Photo Contest "At My Home"

This got to be good or else I wouldn't be posting it here.

My friend Udi at the diyphotography.net are making this excellent contest on their website.

The idea behind the concept was what moved me to make an announcement here at Lighting Mods.

Wanna know how to enter the contest? Read the full article...

What Is This Contest All About?

Just like America At Home, At My Home contest is about the most important place in your life: home. The emotions of home: the distinctive rituals, the intimate moments, and all the myriad ways in which you work, play, learn, conduct your life, and interact with friends, family members (and pets!) as you transform your dwelling into your home.

You can get a pretty good idea about how America at Home photographers see their homes by browsing the (partial) online version of the book.

The Prizes

This is the fun part (Aside from looking at the pictures of course). As grand prize the winner will receive an America At Home photo album priced at 39.95 USD. To make this even sweeter, the winner will be able to customize the cover of the book to feature his family, home or beloved Nikon D3. And of course, the winner will receive unlimited bragging rights.

The 4 runners up will receive the same sweet deal of a great America At Home photo album plus a personalized cover. Bragging rights will be lesser as the place goes down. (I guess the sharp eyed readers noticed that all 5 winners will receive the same prize)
The Judges

For judging this contest, we have collected the finest photographers and photo-bloggers from around the web:

Rick Smolan from Against All Odds Productions - The master-mind behind the America At Home project and our proud sponsor.

Jim Talkington from Pro Photo Life - A lighting master and an extraordinary studio photographer.

Brian Auer from Epic Edits - A fine art photographer and master photography blogger.

Kerry Garrison from Camera Dojo - Kerry is one third of the magnificent trio that makes Camera Dojo.

Udi Tirosh - from DIYPhotography.net

Comes June 14, the esteemed panel of judges will select the first place picture and 3 runners up. The last prize will go to a winner of DIYP reader's choice.

How To Enter?

Entering the contest is easy - simply upload a picture to Flickr between May 25 and June 14, add it to the DIYP photo pool and tag it with "DIYP" and "atmyhome". See all submission here. The photo must be taken within the contest time frame - that is between now and June 14th.

If you don't have a Flickr account now is the time to get one right here, as this is the only way to submit your pictures.

The limit is three entries per person.

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8 DVD Strobist box set NOW available

The so much awaited Strobist DVD set will be out on the streets starting from today!!

I told you that it was coming out very soon ;)

So now you do not have an excuse not to buy it and start off camera lighting.

This 8 DVD set will answer all your questions concerning Strobist and Off Camera lighting.

David Hobby answered some questions about orders, packagings and contents on his Flickr page here is the transcription.

Answers to some of the Q's in the comments:

• Pre-orders? Nope. They will go on sale next Tuesday.

• Is that gaffer's tape at the edges? Yes! But it repro'd dark, so it is hard to tell. I taped crinkled paper down on my dining room table, put a string over it and photo'd that. I added the titling in another layer, and erased to reveal the string, which now looks like it is on top. Eatcher heart out, Matt K...

• What's it gonna cost? $139, for eight DVDs: Full-day seminar, gear disc and nine location shoots.

• Blu-Ray? Er, no. DV format. In every instance where we had to choose between allocating resources between production values and content, we chose content.

• Will it be on Amazon? That is something I am working on. Not immediately, but hopefully before long.

• Where do I order? Initially, via MPEX, who is gearing up to get them out ASAP.

• Is there a D/L version? Not for now. At 8 DVD's, it'd be some pretty hefty bandwidth.

• Will it be shipped overseas? Yes. Shipping will be more, but then you will be benefitting from the crappy state of the US dollar, too...

• What was the setup for this shot? DVD's on my table. Flash sitting on kitchen counter, bouncing off the ceiling (camera upper right, relative position.) You guys never stop, do you? :)

David has setup a Main Strobist DVD Discussion Thread on Flickr, any questions you can put them here and have direct answer from Mr. David Hobby Himself.

