Monday, August 31, 2015

Grafton Lakes Sunset | 08.30.2015




[Above & Middle] Sunset | 08.30.2015 | Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, New York
[Lower] Big thanks to Ryan Finn and Time Warner Cable News for featuring my image on this morning's broadcast!
www.518weather.com

Flickr Photostream at: www.flickr.com/photos/johnbulmer
© 2015 John Bulmer Photography : www.bulmerphotography.com
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Friday, August 21, 2015

Above The Horizon


Above the Horizon
Albany, NewYork
iPhone Image
www.myphoneismycamera.com

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© 2015 John Bulmer Photography : www.bulmerphotography.com 
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Albany Tilt Shift


Albany Tilt Shift
iPhone Image
www.myphoneismycamera.com

Flickr Photostream at: www.flickr.com/photos/johnbulmer 
© 2015 John Bulmer Photography : www.bulmerphotography.com 
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Mothership


Mothership, Self-portrait

Flickr Photostream at: www.flickr.com/photos/johnbulmer 
© 2015 John Bulmer Photography : www.bulmerphotography.com 
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Monday, August 17, 2015

Gotham Tunnel


Gotham Tunnel
Multiple Exposures
Troy, New York
www.myphoneismycamera.com

Flickr Photostream at: www.flickr.com/photos/johnbulmer 
© 2015 John Bulmer Photography : www.bulmerphotography.com 
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Sunday, August 16, 2015

Lightning Strike | 08.15.2015



[Above] Massive Lightning Strike captured from Troy, New York on 08.15.2015
[Lower] Big thanks to Jason Caterina and WNYT NewsChannel 13 for featuring my image on this morning's broadcast!

Flickr Photostream at: www.flickr.com/photos/johnbulmer
© 2015 John Bulmer Photography : www.bulmerphotography.com
All Rights Reserved

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Corning Tower Observation Deck



Tourists enjoy the view from the Corning Tower Observation Deck
Albany, New York

Flickr Photostream at: www.flickr.com/photos/johnbulmer
© 2015 John Bulmer Photography : www.bulmerphotography.com
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Friday, August 14, 2015

Lightning Strike | 08.14.2015


Lightning Strike | 08.14.2015
Halfmoon, New York
www.518weather.com

Flickr Photostream at: www.flickr.com/photos/johnbulmer
© 2015 John Bulmer Photography : www.bulmerphotography.com
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Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Hamilton Street | Then and Now


If you've ever driven down Hamilton Street in Albany, you've no doubt noticed the striking vantage point of the Corning Tower. There above image is a Then and Now between 1968 and present day, the same photo taken almost 48 years apart from the exact same spot. The brownstones on the right are long gone having been replaced with a parking lot and the trolly tracks have been paved over.

Flickr Photostream at: www.flickr.com/photos/johnbulmer
© 2015 John Bulmer Photography : www.bulmerphotography.com
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Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Mobile Images | August 2015




Mobile Images | August 2015

Top: Kennedy Towers, Troy, New York
Middle: Streetlight, Albany, New York
Bottom: The Alfred E. Smith Building, Albany, New York. 

More mobile images at www.myphoneismycamera.com

Flickr Photostream at: www.flickr.com/photos/johnbulmer
© 2015 John Bulmer Photography : www.bulmerphotography.com
All Rights Reserved

Sunday, August 9, 2015

MIOPS Smartphone Controllable Camera Trigger Review

The MIOPS High Speed Camera Trigger hot shoe mounted.

MIOPS High Speed Camera Trigger Review

I really like my Nero Trigger. A lot. When I discovered its creators were introducing a new unit, I thought to myself, how can they improve it?

The MIOPS answers that question pretty quickly. More than a lightning meter, it is a creative tool that turns your smartphone into a powerful sensor that triggers the MIOPS and unleashes your creativity.



Unboxing
The initial unboxing of the unit is exciting. As a designer, I am always impressed with the added value of a package design as it shows there is care and thought behind how the product is received. The MIOPS comes cradled in a well designed box loaded with product information. Inside the unit is solid. Once the rechargeable battery is installed, the unit feels substantial in the hand. Both the front control buttons and the side access ports are protected with orange silicone. All ports are on the left side of the unit and are accessed by peeling back a strip of silicone that protects from condensation and dust. And honestly, it just looks cool in dark gray and orange. Its form factor is well thought out at about the same size an old flip phone. This feature rich unit takes up so little space, there is no excuse to not have it as a constant resident of your camera bag.

