Take this opportunity to get together and share news, experiences, technical information and good times. RSVP: admin@csc.ca

Distracted by Justin Van Leeuwen
 

Online Awesomeness/Bloggy Goodness ——

We love the folks at digital-photography-school.com and we think you’ll love contributor Natalie Morton‘s entertaining and highly educational Cut the Cheese: 5 Tips for Photographing Kids.
 

Video Virtuosity ——

Unleash the many creative possibilities in Capture One Pro 7 with one of their FREE webinars, covering topics such as creative tools, workflow, presentation and customization.

Limited seats are available for each webinar, so sign up today and secure your spot!

Recommended workflow from import to export

• See all the time saving elements of Capture One Pro 7
• Learn a fast workflow from Start to Finish
• See how Process Recipes can produce multiple outputs

Wednesday, May 15
Session ONE: 9 – 10am GMT [click to register]
Session TWO: 4 – 5pm GMT [click to register]

Presenting your Images in Capture One

• The automated Web Gallery
• Presenting a Slide Show
• Printing images directly from Capture One

Wednesday, May 22
Session ONE: 9 – 10am GMT [click to register]
Session TWO: 4 – 5pm GMT [click to register]

Customizing Capture One Pro 7 to work for you

• Create and manage your own workspaces
• Create your own sets of Keyboard shortcuts
• Tips on workspaces for different tasks

Wednesday, May 29
Session ONE: 9 – 10am GMT [click to register]
Session TWO: 4 – 5pm GMT [click to register]

Buzhashi Boys
Set against the dramatic landscape of contemporary Afghanistan and the National sport of Buzkashi this film tells the story of two best friends who struggle to realize their dreams as they make their way to manhood in one of the most war-torn countries on Earth.

Duraid was one of the principal camera operators on Kathryn Bigelow’s films The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty.

Howard
An estranged uncle is murdered. The niece he never knew uncovers his complex, conflicted life as a gay man and muses about his life and death in an attempt to comprehend what it means to her.

The event begins at 7 pm sharp & seating is limited

REGISTRATION
Email admin@csc.ca by May 20 and use the subject line: May 27 Cinematographers Series

TICKETS
General Admission: $10; Students: $5.00; Members Free
(cash or credit at the door)

thin yellow line by Lynn Armstrong
 

Online Awesomeness/Bloggy Goodness ——

Spencer Lum describes his photography blog – Ground Glass – to be  “Like a kick in the pants, only wordier.”  There’s no sugar-coating here, so head over only if you can handle hearing the truth.
 
 
 

Video Virtuosity ——

MIDNIGHT BARCELONA from Pau García Laita on Vimeo.

Our first presenter needs no introduction to film buffs and filmmakers, alike… so, without any further ado:

Meet Garrett Brown

Best known as the Oscar-winning inventor of the Steadicam™, Brown has shot with it on nearly 100 movies, including: Rocky, The Shining , and Return of the Jedi. Garrett holds 50 patents worldwide for camera devices including Steadicam Merlin™ for camcorders, Skycam – the robot camera that flies on wires over sporting events, and Mobycam, Divecam, Flycam, et al, that pursue athletes worldwide. His new zeroG™ technology floats tools and reduces workplace injuries. In past lives Garrett has recorded for MGM as a folksinger, sold Volkswagens, directed TV commercials, and made films for Sesame Street. And his voice was the other half of that well-known ad-lib duo on radio for Molson and American Express. He is a member of the American Society of Cinematographers, the Directors Guild, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He has recently been inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Garrett’s Moving Camera lecture has been seen at film schools and festivals around the world.

Steadicam: The Moving Camera

Why is one moving shot better than another? How does one quiet little item rivet the audience and advance the plot, while another, even a grand flashy swoop, bores, distracts and sets us back? The kinetics, dynamics, psychology and narrative wallop of the moving camera – plus the daring artistry of camera operating –are the secret sauce of great moviemaking.

Videographers and aspiring Steadicam operators interested in a general overview of the Steadicam will not want to miss this event!

Tuesday, June 18 | 9 – 10:30am >> Read more & register!

