Author: John

HDR Results from Shooting RAW

Russian bike

Here is an example of  what you can get from a simgle RAW (or in my case NEF) format image.

The image above is a JPG image that was produced from a single NEF (RAW) format image form my D70. I sweetened up the levels a little, the original is real dark. 

Russian bike

The exact same NEF (RAW) image as the first but I created seven PSD files from the image (ev -3.45 to 3.45) and then made an HDR image from them. The results are fantastic. From this I have learned that I’m going to need a bigger CF card and a larger hard drive to store all the NEF images on that I’ll be shooting from now on. 

A High Dynamic How To

Apple

 

 

 

Creating high dynamic range images is become quite easy once you know how. The basic idea is that you make an image that has more tonal data between full white and full black than what you would get in a regular photo. To put it better, if your eyes had a dynamic range of two then all you could see would be black and white. More range, more data. The results are pretty impressive if you ask me. I’ve managed to create quite a few of them myself. With a little bit of practice, and a sturdy tripod, you can be making your own as soon as you find a subject.

[via netorama] 

Daily Pete » HDR Tutorial: How to create ‘High Dynamic Range’ images using Photomatix

The Sad Fate of Buran

Buran 

Back when the former Soviet Union was still shelling out the mega bucks in the space race someone decided that they needed a space plane. I guess they read and believed all the hype and press that the US shuttle program had gotten back in the Nixon years. Two week turn around times, $50US per pound as a payload cost, on budget… Yeah, if everything would have worked out things up there would be pretty sweet. Anyway, The Soviets ‘found’ some plans and built there own. By 1988 they were flight testing the crafts. The Russian shuttles were never launched with a crew, for it’s space testing everything was done by remote. That’s something that the Russians have mastered, running entire space missions 100% from the ground (I’m not counting space probes, those aren’t man rated vehicles). By 1993 the Buran program was cancelled and they fleet of five space shuttles were either dismantled or sold. The one in these pictures could be of Buran Ptichka or ‘little bird’, if they are somewhat current. Wikipedia says that it’s in the MIK building at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. It’s sad to see such a fine example of space hardware just sitting out in the open like that.

[via English Russia]

Ukrainian site

Veterans Day, Remembrance Day

poppysToday as I get ready to do some holiday server upgrades where I work, I can’t help but think about Veterans Day (or in other parts of the world, Remembrance Day or Armistice Day). Today is when we thank all of those who have fought for our freedoms and our way of life. We can never forget what they have done for us, if it wasn’t for them the world could be a much different place. I wish I could personally thank each person that has served their country but many have passed on either naturally or because they never came back from their mission. But for the ones that are still here, either still serving or living their lives like all of us now, I thank  you for what you have done. On the 11th hour or the 11th day of the 11th month or the year 1911, hostilities ended on the western front. It was hoped to be the war to end all wars, World War I. Sadly this was not true. At 11am people around the world pause for two minutes of silence in honor of those who gave their lives during those great conflicts. One minute for each war. It’s also a tradition to buy a poppy pin in support of veteran groups everywhere. If you see someone selling poppy pins today, buy one and shake the hand of the veteran selling it. Thank them for whey they have done because you have just met a true hero.

The Sparkmuseum

Influence machine
Here are some fantastic examples of equipment from the heady days of electrical experimentation, lots of beautiful photos of static devices, crystal radios, and vacuum tubes. For the past 35 plus years John Jenkins has been collecting various examples of early wireless sets, electrostatic devices, books and just about anything else related to the discovery of electricity. Much of his collection can be seen in the American Museum of Radio and Electricity in Bellingham Washingtion.

I’ve been fascinated by antique electrical aparatus like leyden jars and electrophorus. And sites such as these can give valuable tips on how these devices were created. With all the digital cameras, smart cards, and wifi communications its nice to be able to look back on a time where things were simpler and new discoveries were frequent.

Sparkmuseum – Antique Wireless And Scientific Instruments

Visit the Offworld Colonies, 70’s Style

Bernal Spheres Way back in the 70’s NASA commissioned a few studies on what long term space colonies might be like. Many artistic renderings were done as visual aids and have become icons of a future that might have been. I remember seeing these on the pages of Starlog and Future magazine when I was a little kid and wanted more than anything to live among the stars. Well, that didn’t happen. Closest I’ve come to it is working with computers, flying a lot and watching loads of Science Fiction movies.
The educational resources are simply a joy to browse through. I mean, where else are you going to find data on low-g agriculture and a Ringworld simulator?

[via MAKE, boingboing]

Space Settlement Education Information

Space Colony Art from the 1970s