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Archive for April, 2014

Updating your Camera’s Firmware – What is it and Why it’s Important

28 Apr

Canon 2 firmware page

Does your camera have the latest firmware?

This topic is one that I often find myself explaining in more detail, and one that many people aren’t even aware that they can update their camera’s firmware, and how this may affect their digital camera. An analogy is to updating the version of software on your smart phone.

What is firmware and why is it important?

Inside your camera is a microprocessor (small computer), that uses software stored on non-removable flash memory inside your camera. This is called firmware and is the operating system of your camera which allows you to control the features and functions, with the camera’s menus and buttons. Firmware also controls autofocus, exposure, image processing, noise reduction and other important functions within your camera. Without firmware your camera would not be able to operate.

Why check for firmware updates?

Updates generally contain fixes or feature enhancements. Firmware updates aren’t always necessary – some cameras never have updates.

When a new camera is assembled the manufacturer loads the firmware that was designed at that time. After the camera has been released to the public, people may find that there are bugs or problems with the way the camera operates. The manufacturer investigates these problems and produces fixes for them in the form of firmware updates. Some of these fixes can be minor, but some of them fix more serious issues such as autofocus problems, battery-draining issues, or the camera unexpectedly locking up.

Other reasons why firmware updates are released is to include new camera features such as added languages, or to have manually adjustable settings that were once solely automatic. Some updates are to support new optional accessories for your camera (e.g. wireless functions or GPS modules, etc.). I like to think of them as free upgrades to your camera.

When to check for firmware updates?

I recommend checking for updates on a semi-regular basis, every few months or so, and after you purchase a new camera is also a good time to check. There will likely be fewer firmware updates for older cameras but still worthwhile checking, perhaps on an annual basis. If you have never checked your camera for a firmware update then now is a good a time to do so.

Does your camera have the latest firmware?

First check what version of firmware your camera is running. This information is found within one of your camera’s menu options. Finding it is different on every camera and not always obvious. Your instruction manual will help you find where to look in the menus.

Canon 1 firmware page

You can check for the latest firmware by looking at the manufactures support and downloads section of their website for your brand and model of camera. Look for higher version numbers than the one found on your camera. If the version numbers are the same, there is no need to perform an update. Please note that some camera models never had new or updated firmware released and therefore new firmware updates may not be listed at all.

Important: You need to know the model of your camera and only use the firmware that is specific to your model.

Nikon firmware image

The following links were recently current for the major camera manufacturers and may be of help when checking for releases of newer versions of firmware for your camera.

  • Canon
  • Nikon
  • Olympus
  • Sony
  • Pentax
  • Panasonic
  • Fujifilm
  • Leica

Canon firmware page

Why read the instructions carefully before updating your cameras firmware?

Read the instructions very carefully before updating the firmware on your camera – you don’t want to end up having a dead camera! If the battery fails during the firmware update or the update is interrupted in some manner, the risk is having a camera without usable software. Meaning you have a dead camera that you have to take to the manufacturer to fix!

How to find out what has been fixed or updated with the new firmware?

Check the release notes that come with the firmware updates. Usually you will find included a list of the fixes or updates in earlier versions of the firmware too.

Typical steps to update your cameras firmware*

* Sample only – Please read your own firmware update instructions for your camera model

  1. Check the firmware version on your camera – it will be shown on one of the menu options
  2. Check to see what the latest version of firmware is available for your camera on the manufacturers web site
  3. Read the instructions carefully
  4. Download the firmware
  5. Install a fully charged battery into your camera
  6. Format a memory card in your camera (read your manual if you aren’t sure how to do this)
  7. Place that memory card into a card reader connected to your computer (do not connect via a cord from the camera)
  8. Copy the firmware update file into the top-level (root) folder of the cameras memory card
  9. Safely eject the card on the computer
  10. Place the memory card back into the camera (remember to power off the camera any time you remove a card or open the slot door)
  11. Follow the instructions to update the cameras firmware
  12. Unless instructed to do so, don’t touch any buttons, or switch the camera off during the process
  13. Check to see that the camera is running the newly installed firmware version – as per the first step

If you have a Nikon

Nikon firmware image

Some Nikon DSLR cameras may have A, B and L firmware – what are these? Nikon A-firmware is for the I/O (Input/Output) processor, B-firmware is for the Control (“Expeed”) integrated micro-controllers and L-firmware is for lens specific updates such as correction for lens distortion. You need not know why they have this scheme, just know what version is the latest for your camera model and use that to keep your camera up to date. Other camera manufacturers generally have just one firmware version to install.