Meet Heather Saitz! 

What is your background/education?

I studied Photography at Sheridan College in Oakville and Communications Design at Seneca @ York. Fresh out of photo school, I went to work as a studio assistant for a Toronto catalogue house, shooting “glamorous” stuff like tools and bedding for clients like Zellers and Home Depot. I eventually left the commercial studio to work as a freelance assistant for several years with many successful Toronto photographers, some of who have gone on to do really amazing things. I wouldn’t trade my art school experience for anything, but I’ve learned way more assisting and working in the “real world” of photography.

How long has photography been a passion?
How did you get your start? Did you have a special mentor?

I’m going to lump these into one question as they both relate directly to each other.

I’ve been doing photography for over 17 years. I got my start through my Dad – he worked as a photojournalist in the early 1970’s in Toronto. He both influenced and nurtured my love of photography. He bought me my first camera and built me a darkroom in our basement when I was 17. I was also fortunate to have attended a high school known for its Integrated Arts Program, where I first studied photography in a formal setting.

Any favourite photographers?

Oh there are so many – where to start!? I had the opportunity to see Fred Herzog speak in Calgary recently, and it was a truly moving experience for me as I admire his work and process so much. Other favourites include Tim Walker, Martin Parr, Mel Bles, Olga Chagaoutdinova and Alec Soth to name a few.  Commercially, I’ve always admired Annie Leibovitz, but mostly for her older work when she was at Rolling Stone and her portrait work around that time.

What/who (where?) inspires you to shoot?

Travel always inspires me to try new techniques, and I will often travel with film cameras. I also draw a lot of inspiration from the things happening around me. I’ve sort of trained my eye to look below the surface image of things – to see everything in the world as a potential photograph.

How would you describe your style?

I’ve described my style in the past as a type of stylized photojournalism. Someone told me once my photos sometimes look like paintings. I think this is due to my graphic design background, which definitely influences my photographic style in terms of having a very strict eye for colors and composition.

What has your greatest career accomplishment been to-date?

My greatest accomplishment happens daily: the fact that I wake up each and every morning and do what I love for a living — that’s the greatest feeling of all.

What was the inspiration behind Rooms for Tourists?

I’ve been photographing motels since approximately 2009, but even earlier than that, before I consciously realized I was documenting them. My entire body of non-commercial photographic work explores the narratives of yesteryear in order to provide a subtle social commentary on contemporary society. Motels fit right into this concept (I guess the reason why I’ve always photographed them.) I’m fascinated by the Motel’s rise and fall in society, its relationship to the automobile, and the “American Dream”; it’s post-war entrepreneurial expression and “Googie” architecture. Motels are so fascinating to me on so many levels, I just can’t pass them by.

What was your greatest challenge in shooting this series?

I found that a lot of people directly involved with the Motels didn’t want anything to do with the project, which was upsetting to me as I envisioned getting to know some owners and managers of the establishments and taking their portraits. Research was also very time consuming and not always accurate. I would spend hours researching motels I wanted to photograph, but when I finally ventured out to photograph them, some had been torn down, others renovated and were no longer photogenic, or many just weren’t as interesting as they posed to be on the internet. So I’d travel all the way there to leave with no great shots.

This series was shot over two years in a wide variety of locations across the country, do you have any travel tips for photographers?  How did travelling affect your photographic process?

The two things I’ve come to rely on when travelling and will spare no expense on now are:

1. a really great camera bag. One that is light and comfortable but that will hold a lot of gear and still classifying as carry-on luggage size. My bag now is Tenba. I can fit two cameras with lenses in it, plus it has a super handy and fast zipper slit in the top for easy access. It’s a great travel bag.
2. a lightweight tripod. You never know when you may need it, and it’s an important tool to have when you do realize you’re suddenly in that ‘right place at the right time’ scenario.

What was your most memorable experience shooting this series?

The abandoned motel we came across in Quebec. It literally looked like someone walked away in the middle of the 1960s and just locked the doors. All the bedding, curtains, lamps, beds, towels, everything was left just how it would’ve been placed when the motel was functioning. Unfortunately, the ceilings had caved-in in many of the rooms so I was unable to fully get inside to shoot it. But wow – what a surreal and creepy place. It will stay in my mind forever.

