Please note that I don’t usually crop pictures to suit a size preference; if the picture is in 2:3 format, I only print it in that aspect ratio: so it could be an 8×12 or a 10×15 or a 12×18, etc., but not a 16×20. They’re meant to be seen at the composition I finished them at. Anyway if you’re interested just drop me a line, and thanks very much for the compliment!

Anyway: great about the camera! Do you mean the D3000s or the D300s? I don’t know much about the 3000 but of course I do about the 300, and the new one with the video seems pretty sweet. So regarding noise: level of noise really depends on the exposure. The D300 that I have does do much better at low light than my backup (D40) but it’s not like every single shot out of the camera is noise-free. There’s a magic formula, which I don’t entirely know the secret to LOL, and sometimes shots at high ISO are very low noise and sometimes they’re not. Sometimes shots at lower ISO are noisy. This is mostly due to incorrect exposure: underexposure increases and shows off noise. I know it sounds like old advice, but the best thing to do is practice practice practice. The more you shoot at low light the better you’ll get at judging the correct exposure. And definitely invest in a noise-reduction program and learn how to use it. I use Neat Image for 16-bit images, and will sometimes do further NR by selectively using the blur tool, smudge tool, or the despeckle filter in Photoshop. You can save a lot of noisy images with the right amount of NR and using it correctly (i.e., not leaving people’s skin with that plastic look; I always selectively brush away NR on people’s faces otherwise they look like mannequins).

Are you familiar with the concept of “exposing to the right”? It means exposing so that the histogram is slightly bunched up to the right, which is a very slight overexposure, because it is MUCH easier to correct and then get rid of noise when it’s an overexposed picture rather than underexposed. I’m not talking white-out images, just slightly overexposed. You can then adjust the levels & curves and bring the overexposed parts down to normal, while also darkening the shadows where the noise shows the most. And there’s always the option of making it B&W.

Lightroom itself doesn’t affect how noisy the images are. There is an NR function in Lightroom but I never use it; I prefer Neat Image. I would also advise shooting in raw if you are not already as it is much easier to correct and adjust raw images than JPEGs. I have recently been using primarily Capture NX (Nikon’s own software for NEF files) for editing and although it’s got quite a learning curve, I am really loving it now. It has, for me, the greatest potential for adjusting those images not “perfect” right out of the camera. Lightroom beats it though as a cataloging system and for batch processing of a large # of images. Very handy when shooting concerts, for instance, where I have to get the shots off to someone very quickly.

Thank you so much for the compliments. I am really flattered and humbled, it means a lot to me that you are enjoying my pictures. I wish we had met. Next NIN tour! Feel free to comment or email me anytime if you have questions.

Man, I was hoping to meet you during Labor weekend at the Wiltern! I wrote to you previously on Flickr in response to Nikon cams in general and I was also at the AZ and Chula Vista shows; however, did not meet you in person. Update: I have chosen to upgrade from my D60 to a D3000s! I know… it’s going to be crazy but a wonderful learning experience. I’m also planning to move to Portland, OR next year to attend school for my master’s degree. I’ll take my Nikons with me, for sure during this move, as I will be CRAZY to EVER sell my camera equipment ever again. You are amongst my top 3 favorite photographers. I just want you to know this: You inspire me greatly, and, are so humble and informative. One more question for you… noise. Does your D300 REALLY take a lot of noise away at ISO 1600-3200 that my D60 is not able to? I’m really concerned with noise and shoot mostly in low light situations. My D60 is great but I want to progress. Through research, theD300s will meet my needs. Does Lightroom allow a more “noiseless” shot? I’m willing to invest whatever necessary to make my future shots as noiseless as possible (live and sports, not portraits). You’ve been such a great influence on me. Your response is much appreciated. One day I would love to buy you a cup of tea/ coffee/ beer/ shot/ water/ your preference. You are a fantastic photographer.
-Shannon

anyways, i’m not much of a photographer, but I’m more involved in NIN remixes. check it out when you get a chance. Thanks again for sharing those shots!!

http://remix.nin.com/play/mix?id=10446

I remember seeing you on the balcony level and I was damn jealous of your gear. I remember checking out your 70-200mm f/2.8 and was wondering what kind of awesome shots you’ll get out of it, and man they’re awesome!!

I only have an entry level nikon with a 50mm f/1.8 and I was behind a bunch of tall guys. Here are some shots I took, not pro shots like yours at all but a different perspective.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31896098@N07/sets/72157622152919435/

thanks again

Your avatar reminds me that I need to put one up!