I have more stuff I'm going to sell, I'm just not sure what. I sold the 5D to John. I saved all my Canon lenses (I still have the Canon 1n and AE2, both of which I love). If Canon ever releases the follow-on to the 5D, and it has weather sealing, and some sort of dust removal technology, I'm game. Until then, it's all film for me.

Speaking of film. Amazingly, I've been shooting way more now using film than I ever did with my digital cameras. I don't know why. I think it's because film is what I've know for most of my life. There still is a magic in it for me - processing film - imagining what will be on the negative - or better yet, imagining what will be on the negative as I press the shutter. Yep. That's a good way to put it - the way I still feel, after 35 years of pressing the shutter and wondering what the negs will look like.

I think I've processed over 30 rolls in the past month on my own - and probably half that amount I sent out for processing. I'm still not doing all my own color. Sometimes it's just cheaper and faster to have the lab do it for me. Still, I developed a lot of black and white. I can't remember the last time I went through two batches of developer in a month! I'm happy with the results, too. I had lots of help from some wonderful photographers and masters of developing film. I've learned a lot, and will learn even more as I step things up even more.

The weather is cold and bitter, but I'd like to drag the 4x5 cameras out for a bit. I have a nice 4x5 film development kit, and I need to use it. I have some new ideas I'd like to try out, and the 4x5 will work perfectly for me.

I'm encouraged by all the email I've received over the last month or so, inquiries all about film. I'm always happy to help, it's fun to see people excited about something other than RAW converters and layers in Photoshop. The reality is there have been several new films introduced already this year. Also, about half of the professionals still use film as their primary media. All good. I'd like to see film stick around for at least another 35 years -- and -- I'd like to be around for most of those years.

I need to clear out a few cameras that I just don't use much. Okay - I probably have more than just a few, but it'l be hard for me to part with them all - so I'll keep it to just a few to begin with. I have two Rolleiflex's that I just had CLA'd ("just" means like 4 months ago - I haven't even taken them out of the packing!) -- I'll probably keep one and sell one.

Hell - I don't know. Just keep an eye on this blog if you're interested in picking up something nice at a good price. I'll probably make up my mind soon.

I've decided to shoot 99% film - yep - film. I like the 5D - but it'll probably be the first to go. I just don't use it all that much. I like it for night photography, but after shooting with film and seeing the results, I'm sticking with film for long exposures. I find it more challenging with film - and the results are heavenly when shot properly...

I like film best for most everything these days. Leica has the new M8 out - but who cares? Five grand for a camera that gives you a magenta cast - nice. I can scan a boat load of film for 5K... I'll stick with my Leica film cameras for now -- film is most certainly not dead.

For those few people who read this part of No Traces - have a great holiday - for me, I celebrate Christmas, so - Merry Christmas! and have a wonderful New Year!

Keep in mind - I'm going to be out of town all next week. So unless you get to me today or tomorrow, chances are I won't be able to send anything out for about 10 days.

So -- here's what I have. I know some of you have sent emails --- this is a first come, first serve dealio -- so get on it!

Canon 20D - Great shape - 90% of my night shots were taken with this camera. My guess is I've shot less than 5000 images with this camera - maybe 7,500 - but that would be stretching it. I have a box around somewhere - I think it's in my storage place I pay way too much for each month - and never go to - and have tons of books stacked to the ceiling - and baseball memorabilia - and all sorts of stuff I just don't need but can't throw away -- and I don't feel like going over there -- so you'll have to take this camera AS IS -- no box. Tough it out. I have the instruction manual somewhere around - I can find it -- and I'm sure all the software that came with it - I've never used - and cables.

Battery grip goes with the 20D -- they're mated for life.

Canon 10-22mm lens -- LOVE this lens -- but it won't work with my 5D -- gotta go.

70-200L f/4 version -- wonderful lens -- took MAYBE 50 shots with it -- I just can't get into long zoom lenses -- not the way I see the world.

USER Leica M4 body -- anyone who knows Leica, will know what user body means -- speeds all seem fine - bright viewfinder - it's good to go. I've taken some great photos with it - I love it -- but I have way way way too many camera bodies right now. This one is really nice.

Prices:

Price includes shipping to anywhere in the US -- outside the US -- we'll have to talk.