Is this series complete or will it be an ongoing project?

This series will be an ongoing project until I am no longer able to operate a camera. Motels have become a bit of an obsession for me, not to mention that half the fun is getting there on the summer road trip!

Can you share anything that you’re working on right now?

Currently I’m just focusing on my photography business – creating new work, drumming up new business while promoting Rooms for Tourists. I have a rough idea for a new series I’d like to start doing some testing on. But overall, I’m still decompressing from the last year of producing Rooms for Tourists – it was a lot of work.

What kind of cameras do you shoot with? Why?

I shoot primarily with a Nikon D700, Nikon FM2 or a Mamiya 6. I have always been a Nikon photographer, ever since my Dad bought me my first camera, which was a Nikon FM2. I’ve never looked back. I’m constantly amazed at the remarkable image quality I get from my D700, not to mention the sheer craftsmanship of the FM2.

My Mamiya 6 is probably my favorite camera of all time (other than a Hasselblad, which I still have yet to own.) I purchased the Mamiya 6 on eBay about 7 years ago with all 3 lenses, instead of a Hasselblad. The portability of the Mamiya 6 is what sold me. I take it travelling a lot, and like to experiment with it often like using 20 year old expired film and weird exposure times.

What is your favourite photo accessory, other than your camera?

For the type of work I do, my Nikon Speedlight is immensely handy for bouncing light anywhere and for being a strobe in a tiny little package.  It’s a workhorse it  can provide a ton of light if needed, not to mention it’s survived being dropped many times on a variety of surfaces without even a scratch.

If you had to choose just one lens what would it be and why?

A Nikon 50mm, 1.4 (or 1.2.) Highly versatile, lightweight, small, and oh-so-sharp.

Do you have any advice for photographers looking to get in to the industry as a creative professional?

Be patient, and always maintain an undying passion for Photography. Don’t create work just as a job, or because you have to – take photos because you want to. Photography is a tough business, and you have to be prepared to work your butt off. It’s impossible to work that hard on something you don’t love.

Is there anything you would have done differently in your own career?

I probably wouldn’t have taken time off. When my photo career in Toronto didn’t go exactly as planned, I got very discouraged, and stopped trying to “make it” for a couple years. In fact, I kind of lost my passion for photography during this time. I got out of school thinking I was going to become Annie Liebovitz overnight, but what I discovered is that photography takes a LOT of patience, practice and perseverance. Looking back, I was just discouraged, but I feel If I had’ve pushed forward my career would be further advanced now.

Where else can people see your work?

The best place to see what I’m up to is on my website www.heathersaitz.com or on my Flickr, which has a lot of unpublished, personal and just-for-fun work.

Heather Saitz’s series “Rooms for Tourists” will be on display starting May 1, 2013 in our Toronto location as part of the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival –  Rooms for Tourists is a photographic exploration of the architecture, landscape & changing social meaning of the Canadian mid-century motel. Shot over two years across 5 provinces, Rooms for Tourists visits the nostalgic motel in present day, revealing the rise, fall and resurrection of a now-elusive cultural icon.

Heather’s work can also be seen across Canada at a  Vistek Photo Gallery   near you:

• Vistek Toronto: May 1 – 31
• Vistek Mississauga: July 8 – August 2
• Vistek Ottawa: August 12 – September 13
• Vistek Edmonton: October 14– November 8
• Vistek Calgary: December 1 – January 3
• Vistek Calgary (Willow Park): January – 6 February

Once again, this year, the event takes place at the Toronto Congress Centre. And the fun gets underway Tuesday, June 18, continuing on through Wednesday, June 19.

The Show Hours
Tuesday: 10am – 7pm
Wednesday: 10am – 5pm

GET YOUR FREE ADMISSION TICKET HERE!

