My name is Steiny. I live in the Roseburg, Oregon area. I am an amateur photographer that really enjoys auto racing and digital photography. Specifically I like Sprint cars but other types of racing are good too.
My main interest is computers and technology so digital photography fits right in. I started going to Sprint car races about 8 to 10 years ago because some family members were involved with it. I started messing around taking my digital camera with me and taking pictures. Can't believe how bad the quality of digital photography was back then compared to now. Amazing.
Anyway, more and more I went to races watching my family race and I really started to get into it. Watching auto racing on TV puts me to sleep pretty easily, but there is nothing like being at a live race.
As time went on, I upgraded my camera equipment more and more and was really able to get some good photos. I am not going to say I have the most creative eye out there for good photos because I really do not. It is a very popular opinion out there that with today's technology, you can buy your way to a certain level of photography which was not always possible. I agree with that opinion. Having the right tool in your hands makes a huge difference. Having the right tool and knowing what to do with it and having a sharp eye for all things photography makes one a pro. I am not at that level, but I think I do an ok job.
My primary interest is in dirt track Sprint car racing. Asphalt racing is ok but the dirt is so much more fun for me. I also am a soccer fan and have had the opportunity to shoot some US Women's National team games in the past.
I do not do this photography thing as a job. It is a hobby for me. However I would like to try to make a few bucks and sell some photos. So that is why I moved my photo galleries over to Smugmug. It allows me to put my pictures up and possible sell some stuff. I am not looking to make millions selling photos. A few thousand would be nice so that I could buy some new and better camera equipment.
Right now my plan is to put up all future galleries whatever they might be of here on Smugmug. Hopefully I will sell some stuff so I can buy some new stuff.
The current equipment that I use is a Canon 1D Mark II N which is a superb professional level camera. I also have a Canon 10D which was my first digital SLR camera. Lense wise I have a Sigma 70-200 2.8, a Canon 16-35 2.8 and a Canon 24-70 2.8. Add in a high end Canon flash and a medium end Canon flash and that is my kit.
My wish list is as follows. I really want a Canon 5D. However rumor is that might be replaced with a newer model sometime very soon. So the question is do I wait for that new one to come out or when it comes out, the current 5D will drop in price for sure and do I go that route. I am leaning towards the new one, but it will pricey that is for sure. I would also like to step up to a Canon 70-200 2.8 to replace my Sigma. Nothing wrong with the Sigma as it has shot a lot of pictures over the years and has done well, but from what I have read, the Canon lens is a step above in terms of sharpness. I would also like to replace the Canon 10D camera that I have with maybe a Canon 40D. The 10D has served me well but it has seen its better days that is for sure.
Stepping it up a notch on my wish list is Canon 300mm or 400mm 2.8 lens. Those are pretty high end lenses and cost an arm and a leg even used. All together new all that stuff would cost probably $11,000 to $12,000 bucks. So if you want to help me get there, start buying some pictures.
Last thing but not least is another thing on my wish list. I like doing the Sprint cars and other auto racing pics. I also like shooting soccer matches. I would love to find a sponsoring newspaper or legit credible online website that covers soccer that would back me up with credentials to go to various games. I sort of did have the backing from my local paper a few years ago and that is how I was able to get to some US Women's National team games and the Womens World Cup in 2003. I would love to do more of that sort of thing. However my local paper will not sponsor me any longer so I do not have the ability to get credentialed. Nothing happened bad or anything to screw that up. The actual Sports Editor was cool with backing me up, but when it got to his boss, his was not ok with it. Nothing against me personally, just a general policy thing for that paper. Thankfully when I found that out, I had already got the credentials I needed so I still was able to go to the events, but after about 6 months when US Soccer went to update my credential, it was denied because my local paper would not back me up. So if you know any way short of working for a local paper to get that accomplished, let me know.
Last thing and I will close this out. If you have something specific you would like me to shoot for you, please contact me. Sports are my main interest. However I would be open to tackling other events as well. You should expect to pay me as I do not work for free. I would also be willing to do some photography in trade. For example, if you have something you can give me in return, I shoot the photos for you and you come and paint my house or whatever it may be. My email is steiny@rosenet.net
Have a great day.