Nikon firmware page

Want more features on your camera – try Magic Lantern! (Canon EOS only)

Believe it or not some people wanted more from their cameras and the only option was to team up with other smart people and write their own firmware! This started back in 2009 after Canon first released the 5D mark II, a full-frame (35mm) sensor body that was also capable of recording full HD video. The users (film makers) wanted to be able to have more control over the 5D mark II for video functions. The camera was much cheaper than buying a $ 25,000 commercial video camera to do the same thing.

Since then, there have been various updates to this firmware that include support for other Canon EOS cameras while also including useful still photography features such as: an intervalometer, custom bulb timer for long exposures, motion detection, voice tags for photos, etc. This firmware runs from your CF or SD card, instead of the factory firmware inside your camera. The Magic Lantern software is only available for certain Canon EOS camera models. For a full list of supported cameras, to find out what it can do and how it works, you may like to visit Magic Lantern’s website.

Please note: running third party firmware is not supported by the manufacturer and may void your warranty. So unless you are very comfortable with what you are doing, using this firmware may not be a good idea, especially if you are new to photography or just bought a brand new camera.

What to do if something goes wrong?

Check the manufacturers instructions again, have you missed a step or misunderstood what is required?

If something is still not quite right after you have done all the troubleshooting you may like to contact an authorized service centre for your brand of camera and ask for their advice and support.

I hope that you are now much better informed about firmware for your camera. Let me know if you have enjoyed reading this article and leave any comments below.

The post Updating your Camera’s Firmware – What is it and Why it’s Important by Roy Vieth appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Glow-in-the-Dark Highways: Free Lighting Hits the Streets

28 Apr

[ By WebUrbanist in Technology & Vehicles & Mods. ]

smart highway now reality

Proposed just two years ago, this alternative solar-powered passive streetlight system is now already a reality, deployed along motorways across the Netherlands. As one reporter put it after riding along the newly-transformed highways: “It looks like you are driving through a fairytale.”

sustainable_highway_2

smart highway changing lights

This is just the beginning of a Smart Highway approach designed to adapt surfaces to the needs of drivers. Constituent ideas include the display of relevant contextual information directly on roadways (including traffic and weather conditions) as well as direct wireless car charging.

smart highway side lights

smart highway road system

Other new ideas from Studio Roosegaarde include the possibility of turning street materials into smog attractors, reducing the spread of pollutants by pulling harmful particulates right out of the air. Despite the compelling design component, their creator describes these innovations as reforms rather than designs – ways of improving everyday life and personal safety.

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Yannick Wolff & Niels Verlemann In Pursuit

28 Apr

Yannick Wolff Pursuit Editorial Fashion Shoot with Niels Verlmann

Yannick Wolff is a new talent based in Germany (Darmstadt, Hessen in fact) that caught my eye and he is a photographer that I am sure you will be hearing more about in the future. His latest shoot, titled, Pursuit showcases a business fashion editorial shoot for menswear with model, Niels Verlemann from East West Models. I managed to interview Yannick to find out more about this young upcoming photographer and the inspiration that lead him to create this shoot.

Yannick Wolff Pursuit Editorial Fashion Shoot with Niels Verlmann

In answering how he got started in fashion photography and what made him want to become a photographer in the first place he replied, “I love taking pictures of people since the time I started with photography. During this time I got interested in fashion more and more, so I finally decided to try to shoot fashion as well and I really loved it and still love it.”

Yannick Wolff Pursuit Editorial Fashion Shoot with Niels Verlmann

Not only does he shoot fashion, “I´m shooting sports and people as well” he said. When asked if the photography principles translate well into these other photographic fields he answered, “It is kind of like the same methods you have to do, just in another area.”

Yannick Wolff Pursuit Editorial Fashion Shoot with Niels Verlmann

When asked how did the origins of his story, “Pursuit” came about, he replied “I simply took a look in some magazines and spotted some awesome fashion editorials of well-known brands. So I searched for the right location for such a project and, of course, the right model. I got inspired by many other photographers work and especially men’s fashion magazines. I used my Nikon D800 with a Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 and the Sigma 70-200m f2.8. For the lightning I had 2 Priolite flashes and a large reflector from Profoto”.

