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Category Archives: Glyn Ridgers
Murphys Law…for photography.
Here are some versions of Murphy’s laws which often relate to us, photographers. Feel free to add yours in the comment section below.
1. You are not Ansel Adams.
2. Neither are you Herb Ritts.
3. If a photo shoot goes too smoothly, then your computer’s hard drive is likely to crash.
4. Photo assistants are essential, they give photographers someone to yell at.
5. Weather never cooperates.
6. If it works in your home, it will fail on location.
7. The newest and least experienced photographer will usually win the Pulitzer.
8. The nature shots invariably happen on two occasions:
-when animals are ready
-when you’re not
9. Flash will fail as soon as you need it.
10. A camera is a magnet for dust, mud and moisture.
11. Photo experience is something you never get until just after you need it.
12. The lens that falls is always the most expensive.
13. When you drop a lens cap, the inside part always lands face down in the mud.
14. Bugs always want to land on the mirror during a lens swap.
15. Your batteries will always go dead or you will need to put in a new film canister at the least opportune moment.
16. Your batteries will always go dead during a long exposure.
17. Cameras are designed with a built-in sensor that senses the anticipation to develop the film. When the level of anticipation is the highest, this sensor causes the back to flip open exposing the film. (Takura Razemba)
18. Lenses are attracted to rocks.
Corollary:
The more expensive the lens, the greater the attraction.
19. The greater a photographer’s excitement, the greater the chance of fogging film, scratching prints, and deleting files.
20. The success of an assignment is inversely proportional to the product of its importance and the number of people watching.
21. Strobes only explode when lots of people are watching.
Corollary:
Strobes only work when there is nobody else to see. ( by Jason Antman)
22. You never really need a tripod when you’re actually carrying one. (by Marshmallow)
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!
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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:
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| Air Kit 17: YT9224/MH5310-665 | Air Kit 18: YT9354/MH5400-665 |
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| 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’
Please vote for my image…..Thanks
Hi Guys….really appreciate it if you could vote for my image here…just click on the link and if you like my image called Square Meal then vote away….
https://www.facebook.com/Theimagefile?sk=app_244041225639079&app_data=26946-575488
Many Thanks..
Glyn
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.
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
Get Paid More For Your Photography With Value Shifting
Get Paid More For Your Photography With Value Shifting
Do you have a hard time differentiating yourself from the price anchors of other mediocre photographers? Have you considered taking the Starbucks approach to your products? In this two part series by Spencer Lum, of the Ground Glass Blog, he takes you through the psychology and sales techniques to increase your sales. Check out part two below.
Price Anchors
Often times the biggest reason a photographer lost a job is because another photographer offered a much lower price. These are called price anchors and are a huge obstacle to overcome when booking a job. People will undoubtedly shop around for photography to get the best deal as we do in most situations. Inexperienced clients will treat photography as if it is a common commodity found at the local market. In these situations price seems to become the common denominator that wins bookings with clients and a leading reason why many photographers devalue their work. It it critical for you to have clear and concise reasons why you value your work at a higher price than Joe Schmo Photography down the street.
Probing
“Probing” is a term I always remember when selling anything. Open ended questions early in the conversation will give you ammo for later in the pitch. Probing questions like “have you ever hired a photographer before” and “do you have a clear idea of what you are looking for” and “have you shopped around for other photographers and if so what did you like or dislike about them?” These are all great questions to ask that get the client talking about what it is they are looking for and allow you to unearth any concerns they may have early in the conversation. If you don’t unearth these concerns, it’s likely they might not share them. When this happens, its likely they won’t make a decision on the spot and will keep shopping elsewhere.
Remember that if you are doing most of the talking in your sales pitch then you are most likely doing it wrong, no matter how great it is. Probe probe probe early in the conversation and then listen and encourage them to keep talking. You must then quickly address the concerns with a practical solution that meets their needs. This will alleviate any stress they have if you can offer solutions that address these concerns.