20D WITH battery grip - no batteries (I need them) 512M Ultra II card ---- $800

Canon 10-22mm lens --- $590

Canon 70-200L f/4 --- $ 500

Leica M4 body --- $ 650

I can take PayPal -- and prefer to -- I'll pick up the fees -- no problem.

Anyone who has bought from me knows that I keep my stuff in nice condition. All of these items are of no exception. The only thing I can think of that might need a little elbow grease is the 20D - it may need to have a quick sensor cleaning -- but other than that - it's a fine camera - low useage... I love the 20D / 10-22 combination -- it's just fantastic. I'm going to miss that lens a lot.

There you have it -- I think I have the original kit lens that came with the 20D - not sure -- but if I do, I'll just toss it in the box with the 20D.

Remember, I'll be gone all next week - starting Sunday - so if you don't get to me today or tomorrow, I won't be shipping out until I get back.

I'm going to sell a few things that I just don't use all that much. If not for taking night shots, I'd probably sell the 5D - I love film that much - but the 5D is just so great to use for long exposures.

That being said, I'm going to sell:

The 20D with battery grip AND Canon 10-22mm lens - all in one package. I shot most of my night shots with that combination. I love the camera, I just don't use it all that much.

I'll probably sell the 70-200L -- I think I've taken maybe 200 photos with that lens. It's great, but I swear, I rarely use any focal length over 85mm. Most of the time I'm in the 12-35mm range -- just what I love.

I have two Leicas I'm seriously thinking of selling -- A really nice M3 and a user M4. I'm going to have to think long and hard about this one. More than likely I'll sell just the M4.

I have a Mat G that I think I ran a roll of film through. I just don't use it. I have several Rollei's -- and love using them much more than the Mat G -- and now that I have the Hasselblad -- well, there's nothing like it.

I may sell one of my T3's, but I'm sure Jimbus and Ross will talk me out of it.

Stay tuned. I just thought I'd give sort of a pre-auction look-see. I'm still noodling pricing, but anyone who's dealt with me knows I price to move, and my stuff is always in better shape than I describe.

Oh -- the Nikon Coolscan V was sold - and the XT.

You probably get tired of me writing about how tired i am all the time. I need to change some things around in my life - soon - and I'm working on it. The problem for me is I think I'd be happy walking away from what I do every day, but the reality is I really live for the art of the deal. I was born a businessman first - a photographer second. I have to admit this to myself. (Self - I admit it).

The good news is I now realize I can put the two things together and maybe make something of it all. I talk with a number of photographers / designers / artists / writers who have great and wonderful talents but have little or no desire to sell themselves. As a result, they struggle when they shouldn't have to. I have no desire to be anyone's agent - so don't get any ideas. I do think maybe I could figure out a way to build a business encompassing all the things I love. I just have to noodle it all in my head. I can sell, I can manage a business, I can work relationships, I can create images and I love it all. That's good, right? Yep. It's good. I just need to figure out what to do with it all.

My friends tell me to to just figure something out and do it. My challenge is I'm so busy with the work I do now that I just can't seem to find the time. I barely have time to keep No Traces running with decent images. I haven't been out under the moonlight in what seems like forever. I haven't had time to get around to all the great photos sites out there. I haven't been returning emails the way I should -- and as I write this I begin to feel so anxious. Why? Because I love doing all these things, yet I'm strapped into work - but I let myself be that way. It's crazy, I know.

I like what I do for a living. No. I love what I do. However, I realize things are changing - good people are leaving and the workloads to fill the gaps are unbearable. Something's going to give way soon. I'm just not sure I want to be around when it all happens. Or maybe I do. See? I'm nutty.

The other good news is I'm at a point in my life where it's just me and my dog, Lainey. My kids are grown up and doing their thing. I'm relatively debt free and have a few eggs in the nest. All good things. And each morning I go to my local coffee shop for my nice soy latte, I see the same guy there -- he's happy - whistling a tune -- telling a story -- being the mayor of the place. He used to work in the corporate world - like me. He thought the same things I'm thinking now. He has talents of his own - and he did something about it. He's happy he's out. He's doing what he wants with his life. A few hours a week to pay for a few things, and he's building his own little business - at his pace - doing things his way.

Something for me to think about.

I still have the Coolscan - I'm in no hurry to sell it, but if you're interested, let me know. If not, I'll probably toss it up on ebay.

