Moving on to the next event. This one was the Hmong New Year (2003). Most of the performers at this one were the kids. Trying to dial in my color correction for this event. Did this one ... looks close, but I need to check a couple more. Thought I'd post it. Many of the costumes and dance at this event were new to me ... hadn't seen anything like most of it. -=>Donald

You do find such varied colors on your dial!

Very nice! Thought the Day Of The Dead Pics were fabulous too... went through them all on your site.... Not as many for that one?....as in previous events.... But all very enjoyable!

Misha - It really is cool to see the varied costumes and colors of the different cultures. It's also interesting when you also note that for as many bright, colorful costumes and fabrics, how many also go for very basic white or white and black. What's it all mean? I dunno ... I'm just the guy shooting photos. :) hehe I just wish the Seattle Center would use daylight balanced hot lots or at least have lights with the same color temp. Pain trying to figure out sometimes what the heck they were using for an event (yet another reason for me to get that Colormeter .. wooo hooo .... hehehehe). 'chelle - Thank you. Yea, there were fewer there because I wasn't paying close enough attention. That was the first time I'd ever shot with the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens. I kept looking at my histogram and marveling at how well it was capturing the light and missed that for the first 30-45 minutes my shutter speeds weren't up high enough. Most were in the 1/30 - 1/60th of a second range. That caused a high number of blurry shots of the dancers. And because I wasn't trying to capture the motion (like I did at the Fiestas Patrias), my technique was bad and they just don't look bad. :/ Really ticked at myself for that one since most of the start were the Aztecs and there were some potentially great shots there. Learned my lesson on that one. -=>Donald

Posted that shot in AdobeRGB colorspace...actually, strangely not much difference for that one (usually there's a marked difference).

Done a couple of these and there seems to be a little blue light in them somewhere. I wonder if the lighting guy hit the wrong switch and one of the lights on camera right had a blue gel on it? *shrug* oh well. Think I got the color balance/correction range figured out. Now just need to come up with a border. -=>Donald

Oh now that's a wonderful costume!

Now Donald, you know that when you use the wrong color space you should then post BOTH of them (side by side?) so we can understand what you are talking about! The bottom one is definitely cooler in color, but adds to it in a way. [Are you taking these young ladies' phone numbers to contact them again in a few years?]

again you've captured the colours well (the second one maybe a little cool). her pose, expression and colourful costume make for a superb image.

I hope you post more. The colors are awesome! Jinx

Good eye guys ... the first one was a bit too warm ... the second is a bit too cool. The range I finally decided on is in between (both of these will get redone when I do process this events pics for real). Misha - Ummm ... you see, when grown adult men walk up to little girls and ask for their phone numbers, they tend to get first hand experience with that secret choke hold that the police reserve for those "special" moments. I'd like to make it through my life without experiencing that if you don't mind. :) So, in answer to your question ... that would be a no. :D -=>Donald

Donald, first off, your shots never cease to amaze me. Second, what camera and lens combo are you shooting with? I'm thinking about a new camera and (yes I know there is more to it than just the camera and lens but I'm looking to start with better equipment) the image quality is really sharp and clear... Jack

Jack: Thank you. For body, the Canon EOS 10D. For lens, you'll usually find me shooting with either the Canon 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (Image Stabilizer) lens or Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens. These were shot with the 70-200mm. I'll actually be adding another lens to my gear this spring. Will be picking up a 50mm f/1.4 prime. On the 10D, because of the multiplying factor, it will be like shooting with an 80mm f/1.4 lens. Should really be able to play with DOF with that one. Also going to use it when I shoot the fire performers. Of course, my dream primes are still the incredible Canon 50mm f/1.0L Canon 85mm f/1.2L lenses. The 85mm would become a 136mm f/1.2 on the 10D. Talk about perfect portrait lens. drool -=>Donald

Very Drool worthy Donald. but is it spankable? Jinx.

spankable? phone #s? oh-oh... o.O! gimme that paddle! sweet shots, luv those costumes... dances off stage left :]

Did this while working towards a good color correction model for this event. I can just tell that when I do this one for real, it is going to be one of my favorite shots. I love the DOF on this and the intricate costume and the look on her face. :) Johanna - Ok .. you're not allowed to talk to Michelle any longer You people worry me sometimes ... ok, most of the time. :) Cyn - And you ... we've asked you before to please limit your exposure to Tedzo ... but nooooooo ... now look at you. :) -=>Donald

what, what? :] that's a good thing, right? :D yep, yep, the color & shine in this last one are fantastic!

Ha ha! Awesome shot once again! :o) she looks a little worried about something though Donald...did she catch you taking her picture?? And the hat looks a tad big on her. ha ha! Wonderful shots! :o) Michelles my friend if I play nice, then can I still talk to her? LOL! JK.