April 11, 2025
Synopsis
This paper describes my approach to photography including the equipment and software I use, my photographic style, some post processing considerations, and portfolio.
Background
First of all, I’m not a professional photographer. I don’t promote myself as such and I have no intention of selling my services or photos at any time. I consider myself to be an enthusiast photographer who also has a presence on Flickr.
I believe there are really only 3 primary factors that contribute to a good photograph: subject, light, and composition. As a photographer travelling mostly on organized tours, I am at the mercy of the tour group’s schedule which might not align with the best weather or time of day to take outdoor photographs. In addition, while tour organizers generally focus their attention on the main attraction, I tend to look for interesting details to shoot. Therefore, I included a few travel photos in my Early Portfolio collection.
As I recall my first camera was a Kodak Brownie circa 1960s. I don’t remember the exact model, but it was small and took 127 roll film. I remember taking the camera on an elementary school class trip on the Circle Line Cruise around Manhattan Island.
The following photos taken in New York City were scanned from sixty-year-old Kodak 127 negatives.
Sometime during high school, I received a Kodak Instamatic camera which took 126 cartridge film.
Eventually, I graduated up to a Yashica SLR (single-lens reflex) which I used for many years after I purchased it through the AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service) mail-order catalog. Prior to ordering the Yashica, I had many heated debates with another Airman in our Flight who would “go to the mat” arguing with me for Canon and Nikon. But it was all in vain since I’m not the type of person to follow the herd.
I’ve also used other film cameras notably a Yashica 635 TLR (twin-lens reflex) which I still own in like-new condition. I also purchased a Konica C35 rangefinder camera in the Phan Rang, RVN BX which I used in place of my Kodax Instamatic while deployed.
Equipment
My first digital camera was a Canon PowerShot A630 which I used for a number of years. Then in 2012, before our first trip to South Korea, I decided to purchase either an interchangeable lens DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) or one of the newer mirrorless models. During one of our trips to The Mall at Millenia, I checked out the NEX series of mirrorless cameras in the Sony Store. They had a NEX-5 that I was able to try out and I liked the size and weight which would be ideal for travel. I did a little more research on the web and decided on their flagship (at the time) NEX-7.
After 10 years using the NEX-7, I decided to upgrade my primary camera to the Sony a6700. The a6700 is an E-Mount APS-C sensor camera so I can still use my existing lenses. In addition, it’s similar in size to the NEX-7 so it fits in my existing camera bags.
I use the following lenses:
Prime
Sony 50mm F1.8 OSS
Sony 35mm F1.8 OSS
Sony 30mm F3.5 Macro (1:1)
TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 Lens
Rokinon 8mm F2.8
Zoom
Sony 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS
Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS
Tamron 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
As for camera bags, I use Case Logic DCB-304 Compact System/Hybrid Camera Case for short trips and for longer outings where I only carry 1 lens attached to the camera, I use the Lowepro Event Messenger 150 DSLR Camera Shoulder Bag. I also have a Lowepro m-Trekker BP 150 compact backpack that I use for carrying multiple lens and other accessories.
I use the Peak Design Slide Lite camera strap. I also own a tripod, but I never seem to use it.
After returning from out Canyon Country trip, I noticed a few spots on my photos in post. After checking the lens carefully, I realized it was a dirty sensor in the NEX-7, so I ordered the K&F Concept APS-C Sensor Cleaning Kit from Amazon which took care of the problem.
Post Processing—JPEG
For photo post processing, I use both Adobe Photoshop Elements and Movavi Photo Editor. I tend to use Movavi for its object removal features.
All photos presented here in my Early Portfolio were taken on the Sony NEX-7 using JPEG Fine image setting. I normally shoot in Program auto mode, the “P” on the camera dial. I adjust the ISO as needed based on the available lighting since I eschew using a flash; and occasionally, I’ll adjust the EV (exposure value). The Wide focus area setting usually works well in most situations. I don’t use lens filters.