Yannick Wolff Pursuit Editorial Fashion Shoot with Niels Verlmann

To find out more about Yannick Wolf’s story, “Pursuit” you can find it on his website and on his facebook page that’s updated weekly, www.facebook.com/yannickwolffphotography where you can find the whole story and a short behind the scenes video on his blog. You can find out more about him on Facebook, Twitter and via email (detail for these are on his website).

Yannick Wolff Pursuit Editorial Fashion Shoot with Niels Verlmann

Credits “PURSUIT”

Photographer: Yannick Wolff (www.yannickwolff.com)

Model: Niels Verlemann (East West Models)

Hair/Make Up: Kerstin Hocke (www.kerstinhocke.de)

Assistant: Kai-Philipp Nosper

What do you think about this photo set? Please post your comments below.


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Otto Snoek: Sensation

28 Apr

Als ich letzte Woche im Buch „Street Photography Now“* auf Seite 184 die Bilder von Otto Snoek entdeckte, setzte ich sofort seinen Namen auf meine „Liste der anzuschreibenden Fotografen“. Beim Betrachten seiner Straßenaufnahmen fühlte ich mich an Martin Parrs „Think Of England“ erinnert. Und als alter Parr-Fanboy, naja, Ihr wisst schon.

Otto Snoeks Arbeitsweise ähnelt der von Parr insofern, als dass er auf der Straße einen Blitz einsetzt und ebenfalls einen humorvollen bzw. kritischen Blick wie der Brite auf Menschen hat. Doch Snoek unterscheidet sich inhaltlich mehr als deutlich von Parr, wie wir gleich sehen werden.

Der Niederländer zeigt stets mehrere Menschen auf einem Bild und lässt somit das Unangenehme, Komplexe und Unkontrollierbare alltäglicher Straßenszenen zu. Es sind, zugegeben, keine einfachen Bilder, die Snoek präsentiert. Einfach im Sinne konventioneller Fotografie.

Dem Betrachter wird es nicht wie bei Parr mit kräftigen Farben, Kontrasten und einfachen Kompositionen leicht gemacht, ganz im Gegenteil. Die leise und zurückhaltende Bildsprache muss kennengelernt und zu lesen verstanden sein, um Bildwirkung und -tiefe seiner Werke schrittweise zu entziffern.

Otto Snoek zeigt eine Frau im Vordergrund und zwei ältere Damen im Hintergrund.

Otto Snoek zeigt ein paar Menschen, die tanzen.

Otto Snoek zeigt eine Reihe von Gesichtern, alle schauen irgendwo anders hin.

Otto Snoek portraitiert einige Menschen, die interessiert an ihm vorbeisehen.

Otto Snoek fotografiert einen zweigeteilten Raum, in dem eine Frau vor einer Statue posiert.

Hier zeigt Otto Snoek Leute auf der Sensation in Prag, eine Nahaufnahme.

Otto Snoek zeigt eine Gruppe von Leuten, die nachdenklich im Raum stehen.

Otto Snoek zeigt einen Überblick auf eine Gruppe Menschen auf der Sensation in Amsterdam.

Die oben gezeigten Aufnahmen erarbeitete Otto Snoek auf der „Sensation“, einer Tanzveranstaltung, auf der das Tragen weißer Kleidung Pflicht ist. Jedoch stammen die Fotos nicht von einer einzigen Show, sondern von vielen unterschiedlichen in ganz Europa.

Der offensichtliche Einsatz des Blitzes seitens des Fotografen gibt dem Betrachter das unterschwellige Gefühl des Unangenehmen. Nein, die Bilder sind nicht behaglich, sondern zeigen Besucher des Events von ihrer Schokoladenseite. Man könnte sagen: „Das sind ja gar keine schönen Fotos.“

Und würde den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen. Wer auf eine Tanzveranstaltung geht, macht sich hübsch, poliert alle Pickel weg und möchte vielleicht sogar gesehen werden. Doch – wie im echten Leben – ist nicht alles Gold, was glänzt. Auch auf solchen Veranstaltungen wird es Besuchern langweilig, es quält sie der Hunger oder die Toiletten sind verstopft.

