lindsay blum

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I took a break from midterm-cramming to take a few outdoor photos. Natural photographic opportunities are difficult to find right outside my apartment, but I was able to venture down a slightly secluded path to take some chilly, fall photos.

CLICK HERE for more 2009 Rec-Plex Fall Triathlon Photos

RecPlex St. Peters
October 4, 2009

September 18, 2009

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Manfrotto 679B with 486RC2 Ball Head

At last weekend’s triathlon, I had the opportunity to really test out my Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head with my Manfrotto 679B monopod. Both proved to be absolutely invaluable! Having the freedom of a mobile monopod with the convenience of a strong, flexible, and quick release ball head assisted me in capturing crisper motion photos. Prior to this triathlon, I have always shot hand held, which often leaves me with blurry photos. While a tripod would offer ultimate stability, the monopod allows me to quickly move about the event, which is necessary at a sporting event.

I must give a shout out to my favorite local camera store, Schillers Camera. I went to Schiller’s with the intention to purchase a Manfrotto 3229 head or a 234RC head. The Schiller’s associate, Rick, helped me decide on which to purchase. He was very interested in what type of photography I do, what kind of camera and lenses I have, and what I intended to use the ball head for, so that he could help me choose the best ball head for my needs. He let me know that the monopod heads I was deciding between were not the best options, as both did not have the option to swivel (they were not actual swivel ball heads, both only allowed for restricted movement). Swiveling allows me to rotate and lock  my camera on the ball head in any direction–the other two would only allow me to rotate the camera 90 degrees (portrait-oriented style)  in predetermined slots. His assistance saved me from making the wrong purchase!

Thank you, Schiller’s Camera!

Matton Man 2009

1500m Swim, 40k Bike, 10K Run

Here are some photographs I took at the Mattoon Man Olympic Distance Triathlon. Matt finished 4th overall, and first in his age group. He was even the first amateur out of the water (second only to the professional triathlete, Gavin Anderson). Matt’s overall time was 2:23:18, and Lindsay finished first in her age group, 3rd overall female, with a time of 3:00:34.

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View Race Results

I visited the Missouri Botanical Gardens yesterday evening to practice taking water lily photos. I didn’t realize that a concert in the garden was going on around the same time. Employees greeting guests assumed I too was there to watch the concert…but I was just there for the water lilies!

I shot primarily in Av mode (to control the depth of field), with my super-sharp Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM. On a few shots, I switched to Tv mode to control the shutter speed, but later found this unnecessary because my subjects were stationary.  My goals for this photo shoot were to practice achieving correct color balances, highlight exposures, and interesting compositions.

85mm, f/1.8, ISO 100, Tv 1/200