. . . observations : August 2008

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Runners

Impressions on the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

Monday, August 25, 2008

My Review of Giottos Rocket Air Blaster, Manual Air Blower with Extra-Large Rubber Bulb - 7.5" Long

Originally submitted at Adorama

Giottos Rocket Air Blaster, Manual Air Blower with Extra-Large Rubber Bulb - 7.5" Long

I use it whenever I'm changing lens

By Just an Observer from Chino Hills, CA on 8/25/2008

Pros: Lightweight, Durable, Easy To Use

Cons: Bulky

Best Uses: Lens sensor cleaning, Traveling

Describe Yourself: Hobbyist/Enthusiast

I use it whenever I'm changing lens on my camera. The strong air pressure from this device is ideal for cleaning the lens and the sensor. It's safer than using a brush and cheaper than having a technician service your camera.

(legalese)

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Waiting

Using a freeware version of Photoshop: cleaned up background, converted to B&W. Taken years ago using Canon PoweShot S40 while waiting for our lunch at an obscure place in Long Beach, CA.

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Different Perspective

Leaving the office. LensBaby Original 50mm.

Calendar Girl

I'm usually the last to leave the office. So when everybody seems to have left, I'll go around and look for interesting subjects. LensBaby Original 50mm.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

My Review of Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Standard AutoFocus Lens - USA

Originally submitted at Adorama

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Standard AutoFocus Lens - USA

Buy this now

By Just an Observer from Chino Hills, CA on 8/4/2008

Pros: Lightweight, Sharp Focus, Easily Interchangeable

Cons: Slow Focus

Best Uses: Night Photography, General Use, Wildlife

Describe Yourself: Hobbyist/Enthusiast

Great prime lens. Works well even in low lighting. The Gaussian blur it creates is amazing. At close distance, the auto focus sometimes does not work but there is a manual focus. If I lost or ruin the lens I would not hesitate to get another one. The price is incredibly low.

Society Garlic

Tags: Using Product

Waterboy

Tags: Using Product

(legalese)

My Review of Lensbabies Lensbaby Original 50mm Special Effect Lens with Canon EF Mount.

Originally submitted at Adorama

Lensbabies Lensbaby Original 50mm Special Effect Lens with Canon EF Mount.

Fun Lens

By Just an Observer from Chino Hills, CA on 8/4/2008

Pros: Lightweight, Easily Interchangeable

Best Uses: Special Effects, Wildlife

Describe Yourself: Hobbyist/Enthusiast

If you are in a rut, the lens can provide some creative effects. It is a bit hard to focus and will only work in either manual exposure or aperture priority. It's best to use the manual exposure for better control. So far, I have been having fun with it.

Calvin

Tags: Using Product

Under a tree

Tags: Using Product

(legalese)

About Rob Castro

Rob Castro is a retired engineer and an artist-photographer. He worked for the government for over 25 years in the field of air pollution control. In January of 2014, Rob retired from government service so he can focus on his artistic endeavors. Although he has no formal training as an artist, Rob had an early start in developing his artistic talents. At the age of five, he drew a picture of the devil while a student at a parochial school. This got him in trouble with the nuns but it also affirmed his calling to be an artist.

Back in 2008, Rob took up photography using a cheap low-tech camera but with a firm resolve to make good use of it. Since then, Rob has published some of his photos through photography periodicals and as book covers. One can also view Rob’s concept photography work on his website, Just an Observer (http://www.justanobserver.com/) and through his published photo books. Licensing of his works is available through Arcangel. Royalty free images are available at Getty Images. Or you can just contact him at juznobsrvr@gmail.com.

Rob and his wife Rose are parents of one daughter. They now reside in Georgetown, Texas. Their dog Mimi, their cats Jerry, Heraclitus and Tiger Hendrix are all greatly missed.