Think Tank Retrospective - A Special offer
Think Tank Photo just announced a limited special offer. Between now and February 6, 2014, when you purchase a Retrospective® Laptop Case or a Retrospective® Camera/Laptop Bag you will receive for free your choice of a PowerHouse Air or a PowerHouse Pro clear organizer.The Retrospectives combine classic design with room for modern camera gear to create the perfect shooter’s bag. These lightweight shoulder bags come in three fabrics that offer a sense a style that matches your shooting needs.These customizable clear cases fit power adapters, plus AC cable, pens, small cables, USB drives and other small items. Easily configure the dividers to suit your needs and stay organized. Secure each item in its own dedicated space for easy access. Keep chargers organized with divided space for the power adapter and the cable inside a clear zippered pocket. Zippered organizer pockets on the back of the case hold small adapters and cables.Click on the banner below to order.
Nikon's Flagship D-SLR to be Shown at 2014 CES Today
Press Release:
MELVILLE, N.Y. – Nikon Corporation is preparing for the release of its next-generation flagship model, and has announced the development of the Nikon D4S HD-SLR. The camera will be on display, before its official release, at the Nikon booth (#14916, Central Hall) at the 2014 International CES show from January 7-10, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As Nikon's new flagship model, the D4S will offer advances over the Nikon D4 HD-SLR camera, including enhanced image quality enabled with adoption of a new image-processing engine. The new HD-SLR will also feature more advanced autofocusing performance, further solidifying it as the choice for professional sports, nature and event photographers as well as photojournalists.
The D4S represents a concentration of Nikon's advanced camera development technologies and legacy as a leader in imaging. The D4S will further expand the possibilities for professional photographers who demand the best possible performance and image quality in challenging environments. The Nikon D4S will build upon the success of the acclaimed Nikon D4, a camera highly regarded for its speed, unrivaled low-light ability and amazing image quality that made it the choice of professionals and advanced amateurs around the world.
Further details regarding the Nikon D4S, including announcement date, availability and suggested retail price will be announced at a later date.
When Plagiarism Hits Home
During most of my 1 day workshops and seminars, I am often asked for a copy of my slides or a set of notes. On occasion I have had attendees use their smart phones and iPads to capture images of each slide. On a few occasions, I have had someone discreetly record my entire presentation. I have never said any thing. I have had one known occasion where what I presented was used by someone else as their own work.I am always torn between whether to give a copy or not. This is a difficult situation. A lot of work goes into putting together a workshop, the research, the content, the hands-on, and even the notes. For someone to take and use the very same for personal gain is unethical and this has come to light in a few recent cases. Two well known photographers who were well respected in the photographic community were found plagiarizing and as a result have had to pull out from the next WPPI.Now, a recent case has emerged where a photographer/videographer attended a workshop and subsequently used pretty much the same material, the same verbiage, the same examples and the same references to do his workshop on Creative Live. This is like saying, not only did I steal but let me show the community what I stole.More on this at https://www.slrlounge.com/stolen-workshop-unfortunate-common-trendTheft in the photographic world is not new. Copyright infringement is not new. What is so disturbing is that the very photographers who are trying to protect their own copyright have shown little regard or respect for a fellow photographer's or a fellow artist's work.Frederick van Johnson discussed this on the most recent episode of This Week in Photography entitled Theft vs. Creative Inspiration - TWiP 341. Of significance are: what , when and how you should give credit if you use someone else's work.Can you as photographer condone this?Your thoughts and comments would be most appreciated. Use the comments section on this post so that all my all Facebook, Google, Twitter readers and other social media followers can read your posts.
Cold Weather Photography Tips
With temperatures in New England and other parts of the world, down in the single digits and below I thought it would be a good idea to provide some cold weather photography tips.
There are three key items to keep in mind:
- Going from warm into the cold
- Photographing in the cold
- Coming back in from the cold
Going from Warm into the Cold
Going out into the cold has minimum issues with your camera equipment but is a problem for you if you are not dressed appropriately. Layers of warm clothing are preferred rather than one inner and a thick outer layer. Good boots, hats, scarves and touch sensitive gloves or flip out photographer’s mittens are a must. Use chemical warmers in your boots and gloves to keep your extremities warm. Unless it is snowing, your camera and lenses need little additional protection. They will survive the cold once they come down to temperature. This is one time you do not need to worry about condensation - cold air carries minimum moisture. Carry carbon fibre tripods as they do not get as cold as the aluminum ones. Cover the upper legs with leg covers that can be purchased from any camera store. You can also tape hot-water pipe insulation that you can buy at you local hardware or plumbing supply store.
