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Hawai’i (!!!!!!)

Guess who's back? Back again? Blog is back. Tell a friend...

Once again, I'd like to apologize to all my faithful blog-stalkers for the mini blogging hiatus. It's been a long, long time since I took a week off from my blog. I had no idea how much that would affect the daily procrastination of many of you. If there was more work done this past week, I take full responsibility. Anyway, I've got some pretty exciting photos to share with you....

WE WENT TO HAWAI'I!!! Amy and I took our first non-work vacation since our honeymoon to celebrate 5 years since we first got together. We stayed for a week in Maui, which was incredible. SO much to see. We're very thankful for all of our Facebook friends who recommended some great things to do. I'm not going to recap our entire vacation, (I can do that in person with you sometime) but I will share a bunch of photos.

***** CONTEST ALERT *****
Before I get to the photos, I have a contest to announce. When I appeared in Rangefinder the other month, the company I use for canvas prints, Simply Canvas, offered me a free 40x60 canvas print. We've been waiting for our Hawai'i trip to get something printed on our walls. So, I'm numbering all the photos for you to vote on. To vote, simply leave a comment at the end of the post with what number photo you like the best.

One of the voters will be randomly picked to win a FREE 20x30 print of your choice (typically $100)! It's as easy as leaving a comment!

Lastly, since I had a bunch of people asking the last time I did something similar, I'm also making these photos available for purchase. If you're interested in buying any of them, you can GO HERE and do so.

Enjoy the pics, there's a lot! The numbers are for the photo immediately following it.

1...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10...

11...

12...

13...

14...

15...

16...

17...

18...

19...

20...

21...

22...

23...

24...

25...

26...

27...

28...

29...

30...

31...

32...

33...

34...

35...

36...

37...

38...

39...

40...

41...

And finally (since we never post photos of ourselves) here's some of us...



Comments

What other's had to say

  1. Nicole

    Incredible! It was so hard to pick. But I decided that I would vote on something that I would hang in my house! So my choice is 25! Love it!:)

  2. How are we suppose to pick from that lot!? Absolutely amazing set of photographs! #2 would be my vote. Beautiful Tony.

  3. Megan

    #1!

  4. Jen

    whewwww!! glad your back. looks like you had a great time. my vote is #10. :)

  5. Paula

    Def. #28! That picture is surreal!!

  6. #1. Were the later pics @Polynesian cultural center on Oahu? That’s near Makapuu point, great vista. http://www.welsh-house.net/album/hawaii/panos/makapuu.mov

  7. Jackie

    Ok..now I realllly want to go to Hawaii. My vote is for #4.

  8. I think I like 29 the best…

    and I’m so glad you guys got a vacation

  9. Jackie

    Ok…now I realllly want to go to Hawaii. My vote is for #4

  10. #1 has my vote. so tranquil, makes me want to jump in the water :O)

  11. #2 is my vote as well. I’m a sucker for T/S shots :-)

    Really, these are sooo good. Mind = Blown.

  12. Jason P

    #2. Also. Don’t be jealous of me but… I’m going to florida next month. You’re crying aren’t you?

  13. #4 caught my eye, as did #10 and #12.

    I’ll vote for… erm… Number 10!

    - Matt

  14. Amanda

    I vote for #3…really, all of these are amazing.

  15. Rick Koetter

    Great pics Tony! Even though I love of all the beautiful colors and water in the other pics, I think I like #26 the best.

  16. Alan

    So awesome, I recognized a few of those places, glad you had a great time…now I want to go back!

  17. Rebecca H.

    #32 is beautiful…definitely my pick! Awesome job as usual Tony!!!

  18. My vote is for number 5!
    They are all awesome!

  19. Jeremy

    I loved #11. The exposure is wonderful! Is that how it was from the camera or is it an hdr?

  20. Ernst

    Looks like you both somewhat enjoyed yourselves. I vote #26, which could have been even better if you had cut down the 3rd tree from the left. Cheers. Ernst

  21. maui no ka oi huh?! remarkably captured. i think it’s def. 30, but am totally enamored by 15 as well. homesickness doubled….thanks.

  22. Ira

    Great work. #17

  23. Looks like you had a fantastic vacation. Glad you got away to celebrate, but I have to say my inner-blog stalker REJOICED with the arrival of a new post :)

    And seriously, Mr. Hoffer, you can’t post 41 pictures and expect us to have ONE favorite. I think this is a hard call to make without knowing the colors already existing in whatever room you’re planning to hang this in, but if I have to vote blindly…

    Number 3 & 28 are definitely up there for me – probably because they remind me so much of LOST scenery. So I say go with whichever orientation looks best on your empty wall.

  24. Kara McClelland

    25!!!! Although I love them all…I am inviting myself over to come look at the rest of the pics you took….slideshow and pizza??? excellent idea!

  25. Lindsay

    TWO. Totally. Love how the coast line looks with the waves in T/S. Also, I’m way jealous you got to see humpback whales.

  26. Kim

    Glad you were able to get away to such an amazing place. My vote is for #2, just amazing. Love the t/s on that one. #3 is a close second.

  27. Holy crap these are awesome. I’m so freakin jealous, it’s not even funny. There’s like 22 inches of snow on parts of East coast right now, and you get to photograph rainbows and waterfalls. Enjoy your time there.

  28. Dan

    Very Nice. My vote is for #2 as well.

  29. Something about number 29 for me, can’t place my finger on it, but that is my favorite.

  30. Ashley

    These are all GORGEOUS and it was so hard to choose… but I pick #25!

  31. michelle

    love #17.

    lovely set of photographs. nice to have some time off :)

  32. Definitely #3… Sweet composition and colors!

  33. Ram

    Mr Hoffer!! Looks like you’ve had yourself an awesome vacation. How do you expect us to pick just one from so many wonderful ones!! :)

    Hmmm, 4, 8, 12 or 32. I’d go with 4 :)

  34. Corey

    Great pics! I vote for #4. Great shots!

  35. Tiffany Krise

    I think #4 would look amazing in a large print!

  36. Allison Krosnick

    I’ve got to say that I keep coming back to #1. It is so peaceful, and the colors are great! Fantastic set!

  37. June

    Oh man. I have to pick just one?? Ok I pick #1….no #2…erg, ok really #1. They are ALL fantastic. Thanks for sharing and I’m so glad you and Amy got away together. Miss you both!

  38. Allison

    #4 is awesome!! One of those pictures a)normal people with a camera could never capture half as beautifully as you did, and b) one of those scenes that you can only get in Hawaii. Absolutely breathtaking. Loved all the pics… they were amazing!!!

  39. these are amazing, but #2 is my favorite! looks like you had a blast!