Increase Your Sales
In my experience, and explained very well in these videos by Spencer, it is critical to 1.) Educate your clients on the differences of what your products offer through value shifting, and 2.) Be upfront about the pricing from the beginning to get into the follow up questions more quickly to unearth any concerns. It’s important to address these concerns in order to offer alternative solutions that will meet their needs.
Remember that consumers are willing to pay a higher price for a superior product if you can differentiate your products and services with shifting the conversation to the value of your services and not just the price compared to other photographers. Changing the conversation from price to the value they are getting from having you shoot the wedding will help book clients who are on the fence. The value however, is up to you on what makes your products have more value than Joe Schmo down the road. Focus on value added services and not just awesome photos.
Also remember the example Spencer gives us about Starbucks and apply that mentality to the services that you offer that will differentiate yourself from the competition and elevate your brand to a luxury experience.
Merry Christmas from Glyn Ridgers Photography
Merry Christmas everyone and thank you for following my blog.
Hope you found the content of interest and I look forward to providing more photography related articles and news to keep you entertained in the new year.
Best wishes
Glyn
Good use of some old cameras….
A pretty cool use for all those old cameras we have lying around…
Upcycle your old and broken cameras into something useful? Here are 10 great examples for your inspiration.
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| Vintage Upcycled Camera Lamp Chandelier |
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| MITZY, the steampunk robot dog with an old camera eye |
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| Vintage folding Kodak camera recycled into a table lamp |
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| Recycled Kodak Brownie Camera Clock |
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| Vintage camera iPhone dock |
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| Recycled Camera Owl Lamp |
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| Flower pot camera and lenses |
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| Robot dog made from vintage Kodak Brownie camera, old jello molds, shoe horns and old bike light |
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| Vintage Kodak Jiffy Six-20 Series II Camera Lamp |
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| Brownie 5 Deluxe assemblage |
NIKON UNVEILS THE DF: A RETRO-STYLED HIGH-END D-SLR
Nikon today announces the Df, a new D-SLR dedicated to pure photography that boast looks inspired by Nikon’s iconic 35mm film cameras and technology from the latest professional models.
The Df expresses a passion for photography in both form and function. Sitting proudly in a class of its own, this retro-style camera paints a unique picture against the uniformity of modern-day D-SLRs. Equipped with the same image sensor as Nikon’s flagship D4, it offers uncompromised dynamic range and phenomenal light sensitivity: The Nikon Df is the lightest of Nikon’s current FX-format models, yet features the durable build and reliable operation that you’d expect from a high-end Nikon camera. Perfect for camera purists and design aficionados alike, the Nikon Df is set to capture the hearts and minds of photographers who are as passionate about their camera as they are about their art.
Hiro Sebata, Product Manager at Nikon UK, says: “The concept for this camera was based on the emotion of photography and will appeal to passionate photographers who enjoy pure photography and cherish their cameras, as well as their images, old and new.
“The stylish, classic design of the new Df reflects Nikon’s heritage, whilst its capability to produce flagship quality images allows photographers to focus on the creative aspect of photography. This new camera is in a class of its own; it’s an emotive product that will inspire you from the moment you pick it up.”
Pure photography
At the heart of the Df is the same 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 3 image processor found in Nikon’s professional flagship camera, the D4. Such a powerful combination of professional grade technology ensures the Df delivers superior image integrity under a broad range of lighting conditions. Photographs boast faithful, well-saturated colour and natural depth, even when shooting at the high end of the ISO range, which extends to a phenomenal ISO 204,800 (equivalent).
16.2-megapixel FX-format (full-frame) CMOS sensor: Thanks to an optimised balance between the size of the FX-format sensor (36.0×23.9 mm) and an effective pixel count of 16.2 million pixels, the Df delivers images with stunning depth and detail, low noise, and wide dynamic range.
