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Archive for April, 2020

Sample gallery: Fujifilm Acros 100 II – 35mm and 120 scans

14 Apr

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Between the DPReview TV crew up in Canada and the rest of the staff here in the USA, we were able to get our hands on several 35mm and 120 rolls of the newly-formulated Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100 II film stock, set to hit shelves in North America toward the end of the month.

35mm images were shot by Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake on a trusty Nikon FE – 120 images were captured by Dan Bracaglia with his time-tested Mamiya 645 J. Due to photo lab closures related to the current health crisis, all samples were home-processed and digitized; 35mm photos were converted using Nikon’s ES-2 adapter and 120 images were captured using an Epson V550 flatbed scanner.

For more analog action, check out our Film Photography talk forum. And for those curious about how the new Acros II compares to the original film stock and/or the digital film simulation, check out the DPRTV’s review below:

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nine things working photographers can do for their business during isolation

14 Apr

Things photographers can do for their business during isolation

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on a lot of creative industries, including professional photography. For the past 7 years, I’ve been a self-employed photographer shooting mainly corporate events and restaurants. Just a month ago, my business was starting to pick up, and I was excited for a packed year of photography gigs. But COVID-19 started to spread and in less than 2 weeks, all of my photoshoots for the year were canceled or postponed indefinitely. It was a blow that I genuinely did not see coming.

Today, I have been self-quarantining at home for nearly a month, looking for any excuse to flex my creative muscles. In doing so, I’ve come up with 9 things that professional photographers can do while in isolation at home.

Evaluate your camera gear

Use this time to take inventory of your camera gear and accessories. Thoroughly clean your camera sensor and lenses (if you don’t know how now’s a good time to learn). If you find any gear that needs to be repaired, make a note of it, but don’t send it in to the manufacturer as many servicing facilities have closed down recently.

Make a list of all of your gear with details such as serial numbers for your own records and for insurance purposes. There are mobile apps for this, such as MyGearVault or Zither (iOS only) but a Google Docs spreadsheet will also work just fine. Speaking of insurance, make sure all of your gear is properly insured to give you peace of mind if you happen to damage or lose your gear.

Finally, take note of your camera inventory and evaluate what you really need. If you’re low on funds and really need the money, selling camera gear is one way to help make ends meet.

Rework your photography contracts

Before you perform any photography service in exchange for money, it is wise to have your client sign a photography contract. There are a number of reasons why photography contracts are important, but there’s one reason in particular that stands out right now. A good photography contract will have a section detailing what happens if a photoshoot needs to be canceled. This is important during times of economic prosperity (ie. what happens if you, the photographer, gets sick and can’t shoot?). But it is more important than ever now that nearly every type of photoshoot has been put on hold or canceled.

I am not a legal professional and cannot provide specific guidance, but here are a few things to consider spelling out in your photography contracts:

  • If a deposit is paid to secure your services, under what terms (if any) is that deposit refundable?
  • What happens if the client needs to postpone or cancel the photoshoot?

When it comes to enforcing the contract terms, it depends on your relationship with the client, but it doesn’t hurt to have some flexibility, especially since everyone is suffering right now. I’ve had a number of relatively positive outcomes including clients who credit the deposit toward a future photoshoot, some who decided not to collect the deposit back even though they had every right to, and many who have promised to rehire me for the photoshoot when they are able to reschedule it.

Back up your photos

If you don’t already have a solid backup system for your photography content, now is a great time to start one. There are a lot of backup options out there including NAS and RAID systems, cloud storage, and simply using physical hard drives. According to the 3-21- backup strategy, you should have at least 3 copies of your data, 2 copies that are on different devices (think 2 different hard drives), and 1 copy offsite (think cloud storage).

The great news about backups is that the cost of physical hard drives has dropped dramatically. Western Digital 10TB hard drives are under $ 200 right now, and Costco likely has not sold out of hard drives yet. My backup strategy uses a combination of physical hard drives, and cloud backups to both Backblaze and SmugMug.

Update your portfolio

While you’re backing up your photo archives, take time to comb through your library of images for work that can be used to update your photography portfolio. Add new work to existing albums, and consider making new categories. A section for Personal Projects is always great for showcasing creativity.

