Lens Hoods - Everything We Need to Know

Just a quick post to share an excellent video that popped up on facebook via DPS (Digital Photography School).  I had searched high and low for this info on the internet a while back and came up empty.  Then up pops this WONDERFUL video link on facebook.

I was doing a happy dance just to find out that most lens hoods are reversible - on the camera - for storage!  OMG!!!  All this time I've been removing mine and dangling it from the snap on my camera case.  I actually paused the video, went and grabbed my camera to give it a try.  Sure enough! 

Of course the information I was really after was why to use one style of hood over the other (since my camera came with both, but with no explanation).  And this video explains it all. Thank you DPS!!!

By the way, I have barely tapped the surface of this newly found resource of mine, but it appears to be a great place to get all kinds of tips.  If you're not already tuned into it, here are the links:

DPS Website

DPS on Facebook

Yipee! A BetterPhoto "Editor's Pick"

I just came in from my mid-afternoon break -walking the dogs in this glorious thing called 'sunshine'!- to discover that a recent entry I'd submitted to BetterPhoto.com, was awarded an "Editor's Pick".  The return of sunshine had already made my day, but this is the frosting on the cake!  WooHoo!!

Now that I'm done patting myself on the back, I'd like to show that this is an example of what you can often find in one of your ho-hum, not so terrific shots.  Before you discard an image take a second look and see if there might be a better image within the image.  Here is my original shot:

Obviously I'd made some lighting adjustments as well as the cropping.  The original wasn't all that bad, but after looking at it I really wanted to focus on the long swoop of the stamen.

So now with a smile on my face, I shall return to the ho-hum day job.  If I look hard enough maybe I can find a bit of frosting there as well!  Like it pays the bills, provides the medical, blah, blah, blah... ;)