The world has tired of the old superheroes, with their tales of immense strength, inhuman powers, and fancy outfits replete with colors, capes, cowls, and codpieces. Yes, the world needs a new breed of superhero— borne of the age of information, with powers that are real and not legend.

That which the world needed, the world now has. The Media Archivist has the power to

  • produce
  • promote
  • and of course archive— media

Fear not world— for the Media Archivist has arrived.

Links:

Without links, this would be a very boring page— the Media Archivist likes links.

Media Archivist Content:

In addition to taking pictures, exploring equipment and techniques, and designing digital storage systems; the Media Archivist writes.

Recommended Reading List:

You should read all of this, even though there will not be a quiz.
  • Photography goodies on Gizmodo.
  • Learn the basics and more at Cambridge in Color.
  • Basic lens optics from the Toothwalker.
  • More than you ever thought there was to know about lens MTF, by none other than Zeiss:
    Part 1 (PDF)
    Part 2 (PDF)
  • All the late breaking photography news on Google News.

Equipment:

Cameras:

Only Minolta Sony cameras are sufficient for the Media Archivist. If you use something else because you think it is better, you might be correct. Or not.

Lenses:

Many and varied. Primes emphasized over zooms, and large apertures service the Media Archivist's modi operandi. Clever and entertaining reviews of these lenses can be found in the links listed above. Recommended lenses listed to the left, in order of usage frequency.

Other Tools:

Cameras and lenses can cost a fortune, 'tis true. These are some essential items that really make a difference, and each cost around $10.
  • Lenspen™. Consider them disposable after 6 months or so, which is not a problem because they cost around $9.
  • Giotto™ Air Rocket. This comes in a couple of sizes, all of them work pretty much the same.
  • Remote shutter (multiple manufacturers for all camera models). Great tool for low light (ie long exposure) shots, particularly HDR where you don't want the camera to move between shots.
  • Rubber lens hoods (multiple manufacturers). A soft rubber hood screws into the filter on your lens (you will need one to match your lens). The lens cap fits into the hood., which is also collapsible. Great protection from incidental bumps and fingerprints, and moderate protection from flare. Indoor use of a rubber lens hood does not make the photographer look like a dork.
Slightly more expensive, but worth more than they cost:
  • Kenko™ extension tubes. Turn any lens into a macro lens. Well, not quite... but almost. They make them for all major brands.
  • GorillaPod™ tripod. Small, light, easy to carry. Get the model that's the next step up from what you think you need.
  • Pedco UltraPod™ tripod. Slightly less versatile, but much more sturdy than the GorillaPod.
  • Camera sling (replaces the camera strap). Multiple manufacturers. More convenient and more comfortable than hanging the camera around your neck.
Most of these recommended items are listed to the right.

the Media Archivist is not available for hire as a photographer, computer geek, or anything else