No Photoshop today! But we will see some interesting photography.
Trying my hand at this vlogging thing. I am going to take you through Kansas City and introduce you to my favorite BBQ joints. Let me know what you think of the vlog in the comments below.
Thumbs up, thumbs down… Either way, the only way we learn is through constructive criticism, right? I hope you enjoy a stroll through my city.
f.64 Academy and f.64 Elite are the brainchildren of Blake Rudis. While he is a landscape photographer, he is most passionate about post-processing images in Photoshop and mentoring others.
For Blake, it's all about the art and process synergy. He dives deep into complex topics and makes them easy to understand through his outside-the-box thinking so that you can use these tricks in your workflow today!
For Blake, it's all about the art and process synergy. He dives deep into complex topics and makes them easy to understand through his outside-the-box thinking so that you can use these tricks in your workflow today!
I loved that bokeh, I use lensbaby lenses a lot, but never get that bokeh. Thanks!
I like the VLOG – Keep it up. Nice to see a different perspective!
Thank you! I appreciate it 🙂
That happened because this is supposed to be a Macro lens. Up close it is a phenomenal macro lens. But when you go far away it just takes all that light and turns it into a bokeh-fest!
Would love to know more about the modified lens & how to do it.
Fun break from you usually very technical presentation (which I really appreciate).
it’s quite simple really. You get a lens wrench and remove the rear element and flip it. Then replace the element. All lenses are different, but that’s the basic concept. Jim is making a course on it I believe.
REFRESHING and fun to see KC. Haven’t been there in years. Thanks. I have a lot of fun with Lensbaby 56 for that bokeh look and selective focus. Happy Holidays to you and your family. Cool wheels!
LensBabys are great for that too!
Hey Blake,
Not bad for the first time! Was a good tour … 🙂 Hey was wondering if you could tell us more about those lenses and how to modify them. Would be interesting to know and show my Photography Group.
Thanks,
Dennis
it’s quite simple really. You get a lens wrench and remove the rear element and flip it. Then replace the element. All lenses are different, but that’s the basic concept. Jim is making a course on it I believe.
? Never been to Kansas City, thanks for the tour…And the the great lookin’ BBQ…
“Chip”
🙂 my pleasure. I enjoyed it.
A different look for you. More video blogs please! Question: How were you filming, what camera where you using? How was it attached in your jeep? etc.
Thanks Steve!
Equipment:
-Joby Suction Cup mount (x2) for GoPro
-GoPro Hero 8 for the main camera
-GoPro Hero 6 for the hood camera
-Zoom H1 audio recorder with a Rode Lapel Mic
-Small Benro PP1 Table Top Tripod
That’s about it really. A very basic setup
Nice vlog Blake, I got my first modified Helios from Jim and now have a small collection. Jim described them as being like wild horses – you never know where they are going to go. I am hoping to be in KC next summer so will try out te BBQ’s. I cant list my favourite as I am in the UK and our nearest BBQ joint is about 3000 miles away.
Oh no! I couldn’t live 3000 miles from BBQ. I’d have to open up my own joint there!
I like that you switched gears and did some photography. Where can you get one of those lenses and/or have one modified? Love the abstract images of the lights. Have a merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
I order them on eBay. I just look for m42 lenses and pick up the cheapest one knowing I am going to modify it anyway. My favorite are that Zenitar m2S and the Asahi Super Takumar 28mm. They are the ones I was using here.
VLOG #2 = How to Modify the Lens!
Thanks for some inspiration Blake
🙂 haha, its quite simple really. You get a lens wrench and remove the rear element and flip it. Then replace the element. All lenses are different, but thats the basic concept.
Great job I enjoyed it
Thanks, Gary!
This was a 15 minute selfie. I wish you a quarter million carefree miles in your new car, and envy your proximity to great BBQ, but if it were not for your outstanding tutorials and panels, I’d never be a subscriber.
If you enjoy doing it and your other subscribers like watching, go for it. In the meantime, I’ll watch your other videos. Vlogs (anyone’s vlogs) just don’t appeal to me. But what do I know? I’m 70 years old.
I get it, Steve. I didn’t understand them at first, until I started following some of my peers and it gave me a different perspective into who they were outside of their art. In a way, I wish Ansel Adams had a vlog so I could enjoy his personal side beyond just his fine teaching and works of art. To each their own, I get it completely.
Thanks for the KC tour and BBQ joints. I lived in the KC area for about 12 years, met my wife there and sampled every BBQ place I could find. Also spent a lot of time photographing from the war memorial so know exactly the great city views.
Great job !
Thanks, Ken! I love this city 🙂 Glad you have had the opportunity to enjoy it.
Hey Blake, that was fun. Makes me want to get to KC and partake of the BBQ and the park. If this was your first VLOG, it was a winner. Thanks for effort.
Being in CO, we have lots of times that snow/ice changes our plans, so we learn to adapt. Such is life.
I have owned many jeeps over my lifetime and they do make you make trade offs for what you would like but they sure can get you in some neat/fun areas.
Thanks, Bob! I appreciate the encouragement. I love this Jeep. I have no idea why I waited so long to get one. It’s just so much fun to drive.
Great start with your blog, Blake. I grew up in Kansas City but haven’t lived there in about 50 years, so it was nice to see it again. I really enjoyed the experimental photography at Union Station and would have liked to have seen more of that — and more photography in general, although it was nice seeing your new car. Hope you keep this up.
Enjoyed the Vlog, keep it up
Thank you, Linda! Will do!