Like Minded by Lynn Armstrong

Online Awesomeness/Bloggy Goodness ——

An exploration in creativity, Creative Something is the ambitious endeavour of Tanner Christensen, a creative expert, entrepreneur, and online marketer from Salt Lake City, Utah. In his journey to learn everything he can about the often-ambiguous topic of creativity, he has created a blog that has become the source for creative inspiration and ideas and continues to explore creativity, how it works, and why it matters to this day.
 

Video Virtuosity ——

This teaser for an upcoming album release perfectly demonstrates how lighting can affect to look of a person’s face.

Sparkles and Wine – Teaser from Nacho Guzman on Vimeo.

In our Portrait Lighting Basics class, I always demo what can be done with just 2 electronic portable strobes. I’ve been wanting to shoot with the new D-Lite RX ones since they came in a few months ago. The value that these lights have, for the price, is just unbelievable. Just look at the feature list included for $599 for the umbrella kit:

• Built-in EL-Skyport receiver for Radio triggering
• EL-Skyport with 8 Frequency Channels with 4 Groups
• EL-Skyport Speed Sync mode for synchronization up to a 1/320 s on enabled SLR cameras
• Pre-flash detector system to enable the use of D-Lite ONE RX with speedlights
• Power Auto-dump
• 5V sync socket for maximum protection of digital cameras
• Automatic temperature controlled ventilation
• Multi-voltage auto-detection: 90-270 V (excluding modelling lamp)
• Visual Flash Confirmation option. The modelling lamp comes on to confirm the flash has been triggered
• Proportionality adjustment of the modelling lamp range
• Variable f-stop steps: 1/1, ½, 4/10, 3/10, 2/10 or 1/10 steps are available
• Programmable ready beep function
• Radio Remote Control of flash power settings, Modelling lamp on/off, Speed sync mode and Triggering
• Take full control of your units settings with the EL-Skyport App for IPod Touch/Ipad/Iphone via the optional WiFi module
• Additional features can be found when used with the EL-Skyport Software such as Flash-Delay for strobing effects
• Firmware update option
• Accessory bayonet accepting all accessories and Rotalux softboxes up to 135 cm.
• Stand bracket with extra umbrella fitting for larger umbrella shafts

Oftentimes I want to shoot with professional studio strobes with the light modifiers that are available with that system, and use my fast Nikon lens to shoot wide open – lets say somewhere in the 1.8-2.8 range.

Now, some of you might be thinking, “Why? What’s the point of that?” Have you ever heard the term Bokeh? If not, take a quick look at how wikipedia explains it.

These little RX One lights let us dial down the power from 100WS all the way to 6 – that’s a 5-stop range. When you get down that low, you’re able to shoot with your lens almost wide open, and you can also keep your main light fairly close to your subject – which is great for those of you working in really tight spaces.

The 2 images below were shot with the Nikon D800 and 85mm 1.8 lens. The first shot was done with the D-Lite RX One at full power, with the shoot-through umbrella; our meter gave us F-8  at about 6 feet from our subject.

This second image was shot at F-2.0, almost all the way open.

 
And both images were shot with focus maintained on our subject’s eyes. Note: focus is critical when shooting this wide open. So take your time with your shots, and make sure to double check your focus.

Notice how soft and dreamy image # 2 has become, really helping to pay attention to your subject’s eyes, and emotions. This lighting diagram demonstrates just how simple the setup is.

 
For this third photo, I’ve changed our main light above to a reflective umbrella – meaning that our strobe is pointed away from our subject, and that the umbrella is opaque, reflecting the light back at our subject. You’ll notice in this next shot, that the lighting is a bit more contrasty. I’ve also now taken our shoot-through umbrella and moved it behind our subject on the camera’s right, so it is being used as a hair light. We’re still shooting with the camera fairly wide open to achieve the nice bokeh effect, at F3.5.

 
Again, see how simple the setup is:

One my favorite all time gadgets is my iPad, and I decided to test the Elinchrom EL Skyport Wifi unit during this shoot. I have to say that it performed flawlessly, and is a great tool for quickly adjusting the output of your lights. I would highly recommend this and a light meter that can read flash exposures. My weapon of choice is the Sekonic L-358 .

