Stunner Santa Poses for a Male Fashion Photo Shoot

by Michael Zhan

For its holiday campaign this year, the Yorkdale shopping mall in Toronto, Canada, created Fashion Santa. Instead of wearing his traditional red hat, coat, trousers, and boots, Santa posed for a photo shoot wearing festive outfits representing the latest trends in male fashion.

Like the Hipster Santa found in Portland, Oregon, Fashion Santa can be visited by kids this holiday season inside the shopping center.

And it’s all for a good cause, too: for every selfie with Santa posted to social media with the hashtag #YorkdaleFashionSanta, Yorkdale will donate $1 (and up to $10,000 total) to the Sick Kicks Foundation.

Yorkdale has also published a detailed breakdown of each of Santa’s looks found in these portraits.

(via Yorkdale via Quartz)

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Image credits: Photographs by Yorkdale 

Fantastic tutorials from Canon.

Hi Guys,

Thought you may be interested in these tutorials from the guys at Canon.. They are very informative and you have the added bonus of uploading them to there gallery for the wold to see.

EOS tutorial

This month we’re exploring new ways to capture authentic emotions. The aim is to help you enhance your images and form deeper connections with your viewers.

Human emotions don’t follow any set rules – they’re spontaneous and based on what someone is feeling – so having your camera close to hand is one of the first rules of capturing them. Unplanned shots can give you great results. Try shooting when your subject’s not expecting it – or press the shutter just after they think you’ve taken a shot. They’ll look far more natural and relaxed.

Whether you’re shooting to share your images or simply for yourself, our tutorials will help you capture moods and feelings more effectively.

• EOS tutorial
• Compact camera tutorial
• PIXMA tips
• LEGRIA tips

Tips on capturing emotions
This month we’re exploring how your photography can capture and convey emotion. Expressing your own feelings or capturing those of your subject or scene can help an ordinary photo to become a unique and powerful image.

Tip: If you are trying to capture human emotion, try focusing on the eyes of your subject. They’re an excellent indicator of how somebody is feeling.

• The basics – being prepared
• Portrait mode
• Capturing atmosphere
• Single point focus and wide shots
• Using advanced effects

Vinoth Chandar – Just Sit Back and Relax!
Usage Rights: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Get set up and be prepared

Emotion is often a fleeting thing so the key to capturing it is being well prepared. Before you start taking photos, it’s a good idea to get familiar with your camera and to ensure it’s set up to respond when you need it to.

Did you know? Professional photojournalists spend years honing their skills so that they can be ready for the moment that the emotions of a situation are at their peak.

Use Continuous shooting mode

Try setting your camera to Continuous shooting mode to allow several pictures to be taken in succession. This is a great way to capture your subject off-guard and will give you more of a chance to capture natural emotion. It’s particularly useful if your subject quickly changes from bewilderment to laughter. You may not get the best pictures first time but you can select and edit from the numerous shots you capture. If possible it’s also worth setting your focus to continuously track your subjects. This will help to keep the emotion in front of you in your frame.

Make sure you have a large capacity memory card. Shooting JPEG images (rather than RAW format) will increase the number of frames you can take in a single burst.

Use a wide-angle lens

Shooting with a wide-angle lens can help with framing your image and using one means you’ll be close to your subject, meaning you capture their facial expressions easily. Wide-angle lenses naturally capture the context of the scene and give further visual clues to your viewer about the cause of the emotions pictured – for example, the pleasure on the face of somebody watching a band at a music festival or the determination on the face of a climber.

Portrait mode

The Portrait mode is found on many EOS cameras’ mode dial. It’s the one with an icon like a human head.

Use Portrait mode to:

• Configure the camera to shoot a continuous sequence of frames when the shutter is pressed so you can capture your subject’s natural emotions.
• Tell the camera to select wider apertures that will draw attention to the subject, and minimize the disturbance of a cluttered background, focusing your viewers’ attention on the emotion in the frame.

Portrait mode is often used with longer lenses, but using a wide-angle lens or zooming to the widest setting on your kit lens will combine with a wide aperture for pictures where the key subject is the most important element in the frame.

Capturing atmosphere using lens flare

Shooting without a lens hood on the lens and putting the sun in the edge of the frame can create atmospheric lens flare in your photos.

The unpredictable nature of lens flare often adds a sense of freedom to images as well as softening the image to create a happy, dreamy feel. It’s great for expressing the feeling of a landscape such as an empty beach or a beautiful field of spring flowers.

Tip: Try taking your EOS out on a sunny day and experimenting with your position in relation to the sun.

Lens flaring:

Geraint Rowland – Low Tide, Boat and Flare, Southend
Usage Rights: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/

Single point focus

Use the Creative modes, Program, Aperture priority and Shutter priority to restrict the AF system to a single point. The single point needn’t be at the centre of your frame. In fact, other spots are often ideal for more pleasing compositions.

If your EOS DSLR has multiple AF point groupings then choose one with up to five AF points in a group. This will ensure that you can concentrate on the subject and not be so concerned with the exact placement of the AF point on the subject.