In other news -- I'm swamped with work. Swamped - a good word. That describes my work life right now - but I'm happy as a clam. I love being in the thick of things -- (and using all sorts of clichés) -- so not to worry. I'm fine. I'm just not able to get to a scanner -- or to my darkroom - or even to a camera, for that matter - and I may not be able to for a few more weeks. IF I'm lucky, I'll find the time to scan a few frames of farm photos -- a great old farm I found up in John's neck of the woods -- so stay tuned - I think they'll be pretty nice...

I have managed to use the Nikon 9000 a few times - it's aweseome. I'm incredibly happy with it. I just need to find the time to scan the 20+ rolls of 120 I have laying around! I can't wait to scan some Velvia and Provia to see what it's really capable of doing...

My vacation to Europe will be delayed. I'm okay with that. If I get through these next few months - and things turn out the way I plan - it'll all be worth it. I think Europe in the fall is nice, too -- I may even have to swing through Munich again for a little Octoberfest! Oh yes --

I do have a welcomed respite this weekend - Lala will be visiting. So I'm sure she'll make me drag out my Holga -- or something Polaroid -- so, I just may have some things to post up for fun. Stay tuned...

I'm adding some links to my pages on No Traces -- small links -- advertisement. Yep. I've had several offers over the last year or so - I turned them all down, but this time I thought I'd give it a try. Hey - it'll pay for all my film and processing each month -- not a bad way to go.

For those of you I promised prints to -- I haven't forgotten - really, I haven't. I just need to find the time to process the files and ship them off for printing. I think we have a break coming up here in a few weeks -- I plan on taking a day to finish my printing task -- bear with me, please...

That's about it from here. Life is hard at times to get a good grasp and balance yourself. I'm having a good time right now -- but I'm sucking at the balance thing. I'm working on it - really I am. I think good things are on the way for No Traces... Thanks for sticking with me -- thanks for viewing -- thanks for sharing...

Enjoy your weekend --- and be kind to one another -- no matter how hard that may be for some of you....

That being said -- I have a nice Coolscan V available for sale -- I have the extra film strip guide with it -- and the scanner has always been kept under plastic with not in use...

Also -- I'm dumping most of my digital stuff -- I'm going to start with the Canon XT -- I think MAYBE I've shot a couple thousand frames with it -- if that... It's the BLACK version -- AND -- I have a Canon 18-55mm EFS lens that I've never even used to go with it.

I'm selling the Nikon Coolscan V for $450 -- that includes Pay Pal fees and shipping to the US only --- I'll take only Pay Pal -- it doesn't take much to set it up.

I'm selling the Canon XT and lens I mentioned for $575 -- that includes Pay Pal fees and shipping to the US only...

I'm thinking HARD about selling my 20D -- but I'd be hosed if my 5D went down... If I do decide to sell the 20D -- I'll sell it with the wonderful Canon 10-22mm lens -- I probably took 80% of my night shots with that combo -- so it's hard for me to part with it -- but the reality is I RARELY shoot with digital .... So -- stay tuned...

Let me know if you're interested! I think anyone who's bought from me can vouch for how I take care of my stuff --- the XT is in EX condition -- probably some scratches and smudges here and there from throwing it in the bag -- but it's like new otherwise...

Keep in mind, I'll be out of town for half the week coming up -- so I may be slow to respond if you send an email after Sunday night...

I'll probably sell a Leica body - most likely the M4. Maybe my little Canon XT -- and a few cool cameras I just don't use all that much.

So -- stay tuned!

The point is this - find the tools you work with best - and stick with them. Learn them - master them - know their nuances - know their strengths - and exploit them as best you can. Don't let anyone tell you what's best for you - you need to find that out for yourself - and it will take time and practice. Stick with it -- if you sense something is working for you, work it harder - wring out more... If something isn't working -- and you find yourself thinking, "but the whole world is going this way" - I might suggest you take a different turn - grab something else from the toolbox -- until you find something your comfortable with.

I say all of this because I'm lucky enough to have a site where more than a few people visit each day. I get more than a few emails each day - lots of them asking for specifics behind a particular image. That's all fine - I've done it myself - I still do - it's in our nature to ask HOW?. That being said, too many times I read emails from people who simply want someone to give them a magical recipe: take one digital slr, add this lens, this remote, this tripod, and expose for this amount of time - and voila!!! you get the cool image you were after!. Nope -- doesn't work that way. If it did, I think we'd have maybe two camera makers at most - and all the walls in the world would be covered with incredibly boring photos.