If you don’t have a photography portfolio or are considering switching platforms, now is a great time to look into different website options. Today, photographers are using everything from WordPress, Squarespace, SmugMug, and Instagram to showcase their work. Some sites are free and others are paid; many paid sites are offering discounts or extended trials right now, so consider taking advantage of them.

Also, don’t forget to update your LinkedIn profile. Although photography resumes are rarely needed, LinkedIn is a great place to keep a digital resume and professional presence. It can also help you generate new photography leads if you use the platform regularly.

Experiment with different photography techniques

It takes about 10,000 hours to master a skill, and it’s still possible to keep taking photos even if you’re stuck inside. Play with different photography concepts such as natural lighting and artificial lighting, macro photography – you get the picture. Explore these concepts in-depth and consider participating in or setting up a daily photography challenge for motivation. You may end up new skills that you can use in the future, or a new section in your portfolio.

One particular photography genre worth exploring is product photography. Online sales everywhere are up even during this pandemic which means that product photography is more important than ever before. Product photography requires proficiency in lighting and composition, and many of these skills are transferable to other types of photography including headshots and stock photography. You can also make a makeshift product photography “studio” in your home without buying expensive gear.

Consider selling stock photos

Stock photography doesn’t always have a positive reputation because payouts can be small and you typically have to upload a large number of photos over a long period of time to see results. However, this is a good time to consider stock photography because 1) we have a lot of time on our hands, and 2) any long-term passive income payment is better than nothing.

If you’re curious about stock photography, there are a number of websites out there where you can sign up and start uploading almost immediately. Shutterstock is my favorite since it is relatively quick and easy to upload and keyword content, and I have consistently made sales there since I started uploading two years ago. Just sign up for an account, read the fine print that details what quality standards they require and start learning about how to keyword your images since keywording is ultimately what will help you sell more images.

But before you start uploading, make sure that the images you want to sell are not prohibited for re-sale if you shot them for a client (refer to your contract), or a unique image that you might want to sell for yourself at a higher value down the road.

Diversify your income

This point may be hard to act on right now as many industries are not hiring, but start thinking of ways to diversify your income outside of taking photos. The reality is that outside of a pandemic, there are many reasons why you may not be able to perform your job (ie. prolonged illness, personal situations). In times like this, it’s important to have other streams of income or jobs that you can do that don’t require you physically picking up a camera.

Think editing photos for other photographers, being an image quality reviewer for stock photography websites, teaching photography classes, etc.

Prioritize your spending

This is probably a no-brainer if your business has ground to a halt as mine has, but it bears repeating. Now is the time to save your money as much as possible. We don’t know how long this pandemic will be around or how long it will be before business is back up and running. Realistically, not all of our clients’ businesses may make it, and budgets for photography may shrink or dry up after all of this is over. So count your pennies now and do what you can to make your money stretch.

And if you don’t already have one, consider starting an emergency saving account that you chip in to on a regular basis. This may not be possible to start right now, but this pandemic is a good reminder of why it is essential to have emergency savings on hand in the future.

Take up a new hobby

Even though it’s important to keep practicing photography right now, it’s also worth taking a break from it. Taking some time away from photography is great for inspiring different types of creativity. We have so much time on our hands right now, that you can make the most out of it by learning a new skill or taking up new hobbies. Is there a language you always wanted to learn? Or a recipe you want to perfect? Think of a time when you’ve said, “If only I had more time, I would do ___” and start doing it.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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‘Accurate autofocus on any subject in any environment’: Olympus engineer talks OM-D E-M1 Mark III AF

14 Apr
Olympus’ newly-announced OM-D E-M1 Mark III (left) alongside the OM-D E-M1X.

The recently-launched Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III features an advanced 121-point all cross-type autofocus system, and many other capabilities inherited from the flagship OM-D E-M1X including Live ND mode and various multi-shot features.

Modern mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras use one, or a combination of two main types of autofocus: contrast-detection and phase-detection. Contrast-detection autofocus works by driving focus until the contrast of a sampled area on the sensor is at its maximum – the presumed point of sharp focus. Contrast-detection is highly accurate, but can be slow, and relies on a certain amount of ‘trial and error’.