Superb light sensitivity: With ISO 100–12,800, extendable up to 204,800(equivalent), the Df retains Nikon’s status as the sovereign of low-light shooting. Finely detailed images with minimal noise are possible even when you shoot under challenging lighting conditions.
EXPEED 3: From image processing to transfer, Nikon’s image-processing engine makes light work of data-rich tasks without sacrificing speed and quality. The 16-bit image processing offers optimal colour, perfect tonality, and minimised noise throughout the frame, delivering smooth gradations with abundant detail and tone all the way up the scale to pure white, even when shooting in JPEG. In addition, the powerful EXPEED 3 is fast, accurate, and exceptionally energy efficient, prolonging the camera’s ability to endure extended shooting.
Fast performance: Start-up time is approximately 0.14 s* and the shutter-release time lag is just 0.052 s* . High-speed continuous shooting is available at up to 5.5 fps in both FX and DX formats.
Iconic Nikon design: Tactile precision mechanics and flagship image quality
The Nikon Df may incorporate looks from Nikon’s iconic 35mm film SLRs, but it’s built to handle the demands of modern digital photographers. When you’re passionate about photography, you know that taking the picture is as rewarding as enjoying the final images, and the Df boasts the kind of rugged build and superior ergonomics that has made the Nikon name synonymous with durability and reliability. Crafted to respond perfectly to your command, this camera will delight the senses of any photographer who’s passionate about still images—and cameras.
Elegant mechanical dials: Comfort meets control with knurled mechanical dials that make operation simple and secure. The dials let you set ISO sensitivity, exposure compensation, exposure mode, and release mode independently, enabling you to access all parameters relevant to still photography without using the camera’s menu.
Full-frame portability: Experience the creative thrill of FX-format photography wherever you go, thanks to a compact body that weighs approximately 710 g without the battery. Built to withstand severe conditions, the camera features tough yet lightweight magnesium alloy top, bottom, and rear covers, and is weather-sealed to the same degree as Nikon’s D800 D-SLR for enhanced resistance to moisture and dust.
Durable shutter unit: The highly accurate shutter unit has been tested to 150,000 cycles, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/4,000 s and flash synchronization at up to 1/200 s.
Self-cleaning sensor unit: Reduces the accumulation of dust in front of the image sensor.
Energy-saving design: Achieves approximately 1,400 shots* (when using the EN-EL14a battery, in single-frame mode).
Classic details: The Df body comes in classic black, or silver with black highlights. The textured grip, mechanical dials, and flat top-panel hark back to Nikon’s iconic silver-halide film SLR cameras such as the F2 and F3, and the GUI boasts an original monotone colour.
Vintage glass: Compatible with non-AI lenses
Taking its dedication to pure photography a step further than any other D-SLR on the market today, the Df boasts a unique collapsible metering coupling lever that enables even vintage non-AI NIKKOR lenses to be attached directly to the camera. Nikon’s lenses are renowned the world over for their optical superiority, and NIKKOR celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. Photographers using the original F-mount NIKKOR lenses broke boundaries, and those same lenses remain well-loved by many today. But it’s never been possible to use them easily with a modern D-SLR, until now.
When shooting with a non-AI lens in A (Aperture Priority) or M (Manual) mode, the Df allows full-aperture metering—equivalent to that of AI lenses. Lens characteristics such as focal length and the widest aperture setting can be easily defined via simple camera settings, enabling the camera to recognize the aperture setting and calculate correct exposure.
Professional-quality still images
The Df’s wealth of cutting-edge image technology ensures still images of the highest possible integrity. Working alongside its formidable image sensor and processing engine, the camera’s highly sensitive AF system and 5.5 frames-per-second frame rate allow even the most unexpected photographic situations to be captured with outstanding precision. Meanwhile, advanced Spot White Balance metering and features such as the dual-axis electronic virtual horizon, high-performance optical viewfinder, and Live View shooting provide valuable freedom of composition.
