155 replies to this topic

[StillFingers]

Back in 78 when my physical world seemed to come to an end, thank you SCI, one of a few remaining skills/passions was still within my grasp. Even though my drawing/architectural passions were not in immediate reach, photography was. It not only continued to be a creative outlet but also a physical challenge...could I still manage 35mm gear...the answer was yes, so I used the weight of my old cameras/lenses to augment my regular weight-training efforts....yesterday's gear is heavy!

Yes there were plenty of struggles, failures, disappointments and lots of success also; a treasure chest full! Photography, continuing to shoot, be creative, was a huge win for me. A self-esteem builder if you will, one I so desperately needed in my early days/years of SCI!

Through the decades I've experimented with all types of gear, cameras, lenses, lighting, camera supports, remote shutter switches, bags, printers, scanners, software and a whole lot more. It's 2011, I've been shooting off and on for near 40 years, in May it will be 33 years shooting from a chair. Technology, over these last 35 years, has drastically changed the picture taking/making landscape. There is so much I'd love to share, so I'm gonna start a blog about photography, life and growing/living with SCI; both film and digital photography will be discussed, yeah old school dies hard!

Being able to create, express my inner self, see the world around me in all it's glory/wonder; miniature and gigantic, was/is a kind of salvation for this wondering soul. Photography has helped me find a path out of the darkness of life and life with SCI. So I thought I'd share a bit more of me, not only with you lovely lot, but with the world (sorry WoF, yet another blog).

Sometime in May, I'm shooting for the 7th (yep my SCI Anni), of this year there will be a new blog out in the webosphere, it will be about photography and life/disability. How-Tos, mini gear reviews and lots of pictures...if I can get my arse out in the world to shoot more...and there may be even a poem or two along the way.

So why post here first? Ideas, questions, etc. I have a ton, but wanted to open up the subject matter to you also. Anything you desire, how to get started, books if you like learning from others, were to by good used gear, what camera support works best attached to a chair, how can a Quad shoot with fingers that don't move and be independent? Each of us, our injuries/capabilities, are vastly different, but I hope to help just a bit, make it easier to enjoy the art/craft of image making; taking pictures, and have a good time writing.

Everyone here has been so supportive to me over these last two plus years, you lot mean the world to me....THANK YOU!

Some of you know me by Jerry, some Jezza (caugh, caugh) and most by my member name StillFingers...so guess what? Yeah, not to much of a stretch, the blog's title will be...

"Shooting with Still Fingers"
"A Journey through life and disability"

Be well all, hope you find my prose interesting and helpful. I look forward to your thoughts, ideas and criticisms; here and/or on the blog!

Keep Shooting and Never Surrender!

Jerry

Edited by StillFingers, 02 February 2011 - 01:16 PM.

[Smileyblue]

This is a BRILLIANT idea Jerry! Your pics are exquisite and have inspired me (in part) to take up photography once I'm up and at 'em!

Congratulations! And do let us know the link to your blog once set up! I know a few AB's that have just started taking their photography seriously that would love a push in the right direction.. ;-)

[Edinburgh Colin]

Great Idea Jerry, look forward to reading it and seeing the images, afraid I'm a consumer rather than a contributor though, at least at this time anyway, never say never!

[Denny]

Great idea, looking forward to your blog.
I have Nikon D40 with 18-55 standard Nikon and 70-300 Sigma Lens. knows almost nothing about photography, but loves my SLR, cause it takes good pictures and I get credit for it

[greybeard]

Great idea. I look forward to reading all your output.

[Wheelsonfire]

Oh for the love of Jaysus, Mary and Joseph, not another blog

best of luck Jerry, I use the Kodak P880, encompass that with the art of photoshop and you get brilliant results.

[rue2you]

YEAH!!!! I love blogging!! Calm down John, all intelligent people blog!

I also would love to know more about photography. I am an extreme amateur but have an eye for art so I think it could be incorporated. At least my ego tells me so! I will be so interested in learning what you could teach me! Yeah for you!!

[HiltonP]

Looking forward to it Jerry.

[McTavish]

Me too SF what a good idea, good luck

[Wheelsonfire]

 rue2you, on 02 February 2011 - 04:19 PM, said:

Calm down John, all intelligent people blog!

Knot all peoples with bwains do de bloggin thingy

[jenny407]

Jerry, a fantastic idea. Do share the link to your blog with us when you've set it up. I like your photos - very artistic, an eye for beauty. I'm sure this will be very interesting.

I used to do more photography, with lenses and effects, years ago. No time at the moment - later, certainly, again. (I have always been a total amateur, though.) Very interesting to learn from you and Hilton, though.

 Wheelsonfire, on 02 February 2011 - 04:39 PM, said:

 rue2you, on 02 February 2011 - 04:19 PM, said:

Calm down John, all intelligent people blog!

