Laughing it up with Kangster on a photowalk. He’s a great friend…and an awesome photographer, too!
Michael Kang
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Monthly Archives: May 2009
Geotagging revisited
Last year, I wrote about my geotagging workflow with the Amod AGL3080 GPS Data Logger, Lightroom, and GeoSetter. Since I’ve been doing it for nearly a year, I felt compelled to write an update.
Here’s my current geotagging workflow:
- Copy photos to my “To geotag” folder on my Drobo.
- Geotag photos with GeoSetter.
- Import photos into Lightroom.
GPSBabel is extraneous for the Amod AGL3080
GeoSetter reads the log file just fine, no converting necessary. (Thanks George!)
If you don’t have that GPS data logger, you might need GPSBabel.
Save time by creating favorites in GeoSetter
GeoSetter defaults to somewhere in Germany. If you take photos around a few places regularly, and you’re not using a GPS data logger, create a favorite at that location.
For example, when I’m going to and from work, I’m usually around Los Angeles Union Station, Koreatown, and Sierra Madre Villa Station in Pasadena. So, I made favorites for those spots.
GeoSetter quirks
Sometimes, the server won’t connect. An annoyance in which you have to wait until it does.
Any ideas or solutions for this one?
Dump your photos in a “To geotag” folder
Since I want to have my photos geotagged on my computer (before uploading to Flickr and/or Bryan Villarin Photography), I don’t edit any of them in Lightroom until that step is done.
Why?
The “Read metadata from file” step [in Lightroom] will overwrite the metadata with the one saved from GeoSetter.
Do you still use the Amod AGL3080?
Yes, and it’s still a champ. I wouldn’t see any reason to go with another one.
What if I don’t have a GPS data logger?
Get the Localize bookmarklet. You’ll love the place/address search. So, if you’re photowalking, bring pen and paper, then write your location every few minutes (e.g. Wilshire and Normandie, Los Angeles). After you’ve uploaded your photos, refer to your notes and geotag accordingly.
Why geotag?
It’s a slick way to see where you’ve been. You might also want to revisit a place or inspire others to check it out.
Of course, don’t geotag where you or your friends live. Be safe.
What did I miss? Share your suggestions with everyone else!
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Easier than you thought
I received my replacement DSL modem[1. Motorola/Netopia 2210-02-1022] on Thursday, but didn’t plug it in until tonight.
When I was trying to get my temporary 2Wire DSL modem/wireless router to work with my Linksys WRT54GL, I failed miserably. It was in the back of my mind.
Tonight, I plugged in the new DSL modem. All I had to do was change its configuration to bridge mode. After plugging it into my wireless router, I was connected and back to normal.
It took less than 10 minutes, most of which was spent plugging and unplugging cords.
Sometimes, you just gotta dig in.
*****
Afterward, I found this guide: “How do I properly setup a Motorola 2210 modem with a Linksys router?” Nice.
Goodie #3: Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens
Since Jason Ng (appleguy on Flickr) let me try his Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens on February 28th, it was in the back of my mind. I know I rented and talked about the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens, but I think I’ll get more use out of this one.
Once my tax return got deposited, I ordered the lens. While I’ve only had it for three days, I’m pretty much in love with it.
Initial thoughts and observations
- It’s solid. My Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II feels like a toy compared to it.
- Focusing is quick, smooth and quiet.
- Taking portraits wide open (f/1.4) creates awesome bokeh.
- Lighting which would usually require ISO 1600 with my 50mm f/1.8 lens is doable at ISO 800.
- The lens and hood look slightly glittery.
- The lens cap design is better than Canon’s.
- I don’t think I have focusing issues. That’s a relief.
I’m glad I got it over the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens. On a crop body (1.6x), 30mm looks good.
The first photos from my new lens
I know, right?
Time to get out of this funk and make some more awesome photos. 
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Goodie #2: LG Dare
I committed to the LG Dare for two years, which arrived earlier this week.
My previous LG VX8600 was pretty messed up. The front screen was unusable and the battery wouldn’t last more than 10 hours on standby.
I like Apple’s iPhone, but I’m sticking to my guns of the better network (Verizon Wireless). Plus, the majority of my friends are on the same network.
I’ll write my thoughts on the phone in a couple weeks.
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