I can be - and am - very opinionated about what images I like - and don't like. I may even change my opinion from moment to moment - and I've done that. I'm also very opinionated about the tools we as photographers use. My opinion? Whatever works for you! - Simple, eh? Maybe - for some -- and maybe not so simple for most of us.

At any rate -- these are my thoughts this morning -- as I ponder a short leave from No Traces - to recharge my batteries -- to catch up on things -- to think about my next milestone...

Have a wonderful day -- think about what's important to you as a photographer - don't get sucked up in the vortex of all the hype -- stay focused on your work -- and learn to use the tools you've chosen for your craft -- and learn them well...

Here is the comment I left on the image titled, "Just Over the Edge":

As you know, I've taken a lot of night shots using my digital cameras. I mostly use digital because I get instant feedback - and I needed to learn more about light - and what happens over a longer period of time -- certainly longer than 10 or 20 or even 30 seconds. Most of my exposures are well over 120 seconds - and in some cases 12-25 minutes. Light does wonderful things over time - versus say over a fraction of a second....

Now - I have my arms around what I'm doing - I understand what happens to light when clouds move in -- I've experienced all sorts of cloud coverage -- and moon angles -- and winds -- and reflections -- and other things I'm probably not mentioning here. I've not mastered all the elements - just have come to know them... I still have lots to learn, for sure...

My point is this - digital is nice - but I prefer the qualities and results I get from various films. I've spent an equal amount of time with a few specific films taking lots of photos in daylight - and learning how to process them to bring out the best qualities. I feel pretty satisfied with knowing which films to use - for which situations - and which developers to use -- and processing times, etc --- all to create an image I'm satisfied with.

So - I find myself at an interesting point - I've traveled a long way - and learned a lot - and now find that the world around me is changing rapidly -- from analog to digital -- from film to sensors... Still, my real love is with film - and as of yet, I've found no real easy method for achieving in the digital world the results I now get when using film.

I'm determined to push on. My favorite cameras all use film to record images. My favorite image making process requires various films and chemicals. My favorite results over 30+ years are all from film. Pure joy in imaging, for me, comes from working with film.

I say all this because this particular image sort of represents my waypoint - my milestone - to continue on the path - and as a reminder that I still have much to learn in the analog world - and a reminder that light is analog in nature - not digital.

I'm planning a few new night projects -- all with film. I'm sure to fail - I'm sure to come home with nothing to show for my efforts - nothing tangible - but plenty of new found experiences -- and perhaps a few steps closer to making images I've always dreamed about...

Stay tuned -- should be a fun spring and summer....

Still -- that leaves me with trying to figure out what's best for Dogsbreath. Someone mentioned Pixelpost -- but I've heard that's really buggy - and users are experiencing some serious commenting issues... I'd go with Expressions - but I have my own hosting service and domain -- I don't think that's for me.

I could install MT - and give that a whirl - but I'd have to hire yet another programmer -- and for dogsbreath - I'm not sure I'd want to pay all that much.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to something simple and easy to set up? My main issue right now is spam - I'm getting killed. I get a TON on No Traces - but I have a pretty robust spam blocker in place to keep things under control -- not so with Dogsbreath. Also, Folderblog feels flakey - and it is. I went to post a new photo today, and had issues with it not showing up as the most recent post. I had to basically delete my last two entries - and then repost. It's working fine now - but I get this strange feeling the whole thing could come crashing down... I love the site - and I have tons of great photos in the queue - I just need to make a transition before posting up another dozen images and the place comes crashing down.

I'm open to all ideas! Thanks...

Okay - so here's what's going on in my life - just in case you're interested -- if not - tough, I'm going to write about it anyway:

- I have entirely too much film to scan. I'm not talking a few rolls here, folks - I'm talking about BAGS full of film - from all the way back to spring. I have more stuff to scan than you can shake a stick at - and some pretty good stuff at that. I'm just getting lazy when it comes to scanning. I'd rather take photos than scan. (for those of you thinking, 'bob - why not just use your digital camera?' - forgetaboutit - digital schmigital - film is king in my book). I just wish Doug Fisher would get his act together and finish up the new 4x5 and odd size film holder so I can scan my Polaroid negs I've had laying around for - well, for a long time. Jeez.