Blake, I’m with Steve on vlogs, but keep doing them for the subscribers who like them. As for BBQ in KC, I lived in KC for 50+ years and sampled most of them. My favorites in order are Gates (best sauce), Smokin’ Guns (best pork and ham), Joe’s Kansas City (best pulled pork), Woodyard (best chicken and restaurant setting) and Jack Stack (best beans).
Thanks, Winn! All great recommendations on BBQ. I like that you have different places for different things. Imagine a plate with the best of each 🙂 🙂 🙂
Another “Perspective” from you!
I liked the bokeh a lot.
I prefer mostly your previous videos, but do not mind some excursions.
ps- Now that you have a Rubicon I think the f64 elite monthly stipend should be reduced!! (lol)
Lol, well regardless of what I drive I still need to feed the kids 😉
Thanks for your perspective on the videos. I think I will add them to the lineup when I go out to shoot.
Blake, thank you for letting me be home for the holidays if only for a few minutes. I grew up in the KC area and lived in Platte County many years. Nothing like KC Bar-B-Q! I like the lens effects–maybe a late Santa present.. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Enjoy your Jeep.
This was a nice change of pace. (I enjoy your Photoshop education videos too) As for BBQ….Poke E Joes here in Round Rock Texas. They have a great cheddar/jalapeno sausage. Hmmmmm. I would love to see your workflow in an actual location shoot. I would love to see a shoot at the WWI memorial. Keep up the GREAT work.
Very enjoyable blog. Looking forward to more. I should know what an M42 lens is, but I don’t. I’m probably not alone.
Next time, show our gorgeous Plaza. I live overlooking B&N. Excellent vlog. If you want a car that’s part of a cult, get a Mini Cooper. Really enjoyed the bokeh.
Welcome to the world of owning an awesome off road capable vehicle. I can’t look at a dirt road or muddy track without fighting the urge to test my 4WD. Apparently I’ve even developed a specific “look”; if my wife is with me she’ll say, “Don’t even think about it.” Love those Rubis, hope to own one someday.
I grew up in Kansas City. Thanks for bringing back some memories.
Big thumbs up! Thanks
Loved it. It came at the perfect time. I have been attempting to edit a photo for my electronic Christmas card, and it is not going well so I am very frustrated. I needed a break and your Vlog was about the only email I had in my inbox that was not about me buying something for Christmas, yet still photography related. So thank you! Love the Jeep, love the artistic/abstract shots (kind of my thing,) wish I was eating BBQ, (Springfield, Illinois is not known for our great BBQ,) and really loved the fact that you are trying something new! Looking forward to your next Vlog!
It was fun to tag along with you. Love to have you re-visit the memorial tower on a better day.
You’ll also have to visit the other BBQ place that you ranked #1.
So, another road-trip Vlog is in your near future.
Thank you for this and the tour of your city.
Enjoyed watching you having fun and working at the same time.
would love to know more about your use of these lenses and what else possible.
Wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a spectacular new year!
Thought it was great. Love the abstract images – my kind of thing! It would be great to see more of your city. Thank you for sharing and a Happy and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I loved your vlog. Keep it up! It is fun to learn about different places in this country.
Hi Blake, enjoyed your blog. It took me right back to when you took Abby and I up to the WW1 memorial. As you say, fantastic view of Kansas City skyline. I think we went to Q39 as well. Oh boy did we enjoy getting together with you.
Hope you and your lovely family are well and have a great Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2020.
In the late 80’s and early 90’s I made that trip down I-29 to UMKC hundreds of times. Brings back wonderful memories. Thanks for the trip and the photography wasn’t bad either. 😎
Liked the concept and you did it nice a short, so that worked for me. What I would love to see is how you plan to process those fantastic images shot with that unique lens. Maybe something you can do in another video?
I do find the editing tutorials worth my time, but I like seeing the other side of the equation, too. Please offer some more “on location” episodes. This vid was the last little bit of inspo I needed to order me a Helios M42.
And, as a native of KC (I live in Lawrence now), I’ll wade into the Vitamin Q waters as Kansas Citians are wont to do. MY favorite is LCs on Blue Parkway, and my close second is Arthur Bryant’s. To me, they’re easily worth the drive. Bryant’s sauce is nectar!
Love the bokeh. What would it be like with IR?
Hello to the NEW Blake Rudis,
This Vlog is a Great Idea.
I am following you for some years now and this Vlog is a new refreshing twist for me.
Keep on Blake. Keep on.
Good job, Blake. I enjoyed it. Merry Christmas!
Very Cool Stuff Blake?
Well, your VLOG is a unique way the see and learn more about your way of life and work! And your favorite environments! GREAT. Look forward for the next to come…
MC & HNY
Yours is the first Vlog I have ever seen. Time was about right; it held my interest. I was fascinated by your soft focus shots, tho’ I don’t know what I would do with them. I would have liked to know more about the lenses and your dash cam.
On another note, the one thing your Jeep Wrangler was missing was a dog in the back with the seats down. Big dogs love Jeeps. Of course, then the Jeep smells like dog.
Really enjoyed the vlog. I also focus (pun?) on your tutorials and other instructional, but this was a fun side trip in style and content. Keep it up. Question: I’m wondering breaking (err, modifying() other older manual lenses for Nikon like the old 50m and 28mm wide would render a similar effect. Any thoughts?
The vlog didn’t really interest me. A written summary of the main points would have read very quickly but they get spread out in a long video and take up more of my time than I want to spend. Carry on for those who like it but not for me.
I liked the vlog. I believe that pushing out your personal boundaries leads to growth. Also liked the Rubicon but think my Trailhawk can go more places.
Thanks for the follow up on how to create this lens. Picked one up on Ebay, flipped the element and have been living in an altered universe ever since.