  40. Robert

    Wow! You can photograph everything! My pick is for #1. But I like them all.

  41. Erica

    4, 7 and 15 were the ones that stuck out to me, but my vote goes to 15 for sure.

  42. Sarah

    They are all stunning…hard to pick a favorite…number 28

  43. Erin Wrotniewski

    I vote for #1 or #24. They’re both incredible. I love the colors. Tell Amy she looks so stinking cute in that last photo!

  44. These photos are AMAZING-no surprise there, ha, ha!!

    Umm, hard but I LOVE 2, 11, 15, 23, and 24.

    My Favorite I think is #11.

    Thanks for the giveaway!! Can’t wait to see who wins!

  45. No. 1- my fav! Great job on all of them!

  46. Michelle Catranis

    These are amazing! #15 is definitely my favorite!

  47. Erin

    Wow these are all amazing! I would vote for #4.

  48. I think #2, 7, and 12 would make for great prints. Never been to Hawaii, but now I want to go more than ever.

  49. I vote #1!

  50. I vote for #4
    great pictures! prefect time to go to Hawaii with all the snow here!

  51. #25, I would love to go see a waterfall some day… maybe when I can walk!

  52. Resa

    #25 is totally awesome!!!

  53. Emily

    1,5,25 are my favorites. for something to specifically remember hawaii i say 1, but 5 is great just as a picture with endless interpretations/meanings.

  54. I would have to say that either 4 (if you want color) or 26 (for bw) would look great as a canvas print! I’m a long time stalker but I haven’t been bold enough to comment until offered a prize to do so :-)

    Congratulations on your five year anniversary!

    (Yes, I do feel silly about posting the comment on the wrong entry… maybe this is why I don’t comment much!)

  55. Lairen Hawk

    #16 and #26 are by far my favorite! you take AMAZING photos!! God has blessed you with a talent to capture His beauty! Thanks for sharing them! :)

  56. Doug

    #12 for the win!

  57. #24. Nice set!

  58. Kelly

    I think 5, 6, 7 are my faves
    they are all sooo good
    I like 6 because its dark but serene at the same time! great job as always— hope you guys had a great vacay!

  59. Hey Tony,

    All beauty shots, wow.
    I think #2 would look pretty epic at 40×60.

    Have a good one.

  60. Michael

    # 13 is awesome. great timing!

  61. Nora Kaethler

    Hey Tony – I like the looks of #12 – nice comp and cool sky!

  62. Jessica

    Definitely #28!!

  63. Danielle Zaun

    Tony they are all so amazing but if I had to pick I’d say 25, 21, 11, 3, and 5

  64. Wow those are some awesome photos!!! Makes me want to go back to Hawaii again that’s for sure!

  65. 31 is my favorite! love the colors!

  66. Becky Arcadi

    #1 is perfect, but #30 is my favorite. Breath-taking pictures! It looks like you had a blast! Hoooraahhhh!

  67. Andrea

    #5 is my favorite…but they’re all incredible!

    Looks like it was an awesome vacation! :)

  68. Btw, I forgot to add, 12 FTW!

  69. Juan Guerrero

    haaaa so hard but I think #32 is the one for me.
    So manu beautiful images though!!!!

  70. Marie Coudriet

    # 25 Amazing!

  71. Nicole Zook

    You made our Hawaii pics look like crap!!! :) I vote for #1

  72. Ken

    I think my favorite is 26 (followed by 20, 5, and 4).

  73. Sara

    Looks like you had a fabulous time! All the pictures are great!! My favorites are 11,13,32.

  74. Emma

    i’ve been scrolling up and down for like 20 minutes…all these photos are amazing!!!!

    But i THINK 17, 25 and 26 are my top 3 and if i have to pick just one of those 3…i’d say, 17. i think it captures so much…the clouds, the rocks, the mountains and the ocean.

    as always i love seeing your work! looks like you and amy had an amazing time…and how could you not?! it’s hawaii!!

  75. Sophy

    Def 14, 25, and maybe 40 if you don’t mind male dancers on the wall…hehe.

  76. Denise

    Number 26!

  77. Jill Dougherty

    LOVE all the pictures!! They are fantastic!! Hope you guys had an awesome time!

    #1 is my favorite, closely followed by #9!!!

  78. Allison

    #1 because it reminds me of Hawaii and it captures it so well> it would look great as a large canvas. I love 23 & 27, but it would depend on where you end up hanging the canvas.

  79. elizabeth heppard

    looks like your trip was amazing! i pick #27 :-)

  80. Lauren

    I like #2 and I also like #32..not because of the recent whale attack…

  81. Heidi

    number #1! But they’re all amazing! and this is my first comment here, although i’ve been a blog stalker for….a long time :)

  82. Hannah

    5! love it!

  83. janine worley

    I pick number 32..it was so hard…they’re all beautiful!!

  84. Delina

    Picture #15 !!!!!!! They are all beautiful!

  85. Debbie Hanks

    I love them all but cast my vote to #21. Looks like a fabulous trip,full of beauty and fun. And love the T-shirt (my daughter went to Eastern)

  86. ashley hicks

    amazing! hard to choose, but i pick 17

  87. I think 23 is beautiful.

  88. 2, 10, or 11.
    each are such pure captures of the natural beauty.

  89. 2 or 13, but all of them are great! Glad you had some time off to celebrate your 5 yr anniversary. You deserved it!

  90. I think I meant 12, where the guy is lighting the torch…

  91. Jim

    #1 for the canvas. Not my favorite, but my favorite for the medium.

  92. Lucky! #2 for me. I love it! I would love to go there some day.

  93. Stephanie Ball

    shoot. I just spent all this time on a clever post and it got erased somehow.
    Basically, I give you my top three choices:

    #15
    #30
    and #7

    And indicate my jealousy at Kara being able to invite herself over for a slideshow and pizza.

    Love,
    Birdie

  94. junk_bond

    #18 or 26 are my choices. Great shots!!

  95. Todd

    I feel like a kid in a candy store. These are all sweet. If I had to pick one that would go perfect in my house, it would be #5. But the shot that truly makes me feel like I’m IN Hawaii is #1. Absolutely superb!

  96. Rachel Reyes

    so since i posted my vote on the wrong site- – lol

    #15

    crossing my fingers… i hope i win! :)

  97. I’m a sucker for waterfalls…#25 (think it would look killer in B&W, just sayin). But I have a special request for you to photoshop Figs and me in there–I’m gonna pose as Kate Austen and he’ll be Sayid…yup, these shots definitely look like you visited some LOST sites. Definitely jealous!

  98. 25 is awesome! (gonna pm you for directions)

    All are sick! But Im a big fan of waterfalls

  99. Sheryl C.

    I love #9! That rainbow is incredible!