Phase-detection works more like human vision, using dedicated pixels to compare light coming from your subject from two slightly different perspectives at the same time. This allows the camera to judge depth, allowing for faster focus acquisition, without the ‘hunting’ characteristic of many purely contrast-detection autofocus systems.

Traditional phase-detection autofocus systems rely on pixels that are sensitive to vertical lines in a scene. Some, more sophisticated systems use a ‘cross-type’ pixel arrangement, which can detect horizontal or vertical detail, meaning that accurate focus can be achieved even with complex, non-linear subjects.

The 121-point autofocus system in the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and the E-M1X uses a combination of cross-type phase and contrast-detection, to ensure fast and accurate focus in a range of challenging environments.

In this interview, Tetsuo Kikuchi, manager of Imaging System Development at Olympus Corp explains how the E-M1 Mark III’s autofocus system was developed, and what it means to design a camera for demanding professionals.

What are the user requirements for professional-grade autofocus systems?

The most common requests we receive from professionals are that the camera must focus on their desired subject as quickly and accurately as possible, and it must continue to focus on that subject in any situation.

Professionals often stress the importance of operability, too. Their work requires the ability to quickly and easily adjust autofocus settings as shooting situations and subjects change. We believe that in order to satisfy professionals, we have to be able to meet all of those requirements.

What was the main customer feedback about autofocus in previous models?

After releasing the OM-D E-M1, which was Olympus’ first on-chip PDAF mirrorless camera, we received many requests for more AF points. These requests came from professional photographers and ‘prothusiasts’, especially in the genres of sports, bird, wildlife, and aviation.

We collated performance feedback and took special note of comments regarding focus drift to the background. Then, we set out to develop the 121-point all-cross-type PDAF system to eradicate this issue, delivering highly accurate focusing with all AF points, enabling photographers to keep their subject in focus.

Olympus’ 121-point all-cross-type PDAF system covers the majority of the frame.

What was the main priority when developing autofocus for the E-M1X and E-M1 Mark III?

There were two main goals, actually: ‘Quick focusing on targeted subjects after engaging autofocus’ and ‘stable and highly accurate continuous focusing on targeted subjects in any environment’.

What was the concept behind the 121-point all-cross-type On-chip Phase Detection AF point array?

We developed our on-chip PDAF system to achieve our goal of accurate and continuous autofocus on any subject in any environment.

The AF sensor array layout on the image sensor – which is unique to Olympus – is designed to detect any vertical, horizontal, or diagonal line patterns on subjects, and to find a defocused subject in the foreground. Thanks to our AF sensor layout design, our on-chip PDAF can deliver the high-speed focusing of phase detection and the accurate subject detection of cross-type sensors that DSLR cameras have previously achieved with a dedicated AF sensor. Our system has the added advantage of wider autofocus area coverage.

What makes Olympus autofocus technologies different to or better than competitors?

Our PDAF system can detect vertical and horizontal line patterns equally, allowing the camera to detect and focus on subjects in the foreground. This is a merit of Olympus. Because the PDAF sensors are arrayed not in one high density line but discretely over the entire area of the image sensor, any potential negative effect on image quality is also reduced.

Olympus’ most recent firmware delivers accurate autofocus without the risk of ‘focus drift’ to the background.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III, M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO. F4, 1/250sec, ISO 3200

How difficult is it to implement cross-type on-chip phase-detection autofocus technology?

The most difficult challenge we faced when developing our all cross-type on-chip PDAF system was in determining the optimal layout of the PDAF sensors: one that would achieve the highest level of focusing accuracy with horizontally-arrayed and vertically-arrayed AF sensors simultaneously. In principle, utilizing phase detection AF can cause measurement errors; minimizing such errors is required for highly accurate focusing.

Could you elaborate on the sources of these measurement errors?

The measurement errors are attributed to a combination of factors, but the degree of measurement error is specific to the PDAF sensor layout. Therefore, we needed to build a proprietary in-house method to evaluate the reliability of measured distance data. This was important when we commenced development of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, which was our first camera model equipped with all cross-type PDAF sensors.