Knot all peoples with bwains do de bloggin thingy

No? Yes, they do. Yes, yes. But knot all Irish peoples do.
What about a chess blog, woofy? I would love it.

[S&W Winger]

Looking forward to it, Jerry...

Edited by S&W Winger, 02 February 2011 - 07:18 PM.

[StillFingers]

Thanks for your encouragement! There's so much to write about I sincerely hope it's not toooo boring

One of many topics I'll blog about will be buying used gear. As my father did back in the 60s and 70s with cars/motorcycles, you just have to scan the ads/papers and the web for good deals. Research the gear, find a seller and bid...sometimes you get surprised at how cheap people sell stuff for. To date I've only been disappointed once and I've bought lots of used gear; near 80% of my gear is pre-owned.

Here's an example of fairly new (used) gear I bought off ebay a few years back; it's even cheaper nowadays... I was looking to get started with one of Canon's 35mm autofocus cameras and a lens or two. So I went looking for film cameras, knowing they'd be much cheaper then the current digital wonders. For $450usd I found this bit of gear on ebay (see reviews of the gear below), bid on it and won, I was stoked, couldn't wait to get my hands on it and go shooting.



Canon EOS-3 SLR Film Camera and Power Grip
http://kenrockwell.c...odies/eos-3.htm

Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Lens
http://www.kenrockwe...es/50mm-f14.htm

When the gear arrived I was not only very happy but shocked as well...the couple I purchased the camera and lens from, also sent me the remaining gear they had listed on ebay (at no charge....in two additional boxes!) It's happened a few times since, finding something extra in the box...but it's not a common happening. Mostly I've just received great gear. I'll fill in the blank spots about what and why they sent me the free gear in a blog entry.

BTW, the reviews of this gear were completed by Ken Rockwell. Ken is a professional photographer, he lives near the San Diego area here in California. His website is a great source on most all things photography. Ken is a interesting character, a teacher, a fun guy and family man and writes/reviews from the heart. He pulls no punches, if he likes or hates something he'll tell you so. His prose is candid, to the point and very informative, helpful and opinionated. I highly recommend you check out his website. It's nearly a daily read for this obsessed/passionate amateur photographer!

Again, thanks for your support, it means the world to me!

Keep Shooting and Never Surrender!

Jerry

PS. Here's another review of the EOS-3, for those interested in shooting film, you can get these off ebay for about $250usd (body and sometimes grip.) There's also a short clip/movie below that I found on youtube; the EOS-3 isn't small, but it's fun!

Canon EOS 3 - Review of a High Tech Wonder
http://emedia.leewar.../canon_eos3.htm

In hand test...

Edited by StillFingers, 02 February 2011 - 11:10 PM.

[StillFingers]

I decided to start a bit earlier than planned. A prelim design and 1st post are up for viewing, no images yet, but soon, just an intro. Here's the link, let me know what you think...even WoF! It's not complete, I'm new at this blog stuff...not even sure if comments are active yet

Shooting With Still Fingers
http://shootingwiths...s.blogspot.com/

Edited by StillFingers, 25 February 2011 - 07:47 PM.

[Wheelsonfire]

Oh here we go again.....

I have but one thing to say, and keep your fecking opinions to yourself peeps or I'll go all woofy on your ass...


Jerry, my friend, yours is a blog I will enjoy reading, living through the eyes of you.
A blog of merit, not keeping a constant diary of past, but looking forward, looking for betterment, furtherance.
And wise words from that of a father.

Keep going dude, there is plenty of road yet to travel.

[jenny407]

Jerry, I looked at your blog (before woofy, I swear).
I even wanted to leave a message but the strange thing didn't recognize my AIM address, and I can't offer any other of those funny 'profiles'. OK then, here it is:

"Jerry, very interesting blog. Good start. I'm now looking forward to your photos, tokens of your creativity."

Photos? Technical details on photography (like you wrote about on this forum on several occasion)? I guess all that will follow now. Sorry - do I sound impatient? =)

Best of success! Yours will be a blog to be read. Will you add the link to it in your signature (like rue) or at least on your profile page?

Hugs, Jenny

[StillFingers]

@ WoF - Thanks bro, all forward steps, perhaps not, I have near 40 years of images and nonsense to bore thee with...rest assured there will be no wimpy whining tho, that's just not my style; thnx for the insight. As for a father's words...none better!

@ Monika - Images to follow shortly, my next post will be one of many about seeing. Much of the time we wonder about in a daze, eyes blurred to the beauty all around us...my next few blog posts are in the works, tentative titles are...

"Find What? I cant even see the haystack!"

"You wanna see my kit? Oh my camera bag!"

"Tans, Tubes and Telephotos!" this post will be in August, after the OP Pro surfing contest!