Highly sensitive autofocus with Multi-CAM 4800 39-point AF system: Sensitive down to -1 EV, compatible with lenses up to f/8, and featuring four AF-area modes (including 3D tracking), the Df’s AF system delivers fast and precise coverage across the frame, even in difficult lighting conditions.
Spot White Balance metering: The Df enables highly accurate manual white balance settings by letting you quickly assign a Spot White Balance to the specific area of the frame you select during Live View shooting.
Scene Recognition System: The camera’s image sensor and its 2,016-pixel RGB sensor provide precise data to the Scene Recognition System, which optimises exposure, autofocus, and white balance immediately before the shutter is released, ensuring sharply defined images.
High-performance optical viewfinder: The glass pentaprism viewfinder offers approximately 100% frame coverage and 0.7x magnification, as well as a DX Crop Mode with viewfinder marking.
Large 8 cm (3.2-in.) 921k-dot LCD monitor with wide-viewing-angle and reinforced glass. Delivers bright, crisp image playback with a wide colour reproduction capacity.
Dual-axis electronic virtual horizon: Roll (horizontal inclination) and pitch (forward or rear inclination) information can be confirmed via the LCD monitor, and roll information via the viewfinder.
Live View: When shooting in Live View, optional assist gridlines for 1:1 or 16:9 image ratios help with composition, and the contrast-detect AF system boasts enhanced operability, accuracy, and speed. You can also confirm exposure simply by pressing the preview button when shooting in M (Manual) mode.
In-camera tools
No matter which kind of photography you focus on, the Df’s range of creative and practical features can accommodate both your preferred style of shooting and your creative vision.
Quiet Release Mode: Perfect for discreet photography, the sound of the camera’s mirror return mechanism is noticeably reduced during the burst.
Crop Modes: DX format and 5:4 ratio. The DX Crop Mode can be automatically enabled when a DX lens is attached.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) Mode: Shoots one overexposed and one underexposed frame in a single shutter release. The range can be widened by up to ±3 EV for different looks, full of saturation and tonal gradation, while the smoothness of the edge where the two exposures meet can be adjusted for a more natural appearance.
Active D-Lighting: Nikon’s Active D-Lighting automatically retains the details in both dark and bright areas for stunning images with natural contrast when shooting in high-contrast situations.
Retouch menus: Menus include options to correct red-eye and colour balance, as well as RAW processing and resize options. Filter effects include Skylight, Colour Intensifier and Cross Screen, in addition to Soft filter effects. Quick retouch options include distortion control, perspective control, straighten, and fisheye.
Picture Controls: Customise the look of your stills by fine-tuning parameters such as sharpness, saturation, and hue before capture.
Nikon system
As an FX-format camera, the Df is fully compatible with Nikon’s extensive range of NIKKOR lenses, and the camera comes packaged together with a special edition of Nikon’s popular AF-S 50mm f/1.8G NIKKOR lens. Now boasting a retro look-and-feel to complement the Df camera body, this lens is one of the most popular primes in the Nikon lineup, thanks to its compact, lightweight build and its fast f/1.8 maximum aperture.
In addition to NIKKOR lenses, Nikon’s vast array of photographic equipment and accessories can help you realize your ideas in countless ways. For photographers who want to get creative with light, Nikon’s industry-leading Creative Lighting System includes a range of versatile Speedlights that offer extensive opportunities for on-camera or wireless flash photography. For image transfer, the Nikon WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter enables photos to be transferred straight from the camera to a smart device; and support for remote shooting comes via Nikon’s WR-R10 Wireless Transceiver and WR-T10 Wireless Transmitter, which let you control key camera functions from a distance even if there are objects between yourself and the camera.
Optional accessories
Exclusive leather straps and cases are available in classic black and brown.
* Approximate measurements are based on CIPA guidelines.
Glyn Ridgers Photography 