And if you want to know what will be featuring on the 8 DVD box set, you heard me well 8 DVD's wrapped in brown paper just take a look at Strobist page.

You can order Strobist Lighting DVDs at Midwest Photo for $139.00 and they will ship it Internationally. Pay attention that there were only 1000 copies made for the first round, so try to get your order as soon as you can.

As per David Hobby Words:
"We printed 1,000 copies, which was all I could afford! Everything was done out of pocket. If these sell out, it will allow me to cover all expenses -- including Bill's many hours, subtitling, DVD printing costs, etc., and fund another round."

--//--

Strobist Lighting Seminar on DVD

Eight-DVD set (approx. ten hours total) with David Hobby from the website Strobist.com. It is aimed at advanced amateur photographers who would like to gain a better understanding of how use small flashes off-camera to improve the quality of light in their photos.

Includes 8 DVD's:
-Lighting Gear for Beginners
-Morning Session Part 1
-Morning Session Part 2
-Afternoon Session Part 1
-Afternoon Session Part 2
-Bonus Material 1
-Bonus Material 2
-Bonus Material 3

Bonus Material includes:
-Conference Room Headshot
-Swimsuit Portrait
-Kendo Practitioner
-Pool Portrait
-Lighting Indoor Basketball
-Mountain Bike Shoot
-Group Shot
-DIY Macro Box
-Sunset Sunflower

The shoots included in the videos range from tabletop product shots to individual portraiture to an eleven-person group photo. The shoots are designed to illustrate some of the different techniques available to the small-flash photographer.

First DVD: Discussion -- Lighting gear for beginners. DVDs 2-5: Full day lighting seminar, which includes both discussion and shooting. DVDs 6-8: Nine location shoots.

Here is a small sample video


More photos by David Hoffmann from the DVD setup you can find them in here.

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Frozen Grand Central Station

From Improv Everywhere, over 200 people freeze in place on cue in Grand Central Station in New York.

This is one of over 70 different missions Improv Everywhere has executed over the past six years in New York City. Others include the No Pants Subway Ride, the Best Buy uniform prank, and the famous U2 Rooftop Hoax, to name a few.

Visit the website to see tons of photos and video of all of our work, including behind the scenes information on how this video was made.




And the behind the scenes movie:



And here is the final video for the Law & Order: SVU scene featuring Robin Williams.



Just an AMAZING idea...

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Forget all Photography Rules

Are you the type of photographer who always follow the rules, make every picture thinking on composition and in the end you're always complaining that you could do better next time?

Well my friend let me tell you forget all that and simply shoot what you like and have in mind.

Have an idea? Shoot it!, Have a thought? Shoot! Have nothing in mind? Shoot, Shoot!!

To give you a thought about this matter I introduce you to Magnum photographer Bruce Gilden on the following videos and maybe that will give you a different perspective and approach on how to you can shoot interesting photos.

Remember Rules were meant to be Broken!!!

And if you are FAN of the Off Camera flash (Strobist)? Then you got to the see the video :)



Next an interview with Bruce Gilden explaining his "Vision".



More about Bruce Gilden and Street Photography? Check out the following links:

Bruce Gilden | Magnum Photos
More information | WNYC Street Shots Challenge, Flickr group

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Strobist DVD Trailer

It's been a while since I did not post anything here but I've returned to Lisbon for a couple of assignments and I confess that time is one thing that I miss a lot.

I still haven't forgotten all of you out there and to prove it here is a little cookie to open up your appetite concerning the so much talked Strobist DVD.

David was kind enough to post a small preview of what you will get as soon as they will start to pop out, and that is very, very but very soon!!!

More on this soon... meanwhile enjoy this one.

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DIY: Depth Of Field Calculator

Since I did not had much time during the weekend to write these week Monday Tip I decided to leave you with a Depth Of Field Calculator and Hyperfocal Distance for your camera.

You can use it on your computer or you can print it out and use it on a lens cap, your Ipod, Iphone or even in your Palm OS.