PS. Thanks M, blog link is now in my profile, it's also in my signature; for a bit!

Edited by StillFingers, 01 March 2011 - 06:02 PM.

[jenny407]

Jerry, I now left a comment on your blog - now it works.
Looking forward to your posts -- this blog will be amazing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and creativity with us.

LOL - I love your titles ... quite promising.

And yes - good you put your link in your signature.

[StillFingers]

Howdy All,

I've been a bit sick off n on these last few months, fighting skin issues, mrsa and the regular but oft nasty spinal cord injury BS, hoping to be more active soon. After the storms within and the storms here in socal subside, perhaps I'll get out to shoot some pics, post some images and update my blog...

To all you crazy friends, thanks for being you, xo, seeya on the upside

Jerry

Edited by StillFingers, 23 March 2011 - 03:52 AM.

[jenny407]

Sorry to hear you were sick, Jerry.

I do hope things are getting better now ---
and I am looking forward to your contributions on your blog and on here.

Keep going on on the crazy and wild side.

Jenny xx

[Simba]

Stillfingers, way to go. Can't wait to see some photo's on that blog of yours. Husband and I have an interest in photography and have tried to get him back into it and he has worked in the industry before. But no success, if you are creative it will help you huge amounts making things. So best of luck, husband has about 10 - 15 % hand function (forefinger & thumb) and no feeling but can still take beautiful photos.

[StillFingers]

March and half of April have flew by slowly, stuck indoors because my feet are not adjusting well to being up for long hours; new sores, so I've not been out shooting at all. Me feets are healing and the weekend looks sunny, so perhaps I'll get to shoot something, if so, look for a blog post in the next few weeks...be well all!

[jenny407]

Good luck for the weekend, Jerry. Keep us posted when you do take new photos.

[eyelookok2blindgurls]

Good Idea , I am getting back into photography as an occupation ( used to do it before ) although most people seem to think krippledom should prevent me from doing so ( moronic idiots )

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[StillFingers]

 eyelookok2blindgurls, on 15 April 2011 - 10:01 PM, said:

Good Idea , I am getting back into photography as an occupation ( used to do it before ) although most people seem to think krippledom should prevent me from doing so ( moronic idiots )

That's a rather large piece of Canon professional glass you have sitting on your lap, do you go birding much or do you just shoot blind gurls

I'm guessing that's a 400 or 500mm tele with a 1Dx attached to it, nice rig. I'd be interested in the supports; monopod/tripod, you use and if you use IS at all. My "walk around" rig is either an EOS-3 (film) or a 40D (digital)with a 70-200mm f4L IS attached, along with a sturdy monopod. That is some big glass to manage, what's your secret?

Jerry

[Michael R]

I think this is a great idea. Photography can keep you creative juices flowing and your mind working. I'm basically trying to figure out what I can do since my injury. The equipment seems so much heavier than it used to, but that has encouraging me to work harder. I've been working harder on my post-production and printing skills. I'hoping to learn things from you guys and maybe I can help you a little to.

Thanks
Mike

www.mikerussellphoto.com

Edited by Michael R, 16 April 2011 - 12:25 AM.

[eyelookok2blindgurls]

 StillFingers, on 15 April 2011 - 11:15 PM, said:

 eyelookok2blindgurls, on 15 April 2011 - 10:01 PM, said:

Good Idea , I am getting back into photography as an occupation ( used to do it before ) although most people seem to think krippledom should prevent me from doing so ( moronic idiots )

That's a rather large piece of Canon professional glass you have sitting on your lap, do you go birding much or do you just shoot blind gurls

I'm guessing that's a 400 or 500mm tele with a 1Dx attached to it, nice rig. I'd be interested in the supports; monopod/tripod, you use and if you use IS at all. My "walk around" rig is either an EOS-3 (film) or a 40D (digital)with a 70-200mm f4L IS attached, along with a sturdy monopod. That is some big glass to manage, what's your secret?

Jerry

It's only a 300mm 2.8L IS ,
I used to have a 500L , 600L & 800L but a nasty person with camera envy decided that as a kripple I shouldn't have such things and used them for a Trampoline ( along with my 1d' s ) and as he was poor as well as suffering from camera envy I got no compensation , I am presently using 50D's with battery grips and hope to get 5D II's with grips for more critical work , I only have pinch grip which made the 1D's difficult to use , 50D's( or 40D's) , 7D's and 5D's with battery grips are much easier to manage , I try to handhold as much as possible , or else use a monpod as tripods are not really wheelchair friendly and only get used as a last resort .
I don't really use image stabilizing , as I forget about it due to using non IS lenses for so many years .
I have found it is much easier for those with limited hand and trunk function to use fast lenses ( I presently only have one lense slower than 2.8) I think I should make some kind of grip that fits on the tripod mount of my bigger lenses for when I am using them hand held as it get to be very hard work and on occaision I have been overbalanced by the weight and either fallen , or almost fallen out of my chair . ( 50D with grip + 300 2.8L = about 10 lb- ish)

Andrew

PS , My opinion is that Canon DSLR's are more suited to people with limited hand function .