  100. 27, def 27.

  101. Matt Schreier

    25 & 11 are amazing and I think would really look great on a wall i mean a canvas. But I guess its going to seem like a wall with how big you are going!!! Awesome pics my friend. Truely amazing.

  102. Anita Wingard

    7 and 29 are my favorites

  103. Hard to choose since they are all so awful, but #2.

  104. Jessica

    I vote #20..it’s all natural and exotic.

  105. #15. It’s serene and stunning. It will look amazing printed on canvas!

  106. Jen O

    I love number 1 and 10…all of these are amazing. makes me desperately want to go back to Hawaii.

  107. I love number 11

  108. Kimberly Sides

    I have never been to Hawaii, but it feels like I was there now! You captured awesome pics. from sun up to sun down….a well deserved trip to you both. My vote #25!

  109. First of all, I am SO jealous you guys went whale watching and actually SAW A WHALE! My vote goes to #12. Amazing.

  110. Shannon

    I wish I knew what color scheme the room is where this picture will go, because all of the pictures are simply exquisite, it’s difficult to choose. I would say #32 is black&white will go well. otherwise, I love #5 for a color shot!

  111. Tonia

    Such decisions! My favorites are 1, 3 and 14 but I think I am going with 14 as my favorite. Glad you & Amy had a fantastic trip – amazing pictures as always!

  112. Danae

    The last one of Amy is the one! Ok, my real votes: #1 and #25 because they are both very romantic and captivating. I could probably stare at them for hours! However — #15 is the next one I’m adding to my list of photos from you for my wall whenever I get around to purchasing those old windows from June! I love the detail in that one.

  113. Stephanie B

    I love #1. I’ve never been to Hawaii, but just looking at this post makes me want to go!

  114. Devin

    #14 Morning Dew, #25 Afternoon Falls & #1 Evening Bliss
    Awesome photos!

  115. Nick H

    Great pictures, my vote is for # 16

  116. Great images. I keep coming back to #20 with the sunset on the palm trees. The runner ups were 3, 7, 11, 15 and 25.

  117. #15 is excellent monochrome, I like 28 also. Makes me want to go to maui….. oh that’s where I am.

  118. Jenny

    Beautiful! Votes are for 11, 25, and 15.

  119. Audrey

    25 It is !!!

  120. Courtney Love

    All amazing of course but #26 and the trees I love!!!

  121. Meghan

    Wow!! Awesome stuff! Took me this long to decide, but I think I’m pretty sure 17 is my fave! (Or you could frame a lovely picture of you and your wife. Just sayin!)

  122. David Colello

    28, all day long and twice on Sundays, 28! Stunning shot Tony, motion, stillness, light, shadow, simply amazing.

  123. Rob

    They all look great! 1, 15, 25 are my fav in that order.

  124. Courtney

    They are all amazing…my favorites are 25, 16, 11, 13 in that order :)

  125. Taylor Yeager

    Number 32 pure and simple

  126. Joel

    Don’t think my first post actually made it, but I want to be counted, so I’ll try again: #5.

  127. Rob

    opps…I meant 1, 14, 24

  128. #2, the colors are amazing and it would look great in a 40×60 on a wall all by itself. A conversational piece if you will.

  129. Alisha

    #1, 13, and 18. So beautiful Tony!

  130. Emil

    Loved all the shots of you and Amy. LOL.
    You keep rocking it!! 4,6, 15, 25. All awesome.

  131. raffy

    I vote for #12

  132. #26 is BEAUTIFUL! By far my favorite…

  133. Linda

    All beautiful…favorites are 5, 17 & 26

  134. you and amy look like gods

  135. Jessica Whitaker

    #15, It’s absolutely beautiful!

  136. LOVE #15!

  137. 14 gets my vote. It is STUNNING!!! I love it. What an amazing vacation.

  138. Tyler

    #10. Love them all though

  139. LThompson

    I LOVE all of them–#1 is at the top of my list. Mahalo!

  140. Abbi

    #7 – I love the rock silhouettes and those clouds are unreal.

  141. Paolo

    So, first comment on this wondeful blog… I vote #2, colors and DOF are mazing. The light is also gorgeous.

  142. amanda

    #1- I know a lot of people said it before, but I look at it and just exhale. I feel like I’m IN the picture. Very calming and the colors are really pretty.

  143. Erin

    13. Holy Moley Tony! Not sure where this print is going in your house, but 13 seems to epitomize Hawaii. I made it the background on my computer. Anything to help this winter go faster!

  144. Erin

    13. Holy Moley Tony! I’m not sure where you plan to hang this print, but 13 epitomizes Hawaii to me. I made it the background on my computer with hopes that it will make spring/summer come sooner!

  145. Jenn

    hmmmm, my pictures did not look like any of the above when I went to hawaii ;o) #28….(what a coincidence)

  146. Justine Eckman

    so happy that you guys got some time off together :). my vote is 25… even though they are all perfect!

  147. 11 and 25 FTW. But if I only get one vote, then….#25.

  148. Melissa

    What a tough decision! But if I had to choose one, #11 is def my pic(k)! =)

  149. Adrianna

    Ok, so I think Hawaii just moved up on the list of places I need to travel to. Gorgeous shots, you guys deserved a great vacation!

  150. Love your landscape work its exceptional.

  151. Wow. Those are all amazing! #11 gets my vote.

  152. Dorene Brandt

    It was tough but the surfer and the rocks in #21 really stood out for me. Looks like you guys had a great time. The road to Hannah brought back memories. We all got car sick. Did you?

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What you have to say

Wow

Whew, taking a few days off does not fly with my blog stalkers. I've heard your cries. Sorry I've been absent with my blogging so far this week. You'll find out why soon, and your all wildest stalking dreams will come true!...

Check back Friday :)

Comments

What other's had to say

  1. Good thing! I check your work all of the time. Your work is amazing!

  2. Pics from Hawaii?! If so, this will be worth the wait. :)

  3. Stefan

    This is gonna be awesome. I just know it

  4. junk_bond

    Pics or ban!!

  5. Great review. I am a wedding photographer and a convert from the editorial photojournalism world. Low light photography has always been of prime importance to me. I have used my Mark II 1D and orig. 5d for a while now to shoot weddings. I have been waiting for the release of the Mark IV. I have the same issues wit the 1.3 crop factor and am going to buy the 5d Mark II instead and wait for the Mark IV 1DS full frame to come out and invest the estimated $8000 in that body. The Mark IV 1DS will be full frame and the ISO should be a usable at 25,000 iso. I prefer ambient light and maybe a little off camera for dimensional separation. Thanks for the review as I will just wait for the Mark IV 1DS.