- I now have a JOBO processor. What's that?, you ask? Well, now, I can process anything I shoot -- 4x5, slides, color print film - I can even process my own prints in daylight now. I no longer can blame crappy looking negs / slides on the crappy labs I take my film to. Nope. Now, everything you see here will be processed by moi - by my own hand. That's the way I like it, and that's the way it will be from now on.

- I have too many cameras. I know, hard to believe, huh? I may post a few of them up here for sale. Maybe not.

- Sally Mann has gone back to traditional wet-plate photography. Good for her. I'm tiring of the same 'ol same 'ol digital images I see. I'm all for images which stand on their own - far and away from the crowd. Sally's work never ceases to amaze me.

- I managed to find Winogrand's book - 1964 - in NEW condition. It only took me 8 months to finally get my mitts on it - and I'll tell you it's worth every penny... check out THIS article, if you want to know more about the project.

- I bought a cool little drive so I can keep things backed up on my Powerbook. It's very small - about the size of a cassette tape box (for those of you who remember what they look like - or have even seen one). One word of caution - I have to use the USB power cord to power up the drive, but I have two USB ports - not a problem - but if you have just one port - you may have to get the adaptor. Still, the cords and the drive fit in a very small little pouch Lacie provides -- very cool. Oh - and I can also throw files on there from my piece of crap windoze laptop.

- I am working on a night photography tutorial. I know, I've said it before - but I am. I promise. Hey, I have a day job - and it's killing me at the moment.

- I'm thinking of adding a "PRINTS FOR SALE" page -- but to tell the truth, I'm not too keen on it. I see all the bickering and snivveling (I made the word up, sue me) going on out there over print prices - and whether or not someone's work is worthy of even buying - blah fucking blah. I don't need the money, I don't need the trouble, and I could use the time for other things - like showing Lainey how to carry a soy latte', a maple nut scone - AND a few lenses, while we walk around the lake together. (She's snoring right now - and has no comment). All that being said - I do think it's cool to see prints of some of my work - and it would be nice to know a few are hanging in someone's garage or bathroom. I'm noodling it over.

- I've decided to post images when I feel like it. I love to post images, I really do - but it's hard work people! And - like I said before - I'd much rather be out there shooting, and learning something new about light. At the moment, I've decided on Monday through Friday posts - and maybe a weekend shot here and there. Not that anyone should care - but I'm just telling you - in case you do care. So there. (Lainey is still snoring).

That's about it for now. I just thought I'd ramble on for awhile. See if anyone actually reads this silly stuff. Actually, I'm procrastinating -- you caught me. I SHOULD be going to pick up the 5 rolls of cross-processed stuff I shot last weekend out at the lake (the film is at the lab, not out at the lake - I took the photos out at the lake - man I can't write a lick today) - I SHOULD be scanning the bags and bags of negs and slides I have sitting around - I SHOULD be picking up the mess I still have out from my New Year's Eve photo shoot with lala - I SHOULD be shoveling a path for Lainey in the front yard - I SHOULD be dragging my ass over to the Mailboxes, etc. to send my daughters LATE Christmas gift -- but I'm not budging -- at least not yet. But I will. Enjoy your day -- whatever it is you finally decide on doing...

I really love the Canon 5D - I'm amazed each time I look at the images on the screen. Even the RAW images are superb. Amazing detail - and the best part, for me - is having full frame - the perspective I grew up with - that I learned with - I now have again. I just couldn't get used to the crop factor with other cameras. I'll still keep my 20D -- the crop factor has its benefits -- I like it for macro work.

I've been reading and looking at a bazillion photo books lately -- just looking -- studying -- and analyzing what I'm seeing. I was thinking last night that I never seem to tire of looking at images -- any images. I find myself looking at the recently posted images on flickr - most of which are just snaps -- but I still learn something -- something about how the general population sees the world. I compare this with what I see in the stacks of photo books I have on my coffee table. I'm not sure what to make of it all -- but I think I'm learning something... Not sure what -- just yet. Something is wiggling around in my brain -- and I'm trying to work it out...

