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Category Archives: Gear
Amazing Giotto’s…revolutionising the tripod…with ‘AIR’
Giotto’s Unveils Entire Brand Re-launch – including revolutionary New Giotto’s ‘Air’ range which has to be seen to be believed!
Unveiled at the Photography Show this year: The BRAND NEW Giotto’s Air range of super lightweight and über compact travel tripods, together with updated products across the entire Giotto’s range.
So, prepare for take off with the all-new super light and compact Giotto’s Air!
Smashing the mold for camera tripods, the Giotto’s Air is set to raise the bar in the field of high quality travel tripods. The astonishingly compact design features Giotto’s unique Y-shaped centre column and is perfectly portable – all tripods in the range have 4 section legs, so that they pack down as small as possible, ideal for popping in your suitcase or even airline carry-on luggage. Three models also feature Giotto’s innovative 3D centre column for macro and low level photography.
With four kits in the new Giotto’s Air range, two aluminium models and two carbon fibre, the tripods come with a free tripod case and 5 year Premier warranty. Featuring collar leg locks for easy adjustment, and twin spirit levels to keep everything on the level, these new designs are set to revolutionize professional travel and tourist photographers expectations of portable lightweight tripods.
Air Kit 17: YT9224/MH5310-665 – SRP £180
- Aluminium
- 4 section legs, only 41 cm when folded down
- 135cm max height
- Supports up to 4kg of equipment
- Weighs just 1.2kg
- MH5310-665 Ball Head with Arca style plate
Air Kit 18: YT9354/MH5400-665 – SRP £234
- Aluminium
- 3D centre column
- 4 section legs, only 49 cm when folded down
- 150cm max height
- Supports up to 6kg of equipment
- Weighs just 1.5kg
- MH5400-665 B&S Head with Arca style plate, max load 6kg
Air Kit 19: YT8324/MH5310-665 – SRP £300
- Carbon Fibre material
- 3D centre column
- 4 section legs, only 46 cm when folded down
- 140cm max height
- Supports up to 4kg of equipment
- Weighs just 1.1kg
- MH5310-665 Ball Head with Arca style plate – max load 6kg
Air Kit 20: YT8354/MH5400-665 – SRP £334
- Carbon Fibre material
- 4 section legs, only 49 cm when folded down
- 150cm max height
- Supports up to 5kg of equipment
- Weighs just 1.2kg
- Detachable leg which doubles as monopod
- Built-in spiked feed for ultimate grip
- MH5400-665 B&S Head with Arca style plate, max load 6kg
All four Giotto’s Air models will be previewed at the show and will be available to try on the stand.
All change to Arca!
It’s all change on the Giotto’s heads too – with the entire Giotto’s product range now featuring the popular Arca style head & attachment plate. This will enable onward compatibility with other Arca style accessories including grips, plates, straps and quick release systems.
The Arca style system is recognised as the benchmark for fast interchangeable mounted systems.
The original Giotto’s tripod plates will still be available to purchase, for those who have invested in the previous design.
Giotto’s is on the case!
Yes, it’s true – EVERY new Giotto’s tripod kit now comes with a high quality case included in the price. Stylish and practical the Giotto’s case will keep your tripod safe and in tip-tip condition when stored away, or while on your travels.
Silk Road turns Silhouette!
There’s a name change for the award winning Giotto’s Silk Road series – now called Silhouette and featuring 12 brand new kits. The award winning Y-shaped centre column design continues to be one of the most popular in the range – including aluminium and carbon fibre models with a combination of weight capacities, 3-way heads & ball heads, a range of folding & packed heights and centre column options to suit every photographer.
The Award Winning Vitruvian just got even better!
The Giotto’s Vitruvian tripods remain a versatile compact alternative with the distinctive upside down space saving ‘stow’ design – and these too are now available in 4 kit combinations. They will also feature the new Arca style heads and plates for ultimate onward compatibility.
New for Nature Lovers!
And last, but certainly not least, there are two brand new Giotto’s Nature Kits – designed specifically to meet the needs of nature photographers and wildlife watchers.
With one aluminium option and one carbon fibre, these tripod and head kits come complete with a short column adaptor for low level or viewing of timid subjects, and spiked feet for ultimate grip.
Both feature the new Arca style 2-way heads, supporting up to 6kg of kit.
