http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php en sgentry@provideocoalition.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-03T23:05:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/sgentryppc/story/editing_a_multicamera_concert_shot_on_canon_5ds/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/sgentryppc/story/editing_a_multicamera_concert_shot_on_canon_5ds/#When:23:05:00Z It’s no secret that Canon 5Ds are everywhere. They’ve shot music videos, short films, commercials and more Vimeo videos than anyone can imagine. One place where I haven’t heard about a lot of usage (as of yet anyway) is in multicamera concert production. There’s very real reasons why you wouldn’t want to use any small-form-factor DSLRs (with no gen lock, timecode input or external monitoring) in a multicam production. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t get the job done. Read the rest on ProVideo Coalition. 2010-03-03T23:05:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/sgentryppc/story/aperture_301_update_released_update_on_my_iphoto_09_migration/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/sgentryppc/story/aperture_301_update_released_update_on_my_iphoto_09_migration/#When:22:02:00Z Over on our sister site ProVideo Coalition, Mike Curtis has a great article about his move to Aperture 3.  Here’s a taste: Two things: 1.) Apple today released Aperture 3.0.1, addressing many of the issues I raised with version 3.0 2.) I’ve been busy on my iPhoto ‘09 to Aperture 3.0 upgrade saga, but did something incredibly dumb, losing me hundreds of hours of effort. Executive brief: Apple today released Aperture 3.0.1 fixing many known issues (no guarantees/reports it fixes’em all), and I was stupid and deleted a crucial file, aka the critical and massive iPhoto Library I’d been working on. Remember, kids - your time is more valuable than the cost of yet another hard drive, and the 5 minutes it takes to set up a backup copy rolling before leaving for the night. Even for personal projects. Shut up. It was late. I was on the phone. I was busy. I wish I’d been drinking. Read the rest of ProVideo Coalition Software 2010-03-02T22:02:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/canon_adds_24_and_25fps_hd_movie_recording_to_the_eos_5d_mark_ii_with_firmw/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/canon_adds_24_and_25fps_hd_movie_recording_to_the_eos_5d_mark_ii_with_firmw/#When:16:24:00Z London, 2nd March 2010 – Canon today pre-announces the release of a firmware update for the multiple award-winning EOS 5D Mark II. Originally announced in late 2009, the update adds 24* and 25 frames per second (fps) recording to the camera’s EOS MOVIE video function, and will be available as a free download from the middle of March. DSLR 2010-03-02T16:24:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/mamiya_introdces_new_dm40_large_sensor_dslr/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/mamiya_introdces_new_dm40_large_sensor_dslr/#When:23:36:00Z Elmsford, NY - March 1, 2010 - Mamiya today announced the addition of the new Mamiya DM40 to its lineup of professional large-sensor DSLRs. Featuring a resolution of 40 megapixels with a peak capture rate of .8 seconds per frame and a sustained capture rate of 60 frames per minute, the Mamiya DM40 is the industry’s fastest large-sensor DSLR. DSLR 2010-03-01T23:36:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/lensbaby_celebrates_6_years_of_creative_lenses/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/lensbaby_celebrates_6_years_of_creative_lenses/#When:21:41:00Z Lensbaby® Celebrates 6th Birthday at PMA 2010 Photographers at PMA and everywhere can enter to win a Lensbaby Composer, six Lensbaby Optics, and a treasure trove of other photo-related gifts 2010-02-23T21:41:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/leica_camera_announces_north_american_road_show/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/leica_camera_announces_north_american_road_show/#When:18:24:00Z February 23, 2010 - (Allendale, NJ) - Leica Camera announced today that it will bring the latest and newest Leica products to major North American cities as part of the first-ever Leica North American Road Show. Leica’s product specialists will visit 26 cities over the course of 14 weeks; the road show will commence on March 18, 2010 in Miami, Florida and conclude on June 23, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee.  The series is designed to enhance participants’ knowledge of and familiarity with the M and S Systems. News 2010-02-23T18:24:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/happy_anniversary_photoshop/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/happy_anniversary_photoshop/#When:06:06:00Z When you think of retouching, image editing, just about anything to do with processing photography these days, what do you think of? Thomas Knoll’s famous software, Photoshop. It’s so ubiquitous, it’s become a verb (much to Adobe’s chagrin). The original version showed up for sale 20 years ago today, running on Mac’s OS 6.  2010-02-20T06:06:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/wiebetech_debuts_two_new_products_at_pma/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/wiebetech_debuts_two_new_products_at_pma/#When:06:03:00Z News Release WiebeTech Meets Digital Storage Need at PMA The new RTX200-QR portable desktop storage enclosure was designed with photographers in mind and features preconfigured RAID 5 to ensure data integrity, high speed quad interface (FireWire 400/800, USB 2.0 or eSATA), TrayFree™ drive bays for easy drive installation and removal, ultra-quiet fans and a rugged handle for portability.  The RTX200-QR suits photographers needing a back up and archiving solution to provide security of precious data. 2010-02-20T06:03:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/sgentryppc/story/happy_20th_anniversary_photoshop/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/sgentryppc/story/happy_20th_anniversary_photoshop/#When:07:00:00Z For 20 years, the world has used Adobe Photoshop software to transform creative inspiration into nearly everything we see in print, online, and across media. Come celebrate with us. Photoshop Celebration Take a trip down memory lane with Photoshop founders – John Knoll, Thomas Knoll, Russell Brown, and Steve Guttman. They will tell you the story of how an amazing coincidence of circumstances spawned a cultural paradigm shift unparalleled in our lifetime. Photoshop 2010-02-19T07:00:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/sgentryppc/story/heading_to_vancouver_for_two_events/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/sgentryppc/story/heading_to_vancouver_for_two_events/#When:21:30:00Z My wife happens to work for an Olympic sponsor and I was lucky enough to tag along in Beijing, and now I’m prepping to leave for a quick three day, two event romp to Vancouver. The trip this time presents some unique challenges in terms of weather, logistics and my personal shot goals.  The first thing I needed to consider is TSA flight requirements and what I’d have to check, vs. carry on.  Additionally I needed to check Olympic guidelines for any restrictions on equipment at events.  So far I’m in luck as the international carry-on rules seem to have settled a tad since Christmas.  Additionally, according to Vancouver2010.com, it seems that as long as I’m not re-broadcasting live, I am OK.  There are some restrictions there, but nothing I can’t overcome. Camera Support, Hardware, Lenses 2010-02-13T21:30:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/apple_releases_aperture_3/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/apple_releases_aperture_3/#When:00:24:00Z New Features Include Faces, Places & Brushes CUPERTINO, Calif., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Apple® today introduced Aperture™ 3, the next major release of its powerful photo editing and management software, with over 200 new features including Faces, Places and Brushes. Building on the innovative Faces and Places features introduced in iPhoto® ‘09, Aperture 3 makes it even easier and faster to organize large photo libraries. Aperture 3 introduces new tools to refine your photos including Brushes for painting image adjustments onto parts of your photo, and Adjustment Presets for applying professional photo effects with just one click. Stunning new slideshows let you share your work by weaving together photos, audio, text and HD video.  2010-02-12T00:24:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/if_you_think_hiring_a_professional_photographer_is_expensive_wait_until_you/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/if_you_think_hiring_a_professional_photographer_is_expensive_wait_until_you/#When:05:21:00Z There’s a wonderful discussion on LinkedIn’s “Photography Industry Professionals” group about the future of professional photography. The quote “If you think hiring a professional photographer is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur” speaks volumes. Experienced Photo Editors, Art Buyers and Creative Directors all know this. I don’t think the less experienced ones, under the crushing pressure of shrinking budgets, get the true value of hiring an experienced professional. 2010-02-09T05:21:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/tamron_usa_announces_first_photo_contest_of_its_2010_series_dusk_till_dawn/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/tamron_usa_announces_first_photo_contest_of_its_2010_series_dusk_till_dawn/#When:21:15:01Z January 25, 2010, Commack, NY— Tamron USA, Inc announced the first in its series of four photo contests for 2010: Dusk till Dawn asks entrants to submit sunrise, sunset and nighttime images by March 31, 2010. The Grand Prize Winner of Contest One 2010 will receive his/her choice of one of these Tamron lenses: SP AF60mm F2 Di-II 1:1 Macro; SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di-II; SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 Di-II VC; or AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC. Users of any camera equipment may enter the Tamron photo contest. 2010-01-25T21:15:01-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/think_tank_photo_hydrophobia_rain_cover_released/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/think_tank_photo_hydrophobia_rain_cover_released/#When:21:04:00Z Santa Rosa, Calif. –Think Tank Photo announces the release of two water-resistant, seam-sealed rain covers for 70-200 and smaller lenses: the Hydrophobia® 70-200 and the Hydrophobia® Flash 70-200 with built-in flash protector.  Featuring side arm holes for focusing and accessing switches, they allow DSLRs to be turned vertically.  And now, without exposing their expensive bodies and lenses to the elements, photographers can change memory cards and batteries without taking off the rain covers. 2010-01-25T21:04:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/tamron_launches_a_fun_new_way_to_share_stories_pictures_and_points_of_view/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/tamron_launches_a_fun_new_way_to_share_stories_pictures_and_points_of_view/#When:22:07:00Z January 15, 2010, Commack, NY – Tamron, the innovative, high-performance lens company, has just announced a new, user-friendly way for everyone from casual shooters to serious shutterbugs to showcase their prized images, share them with like-minded enthusiasts, tell the fascinating stories of how they were created, and get valuable feedback that will help participants take their photography to the next level. To access this innovative, interactive blog-style sharing site, users just go to http://www.ShareItWithTamron.com where they can answer regularly posted questions with a blog comment that includes the respondent’s relevant photos and the stories behind them. The kick-off question is a midwinter classic: “Just how cold is it really? Show us your ‘freeziest’ winter shots and tell us all about the latest temps where you live or vacation.” 2010-01-21T22:07:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/new_podcast_interview_up/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/new_podcast_interview_up/#When:18:50:00Z Chris Marquardt started his podcast “Digital Photography Tips From The Top Floor” a few years back. He was somewhat new to digital photography, which helped him offer fantastic tips and lessons on things to do to improve your photography. It’s probably one of the best and most successful educational podcasts out there, and the longest-running. Chris has put out over FOUR HUNDRED episodes, all full of great photography information. This is in addition to promoting other podcasts, running workshops around the world, and running his own media business largely centered on photography. 2010-01-07T18:50:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/what_the/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/what_the/#When:18:37:00Z In case you’ve been living in a cave or don’t have geeky enough friends, there’s a syndicated comic strip called “What The Duck”. Penned oddly enough by musician Aaron Johnson, it’s amazingly insightful into the world of professional photography. Nothing is off-topic, from assistants to technology to all the things clients do to drive us nuts. You can check it out in many newspapers that now carry it, or online at WhatTheDuck.net. There’s even a Dashboard widget for easy daily use, though I highly recommend you check out the archive of past strips on the site first. 2010-01-07T18:37:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/podcast_interview_on_espn_action_sports/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/podcast_interview_on_espn_action_sports/#When:02:04:00Z I recently photographed Rick Thorne for a new portfolio I’m working on. While we were there, he interviewed me for his podcast, ESPN Action Sports. Rick and friends cover the scene with interviews of athletes, bands, and others as well as introducing new music and new bands. 2009-12-10T02:04:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/heroes/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/heroes/#When:01:12:00Z Before I ever became interested in photography, I was into BMX. I mean, INTO BMX. It was everything. And that started when I picked up my first issue of BMX Action magazine in 1982, collecting articles on anything to do with E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. The magazine tested the Kuwahara E.T., the same bike Elliott rode in the movie. I fell in love with the sport through Bob Osborn’s lens. From there I was HOOKED. I got my first BMX bike that year and from then on, that sport is what I ate, drank and slept. What does that have to do with photography? 2009-12-10T01:12:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/want_to_be_able_to_read_websites_without_all_the_clutter/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/want_to_be_able_to_read_websites_without_all_the_clutter/#When:06:51:00Z A company called Arc90 has come up with something interesting and very useful. A bookmarklet that allows readers to view web pages without all the ads and clutter. 2009-12-04T06:51:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/product_review_think_tank_urban_disguise_70/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/product_review_think_tank_urban_disguise_70/#When:04:33:00Z I’ve had the chance to use one of Think Tank’s newest bags, the Urban Disguise 70. It’s an impressive bag, both in capacity and build quality. 2009-11-23T04:33:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/cmeyer/story/timelapse_motion_control/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/cmeyer/story/timelapse_motion_control/#When:04:43:00Z Having made the move recently from California to New Mexico, loving to shoot both states (and points in between), and having recently bought a Canon 5D Mark II, I was happy to have recently encountered Timescapes.org, who is currently working on a film about the area - Southwest Light - which is being shot timelapse with DSLRs such as the 5D. What makes some of these scenes particularly interesting is the motion control dolly they are using: A stepper motor is incrementing the camera’s position between shots along a slide rail, combining the sensation of panning (a “dolly shot") with timelapse - nice work.  