About a year ago I first discovered the Black Rapid camera strap, it is one gadget that has undoubtedly made the way I work easier. I liked it so much I recently acquired another one. Every time I use it other photographers ask me about it and where they can lay their hands on one, so I thought I'd do a short video review explaining my thoughts.
When I bought my original strap I had to import it from the States (where they are manufactured) which unfortunately for me attracted a hefty import charge that I wasn't expecting when it arrived in the post. Happily a UK supplier (Crooked Imaging www.crookedimaging.co.uk ) has now taken up the mantle and is now solving this issue for UK based photographers and has some in stock.
If you're coming along to the free portrait training day on the 8th May (join the facebook group for full details just click like at the top right of this page) you'll be able to see me using the camera straps and make your own opinions.
So last Sunday saw the opening weekend for the British American football league which has recently been renamed British American Football Association Community League (BAFACL). As always whenever I get chance I travel with the Colchester Gladiators to cover the games.
it's inevitable when going through post production there's always those shots that never see the light of day, the ones that nobody (except me) ever sees. Above is one of those shot's, I'd been tracking the player running with the ball towards the endzone and just as he approached the score line and a crunch tackle was about happen I panned straight into the goal post and captured the above image. Oooops!
Over the years I've got hundreds of shots like this, maybe the ref sticks his arm up straight across the lens or a player runs in front and causes the autofocus to be confused. At the end of the day it just comes down to trying to be in the right place at the right time and luck.
It's probably the most asked question I get at weddings, in e-mails or texts from friends. It's never an easy answer to give but I thought I'd put my thoughts up here and hopefully it may give some kind of answer. As you can see from the above image (taken on my i-phone) I have this really bad habit of keeping hold of my cameras. I can't seem to allow myself to part with them, each body has it's own memories and when I look at them I'm reminded of special images that they have caught over the years. I just can't let any of them go.
As far as I (and most pro's) are concerned there are only two manufacturers anyone should look at, those being Nikon and Canon. Now before anyone gets upset and starts reading the small print about mega-pixels and the amount of widget bumps any of the other manufacturers offer let me explain my thinking. Nikon and canon have been the market leaders for longer than most can remember, a direct result of that is that they have the most users. Because they have the most users there is more equipment available both brand new and most importantly used. Take a look in any camera shop and see how much equipment the shop carries for Nikon and canon, then look for another manufacturer, Sony, Olympus, Penatx etc. As the famous saying goes, "buy right or buy twice".
So having narrowed it down to the two manufacturers (and if you're cool you'll pick Nikon) you now need to think about what the main use of your camera is likely to be and what your budget is. As I only use Nikon and have a small knowledge of their product range that's the manufacturer I'm going to suggest.
Film Camera (college / Purist) Nikon FM2 - something special about this camera, no widgets at all and completely manual, if you want to learn the basics this is a great camera to start with. A true purists camera.
Basic Digital (occasional use) Nikon D 3000 - A great little camera that won't break the budget and has a really cool in built help to help new users to understand more about using digital SLR's.
Medium use (semi pro) Nikon D 90- I liked this camera so much I bought one! Truth is as a pro photographer I wanted a great camera that I could carry to normal social type events without the weight and size of the pro bodies. Added to that the HD video capture and incredible (and I mean INCREDIBLE) ability of this camera in low light, it has the same sensor as the next body up at almost half the price and has certainly earned its worth with me.
Once you step above the £1,000 mark you really are into a specialised market where each camera is geared towards individual markets (sport, portraiture, studio) and let's face it if you're spending that kind of money you're unlikely to need my advise.
Whatever your choice there's one thing you need to know. It doesn't matter how much money you spend or what equipment you have, cameras don't take great images, photographers do ( a lesson I learnt after using my first ever Hasselblad and seeing the results). If you want to learn a little more about taking people pictures why not come along to the FREE portrait training day I'm organising on the 8th May, join my facebook page (click on the top right of this web page) to get the details. I'm really looking forward to meeting so many people travelling from all over the UK for the fun.