Priced at £200 (aluminium) and £300 for the carbon fibre options, more info will be available on these new kits later in 2014.
With over 20 kit options to choose from – please see the Giotto’s Range Overview document for an ‘at a glance’ reference guide on specifications and pricing.
For more information, please visit www.giottos-tripods.co.uk
Additional Images:
Air Kit 17: YT9224/MH5310-665 | Air Kit 18: YT9354/MH5400-665 |
Air Kit 19: YT8324/MH5310-665 | Air Kit 20: YT8354/MH5400-665 – With detachable leg which doubles as monopod |
Continue reading Amazing Giotto’s…revolutionising the tripod…with ‘AIR’
COLBERT MOCKS AMAZON’S OUTRAGEOUS STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY PATENT
5 Tips to Seriously Improve Your Food Photography Techniques
5 Tips to Seriously Improve Your Food Photography Techniques
Food photography is arguably one of the most challenging types of photography out there. Like painting, you start with a blank canvas and build. Layer upon layer, you construct the photo until you reach the perfect balance of reality and art.
Everything in the photo is a decision. Every piece is perfectly placed by the photographer.
Starting out is frustrating, I know. You’re the chef, stylist, and the photographer. Once you reach technical proficiency with the camera, what’s next? I have been, and in a lot of ways still am, in that position. So, how do you improve your food photography beyond the basics? You work on the story.
Whether it is an after-party from the perfect cocktail, or the homemade roasted chicken recipe on the farm, like all photography, you’re telling stories.
Some shoots are more complicated stories than others, and it may sound like a lot of work, but it’s really not. Here are five quick tips you can use to seriously improve your food photography and tell better stories.
#1 – CHOOSE YOUR ANGLE
There are really only a few camera angles in food photography that you see again and again, but you need to make the one you choose, a conscious decision. Where you place the camera will affect the type of story you’re trying to tell.
Think of the food beforehand. Its size, shape, height and what is unique about it. Then place the camera where you think best highlights these qualities. Some dishes look great when you shoot from right in front of the food, and others are best suited when the you are looking down from directly above the table. Take a look at the cupcakes below; their spiralled and delicate toppings really stand out when shot from in front, yet the viewer doesn’t even see the size or shape when photographed from above.
On the other hand, it’s difficult to see all the ingredients and beautiful shape of these salmon tacos when shot from the front, so the shot from above was definitely the way to tell this story.
#2 – SURROUND YOUR HERO
When shooting from the front of the food try to keep a great foreground and background to play with. Use these empty spaces to tell more of a story. Surround your main dish with ingredients and props that relate to the food. Ingredients, sauces, oils, and cooking utensils could indicate how the dish was made.
Tins, jars, herbs, glasses, fabrics and linens could speak about the origin of the dish or the season in which it is served. Placing a few of these in the foreground and background will definitely elevate your story and give it depth.
#3 – NATURAL IS BEST MODIFIED
Light is king, and acquiring a few tools to help you control it will bring your food photography up to the next level. Poor use of light will ruin your story and immediately turn off your audience. So making sure light doesn’t distract will help out your food photos big time.
Placing a diffusor between the window and your table is first on the list. When working with direct sunlight, a diffusor (or even a thin white bed sheet) will greatly improve the quality of light. Softening those hard, dark shadows and bright highlights caused by direct sun light.
Next up are white and black cards. You can make these yourself using foam core boards, bought at any craft store. Size them to fit your needs, using white cards to bounce light into shadow areas, revealing important details, or black cards to make shadows stronger for more contrast.
Here is a little secret, when working with natural light. I call it, blocking (sometimes also called “gobos”). Sometimes that pesky natural light will fall on your background or props, causing them to be as bright or even brighter than your subject.
Since the viewer will always look at the brightest spot in your photo first, if it’s not your subject, it can harm your story. You can use your black cards to block light from hitting areas that will compete with your subject. This is also a very important technique for creating darker, low-key styled images.
#4 – OUR OLD FRIENDS LINES AND LAYERS
With all these props and ingredients in the frame, how will we ever get the audience to look at our subject? Well, bring on the trusty techniques of composing with lines and layers. You can use props or ingredients to create lines and layered effects in your images. This is a compositional technique used by photographers to lead their audience’s eyes to the main subject.
You can use various props to create lines. Like this spoon, which forms a nice line, directing the viewer straight to the bowl of baked peaches and ice cream.
