship church. It is located not far from Kibera, Nairobi’s second largest slum. Kibera is home to nearly 1.2 million people. Here in the States you might have six families per acre, amounting to about 15-20 people per acre. In Kibera there are roughly 1250 people per acre.
This is a new building being constructed near Agape Fellowship.
Here is a photo of the streets of Kabatini. Kabatini is just outside of Nakuru some 120 miles north of Nairobi. Not nearly as bad as Kibera but nothing like you would see in the States by any means. Note that is did not rain for days in this area. The mud consists of sewage run off. Needless to say, the sights and sounds were one thing. The smells in Kenya, were another story.
While in Kenya we visited a number of small cities, suburbs and slums. Githeri, Nakuru, Kabatini, Njoro, Kibera, and Nairobi to name a few of the places we visited. Some were rather remote small towns.
Here are some photos from some of the areas visited.
A church in Njoro.
The streets of Githeri
Student onlookers at the Nakuru school
A more high end private school in the Nakuru area.
A drama at another public school in the Nakuru area.
A drama in the streets of Githeri.
The dramas held at the schools were a rather captive audience. The children loved the dramas.
Open air crusades were held in the streets of the cities. Onlookers of all ages would stop and watch the drama, and listen to the message from the Kenyan preachers.
I will be visiting Kenya in 2010. I am asking for your help. I know many of you may not know me that well. Follow your heart. If you do not feel comfortable donating or cannot afford to donate, please pray for me.
The Enemy does not want the Word of God shared…period. The attacks that participants of the mission trip face are many. The Enemy does not want us to go and wants us to feel defeated before we even get on the plan. Your prayers are needed and appreciated.
If you scroll back up to the top part of my blog page you will see a Paypal Donation button. Please use this means to donate whatever you feel lead to.
Here is my personal email address. I would like to know if you donated so please drop me a line. If you are willing, I would like to send you a CD of photos after I return from the trip. It is a small token of thanks for your contribution.
fotosforphun@new.rr.com
Please feel free to email with any questions at all. I appreciate your taking time to read this blog.
Thank you.
Scott Denny
My primary objective? To journal the mission trip through photography. The photos would be brought back to our church so members of the church could better see the activities related to the mission trip.
In June of 2010 I have the opportunity to attend Kenya for a second time. I will be journaling this trip as well. In addition I will work more closely with the mission team as counselor of sorts.
The mission team primarily consists of teenagers and young adults ranging from 16-21 years of age. In 2007 we had a “mens” team that ministered in a different way.
The men worked with Agape Fellowship members to establish a computer learning center with the 14 PC’s we brought along, trained church personnel in proper sound system techniques, trained them to construct and operate two water treatments systems we brought along, and installed a diesel to fryer oil conversion kit on a church vehicle.
I have selected a handful of the nearly 2500 photos I took on the trip to provide you a little taste of the efforts of the mission team and give you a little insight to the areas of Kenya we visited in 2007.
The first part of the trip was spent in Nairobi, Kenya. It was amazing to see how “modern” central Nairobi was. They had a shopping mall like any respectful size city here in the States.
On one side of the road you had a booming city. Cross the road and you have some of the worst slums in the world. It was something I was not used to.
We spent some time at the Agape Fellowship church. It is located not far from Kibera, Nairobi’s second largest slum. Kibera is home to nearly 1.2 million people. Here in the States you might have six families per acre, amounting to about 15-20 people per acre. In Kibera there are roughly 1250 people per acre.
This is a new building being constructed near Agape Fellowship.
Here is a photo of the streets of Kabatini. Kabatini is just outside of Nakuru some 120 miles north of Nairobi. Not nearly as bad as Kibera but nothing like you would see in the States by any means. Note that is did not rain for days in this area. The mud consists of sewage run off. Needless to say, the sights and sounds were one thing. The smells in Kenya, were another story.
While in Kenya we visited a number of small cities, suburbs and slums. Githeri, Nakuru, Kabatini, Njoro, Kibera, and Nairobi to name a few of the places we visited. Some were rather remote small towns.
Here are some photos from some of the areas visited.
A church in Njoro.