Photographing in the Cold
So now you are out and your equipment is freezing as are you. Keep your camera inside your over garment - keep it warm as in extreme conditions you can end up with a frozen shutter (it is the lubricant that tends to freeze). You will soon realize that your camera’s battery has depleted and the camera stops working. Always bring a few spare batteries with you. Carry them in an inner pocket so your body will keep them warm. Swap out the depleted battery with a fully charged warm one and you are ready to shoot again. Cycle through your spares. The first battery you thought was dead will recover a decent charge when it warms up so you can repeat the process a few times.
Take your camera out from under your clothing when you are ready to shoot. Do not breathe on your camera, particularly the viewfinder. The moisture in your breath will condense on the eye pice and cause a loss of visibility and lost photo opportunities. If it is snowing heavily, use protective waterproof devices to protect your camera and lens. You can use plastic bags in a pinch. Always carry a lens brush so you can brush of any snow from the front element of your lens. It is good to periodically check for snowflakes. If the lens was warm and some snow starts melting then use a dry lint free cloth to wipe off the moisture.
Coming back from the Cold
With your photography done it time to come back indoors or to the warmth of your car. Stop! The equipment is cold the indoor air is warm and moist - CONDENSATION is ready to play havoc with the camera and lens. What is worse, the humid air will penetrate all openings within your camera and lens. This condensation can be really detrimental to the electronics and mechanical components of your gear. Even if you own weatherproofed professional equipment you should still take precautions.
What you need to do is to let all this cold equipment warm up slowly while it is placed inside an air tight enclosure. Large Ziploc® or similar bags are ideal. If you do not have any of these bags you can place your equipment in your camera bag that can be zippered shut. Messenger style bags are not suitable. Put the equipment in the bag before you bring it into a warm area. Now any moisture will condense on the bag, not inside and no moisture will condense on your equipment.
Hopefully these pointers will help you and give you the opportunity for some great cold weather photography.
2014 - 1st Quarter One-Day Workshops
Here is the schedule for the first Quarter of 2014. Please use this REGISTRATION link for details about each workshop and to register.REMEMBER ALL ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS INCLUDE A PIZZA LUNCHJanuary 11 - Product Photography and Lighting TechniquesJanuary 12 – Food Photography and Lighting TechniquesJanuary 18 – Lighting for PortraitureJanuary 19 – Timelapse Photography, post processing and video assemblyJanuary 25 - Macro CloseupJanuary 26 – The Digital Darkroom – a course that covers capture to process and enhancement to output to print and web media. A one day program for digital image making workflowFebruary 1 – Flower Photography, Textures, Blending and moreFebruary 2 – Lightroom 5February 8 – HDR – done right using Photoshop, Photomatics, NiK HDR Efex 2, EnfuseFebruary 9 - Macro CloseupFebruary 22 – Timelapse Photography, post processing and video assemblyFebruary 23 - Photography Basics 1 day Class March 1 – Flash PhotographyMarch 2 – Lightroom 5If you have any questions or would like more information please call 617-759-0010 or email sv @ shivverma.com (please remove the spaces)
To All A Very Happy New Year
How many resolutions have you kept, and if so ......Another year is done and the New Year will be upon us in a few hours. Oh yes, some of you are making resolutions and some are making commitments - all good intentions, but how many do you keep, and if you do, for how long?If you are, or want to be a photographer, here is a list of 10 “DO’s” worth committing to:
- Learn to be deliberate with each image.
- Don’t shoot the same frame unless you make a change
- Learn and pay attention to composition
- Learn and pay attention to exposure (expose to the right)
- Respect your subject - always
- Don’t get enamored with new equipment - unless you have mastered what is in your bag
- Make images don’t just take images
- Look behind you - there is another image, possibly even better
- Be aware of photographer’s etiquette (it is common sense)
- Learn something every single day (it may not be new)
To my readers, those who have attended my workshops, classes and al my friends, I give a heartfelt thanks for 2013! I look forward to another exciting year with you in 2014. To all A Very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
My Decision for the Creative Cloud
Given the fact that most of my plug-ins work with Lightroom and independently as stand-alone applications I will stay with my licensed copy of Photoshop CS6 and Lightroom 5. As long as Adobe continues to create RAW converters for Lightroom there is no need to have ACR updates for Photoshop. I use NiK, OnOne and Topaz as my primary Plug-Ins and I feel the current version Photoshop is sufficient for my editing needs.If what whatever reason Adobe moves Lightroom to the cloud and makes that the only option my choices are as follows: its choice - Capture One for RAW and edits, 2nd - DxO for RAW conversion and corrections, and finally Aperture. Yes this will be a learning curve, but I am willing to accept that as the option.There are 2 days left with the $9.99 pricing offer so make your decision wisely - I have made mine.