Take a look ate the following link, download it and see how you can make yourself a very nice one.
Depth of field scales are elegant tools for quickly and easily calculating depth of field and hyperfocal distance. Unfortunately, lens manufacturers don't engrave scales on lenses anymore. Now you can use DOFMaster to make your own scales.

Use DOFMaster to make depth of field scales for use in the field. Just set the focus distance, and read the near and far focus distances. Easily calculate the hyperfocal distance for your lens at any aperture.

Customize the scale for your needs:

* Use feet or meters on the distance scale
* Stretch or shrink the distance scale as necessary for focal lengths from 3 mm to 1200 mm
* Print a scale for any format, digital to 8x10
* Put as many as 4 focal lengths on a scale
* Select apertures as small as f/64
* Choose any circle of confusion

Instructions for calculator assembly are included in the DOFMaster help file.

You may be asking what is Depth of Field?

Depth of field is the distance between the nearest and furthest parts of a subject that can be imaged with acceptably sharp detail at one focus setting of the lens.

When an object is in focus, everything from a certain distance in front of the object to a certain distance behind the object will also be in reasonably sharp focus. This distance from front to back that will be in reasonably sharp focus is called the depth of field.

Depth of field refers to the section of a photograph that appears to be in sharp focus.

And what is the Hyperfocal Distance?
The hyperfocal distance is the point you focus on when you want to maximize the amount of depth of field in a photograph.

Hyperfocal distance is the point of focus at which subjects from half that distance to infinity are in focus.

With this tool it will help you calculate this on the field.

Depth of Field calculator glued to a lens cap.

Enjoy

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Nikon with Pocket Wizards Inside

Today while driving through the Pocket Wizard web page I stumble with this excellent news for Pocket Wizard and Nikon users.

It seems that they can mount an Internal Radio Transceiver just like the ones we are using today on the hot shoe mount.

Take a look at the full Press Release after the jump...

Press Release from Pocket Wizard (you can find the original post here at their page):

"Taking the ultimate step forward, PocketWizard is now offering the first built-in digital radio Transceiver in a digital SLR camera. The newest generation PocketWizard takes the shape of a wafer-thin electronic computer circuit board, that interfaces with existing technology found in the Nikon® D-Series Digital SLR cameras. This built-in PocketWizard Transceiver offers the same advantages as the external units without the need for pre-triggered motor drive cables, batteries or PC cords and it leaves the camera's hot shoe available for other accessories such as an on-camera flash.

Installation of the PocketWizard inside the Nikon D-Series cameras is available from Mamiya America Corporation in the U.S. as an after market modification to current owners of Nikon's D1, D1H and D1X series of digital SLR cameras.

The PocketWizard technology inside modification is fully compatible with all current and previously released PocketWizard Digital Radio Triggering Systems. Offering 32 channels plus "Multi-Zone Triggering", this modification also features auto-channel detection. Setting the radio channel on the Nikon® D-Series camera is as easy as holding the camera's flash key down and turning the jog wheel, until the flash or camera fires.

Since the PocketWizard chip inside is a Transceiver, it can send or receive digital radio signals independently or simultaneously. That means you can trigger your camera remotely and your camera will trigger your flash units remotely, all at the same time, wirelessly up to 1000 feet away.

The PocketWizard inside also offers features such as Pre-Triggering release circuitry that keeps the camera from going into sleep mode, SpeedCycler mode enabling rapid switching from one flash unit (or Zone) to another.

Relay Trigger sequencing, offering the photographer the ability to trigger a camera wirelessly and the camera, in turn, triggers electronic flash units wirelessly. The PocketWizard inside accepts the trigger signals from other PocketWizard radios, (such as the PocketWizard Classic, Plus, MAX, MultiMAX or also a Sekonic radio- ready exposure meter).