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Canon 1D Mark IV Review

For my regular blog-stalkers and clients:

The following ramblings are a product review meant for photographers. Unless you’re interested in geeky technical photography talk, come back soon or scroll below to see all sorts of fancy photographs :) I try to avoid putting much of this stuff up here, but wanted to review a new product for some photographer friends…

Intro

As much as I try to avoid it, I'm often an early adapter to new technology. I'm not very easily sold by advertising, but when it comes to gadgets, I'm a sucker. So, here's a review of my 1D Mark, which I've been using for the past month now. I've used it for several shoots, including a few weddings, and have put it through all the normal paces that I do with my other cameras. So, this review is pretty specific to weddings and how I shoot. Your experience may vary, but then again you might be awesome or awful, so judge accordingly :).

Background

Over the past few years, I've shot with a number of Canon bodies including Rebels, 40D's, 5D's, 5D Mark II's, 1D Mark III's and now the 1D Mark IV. Up until now, I've been using two 5D Mark II's and a 5D. I love the 5 series. I don't think a 35mm digital camera has ever matched the image quality of an original 5D from ISO 100-400. I loved the 5D Mark II for its improved high ISO (low ISO maybe not so much), live view, screen, battery life and a few other features. About a year ago I bought a 1D Mark III to try it out. I loved the Autofocus capabilities as well as the dual-card slots (big for weddings) and I really liked having a 1.3 crop mixed with full-frame, since I shoot all prime lenses. It essentially doubled a few of my lenses. What I didn't like, however, were the files. I could never get the 1D images to look as good as the 5D images and I was really disappointed with anything above 800 ISO. So, I went to an all 5D lineup for almost all of 2009.

When the 1D Mark IV was announced, I was drawn to it because it improved on the high ISO capability and the files I saw looked really clean, with really fine grain. So, I sold one of my 5D Mark II's and am now back to having a 1.3 crop and a full-frame camera on my body while I shoot.

Again, this review is meant to compare the 1D Mark IV to some other 'wedding' specific cameras that I've used (5D, 5D Mark II, 1D Mark III). This isn't meant to be a full product review, but rather is meant to evaluate the camera for what I use it for, weddings and portraits.

Hooray for outer focus points!

The Things I Like

There's obviously quite a bit to like about this beast of a camera. Here's some of my favorite things. Some are improvements over the 1D Mark III, while others are standards with the 1-Series, but are great to have.

Image Quality
This is what I was hoping for. Around a year ago, I first tried the 1D Mark III. While there was a lot to like about the camera, I was turned off by it's image quality. Sure, there are plenty of people who swear by it, but I seriously doubt anyones sincerity who said that the 1D3 had better image quality than either the 5D Mark II or even the original 5D. Every time I edited files from both cameras, the 1D Mark III files just screamed 'crop sensor' to me. I also found it much noisier at ISO 800 and 1600 than both my 5D versions.

So, my biggest question when mulling over my 1D Mark IV purchase was if the image quality would look the same. I knew the ISO would be better (and it is much better), but there's just something smooth about the 5D files that the 1D Mark III couldn't match. I've been very, very happy with the 1D Mark IV files so far. At low ISO's, the images look like full-frame images, which is the biggest compliment I can give. In my opinion, ISO 800 & 1600 are still a slight weak point (more noise than they should have), but it's much improved. I feel like this blends seamlessly with my other files, whereas I always felt the 1D3 files needed special treatment.

In addition, the 1D Mark IV files are able to be pushed to a pretty remarkable degree. I've saved many shots that were 2 or 3 times underexposed, which I was very excited about. Lots of detail in there. See below for an example...

Focus Points
One of the things that I've tried to define my work with is excellent composition. Now, I've never been one to complain about the AF system in the 5D series. In fact, I've never had a problem with it. BUT, when I sold my 1D Mark III last year, I really, honestly started to miss the use of all the focus points. For me, the reasons are two fold. First, now I can compose an image, then set the focus point and shoot. With 'focus and recompose' (especially with extreme comps or close subjects), getting the focus can sometimes be much more difficult. Secondly, and more importantly, I can now use the outer points for moving subjects. If you've ever seen my work, you know that I rarely center anything. When a couple is walking towards or away from the camera, this usually means I have to crop the photo quite a bit. No more!!

So, here's the mandatory AF performance part. It's great! In natural light, I've had no problems in One Shot or in Servo Modes. When using flash, I've had a few issues, which I describe further below.

Custom Functions
This is nothing new for 1-series owners, but I love several things about the expanded custom functions. I love being able to restrict my modes to M and Av (all I use). I love being able to adjust the Burst mode amounts and almost every other little thing about the camera. But more than anything, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the....

ISO 'set' button
Hooray! I've been wanting this for a long time. The 1D Mark IV has the ability to use the camera's 'Set' button to adjust the ISO. Since this is my most adjusted setting on nearly all my sessions, I can't explain how much easier and faster this makes my shooting. It's so small a thing, but it makes such a big difference. It took me exactly .008342 seconds to get used to doing this. I love it.

Auto ISO
This is another 'Finally!' moment for me. As someone who generally hates anything in auto-mode, I've been itching to have a camera that properly implements an Auto ISO. While I won't use it often, all of us wedding shooters know how tricky it can be to have a bride walking down an aisle that meters at ISO 200 in some spots and ISO 3200 in others. Between this and the 'Set' button, I'm looking at lots more keepers. Woohoo!

Button Layout
Another subtle difference in the 1-Series is the top button layout. No need to say much except that all the buttons feel like they're where there supposed to be. The biggest benefit, though, is not having a camera dial that gets bumped all the time.

Silent Shutter
In the past week, I've had two instances where the noise of my shutter was an issue. The first was during a wedding ceremony where the officiant specifically asked us to be as non-intrusive as possible. The second was with a baby who was trying to go to sleep while I was shooting. Both times, I switched into silent shutter mode and was so happy to have it. Does it make an enormous difference? Probably not. But, when trying to please an officiant or new mother, it's certainly a nice feature to show off.

Pushed from a 3-stop underexposure

The Things I Don't Like

After a month with the 1D4, there's really only a few minor gripes that I have with it, as well as one that is much more important. Let's go in order, most important first...

Low Light AF-Assist Focusing
One thing I noticed with the first wedding I shot with my 1D Mark IV is it was MUCH SLOWER than my 5D or 5D Mark II when acquiring focus using the AF-assist beam of a flash. Yes, you read that right... Slower. So, you may be asking yourself, "Huh?". I did the same, and after some testing, I've been able to come to some resolutions that make me feel better, although not completely.

