That 'Muench-star' effect
Hi Marc,
I was hoping you could offer some pointers on how you achieve such impressive sun stars. The one above is perfect! I tried to acheive this effect just this morning when shooting the sunrise in DC but, while I managed flares by going to f/16, there was no star to be had.
Greatly appreciate the advice,
E
Hi Marc,
I was hoping you could offer some pointers on how you achieve such impressive sun stars. The one above is perfect! I tried to acheive this effect just this morning when shooting the sunrise in DC but, while I managed flares by going to f/16, there was no star to be had.
Greatly appreciate the advice,
E
Much has to do with the quality of the glass in your lens. Determining this is not always easy, I have tried many lenses over the years that have not lived up to par:cry In fact I never purchased certain camera systems in the past because the wide angle lenses did not offer this feature. YES for me this feature, THE SUN STAR is a big one and also suggests the overall quality of the other lenses as well. However, remember this is one very particular type of shot and I have discovered, is almost an abnormality. Each lens has a distinct star This image was taken with a Canon 1ds M111 and a Nikor 16mm fisheye. I use an adaptor for the marriage.
Thanks for the response Marc.
Guess I can add the Canon EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS in the non-star camp - though not really that surprising.
I'll have to try out my Sigma 30 and Canon 50/1.8mkI to see if they are up to the task. That, or wait until I can afford the 'good stuff'.
Thanks again,
E
Marc MuenchRegistered UsersPosts: 1,420Major grins
edited April 29, 2008
Tom Dietrich, our scanner operator and alias "Pixel Pusher" will be posting here on dgrin soon He graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography back in the day and still loves photographpy, so with luck I can drag him into the world of forums
We have been messing around with our scanning workflow for 10 years now and just stumbled into something very cool. We have a drum scanner that scans into 8 bit only, seeing that the upgrade meant a new scanner costing over 60k we have simply mastered the art of scanning into 8 bit Never-the-less, we typically open the RAW scan file into Photoshop and save it into a colorspace such as Colormatch or more recently Adobe 98 and ProPhoto. However, what Tom has been doing is opening the RAW scan files into Adobe Camera Raw:ivar This allows him to alter, tweek, enhance the image with all the tools in ACR and save it out in ProPhoto. For all those still shooting film, I highly rec this step esspecially if your scanner outputs into 16 bit color. Quality scanning is as comprehensive as Photoshop can be and therefore many steps must be taken to insure that the proper RAW scan is accurate, but ACR is a very powerful tool. BTW, only the latest version of ACR will open Tiff files
I am yet again gratefully amazed by Thomas Knolls and Adobe
Marc MuenchRegistered UsersPosts: 1,420Major grins
edited May 27, 2008
I just returned from Scotland
I spent my entire 11 hours on the flight home reflecting on the fact that it was sunny for eight days straight in a region of the world that receives 300+ days of rain a year. This will go down as a truly charmed workshop
The group of photographers was all talented and I don't just say that casually. We shared one B&B, two vans, two guides many late nights and early mornings but most of all interesting critiques. Maybe the lack of sleep helped, if so I highly recommend it.
In reflection of the cultural differences between California and Scotland, several topics came flooding into my conscious while eating lunch in Heathrow airport at a fancy burger joint. Soon after ordering my $30 burger, I noticed a handsome English gentlemen eating his burger next to me. What was so interesting was that he was eating his burger with a fork and knife
#1 Three years ago Scottish Parliament became the first in all of Europe to radically change the way land is kept. By changing the access to all the land in Scotland and allowing anyone right within reason to enter or pass, land became the property of everyone. This means we could walk just about anywhere to take pictures, within reason, and following our guides customary polite query for permission from the land owner.
#2 Food portions are smaller than in the States. We often wanted more, which reminded me of Benjamin Franklin who was quoted, "Its better to leave the table wanting more than not wanting more".
#3 There was no Costco or Walmart in sight. The Isle of Mull is way out there, but it seamed stuck back in time as well. Yes there was wireless Internet but the sheep in the middle of the road were not concerned. I was surprised at how simple the stores were, there were not the thousands of salad dressings to choose from. There were only several choices making life simple.
#4 Smoking is still in. I have never seen more smokers than in Glasgow. I guess the lung cancer in the UK is not so bad?
#5 There were models of Ford automobiles that I have never seen in the States. I guess we might see such models once the price of gas equals the UK at $12 a gallon.
