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Canon today celebrates the 10th anniversary of its iconic EOS 5D series. Originally launched in September 2005, the EOS 5D transformed the DSLR market being the first advanced amateur DSLR to incorporate a full frame CMOS sensor (35.8 x 23.9 mm). Available at a competitive price, the camera enabled enthusiast photographers to utilise the camera’s impressive image quality and creative photographic tools that traditionally had been unique to professional DSLRs with 35mm sensors, contributing to the widespread adoption and success of the full frame sensor cameras. |
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In March 2012, Canon introduced the EOS 5D Mark III, which boasted significant improvements over its predecessors still and video capabilities, as well as enhanced AF precision and a faster maximum continuous shooting speed. Since its launch, the EOS 5D Mark III has garnered high acclaim in the market and, as one of the company’s flagship DSLRs, has come to serve as a driving force for the continued innovation of the EOS series. Most recently, in February 2015, Canon launched the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R – transforming the EOS system, with a new breed of ultra-high resolution full-frame DSLRs. Breaking the boundaries of 35mm sensors, the new cameras offer the highest megapixels ever seen in a full frame sensor, an astonishing 50.6 MP. Through the in-house production of all key parts for its EOS series digital cameras, Canon has created a highly robust line-up. Each and every model within the series, including EOS 5D models, is equipped to deliver the very best image performance, thanks to the evolution of innovative technology. To support the diverse needs of photographers, Canon will continue to strengthen its EOS DSLR line-up, which enjoys widespread support from professional and consumer users alike. |
Tag Archives: camera
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.
The props in this image of baklava bring more to the story. The viewer has a sense of place that describes the Arabic origins of this delicious sweet.
#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.
Direct natural light can give really hard and defined shadows like beneath the lemon cake on the left. Where those shadows are softened in the image to the right, with a little help from a cheap diffusor.
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.
Using white and black cards really gives you control over the shadow areas. A white card was used to brighten up that lemon frosting on the left, but if you prefer more contrast than grab a black card and you’ll get an image like the one on the right.
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.
Nothing really changes between these two images except for a black card that was used to stop light from hitting the background, making sure the cake was the brightest area of the photograph.
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.
Here is the final image, with a diffusor softening the window light, a white card to fill in the shadow on the lemon frosting and a black card to block the light on the background.
#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.
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
Herbert George Ponting…. Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition photographer
Remembering expedition photographer Herbert George Ponting
Born 144 years ago, Herbert George Ponting was a professional photographer best known as the expedition photographer and cinematographer for Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition to the Ross Sea and South Pole (1910–1913). He captured some of the most enduring images of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.
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| 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. |
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| Dog Chris, listening to the gramophone, during the British Antarctic (“Terra Nova”) Expedition of 1910-1913. Photograph taken by Herbert Ponting, circa January 1911. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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). |
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| 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.
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.
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.
Hassleblad launch their new Stellar range…aimed at enthusiasts…
Hasselblad has followed up the summer launch of Stellar, its second camera aimed at the amateur and enthusiast market, with the unveiling of three new ‘Stellar Special
Edition’ compact cameras.
The latest Stellar models offer photographers the choice of three new camera body colours: black, white and orange – and ship with bespoke camera cases in black or white leather with signature stitching and shoulder and wrist straps.
Luca Alessandrini, Hasselblad’s New Business Development Director said: “The launch of our Stellar brand in July was a great success and now we are offering discerning customers new options on this outstanding point and shoot camera. Stellar Special Edition models are now available with carbon fibre, padouk or wenge wood grips and come with exclusive leather cases specially designed at our elite Italy-based Design Centre. The latest models will retail at € 2,375 / £ 1,975 / $ 3,175 (excl. VAT).”
Stellar compact cameras incorporate Hasselblad’s advanced imaging technology, Carl Zeiss lenses, Full HD video and a 3.6 x optical zoom capability. The camera’s wide range ISO sensitivity allows the user to shoot in almost any light.
Stellar is Hasselblad’s second camera launch in the consumer photography marketplace. Its first model, Lunar, made its global debut in the spring – and for the first time offered consumers a camera embracing traditional Hasselblad state-of-the-art image capture finesse combined with stunning Italian design features.
Find more information about Stellar and Lunar on:
www.hasselblad-stellar.com
www.hasselblad-lunar.com
Photography, Surfing and PTSD
Hi Guys,
I had the pleasure of spending the week with Surf Action in beautiful Cornwall.