For the JPEG images in post, I’m not hesitant to crop my images if I think the composition needs some adjusting. Cropping also allows me to remove distractions from the image which usually works better and quicker than using the editing software’s object removal tools. After I finish cropping the image, I immediately perform Auto Shake Reduction, then I zoom in to review the image for any distortion caused by the Auto Shake Reduction. There are situations where the image correction may look “unnatural” due to ghosting, or exaggerated lines. After a successful shake reduction or undo, I may adjust tone or lighting/contrast. Finally, I’ll run Auto Haze Removal if the shot was taken outside.
Early Portfolio
The majority of the following photos were taken with the Sony 18-200mm zoom; exceptions indicated in the Notes.
Notes
The EarlyPortfolio00001 image was taken on my first outing with the NEX-7 and 18-200mm lens at Cedar Key. I was drawn to the color and contrast of the saltwater damage to the pilings. I haven’t returned to the area since it was hit with three hurricanes in 13 months but I’m sure that the subject in this image is now gone.
The EarlyPortfolio00002 image was taken on my second outing with the NEX-7 and 18-200mm lens days prior to our first Korean trip. Obviously, the event was a traditional Hindu wedding.
I shot the EarlyPortfolio00003 image early in the morning through our hotel’s glass enclosed staircase in Geoje, South Korea.
EarlyPortfolio00004 is a diorama in the Geoje prisoner-of-war camp.
EarlyPortfolio00005 and EarlyPortfolio00006 were taken at the Hahoe Mask Museum in Andong. I really liked the intensity of the photos, so I had them printed on glossy canvas for my home library/office. Since the printing service sent an extra copy of EarlyPortfolio00005 I brought it into my former KSC work location where I received complaints from some co-workers who found the image too disturbing.
EarlyPortfolio00008 was shot from the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Again, I was attracted to the canoes’ color variety and intensity.
EarlyPortfolio00009 was taken mid-day in direct sunlight. I zoomed in on the flower and the camera gave me the black background without any extra effort from me.
The crab in EarlyPortfolio00010 was underwater as I recall. The intricate designs on the crab’s body enticed me to take the photo.
Fernandina Beach in EarlyPortfolio00011 is one of the best locations for sunset photography.
Another crab image is found in EarlyPortfolio00012 but this time the complex coloring of the tree bark caught my eye.
I really like the B&W sharpness and contrast of the fallen tree in EarlyPortfolio00013. However, I found the background to be somewhat distracting, but I included the photo in this portfolio anyway.
EarlyPortfolio00014 is one of my favorite photos. I’m glad I was able to get this shot of the pre-restored Howey Mansion. One comment I received on this photo is that it looks like a haunted house. Yea…
EarlyPortfolio00015 is one of my favorite vacation photos. This photo really wouldn’t have worked without having the bird in the composition. Also, the color of the bird’s eye matches the sky perfectly.
EarlyPortfolio00016 includes a replica of Marilyn Monroe. What more needs to be said? Oh yea, this was taken with the Sony 30mm Macro lens.
The Eiffel Tower has been photographed ad-infinitum. I like to think EarlyPortfolio00017 is something different.
EarlyPortfolio00019 is a perfect example of a situation where “you never know what you’re gonna get.” The pelican’s long reddish-brown neck and the sharp contrast of the feathers offsets the water reflections in the background nicely.
EarlyPortfolio00020 was shot through the glass of the Homosassa Springs Underwater Observatory, aka “fish bowl.”
EarlyPortfolio00021 was shot with the Sony 50mm lens. There’s a reason this lens is perfect for portraits.
EarlyPortfolio00022 and EarlyPortfolio00023 were both shot at 200mm.
I would normally opt out of taking a photo like EarlyPortfolio00024 except for the interesting designs in the helmet.
EarlyPortfolio00025 has a different look from all the other photos in this portfolio and that is because I used the Sony 35mm lens and the camera’s pop-up flash in fill mode. Initially, I didn’t like this photo because the colors appeared washed out. However, after some editing and tonal adjustments I was able to get the color of the pistil and the texture of the petals to my liking.
2013-2026 Gerard Sczepura. All rights reserved.