The streets of Githeri
Just outside of Nakuru near one of the Agape Fellowship churches.
The teens and young adults often ministered by means of dramas. Although the English language is taught, many in the slums do not go to school. It was much easier to spread the Gospel with dramas and take with people afterwards.
Dramas were held at schools, in the streets, and at some of the churches. In a square mile there might be six or eight schools. Each school serves between 800 and 1200 students. Classrooms are small and therefore very crowded.
Here are some photos of dramas, schools, and observers.
A grade school in Nakuru.
A classroom at the Nakuru school.
A drama at the school in Nakuru
The teens and young adults often ministered by means of dramas. Although the English language is taught, many in the slums do not go to school. It was much easier to spread the Gospel with dramas and take with people afterwards.
Dramas were held at schools, in the streets, and at some of the churches. In a square mile there might be six or eight schools. Each school serves between 800 and 1200 students. Classrooms are small and therefore very crowded.
Here are some photos of dramas, schools, and observers.
A grade school in Nakuru.
A classroom at the Nakuru school.
A drama at the school in Nakuru
Student onlookers at the Nakuru school
A more high end private school in the Nakuru area.
A drama at another public school in the Nakuru area.
A drama in the streets of Githeri.
The dramas held at the schools were a rather captive audience. The children loved the dramas.
Open air crusades were held in the streets of the cities. Onlookers of all ages would stop and watch the drama, and listen to the message from the Kenyan preachers.
I will be visiting Kenya in 2010. I am asking for your help. I know many of you may not know me that well. Follow your heart. If you do not feel comfortable donating or cannot afford to donate, please pray for me.
The Enemy does not want the Word of God shared…period. The attacks that participants of the mission trip face are many. The Enemy does not want us to go and wants us to feel defeated before we even get on the plan. Your prayers are needed and appreciated.
If you scroll back up to the top part of my blog page you will see a Paypal Donation button. Please use this means to donate whatever you feel lead to.
Here is my personal email address. I would like to know if you donated so please drop me a line. If you are willing, I would like to send you a CD of photos after I return from the trip. It is a small token of thanks for your contribution.
fotosforphun@new.rr.com
Please feel free to email with any questions at all. I appreciate your taking time to read this blog.
Thank you.
Scott Denny
Monday, August 17, 2009
Photo Talk: Gearing Up
This posting will talk about photo gear. I will cover some of the gear I have, why I have chosen it, and some other tidbits related to photo gear. The intention here is to shed some light on gear that you may have been pondering. If you have any specifc questions regarding any of the gear mentioned, please feel free to drop me a line at fotosforphun@new.rr.com
Bags & Cases
I have gone through more camera bags than some women have gone through purses. I think since I regained my passion for photography in 2006 I have gone through 4-5 bags. At least I get rid of them when they still have some kind of resale value.
The bag I am using now is the Lowepro Magnum Pro bag. It is the largest shoulder bag made by Lowepro and is working for me just fine.
Many zoom lenses will note a maximum aperture range throughout the lenses zoom range. For example a 75-300mm zoom may have a aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.6. This means the largest opening at 75mm is f/3.5 and the largest opening at 300mm is f/5.6. Fixed means the largest aperture stays constant during the entire focal range. In this case the largest opening stays constant at f/2.8 throughout 28-75mm.
The Canon 70-200mm f/4 L USM picks up where the Tamron left off. I use this lens the most. It does well in many landscape scenes, super for wildlife, and a great portrait lens as well.
I like the convenience of not having to switch my ball head from tripod to monopod. Each camera has an arca style quick release plate, and I also have one on each of the Canon lenses.
Supporting the camera and lens from a lens ring is much easier on the camera body and also makes the balance on the ball head a bit more even.
On The Go
Although my camera bag holds all my gear, it is awkward and cumbersome. Whether it be hiking back in the woods to shoot a waterfall, trekking through a wildlife refuge to photograph birds and wildlife, or walking for hours at a zoo…I like my gear arranged for quick accessibility.
My newest piece of gear is the Cotton Carrier. This state of the art system allows me to easily, confidently, and securely carry one or two camera bodies without having them swinging all over.