[Simba]

I'm currently learning on canon 400D's albeit borrowing lenses from our collection, good lenses make so much difference to the results. Some people are surprised with the results I can get with these lower pixel camera's and they sometimes can't tell the difference unless they look at the metadata so it can be quite amusing.

The 70-200mm 2.8 is my favourite lens and the one I first starting learning on. I find it very versatile and the results are amazing.

[eyelookok2blindgurls]

 Simba, on 16 April 2011 - 01:48 AM, said:

I'm currently learning on canon 400D's albeit borrowing lenses from our collection, good lenses make so much difference to the results. Some people are surprised with the results I can get with these lower pixel camera's and they sometimes can't tell the difference unless they look at the metadata so it can be quite amusing.

The 70-200mm 2.8 is my favourite lens and the one I first starting learning on. I find it very versatile and the results are amazing.

I am sure it will not be long until you are a far better photographer than me

[StillFingers]

 eyelookok2blindgurls, on 16 April 2011 - 01:11 AM, said:

 StillFingers, on 15 April 2011 - 11:15 PM, said:

 eyelookok2blindgurls, on 15 April 2011 - 10:01 PM, said:

Good Idea , I am getting back into photography as an occupation ( used to do it before ) although most people seem to think krippledom should prevent me from doing so ( moronic idiots )

That's a rather large piece of Canon professional glass you have sitting on your lap, do you go birding much or do you just shoot blind gurls

I'm guessing that's a 400 or 500mm tele with a 1Dx attached to it, nice rig. I'd be interested in the supports; monopod/tripod, you use and if you use IS at all. My "walk around" rig is either an EOS-3 (film) or a 40D (digital)with a 70-200mm f4L IS attached, along with a sturdy monopod. That is some big glass to manage, what's your secret?

Jerry

It's only a 300mm 2.8L IS ,
I used to have a 500L , 600L & 800L but a nasty person with camera envy decided that as a kripple I shouldn't have such things and used them for a Trampoline ( along with my 1d' s ) and as he was poor as well as suffering from camera envy I got no compensation , I am presently using 50D's with battery grips and hope to get 5D II's with grips for more critical work , I only have pinch grip which made the 1D's difficult to use , 50D's( or 40D's) , 7D's and 5D's with battery grips are much easier to manage , I try to handhold as much as possible , or else use a monpod as tripods are not really wheelchair friendly and only get used as a last resort .
I don't really use image stabilizing , as I forget about it due to using non IS lenses for so many years .
I have found it is much easier for those with limited hand and trunk function to use fast lenses ( I presently only have one lense slower than 2.8) I think I should make some kind of grip that fits on the tripod mount of my bigger lenses for when I am using them hand held as it get to be very hard work and on occaision I have been overbalanced by the weight and either fallen , or almost fallen out of my chair . ( 50D with grip + 300 2.8L = about 10 lb- ish)

Andrew

PS , My opinion is that Canon DSLR's are more suited to people with limited hand function .

Hey Andrew,

An interesting PS/observation...back in 78; after breaking my neck, I replaced my old heavy 35mm rangefnder with a Canon A-1. Tried nikon, pentax and olympus, but found the metal bodies uncomfortable, picked up the A-1 and it felt perfect. I've shot Canon ever since; still have my old manual focus FD gear...still shoot with it on occasion.

An upcoming blog post will be a write-up on using FD lenses on EOS cameras. There's a chap in the UK that makes an FD-to-EF adapter that seems usable, I've ordered one and will be testing an FD 200mm f4 macro, bellows and ring-lite. Bodies to be tested will be a T-90 (film), an EOS-3 (film) and my 40D (digital)...two fullframe vs a crop censor...should prove interesting. I'm going to include FD and EF 100mm macros in the testing as well...don't have the EF 180mm L macro to test, but sure would like to have one...just can't seem to part with the 2k

I use grips also, they add a bit of weight, but just seem to balance better...btw, no finger movement here, I use a slightly modified remote switch, insert between teeth, tongue to fire the shutter, I'm sure I look a bit odd/funny, but wtf I wasn't runway material before SCI

As for the 5Ds full-frame heaven...I'll wait for the Mark III before I go there, sure hope they put an articulated screen on it

Lastly...5, 6 and 800mm Ls, that's massive glass to handhold, perhaps in my dreams, guess I need to pump a bit more iron to manage those canons!

Jerry

Edited by StillFingers, 16 April 2011 - 05:09 AM.