Posted on

Goldfinch

2021022817015507-5858621251786550823-500_0714
Prints available

A Nikkor Al-S 600mm F4 ED IF manual focus Lens with a TC-300 2x teleconverter mounted on a Nikon D500 was used to capture this goldfinch. An f/22 aperture, and 1/800 shutter speed pushed auto iso up to 12800 so some noise reduction was required in post.

Even with this heavy vintage lens mounted on a Gitzo/Wimberly combo rated for a load of over 88Lbs, a remote MC-30A remote shutter release and quiet shutter mode was employed to avoid camera shake. Camera shake is a product of the native 12x magnification of the lens being amplified by the 2x teleconverter. Vibration reduction for the Nikkor 600mm was not introduced until 2015. This lens was discontinued in 1986.

The f/22 aperture was used to facilitate zone focusing.

Posted on

Iron Man

Iron Man (Philip Simons, 1912-2009), 2000, Mary Whyte (b. 1953)
the Gibbs museum of art

2000, Mary Whyte (b. 1953)

Iron Man is a portrait of Charleston’s famed blacksmith and decorative iron fabricator Philip Simmons (1912-2009). Considered to be one of South Carolina’s most treasured artisans, Simmons was born on Daniel Island. His decorative fences, gates, window screens, and sculptures adorn many public buildings and private homes in the Lowcountry.

Simons has received numerous awards over his long career including a National HeritageFellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1982, and induction into the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 1994.