An Urban Jungle. San Jose, California. July 12, 2005. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell. (Sales)
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A couple of days ago I came across a new photography web site, The Radiant Vista. Like many other photography web sites it supports a discussion forum. However, this site features some other compelling features that I have not seen elsewhere.
The Radiant Vista is very much podcast and video driven. One of my favorite features so far is the daily critique, which features a quicktime (or other) video critique of a submitted photo. The critiques I have previewed are excellent and combine sensitivity to and respect for the creative work of the submitters with excellent commentary, observations, and suggestions.
I joined the site yesterday, and I recommend the site to other photographers.
G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him.
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All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others as indicated. Any use requires advance permission from G Dan Mitchell.
Oak and Moon, Morning. Calero Hills, California. January 7, 2007. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell. (Sales)
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From time to time I shoot indoor theatrical or musical performances where the use of flash would be inappropriate… and probably get me ejected from the theatre! From what I understand, many people like to photograph these subjects with primes (for their wider apertures) or with wide aperture zooms. I have successfully shot such subjects with the former, but I don’t own the latter.
Newer DSLRs that have image stabilization and can produce good low-noise images at higher ISO values let us push the limits of natural light photography in these situations.

This example was shot with my EF 24-105mm f/4 IS zoom on a tripod and with image stabilization. (I leave the ballhead somewhat loose and sometimes use the tripod as a monopod.) I can often shoot in the 1/25 to 1/60 of a second shutter speed range and get good results as long as my subjects aren’t moving too fast.