#6 The roads were narrow and the trucks were all the same:wow
Our incredible guides
Our home away from home, Tobermory
One of many Mullish roads
We had a great time and by the looks of all the posts thus far many great images. More to come:D
I spent my entire 11 hours on the flight home reflecting on the fact that it was sunny for eight days straight in a region of the world that receives 300+ days of rain a year. This will go down as a truly charmed workshop
that Scottish weather was indeed in your honour -it absolutely tipped it down for all the rest of the country and has been really cold - yet just in Scotland it was the opposite. Lady Luck certainly shone upon you guys!
that Scottish weather was indeed in your honour -it absolutely tipped it down for all the rest of the country and has been really cold - yet just in Scotland it was the opposite. Lady Luck certainly shone upon you guys!
Oh, it was cold all right. It didn't rain, but it was cold. I was practically wearing a coat to bed at night.
One of the things I learned in Scotland that follows along the lines of epiphanies here is that some photographers based in Santa Barbara don't know that Whole Foods stores exist outside of CA!
Seriously though it was great to see you and watch you work again, Marc. As always. Looking forward to next time
What workshops are in the works for the 2009 season? Now that I got all the gear I wanted, not written in stone, I will pinch any extra penny I can so I might be able to go!
What workshops are in the works for the 2009 season? Now that I got all the gear I wanted, not written in stone, I will pinch any extra penny I can so I might be able to go!
Hang in there, Mr Pepper! The MW guys announce every workshop as soon as it's ready for the unveiling. And of course we hear it here, first.
Marc MuenchRegistered UsersPosts: 1,420Major grins
edited June 1, 2008
Before leaving for Scotland I had an opportunity to test one of the Hasselblad H3 39megapixel cameras. Tom Dietrich and myself conducted our 3rd resolution shootout, combining these digital cameras -
We took all these imags at the same settings with similar focal length lenses.
F11
1/250 sec shutter speed
ISO 200
Focal length of full size sensor images = 70mm
The RAW images were all processed through Adobe Camera RAW. The H3 files had to be converted to DNG files prior to opening in ACR.
I will post the G9 files soon.
Canon 20D
Nikon D3
Canon 1ds M11
Canon 1ds M111
H3D
Looks as though the extra resolution makes a difference. However, the extra money is substantial and the real benefit is when enlarging the images beyond 40 inches. The other issue with the H3D is that it is so very limited for use in the field with such factors as available focal length lenses, battery life, media cards and the most upsetting of all the display on the back was horrible:cry I will be sticking with my Canon M111 especially since I can stitch multiple images and create even more resolution than the H3D.
The one very exciting factor in favor of the H3 was the beautiful Bokeh, that is potential shallow depth of field due to its larger sensor. The only way to assimilate such bokeh with the Canon might be to use the 50mm 1.8 lens.
I wish Canon would create a body around the larger sensor
As for the Nikon, well it just dosn't have the resolution. It does offer wonderful low light images though
were they all tripped at the same moment? I ask as the sun seems different between some e.g. 1DsMk 2 and 3
What would have been interesting would to have also had a shot using Kodachrome 25. but I doubt anyone has any stock of that anymore
Yes they were all on a tripod! The interesting difference between the M11 and M111 is the highlights. The diff you see is due to the increased dynamic range of the M111. Because the M111 has a larger dynamic range especially in the highlights the image appears darker.
Yes, all the settings in ACR were the same
Also notice the additional color sat in the M111 files
Tom and I used to include film in the shootouts but now there is such little use. In a nut shell Fuji Velvia and Kodak 100 were the only two large format emulsions "4x5" that could hold their own against the Canon M11 and Hasselblad, then H1. Our first shootout included -
Canon EOS film 35mm
Contax 6x4.5 medium format film
Kodak 14N - 14megapixel camera
Canon 1ds M11
Hasselblad H1 - 22megapixel back
4x5 film
What I have realized from these shootouts over the years is that film still holds wonderful color contrast something still yet to be realized in digital sensor technology. I believe Hasselblad is getting closer with their new back which will illiminate the Bayer effect by processing on the fly, three separate color exposures. I have only heard about this but look forward to seeing if it rivals the color contrast of film.
I have realized from these shootouts over the years is that film still holds wonderful color contrast something still yet to be realized in digital sensor technology. I
I was going to say the exposure looked different between the different shots
too. Maybe I need to look at this on a better monitor?
