Monthly Archives: May 2009

Blogging

SocialSpark Saturdays

7 Comments
SocialSpark Badge Found in BenSpark's Big Box of Awesome!

This is the inaugural post for a weekly feature called SocialSpark Saturdays. I will present to readers some how to posts to help them get more out of SocialSpark. The most important thing that you can do as a SocialSspark user right now is choose a crew to be a part of. I am an IZEA Insider and thus a crew leader. I really would like people to become members of my crew, The “I’m Not A Famous Blogger” Crew, so I created this Adobe Captivate How-To video.

When you go to that link make sure that your screen is 1024 X 768 and you make your browser Full Screen (Hit F11).

You can also download a self executable file of the same program. When you play that to close the file hit the ESC key.

Do you have questions about SocialSpark, or any suggestions for How-To videos in the future please leave a comment.

Photo-A-Day, Photography

New Toys, New Toys, Happy Dance

2 Comments
New Sigma Flash
Photo-A-Day #1491

I have been agonizing over deciding upon some new photo gear. I’ve wanted an external flash for those indoor situations where you want to capture the action quick. So far I’ve just been able to capture photos by sitting far away with my zoom and ratcheting everything down to be really still and open up for lots of light. I wanted a Flash. I also wanted a new lens. I’d been reading about a lens from Sigma that had optical stabilization as well as a range from 18mm – 250mm. The more I read about it the more I knew I wanted it. So I bought it and I bought a Sigma Flash. I like Sigma Products with my Nikon D80. I own no Nikon Nikkor lenses. Strange really.

I also made sure that I got some filters for my new Lens because I don’t want to go getting my new glass scratched up. So way.

I think that the lens is going to make a perfect addition on our trip next week. I probably won’t take the flash, although we are going to Rainforest Cafe and it might be useful there. But Again I don’t want to go bothering people with my flash either. I might just be more discrete and use my Canon SD800is IS and my Xshot instead. Anyway, here are some comparison shots with the new lens. Click the images for larger sizes.

Zoomed Out Full Zoom
Zoomed Out Full Zoom

I just used the new lens not the flash. I’m awaiting some Energizer Lithium Batteries from Energizer. You did see the latest contest I have, right, the one in conjunction with the 2009 Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest which is sponsored by National Geographic and Energizer.

Here is a run down of the new equipment. I ordered the Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras. I also wanted a hot shoe flash and I didn’t want to go too expensive so once again I went Sigma. I picked up the Sigma EF-530 DG ST i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 174’/53 m at 105mm) for Nikon with i-TTL. And to protect my new lens I also got a couple of filters, the Opteka 72mm High Definition² Circular Polarizing + UV (0) Ultra Violet Haze Multi-Coated Glass Filter Kit.

If you are interested here are links to what I ordered.