Go wide

A moderate wide-angle lens, like the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM for APS-C cameras is small and light and gets more of the scene into one image. For full frame cameras the best lens is an EF 35mm f/2 IS USM. This kind of lens simplifies shooting because you need to move with your subjects and move your feet to change the composition. This connects you better with your subject or the scene you’re shooting, or can connect the two.

Choose a fast aperture lens

Emotion happens spontaneously, so you need to be able to capture it in low light without a flash whenever it happens. This is true whether you’re photographing people or want to capture the fleeting feel of a landscape as the light changes at twilight. Here’s how to do it:

• A simple 50mm lens with a fast f/1.8 or f/1.4 aperture used wide open will let in plenty of light.
• Use Aperture priority and choose a wide aperture to draw the viewer’s eye right in to the key point of the picture.
• Focus is more critical with these lenses, so be sure to know how to quickly move the AF point around the viewfinder.

Did you know? Wider aperture lenses have larger front elements that often make them more liable to the softening and streaks of light that comes with lens flare.

Experiment with visual effects

Try holding subjects close to the front of your lens while taking the pictures to create emotion-filled images. Small mirrors can enhance the lens flare, feathers, glass crystals will add their own happy, wondrous, confused or charmed characteristics to your photos. While the effects are not readily repeatable you will learn how to create many looks that add to the impact of your photos. Even some small LED lights like decorations can be held close to the lens. The out of focus nature of them can add interest, atmosphere and a deeper sense of feeling to your images.

If you’ve felt inspired to capture emotion, why not share your images with the world.
Upload them to The Gallery.

Canon celebrates EOS 5D series 10 year anniversary

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.

EOS 5D Mark III: high-quality still images and video EOS 5DS: a revolution in resolution In November 2008, Canon launched the second generation model in the series – the renowned EOS 5D Mark II, which paved the way for movie making. The camera revolutionised Full HD video capture for photographers, and facilitated the widespread adoption of DSLRs as a tool for capturing movies. The EOS 5D Mark II made big waves in the motion picture and video production industries by again delivering large sensor video performance at a competitive price. Coupled with exceptional image quality and greater control over depth of field, it also allowed filmmakers to take advantage of Canon’s diverse interchangeable EF lens line-up spanning over 64 models at the time¹, enabling a wide spectrum of imaging possibilities. 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.

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!

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

COLBERT MOCKS AMAZON’S OUTRAGEOUS STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY PATENT

COLBERT MOCKS AMAZON’S OUTRAGEOUS STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY PATENT

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) gave the thumbs-up to some doozies of inventions over the past 224 years. Sure, I can get behind the creations that made our everyday lives easier, like the wheel or the light bulb, but trying to patent a stick as an “animal toy” or stamp rights on “the method of swinging on a swing?” Get real.

Amazon recently earned the award for ridiculous patents when it gained legal ownership for “Studio Arrangement,” or, photography against a white background. Before you panic, wondering if Amazon is going to try to sue you for infringing on their patent on your next product photography shoot, check out Stephen Colbert’s mockery of the patent and his take on the entire patent system:

What does this mean for photographers? Are we no longer allowed to take photos of people and objects using a white background? Fortunately, it doesn’t look like it will hamper the studio photography business.

Amazon’s patent is so detailed, it would require a photographer to use an identical setup in order to even consider a lawsuit.

“A background comprising a white cyclorama; a front light source positioned in a longitudinal axis intersecting the background…an image capture position located between the background and the front light source in the longitudinal axis…an elevated platform positioned between the image capture position and the background in the longitudinal axis, the front light source being directed toward a subject on the elevated platform…”  -fromPatent No.: 8,676,045 B1, “Studio Arrangement”

From this description, it sounds like a basic studio setup with lights illuminating the background and the subject, with a camera placed in front of the subject, right?

The patent goes on to detail the precise camera and light settings, making it easy to alter these enough to avoid any type of patent infringement.

“…the image capture position comprising at least one image capture device equipped with an eighty-five millimeter lens, the [sic] at least one image capture device further configured with an ISO setting of about three hundred twenty and an f-stop value of about 5.6…the plurality of rear light sources and the front light source further comprise a plurality of tungsten light sources configured to emit light having a color temperature of approximately 3200K…”

The question remains, “why would Amazon bother to file such a ridiculous and specific patent on something so commonly used?” While Amazon representatives have not yet released a comment to this effect, Colbert summed it up best:

“Now I know, I know, that sounds like bull***. But, it’s actually male bovine fecal matter extruded on a longitudinal axis.”

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.

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

www.glynridgersphotography.com

Photography, Surfing and PTSD

Hi Guys,

I had the pleasure of spending the week with Surf Action in beautiful Cornwall.

Surf Action by Glyn Ridgers

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.

Surf Action by Glyn Ridgers

But it never worked out well as you see from the following image ..

Surf Action by Glyn Ridgers

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 Action by Glyn Ridgers

Surf Action by Glyn Ridgers

Surf Action by Glyn Ridgers

Surf Action by Glyn Ridgers

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

Surf Action

 www.surfaction.co.uk