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.

2014 “Abandoned” Photo Contest

Photo: Dylan Bauer

PictureCompete presents “Abandoned.” There is something terribly intriguing with deserted structures. Perhaps we are drawn to the mystery of the past purpose and function of these buildings. Perhaps we wonder about the individuals who once occupied these dwellings. Possibly, as photographers, we are drawn to capturing the “bare bones” and the essence of a subject and allowing our viewers to use their imaginations. PictureCompete invites you to submit your best representations of what “Abandoned” means to you.

Cash prizes:

• First Place: $250 (USD)

• Second Place: $100 (USD)

• Third Place: $75 (USD)

All winners will receive:

• Winner’s gallery exhibition

• Social media exposure

• PictureCompete™ newsletter exposure

Entry Deadline: April 8, 2014

To enter: http://picturecompete.com/

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.

 

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.

Summer holiday fun with my boy…

Breaking the boredom and having fun with my 7 year old son and his star wars figures…think he is a natural.

Star Wars Troopers by Glyn and Son

 

Star Wars Troopers by Glyn and Son

I think its that way…

Star Wars Troopers by Glyn and Son

He had lots of fun producing these and he looks forward to sharing more soon… Have nice hols everyone…

Glyn

 

 

 

 

2013 “Abandoned” finalist chosen…

The Finalists have been chosen! PictureCompete is pleased to present the following winning entrants in the 2013 “Abandoned” call for entry:

First Place: Gregoire Cachemaille , “Untitled”

First Place: Gregoire Cachemaille , “Untitled”

Structures and buildings that are in a state of decay are often intriguing. They arouse our curiosity. Some of these dwellings are plain and mundane while others reveal hints of having more elaborate architectural details. We ponder their history and wonder why they were left alone. The following images are the recognized winners of the competition “Abandoned”.
        

        

        
 
 

Second Place: Alanna St.Laurent, “Church Fog”
 
Third Place: Gina Soden, “Blue Orphanage”
 
Honorable Mentions: 

Dianne English 
Nicoleta Raluca 
JP Terlizzi
 

Judge’s Statement: 

The winning entries were very unique in their presentation of abandoned  structures and objects. The use of color to compensation for any  feelings of desertion in some of the images was well played by the  photographers. The buildings portrayed are somewhat strangely appealing  to the viewer as they arouse our interests and curiosities. The empty  suitcase is the perfect symbol of what is left behind and abandoned. In  contrast the two images displayed in black and white exhibit the  austerity and emptiness of abandonment. We congratulate the finalists  and express thanks to all participants!

View the winning images: http://picturecompete.com/gallery/

What's being said about Loft A Workshops..

Here are a few of the comments made by some of the students who attended Loft A Photographics workshops…

Ray EnnosNov 21, 12:38 pm

I attended a workshop on 14th November, it was excellent in every respect. Clear and understandable content, delivered in a professional and friendly manner. Technical aspects clearly illustrated using sample images, plenty of one to one contact to help with specific issues.
Good advice on suitable software and how to use it.
Highly recommended

by a student of Loft A Workshops

.

“Setting up camera for certain situations and effects were explained clearly and I never knew how important a tripod could be….”

“Thank you for a very interesting day”

“Clear and concise ideas given in a friendly way”

by a student of Loft A Workshops

“Technical aspects of the camera explained well, I enjoyed looking at everyone’s images at the end of the day”

“Well delivered in a relaxed atmosphere, very informative presentation with excellent visuals”

“All topics were clearly explained and the knowledge of the tutors was vast, The practical part of the workshop was extremely interesting”

by a student of Loft A Workshops

“Would love to attend one of the follow up workshops in the future..”

“A fantastic day Thank you!!!!”

by a student of Loft A Workshops

Thank you to all those that have attended so far and remember you can contact us if you need advice on anything photography related and get ready to start receiving  the new Loft a Photographics newsletters that will be  full of interesting stuff, how to guides, equipment guides, up coming events and future discounts…..Look forward to seeing more faces at the next workshop.

