Well, I think it depends upon your camera and/or what you can do in PP. MY Fuji, for example, has a setting for B and W, along with several filters which can be utilized for either B and W or color. However, even the less complicated PP editor programs have a method of going from color to B and W on the same image, and then back to the original, so you have both worlds. The key, I suppose, is how detailed you want to get with the final image, and that is personal preference. If you get good at it, I feel a simple PP like Pacasa by Google does a more than decent job on moving an image from color to B and W. From there you can move to the more expensive editors which can do many things but at a price. Silver Efex is a very good post editor. Many OPs use it when moving from color to B and W or stand alone B and W. That said, I have been hesitant to use the B and W camera setting because there may be a good color image in the making that with the setting I would have lost. So I have been shooting color and taking the option to change the image to B and W if I feel it would be interesting. I have a friend who has made a decision to shoot all B and W for the months of December and January to see what it was like with the early film cameras. How about that?! Steve

Nice B and W. Did you post process?

Nice color. Did you do any post processing?

You can do either: auto focus or manual. Some pros use manual only, but it is really personal preference. As said above, you must be aware that the CPL, depending upon brand name, will cut the light entering the lens by 3 to 6 stops. Therefore, some OP's use a CPL as a neutral density filter in specific subject matter. The filter should turn with ease, so 1) focus first, then turn the filter to the desired about of effect from the polarizer if shooting in manual. Depending upon the make and model of lens, auto focus first, then adjust the polarizer for desired effect. Best to be at right angles to the sun for maximum effect. A CPL has little or no effect in gray cloudy days. If you have a LED camera back, take some practice shots to see what the filter is doing. If you do not have a LED back, bracket 3 shots: -1 one stop; 0; +1 stop. Select the one you want in post editing. A CPL can be a fun attachment particularly during the sunshine months. Here in Indiana, I rarely use it in the winter as we have lots of gray days, but it is always handy during the summer for landscapes and summer fun (water) times. Steve

As said before, Roberts has two stores in Indy, a small branch in the suburb of Carmel where I generally shop; and the large downtown store where, "if you can't find it here, you probably don't need it." They have a very large "used" department and the fellow who runs it is very knowledgeable on bodies, lenses and the like. Call the store and ask for the used department and discuss what you are looking for, and I am sure you will get the straight scoop. They are a high integrity store, with a regional following, probably don't directly compete with the B and H's of the East coast, but are not pushy and have an excellent return policy if something isn't what you are looking for. Except for specials, they are a direct "street price" store, and they have the largest selection of camera bags I have every seen in one place. Steve A

In my experience in working in agribusiness, there are many structures like this on the edge of productive fields across the country that growers keep weeds and such mowed for a whole variety of reasons, mostly personal pride when looking at their cleanly planted fields. I have seen abandoned and aged schools, churches, sheds, small structures which served as a house, and/or equipment sheds, chicken coops, etc. They are part of the story of times gone by. They a photographers delight, and their surroundings change with the seasons. Steve A

As a retired sailor, the bare poles with both crafts pointed in the same direction probably indicates that they are at anchor. A neat shot. You have captured and made special what is a very common site around the waterfront early in the morning or late in the day after sunset. Another clue would be the absence of a light on the top of the mask; they are in an area for anchoring over night or longer. The light would indicate they are at anchor but in a general traffic area: "watch out for me, I am at anchor."
Steve A

Really difficult to get a filter attached!

I feel this type of shot is where B and W shines. Excellent. You have captured the mood of the area. Thanks.
Steve a

Pictures taken in late afternoon with the sun just peeking out from the clouds. This is a difficult place to get good pictures unless you climb the rocks next to the visitors center which is a no-no. The first is shot through the Hall of States, one granite colonnade for each state, in alphabetical order beginning at the far end, with their flag and their date of admission to the United States. The second is shot with a zoom (6 attempts) and because you are shooting "UP" the danger is having the subject look like it is falling over. From the observation deck this is a very moving and spiritual personal event.

The Hall of States


Mount Rushmore Memorial

Wind Cave National Park. A Ranger told us "this is very unusual to have the animals up close to the road." I could have used a longer zoom lens, but at the moment, these animals were were walking and I did not want to miss the event.

In the watering hole


The leader

A family wedding in central Nebraska afforded an opportunity to takes some shots of Nebraska, Wyoming and South Dakota. Generally cloudy days were not the best for photography but that's what you get during this time of year.

Broken dreams in Nebraska


Wyoming State Capitol facing South


Inside the Capitol looking up into the dome

Founded in 1699, the Mission continues its work with the O'oham indian Tribe to this day. Located aprox 10 miles south of Tucson, the Mission receives visitors every day except during Mass hours, in which all are invited to attend the service. Christmas and Easter are special services with the tribe's children's choir participating. The Mission can be seen for miles as it stands majestically above the dusty Arizona vista west of the interstate between Tucson and Mexico.

early morning


artists at work


the ornate chapel

See above description. Sorry for the error.

The salt flats (for miles and miles)


Cave shot #1


Cave shot #2

I have been reading UHH for several months but this is the first photo post.

Liz after a swim