Learing New Skills

Nikon Z8 and the Tamron 35 - 150mm f 2 - 2.8Z lens - June 2025

I was shooting with the Nikon Z8 paired with the Tamron 35-150mm lens to test the low light capabilities and the handle, feel, and quality of the lens. I have also recently started scanning my old film negatives. Photoshop 2025 has very capable AI features that help with the restoration of old photos.

As a learning exercise, I imported the raw file into Photoshop 2025. I have almost exclusively used DXO Photolab for photo processing and dabbled some with Lightroom. As a retiree with available time and the desire to better utilize Photoshop, I used the various tools and adjustments to enhance the photos to achieve the above artistic effect, making the photo above truly stand out.

Tripod and neutral density filters

Beach Pictures - June 20, 2025

My desire for unique pictures was not property exicuted. I ventured out with a Tamron 35 - 150mm for the Nikon Z mount with a +3 ND filter. I needed less light or a darker neutral density filter. I understood that to get the smooth water effect I needed slow shutter speeds; however, it was not dark enough for the neutral density filter to give me slow enough shutter speeds even at ISO 64. It would have also been beneficial to have bigger waves and a landmark closer to the ocean to help to provide context. Shot at f18, shutter speed 1/2 second