Isaac Online

Sorry for the lack up updates. Just like a year ago, I found myself in trouble because of my photography. Unlike a year ago I did lose my job because of it. I don’t remember ever being told this, but I guess I wasn’t supposed to be taking pictures at all. Its done and over now and I’m trying to get back into things

I’ve spent the last couple months out fishing. Leaving my camera behind for all but a couple days. Those days I did bring it, I was never happy with the outcome. Pushing the limits of a cheap low range tele, combined with an old crop sensor just didn’t add up to quality photography.

I did, just the other week, have a portrait shoot for Portland-based author and inventer (shootersrack.com) Orin Porter. Orin has a his first book (a psycho-thriller) do out this summer and, naturally, needed a portrait for the rear cover insert. He is VERY photogenic and the shoot took just minutes. I was happy with most all the pictures taken and look forward to seeing what he and the editors settle on.

Not sure when I’ll be back to taking regular photography. The new job is exhausting, and I’m still using my free time at the rivers or ocean studying the feeding habits of tasty fishes.

This handy guide is designed to help you interpret the various catch-phrases used on Nikon and Canon photo equipment ads here on craigslist.

“Great student camera”
It’s not just junk, it’s cheap junk.

“OBO”
I don’t know what it’s worth.

“This is an amazing deal!”
I really don’t know what it’s worth.

“with extras”
Includes the battery, battery charger, manual, camera strap, and box.

“professional camera”
It’s black and has lots of buttons.

“this is an amazing lens”
It’s made by Tamron or Sigma and I’ve never used anything better.

“Mint!”
I got it as a gift and can’t figure it out.

“Hardly used!”
I bought it on a whim at Costco along with a 10 gallon jug of peanut oil and a Roomba.

“Paid over $XXX for it new”
I paid too much for this and am hoping you will too.

“This will go fast”
Buy mine, and not one of the other 10 identical items that are currently listed.

“I’m not looking to make a huge profit”
I’m looking to make a huge profit.

I’m a Windows user. I haven’t touched a Mac since “digital imaging” meant you still used film and then scanned the images onto a computer… and scanners weren’t cheap. I’ve never had major OS issues. I kept my original install of Win98 running up to the day I installed XP. I have had to reinstall XP once… so far i’d have to say my luck has been excellent, and even better than a mac user…

…anyways. I’m not trying to start a Windows vs MacOS war….

What I want to do is to show some other Windows XP people out there some cool things they might have not known about. [Read more →]

One of the worst things about living in the Pacific NW is dealing with the weather… Rain. Cold. Rain. Wet. Yuck. It can be quite dampening to the spirit, and the gear! I end up sitting here at the computer dreaming of getting out and shooting.

I think I’m going to buy a kayak. I’m looking forward to the destined reversal in weather. It is in my head that I can take this as-of-now-non-existent kayak out on the waters, do some a little fishing and photography. I see myself floating around on the impossible to reach on foot corners of Smith & Bybee Lakes, photographing some of the rarer birds of the area and the largest population of Western Pond Turtles. When I’m happy with what I’ve done, or if I’m waiting to find the right light to come my way, I can have my fishing gear on hand trying to find some of the big bass that I know are hiding.

Its a dream… a good dream…

If you haven’t heard of it yet, Twitter is a micro-blog/social networking site.  It is based on simple, on-line, what’s-going-on-right-now type of posts.  Use it for education, networking, marketing, or whatever.  There are MANY things that are being done with Twitter.  Books are even being written on how to use it from a marketting standpoint.

Twitter is its own revolution.

I do tweet (tweet = posting to twitter) and those tweets are suppose to feed to the Blog here at IOL.  Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t.  I don’t blame Twitter for than, but rather Wordpress.  My Tweets also feed to Livejournal, Facebook and Friendfeed.

Anyways.  If you are on Twitter, or if you’re thinking about joining the Twitter phenomonon, let me make some suggests on a few folks to follow…

http://twitter.com/thomashawk
http://twitter.com/photojojo
http://twitter.com/TWiPphoto
http://twitter.com/danesanders
http://twitter.com/AdoramaPix
http://twitter.com/ApertureDaily
http://twitter.com/jmarkwallace
http://twitter.com/chasejarvis
http://twitter.com/WildlifePhotog
http://twitter.com/Lensrentals
http://twitter.com/CameraDojo

There are many others that I follow.  These are kind of like a step in the door.  If you’re on Twitter, I’d suggest following these people.   If you’re new to Twitter, or need a little bit more convincing, read what these people have written.