First, the 1D4 has a bully complex. For real. It knows it's better at focusing and it insists on proving it to you. So, when you get in a very low-light environment (like, um, a wedding reception), the camera seems to try to focus on its own, rather than using the AF-assist beam. Whereas the 5-series seems to say "I can't do this, where's my help?", the 1-series says "I got this, this is nothing, just watch me focus... Oh crap, can you help me?". Now, I understand these are complex technical terms, but the 1D just doesn't use the focus beam like it should.

Next, I never realized that the 580exII actually has 2 different focus beams in it. It has a very strong, narrow beam that gets sent when using the center focus point. Also, there's a much weaker, grid style beam while using outer focus points. So, the center point actually works quite well (almost as fast as the 5D's) with AF-assist. The outer points, however, really struggle to pick up the beams. Having been a 5-series user, I never tried the outer points and this never came up. It is a bit frustrating though.

So, the problems are really two-fold. First, a 5K camera should really have a smarter system for implementing flash focus. Second, the 580exII's flash beam needs improved. For now, my solutions are also two-fold. First, I've been using Servo mode if at all possible. Even in very dim (I'm talking ISO 12800) situations, using only Servo, I've been able to get focus early, often and quickly, avoiding the assist beam entirely. Second, when it gets just too dark, I stick with the center point. Is this what I've wanted? No. Is it usable? Certainly.

Entering Live View
For years now, people have made fun of Canon for having a 'Print' button on some of their camera bodies. The button was completely useless. Then, when the 5D Mark II came out, they enabled it to be assigned as the 'Live View' button. Perfect!

So here's the good and the bad with the 1D Mark IV. First, their is no dedicated print button (good), but there is also no way to use anything but the 'Set' button for Live View. Since I use the 'Set' button for ISO now as described above, that leaves me with menu controls to access Live View. Annoying. Secondly, the controls for video shooting (not that I really do it much) are much less intuitive than the 5D2. The focus however, is better via the contrast-detectors.

No Vertical Joystick
Not a big deal, but I like using the joystick to change my focus points. The Vertical grip doesn't have a way to do this unless you have really long and agile thumbs (lucky me) or a third hand (nope). They've never had this feature, but there's already a perfect place for it, right where the Card opening thingy currently resides.

White Balance w/ Gels
I shoot with gels a lot, particularly at weddings where color temperatures and consistency are huge time-savers. Most cameras stink with white balance in tungsten environments, but the 1D4 brings orangyness to a new level when using gels. No big deal when shooting RAW, but it is a little off-putting when you go to show someone an image and its an orange-fest.

Shot with AF in Servo mode in an very low-light environment.

A Love/Hate Relationship

There's one thing about the 1D Mark IV that I'm still not sure about. I simultaneously have all sorts of feelings about it. It also happens to be one of my main reasons for buying the camera and is also one of the reasons I could sell it in the future. And it is...

The Crop Factor
I've never been one to complain about the decisions of camera manufacturers. As consumers, we have the wonderful opportunity to just buy something else if we want. Lots of folks have wondered why Canon doesn't make the 1D full frame. To me, it seems pretty obvious that this would simultaneously hurt 2 of their current product lines. Couple that with the extra length that sports shooters probably like and I tend not to complain about such things.

With that said, as someone who's shot almost exclusively full frame for nearly 3 years, it's very strange to get used to a crop factor. I shoot wide a lot and the 1.3x crop really becomes obvious at wide angles. Particularly, I use my 35L more than any other lens. Getting used to a different focal length is hard. I'm still undecided on how I feel about it.

On the other hand, for telephoto shots, the crop is great. My 135L has essentially become a 175 2.0 lens. Pretty awesome. It makes me think twice before pulling out my 70-200. Plus, now (since I'm a prime shooter), I have essentially doubled my lenses when coupled with a full-frame camera. So, I guess I'll take the good with the bad and keep the 35L on the 5D most of the time. It works for me... I think.

Shot with a 35 1.4. Not as wide with the crop factor.

ISO Comparison

The most talk surrounding this camera has been it's low-light ISO capabilities. I've seen lots of reviews and ISO comparisons, many of which are probably accurate. However, to me what matters is how the files look as I edit them and how they look as a finished product. I don't doubt people who show diagrams and pixel peep everything, but I honestly don't really care about that too much. Also, it would be pointless to compare this to the 1D Mark III in my opinion. I was very disappointed with the ISO range of that camera and both the 5D Mark II and the 1D Mark IV are in a different league altogether. So, here's my ISO comparison between the 1D Mark IV and the 5D Mark II...

ISO 100-400 - Very slight advantage to the 1D4 due to the 5D2's occasional shadow banding
ISO 800-1600 - Advantage 5D2. I always found the 1D3 to have significant noise at 800/1600. The 1D4 is a marked improvement, but comparing them side by side, I like the 5D2 still.
ISO 3200 - Even
ISO 6400-12800 - Advantage 1D4. Very impressed with these samples in real life. Don't let the pixel peepers mess with you, it's very, very good.

Shot at ISO 3200.

Summary

So, after all of that I guess the question is 'Would I recommend this to a wedding photographer?". Before I answer that, let's recap a few things about the camera. When I owned a 1D Mark III I loved almost everything about it, with two exceptions. First, I wasn't sure how I felt about the crop factor. Second, I hated the image quality. That's not an exaggeration. I thought it was quite a step down from even the original 5D.

To Canon's credit, they've made me do a 180 on the image quality. The 1D Mark IV has really nice files and I'd use it (if necessary) up to 12800 ISO. On top of that, they've added some really nice features. There are a few things that bug me a bit, but much less so than with most cameras I've owned. Even the things that bug me make me feel like I'm being picky for such a powerful and customizable machine.

For me, the deciding factor if you're looking at buying a 1D Mark IV to shoot weddings should be the crop factor. After a month, I still haven't decided how I feel about it. I'm glad to still be shooting with one full-frame camera, but I love it at other times. In general, this camera is the best camera I've ever used. For me, it's a winner if I can get used to the new focal lengths. If you can too (or if you shoot a lot of telephoto), I'd highly recommend it. For a wide, prime shooter, I'd definitely take it for a spin before buying if you can. You'll probably love it, but your lenses won't be quite the same. Not better or worse, just different.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions, corrections or thoughts, hit me in the comments...

Comments

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  1. Thanks Tony, great review for us wedding photogs! Looks like I’ll have to sell my 1d mk III now ;)

  2. Great review. When you use the “set” button for ISO control, do you use one of the dials to adjust the ISO after pressing “set”?

    jf

  3. Thanks for the detailed and thoughtful write-up. It’s great to get your perspective on the 1D.

  4. Alan Miller

    Outstanding review. Thanks for taking the time. It’s exactly what I’ve wanted to read about this camera.