The MIOPS display is easily readable, even in direct sunlight.  

The Unit
The MIOPS has the same great menu as the Nero Trigger, which I really like. Upon initial startup and Bluetooth connection, getting to your desired mode is only a few screen clicks. This is especially important while shooting weather or any other scenario where fast setup is essential. The Bluetooth connection is fast and reliable taking about a second to find and connect to the unit. The app searches and connects to the unit with on screen tap on an iOS device (the unit is also Android compatable). There is no fiddling with the Bluetooth settings on the phone, the app connects directly. The screen is bright and readable, even in sunlight. MIOPS can be mounted to a light stand or your camera via a hot shoe mount or to a tripod with sturdy brass ¼-20 threaded insert. This makes the unit extremely versatile. The MIOPS works with any camera or flash with a data port or remote trigger port and MIOPS.com makes it very easy to find the compatible cable for your camera system.



Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, Hot Shoe and Tripod 1/4-20 Mount

The App
The mobile app is as equally well designed. All functions are easily accessed via a menu on the left of the screen fast to configure. The UI and UX are pleasant and the design is solid and readable. I have never had the app freeze or crash. White icons and text on a dark blue/gray or red backgrounds make for easily reading, even in bight sunlight. What's equally nice is that the app's design isn't harsh while working in the dark, ruining one's night vision. I find this especially important while capturing lightning. I would suspect it was designed with that purpose in mind. The APP's navigation is just as fast and intuitive as the menu on the unit. There is no learning curve, it's pretty easy to start capturing jaw dropping images right out of the box. It's nice to see a unit perform as promised the first time, every time.

A well designed MIOPS app with smart GUI and color choices make for ease of use
even in bright sunlight or at nighttime without compromising your night vision. 

The other feature I really like is the rechargeable battery. One charge lasts quite a long time. I have used it for a few months on a weekly basis and have yet to recharge it. Charging is accomplished via standard USB cable and be connected to any computer or USB wall power brick. No additional battery charger is required. 

Features I Liked
  • Easy to use
  • Fast setup
  • Reliable
  • Smartphone controlled
  • Firmware upgradable
  • Rock solid app, no crashing or freezing
  • Easy to read color screen, even in direct sunlight
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Long battery life 
  • Small form factor
  • Well designed app
  • Portable between camera systems 
All ports are protected from condensation and dust. 
Conclusion

I am really happy with the way MIOPS has coupled a great product with the ease and power of a smartphone allowing you to capture lighting and other high speed subjects in ways that were impossible before. I love the mobile app and how it allows me to monitor the progress of the trigger without actually touching the camera, which is important while using the rock solid time lapse and lightning modes. I am still finding new ways to use the MIOPS weekly. As a cycling photographer, the laser trigger feature is great for shooting downhill or other fast moving sports. The time lapse feature is a must have, and the sound trigger is great for shooting high speed studio images. But for people who get excited when there is a storm warning issued and want to capture of the raw beauty of weather, the MIOPS is essential. It's fast and reliable and with the range of the bluetooth connection, it provides additional safety while capturing lightning, which is huge. You can change settings and monitor progress from the safety of a car or structure. The unit is worth it for that alone. But the other features are just as powerful and will allow you to create in ways you never imagined.

Get more information on MIOPS at www.miops.com

Sample Images






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© 2015 John Bulmer Photography : www.bulmerphotography.com
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Saturday, August 1, 2015

Reclaimed Proctor's Theater Before and After


Reclaimed Proctor's Theater Before and After
Schenectady, New York

Flickr Photostream at: www.flickr.com/photos/johnbulmer
© 2015 John Bulmer Photography : www.bulmerphotography.com
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Reclaimed: Proctor's Theater


Reclaimed: Proctor's Theater
Schenectady, New York

Flickr Photostream at: www.flickr.com/photos/johnbulmer
© 2015 John Bulmer Photography : www.bulmerphotography.com
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