Pittsburgh Orb

Last weekend during the filming of the next Shutter Rush film (episode 3), we tried a few unique and different things in downtown Pittsburgh.  We have a few surprises for you that we’ll save for the film release, but here is a preview of one item….  This is me creating an orb by light painting (using a light source to create an object with a long exposure photograph).  You can see the photo below and/or watch the behind the scene video.  You can see how I create the orb by watching the video below.

To view a larger version, click HERE. Remember to scroll down and watch the video

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Baby Baboon

After the news about RBG, we’ll need all the happy thoughts we can get!!!  To help you with that, I’m sharing this cute baby baboon photo which I took on our South Africa trip.  A troop baboons (maybe 10 of them) wandered by our safari vehicle.

 

To view a larger version, click HERE

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Hungarian Parliament

Our trip in 2019 to Hungary was wonderful and we got a chance to experience this building inside and out.  The Hungarian Parliament Building is a landmark gothic revival style and is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary.  It sits on the Pest side of the city on the Danube River.  This is one of hundreds of reasons to like Budapest along with the food, skyline, history, etc….  I could go on forever.  Great stuff!!!

To view a larger version, click HERE

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G Wagon

Last weekend, @teamshutterrush (minus one of our members, who will remain unnamed…..Jake!!!!) was in Pittsburgh filming the third episode for our Shutter Rush series on Amazon Prime.  If you haven’t watched the first two episodes, please do and while you’re at it, please rate it a “5”. 

Anyway, we conducted an urban vehicle shoot with this G Wagon and a bright red Ford 150.  I thought the red Ford was ugly, but I know some people will love it and I have to admit, it really popped in the photos.  In addition, we completed some cityscape photography, urban exploration and a special photo shoot that is a top-secret surprise we’ll save for the film.   Good stuff!!!!  It was great to get out with the team and capture some photos since our last Shutter Rush location was photographed/filmed in early March right before the COVID lock downs. 

This was my first professional vehicle photo shoot, which was good fun.  I’m not super happy with my edits on the photo below, but it was nice learning how to setup the vehicle, lighting and other vehicle photo tips from @jasonpohuski and I look forward to trying this again…. 

 

To view a larger version, click HERE

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St. Martin's Cathedral

This wonderful cathedral in Bratislava Slovakia is a beauty!!  What is lacks in size (it’s a small cathedral compared to most), it makes up in beautiful details.  When we stopped in Bratislava, I didn’t plan to visit this church, but I’m glad I did….  By the way, the city of Bratislava is amazing as well.  Most Americans have probably never heard of this European city….regardless it is a must see.

To view a larger version, click HERE

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PPG Skyview

Pittsburgh is a very pretty city.  Frankly, it’s underrated and should be a travel destination for those who’ve never been here before.  I took this photo looking down on the PPG building with Heinz Field and the three rivers in the background.

To view a larger version, click HERE

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Luminar AI

Ready, set, go!  Yesterday we entered a new era of photo editing.  Skylum officially announced the next big leap in photo editing, which is Luminar AI.  This huge advancement in photo editing will not only speed up the boring process, but make your images look great. 

Skylum is accepting preorders with Early Bird pricing for the first 30,000 photographers worldwide.  It’ll be $59 with loyalty discount (for those who have purchased any previous version of Luminar or Aurora HDR) and it will include access to Luminar AI Insiders community.  It is priced at $69 for new customers, who also get access to the Luminar AI Insiders community. 

After the first 30,000 copies are sold, Luminar AI will cost $74 for new customers  and $64 with the Loyalty customers.

 You can preorder Luminar AI HERE.   Have fun and enjoy improved photo editing!!!   

You learn and see the software, watch the video below.

Chernobyl Surgical Suite

It’s hard to believe it has been two years since our Chernobyl trip.  We planned to go back this October, but that isn’t going to happen.  No shock there, since 2020 is messed up from top to bottom. 

 

I took this photo in the Pripyat Hospital, which is a few miles from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. 

 

To view a larger version, click HERE

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Regensburg Blue Hour

I loved my time in Regensburg Germany.  This small college city was great with some wonderful historic sites including the bridge, clock tower and cathedral in this photo.  I captured this at dusk with my drone. 

 

To view a larger version, click HERE

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Abandoned Beauty

It’s been a while since I was in this beautiful cathedral.  The last few times I tried it was locked up, which is fine.  I don’t break anything (doors, locks, etc..) when I go to a location.  I wonder about its current condition after some time has gone by…..    

 

To view a larger version, click HERE

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Washington County Courthouse

Last weekend I went into Washington Pennsylvania to fly the drone.  I like to think I’m a good drone pilot.  The truth is that I’m probably average, but I can dream.  I’m also an average to poor video editor as well….  Regardless of those two poorly performed skills on my part, I thought this turned out pretty good.