  5. Excellent review Tony. Thanks for doing it. On the ISO set button issue, is there a reason you prefer using the “set” button instead of the dedicated ISO button on the top right? Personally, I’m thrilled about having this new button instead of the the two button push needed on the top left side of my old MarkIIn.

    UPDATE: Just looked at an image of the Mark III and see that it also has the single button ISO. I never used the Mark III so was unaware. Cheers!

  6. Great review Tony… now i just have to dig up the money to buy one.

  7. Excellent review. I’ve been seriously thinking of getting a 1D4 so I can really use outer focus points, but the crop factor is a killer for me. I also love the 35L on full-frame, so I’m thinking I might be happy with 24/50 on crop rather than the 35/85 on FF I’ve been used to.

  8. Tom Melanson

    Well it’s obvious! I’m seeing a 1DsMkIV in your future :-)
    Nice review. Thanks.

  9. Thanks Tony for taking the time to share your feelings. I feel exactly the same way about the original 5d (we still have 7 of them) and the 5d II…. Same about the Mark III…. yuck, they want how much for that and the image quality of the 5d trumps it every day!

    I’ve been on the fence about a D-series body and like you, we use the identical lens setup. I FEAR what will happen to the 35L. Have you used the 24? I’ve been trying to figure out what we would use as my normal setup is 35L and the 85L with some use of the 135. With the Mark IV, perhaps the 24 and the 50? Dunno for now. I think the 5d II wins for us still until the next go around with a new body release in that series.

    Thanks again for your thoughts, great to hear everything you said for a nice piece of mind!

    Matt

  10. thanks for taking the time to share…your opinions about the Mk4 means alot because you are so much in the “trenches”, spending 5k to upgrade is a major decision, and so I think for now I will continue to “hover” and use what I have for 2010…

  11. I’m a Sony girl, and I have to say SOOC shots at low ISOs are superb with my Sony, but when you’re talking about shooting 12,800 ISO, I can’t even comprehend! These are things that are pushing me closer to investing in a Canon or Nikon setup. All ready used to the crop factor, I’ve been lusting over this camera for awhile now…sigh…Thanks for sharing the review!

  12. Thanks for the pragmatic review. I have two 5Ds and was thinking of trading one in for the 1D4. I shoot primes and never thought of the crop as a way of doubling my lenses. … and doing predominantly baby photography, the silent shutter would be handy.

    Thanks again.

  13. Thanks for this… I was considering getting a MKIV but I’m not sure myself if i want to go crop. I really love the full frame and I’m used to the reach my lenses give me. I might wait and see the 1ds MKIV reaction but not sure if it’ll be overkill for weddings..!
    great review from a wedding perspective..!

  14. Am I the only one who loves her EOS Mark II 1d? I am addicted to that camera’s monitor– so accurate. I need to find a quiet evening to read this whole post.

  15. A great practical honest review Tony. cheers!

  16. just the review I’ve been looking for. I bought the 1D Mk 4 after
    owning every 1.6 crop camera from the 20D to the 7D, so it seems wide and spacious to me. I am very pleased with the camera, but I
    wondered if I overpaid for the camera. In other words, since I’m
    not shooting 10 fps, would I have been better with the 5D 2 at one
    half the price? SO, it’s interesting to me that you use both.
    Also, I have just sworn off zooms, and added the 35 L, and I
    love it.
    Wonder what the 1Ds Mk4 will be like?
    I look forward to studying your shooting!

  17. Detailed hands on review – love it! Thanks for taking the time to write about your experience. But please correct your post RE: why doesn’t Canon make the 1D full frame? Canon always produces two models – the 1D (for sports shooters, wildlife, etc) and followed by the 1Ds for those of us who prefer a full frame sensor (‘s’ for studio.)

  18. Excellent review with great examples of the capability. thanks for taking the time to do this.

  19. Rolo

    Thanks for the encouragement. Nice balanced read.

    I bought a IV last Tuesday and use it tomorrow for a wedding.

    Until now, I’ve been satisfied with a 1D MkII N with a mix of zooms and primes, plus a Leica M9 with primes. The donkey work has fallen to the 24-70mm, but maybe now, with the bigger files, the 16-35mm will take some more of the load.

    Not sure what to do with the 1D MkII N just yet, but with my 135 f2 it punches way above album requirements. Seems a shame to list such a fine example on ebay. Maybe leave the M9 at home for security. :-)

    Thanks

  20. Ole

    Great post. Very detailed. Awesome work.

  21. Eddie

    Jack Bentley,

    I saw your comment and I just felt the need to let you know my experience with the 5d Mark II which I later sold to get the 1D Mark IV.

    I bought the 5D Mark II on January upgrading from a 50D. I am a sports photographer and therefore was not sure about the 5D Mark II’s 3.9fps but was eager to try it because of the raving reviews and since I did not want to drop $5K on a body. I have taken about 6k shots with it from indoor basketball and gymnastics to track and field and baseball events. My only complaint thus far is the 3.9fps but only because I shoot sports. With the Canon 200mm L f/2.8 lens indoors I was able to catch amazing pictures at 3500 ISO, something I could have never done with the 50D but found myself missing “the shot” because the camera was too slow. Aside from the 3.9fps I was inlove with the camera but it wasn’t for me and had to sell it to get the 1D Mark IV.

    After testing indoor shots with the 1D mark IV, I have to say the results are very similar when I comparing ISO shots and noise. The only thing I noticed was that the 1D mark IV focuses better but only when shooting moving subjects, which in my case are athletes running and jumping around.

    If you asked me, I think you overpaid if you are not in need of 10fps. The 5D mark II is an amazing camera but lacked the fps I needed. I only wished the 5D Mark II’s grip would add an extra 3fps to the camera like Nikon does with its grip and the D700. If Canon ever adds that feature to its grip line, I would not hesitate to go back to the 5D mark II.

  22. Thanks for your detailed review. It just confirmed the main fear I had (poor focusing with the AF assist beam). My Mark II N is the same way and I hate it!

  23. Jim

    I have two of these bodies and both are terrible in low light. In low light, if you try to focus on a dark subject in low light, it doesn’t lock the AF. 5DMKII, 7D, same conditions, same lens, etc., no problem.

  24. Leo Doucet

    I bought the iD MK IV in March (I’ve every EOS since the D60) and I am not that happy with the ISO above 500 in daylight but for low light levels and and night shots it’s excellent.

    Basically however I am a Wildlife and Landscape Photographers and at the moment am on my way to the High Arctic, but just to make sure I’ll have my MK 11 with me

  25. Thanks for the practical and informative “hands-on” review. I shoot High School sports and have used quite a few Canon bodies, i.e., Rebels, 40D, 50D, and my previous body, the 7D.

