We all started out with a light-weight tripod as our very first tripod. Most likely then after several uses, and budget allowing, you upgraded to a much sturdier tripod. If you've ever struggled with a light-weight tripod, you know exactly why. And then the occasion strikes where you realize at times you also need a really tall tripod. Then the options become fewer. It's that intersect between affordable, robust, easy to carry ... and really tall. Nothing else will suffice. For this kind of situation, I got the Robus RC-0888 carbon fiber Read more inside...
I had an interesting headshot photo session in the studio this afternoon. The brief from the company was oddly specific about which #Profoto light modifiers need to be used, and the power settings and angles and position, etc.
As it would happen, when they contacted me and sent over the brief, I was all, "Sure, I have all of that." Because, you know, I do.
I'm always keen on reverse engineering photos anyway, to figure out the lighting -- but in this case they made it easy with the diagrams and notations.
The company is Read more inside...
This video tutorial on timelapse photography covers a lot of ground, including the cameras and other gear I currently use. We cover an entire range of techniques you need to know to get started with time-lapse photography. Most importantly perhaps is the section on getting smooth motion in your timelapse videos. There's a specific formula or algorithm in getting timelapse footage that is smooth, and not jittery. It's all in the choice of Frame Interval.
This is covered thoroughly in the video, but it might help if it is written out where time can be Read more inside...
One of the limitations for me about the Sony A1 (Amazon / B&H), was that I couldn't select a smaller size RAW file than 50 megapixels ... until now. Sony changed that with the release of firmware 1.30 and now there are two further options than the 50 mpx full RAW file. You can now have Medium RAW (21 mpx) and Small RAW (12 mpx). There were immediate reports that the smaller RAW files, don't have as much leeway for recovering blown highlights. With this video, I wanted to get a clearer idea of what we are up Read more inside...
Finding a solution for poor low-light auto-focus with mirrorless cameras
As much as I love all the advantages mirrorless cameras offer, at this point there is still a serious flaw in my experience - the low-light autofocus response just isn't as solid as the top-end DSLRs. The autofocus capabilities of my Sony A1 (Amazon / B&H) as amazing as it is in proper light, just isn't a match for my Nikon D5 when it comes to low light levels with low contrast. As the current technology is, mirrorless cameras have a hard time seeing the AF-assist beam from an on-camera Read more inside...
Studio lighting ideas : learning from other photographers
One of the cool things about renting out my studio to other photographers, is that I get to see how they work, and what they do differently in terms of their lighting, and how they work with their subjects. During the past 2 days, I had Jason Buff in my studio where he presented his masterclass workshop on his style of portraits. Jason specializes in studio portraits with a painterly quality. He was kind enough to invite me to take a few photos as well. I didn't take the photograph much further in terms of his style of Read more inside...
Facebook -vs- your own website and online presence
I just had a 30-day ban handed to me for "human exploitation" because of this comment in a Facebook group where we were discussing workflow.
A friend got a 24-hr ban from Facebook because she mentioned the killer lasagna she made.
The lesson here for photographers and other business people -- do NOT rely on any Social Media platform as the only way to have your work seen. You HAVE to maintain your website.
The ban was reversed later the same day, but there is always a risk that your appeal will be disregarded on something Read more inside...
A photographer friend once told me that regarding my social media presence and my websites, it's not clear what I do as a photographer. I’m all over the show — portraits, weddings, headshots, corporate stuff, product photography, timelapse. He suggested that I specialize in a niche, and then make sure I stand out in that niche as the best. For example just do product photography, and be the best at products on white. Become even more specialized.
Sounds like solid advice on the surface. Yet, I love the seeming randomness of what I do. Read more inside...
Every so often I get asked whether I have switched systems, and whether I am shooting with Sony or Nikon. What complicates things even more for the casual visitor to the Tangents blog and my Instagram feed, is that I occasionally post photos taken with Canon and Fuji as well. So the answer to "what's in your camera bag", is slightly complicated ... and hopefully this video unravels some of that.
Even though I photograph events and weddings with a Sony-based system, I still have a substantial Nikon system. The Nikon cameras are primarily Read more inside...
As a treat, I booked 2 spots on a helicopter flight over New York with FlyNYON, for Sara and myself. We took the open-door / doors-off flight at sunset. It was as incredible an experience as I had hoped for. I have been fascinated for a while with the idea of seeing and photographing Manhattan from the air.
I took along my Sony A1 camera (B&H / Amazon), and the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM zoom lens (B&H / Amazon). I had debated taking a longer range zoom ... but in the end I wish I had brought along a Read more inside...
