Finally...

A few months back I picked up a Canon EF-S 10-22mm lens but then won the contest and purchased the Panasonic GF-1 right after. As a result I've kind of been neglecting getting out with the 10-22mm. For stock, I think it lends itself to outdoors since indoors you need a pretty clean room to use a 10mm lens without clutter :) Here is a recent shot that was accepted on Dreamstime:


© Photographer: Bradcalkins

On the technical side, I've found it to be very sharp and easy to use. It is fairly light and compact, and is still pretty wide when mounted on my GF-1 (20-44mm equivalent field of view). The CA is pretty low compared to other wide angles, but with a backlit tree you do get some. For a large print you probably wouldn't notice, but I still cleaned up the CA a little bit in Photoshop prior to submitted to Dreamstime.

The depth of field is amazing - this was shot at f/10 or so and the really close branches are only a few cms from the front of the lens! According to DOFMaster you get from 24cm to infinity when shooting at f/11!

Ski season

I've been planning on this image for a while, and fortunately got some ski goggles for Christmas. Getting something new helps same time as you don't have to clean out any dust and scratches prior to shooting... I made use of a mountain image for the reflection. I like this type of image as it doesn't take much time, but is a lot more dramatic that just a shot of goggles. I would imagine that any magazine using this for an article would probably highlight actual products - and therefore wouldn't buy a logo free shot. Thus, my target audience is someone looking for generic googles - and this calls your attention a bit more than just goggles. It also helps to hide the logos on the strap that you would otherwise see through the lens.


© Photographer: Bradcalkins | Agency: Dreamstime.com

I had the idea of a hockey goal shot while skating at the rink, but it proved to be quite hard to get. I had my son throw the puck repeatedly into the net so the net was sort of bulged out with the puck. Looked better than this shot, I think, but I just couldn't get it sharp and in focus. Thus I settled on this shot...


© Photographer: Bradcalkins | Agency: Dreamstime.com