    I just received my Mark IV last week and can’t wait to try it at the upcoming football games. I shoot in three different stadiums, all at night. I’m really looking forward to the fast focusing in the Servo mode and high ISO settings.

    I have always had to post process my Raw pics with noise reduction programs and it will be interesting to see what I need to do (or not do) with the Mark IV.

    I’ll soon be having some real world sports photos taken with the Mark IV on my website at http://photoexperts.zenfolio.com/

    In the meantime though, you can go there and see what I’ve done with the 7D.

  26. Thanks for the real world review, this is what I needed to know.

  27. Perfect write-up. This mirrors EVERYTHING that I feel about the 1DIV: the low-light AF, the iso usability vs the 5DII…even how I feel about the crop. I’m glad you took the time to write about it. Cheers.

  28. David Jewels

    I have owned both cameras and sold them both because I needed to purchase something else, non camera related. But I’m once again getting back into photography and, even after your tremendous article, for the life of me, cannot decide which camera to buy, the 5d Mark II or the 1D mark IV. I used to shoot mostly video, and almost never used the 1D Mark IV because the clips from the 5D Mark II always seemed to look that much better with my EF85mm f12L II lens. There was always something different and magical about the photos even, when using the 5D Mark II with the same lens as opposed to the 1D mark IV.
    I loved the build quality of the 1D Mark IV, and it was a better camera in terms of fast autofocus, that’s for sure.
    Your photos are really amazing, by the way, especially that one at the top wit the glass raised. That one is a masterpiece !!!

  29. jhill

    im a 5D owner. didnt upgrade to the m2 because it didnt seem like a drastic change.

    i originally was hoping for iso performance. but what im dinding is i really like the images taken in iso 50. finding it quite ironic.

    also got the mark iv because i was missing shots. downside is it is very easy to fill up endless cards and hard drives as a result.

    i do like the camera a lot. overall im pleased. it is a really big change over my 5d and it has had a big effect on my style.

    im still a bit confused by the ai servo and still learning

    hope to run into someone who has a mark iv to compare notes someday

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Paisley | Baby Portraits

What's up peeps and blog-stalkers? I'm back with some pretty cool stuff for you all. This Tuesday, I got the chance to head down into Delaware to shoot some newborn portraits for Marie & Chris's new daughter, Paisley. She liked me so much, she stayed awake almost the whole time for me. It must be my striking good looks... or she thought the camera was weird. Either way, I had a lot of fun shooting these. It's great doing new things. Paisley probably has the best kids room I've ever seen as well. I'm including a few photos for all the new moms out there. Marie knows how to get it done. Enjoy everybody... hope you all are having a great week!






The Thinker...






Comments

What other's had to say

  1. She’s a model already and what is she thinking in those two shots as she rests her chin in her hand?!

  2. Jen

    Tony these are wonderful! And that little girl is so precious!!!!! :)

  3. amanda

    You’re right, that room is awesome. I love the shot of the baby toes. Beautiful pics :)

  4. Very cute baby. I really like how the baby and the wall decor are in focus in that crib shot.

  5. Dustin M

    Awesome pics!!!! She is so cute…

  6. Gorgeous shots! I am in love! A friend referred me to your page, and I am blown away by your talent and unique perspective. just WOW! Baby Nursery are absolutely adorable!

  7. leslie

    I guess it’s time to kick it up a notch in our nursery.

  8. Rachel

    beautiful shots! i am totally stealing some ideas from this lady when i have kids…

  9. Adrienne

    Absolutely beautiful pics! such great shots!

  10. Aunt Tee Tee

    What a great job you did on my neice’s photos they are truly wonderful…..

  11. Aunt Tee Tee

    What a wonderful job you did with the photos of my neice…

  12. becky

    Beautiful baby with a beautiful room. As always Tony, amazing work.

  13. Great composition ideas and some wonderful ‘storytelling’ shots that set the scene, Tony. Oh – and a beautiful baby and loving parents!

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Devin & Michael | Wedding at Hotel DuPont

Ok, whew... This week is going to be quite the whirlwind for us. While some people see that as an excuse to neglect their blog, I'm here for the people! So, you all get new material only a few hours after leaving the wedding...

Devin and Michael were subject to a really cool, nighttime engagement session a few months ago. I've been really looking forward to the wedding for two primary reasons: 1) Because they're pretty much the nicest people on earth, 2) Because I love the Hotel Dupont. Amy and I really had a wonderful day and couldn't have spent Valentine's day with a better group of people. This was one of those weddings that just made us happy. Everyone was super nice, everything was laid-back and easy-going and the party was rockin'. We got to work with our favorite DJ's too, Synergetic Sounds. I love working with Jason and that crew. To quote TJ Lavin, 'They killed it.'

Enjoy the photos everyone, hope you all had a great Valentine's Day!



Amy's shot...

Amy's shot... I love this one. Quite a catch!...


Amy's shot...








Amy's shot...






Amy's shot...







Here's a look at the BEAUTIFUL Hotel DuPont...

Amy's shot...



Love this one...

Amy's shot...

Amy's shot...


RAWR...

Lastly, I'm going to hijack the end of this post to get personal for a second or two. Today (Monday), is the 5th anniversary of when Amy and I first started dating. As you've probably been able to tell by watching this blog, Amy is a pretty incredible photographer in her own right. But that pales in comparison to what she is as a wife. So, happy 5 year Valennversary to my wife Amy, the bestest gal-pal around. I LOVE YOU!

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What other's had to say

  1. Excellent photographs Tony. Your talent with bringing the best out in people with your camera is amazing. God bless!

  2. Erin Michelle

    Beautiful shots! But my favorite part was your personal note…congrats to you guys!

  3. Christina

    Tony, I continue to be amazed and inspired by your work. Thank you for always sharing!

  4. Brian Mac

    Just wow.

  5. wow! awesome set! (again)
    congrats on your 5 years tony! shes gorgeous!

  6. Tony, wanted to post this on your site but I am not longer the FB friend. Request me please.

    I am Devin Coen’s mother and now I have a son-in law!! I wanted to say that your style was so very professional and unintrusive. We did not know you were there. You pictures have a natural element to them and you are able to capture the happiness of the time perfectly.
    You take such wonderful pictures and we loved looking at some of them right away in fact before we got home. Loved it you are truly a great professional. Please feel free to display this post on your site or wall. I am already being asked.. “so who is the photographer?” Thanks so very much Cindy Kaleck!!

  7. Mary

    Love the pics,they are amazing and what a beautiful couple!

  8. Donna

    Gorgeous couple and gorgeous photos! the photographer really captured your love and happiness in the photos!

  9. Marilyn Pastre

    I have NEVER seen such awesome photographs. You captured the love and joy in such a creative and unique way. Best wishes to the bride and groom….

