Photography by Gavin Adams

Silverado Vineyards

gadams — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:22:59 +0000

I’m used to dreary and overcast days. When the sun breaks through, it is time to get moving. While in Napa I visited the Silverado Vineyards, which has fantastic views from just outside the tasting room.

There were palm trees trying to obstruct my view. With the choice of a saw or being creative, I went with the latter. Especially since the grounds keeper was making sure I didn’t some magical saw from my pocket. No coconuts on this palm though, just branches.

This is a view towards St. Helena and really shows the Mediterranean landscape and climate. A variety of vineyards can be seen in the distance.

Issues with Photomatix 4.0 Beta and Lightroom 3

gadams — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:19:20 +0000

I live the bleeding edge when it comes to photography workflow. With the exception of my core asset management software, Lightroom, I’m quick to update plugins and other components as they become available, as long as I can roll back the changes.

Recently HDRsoft released the open beta for Photomatix 4.0 to the general public. The new manual ghosting adjustment and thumbnail previews of different settings helped in the HDR workflow stage.

My environment is:

Windows 7 64-bit
Lightroom 3.2 64-bit
Photomatix 4.0 Beta 9 64-bit

After going through some images, I ran into a case where things didn’t work as well as expected. As these new features are so good, I really didn’t want to roll back to the previous known working version.

Calling Dr. Watson

Yuck. After selecting the re-import option, Photomatix progressed along and…. died. A TIFF file was created in the directory where the Lightroom images were located, but it appears that the TIFF metadata was corrupted. Here’s the result of the bad file:

bash-3.2$ tiffinfo.exe *tif
TIFFReadDirectory: Warning, GAA_20100806_0055.tif: invalid TIFF directory; tags are not sorted in as
cending order.
GAA_20100806_0055.tif: Error fetching data for field "XMLPacket".
GAA_20100806_0055.tif: Error fetching data for field "RichTIFFIPTC".
TIFF Directory at offset 0x396d808 (60217352)
  Image Width: 3872 Image Length: 2592
  Resolution: 300, 300
  Bits/Sample: 16
  Compression Scheme: None
  Photometric Interpretation: RGB color
  Orientation: row 0 top, col 0 lhs
  Samples/Pixel: 3
  Rows/Strip: 2592
  Planar Configuration: single image plane
  Model: NIKON D200
  ICC Profile:
, 560 bytes
  EXIFIFDOffset: 60234224
  GPSIFDOffset: 60234334
TIFFFetchDirectory: GAA_20100806_0055.tif: Can not read TIFF directory count.
TIFFReadCustomDirectory: GAA_20100806_0055.tif: Failed to read custom directory at offset 60234224.

While this is a “good” Photomatix generated file:

bash-3.2$ tiffinfo.exe GAA_20100806_0006.tif
TIFF Directory at offset 0x396fe12 (60227090)
  Image Width: 3872 Image Length: 2592
  Resolution: 240, 240
  Bits/Sample: 16
  Compression Scheme: None
  Photometric Interpretation: RGB color
  Orientation: row 0 top, col 0 lhs
  Samples/Pixel: 3
  Rows/Strip: 2592
  Planar Configuration: single image plane
  Model: NIKON D200
  XMLPacket (XMP Metadata):




3.2
Details Enhancer
…

After seeing that the XMP metadata wasn’t present, I thought back to some of the differences on the images I’d just taken. For some images, I’ll marry up GPS data to the RAW (in my case Nikon DNG) files, and I use Jeffrey Friedl’s excellent Geoencoding Support plugin. First thought is that it might be something to do with this metadata.

Wrangle That Data Hoss

Going under the assumption that the Photomatix Lightroom plugin which is also in beta may be at fault, I looked for the best option to control what metadata was sent to Photomatix. Of course, the best solution is, again, Jeffrey Friedl’s Metadata Wrangler plugin.

Using this, I was able to perform different levels of metadata export to Photomatix, with the following results:

Default metadata – Photomatix crashed, resultant TIFF file corrupted
Preserve only the basics – removes a lot of metadata including information such as the title and caption. Successfully re-imported into Lightroom, but with a TIFFReadDirectory warning from tiffinfo.
Touch of privacy – Keeps most data, excludes edits. Photomatix crashed, resultant file corrupted.
Touch of privacy (adjusted) – Success! Selecting the preset but removing the IPTC block worked (with TIFFReadDirectory warning). All values including EXIF GPS data were included.