An external antenna that screws into the Nikon's PC socket is the only indication that PocketWizard technology is inside. Once the antenna is removed the PC socket automatically switches back to a standard PC terminal. With a triggering range estimated at 1000 feet or more and total compatibility with all PocketWizard Inside or PocketWizard Ready professional photographic equipment, the Nikon's D-Series cameras with PocketWizard technology inside is the perfect addition to the "Digital Wireless Freedom" system.

Future photographers won't know the limits of a wired world, why should you?

Features include:

* Wireless auto-detection - Channel ID setting
* Transceiver Technology - Transmit, Receive or do both at the same time, all in one radio
* 32 selectable channels - Allows multiple users to work together without interference
* Multi-Zone Triggering - Selectively control which camera(s) or flash(es) triggers remotely
* Pre-Triggering release - Prevents a remote camera from going into sleep or standby mode
* SpeedCycler mode - Allow sequential triggering of cameras or flash units
* Relay mode - Offers simultaneous triggering of a camera and flash units remotely
* Removable external antenna - Retains standard PC socket function
* 1000 foot operating range - Offers reliable remote operation at great distances.

PocketWizard inside Nikon D-Series Specifications:

Range: 1000 feet +
Frequency: 344mhz (Standard Triggering channels 1 thru 16)
346.5 - 354 MHz (Quad-Triggering 17 thru 32)
Code: Complex 16/24-bit digitally coded signals
Channels: 32 digitally coded Channels
16 original PocketWizard classic Channels
16 PocketWizard Quad-Triggering Channels
Synch Speed: Up to 1/400 (focal plane)
Power: Uses the Nikon camera body's power source
Weight: Internal wafer board adds only 0.16 oz. to the camera

Note: PocketWizard Digital Radio Triggering systems may be used only in countries where a permit for the control frequency has been issued by the government office in charge.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

PocketWizard Inside Nikon D-Series [Instructions & Warranty]

MODIFICATION PROCEDURE: When requesting a Nikon D1, D1X or D1H digital SLR to be modified with a PocketWizard inside, the PocketWizard Inside Modification order form (link to Order Form) must accompany the camera. The camera must be in good working order before MAC can perform the modification. If the camera is not received in good working order it will be returned. Once the modification is completed, the camera will be shipped back to the sender.

MODIFICATION TURN-AROUND TIME: MAC's service department receives the camera, providing that all components are available, the standard turn-around time is 48 hours. If you require a faster turn-around, special arrangements can be made (additional charges apply) including overnight shipping and drop-ship procedures.

WARRANTY COVERAGE: MAC will warranty the PocketWizard inside modification
and Nikon will continue to warranty the Nikon camera. This means that if a require service with for your Nikon radio-ready camera, you must first send the camera to MAC's service department. MAC will remove the radio board and send the camera to Nikon USA for servicing. If the problem is with the camera, Nikon will honor the warranty. If the problem is with the PocketWizard, then MAC will honor the warranty."

I Just hope this feature soon will be available for Canon 1D series soon :)

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Know Your Photographic Rights

A while back I read at http://photojojo.com this excellent article that I decided transcribe and to share with all of you.

It talks about your photography rights while on the street taking pictures.

By the way do you know what rights you have while on the street taking some photos?

Download "The Photographer’s Right" in PDF format by Attorney Law Bert P. Krages. Print it and keep it always with you, on your bag and near your camera, so in case of any doubt you know what you can count for.

I made a transcription of the best 10 for you in hope they could be helpful for you and you may need to use them one day, you'll never know when the Police or Security are peeking ;)

1. Anyone in a public place can take pictures of anything they want. Public places include parks, sidewalks, malls, etc. Malls? Yeah. Even though it’s technically private property, being open to the public makes it public space.

2. If you are on public property, you can take pictures of private property. If a building, for example, is visible from the sidewalk, it’s fair game.

3. If you are on private property and are asked not to take pictures, you are obligated to honor that request. This includes posted signs.

4. Sensitive government buildings (military bases, nuclear facilities) can prohibit photography if it is deemed a threat to national security.

