I read some where (vague on purpose, because it seems to be everywhere) on a more commercialized site that the still photographer in the near future will be required to produce video or face extinction. The message was using fear to further it’s video DSLR product. Is it true though? So change in technology is brought about two ways, either the market shows a need and the need is met. Or, upon developing of one technology another surfaces along the way. This technology does not have a strong need in the market, but can’t be ignored. Can any one say BETA max? This is the case for the HD video in the DSLR. I don’t think either still or video photographers really chomped on the bit for this technology. I think it came from the major players Canon, Sony, and Panasonic R+D departments. But it is already filling a need in photojournalism (It is sticking to the wall!). I know that the San Jose Mercury News and other new agencies have outfitted their photographers with video capable DSLRS. When print is dying and web is rising- why not have the ability to choose still or motion? Here is a video from photojournalist Ami Vitale for Nikon. http://bit.ly/5Jr18 She is an amazing still photographer using video. Her composition of video shows her roots as a still photographer- I think it is so cool.

Unless you’re immortal, most of us rise & retire daily with the burning globe in the sky (our sun). As a photographer and human, my very existence depends heavily on the sun- to light the subjects I capture and eat the food I enjoy -among many other things. I encourage you to stop and think about how much the sun plays a part of your daily life and in the role of mankind- it is mind boggling for something we take for granite everyday. From outcomes of large battles or crop harvests, to planning your daily run, and the kids soocer practice, the sun dictates life! Here is a link to the U.S. Naval Observatory that I use every time I plan my photography shoots or out of door adventures. http://bit.ly/DAwii It is helpful because it informs the user of the begin & end of civil twilight so you know when it is completely dark, the phase of the moon, and the transits of the sun & moon.