I'd be interested to hear the lens combinations you used. I know you said
70mm in full frame so might assume the 24-105 for the Canons and the 24-120
for the Nikon?
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Marc MuenchRegistered UsersPosts: 1,420Major grins
I was going to say the exposure looked different between the different shots
too. Maybe I need to look at this on a better monitor?
I'd be interested to hear the lens combinations you used. I know you said
70mm in full frame so might assume the 24-105 for the Canons and the 24-120
for the Nikon?
We were more interested in resolution so we kept everything similar in hopes of keeping densities similar but that was not our concern.
The Canon 70-200 F2.8 lens was use for the Canon M11 and M111
The Zeis 50-105 was used for the Hasselblad
The Nikon 70-200 VR was used for the Nikon
I just returned from Scotland
I spent my entire 11 hours on the flight home reflecting on the fact that it was sunny for eight days straight in a region of the world that receives 300+ days of rain a year. This will go down as a truly charmed workshop...
Marc. You are a brave man for sure. You did not sleep on the plain ?
Then, when you arrived home you were very very tired indeed.
Were you travelling business or first ? There you have more room for the legs, a better seat and food but pay much more :cry
I am very glad you all made such a sucessfull trip to Europe under such a good weather.:D
is it just me, or does the HD3 100% image look noiser than the 1DsMIII? Fascinating series. I am quite impressed with the D3 actually, even though it doesnt compare with 1d's, it is very impressive.
Comments
Hi Marc,
I was hoping you could offer some pointers on how you achieve such impressive sun stars. The one above is perfect! I tried to acheive this effect just this morning when shooting the sunrise in DC but, while I managed flares by going to f/16, there was no star to be had.
Greatly appreciate the advice,
E
My site | Non-MHD Landscapes |Google+ | Twitter | Facebook | Smugmug photos
Either that or those are really big flowers
Charlie
Muench Workshops
MW on Facebook
Guess I can add the Canon EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS in the non-star camp - though not really that surprising.
I'll have to try out my Sigma 30 and Canon 50/1.8mkI to see if they are up to the task. That, or wait until I can afford the 'good stuff'.
Thanks again,
E
My site | Non-MHD Landscapes |Google+ | Twitter | Facebook | Smugmug photos
E, if you start a thread asking for stars id gladly add this over there...just pm me...
i dont even know if its a good one...(to a photog) (but i like it
Marc, this is out of my dgrin specific gallery:D
(notice the perfect cs3 merged sky)
Sunstar, snow, old truck man your gaining on it
I really like this one
Muench Workshops
MW on Facebook
http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=64419&highlight=muench+stars
Charlie
E
My site | Non-MHD Landscapes |Google+ | Twitter | Facebook | Smugmug photos
We have been messing around with our scanning workflow for 10 years now and just stumbled into something very cool. We have a drum scanner that scans into 8 bit only, seeing that the upgrade meant a new scanner costing over 60k we have simply mastered the art of scanning into 8 bit
I am yet again gratefully amazed by Thomas Knolls and Adobe
Muench Workshops
MW on Facebook
http://photos.mikelanestudios.com/
I spent my entire 11 hours on the flight home reflecting on the fact that it was sunny for eight days straight in a region of the world that receives 300+ days of rain a year. This will go down as a truly charmed workshop
The group of photographers was all talented and I don't just say that casually. We shared one B&B, two vans, two guides many late nights and early mornings but most of all interesting critiques. Maybe the lack of sleep helped, if so I highly recommend it.
In reflection of the cultural differences between California and Scotland, several topics came flooding into my conscious while eating lunch in Heathrow airport at a fancy burger joint. Soon after ordering my $30 burger, I noticed a handsome English gentlemen eating his burger next to me. What was so interesting was that he was eating his burger with a fork and knife
#1 Three years ago Scottish Parliament became the first in all of Europe to radically change the way land is kept. By changing the access to all the land in Scotland and allowing anyone right within reason to enter or pass, land became the property of everyone. This means we could walk just about anywhere to take pictures, within reason, and following our guides customary polite query for permission from the land owner.
#2 Food portions are smaller than in the States. We often wanted more, which reminded me of Benjamin Franklin who was quoted, "Its better to leave the table wanting more than not wanting more".
#3 There was no Costco or Walmart in sight. The Isle of Mull is way out there, but it seamed stuck back in time as well. Yes there was wireless Internet but the sheep in the middle of the road were not concerned. I was surprised at how simple the stores were, there were not the thousands of salad dressings to choose from. There were only several choices making life simple.