If you’d like a bit more info on the El Skyport WiFi, check out this product overview:

Conclusion:
I have to say that I’m mightily impressed with these compact and portable little D-Lite RX ONE lights from Elinchrom. Not only are they great for beginners, but they will give Pros the ability to use the many Elinchrom light modifiers that are available and shoot at a wide-open lens aperture to achieve some beautiful dreamy portraits.

by Ian Pettigrew
 

Online Awesomeness/Bloggy Goodness ——

iToni Photography is a fantastic new online community dedicated to providing photography tips and tutorials to photographers of all levels.

 

Video Virtuosity ——

100 Photographers. 24 Hours. 1 Mission
What makes great photography? The photographer or the subject? On this episode of EPIPHANY, photographer Rick Smolan tells the story of his infamous Day in the Life series of photo books and shares the inspirations of his acclaimed career.

Meet Jeremy Fokkens!

What is your background/education?

I am actually a self-taught photographer born in Calgary, Alberta.

How long has photography been a passion?

I knew I wanted to become a photographer from the age of 18 and bought my first camera (Nikon F-80 film) at the age of 21. Last time I checked I am 29 years old.

How did you get your start? Did you have a special mentor?

I started with photography while I was dancing professionally, overseas, on a cruise line out of Los Angeles. I was able to perform in some pretty incredible countries and cities which exposed me to a variety of places, spaces, environments, culture, traditions, and religion. So, when I was not rehearsing or performing in shows during the day, I was getting myself lost in the streets of each port taking photographs of everything and anything.

Are there any photographers that inspire you?

My list literally changes from week to week. As of right now: Joey Lawrence, Michael Ernest Sweet, James Nachtwey’s work from the 80s & 90s, Larry Louie, Sebastiao Salgado, and Sally Mann.

Do you have a particular genre that’s your favourite to shoot?

I love environmental portraiture. There something about taking the person out of the studio and putting them in an environment where they are most comfortable and relaxed. I feel this is when the magic happens.

What/who (where?) inspires you to shoot?

My curiosity is the base of everything that inspires me. If I’m curious about fishermen in Bangladesh, I’ll go to Bangladesh and photograph fishermen. I prefer places with a bit of nitty-gritty atmosphere, where there is a sense or element of survival/hardship. That being said, my subjects inspire me to do what I do as their stories and faces continue to push my work, my intentions, and to inspire others.

What has your greatest career accomplishment been to-date?

That’s a tough question. I think (it would have to really be) being able to take photographs for a living; having the opportunity to travel extensively and to show an audience they might not ever get a chance to experience. I LOVE what I do and there is no greater feeling… everything else is just icing on the top.

Can you share with us anything that you’re working on right now?

I mentioned earlier I was a professionally trained dancer so my next project will involve the dance community on a global scale that will take me 3 to 5 years to complete  – maybe longer… and I’ll leave it at that!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself pushing my photography (to the point) where I am constantly challenged both physically, mentally, and continuing to learn and grow in all aspects of the business and never losing that passion. In terms of accomplishments,  I guess we’ll wait and see as I try not to plan too far ahead as it distracts from the now.

What kind of cameras do you shoot with?

I shoot with a Nikon D700 and just recently a close friend lent me a 50’s TLR Rolliflex & Rollicord so I’m pretty stoked to get back into some film.

What is your favourite photo accessory, other than your camera?

Umm… my assistant? Kidding! I would have to say my VisibleDust blower as it’s a hit with the kids on the streets in developing countries. You should see the look on their faces when they blow it in their face… Priceless!

If you had to choose just one lens what would it be, and why?

Right now, for my documentary/environmental portrait work, I’m favouring my 24mm as it’s super sharp. I’m able to really bring the environment into the photograph allowing me to get super close with my subjects which is where I want to be.

What lighting equipment do you take on a shoot?

It depends on the shoot. For all my documentary work it is 99% natural light and maybe pulling out a speed-light twice in 6 months. For commercial/studio/environmental portrait shoots I bring everything from speed-lights, several strobes, reflectors, variety of modifiers, etc. In the near future I plan on bringing studio lighting on some of my documentary work for some really dramatic portraits.

What tips, tricks, or words of advice do you have for photographers looking to get in to the industry as a creative professional?