Angedeutet und nicht billig-plakativ skizziert Otto Snoek diese Eigenheiten, die zu gern verdrängt oder unter den Teppich gekehrt werden. Damit wird seine Dokumentation zur Kritik. Und genau das ist es, was ich an guter Fotografie so oft vermisse.

Wer nun Lust auf mehr hat, wird auf der Webseite von Otto Snoek fündig. Der ist übrigens Teil von iN-PubliC. Und Bücher von ihm, die gibt es auch.

* Das ist ein Affiliate-Link zu Amazon. Wenn Ihr darüber etwas bestellt, erhält kwerfeldein eine kleine Provision, Ihr zahlt aber keinen Cent mehr.


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27. April 2014

28 Apr

Ein Beitrag von: fotolabyrinth

old couple © fotolabyrinth


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Photo Finished: 9 Snappy Camera-Shaped Buildings

28 Apr

[ By Steve in Architecture & Offices & Commercial. ]

camera-shaped buildings
Yo dawg, these 9 camera-shaped buildings allow you to take selfies with your camera in front of buildings built to look like cameras. Now say “cheesy”!

The Big Camera – Perth, Australia

The Big Camera Meckering Australia(images via: Sascha Grant, About Australia, Philip Gostelow and Crosby Family)

The Big Camera, located about 130km (80-odd miles) east of Perth in Meckering, claims to be “the only museum, totally dedicated to photography, open to the public anywhere in Western Australia.” Well, mostly open. A note to trivia fans: Meckering’s original name was Beebering, and Baby are we glad they changed it!

The Big Camera Meckering Australia (image via: Our Naked Australia)

In addition to displaying unique items of photographic memorabilia dating back to before the invention of photography itself, The Big Camera exhibits information relating to the 6.9 magnitude Meckering Earthquake of 1968 that destroyed most of the town’s buildings. We’re not sure if The Big Camera itself was built before the terrible tembor but if so, it must be shockproof.

Picture Perfect Nail Salon – Marion, NC, USA

Picture Perfect Nail Salon Marion NC camera (images via: Topix)

Step 1: Design your camera store in Marion, North Carolina to look like a big ‘ol camera. Step 2: Spend too much money on construction and end up selling your nifty camera-shaped store before it even opens. Step 3: Profit? Well, two out of three ain’t bad. Hopefully the “Picture Perfect Nail Salon”, which moved into the nearly completed building just after the images above were taken, is looking after Step 3 by raking in dough hand over fist.

The Darkroom – Hollywood & More

The Darkroom Los Angeles camera store(image via: Sheridan ATV Film Festival)

The Darkroom, located at 5370 Wilshire Boulevard on Los Angeles, California’s Miracle Mile, opened in the mid-to-late 1930s. The store featured a nine foot tall black glass facade and window that aped the look of a period Argus 35mm camera.

The Darkroom camera store Disney(images via: Yesterland, Topazladygem and AllEars.net)

After the store shut (or shuttered) its doors for good, the location re-opened as a Mexican restaurant whose cosmetic exterior refinements couldn’t hide The Darkroom’s original humungous camera lens. Fans of programmatic architecture shouldn’t shed too many tears, however. The Disney company has perpetuated The Darkroom’s unique look by incorporating extensive elements of the design into its wholly-owned camera & photography supply stores located in Disney theme parks around the world.

Diego Castillo Roa’s Art Decal

Diego Castillo Roa camera decal window(image via: PetaPixel)

Ever wonder what would happen if you turned a camera-shaped building inside out? Us neither but Chilean artist Diego Castillo Roa has done the next best thing: turned a circular window into a jumbo camera lens that, in the words of the Boomtown Rats, is “always looking atcha ah-ah-ah-ah!” Roa’s purely decorative concept saves tons’o’bucks by not requiring your home to actually look like a camera, though at least one big round window is one firm requirement. Not being perturbed by living in a fishbowl is another.

Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
Photo Finished 9 Snappy Camera Shaped Buildings

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Faberge Big Egg Hunt In New York

28 Apr

Robert Farber's Faberge Big Egg Hunt

Wishing everyone a big happy Easter! Currently there is a commotion happening in New York City at the moment over 260 giant eggs have appeared randomly across the city. Before you raise the alarms, rest assured this isn’t a freak of nature but the running of The Faberge Big Egg Hunt 2014.

