Photography
Jason O'Flaherty
Fiber Optic Rock Photography

Discover the unique optical properties of Ulexite, often called "TV rock," and its application in creative photography. This article explores the challenges of using the mineral to capture striking landscape images and details innovative solutions, such as projecting images through Ulexite with a smartphone and an iPad. Insights into the creative and technical process are accompanied by compelling visuals showcasing the results.

Fiber Optic Rock Photography
Photography
Jason O'Flaherty
What are Drop-In Filters?

Curious about drop-in filters and how they fit into high-end lenses like the Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3? When I first encountered them, I found little to no explanation about what they were or how they worked—until I got hands-on. In this article, I break down the mystery behind drop-in filters, show you how they function, and share tips on where to find replacements. Whether you’re a wildlife or astronomy photographer, this guide will help you get the most out of your gear. Click to learn more!

What are Drop-In Filters?
Photography Tutorial
Jason O'Flaherty
11 Secrets to Stunning Zoo Photography

Unlock the secrets to capturing stunning wildlife photos at the zoo. With 11 expert tips, you’ll learn how to transform ordinary zoo snapshots into professional-level portraits. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, these insights will help you elevate your zoo photography to new heights.

11 Secrets to Stunning Zoo Photography
Product Reviews
Jason O'Flaherty
Ulanzi Cooling Fan

The Ulanzi Cooling Fan is a cost-effective solution for preventing camera overheating, significantly extending recording times for models like the Sony ZV-1 and Fujifilm X-H2. Learn more about its impressive features and why it's a must-have accessory for videographers.

Ulanzi Cooling Fan

Mug Warmer and Drink Cover Review

Temperature Regulators

Pierre was tired of his coffee going from the perfect temperature to cold in about 5 minutes so he went looking for some products to remedy this.  He'd already tried using these water filled temperature regulators, and while they do work, they are not always convenient and it's annoying hearing them clink in your glass every time you take a drink.

Coffee Scale

So he got a mug warmer and some drink covers to test out.  Both performed really well.  Since making the video, Pierre has said that the mug warmer will almost always heat his coffee to a temperature higher than he would normally drink it, so it is great for reheating something that has gone into the lukewarm zone on the coffee scale.

mug warmer and drink covers

You can purchase the products using the following links:
Bellemain Desktop Mug Warmer - http://amzn.to/2eI36tR
AvecToi Drink Covers - http://amzn.to/2eI2JiV

See the video below:

Does your coffee get cold before you can finish drinking it? Pierre reviews 2 products that promise to keep your beverage toasty warm. Cuisine a la Pierre s01e07 AvecToi Drink Covers - http://amzn.to/2eI2JiV Bellemain Desktop Mug Warmer - http://amzn.to/2eI36tR Music from Purple Planet

Car Show - Malcolm, NE

I'm not much of a car guy.  I can't tell you the difference between this car or that, but when I was invited out to the Malcolm, NE car show last Sunday, I figured I could at least appreciate the ones that look good and the friendly people.

I took all of these on my Canon 70D camera, but I knew they'd be going into a video so I had to intentionally leave myself some buffer room so I could come back and crop them into a 16x9 aspect ration. 

It was a good day. Really hot, but enjoyable. There's the video below or if you want to peruse the pictures at your leisure, I've uploaded those as well.

2017 Solar Eclipse

It looked like it was going to be cloudy in my neck of the woods near Lincoln so I went out west 90 miles to around Grand Island, Nebraska and had fairly clear skies the whole time.  I had been trying to find #12 welders glass for a week, but everything was sold out (I waited too long), but the morning of, I went and found a welding shop and they had #11, so I snatched it up.  The crazy thing is, his credit card machine was down so thank goodness I had cash.

Almost everything from that point worked flawlessly. There were a few hiccups with my focusing, but they weren't too bad. The only thing that didn't go as planned was the live video of the sky darkening. The camera stopped after 12 minutes for whatever reason, but it was just after the sky got dark so at least we saw that.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with how this video turned out. I think the totality video was worth it all by itself.  Everything else was just bonus.

 

 
Taken with Nikon A900

Taken with Nikon A900

Combination of images taken with homemade lens filter and Canon 70D (color corrected)

Combination of images taken with homemade lens filter and Canon 70D (color corrected)

Screen shot from Sony FDR-AX53 4K video. 

Screen shot from Sony FDR-AX53 4K video.