First off – when you commit to anything do it because you love it. Know that there will be many highs and even more lows when becoming a professional photographer. Work harder than you ever have. You can always learn something from another photographer and so much more from your subjects. And, most importantly,  keep shooting.

Where else can people see your work?

I am involved with a group show in Calgary right now at Endeavor Arts  April 2 – April 27, 2013. And, also, I will be having a solo show at the Campbell River Art Gallery (Vancouver Island) from August 8 – September 11, 2013.

I have two websites (personal & business) with two separate blogs: www.jeremyfokkens.com | www.jfphoto.ca

Jeremy’s work can also be seen across Canada at a Vistek Photo Gallery near you:

• Vistek Toronto: April 8 – 30
• Vistek Missauga: June 3 – July 5
• Vistek Ottawa: July 15 – August 9
• Vistek Edmonton: September 16 – October 11
• Vistek Calgary: November 11 – November 29
• Vistek Calgary (Willow Park): December 1 – January 3

We’ve even got an outline of what will be presented and discussed in the Q&A  – right here!

The festival’s inaugural WIFF Best of Fest award was awarded to Rafea: Solar Mama. The film follows a Bedouin woman, Rafea, who leaves her Jordanian village and travels to India to attend the Barefoot College, where illiterate women from around the world are trained to be solar engineers. This award, determined by audience voting, carries a cash prize of $500, which will be given to the film’s directors Jehane Noujaim and Mona Eldaief.

rafea trailer vimeo from Jehane Noujaim on Vimeo.

Inspiration by Gary Simmons
 

Online Awesomeness/Bloggy Goodness ——

Updated twice weekly, New Landscape Photography is an informative blog presenting contemporary art from around the world that explores both natural and built environments.
 
 
 
 
 

Video Virtuosity ——

You’re a LOT more creative than you think you are!

SBTRKT ‘Trials of the Past’ (NSFW) – OFFICIAL VIDEO from dustfarm on Vimeo.

For those not in the know, could you explain what tethered shooting means?

Tethered photography is the process of connecting your digital camera to a computer or other monitor so you can see your images on a larger screen while you are shooting. The connection between a camera and computer or monitor is typically achieved with a USB, Firewire, CAT or HDMI cable, depending on your camera and computer. You also can wirelessly tether your digital camera to a computer, iOS device or tablet via a wireless transmitter. Recent technology advancements have increased tethering options and now your screen device can be a desktop or laptop (PC or Mac) and an iOS device (iPad, iPod, etc) or other tablet. In all scenarios, photo data bypasses the camera and a file saves directly to a folder that you’ve set up on the computer, tablet or external hard drive. The tethering software you use displays your image on the computer screen, where the photograph can be seen in greater detail.
There are many software applications that enable tethering to computer including Lightroom, Aperture, CaptureOne, Nikon Camera Control Pro 2, CameraRC, Canon EOS Utility and more. And there are a few devices on the market that enable wireless tethering including CamRanger, iUSBPort, Eye-Fi and built-in or add-on transmitters supplied directly by camera manufacturers.

What are the advantages to shooting tethered?

There are a many benefits to shooting tethered; some of the most common reasons to tether include:

Watching Your Work: Art directors and clients love the ability to see your images mid-shoot on a larger screen and having a workstation that allows them access to images is paramount for keeping the camera and your workspace free from distraction.

Improving Communication on Shoots: Shooting tethered increases on-set communication between photographer, assistant, stylist, makeup artist and subject. When everyone can see what’s being captured, they can all work toward the desired image in a cohesive manner. You can also instantaneously share images with clients (on-site or in remote locations) which creates better client/photographer relations and helps foster a collaborative and constructive feedback process.

Refining Your Skills: Shooting tethered helps you learn and incorporate what you’re learning so that you become a better photographer faster. By seeing the images captured while you are shooting, photographers gain a better understanding of camera settings because you can immediately see exactly what is being captured vs. deciphering captures during the post-production process. Being able to adjust and re-shoot immediately helps you make better on-the-spot decisions. Tethering enables you to evaluate and then tweak your settings, lighting and composition to improve your work mid-shoot rather than waiting to incorporate what you’ve learned into the next shoot.