Following the success egg hunts held in London in 2012 and Dublin in 2014, this event finds itself in the city of New York for 2014, where this public art display gives people the chance to explore the city and locate these individually designed egg sculptures, created by a smorgasbord of creative minds, featuring globally known artists, photographers, fashion designers and architects, such as Zaha Hadid, Ralph Lauren, Tracey Emin as well as internationally renowned photographer, Robert Farber.

Robert Farber's Faberge Big Egg Hunt New York

Farber’s provocative egg is just one of the current 283 sculptural eggs that were on display throughout New York City’s five boroughs from April 1st to April 26th. From the 18th April they are being featured at the Rockerfeller Center for one week and sold at auction to fundraise for children in New York City through Studio in a School, and Elephant Family, towards the conservation efforts towards the endangered Asian elephant and its habitat.

Farber was thrilled to be participating in this year’s Fabergé Big Egg Hunt. His global recognition has been established through his books, fine art exhibitions, lectures, TV interviews and award winning advertising campaigns – all in the genres of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Farber works particularly with nudes in fine art as well as being widely known and respected in the commercial realm.

Robert Farber's Faberge Big Egg Hunt New York

His work is reflected in his provocative and elegant egg design that was on display at the understated and elegant Lowell Hotel on 63rd and Madison Avenue.  Constructed from over 300 photographs of his classic nudes, Farber finds a subtle balance in the effect the three-dimensional curves of an egg have on these images. Farber states, “The two greatest challenges that I have experienced is to try to enhance what God has already perfected; the woman’s body and a simple egg.”

The public is welcomed and encouraged to interact with this project by finding all of the eggs via the app created by Saatchi and Saatchi.  In conjunction with the upcoming Easter holiday, the more eggs “hunted” using the app, the greater chance of winning prizes through Fabergé. Farber’s egg along with many others will be available for purchase in an auction online through Paddle8 and Sotheby’s.

Robert Farber's Faberge Big Egg Hunt New York

For more information on The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt 2014 please visit:

http://www.thebigegghunt.org/

Twitter & Instagram @thebiggegghuntNY  #thebigegghuntNY

www.Facebook.com/thebigegghunt

Additional information about Farber’s egg can be found at: www.farber.com

Check out a behind-the-scenes making of his egg below:



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Interview with Jim Mortram – Small Town Inertia

27 Apr

Jim-Mortram-interview-12

Recently Darren brought to my attention a guy in the UK doing something extraordinary. A project with images so emotion filled and powerful, images that reach into the souls of the people in the photographs and brings them out in the image. I reached out to him and asked him for an interview and he was most gracious to agree!

So I’m proud to share this with you. Jim Mortram and his Small Town Inertia project. The interview is a bit long, but I promise you it’s worth it as we cover a gamut of topics and look through many of his images. If you want to learn about doing photography not as a technician, but as a human being. Photography for the sake of just doing photography and capturing people’s stories – I encourage you to listen.

Jim-Mortram-interview-07

Watch and learn as Jim and I discuss a ton of different photography related things, and a few more deeper philosophical, life things. There’s some good lessons in here – make sure you watch the whole video. Tell me what nugget of information you get. Here are a few of the topics and highlights of our chat:

  • shooting with your heart first and your camera second
  • listening to people, “shut up and listen”
  • creating a legacy of the people in your photos (not subjects, listen and find out why I’m not using that word)
  • how he defines himself not as an artist but as a conduit or facilitator to get people’s message across
  • that it’s about mutual trust between photographer and person being photographed, trust is key to the afore mentioned success
  • thoughts on gear and why Jim believes everyone should be forced to start with a crappy camera – by law
  • get a bad camera and learn to get the best out of it, then advance – cameras are just tools
  • a camera doesn’t give you any special rights or power – the rules of behaviour still apply

“be nice, be attentive, give a damn, listen”

Jim-Mortram-interview-05

More nuggets from Jim Mortram:

  • be really interested in people, their hopes and dreams – otherwise you’re just going to get a picture of someone looking at a camera
  • motives –  if you start looking for accolades it will change the relationship with that you do – photography
  • the story doesn’t stop when you’ve pressed the shutter or edited the images
  • why posting photos on Facebook just to get likes isn’t why he does photography, he just wants to be himself and why you want to do the same
  • think about the things that matter to you the most before starting any long term projects, especially if it involves another person

“I talk more than I shoot and I listen more than I shoot” – Jim Mortram

We reference a guy named Simon in the video – here are some images of Simon. You can read about his story on Small Town Inertia here.

