Posts Tagged Focalware
Stayed Tuned for Filter Calc – Now Available
Posted by Doug Otto in Geek, Photography on July 16, 2009
Announcing Filter Calc. Filter Calc is a simple application that I wrote for my iPhone. Neutral density filters are a fun way to do some really long exposures. The caveat is that once you get past 30 seconds, most cameras are unable to give you the correct exposure value.
Enter Filter Calc.
Click to Enlarge
The premise is pretty simple:
1. Meter the scene without the filter.
2. Enter the filter type and shutter speed into Filter Calc.
3. Read the corrected shutter speed.
4. Install the filter and take the shot using the corrected speed.
Filter Calc should be available in the iTunes App store shortly and will be offered, initially, at no charge.
There is a ton of potential for photography applications and I’ve already mentioned that I’m a big fan of Focalware. It just goes to show you that there’s nothing wrong with being a geek.
The typo on the main page as already been fixed and will appear in the next update.
Cheers
Has anyone seen the moon?
Posted by Doug Otto in Geek, Photography on June 15, 2009
The moon can be a powerful photographic element. It can add weight and balance to just about any scene. The problem is figuring our exactly where it’s going to be. I often talk about how important is is to be properly prepared when out photographing but I have to admit that I’m often a “seat of the pants” type of guy.
Several years ago I first met Gary Hart during a weekend workshop. One of the goals was to shoot the rising moon over Half Dome. We all followed to one of his “secret” locations because he had already done the homework and knew where the moon was going to rise. We watched and photographed as the sun went down and then we waited, laughed and talked about the day. After a few minutes someone yelled out: “Is that the moon?” We all spun around and the sound of our talking was replaced by a flurry of shutter clicks. He knew where the moon was going to be and where to place us in order to get the shot. He’s since taught me his technique of retrieving and plotting the moon’s coordinates but the caveat is that you need to do that work ahead of time.
Many of the trips that I make to Yosemite are on fairly short notice. I often don’t have time or simply forget to check the position of the moon before leaving town. Using my iPhone I am able to connect to the Internet and download coordinates but sometimes cell reception in Yosemite can be less than reliable. A month or two ago I discovered Focalware in the iTunes App Store.
Focalware is the best $9.99 that I’ve ever spent. It’s an iPhone application that calculates the time and position of the sun and moon from the palm of your hand. Best of all it doesn’t require an active cellular data connection. You can enter a location or use the phone’s built-in GPS to determine your location. Set the date and time and it gives you a table for altitude and azimuth of both Sun and Moon. All you need is a compass or map to see where the moon will be. The new iPhone 3GS, due out this week, even has the compass built right into the device. You can even save locations to a list to use later, when you have the forethought to check before you leave town.
If you’re a nature photographer that has been wondering if the iPhone is a good idea, this should help swing the vote.
Cheers
- Binary Emulsion on FacebookVisit my gallery to see more of my images.Binary Emulsion Gallery
Get Filter Calc for your iPhone or Touch.
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