Using pre-production cameras, our R&D members worked closely with professional photographers

Using pre-production cameras, our R&D members worked closely with professional photographers to conduct shooting tests, and these tests were repeated many times to refine our method. As a result, we are able to accurately evaluate our PDAF reliability and deliver exceptional performance.

Measurement errors can also come from the lens. However, our cameras can automatically correct for such errors according to the lens’ known characteristics, thus eliminating any effect.

Concept rendering, showing how cross-type phase-detection autofocus pixels are arrayed on the sensor of Olympus’ OM-D E-M1 Mark III and E-M1X.

Is there an autofocus advantage to a smaller sensor compared to APS-C or full-frame?

In principle, there is no correlation between PDAF performance and sensor size. However, our on-chip PDAF strongly complements our compact system size (which is ideal for photography genres such as bird and wildlife) because this autofocus method allows for a small camera body and fast focusing on moving subjects.

Lens resolution can affect autofocus accuracy though, because high resolution lenses make it possible to more precisely detect focus position.

The OM-D E-M1X is one of Olympus’ OM-D models that utilizes its contrast-detection plus all-cross-type phase-detection AF system.

How will the computational and machine learning based approaches we’ve seen in Olympus cameras evolve?

To ensure our products deliver the highest levels of performance, continuous device evolution must be paired with ever-evolving computational photography technologies. We have been heavily investing our resources to meet this challenge. For example, the E-M1 Mark III boasts our Handheld High Res Shot Mode, a technology that can produce high resolution low noise images, similar to those of full frame cameras, but with a system that’s significantly smaller in size.

We will develop new technologies to enable photographers to capture challenging images which are only possible using an Olympus camera and lens

We have also achieved advanced subject detection AF with AI-based deep learning technology. Features such as these will be continuously improved. Looking to the future, we will develop new technologies to enable photographers to capture challenging images which are only possible using an Olympus camera and lens, negating the need for extra equipment, special shooting skills, or additional post-processing.

The OM-D E-M1X has 121-point contrast-detection plus all-cross-type phase-detection AF. It features Olympus’ Subject Detection AF with AI-based deep learning technology.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III, M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO. F5.6, 1/1600sec, ISO 400

Smartphone cameras today perform dynamic and local adjustments to automatically create a pleasing image. Do you see Olympus cameras also adopting this ‘auto’ approach in the future?

Our goals do not include the development of technology that significantly limits users in their individual creativity and expression. Instead, we develop cameras that facilitate the creative process, helping photographers bring their image concepts to life. While it is important that we enable photographers to utilize their skills and knowledge, we also see value to improving camera features for shooting assistance.

Thus, we will strive to uphold a balance between expression and automation with new technology that can benefit photographers of all skill levels and genres.

Tetsuo Kikuchi is manager of Imaging System Development at Olympus Corp, in Tokyo.

This is sponsored content, created with the support of Olympus. What does this mean?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Japan offers $2.2B to help domestic companies move production from China, but will it help the imaging industry?

14 Apr
Fujifilm X-Pro2 cameras being moved along the production process inside Fujifilm’s Sendai, Japan factory.

Last week, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Japan is planning to set aside $ 2.2 billion of its $ 993 billion emergency COVID-19 stimulus package to help Japanese companies move production out of China, a move with potential ramifications for numerous Japanese camera and lens manufacturers.

According to the report, the $ 2.2 billion would be split into two different funds. Roughly $ 2 billion will go towards assisting Japanese companies move operations back to Japan, while the remaining $ 200M will help companies move production into other countries, in what is likely an effort to help diversify supply chains that aren’t domestic.

Rather than purely speculating on the matters, we decided to contact executives at a few Japanese camera and lens manufacturers to find out what their thoughts are on this facet of the emergency stimulus package.

General Manager of Fujifilm’s Optical Device and Electronic Imaging Products Division, Toshihisa Iida, had the following to say when asked about the SCMP article and its potential impact on Fujifilm’s operations:

‘Manufacturing in China has changed a lot over the years. It faces many challenges such as parts and labor availability, increase in overall cost, [the] US-China trade issue, and most recently, COVID-19. We still depend heavily on China to source electronic and mechanical components, but we started sourcing from alternative vendors from outside China as well.