Since shooting from above always gets you more graphic images, there are plenty of chances to create some great lines here as well. Some could be quite literal like this cutlery leading to the round of Brie – or more abstract, like how the knife and pomegranate seeds create lines, framing our subject.
Composing images with layers is always a winner. This Brie, shot from the front, is set in the middle of various props and two large out of focus areas. This creates a layered effect, sending your eyes straight to the star.
#5 – HOLD THE COLOUR
This is my personal favorite. I love hunting for props, backgrounds and tableware to put in my images. This little tip was also the first big mistake I was making when I was starting out. It’s great to have props that are colorful, but if you’re not careful that colorful prop can easily upstage your food, and grab all the attention.
When placing items into your food images, try selecting neutral tones, something that makes the food really pop against it. Selecting a neutral background like this black metal tray and baking paper, amplifies the bright red strawberries and rhubarb inside these Crostatas, making them really steal the show.
Herbert George Ponting…. Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition photographer
Remembering expedition photographer Herbert George Ponting
Grotto in an iceberg, photographed during the British Antarctic Expedition of 1911-1913, 5 Jan 1911. Photographer: Herbert Ponting. Silver gelatin print. Photographic Archive, Alexander Turnbull Library. |
Dog Chris, listening to the gramophone, during the British Antarctic (“Terra Nova”) Expedition of 1910-1913. Photograph taken by Herbert Ponting, circa January 1911. |
Herbert Ponting showing slides during his lecture on Japan, during the British Antarctic (“Terra Nova”) Expedition of 1910-13. Photograph taken by Herbert Ponting on the 16th of October, 1911. |
Dr Edward Atkinson in his lab, photographed September 15th, 1911 by Herbert George Ponting during the British Antarctic (“Terra Nova”) Expedition (1910-1913). Shows him standing by a table of items, including a microscope, holding a test tube. |
Thomas Clissold the cook making bread during the British Antarctic Expedition of 1911-1913. Shows him in a kitchen surrounded by equipment and supplies. He wears hat and apron and is kneading dough on a table. Griffiths McAllister & Co containers of bacon rations, beed marrowfat, cod roes, ground cinnamon, celery seed, sago, and washing soda, are visible in the foreground. Photograph taken on the 26th of March 1911 by Herbert George Ponting. |
Sky effect (midnight sun), penguins at ice-edge. Taken by Herbert George Ponting on 13 January 1911 during the British Antarctic (“Terra Nova”) Expedition (1910-1913). |
The ship Terra Nova arriving at the Bay of Whales in 1910, to find the Norwegian expedition. (Caption from `The South Pole Ponies’ by Theodore K Mason, 1979, page 133). Photographed from `Fram’, the ship of Amundsen, by an unidentified photographer. |
The Leica C……..Stylish design outside…serious tech inside.
COMPACT AND VERSATILE
Despite its extremely compact form, the trendy Leica C features an excellent zoom lens, which offers almost unlimited opportunities for creative expression, even in low light. At the same time, the 7x zoom is outstanding for capturing intimate portraits, expansive interiors, and fascinating landscapes.
SUPERIOR PICTURES
The Leica C has an unusually large sensor for a pocket-sized camera, guaranteeing wonderfully sharp pictures with outstanding contrast. In combination with precise optics, the imaging quality delivered is truly exceptional. With an extremely fast autofocus and burst rate of up to ten frames per second in continuous shooting mode, the Leica C captures even the tiniest details.
ELEGANT DESIGN
Both colour options for the Leica C, light gold and dark red, showcase the simple elegance and formal clarity of the slim and stylish Leica C in equal measure. A must-have for every occasion, it lies sleekly and lightly in the hand, embodying the very essence of sophisticated lifestyle.
INTEGRATED WI-FI
Introducing the first Leica to feature an integrated Wi-Fi/NFC (Near Field Communication) module. Still pictures and videos can be transferred to smartphones and tablet PCs via WLAN without any cables. Simply download the free “Leica C Image Shuttle” app, install it on a compatible iOS or Android device and set up the WLAN link. What’s more, WLAN and the app enable easy remote control of the Leica C from a smartphone or tablet!
FULL-HD VIDEO
The Leica C records video with fantastic resolution of even the finest details in full-HD quality. A large monitor screen, an electronic viewfinder and a selection of creative modes offers numerous options for the realization of creative ideas – keeping the photographer in complete control.