Jim-Mortram-interview-06

Jim-Mortram-interview-24

Jim-Mortram-interview-25

Jim-Mortram-interview-21

Another one of the stories on Jim’s site that touched me was that of David. A man who lost his eyesight in a tragic accident and depended entirely on his elderly mother for everything, and then suddenly she was gone. The story of his struggles are very real and gut wrenching and I was pulled in to read more. Obviously others have too as a fundraiser was done to buy David a book scanner so he could “read” again. See if his image and story speak to you as well – read more on David here (he is in the image the top of the article also)

Jim-Mortram-interview-14

Final goodbye

Final goodbye

Jim-Mortram-interview-18

Following Mother

Following Mother

Jim-Mortram-interview-20

Find Jim online and connect with him. Tell him is his images spoke to you as they did to me.

  • Twitter @JAMortram
  • Flickr for more photos by Jim
  • Small Town Inertia for more stories and photos
  • Small Town Inertia blog on Tumblr

Links to other interviews with Jim:

  • Out of the Blackness – United Nations of Photography
  • BBC News in Pictures

Read more about respecting the people you photograph here on dPS.

Trailer that we mention in the interview where Simon talks about wanting a camper van (RV) and his eyes light up, bringing me and Jim to tears.

Small Town Inertia : A Prison Without Walls : Teaser_Full from J A Mortram on Vimeo.

A PRISON WITHOUT WALLS

Si shares, in his own words, his ADHD, his experiences of life confined by parameters and self medication, and his endurance, fears and dreams whilst living on the fringe.

‘A prison without walls’ was one of a selection of short documentary films commissioned The New British and screened Friday, 27th of September, 2013 at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, United Kingdom.

The post Interview with Jim Mortram – Small Town Inertia by Darlene Hildebrandt appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Dream With Patrick Brassard

27 Apr

Dream By Patrick Brassard 2014

Patrick Brassard caught my attention when he showed me the work from his Dream series created earlier this year. He is a fashion photographer based in New York City that endeavours to produce photographs unlike anything created by the photography predecessors before him. His use of light, shadow and rich, dark colors are used to transform the atmosphere of his sets of his mysterious settings and intriguing style that have become a testament to his technique. Patrick has also shot for for top modelling agencies and his passion for his photographic work has led him to Europe, South America, as well as the Caribbean Islands. I managed to catch up with Patrick to ask him more about his series, Dream and to get more a more in-depth insight into his photographic style.

Dream By Patrick Brassard 2014

When asked how did his passion for photography came about, Patrick explained that he gathered his skills early on in his journey, that  seeking opportunities and finding a unique style became a necessity for academic survival during his time in photography school, “During my summer break from photography school in Boston I realized two crucial steps would put me ahead of my classmates for the returning year. First, I’d push myself to seek out every possible photography opportunity. Second, and most importantly, I needed to develop my personal style.

During the summer of that year I reached out to shoot fashion events and was fascinated by the production that went into creating a look. In the city of Boston, where the fashion scene is relatively small, it was easy to meet and develop relationships with the designers, make-up artists, hairstylists, and models. Before I knew it they started asking me to shoot their look books and portfolios. By the end of that summer as a 20-year-old student, I had been published, found my personal style, and created a network of clients.”

Dream By Patrick Brassard 2014

I asked Patrick about his recent series, entitled dream and how this photographic story with its haunting, surreal and dream-like compositions came about, he replied that the inspiration was a combined effort by his team as well as the locations he shot in “The series Dream developed over the course of the shoot as the designer, Long Tran and I worked together. His vision and unique talent combined to produce a remarkable outcome to the shoot. His style, similar to Lady Gaga’s, inspired me to shoot without restrictions. The designs added a crucial element to the series.

I was also fortunate to work with a team consisting of many talented people. Two make-up artists,  Goran Sliskovic and Madison Mills both developed striking contours on the models’ faces to bring out the severity of the looks. Hairstylist Egypt Buck He designed wigs with long extensions that transformed the models with over the top hairstyles. Our two models were from Fenton Moon Modeling Agency NYC. I was assisted by photo assistant Nixxie Blanck. I shot the models in an outdoor location in NJ, both in the woods and on a rooftop. The locations always provide more inspiration for props and subject background.”