5. People can be photographed if they are in public (without their consent) unless they have secluded themselves and can expect a reasonable degree of privacy. Kids swimming in a fountain? Okay. Somebody entering their PIN at the ATM? Not okay.

6. The following can almost always be photographed from public places, despite popular opinion:

* accident & fire scenes, criminal activities
* bridges & other infrastructure, transportation facilities (i.e. airports)
* industrial facilities, Superfund sites
* public utilities, residential & commercial buildings
* children, celebrities, law enforcement officers
* UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, Chuck Norris

7. Although “security” is often given as the reason somebody doesn’t want you to take photos, it’s rarely valid. Taking a photo of a publicly visible subject does not constitute terrorism, nor does it infringe on a company’s trade secrets.

8. If you are challenged, you do not have to explain why you are taking pictures, nor to you have to disclose your identity (except in some cases when questioned by a law enforcement officer.)

9. Private parties have very limited rights to detain you against your will, and can be subject to legal action if they harass you.

10. If someone tries to confiscate your camera and/or film, you don’t have to give it to them. If they take it by force or threaten you, they can be liable for things like theft and coercion. Even law enforcement officers need a court order.

What To Do If You’re Confronted
* Be respectful and polite. Use good judgement and don’t escalate the situation.
* If the person becomes combative or difficult, think about calling the police.
* Threats, detention, and taking your camera are all grounds for legal or civil actions on your part. Be sure to get the person’s name, employer, and what legal grounds they claim for their actions.
* If you don’t want to involve the authorities, go above the person’s head to their supervisor or their company’s public relations department.
* Call your local TV and radio stations and see if they want to do a story about your civil liberties.
* Put the story on the web yourself if need be.

Some more Resources

* I recommend downloading The Photographer’s Right and keeping a couple of copies in your camera bag if you’re shooting somewhere you might expect trouble.
* Andrew Kantor has written a good article and a PDF summary of your rights, including some of the ins-and-outs of publishing your pictures.
* The Legal Handbook for Photographers is a great resource covering all aspects of photography and the law.
* Do you live outside the United States? Try these links for photographer’s rights in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

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Charlie Rose the Photographers Interviews

Charlie Rose is an American TV interviewer and journalist.

Since 1991 he has hosted Charlie Rose, an interview show produced by the New York metropolitan area public television station WNET, and also distributed nationally by PBS, starting in 1993[1] and continuing as of 2008. He has concurrently been a correspondent for 60 Minutes II since its inception in 1999.

He interviewed a lot of important icons of the society from Politics to Photographers and I bring you today the acclaimed photographer Richard Avedon discussing his 50-year career capturing the images of politicians and celebrities, the rise of portraiture, and the role of humanity in photography.

He also talks about some of his more memorable experiences and his new book "An Autobiography".

This is the kind of interview that every student of photography should study. You are privileged to spend an hour with Richard Avedon, arguably the most influential photographer of the twentieth century. Take a look at the full interview video.



Another great video interview with Annie Leibovitz and some more of Richard Avedon.



Enjoy.

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Inside a Sports Photographer's Bag

Today I bring you the inside view of Harry How bag.

Another Damon Webster Photoinduced.com video production series.

Harry How is a staff sports photographer who works as an internal for Getty Images.

Watch the 3 full videos has he leads us into the inside of his bag and to the equipment choices for his sports assignments.

So let's peek inside his bag...

As a sports photographer for Getty Images, Harry How has worked most of the major events in sports: Super Bowl, the Masters, Olympics, and playoffs of every other sport. In Part 1 of our visit with Harry, we hear how he began and listen to some sound advice on getting started in the biz.



In Part 2 of our visit with Harry, you get a real look at the gear he carries to get the shots, that get the money. And if you want to get into this profession, pay close attention to the next video.



And the final video takes you to the rest of the gear and some more tips about security.



Hope you enjoy another inside of a photographer's bag.

I also would like to thank Damon Webster at Photoinduced.com for taking the time on making these great video series.

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