two key elements in photography

The release of the X-T1 Fuji addressed two key elements in photography.

First and foremost, an extra-large EVF allows you to concentrate on composition, light and subject in a way that is not possible with the optical viewfinder (which we also like to use). You can actually see the image before you take it! Of course, the EVF is not a new idea but it is beyond my comprehension that as of today, neither Nikon nor Canon has implemented this important technology in their leading cameras.

Second, access to all-important dials such as shutter speed or exposure compensation is at your fingertips. No, it is not hidden in the menus but in front of you! You can change them without dragging your eyes away from the scene.Olaf Sztaba

I think the same can be said of any retro range finder style compact system camera. The newer Fuji X series and OM-D M series both have this going for them. I think that's why I'm so drawn to these cameras. Having access to aperture and shutter and ISO controls right at my fingertips means I can focus on my photography. I think Nikon understood this when they introduced the Df. However, while the Nikon Df has the dials and optical viewfinder, Nikon didn't think about the other features that are also important. Size and weight.

The Sony α7, Fuji X-T1 and OM-D M1 are all roughly the same size and weight.

Another great post by +G Servo

Useful Photography Tip #38: Maintain a Photography Fund by Gevon Servo

It is about saving. If you are a photographer earning money from your work, always set aside a percentage to go into your fund. If you can, instead of buying a coffee or lunch, bring it from home and put that money to the side. Everything helps. Photography is not a cheap hobby or career. Plan, nothing lasts forever, especially photography gear

Another great post by +G Servo.  My camera body is six years old and lacks many features ( auto-bracketing, more pixels, higher ISO ) that I need in order to do the photography I want to do.  I did not plan my past purchases and did not focus on what was essential.  I did not set aside money for any planned or unplanned purchases and now I need equipment I don't have the funds for it.  Like +G Servo, I too have a family and money must be prioritized ( braces, clothes etc ).

October 16th, 2011 - The Rules

Photography has a few rules (guidelines) of composition and I'm often very good at forgetting them. I'm often so focused on the technical details of the image capture — aperture, focus, shutter speed — that I forget that what matters most is if I have captured the moment.

For this photo I slowed down — even held my breath — and "focused" on the subject material. I shot down on the flower ( some consider this a compositional "do not" when it comes to flowers ) and attempted to use the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds suggests dividing the image into a nine square grid with four lines and placing the subject along the intersection of the lines of intersection. I think I nailed it.

20111016 NIKON D40 4700

Lens: AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 DX
Exposure: f/5.6 @ 1/320s ISO 200