PROFESSIONAL IMAGE PROCESSING
The Leica C is supplied with the professional still picture and video processing software, Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 5, offering exceptional creative freedom in image manipulation. It optimally ‘develops’ the RAW image files from the sensor of the Leica C in the best possible quality. All parameters can be refined in post-processing.
STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL ACCESSORIES
The innovative and elegant accessories collection – created especially for the Leica C – includes bags and cases, the C-Snap, and hand straps. Made of the finest materials, each item is a uniquely eye-catching fashion statement in itself, designed with fashion aficionados in mind.
Polaroid: 67 Years of Instant Photography
Polaroid: 67 Years of Instant Photography
Polaroid Land Camera Model 95. Photo: Eugene Ilchenko |
Hasselblad and EIZO collaborate to equip imaging software with monitor self-calibrating capability
As part of a technical collaboration begun in 2013, Hasselblad has integrated the software development kit (SDK) for EIZO’s ColorEdge monitors into Phocus 2.8, the latest version of Hasselblad’s imaging software.
Phocus 2.8 activates the built-in calibration sensor housed inside select ColorEdge monitors. This allows photographers using Hasselblad cameras and ColorEdge monitors to view and edit photos as well as calibrate their monitors with just one piece of software and no external calibration device.
“We are delighted that Hasselblad is utilizing the self-calibration capability of our ColorEdge monitors and that together, we are able to give photographers a simplified workflow from shoot to digital display,” said Lucas Zastrow, Product Manager, Display Solutions. “Providing our own SDK assists manufacturers like Hasselblad to blend their software’s functionality seamlessly with our monitors, enabling our customers to work more easily and smarter.”
Ove Bengtson, Hasselblad Product Manager said: “At Hasselblad, we are constantly driven to further develop and fine tune not only our high-end camera systems but also our imaging software, Phocus, to provide professional photographers with the best possible tools for a well thought out, intuitive, fast and integrated workflow. The successful collaboration with EIZO enables Phocus users, with just a few clicks, to calibrate their ColorEdge monitor conveniently within the Phocus software itself, ensuring that the viewing experience lives up to the outstanding colour accuracy of Hasselblad RAW files.”
Photographers are invited to see this new feature in action on the Hasselblad booth (G-11) and the EIZO booth (G-10) at the CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show at Pacifico Yokohama, Japan, from February 13-16.
To find out more about Phocus and to download the software for free, please visit:www.hasselblad.com/products/phocus
About Hasselblad
Founded in 1941 in Gothenburg, Sweden, Hasselblad has been the leading manufacturer and partner for photographers working in the medium format environment for over half a century, consistently providing the highest level of quality and innovation. The extraordinary quality of the company’s products became famous in 1962 when Hasselblad cameras were selected for NASA space missions. Positive associations with Hasselblad’s past serve as the foundation for the company’s modern and energised brand.
In 2012, Hasselblad launched the Lunar – a state-of-the-art mirrorless interchangeable lens camera and a hybrid of Italian design and Swedish pedigree. Followed by the unveiling of the Hasselblad Stellar and the Hasselblad HV, this ushered the beginning of the company’s move to offer all fans of the iconic Hasselblad brand the chance to own one of their cameras.
The H Camera System with its professional lens family and unique advancements is the most comprehensive digital camera system of its kind available today. Hasselblad recently launched the first fully integrated medium format camera system incorporating the latest in CMOS sensor technology – the H5D-50c. The camera will be shown for the first time at the CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show in Japan.
About EIZO
Founded in 1968, EIZO Corporation is a leading global manufacturer of high-end visual display products. The image quality, long-term reliability, and innovative features of EIZO monitors make them the products of choice in many financial trading rooms, back offices, hospitals, air traffic control centers, and design studios throughout the world. EIZO is based in Japan and listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. It is represented in over sixty countries by a network of group companies and exclusive distributors.
Canon supports the next generation of filmmakers at Berlinale Talents 2014
Canon supports the next generation of filmmakers at Berlinale Talents 2014
London, UK, – Canon is continuing its support for budding filmmakers with the second year of its partnership with Berlinale Talents – a creative networking event for emerging film industry talent that is part of the Berlin International Film Festival. As Principal Partner of Berlinale Talents, Canon will present a number of master classes for over 300 promising talents in the film industry, featuring world-class workshops with cinematographers and the latest Canon equipment.