Glyn

Stunning Wall Art!………Cunning Photography!

We at Loft A love these images, you have to appreciate the creativity and skill of the street artists who create these incredible pieces of urban art as much as you have to credit the photographers for composing and using the street art to produce uber interesting images…..enjoy!

Glyn

Walk on by by Lachlan Hardy, on Flickr
Liberty by kamshots, on Flickr

Bicycle Race by Tony Fischer Photography, on Flickr

Urban nature by pushthisbutton, on Flickr

Streets of Bristol by geezaweezer, on Flickr

Bob Marley mural on Haight street by Franco Folini, on Flickr

Takin’ it to the BANK$Y by guano, on Flickr

Si lo dice Ernesto… by Libertinus, on Flickr

Stampede! by MSVG, on Flickr

Bradley Manning & Bidder #70 by Poster Boy NYC, on Flickr

Getting Started by davitydave, on Flickr

“We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest” by Tony Fischer Photography, on Flickr

Mural by Daquella manera, on Flickr

Yashagana on a wall – 3 by ZeHawk, on Flickr

I have a dream by Rob_Wood, on Flickr

Everybody wants to ride! by eva101, on Flickr

The Streets of Santiago, People seem Strange when you’re a Stranger by geezaweezer, on Flickr

real and unreal (CC) by marfis75, on Flickr

banksy: balloon girl. Old Street London by Stew Dean, on Flickr

Shimokita Night #1 by Guwashi999, on Flickr

Lomo graffiti collision by srboisvert, on Flickr

Graffiti near Borough Market by dan taylor, on Flickr

by Glyn Ridgers

courtesy of Lightstalking

Which of these is your Art of Building?

 

Which of these is your Art of Building?

CIOB invites the world to decide the outcome of its 2012 international photography contest winner

 

 

 

Ascot, Berkshire 16 August 2012: A clash of bold steel and colour at London’s flagship Olympic Stadium, a young pilgrim transfixed by an abandoned synagogue and a panoramic view of Hong Kong are just some of the artistic subjects to reach the final of this year’s Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) international Art of Building photography competition.

The twelve shortlisted images truly captured the imagination of the judging panel, which included Peter Murray,founder and director of the New London Architecture Centre and the renowned architect, writer and broadcaster, Maxwell Hutchinson. Among other qualities, the “power,” “elegance” and “humour” of the subjects and the composition of the photographs really struck a chord.

Now that the judges have had their say, the CIOB is inviting everyone to decide which of the twelve finalists will be awarded the prestigious title of ‘Art of Building Photographer of the Year’ and scoop a cash prize of £2,000. Voting is free and will take place via the competition website at artofbuilding.org.

“It was another very strong year for the contest, with imaginative entries from around the world,” says CIOB Art of Building manager, Saul Townsend. “The twelve shortlisted images are sure to divide opinion. Fortunately, it’s free to vote for your favourite, so we’re now urging everyone, everywhere to get online and decide the winner.”

The contest, which celebrates creativity in the construction industry, is also set to raise much-needed funds for a major project to build hurricane and earthquake resilient schools in Haiti, organised by development and disaster relief organisation, Article 25. A selection of the imaginative entries will be auctioned for the charity later in the year.

Voting will open on 16 August and close on 6 September. For more details on the competition and to vote, log on to www.artofbuilding.org. The competition can also be found on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Art_of_Building

 by Glyn Ridgers

Ansel Adams – the original landscape master

 

Tetons and the Snake River – 1942

Ansel Adams is a legend among photographers, and his 1942 “Tetons and the Snake River” is a prime example of the stark nature photography that he elevated to fine art. It was also one of the 115 pictures embedded on the golden record and sent on the Voyager spacecraft. The picture also fueled an environmental protection movement that lasts to this day.