Tuesday, June 30, 2009 by admin.

“So that’s how the Great Pyramids were created?”

I have cropped this a great deal, so it may not be as obvious as it should, but the background is in fact a pyramid. The crop made the predator-like alien that much cooler, though.

Because my Girlfriend is fascinated with Egypt (at one point even wanted to be an Egyptologist), it has sort of rubbed off on me a little. Men have been pondering how the Pyramids have formed for thousands of years. I’m a fan of the alien theory, myself :).

Also, mad props to her for the lighting, which was a dull yellow night-lightish lamp, and a flashlight with 3 red LEDs angled slightly in his direction. He was also on a night stand on top of a bed just so that I could use my tripod (low ISO this time!), AND tilt the camera up. The setup was so crazy we decided to start trying to take pictures of the setup for some of the crazier shots.

Posted in LEGO Series | 1 Comment »

Sunday, June 28, 2009 by admin.

Count Rugen: “So, let’s just start with what we have. What did this do to you? Tell me. And remember, this is for posterity, so be honest. How do you feel?”

Lego Dude: “Hmmmpphhhuuuu. . . . . unnnnghhhh. . .”

Count Rugen: “Interesting.”

I know, it’s not the suction pump torture device, but the quote is still fitting! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbgyppGqBgg, in case you forgot.

I like the original angle more than the crop, but the crop seemed more suitable for an up close and personal feel.

Posted in LEGO Series | No Comments »

Saturday, June 27, 2009 by admin.

“Pick a card, any card! What do you mean these aren’t real cards?!”

This is a pseudo HDR created from a single RAW file. Unfortunately, the high ISO I used created a ton of noise, which is multiplied by HDR. But, it did work toward the end goal of making this image appear very old.

I’ve always been fascinated by magic, and at a young age I could put on quite a show :).

Posted in HDR, LEGO Series | No Comments »

Saturday, June 27, 2009 by admin.

Radioactive Tree in Swamp HDR, originally uploaded by lifirez.

I took my pup for a walk at the local “lake” yesterday. It’s actually more of a pond, and this is part of the system, but it has become stagnant. It was almost a neon, pastel green, if that makes sense. A single photograph didn’t do the lighting justice, so I made it HDR using AE +-2 and Photomatix.

Posted in HDR | 2 Comments »

Friday, June 26, 2009 by admin.

I didn’t know HDR photography existed until a few months ago when a friend of mine took some cool pictures of Scotland (http://www.flickr.com/photos/timothynice/sets/72157617718880164/). When I researched this technique, I ran across a local Austinian’s website (is that what we call them?). To be honest, I’m blown away by his work, and apparently his blog is the #1 travel blog in the world. Pretty amazing.

I probably shouldn’t link this here because I’ll lose what visitors I do have, and he’ll gain more. But, out of respect, here is some awesome HDR photos (you can even buy prints of these): http://www.stuckincustoms.com/

Anyway, I’ve since taken in an interest in HDR photography myself, and these are some of the first I have created: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidarhodes/sets/72157620616278616/. They definitely seem to be lacking the oompf that I’m looking for, but I’ll get better!

Posted in HDR, Just Sayin'. . . | 3 Comments »

Friday, June 26, 2009 by admin.

“Didiscareya?!”

He’s no Casper, but give me credit for trying.

Got some more Legos from ebay today.  This guy is actually glow in the dark, so I decided to take advantage of that. Self lighting is pretty awesome, because I don’t have to worry about light bleeding behind the ghost, or shadows cast from hard lights. I’ll likey do more experimenting with this later down the road.

f/5.6, 15 sec, Ex. Bias +2, ISO 200 @ 135mm.

Posted in LEGO Series | 1 Comment »

Friday, June 26, 2009 by admin.

“Where’s Wal. . . ego?”

This is inspired by a combination of interest in HDR photography (this happens to be one of my first) and a childhood obsession of Where’s Waldo.  In case you’re in desperate need of some good ‘ol nostalgia: http://www.findwaldo.com/.

Also, I like ninjas. A lot. I’m pretty sure I used to be one in a past life. So, let that serve as a clue :).

Posted in LEGO Series | No Comments »

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 by admin.

“Run like hell!”

Quick note: If you see any detail in the background, it means you need to calibrate your monitor (I simply cannot hold mine responsible, because it won’t let me do that, Dave).

Multiple choice question:

Which of the following does this scene represent?

• a) Phengophobia
• b) A vampire that stayed up way past his bed time
• c) Your average programmer
• d) All of the above

If you chose d), you are correct (no offense, programmers).

Posted in LEGO Series | 2 Comments »

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 by admin.

“Are you sure this is going to work, Bob? All I see is this big white thing, and my cue smells like burning. I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

To be honest, I’m not happy with this picture. I took it with a high ISO setting, which created a ton of noise. The composition is not the best, either, so I will definitely be revisiting this idea when I am: a) less lazy and b) better at photography.

Those are “strike anywhere” matches, for your information :).

Posted in LEGO Series | No Comments »

Monday, June 22, 2009 by admin.

“Mad Max meets jousting.”

Here’s a one-week “double extravaganza,” or something.

Before:

After:

I took the first picture of them about a foot apart, then cropped it so you couldn’t see the impending doom. But, I decided I don’t like cliffhanger endings and wrapped up the story with a beautiful display of carnage (sans blood). Enjoy!

Posted in LEGO Series | 1 Comment »