At first glance it appears there is something up with IPTC data. However, the warnings about unsorted tags makes me think the re-import process is choking on some data, either unsupported data (GPS Shadow) or maybe an improperly escaped piece of XML data.

Summary

Hopefully if anyone else has issues with the beta of Photomatix and Lightroom this will be helpful. I’ve been sending HDRsoft bug reports on this issue. I’m not familiar with the API or process that Lightroom uses in the plugin architecture to deal with round-tripping images, but hopefully a solution is simply and forthcoming.

In the meantime I’ve created a new export for Photomatix that includes the Wrangler filter to remove the IPTC info. Chances are it’s not just IPTC, so I’ll adjust my new present named DangYouPhotoMatixBETA accordingly. If anyone has more info, please share or email!

Golden Gate Mist

gadams — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:16:03 +0000

Remember the Stephen King story where a mist rolls over a Maine town? Spooky stuff then ensues. I always get that same feeling when visiting San Francisco. I was heading up to Napa to visit a close friend, so started the journey before sunrise through San Francisco to the Golden Gate Bridge.

That week the marine layer was thick this morning, and the visibility was limited from the overlook. Crossing the bridge I kept imagining a monster, say Godzilla, suddenly appearing in front of me. Traffic was light heading off the bridge yet most people were still doing 20-25 MPH.

I made a wrong turn trying to get to the Pacific side overlooks and ended up as the base on Horseshoe Bay. From down below I could see the bridge extending across to the city. The rest of the bridge was lost in the fog but still lit by the glow of commuter’s headlights.

Beside a few fisherman and seagulls, it was a quiet, peaceful morning.

St. Helena Gold

gadams — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:57:34 +0000

It will take a couple years to figure out how good the 2010 vintage turns out to be, but spending any time in the wine country is heaven. This was taken literally 50 feet from my good friend’s back porch a week before she went for, and passed!!!! the WSET Advanced Level 3 exam.

Most houses are within easy walking distance to vineyards in the Napa Valley. And I was assured that walking around the vines was okay. Down in the valley, the view is pretty much rows of grapes and the odd historical or eclectic building. I imagined being hot and thirsty walking to a winery, stamping off the dust, and then heading in for a tasting of wines from previous vintages of the vines I’d just passed.

This was taken during the morning hours just before the marine layer burned off for the morning. I got the inspiration to do a textured HDR by looking at all the old-time vineyard paintings we have.

Photo Tips for the Valley of Fire

gadams — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:45:35 +0000

Born and raised in Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire is one of my favorite close-by parks to visit. The time I’ve spent in the park can be measured in months over the span of 20 odd years. Although living in Georgia prevents me from getting out there often, I rather be there than in the casinos or other attractions Las Vegas offers.

Seeing that Photoshop World is taking place the week of August 28, 2010, and seeing that some of my favorite mentors, podcasters, and mentors will be in the park, I thought I’d provide some tips that may be unique to this venue. Plus, does anyone really want to say they lost Moose Peterson?

Basic Desert Tips

These really don’t need to be stated, but you’re going to be in the desert in the middle of summer. Even at a slightly higher elevation than the Vegas Valley, it will be hot—Africa hot. Assuming the attendees will be going in an air conditioned coach, prepare for the time outside:

Hydration – Make sure to have a bottle of water with you. The lack of humidity and walking to a photo op place will start to dehydrate you. Have it available and keep hydrated which will alleviate further affects.
Sun Protection – Certain portions of VoF have light colored sand and silica (white) rock formations. With the sun up, these reflect light almost as much as water. A good coating of waterproof sunscreen (sweating is the major way you’ll cool off), a hat and sunglasses are essential. The sunglasses also cut the glare enough so you can better see shaded areas of interest.
Clothing – Desert attire works, and so does shorts and t-shirts. Sturdy shoes help if you intend to climb on some rock formations. Some areas of interest may be up an arroyo, which will be 100% sand like you’d find on a beach. Not a good place for flip-flops or footwear that allow the sand to abrade your feet. Personally for short walks I wear old tennis shoes and dump the sand out before getting back into my vehicle.
Please take care of the environment – Deserts are fragile by nature, and in the VoF, even more so. If you see a trail, even a game trail, take that instead of bushwhacking across the desert. You’ll see some great examples of weathered sandstone in verticle blades. It’s easy to break these off.