I was doing a bit of back reading on my blog the other day and I realised it's been a while since I've run one of my lifestyle portrait training days. I love holding these days and to me one of the best parts has always been seeing the theory put into practise by the people who came. However there's always been a drawback in that previously I've charged for this service which I realise has restricted some peoples abilities to attend. This saddens me as I've always loved sharing my techniques and encouraging others to go for it when taking pictures.
However things have changed! I'm super excited to write about this today on my blog as I've just finished putting the final pieces together that makes it possible to hold this event at no charge. A major reason behind that fact is the day has been sponsored by Crooked imaging. Those that know me know that I'm pretty careful about who I do business with and who I allow myself to be associated with, have no doubt I only promote products and businesses who I have a firm belief in. Crooked imaging is an on-line photography accessory website that provides an excellent service providing often hard to get widgets for the UK market. Please before you buy anything for your photography needs check out the website here www.crookedimaging.co.uk . Simon who runs the site has an excellent knowledge of his products and provides an excellent reference when you're looking for something that will make your life that little bit easier. Those that are coming on the 8th May (join my facebook group for full details) will be able to meet him and see he's a genuine guy.
Those people that have already joined my facebook page (click on the fanpage link on the right) will know for the last couple of weeks I've been organising the FREE training day for anyone who wants to come. It's something I'm super excited about and I feel sure it's going to be the start of something really big. If things go well I've got thoughts of making it a regular event and I'm determined to keep it free (or as close as it can be) to ensure anyone who wants to come along can do.
The full details of the first free portrait training day are on the facebook page here join the group and add yourself to the event (on the left of the page) so I know who's coming. There's no catch and I promise I won't try and convert you to any strange or weird religious cults.
So about a year ago I took a look at myself and didn't like too much of what I saw. Too many hours in front of a computer after having a physical life previously had taken its toll.So I set out to do something about it. With a new pair of trainers I set about a regular running routine of 5 runs a week (taking weekends off). When I first started it was a little over 3 miles (walk run ... mostly walking if I'm honest). I'm now up to 7.5 miles a day and it's taking the same amount of time!
Over the weeks/ months the pace has got faster the distance further and the weight less. There's been highs and lows which have included weight loss, weight gain, injuries and bad weather but every day (barring injury) the miles have been clocking up till I reached a significant goal yesterday.
Yesterday I passed the 1,000 mile mark since I started using the map my run website. This website has been even easier to use since i got my i-phone and downloaded their free app. Without going into a total love fest what it does is track your route and time then uploads it to the website so you have a permanent record over the weeks/months/years of your achievements. It also gives you in run information i.e how many miles you've covered how long you've run for etc all whilst listening to your music, or if you're like me whatever book you're into.
But the best thing is I haven't changed my diet at all. I still treat myself occasionally to fish and chips and my fair amount of Guinness.
I'm still a long way from where I want/need to be but the miles are clocking up. Seriously thinking about a half marathon this year and who knows maybe next year .......
**OFFICIAL DISCLAIMER** What I call running when compared to the rest of the world may not be the same thing, but it works for me :-)
Pin ItOccasionally I like to try something different in my photography so when recently I read through my Nikon camera manual and noticed the wildlife settings I decided to head to a local park and see what results I could get. I always read the manuals of my cameras from cover to cover as there's always new ways of doing things added regularly.
I had some success using the manufacturers wildlife settings and the adjusted noise of the shutter (see the video) works surprisingly well. I strongly suggest you dig out your manuals and see what secrets the camera holds. Have fun!
- A great little camera that won't break the budget and has a really cool in built help to help new users to understand more about using digital SLR's.
- I liked this camera so much I bought one! Truth is as a pro photographer I wanted a great camera that I could carry to normal social type events without the weight and size of the pro bodies. Added to that the HD video capture and incredible (and I mean INCREDIBLE) ability of this camera in low light, it has the same sensor as the next body up at almost half the price and has certainly earned its worth with me.
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