#4 Smoking is still in. I have never seen more smokers than in Glasgow. I guess the lung cancer in the UK is not so bad?
#5 There were models of Ford automobiles that I have never seen in the States. I guess we might see such models once the price of gas equals the UK at $12 a gallon.
#6 The roads were narrow and the trucks were all the same:wow
Our incredible guides
Our home away from home, Tobermory
One of many Mullish roads
We had a great time and by the looks of all the posts thus far many great images. More to come:D
Muench Workshops
MW on Facebook
Excellent
...pics..
One of the things I learned in Scotland that follows along the lines of epiphanies here is that some photographers based in Santa Barbara don't know that Whole Foods stores exist outside of CA!
Seriously though it was great to see you and watch you work again, Marc. As always. Looking forward to next time
Photos that don't suck / 365 / Film & Lomography
It is soo pretty!
What workshops are in the works for the 2009 season? Now that I got all the gear I wanted, not written in stone, I will pinch any extra penny I can so I might be able to go!
www.tednghiem.com
Hang in there, Mr Pepper! The MW guys announce every workshop as soon as it's ready for the unveiling. And of course we hear it here, first.
Photos that don't suck / 365 / Film & Lomography
Canon G9
Canon 20D
Nikon D3
Canon 1ds M11
Canon 1ds M111
Hasselblad H3
We took all these imags at the same settings with similar focal length lenses.
F11
1/250 sec shutter speed
ISO 200
Focal length of full size sensor images = 70mm
The RAW images were all processed through Adobe Camera RAW. The H3 files had to be converted to DNG files prior to opening in ACR.
I will post the G9 files soon.
Canon 20D
Nikon D3
Canon 1ds M11
Canon 1ds M111
H3D
Looks as though the extra resolution makes a difference. However, the extra money is substantial and the real benefit is when enlarging the images beyond 40 inches. The other issue with the H3D is that it is so very limited for use in the field with such factors as available focal length lenses, battery life, media cards and the most upsetting of all the display on the back was horrible:cry I will be sticking with my Canon M111 especially since I can stitch multiple images and create even more resolution than the H3D.
The one very exciting factor in favor of the H3 was the beautiful Bokeh, that is potential shallow depth of field due to its larger sensor. The only way to assimilate such bokeh with the Canon might be to use the 50mm 1.8 lens.
I wish Canon would create a body around the larger sensor
As for the Nikon, well it just dosn't have the resolution. It does offer wonderful low light images though
Cheers
Muench Workshops
MW on Facebook
were they all tripped at the same moment? I ask as the sun seems different between some e.g. 1DsMk 2 and 3
What would have been interesting would to have also had a shot using Kodachrome 25.
...pics..
Yes, all the settings in ACR were the same
Also notice the additional color sat in the M111 files
Tom and I used to include film in the shootouts but now there is such little use. In a nut shell Fuji Velvia and Kodak 100 were the only two large format emulsions "4x5" that could hold their own against the Canon M11 and Hasselblad, then H1. Our first shootout included -
Canon EOS film 35mm
Contax 6x4.5 medium format film
Kodak 14N - 14megapixel camera
Canon 1ds M11
Hasselblad H1 - 22megapixel back
4x5 film
What I have realized from these shootouts over the years is that film still holds wonderful color contrast
Canon may be working on this as well
Muench Workshops
MW on Facebook
yes I can see that - I meant were they all fired at the same instant?
But anyway you're saying any differences are diue to DR rather than weather - ok - cool
I agree and fingers crossed on that one..
...pics..
too. Maybe I need to look at this on a better monitor?
I'd be interested to hear the lens combinations you used. I know you said
70mm in full frame so might assume the 24-105 for the Canons and the 24-120
for the Nikon?
The Canon 70-200 F2.8 lens was use for the Canon M11 and M111
The Zeis 50-105 was used for the Hasselblad
The Nikon 70-200 VR was used for the Nikon
Muench Workshops
MW on Facebook
Then, when you arrived home you were very very tired indeed.
Were you travelling business or first ? There you have more room for the legs, a better seat and food but pay much more :cry
I am very glad you all made such a sucessfull trip to Europe under such a good weather.:D
Hello Schmoo.:D
I am very interested myself in the next workshop.
Can I subscribe any RSS or whatever to know when it will happen ?
Thank you
You can get on our mailing list via the contact page at muenchworkshops.com.
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Done.
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops