Small Strobes Bootcamp

I've got a speedlight workshop coming up at Vancouver Photo Workshops on February 25 & 26.  This is an intensive week-end for people who are looking to elevate their small-flash game to the next level.  Lots of instruction, lots of shooting, lots of fun.


Go here for more info. and registration.

Here's an example of what we've done in the past...

Murphy's Law

I am right in the middle of planning for a shoot later today, but I thought I would let you have a peek at one of the very special pieces of gear that I will be using.  Check it out here

I'm glad I'm not buying this bad-boy, I've bought cars that cost less than this.  Come to think of it, I think my first three or four cars, combined, cost less than this.  It's a great example of when it makes sense to rent gear.  Thanks to Sean at Flashpoint, for showing me how to make this thing go boom, I mean light up a room.

I'll post some pictures from the shoot A.S.A.P.  It should be good, I'm using some gear I've never used before, doing some things I've never done before, what could possibly go wrong?

Free DSLR Workflow Workshop

This one is completely free.  I will be doing a DSLR Workflow workshop at Langara College on Saturday from 9:00am-4:00PM.  The workshop is geared towards people trying to get a handle on all things digital.  From IPTC, histograms, file formats, archiving, editing, Lightroom and Photoshop.  This free course offers a great introduction to managing all those fabulous photos you've been making with your new camera that Santa brought to you.

Call the Langara Continuing studies office to register:  604.323.5322

Sports and Motion

One moment I was standing there shooting pictures, and the next I was getting violently jerked backwards by my shirt.  Now under most circumstances, I would turn around and confront the assailant, and perhaps, engage in an animated discussion with some rather strong words.  Because, there's nothing worse than having your eye up to the viewfinder, and being blindsided.  It's disconcerting, to say the least.  This time, instead, I turned around and thanked the guy from the Ferrari Formula One team for saving me from being run over by about 800 horsepower of racing car.  Now, truth be told, he was probably more concerned about his 20 million dollar car, than me, but regardless of his motivation, I didn't want to become a hood ornament.

That's part of what makes shooting sports interesting, not the almost getting run-over part, more the; you never know what's going to happen next bit.  Sports action, is by necessity, fast paced.  And, unless you're a judge in figure skating, you never know the results until it's over. Anything can, and usually does, happen.

One of the essential skills in shooting any fast paced subject, is the ability to freeze motion.

More after the jump...

Almost Free Workshops

****Update:  My 2 hour speedlight workshop at Vancouver Photo Workshops was sold-out, but I have managed to open up another 10 spots to try and accomodate more people. Contact V.P.W. to register.


I'm doing a couple of speedlight workshops at Vancouver Photo Workshops this week-end, come by and check them, and others, out.

Remotely Speaking

After last week's post, I thought it might make sense to talk a bit about how to set-up a remote camera.  If you remember, I had two remotes at the Grey Cup.  One was firing, automatically, every 20 seconds, using the Nikon D700's built-in intervalometer.  The other was firing via a radio transceiver- or also known as a Pocket Wizard.  The intervalometer is fairly easy to rig, and either your camera has one, or you can buy a add-on version.  The Pocket Wizard remote is the one that I would like to talk about today.

The advantage of hooking up the second remote, a Nikon D3, to a P.W. is that I could control exactly when the camera fired.  With the first camera firing every 20 seconds, I couldn't be guaranteed of getting the exact moment I wanted.  It's all about timing.

More after the jump...

2012

Hey Gang,

One of my resolutions for 2012 is to blog regularly.  I want to post on a variety of topics, so, if you have anything in mind, let me know in the comments, or send me an email.

I'm going to start off the year with something fun.  At the end of last year, I shot the Grey Cup.  For you non-Canadians, it's like the Superbowl, but a much bigger deal.  Now, I don't shoot a lot of football, as matter of fact I turned down an assignment from a very cool magazine, because I didn't feel like I was the right photographer for the job.  But, more about that in another post.

I was shooting for Corbis.  One of the agencies that I contribute to regularly, and the agency that I will be working with during the London 2012 summer Olympic games.  That's right, I'm going to London, BOO-YAH!  But more about that in another post too.  You see, I've got lots to talk about this year.

More after the jump...