[Business continuity planning] is always a very important agenda in our business strategy. We learned from disasters such as earthquakes and floods in the past, and keep our eyes open to prepare for any situations to secure the supply chain. COVID-19 is no exception.’

As for its current production operations, Mr. Iida says ‘Fujifilm already owns factories outside China (e.g. Japan and the Philippines)’ and has also subcontracted factories. ‘Production quality in all of the factories [is] being monitored to achieve the same standard,’ he says. ‘We look at all the important elements for production, such as capacity, cost, lead time, and [allocation of] the products to the aforementioned factories in order to deliver the products efficiently.’

Here, finished X-Pro2 bodies manufactured inside its Sendai, Japan factory await final checks before being boxed up for shipping.

Despite the Japanese government’s record stimulus package, Mr. Iida remains unsure of its impact on Fujifilm’s production, saying ‘It’s too early to say whether we will move our production from China, and if we do, how much will be shifted to Japan or elsewhere, but we will continue to monitor the situation and take action if and when necessary.’

All in all, it seems the production shift initiative might not have as much of an impact on the photography industry as some might’ve hoped. Aside from not being heavily publicized, the state of the industry even before the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t great and investing in a contracting market isn’t exactly assuring, even with a convincing stimulus opportunity to make use of.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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I’m Back returns to Kickstarter with updated I’m Back 35 digital back for old 35mm SLRs

14 Apr

Swiss company I’m Back has returned to Kickstarter with another digital back product, this one following the previous models it sought crowdfunding for in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The new I’m Back 35 will be, according to the company, the only digital back product that can be paired with ‘almost all the most famous analog cameras.’ The I’m Back 35 will feature manual and automatic recording modes, improved battery performance, a new ergonomic design and other new technology if it ends up being produced.

The ‘I’m Back 35’ unit is designed to work with old analog SLR cameras that are still functional, yet obsolete. The digital back will replace the back cover on an old SLR to give it digital functionality and features, including a 2″ touch display, external microphone support, USB-C, WiFi, support for syncing flash and a Panasonic 34112 image sensor.

The aluminum-based universal cover on I’m Back 35 supports 99 percent of existing 35mm analog cameras, according to the company. Should the I’m Back 35 see the light of day, its creators say the unit will have new software controls for the manual exposure function, an exclusive PCBA design and will use NP-F550 and NP-F570 batteries.

I’m Back says it offers dedicated back covers that improve the I’m Back 35’s fit on customers’ preferred analog cameras, including models like the Canon EOS 300, Ricoh KR10, Olympus OM10, Nikon F100, Leica M7, Diana F, Pentax K1000 and Yashica FX3, among others. I’m Back 35 will also include a universal back cover that can be used with most other 35mm analog cameras.

The new digital back will feature an ‘M’ button for switching between manual and automatic modes, a new focusing screen, new alignment and stability system, new clamps, micro HDMI and a microSD slot with support for cards up to 128GB capacity. The device, which is currently only shown as a prototype, captures images in JPEG and raw formats at 8MP to 14MP resolutions, plus video in MOV format at up to 4K/30fps.

Other technical features will include a built-in speaker and microphone, support for a 7.4V-1A power source, 1.5mm sync cable, and 3.5mm microphones, as well as PCs running Windows 2000 or higher and Macs running macOS 10.3.6 or higher.

The company notes that because its digital back uses a focusing screen, the images and video captured with I’m Back 35 won’t be at the same quality level as content captured with a dedicated digital camera, but rather will ‘resemble something between analog and digital.’ Below are a few sample photos shared by the I’m Back team, captured with the working prototype:

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I’m Back 35 follows the I’m Back MF digital back, which is currently in its final prototype stages, according to the company.