A Special Discount for LRTimelapse 3
LRTimelapse 3 is one of the best time-lapse assembly software products available and works seamlessly with Photoshop Lightroom 5.For the remainder of 2013 and January 1, 2014 you can license or upgrade to any version of LRTimelapse for a 15% discount. This applies to upgrades and cross-grades too.A brief explanation of the options:
- If you still don't have any License, you can choose LRTimelapse 3 private and LRTimelapse 3 Pro. You can read about the differences here.
- If you have a LRT2 private license, you can get a discounted upgrade to LRT3 private or a discounted crossgrade to LRT3 Pro. For the latter, you will then save the cost of the update to version 3.
- If you have a license for LRT2 Pro (commercial), you will require the update to LRT3 Pro.
- If you already have upgraded to LRT3 private, you can crossgrade to Pro, if you need the advanced features.
Click Here and use the discount coupon code: XMAS2013LRT
Rode Video Mic Pro - Compact Shotgun Microphone
I got a Rode Video Mic Pro - Compact Shotgun Microphone for Christmas as a gift and put it through its paces. First impressions after two days of use - it is an exceptional, well built, mono video microphone that has a fantastic super cardioid condenser. Rode microphones are designed and made in Australia. The Video Mic Pro is easy to mount on any DSLR hot-shoe and with its built in 3/8 inch socket can be mounted on booms and stands with ease.
Specifications as provided by Rode
| Frequency Range | 40Hz - 20kHz |
| Output Impedance | 200Ω |
| Maximum SPL | 134dB SPL (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load) |
| Maximum Output Level | 6.9dBu (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load) |
| Sensitivity | -38.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (12.60mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 74dB |
| Equivalent Noise Level (A-weighted) | 20dB-A |
| Weight | 85.00gm |
| Dimensions | 95.00mmH x 43.00mmW x 150.00mmD |
I was a bit surprised with the short length of the cable that connects the mic to the 3.5 mm socket in camera. However, it is long enough for all DSLR’s when the mic is mounted on the hot shoe. Extension cables are a quick fix when you want the microphone connected to an external recorder or when mounted on a boom pole. The mono output is paralleled to both left and right channels. The unit is powered by a 9V battery housed in the microphone frame. I found the battery door to be a bit clumsy in its construction and the ease of opening and closing the compartment door is not easy. The battery life is stated at 70 hours, which is more than sufficient for any field work.
The unit is mounted within a cradle with four shock/vibration control elastic bands. A second set of these bands is included in the packaging. There is sufficient clearance between the cradle and the mic so the likelihood of any bumps and interference during normal use.
The rear of the microphone has two three-position slider switches. The upper switch positions are power Off, Mic On (flat response) and Mic On HPF (High Pass Filter set at 80Hz). The second switch is a three-position attenuation control. -10dB, 0 and +20dB. Above these switches is a LED that flashes red on power on and then turns to green. When the battery is low the LED will turn to a solid red.The high Pass Filter is excellent at filtering room noise, environmental hum, and other low frequency ambient noise. Wind and pops are well handled by the foam encasing on the super cardioid. The microphone’s attenuation control functions exceptional well. In loud environments, street scenes with a lot of traffic noise the -10db and 0 db settings are ideal. However in low sound level situations the +20db has the right amount of boost with absolutely no deterioration of sound quality. The directional pattern is excellent and the mic eliminates side and read sounds very well.
The +20db setting was not required when the microphone was connected to and external recorder. Using 0db set on the mic and attenuating the signal on the recorder yielded the best results.The microphone is well packaged comes with a quick start guide However the manual must be downloaded from the website. The warranty is 1 year that will be extended to a 10 year warranty once you register. You must register your product on the Rode web site at www/rodemic.com.In conclusion, this is an excellent light-weight professional shotgun mice that I have no hesitation recommending for any DSLR videographer.You can get this mic at The Camera Company - click here and at Hunts Photo - click here
A Podcast for all Photographers -TWiP
I don't remember when it was that I started listening to TWiP but it was a long time ago some time in 2008 when Scott Bourne was the host - TWiP 1 or were the podcasts even numbered then - it does not matter. If you want to know about the what, where, and when of photography, subscribe to TWiP. A weekly podcast hosted by the awesome Frederick Van Johnson and two or more co-hosts. You can watch the video on http://www.thisweekinphoto.com or subscribe to the audio only podcast on iTunes - TWiP. It is the most popular photography podcast listed on iTunes and has never been out of the top 100 Tech Podcast list and has been as high as number seven on the overall list, a mere six spots behind Oprah - WOW! The show has more than 200,000 listeners every month more than one million page views each month.Fore some shameless self promotion - I was interviewed by Frederick for episode #339 - click here to check it out.A plug for Frederick - If you have a marketing question or need some education regarding marketing for your business you must check out www.mediabytes.com - a web site that Frederick started that has easily digestible bite sized education for all photographers.