Berlinale Talents 2014.jpg
The main venue of Berlinale Talents – HAU Hebbel am Ufer (HAU1)
© Berlinale 2013, photo Peter Himsel
Taking place from February 8th-13th 2014, a series of workshops presented in partnership with Canon will offer filmmakers and industry professionals invaluable hints and tips that will help them tell their own stories. The workshops – entitled ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’ – will also provide insight into the latest developments in camera technology, with hands-on demonstrations that show how Canon products can assist production. Speakers involved in the workshops this year include distinguished cinematographers Franz Lustig (How I Live Now), Stefan Ciupek (Slumdog Millionaire), and Christopher Doyle (In The Mood For Love).
Canon will also be supporting various master classes which will see renowned Directors of Photography, including Agnès Godard, talk about their experiences and discuss how camera techniques can enhance filmmaking. The ‘Post-Production Studio’, created by Berlinale Talents collaboratively with Canon, will focus on digital workflows, from shooting and editing to colour correction and mastering for the final stages of production. Selected participants will have the opportunity to get hands on with Canon’s latest equipment, including the EOS C300, EOS C500 and EOS 5D Mark III.
For the first time, Canon will also commission a selection of short films from the Talents, to be shot on Canon’s products. The short films will be showcased by Canon, both at industry events throughout Europe and on the Canon Professional Network.
Canon will in addition support a joint initiative between Berlinale Talents and the European Film Market (EFM), which offers filmmakers further insight into the workings of the EFM, as well as allowing them to present themselves to industry professionals and build their individual networks.
“Technology and creativity is only one part of the film-making process, without a suitable network of contacts the task of getting a movie made becomes much harder,” said Kieran Magee, Director of Professional Imaging, Canon Europe. “Berlinale Talents helps filmmakers through every aspect of the process, we are pleased to support this innovative programme.”
As well as a full programme of workshops, acclaimed portrait photographer and Canon Explorer Joerg Kyas will use Canon equipment in his studio set-up to create portraits of each of the 300 Berlinale Talents 2014 participants. Canon equipment will also be used throughout the event to produce promotional reels and trailers.
Berlinale Talents runs over six days during the Berlin International Film Festival, from 8th-13th February, 2014. Eligible attendees include emerging film professionals in the first 10 years of their career, spanning all areas of the industry, including actors, cinematographers, directors, editors, producers, production designers, screen writers, distributors, sound designers and composers.
Victor photography book by Hasselblad…
The eagerly awaited Edition Three of Hasselblad’s much lauded VICTOR Photography Book is available this week and the accent is now even more firmly on the outstanding images that are being showcased.
Following its relaunch back in September 2012, Hasselblad’s book format publication VICTOR has gained plaudits from every quarter, due to its supremely high production values and the quality of the photographers who have been included. Issue Two continued the good work and further established the look, and now Issue Three is again going to be something special.
While the format remains the same this time round the mix of text and images has changed a little, with even more emphasis now being placed on the visuals and the scale at which pictures have been used. Otherwise the values that have quickly established VICTOR as a ‘must buy’ publication remain: exquisitely printed and hard bound, it’s more of a luxury book than a magazine, and the words, as before, are translated into a variety of languages, and so it’s accessible to everyone.
As with the previous two editions the line-up of photographers being featured is awesome: David Lynch, Matthias Koslik, Andy Rudak, Bernhard Edmaier, Alisha Goldstein, Laurent Segretier, Timothy Hogan, Derek Kendall, Klaus Thymann, John Robert Rowland, Morgan Fisher and Brad Harris. “We’re delighted to have pulled together such a celebrated line up of names,” says Paul Waterworth, Hasselblad’s Global Photographer Relations Manager. “It’s a tribute to how well respected the publication is that so many great photographers are prepared to contribute.”
While the overall look and feel of the publication is the same, and the price remains at a hugely competitive €20/GBP15/US$25 plus shipping costs, there has been a change in the way the magazine is distributed. Customers can still order VICTOR online at http://www.newsstand.co.uk to be shipped all over the world, but now all Hasselblad subsidiaries (UK, Germany, US, France and Japan) are also offering to supply the magazine directly.
More news and information about VICTOR magazine can be found online at
www.victorbyhasselblad.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VICTORbyHasselblad