DSLR, Technique 2009-11-21T04:43:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/working_on_the_set_of_a_television_show1/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/working_on_the_set_of_a_television_show1/#When:22:04:00Z Millimeter was a good client. I was hired to shoot some behind-the-scenes images on the set of Titus. The significance was that they were getting the first CineAlta cameras directly after they were finished shooting George Lucas’ second Star Wars trillogy. Titus was the first sitcom ever shot with that camera, one of the first shot in HD.  2009-11-11T22:04:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/retro_behind_the_scenes_video/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/retro_behind_the_scenes_video/#When:20:43:00Z Here’s a little behind-the-scenes from a pinup layout I shot for Hot Rod magazine a few years back. It was a fun project, shot over several days both in studio and on location. I shot it mostly with Hasselblad cameras, but had just started shooting digitally with a Nikon Coolpix. You’d think a Coolpix, especially back in the day, wouldn’t have been good for print. Quite the opposite.  2009-11-09T20:43:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/nudity_espn_and_prudes/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/tdonaldsonppc/story/nudity_espn_and_prudes/#When:19:08:01Z ESPN the Magazine recently published their “Body Issue” on October 19, 2009, celebrating the incredible bodies of some of our favorite athletes. The work was beautifully shot by several amazing shooters, including James White, Sarah H. Friedman, Patrik Giardino, Sheryl Nields, Olugbenro Ogunsemore, James Dimmock and others. The work is incredible, a truly stunning portfolio celebrating the beautiful form of the athletes we all admire.  2009-11-03T19:08:01-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/think_tank_photo_urban_disguise/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/think_tank_photo_urban_disguise/#When:21:45:00Z Santa Rosa, Calif. – For the photographer carrying two regular or pro size DSLRs with lenses attached to each camera body – or even a 70-200 f2.8 lens attached to any camera body – Think Tank Photo announces the release of the cavernous Urban Disguise ® 70 Pro.  This is a briefcase style gear bag for traveling in style and protecting camera equipment without attracting attention as an obvious camera bag.  The interior accommodates a host of camera configurations that enable photographers to keep all their gear secure in one bag. 2009-11-02T21:45:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/cmeyer/story/deconstruction_11/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/cmeyer/story/deconstruction_11/#When:16:50:00Z Although I have spent a fair amount of money to buy camera equipment and digital printers which can produce a more-perfect image, the truth is that my personal aesthetic is more along the lines of wabi-sabi: an appreciation for the aged, weathered, and decayed. So what happens when I take a clean photo of the San Diego Museum of Modern History, a fine modern architectural example of a glass, metal, and stone? I have to distress it. The irony is, the result won a prize - and few realized it was a digital print of a photograph. Here’s one photograph’s journey into the realm of accelerated aging: Editing, Technique 2009-11-01T16:50:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/new_lensbaby_products1/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/newsppc/story/new_lensbaby_products1/#When:22:09:00Z New additions to the Lensbaby Optic Swap System expand a photographer’s creative possibilities Lensbaby announces today the addition of the new Fisheye Optic and Soft Focus Optic to the Lensbaby Optic Swap System. Each new optic is available for use with the Lensbaby Composer® and Muse®*. In addition, the Soft Focus Optic is compatible with the Lensbaby Control FreakTM. “With the introduction of these new optics, Lensbaby is moving beyond the realm of selective focus to offer photographers a Creative Effects SLR lens system, with 6 different optic options. The Fisheye and Soft Focus Optics, unlike earlier Lensbaby optics, do not feature a sweet spot of focus,” said Craig Strong, Lensbaby President and Co-Founder. “The new Fisheye Optic transforms a Lensbaby Composer into a fun fisheye lens and the new Soft Focus Optic creates images that are overall soft and diffused, much like a classic Imagon portrait lens. The Lensbaby Optic Swap System now offers three selective focus optics, and three optics that provide even more options for creative photography.” 2009-10-31T22:09:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/cmeyer/story/let_it_snow/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/cmeyer/story/let_it_snow/#When:04:56:00Z We had our first good snow in the mountains today. At one point when the flakes got particularly large, my wife Trish asked if I could get a photo that showed off the individual flakes, as her PowerShot SD870 IS was insisting on too long of a shutter time. So I picked up the Canon 5D mkII, slapped on its stock 24-105mm L IS lens, opened it up all the way to f=4.0 with a 1/2000 shutter speed at ISO 500, and fired a few pics through the office window (I know - a real man would have went outside). Technique 2009-10-29T04:56:00-08:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/rharringtonppc/story/my_day_at_photo_plus_expo/ http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/rharringtonppc/story/my_day_at_photo_plus_expo/#When:05:50:00Z I spent the day in New York city at the 2009 Photo Plus Expo show. It was just a one day trip (thanks Amtrak Acela). I went up for lots of reasons, but here’s some of the gear I saw that looked interesting. News 2009-10-27T05:50:00-08:00