Photo Op Places

Most places in the open portion of the park are best shot during the golden hours. The brightness and high contrast really create different conditions during the day. I’ve create a Google Map with some locations on it. It’s open for all to edit as I’m sure others have their favorite places too.

The majority of my photos are taken on the road beyond the visitor’s center. You get high walled canyons, differing colors and mixes of sandstone, reflection pools (if it’s rained in the past day), cacti and other vegetation. Here’s a link to collection of photos that were taken in the VoF last December.

Shooting Tips

Most of the standard rules apply, but some things I’ve discovered:

Golden Hours – Due to the way the park lies, you get a consistent increase/decrease in light levels. It’s hard to get good shots before sunrise, although sunset allows for some excellent pictures from the east end of the park or in Rainbow Vista.
First/Last Light – Best time to get heavy shade with some light exposed rocks
Full sun days – With no clouds, I spend most of my time in the canyons where I can use shade there to my advantage. More narrow canyons will have a higher variety of weathered rocks.
Partially cloudy days – When the valley is dappled in clouds (not often), you can get some great photos, especially from higher vantage points.
Polarizer – Due to the glare, one of the few filters I always bring. Normally the loss of a couple f-stops is nothing with the lights levels out there.

Have Fun

I really wish I could attend Photoshop World this year, but alas, not to be. Enjoy the VoF and all the other events and I’ll “attend” vicariously through Twitter or the blogs.

Take off that lens cap and shoot!

For those going to Red Rock also, here’s some photos taken from the Sandstone Quarry trail.

Cayman Christmas

gadams — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:56:42 +0000

The Cayman Islands celebrate Christmas just like the rest of the world. Colored lights, trees, and bells. That the lights are wrapped around palm trees on the beach and the sound of bells comes from buoys int he Gulf of Mexico is more traditional for the Caribbean.

I love driving along Seven Mile looking at all the decorations, then pulling over to a beach side bar for an icy beverage. Even in shorts and t-shirt it’s still hot and humid at 10:00 in the evening.

Do you think the tree on the left is happy it never got “decked out” or sad as the lone man (tree) out?

Tilting Rocks to the Horizon

gadams — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:50:01 +0000

Snuggled in near a sheer face of sandstone, looking out you can see the various layers of rock, desert and the far Mormon Mesa. This was taken in mid-morning with no one around. A very peaceful place and one of contemplation.

This is last of images from the Valley of Fire. I’ll do a recap of all the great images taken there soon!

Lighting the Barn with Wheels

gadams — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 19:29:27 +0000

Okay, so the wheels may not be attached to the barn! And the light isn’t coming from the wheels. Hmmm, I should have selected a better title!

What awaits through the passage, the ghost of horses-past, the rapture, or maybe a sunset shaded by a large Bradford Pear tree? I always enjoy looking at old buildings and how the wear over time for different reasons. In this case, I’m guessing it’s simply use and age.

A Pocket of Fire

gadams — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:11:57 +0000

The Valley of Fire sits in the muted browns, grays, and whites of the Nevada desert. This playground of nature has many areas, but Rainbow Vista is my favorite. This was taken from a spot, know to my friends as The Top of the World. It has a great views both up and down the canyons.

This is look North towards the White Domes, Duck Rock (red beyond) and then the boring ‘ol desert beyond that. The road on the right is the park access road for the Rainbow Vista area. Although this spot is only a mile or so from the road, it is quiet and peaceful. Normally the only sound heard is from commercial jets or those few military craft coming from Nellis AFB.

Bradford Pears

gadams — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:49:22 +0000

Southerners seem to have a love/hate relationship with the Bradford Pear tree. In bloom they are majestic. And since they grow tall and fast, you normally find them in subdivisions, lining streets, and anywhere else a good looking tree is needed in a few years.

When they get older and are not topped and thinned, like the ones in the image below, all hell can break loose–literally.

My old house had three of these trees along the side of the house. It also had over 30 large pines trees, some topping 30 to 40 feet (9-12 meters). When a bad storm came through and a tornado set down not too far away, a couple pines broken off and caused minor damage. All three of the Bradford Pears split and deposited large branches on my house.

Lesson learned. Love the tree, take photos of them far, far, away from the house. Our next door neighbor has one between our two houses. I keep measuring to make sure if it falls our way that it won’t hit our home!

This was taken near our church. It a private property where they grow sunflowers for photo opportunities and general sale during the summer months. I took this right near sunset. A breeze was blowing hard, so I only cleaned up some of the image blur.