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This camera is made of 32,000 drinking straws

10 Feb

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Looking for a craft project to tackle this weekend? It might be an undertaking, but it turns out if you put 32,000 drinking straws together in a wooden box, voila – you’ve got a camera. At least, that was the starting point for a collaboration by artists Michael Farrell and Cliff Haynes. Over the course of several years they worked on iterations of the Straw Camera, a project that combined their love of sculpture, photography and innovation.

The first versions of Straw Camera used 10-inch black drinking straws, each one with roughly an F127 aperture. The pair began photographing still life, but early results were mixed. Haynes describes his frustrations with images from the first version of the camera:

‘I was slightly disillusioned by the output from the initial camera, the straws were never going to be even, the camera had it’s own signature, changing slightly each time a few more were added as they settled in the box. I thought a similar, more even field could be obtained using corrugated black plastic protective floor sheeting instead of straws.’

Later versions of the Straw Camera used a more predictable, easier-to-work-with corrugated plastic layer. Its creators moved past still life and focused on creating portraits with the camera, embracing the pointillist qualities of its output as a contrast to the ubiquitous, high-resolution selfie. Says Haynes:

‘…a Straw Camera image of an individual, with its engineering projection and disappearance of the subject into the near fog of visual capture, gives the viewer a glimpse of just how transitory perception is.’

You can see some samples of Haynes and Farrell’s work above. if you’re in London you can also check out their work in person at Slade Research Centre, University College London from February 16-19 from 12-5pm. A book of Straw Camera images is available on Blurb. 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Winter Photography Tips | Bendy straws and Ziploc bags?

06 Feb
© Paul Burwell Photography

Black-capped Chickadee on a snowy branch

While a lot of photographers find that winter is an excellent time to hibernate, there are really no good excuses for staying indoors and avoiding winter.  But, you do need to take steps to protect your equipment.  Here’s a few ideas to keep things safe.

WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

One of the biggest problems for cameras in cold weather is condensation.  Condensation occurs when you bring a camera from the dry cold temperatures outdoors, to the warm and relatively moist conditions in your vehicle or home. When that warm moist air reaches the sensor on your cold camera, condensation occurs which can leave your sensor covered in spots or even damage the electronics.  The solution to this issue is to remove your memory card and battery(s) from your camera and then transfer your gear into a Ziploc type of bag and seal it in there with the cold air while you are still outside.  Now when you bring the camera gear into a warm area, the moisture can’t get to the camera to condense  on the camera’s sensor.  Once everything warms up to room temperature you can remove it from the baggy.asj-222_1z

Another issue for winter photography is battery life.  Cold is the mortal enemy of battery life and unfortunately there just isn’t a lot you can do about that.  But, what you can do is keep a spare battery or two in an inside jacket pocket, next to your body.  The warmth of your body will keep the batteries toasty warm and when the battery in your camera succumbs to the cold, all you need to do is swap it for a warm battery.  The cold battery will slowly warm and you’ll probably find it has renewed energy when called upon.

Bendy StrawAnother bit of winter annoyance comes from having your breath condensate and freeze on your camera’s viewfinder while you’re trying to focus.  The solution for this frustration  may just be the cheapest photography accessory you will ever own. Are you ready for this brilliant invention?  Okay, here it is:

You can use a bendy straw as a type of snorkel to direct your warm moist breath away from your camera’s viewfinder so that you can continue to make those great winter shots. This  tip also provides endless entertainment for anyone who happens to be watching you.  Try it, it works!

Fight back against the winter doldrums and get out there and make some great photographs! Hopefully these tips will make your winter photography sessions more tolerable!

© Paul Burwell Photography

Northern Pygmy Owl on a frosty branch


Further reading on shooting on cold or inclement weather:

  • Tips to Protect your Gear in Harsh Weather Conditions
  • How to Protect your Camera in Extreme Conditions
  • 30 Foul Weather Photos for Inspiration

The post Winter Photography Tips | Bendy straws and Ziploc bags? by Paul Burwell appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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