Surf Action are an amazing charity that provides support for veterans and their families that are suffering from the devastating effects of an invisible illness called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is a disorder that can not only effect veterans but also civilians that have gone through a severe trauma and with the help of Surf Action these incredible people are given the support and care they need to find peace of mind and the tools they need to help them and their families.
Whilst I was there the guys took me surfing and of course being a photographer it only seemed natural to capture some of the guys on their boards. Although the swell was not as big as they would have liked they still managed to catch some waves and have copious amounts of fun even though Rich Emerson founder of Surf Action kept hijacking other peoples boards whilst surfing.
But it never worked out well as you see from the following image ..
However with the lads enjoying the surf it gave a great opportunity to have a go at surf photography and to find out how my Canon 6D with 70-200mm f/4 lens would perform and am pleased to say they performed admirably as you can see from some of the images below.
Surf photography is not easy due to the fact the reflective light constantly changes and given that your metering is only good for the first few shots of a burst rate. Also it is better if you have an understanding of surfing and how the breaks work to best position yourself. A bigger lens would be better and it is not unusual to see a 600mm on monopod along the Cornish coast.
If you decide you want to do surf photography I advise you to study the works of other photographers within this field in particular photographers who have been and are a part of the surf scene such as Surf Actions Russ Pierre who has mastered his craft of surf photography by being a seasoned surfer and photographer so check out his stuff here.
I will be posting a more thorough How To on surf photography soon covering all the equipment and a typical set up so stay reading.
On a final note I would just like to say please support this amazing charity as they really do care about giving help to PTSD sufferers and their help is absolutely life changing.
Thanks Guys.
Glyn
Cokin filters are the ‘thinnest and lightest in the world’
Cokin has announced its new Pure Harmonie filters, which claim to be the thinnest and lightest in the world.
The filters have a thickness ranging from 3.3mm to 9.5mm. Filters include a Multi-coated anti-UV, a Circular Polariser and a Variable Density Neutral Grey filter. They are compatible with all lens caps and prices range from £40 to £155.
Following intensive research and development, Cokin is proud to introduce the Pure Harmonie range of round photographic filters.
Pure Harmonie filters are the thinnest and the lightest in the world, with a thickness of just 3.3mm for the Multi-Coated Anti-UV (UV MC), 4.5mm for the Circular Polariser (C PL) and 9.5mm for the Variable Density Neutral Grey (ND X). They are compatible with all lens caps and are multi-coated with Everclear 5 Coating Technology to withstand almost any conditions. Harmomie filters are super lightweight for maximum AF performance and are manufactured with an ultra-shallow profile to prevent vignetting.
Everclear 5 Coating Technology is a multi-layered coating. The “5” stands for the benefits of this coating on the filter: Water Repellent – Anti-Oil – Anti-Dust – Anti-grime and Scratch Resistant.
There are three types of filter available in the range: UV, Circular Polariser and Neutral Density.
UV filters are used to prevent ultraviolet light from getting through the lens, by reducing haziness or fogginess caused by that type of light. Anti-UV filters offer a physical protection from dust or scratches to the lens. Pure Harmonie UV MC filters are made of extremely resistant glass with a very high level of light transmission. Thanks to their extreme thinness, Pure Harmonie UV MC filters also prevent lens flare that could occur when using traditional UV filters.
Circular Polariser filters are used to reduce reflections from non-metallic surfaces and increase density within the sky and/or foliage by absorbing reflected light. They emphasise details such as clouds and make pictures crisper, with deeper colour tones.
Neutral Density filters are used to reduce the quantity of light that reaches the sensor of the camera. They decrease the shutter speed in order to achieve motion blur (waterfalls, ocean, clouds…) and/or to reduce depth of field in very bright conditions. As they are “neutral”, ND filters do not affect colour rendition.
With Pure Harmonie Variable Density Neutral Grey filters, users can select the intensity from ND2 (1 f stop) to ND400 (8+ f stops) by rotating the front ring.
Availability of Pure Harmonie filters:
UV Filters – available in sizes from 37mm through to 82mm. Suggested retail prices from £39.99
Circular Polarising Filters – Sizes from 37mm through to 82mm. Suggested retail prices from £79.99
Variable Denisty Neutral Grey – Sizes from 52mm through to 82mm. Suggested retail prices from £154.99
posted by Glyn Ridgers
Glyn Ridgers Photography 