Bags & Cases
I have gone through more camera bags than some women have gone through purses. I think since I regained my passion for photography in 2006 I have gone through 4-5 bags. At least I get rid of them when they still have some kind of resale value.
The bag I am using now is the Lowepro Magnum Pro bag. It is the largest shoulder bag made by Lowepro and is working for me just fine.
I now carry two camera bodies (both with battery grips) and they fit in the bag great. The photo above is an sample photo. On the sides of my Magnum Pro bag I have added a Lowepro Sliplock Pouch 60 AW and a Lowepro Utility Case.
Here is a run down of what fits in my bag system:
- Canon 40D with battery grip (attached Tamron 28-75mm SP Zoom)
- Canon 30D with batter grip (no lens attached)
- Canon 70-200mm f/4 L USM (with hood reversed)
- Sigma EF 500 Super Flash
- Tamron 1.4x teleconverter
- Hoodman Loupe
- Two Canon Battery Chargers
- Energize AA & AAA charger
- Air Rocket
- Cleaning brushes
- Countless odd & ends
The Utility Pouch carries a Lowepro Filter Pouch, cleaning supplies, sunglasses and few other odds & ends. The Pouch 60 carries a Gary Fong Lightsphere and an extra Tamrac N-27 neckstrap.
I think I found my last bag. There is still plenty of room for various small items. The bag is built like a tank and really not that heavy full loaded.
Camera Body
I have had the opportunity to be able to have both a Canon 30D and 40D. Both are semi-pro bodies and will last me a very, very long time.
- Canon 40D with battery grip (attached Tamron 28-75mm SP Zoom)
- Canon 30D with batter grip (no lens attached)
- Canon 70-200mm f/4 L USM (with hood reversed)
- Sigma EF 500 Super Flash
- Tamron 1.4x teleconverter
- Hoodman Loupe
- Two Canon Battery Chargers
- Energize AA & AAA charger
- Air Rocket
- Cleaning brushes
- Countless odd & ends
The Utility Pouch carries a Lowepro Filter Pouch, cleaning supplies, sunglasses and few other odds & ends. The Pouch 60 carries a Gary Fong Lightsphere and an extra Tamrac N-27 neckstrap.
I think I found my last bag. There is still plenty of room for various small items. The bag is built like a tank and really not that heavy full loaded.
Camera Body
I have had the opportunity to be able to have both a Canon 30D and 40D. Both are semi-pro bodies and will last me a very, very long time.
I recently chose the 40D over the 50D for clarity reasons. Camera companies are getting caught up in the hype and producing cameras with far too many megapixels for the sensor size, and with the latest HD video craze…I will like be not buying a new body for a long time.
Both the 30D and 40D have metal bodies and are more durable than plastic bodies. Both produce wonderful photos. There are some slight button changes between the two but not a real big worry.
Lenses
As of now I do all my work with three lenses. Each has a purpose and function for how I approach photography.
The Tamron SP 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD-IF provides a good focal range for landscape and some portrait photography. Being a part of the Tamron pro-series this lens has very good clarity. I also like that it has a fixed 2.8 f/stop.
Both the 30D and 40D have metal bodies and are more durable than plastic bodies. Both produce wonderful photos. There are some slight button changes between the two but not a real big worry.
Lenses
As of now I do all my work with three lenses. Each has a purpose and function for how I approach photography.
The Tamron SP 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD-IF provides a good focal range for landscape and some portrait photography. Being a part of the Tamron pro-series this lens has very good clarity. I also like that it has a fixed 2.8 f/stop.
Many zoom lenses will note a maximum aperture range throughout the lenses zoom range. For example a 75-300mm zoom may have a aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.6. This means the largest opening at 75mm is f/3.5 and the largest opening at 300mm is f/5.6. Fixed means the largest aperture stays constant during the entire focal range. In this case the largest opening stays constant at f/2.8 throughout 28-75mm.The Canon 70-200mm f/4 L USM picks up where the Tamron left off. I use this lens the most. It does well in many landscape scenes, super for wildlife, and a great portrait lens as well.
Then lens is also fixed so the aperture will stay open at f/4 throughout the 70-200mm focal range. This is a Canon L lens and part of their pro-series. The clarity and overall quality is awesome.