I need to figure out how to add a few static pages -- so I can put up a tutorial for night shots. I find myself typing the same information over and over. Not that I mind. I think it's great so many people are trying their hand at night photography. The questions and emails can just be a little overwhelming at times. I do find it a bit humorous when someone writes me to say it wasn't quite as easy as they thought it would be -- they used the settings I recommended -- the lens -- the camera -- the tripod -- but still -- their images were -- well -- not so good. Welcome to the real world of photography, I say -- it's not just the tools -- it's the brain and hand of the photographer -- it takes time to train them -- patience...

The world of work is insane these day - draining - stressful. I have friends out of work - and more to come. I wonder what the next year will bring - and I wonder if I'll be next. It seems that no one is safe these days from cost reductions - and down-sizing - I hate that word. I like what I do -- but doing what I do is tough these days - the people I deal with today may be gone tomorrow - people have lost their focus - people are running scared. Maybe it's just the companies I deal with... I'm working out my plan for my next career. Maybe a vending machine repairman...

I still haven't figured out how to embed a thumbnail for my RSS feeds -- I get lots of hate mail because I don't have it set up -- I think you can see my entry - but no thumbnail. Hey - I'm not a programmer - I'm a fucking salesman - salesmen don't do code -- we're too busy playing golf and spending all the company's money... Get off my back!

I'm finally getting out the prints I've promised to a few people -- I'm such the loser. I just kept putting it off because I thought it was so difficult to do - but it's not. Really quite simple. I got my test prints back last week - and I have to say I had a huge smile on my face when I opened the envelope. I've proabably shot more than a few dozen images over the last few years -- but printing NOTHING -- until now -- it's just amazing to see my work on the printed page. You would think I'd do more of it - being in the imaging business -- but it's sort of like the shoemaker's childrens' shoes -- something like that... I'm going to change that -- I'm determined to print out at least 10 of my favorite images in BIG size - and have them professionally framed -- then hang them for everyone to see...

So there -- there's my thinking for a Monday morning.

Everyone have a wonderful Turkey Day... Give thanks...

Everyone wants to know where I bought the 5D -- B&H Photo in NYC -- I've been a long-time customer - not sure if that made any difference. I will say I sign up to be notified about all sorts of new products coming out (I'm still waiting for the 5D battery grip), and last Friday morning an email popped up informing me that a few 5D's were in stock. I immediately hit the PURCHASE button - and the camera showed up yesterday morning. Not bad.

I picked up a 2 gigabyte CF card to go with it - and I'll say I wish I would have picked up the 4 gig instead -- the 5D eats cards for lunch! I went through one card in less than 30 minutes yesterday - and I wasn't doing anything I normally wouldn't do. Oh - I did have the 5D set up to shoot RAW with a fine jpg to go with it -- so that probably ate up a lot of the space.

What I love about the camera:

• FEELS like a professional camera - not much bigger than my 20D -- but it's just more substantial


• HUGE LCD - twice the size of the 20D


• QUIET shutter -- very quiet -- and very smooth


• RGB and luminance histograms - really nice to make sure colors aren't blown out, etc.


• Image quality is unreal - much better dynamic range - shadow detail, etc


• View finder is BIG and BRIGHT - amazing when you compare it to a 20D


• ISO setting now visible in view finder - big deal for me when night shooting


• Reads and writes data FAST - and displays images much quicker than on the 20D


• Working with FULL FRAME is pure heaven


• High ISO shots are wonderful --- ISO 1600 shots I took yesterday were just amazing

What I don't like - or wishlist:

• Live histogram would be sweet - especially useful for night shots


• Images are still a little heavy on the red side - slightly better than the 20D, but not much

I'll try to update this list as I go along. I really enjoyed shooting with the camera last evening. I think I took just over 300 images - maybe 400 - and the battery didn't move a notch. I read somewhere that the battery life isn't as good as the 20D - that may be, but so far so good.

The 5D is well-balanced and the controls are where you'd expect them to be if you're use to the 20D. I had no problems in the field at all with figuring things out -- and I haven't removed the wrapping from the manual yet!