  10. LOVE the shot of the distinguished father.

  11. This is very beautiful! Love your style of photography and I know this is thrilled with their photos. Keep up the inspiring work!

  12. Marc

    Great centerpieces! Who did them?

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Angela & Donny’s Guestcam

For the first time, we set up a photobooth at a wedding last weekend. It was lots of fun! Guests seemed to really like it. If you were at Angela & Donny's wedding, you can GO HERE and check out all the photobooth photos.

If you're interested in having a photobooth at your wedding, let me know! Here's some of my favorites...




















A few test shots...

Comments

What other's had to say

  1. leslie

    I am happy for the girl who is rocking out on the white board guitar. Also, I like the photo booth idea. Much better than having a photographer go around to every table and take pictures of people while they are trying to eat.

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Angela & Donny | A Snowy Philly Wedding

I hope you have a fast internet connection. This is a massive blog post. I spent lots of extra time trying to whittle it down to my usual blogging number, but the truth is, Angela and Donny's wedding was both awesome and extremely eventful. Lots of tradition, lots of guests and lots of snow...

For the second time this winter, we had a massive blizzard on a wedding day. After the last snowy wedding, I learned both that snow pictures are awesome and that we needed to leave super early to get there. For the the last couple days, I was honored to have my friend Spencer Boerup in from Tucson, Arizona to hang out and work with. Neither of us were expecting this weather though. Spencer had never seen this much snow in his life!

So, onto the wedding. Angela and Donny had one of my favorite engagement sessions last year. I've been really excited for their wedding ever since. Not only did they have great locations (Presbyterian Church in Chestnut Hill and Cescaphe Ballroom), but they did a lot (American ceremony, Korean ceremony, Chinese Tea Ceremony, photobooth, ect...). I've never been so busy at a reception before. We had a fantastic time working for two fantastic people. Here's a bunch of my favorites. I'll be posting again this week with the results of the photobooth!...


Spencer's photo...




Next 3 are Spencer's...


As a sports fan, I found this sign hilarious...



Spencer's photo...






Spencer's photo...





Spencer's photo...


Spencer's photo...


Spencer's photo...















Last two are Spencer's...

Here's a sneak peak of the photo booth. Me and Spencer. Thanks to you Spencer for coming and hanging out all week. I had a blast and you killed it at the wedding, as expected. Thanks man!...

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What other's had to say

  1. tina

    your pictures are incredible!!! thank you for plowing through the snow and working so do such great event coverage for my brother (and now) sister-in-law. i can’t wait to see the whole set!!!

  2. Lindsay

    The Cescaphe is awesome. I love that place.

  3. Great pictures, are u using the lensbabe composer or a tilt shift? 2 pic have that blur effect in the focal plane, ehh ( sorry 4 my German Canadian accent)

  4. Amazing work! The little girl staring down the aisle is the sweetest shot and the father daughter/tear moment, sigh…

  5. Angela

    Tony – your work always leaves me speechless. Thanks for allowing me to relive the day through your pictures. I can’t thank you enough for your foresight to head out so early in the morning that you arrived at my house EARLY in the midst of a blizzard. I can’t wait to see the rest. Props to Hoffer Photography!!

  6. Papa Wong

    Tony, you are not only a good photographer, you have the ability to catch the essence of the moment!! That’s what sets you apart from the others!!

  7. Awesome work, Tony. LOVE all of these!

  8. Great work! Fantastic images that are full of emotion.

  9. Jenn

    Tony, I love these photographs! The one of her exiting the trolley, the bride and groom standing outside of the church, the groomsmen walking down the street, father-daughter dance, the groom holding onto her dad’s hand….I can’t even pick a favorite, because they are all absolutely amazing. Thank you for capturing so many moments of their day! :)

  10. Mr. Hoffer, you never cease to amaze me with your ability to capture emotional nuance with such respect for the moment. Every photo is felt like a vivid memory. Your mastery of the photographer’s physical and creative tools, exquisite sense of timing, and creative story telling combine to a perfect blend. You are indeed blessed with a gift.

  11. Leigh

    I love the pictures. all of them!
    the ones of the bride walking down the aisle (aerial shot) looks like a doll house photo. you know? awesome!

  12. Papa Wong

    Hi, Tony:
    I have already posted my comments. See “Papa Wong” above. Thanks.

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New York City

I took a day off and went to New York with some friends yesterday. Here's what I saw...













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  1. Amazing. Honestly…great perspectives and use of the TS. Thanks for sharing.

  2. Lisa

    That 4th picture in looks like it was taken of a little model city not of the REAL NYC. I’m in love with the 1st one. Fantastic!

  3. HAHA! TS makes NY look like a toy city :-) Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing.

  4. Heh. Great minds think alike Lisa :-)

  5. Love these! Definitely made me feel like I was right there, feeling and seeing and hearing all those New York sights and sounds. Beautiful. Love the one of the shadow of the Empire especially!

  6. love them! Such a great eye Tony!!

  7. I was just about to say what Lisa had to say…it really looks like a model city! Weird.

  8. Wow. I think this may be your best work. Ever.

  9. amanda

    the pictures are amazing. I love the first two shots but my favorite is the third one with the shadow on the city. But there’s something really cool about the American flag in front of the sun.

  10. Awesome perspective and use of the TS. You just keep getting better and better. The post processing works really well too. Great job!

  11. Vanessa Charles

    Great set, Tony! You have quite an eye.

  12. Emil

    You’re fierce. Your stuff just keeps getting better and better. =)

  13. Christen

    I love the b&w city and the ice skating shots! What’s a TS? Picture #4 is crazy!

  14. Lee Florida

    I couldn’t help but blog-stalk knowing it was Friday and you’d likely have a new post up. I loved these images. You should make them avaliable for sale in canvas… I bet they’d be a big hit. I’d buy one!!

  15. these are awful.
    sell your gear.
    to me.
    for 1/2 price.

  16. guh, i’m such a sucker for a GOOD tilt shift city shot.

  17. D-Hoff

    Your pictures from 3 miles off the ground, while stunning, make me glad I don’t clean skyscraper windows for a living! I almost feel like I’m there looking down…and that’s not a good thing.

  18. BLAST YOU, TONY HOFFER!!
    you’re gonna force me to go out and buy a TS – do you REALIZE THAT!?!? ;)
    (great work, btw – you make that lens – and the rest of the kit – do what it was created for!)
    keep it up – it’s inspiring…

  19. Your First and Fourth are awesome.

  20. these shots are pretty sweet, tony! i can;t wait till i head out to nyc.

    peace
    chris

  21. these are pretty much the best photos you have EVER taken.

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