The Canon 400mm f/5.6 L USM is a fixed prime lens. The aperture is fixed and so is the focal range. This is not a zoom. It is strictly a 400mm lens.
This bad-boy is my wildlife lens. The picture quality and clarity is awesome.
These lenses are not my first lenses. I have bought and sold several lenses to upgrade to them. If you have checked out my other Photo Talk blogs you will notice that I feel very strong that it is more wise to spend less money on a camera and more money on your lenses. Glass matters!
Camera Support
Once you get a semi-pro body, add a battery grip, and slide on a Canon 70-200mm lens…you will feel like Jesse Ventura in Predator…you will be carrying a canon of a camera!
The Canon 400mm f/5.6 L USM is a fixed prime lens. The aperture is fixed and so is the focal range. This is not a zoom. It is strictly a 400mm lens.
This bad-boy is my wildlife lens. The picture quality and clarity is awesome.These lenses are not my first lenses. I have bought and sold several lenses to upgrade to them. If you have checked out my other Photo Talk blogs you will notice that I feel very strong that it is more wise to spend less money on a camera and more money on your lenses. Glass matters!
Camera Support
Once you get a semi-pro body, add a battery grip, and slide on a Canon 70-200mm lens…you will feel like Jesse Ventura in Predator…you will be carrying a canon of a camera!
The answer? Good camera support.
My tripod set up is a Bogen 3011 Tripod Legs w/ Amvona Telos Series ATH-A03 Ball Head. It is a very sturdy set up. The ball head is rated to hold up to 30lbs. The tripod has leg adjustment latches that are easy to use in winter.
My tripod set up is a Bogen 3011 Tripod Legs w/ Amvona Telos Series ATH-A03 Ball Head. It is a very sturdy set up. The ball head is rated to hold up to 30lbs. The tripod has leg adjustment latches that are easy to use in winter.
Like my lenses I have bought and sold a number of tripods until I found the one I like. I do a fair amount of frigid winter shooting and some tripod legs have clasps that become brittle in Wisconsin sub-zero temps. The legs on the Bogen 3011 adjust very well in cold temps.
My monopod set up is a Bogen 681 Monopod w/ Amvona Telos Series ATH-A03 Ball Head. The Bogen 681 is a three piece monopod. With only two leg adjustment latches it is very fast and easy to set up and maneuver.
My monopod set up is a Bogen 681 Monopod w/ Amvona Telos Series ATH-A03 Ball Head. The Bogen 681 is a three piece monopod. With only two leg adjustment latches it is very fast and easy to set up and maneuver.
I like the convenience of not having to switch my ball head from tripod to monopod. Each camera has an arca style quick release plate, and I also have one on each of the Canon lenses.Supporting the camera and lens from a lens ring is much easier on the camera body and also makes the balance on the ball head a bit more even.
On The Go
Although my camera bag holds all my gear, it is awkward and cumbersome. Whether it be hiking back in the woods to shoot a waterfall, trekking through a wildlife refuge to photograph birds and wildlife, or walking for hours at a zoo…I like my gear arranged for quick accessibility.
My newest piece of gear is the Cotton Carrier. This state of the art system allows me to easily, confidently, and securely carry one or two camera bodies without having them swinging all over.
I just purchased my Cotton Carrier and will be using it with my Lowepro Field & Sport Belt & Harness System. The belt allows me to carry an assortment of lens pouches and utility bags so they are out of the way and have easy access. The weight of all the gear is well distributed to make hiking, trekking, and hours of being on my feet much easier.
Conclusion
Sometimes I wonder if a compact camera is a better option. LOL!!
Seriously, not everyone will want to carry so much equipment. Not everyone wants invest into all kinds of equipment. That is really ok.
The point of this post is to provide a little insight for those looking for gear and not sure what to purchase. Please do feel free to drop me a line with any questions.
Sometimes I wonder if a compact camera is a better option. LOL!!
Seriously, not everyone will want to carry so much equipment. Not everyone wants invest into all kinds of equipment. That is really ok.
The point of this post is to provide a little insight for those looking for gear and not sure what to purchase. Please do feel free to drop me a line with any questions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