Check out these two awesome products - Sanapheal Pro and Intensify Pro (MAC Only)
Introducing two incredible and irresistible plug-ins that will amaze you.
Snapheal PRO is the ideal tool for an uncomplicated way to quickly improve photos.
Snapheal is a standalone application. Snapheal Pro can be used as both standalone and plug-in to Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and Lightroom as well as Apple Aperture.
Intensify Pro to create images with unprecedented drama and detail. Precise control of contrast, structure, detail and sharpening across different tonal ranges delivers high quality results every time.
Special algorithms to prevent image artifacts, image layer stacking with opacity control, dozens of professionally created presets, adjustment brushes, RAW image support, vignettes and the ability to run as a standalone or as a plug-in for popular host applications.See more about these fabulous products on the Macphun web at http://www.macphun.comClick here to order Snapheal ProClick here to order Intensify ProChick here to order the Creative Kit: Intensify Pro + Snapheal Pro
Frederick Van Johnson of TWIP interviews me
So honored to have been interviewed by Frederick Van Johnson on Episode 339 of TWiP. If you have not subscribed to TWiP you must - it is one of the best Podcasts for photographers bar none.Click Here for a link to the podcastTWiP is available from iTunes as well as http://www.thisweekinphoto.com[video type="youtube" id="TEJ1XpaMbI0" width="400"]Default Message[/video]
Bosque - Day 2
As a nature photographer one should not go to a location with preset expectations. The temperatures were conducive for bird silhouettes in a "Fire and Ice" display. Did not happen.....yet again.
On the exit route from the reserve a flock of Gambel's Quails scurried across.
We more than made up for this disappointment by discovering an amazing place to photograph the Sandhill Cranes at close distance.
Late evening at the flight deck was productive.
Already looking forward to "Bosque and More" 2014. Working on making some additional modifications to workshop educational/training locations. Will be posting the workshop dates next week.
Bosque de Apache - Day 1
Day 1 - We arrived mid afternoon to predicted weather. After checking in to the hotel we drove out to the refuge to check out the activity. The skies were overcast and it had been raining, torrential at times but this turned out to be serendipitous. The sun peaked out for a few and then there was this double rainbow across the horizon. The lack of detail did not bother one as the contrast was accentuated.I am so glad to be having this workshop a few weeks later than usual this year. No jostling for space to set up tripods and get a decent spot. The typical hoards of photographers competing with their workshop leaders to get a good image are all gone. The ones that are here seem to have respect for each other and maintain photographer's etiquette, so different for years past. There are a thousands of sandhill cranes and 10's of thousands of Light Geese making it difficult to isolate.Late evening after dinner we photographed the old church in Socorro.
Bosque, White Sands and Carlsbad Workshop starts tomorrow
All packed and ready to fly to Bosque del Apache early morning tomorrow. We will spend the first few days in the Bosque and the drive to White Sands National Monument from where we will take a day trip to Carlsbad Caverns. A few more days in the Bosque before returning on the 19th.
DxO releases new versions and is having a deeply discounted sale
DxO Labs has released updated version of their software - OpticsPro Version 9.1, FilmPack Version 4.5and 2.1.1 ViewPoint Version 2.1.1In addition there is a big discount on their software licenses, OpticsPro is down from $169 to $99. FilmPack and ViewPoint are down from $79 to $49 each.Click here for more information and to license the software. These prices are good through December 25, 2013
Is Photojournalism only about tragedy?
Time has just released its top 10 images of 2013 - there is only one that is not 100% tragic. Yes there is a lot of tragedy in our world, but there are truly joyous moments too. Show some joy, show some positives - after all it is the season, is it not?Time's top 10
2013 Remaining Workshops
There are a few spots available for the following:December 7, 2013 - Photography Basics 1 day Class December 8, 2013 - Time-Lapse WorkshopDecember 21, 2013 - Lighting WorkshopDecember 22, 2013 - Macro CloseupClick here for more info.Also checkout Iceland 2 and the India Tigers and More Workshops and Photo Tours. Click here.
