Hide and Seek

Sometimes animals behave in ways that mimic human activities and even games, like this squirrel that decided to play hide-and-seek with me.

 

iPhone Landscape Photography

Let's be clear: even the latest iPhone, which claims to have the best camera system, can't replace a mirrorless camera. Just apply some common sense—iPhone lenses are only a few millimeters thick, while the lenses in mirrorless cameras are more complex, with multiple glass elements designed to achieve superior image quality. You might wonder, then, why do photos from an iPhone look so good? The answer lies in processing. iPhone pictures are not simply raw, unedited images; they undergo real-time processing that corrects many imperfections caused by the limitations of its simpler lens design, making the final result appear more polished.

I primarily shoot wildlife, which requires a zoom lens—something that's not ideal for landscape photography. One solution could be carrying an extra lens and switching them as needed, but that's far from ideal. Today, we all carry our phones everywhere, and if your phone can provide at least a 'decent' landscape photo, it could be a potential solution.

The below picture was taken using an iPhone 16 Pro, you be the judge, are these pictures good enough for you?

Is Street Photography a violation of privacy in USA?

 Here is an article published at The Michigan Daily that I found extremely interesting. While I understand the author's hesitations about street photography, I see it as a powerful way to visually document the daily lives of everyday people.

Photo taken by me at a local event, the conversation
between the two young people caught my attention. 

Tourists checking a map at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

In the United States, street photography is generally not considered a violation of privacy when conducted in public spaces, as individuals in these settings typically do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. However, there are nuances to be aware of:

Legal Perspective in the U.S.

1. Public Spaces:

   • You are allowed to photograph people in public spaces (e.g., streets, parks, sidewalks) without their consent.
   • There is no expectation of privacy in public places where people can be seen by others.

2. Private Property:

   • Photographing on private property (e.g., a shopping mall or someone's home) without permission may violate property rights or trespassing laws.
   • Certain private spaces visible from public spaces (e.g., through a window) may raise ethical or legal issues.

3. Commercial Use:

   • If you use the image for commercial purposes, such as in an advertisement, you typically need a model release from identifiable individuals in the photo.

4. Defamation and False Light:

   • Using a photo in a way that misrepresents or damages the reputation of the subject could lead to legal claims, even if the photo was taken lawfully.

5. Sensitive Situations:

   • Some states have laws against photographing people in situations where they have an expectation of privacy, such as in restrooms, locker rooms, or private homes (this is illegal regardless of whether you are in a public space).

Ethical Considerations

While legal, street photography can still raise ethical concerns. It's important to approach subjects respectfully, especially in sensitive contexts or when photographing children or vulnerable individuals.

Other Countries

The laws about Street Photography change from Country to Country. If you are traveling to other countries you should research those laws and respect them. 

Expose to the right

Exposing to the right is a technique that helps to reduce the amount of noise in your pictures. The following video explains how to expose to the right. 

Flash and Wildlife photography

This article reinforces one of the reasons I avoid using flash when photographing wildlife, even in a zoo.

One Instagrammer shared a video of a mama bear leading her cub through a wooded area near the road. In an instant, a bright camera flash went off and scared the cub up a tree. 

I've seen how dogs react when I use flash during family events—they clearly dislike it. People should exercise common sense. In this case, nothing happened beyond a baby bear being separated from its mother, but imagine if the mama bear had gone into defense mode.

You can never predict exactly how wildlife will react to flash, and this uncertainty alone should make you think twice and choose not to use it.

Please, respect nature.

New Canon DSLR for $460

 This a bundle coming from Walmart for a Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR was brought to my attention by PopSugar.com. 

About the Canon EOS Rebel T7

• It is an entry-level DSLR camera, perfect for those just getting started
• It has a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor and built-in WiFi
• It is compact enough to fit in medium-sized totes and handbags
• It has an easy-to-use menu setup with a 700-shot battery life
• It includes an 18-55mm lens for portraits and landscapes, and a wide-angle lens for more expansive shots
• The bundle comes with a memory card, tripod, storage bag, neck strap, cleaning pen, and more

Here’s my opinion: this is a beginner's camera that relies on outdated technology, which explains its low price if you consider yourself an advanced user then this will not satisfy you in any way. What makes this deal appealing to me, aside from the price, is the bundle it comes with—essentially a complete starter kit. While the quality might not be top-notch, it provides everything you need to get started. A similar deal using the latest technology from Canon will cost you around $890 (Renewed).

Ryan Daniel AKA Pale Blue Wave

The other day, I posted here about a photographer based in Portland who takes pictures of strangers. He records his encounters on video, which also showcase the photos he takes. His work has gained significant attention, even leading to a feature article about him on CNN.

 Ryan Daniel had no prior professional photography experience when he decided to buy his first camera.

But within six months of roaming the streets of Portland, Oregon — and with the help of a few online tutorials — Daniel developed a surprisingly unique photographic style: capturing free portraits of strangers.

Under the alias Pale Blue Wave, Daniel launched an Instagram account several years ago to share his work with a wider audience. The 40-year-old grew his following from roughly 100 to more than half-a-million across his social media accounts.