Improving Your Composition: Tethering allows you to easily spot any distracting elements, refine your focus and depth of field, and address any exposure issues, unwanted reflections and shadows that you may not notice through the lens.

Controlling Camera Settings: Tethering capture programs like Canon EOS Utility and Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 let you control camera functions, exposure mode, ISO, image quality, and more directly from your computer.

Increasing Your Workflow Efficiency: When you shoot tethered, you’re sending data directly to your computer drive instead of a small CF or SD card, which are likely transferred during or after the shoot for post-production or client sharing. Shooting direct means a faster, more efficient shoot for you and your workflow. Send images directly from your camera to your client via email (or to their iPhone or iPad) before they even leave the shoot. Your client will appreciate the quick service.

Tether Tools Product Overview from Douglas Sonders on Vimeo.

Is this something that can be done on-site as well as in-studio?

Yes, tethered photography can be done anywhere. Before the convenience of laptops and tablets, tethering was considered a cumbersome process, however by integrating lightweight laptops, iPads and even SmartPhones, tethering on location is now incredibly easy, regardless of what device you are sending images. The Tether Table Aero was actually conceived after shooting and assisting on location with heavy gear, computers and tables. After lugging gear around for a year, I developed the Tether Table Aero System to meet my own shooting needs and lighten my load. I wanted gear mounting solutions that were sturdy and versatile enough for everyday use in the studio, but lightweight and portable enough to take on location with me. Now all Tether Tools gear is designed for both in-studio and on-location use and helps photographers, filmmakers and even audio and music professionals integrate the technology devices needed to tether and improve the creative process.

Who benefits most (what sorts of photography) from tethered shooting?

Photography that benefits from tethering include : Architecture, Landscape, Fashion, Product, Food, Advertising, Portrait, Commercial, Wildlife/Nature, Time lapse, and Remote Trigger,

And remember, the photographer isn’t the only person on the shoot who benefits. Tethering also really helps: assistants, art directors/clients, educators/workshop instructors, and students.

What is your most popular seller right now? Why do you think that is?

The most popular items tend to be the most critical and useful devices. Top sellers include our JerkStopper Cable Management Device Kits. While the benefits are vast, one of the common challenges to shooting tethered is that the cable connecting the camera to the laptop may get tripped over, or with active photographers and assistants, there is a chance the cable may be disconnected from the camera. The JerkStopper Camera Support device creates an anchor by attaching a cable clamp to the camera strap loop, therefore removing any stress and strain from the camera port itself. This handy device not only saves the time of restarting a tethered session if the cable comes out…but even more importantly, it helps reduce damage to both the cable and the port if the cable should bend or break due to movement.

The Tether Table Aero Master in Black is the most popular table. At 22X16”, the table gives a photographer or filmmaker a good work surface, providing enough room for both the laptop and an external mouse – or laptop and enough space to put a DSLR down on the table between shots.

The Wallee iPad Case and Connect Lite Bracket is also an in-demand combination. Designed to mount the iPad on a tripod, the bracket has a ¼”-20 receptor on both the back and top side and enables many different configurations for mounting the iPad – on a tripod, on our RockSolid Articulating Arm and MiniClamp. The Connect Lite bracket also integrates beautifully with BlackRapid straps to create a TabStrap for wearing the iPad or Tablet. The combination uses an integrated Hitch Ring that can be used by current BlackRapid Strap users to extend the usefulness of their strap.

Tether Tools

Magic Transmission On The Sunset Waves by Katrin Shumakov
 

Online Awesomeness/Bloggy Goodness ——

It’s a long weekend! And what’s a long weekend without a fab project to work on? We thought we’d share this great blog piece we found at PushItAStop.com: Personal Projects, and Why They’re Important. Need some ideas to get the creative juices flowing? Check out 33 Easy Photography Projects to Strengthen Your Portfolio from the folks at 5figurephotography.com.
 

Video Virtuosity ——

MJR – Collection 100 / A history from Ling Ang on Vimeo.

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