Dream By Patrick Brassard 2014

Fascinated by how Patrick was able to achieve the moody effects he does so well in his photos, which he describes as “The way I approach shooting is dark and mysterious. I like to play a lot with the shadows and highlights to contour my subjects.” I had to ask what photography equipment he used to achieve this, he informed me that “I shot this series with a Nikon D300. My lighting was with one strobe and a soft box. I carry a portable battery for the strobe.  My assistant was holding a light reflector to give me some fill light. Some images from this series were taken when the sun had set.”

Since my interview with Patrick, he had also been involved with another project, collaborating with world renowned photographer, Robert Farber and he would like to invite you all to visit, entitled “The Fabarge Egg Hunt in NYC.”

Dream By Patrick Brassard 2014

To find out more information for Patrick Brassard’s Dream series you can:

Visit his website at PatrickBrassard.com

Stay in touch with him on facebook: Patrick Brassard Studios

Or contact him via email: info@patrickbrassard.com

What do you think about this photo set? Please post your comments below.


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J’adore With Tina Wong

27 Apr

Tina Wong J'adoreTina Wong’s entry won out on our Facebook Photo Of The Week Competition. There were votes across the other finalists but it was her photo of youthful beauty that took the crown. We are proud to present Tina Wong as the winner of our Photo of The Week competition. As the winner of this week, Tina’s winning photo is being featured here on FashionPhotographyBlog.com. Not only that she will also appear on our social media sites as well. As part of the winner’s prize, I got a chance to speak to Tina to find out more about the story behind her as a fashion photographer and her winning photograph, entitled “J’adore”.

The talented New York based triple threat (she not only is a fashion photographer, but is also a stylist and Fashion Editor for a high end fashion print publication) started her journey in photography shooting weddings would you believe it? Tina explains, “I’ve shot wedding photography for 5 years before I went to fashion school. Before fashion school, it was about lighting and composition. A camera is just a very advanced paint brush, it’s a tool to capture a vision. After I attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, it just made sense to combine my love of fashion with photography.” Very wise words, indeed the camera is just an instrument in the hands of the artist and what a masterful artist she is as demonstrated in her winning photo. She seamlessly blended the lighting with the model’s make up with delicate pink hues so that the picture holds an almost painted quality.

When asked whether the photography techniques that she executed would apply to other areas of photography outside of fashion, she replied, “I would say yes, except for [one exception…] whatever area of photography, make sure you continue to expose yourself to the evolution of that field. If you’re a wedding photographer, read lots of wedding magazines, open your eye and expose yourself frequently to the field.” I totally agree with Tina’s statement, actually it almost sounds like something that I’ve said before; to be good at something one needs to completely immersed in what ever they are doing. That’s how you develop focus and skill.

I wanted to know what was the inspiration for this alluring photo. There must be a good story behind it so I had to ask, her reply was “I saw a Dior ad a few years back, the softness of the silk almost reminded me of velvety chocolate. The fabric bounced light so softly back on the model, that’s how the inspiration came. It’s soft, romantic, and almost dream-like… I believe a relaxed and fun environment creates the best photos. I like to elicit the mood with music and imagery to get the model to feel in character and to make a connection with him or her.”

The photo, J’adore, was part of a 6 page beauty story and apart from using fabric to reflect diffused lighting on to the model Tina Wong also used one profoto light and an octobox. You can find out more about this shoot and contact Tina Wong’s via her website (www.tnastudios.com) or email at photography@tnastudios.com

Currently, we have another round of Photo Of The Week running. To participate in the voting, make sure you “like” our Facebook page here and vote for your favorite photographer‘s photo out of the finalists in the comments section of the post. The photo with the most vote’s by the end of the week at Sunday midnight will win Photo of the Week and win the great prizes on offer.

Since FashionPhotographyBlog.com is Google’s #1 site on fashion photography in the world, you might be interested in entering our Photo Of The Week competition. this could be your entry to some great exposure if you submit your photo and win. To find out more details on how to enter, make sure you join our mailing list. We will send you the entry details via your email.

As a reminder, voting ends at the end of the week so make sure you get voting on our Facebook page here. Tell us in the comments below, do you agree with how this week’s voting outcome? What is your critique on this photo? We want to here from you!


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