I thought about all this last night - when the light finally died and I had to head home. The reality is the 5D is about $2000 more than a 20D - so you'd expect to have all these nice features. You also have to ask yourself if the price difference is worth it. For me - well - the next full moon is the Harvest Moon - and rolls around in a little over 12 days - so we'll see. I suspect I'll get some AMAZING night shots from the 5D. I can't wait to see what full frame fisheye shots look like -- I can only imagine. If they turn out to be anywhere close to what I think they will be -- then, yes, the extra money is well-spent.

Also, for me - I love to photograph people using fast glass (big wide apertures - f/2.8 and wider) -- and I really appreciate that nice blur you get from these lenses. One thing I did notice when reviewing my images late last night is it seems like the blur (bokeh) is just so much nicer now - it could be because of the full frame capability - not sure - but it sure is nice.

I try to shoot the majority of my every day shots with film. I just love film. I've come to know the characteristics of many different films, and it's second nature to use the right film for the right situation. With film, I know what results to expect. That's not always been the case with digital images. I've found it very difficult to shoot with a digital camera in the past - mainly because I'm accustomed to using a certain film for a specific purpose. My 20D just gave me the same result every time -- it's just a digital computer - so I suppose that's what it's suppose to do - but still...

That being said - I think the issue around film versus digital -- for me -- was more than just 'the same result every time' - I think it had a lot to do with the whole crop factor -- not having the same field of view with a specific lens I'm so accustomed to on a standard 35mm camera. It was always strange working with the crop factor - and then shooting with a 35mm film camera. I just didn't like it - so I used my 20D mostly for night shots (nothing - in my opinion - beats a digital camera for long exposures). Now -- after just a few hundred shots with the 5D - I can see myself migrating more and more to digital. I like the image quality much more than what I got from the 20D (can't put my finger on why, exactly), and I have my field of view back! So - whether I'm working with a film camera -- or the 5D -- the view is pretty much the same when using a specific focal length -- and I really like that - a lot...

I hope to get out later today for more shots. I'm hoping to find a few people to let me take their photo -- I'd like to see what the camera can do in low-light situations. If I can't do that - I may set up some lights tonight and do some self-portraits...

Stay tuned -- the 5D rocks!

I really love the new design. Ali did a great job with the new look. I wanted something very simple - with an off white background -- but I wanted to keep the thumbs, I just couldn't part with them. My programmer probably wants to shoot me for that -- but I really do appreciate the hard work and thought that went into everything. I couldn't be happier -- really.

I'll officially launch on Friday - I'm excited. I have a very cool image to post up - AND - I now have FUTURE POSTING capabilities -- which means I can queue up a few day's of STUFF - and not have to worry about it. I don't have to worry about being on the road and having nothing up for people to see -- I like that...

OH -- I also like the RANDOM PHOTO link now -- Thanks to my good friend, John - for lending me the code - it's awesome. My friend Patrick told me I just have iPod on my brain (I LOVE RANDOM SHUFFLE!) --- but hey --- I like to live life on the edge!

So -- hope you like what you see -- if not -- I will let you in on a little secret --- I'm already working on Phase Two --- AND --- a site dedicated to black & white only --- that site will ROCK -- trust me -- a collaboration of several of my most favorite film photographers --- Launch Date: May 1. I'll let you know as we get closer...

Thanks for your patience -- I really do appreciate it. I'll also say this -- I learned something else while I was away ---- I learned that what I write -- and how I write it -- affects more than a few people. I'm not saying this to boast -- no -- I'm saying this because I truly am humbled -- and realize the duties one has when afforded an audience for one's work... I never really realized just how far reaching imagery - and words - really can be... I never realized the importance of securing - and protecing the trust between what I do - and what my audience expects, and perceives... I don't take it lightly... I'm thankful for your interest -- and I do my best to always pay it forward...

Thanks everyone ----

Now -- on to the Return of No Traces!!

In other news - I'm thinking of taking a long break from posting - maybe most of the summer. I'm finding I have less and less time these days because of work and other things going on in my life. Most of you that I usually chat with online - or write - are probably wondering, 'where the hell is bob?' -- Well, I'm doing fine - I just have a lot going on. I need to use my free time wisely, and I think that time is best spent making photos and working in the darkroom. I'm going to do my best to post images, but my priority is making a consistent body of work. I'm submitting work to one of my favorite magazines this fall, so I want to make sure I do my best work - that's a challenge with all the distractions in my life. So - if you see a single image up for awhile, I apologize...