The new 35mm product is a bit cheaper at $ 349 retail price compared to the I’m Back MF’s $ 400 price tag. I’m Back is offering its 35mm model to Kickstarter backers in exchange for pledges starting at CHF 249 (approximately $ 258). The backer kits include the I’m Back 35 digital module, universal back cover, sync cable, USB-C cable, rechargeable battery and battery charger. Assuming everything goes according to plan, I’m Back anticipates shipping its product to backers starting in December 2020.

You can find out more information and secure your pledge on the Kickstarter campaign.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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BCN data shows mirrorless camera sales have dropped 50% YoY in Japan for March amidst COVID-19 pandemic

13 Apr
An illustration from BCN Retail showing the unit sales percentage, by manufacturer, of Canon (Blue), Olympus (Green) and Sony (Red).

It was only a matter of time before we started to see the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on camera sales, and today we’re getting our first glimpse at just how brutal the global pandemic has been on the camera industry.

BCN Retail, an analyst firm that collects daily sales data of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras directly from online and in-person points of sale in the Japanese camera market, has shared the numbers from its March data, and it’s not pretty. While January and February saw a year-over-year (YoY) decline of 9.9 percent and 23.5 percent, respectively, March saw a decrease of 50.5 percent (compared to March 2019).

This decrease is well above the relatively consistent 15–20 percent YoY decrease we’ve seen over the past few years and goes to show just how hard the coronavirus pandemic is affecting sales, even if BCN’s data is only a relatively small sample size.

As far as sales volume goes, BCN says Canon, Olympus and Sony have all dropped YoY, while Fujifilm stands alone as the only manufacturer to increase its share of the market.

A chart showing the most popular cameras in the Japanese market, based on BCN Retail’s data.

BCN also shares what cameras have performed best, based on sales volume, with the Canon EOS M50 barely edging out the Olympus Pen E-PL9. Sony’s a6400 rounds out the top three, with the a6000 still coming in fifth, despite being six years old.

It’s safe to assume these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg as near-global stay-at-home mandates and quarantines continue in an effort to #flattenthecurve of the COVID-19 pandemic. CIPA’s data won’t be here for a while, but it will likely tell a similar story at a much larger scale.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm Will Award $90,000 in Gear as Part of “Students of Storytelling” Initiative

13 Apr

The post Fujifilm Will Award $ 90,000 in Gear as Part of “Students of Storytelling” Initiative appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Fujifilm Contest

If you’re a university student, or you’re interested in following the work of student photographers and videographers around the US, then I have good news:

Fujifilm is launching its Students of Storytelling contest, which awards 30 students up to $ 3000 USD in Fujifilm gear.

Its purpose?

To help students tell their own stories through photography and videography.

As Fujifilm explains, ” We are passionate about stories and truly believe that the future of storytelling rests in the hands of today’s college students. This is why the Students of Storytelling contest will award up to $ 3,000 of Fujifilm gear to a select group of winners to help bring their creative stories out into the light.”

Note that you don’t have to be an accomplished artist to take part; all current part-time and full-time college students are eligible, excepting Florida residents.

students of storytelling contest page

Fujifilm does offer entry guidelines, stating that the ideal proposal “should be designed to tell a cohesive ‘story’ of a human, or life-related experience, event, challenge, objective, relationship(s), approach, passion, and/or interest that may be depicted and effectively communicated through photographic images or video.”

Fujifilm also notes that participants will need to adhere to the CDC’s COVID-19 social distancing guidelines when carrying out their project.

The submission period goes until May 31st, during which eligible students can submit their proposed stories in written, video, or photographic format. The first half of June will be spent judging the entries, and students will be notified of their success at the end of June.

At that point, winners will be given the opportunity to choose Fujifilm equipment totaling up to $ 3000 USD. Winners will then have 90 days to complete and submit their stories, which are to be shared via social media, as well as on Fujifilm’s Create Forever website.

So if you’re an eligible student, head on over to Fujifilm’s website, where you can submit your own proposal to be considered for the Students of Storytelling contest.

And for everyone else:

If you’re interested in following the contest and all the winners, be sure to check Create-Forever.com for updates.

The post Fujifilm Will Award $ 90,000 in Gear as Part of “Students of Storytelling” Initiative appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Video: How a video production company turned an ambulance into the ultimate grip truck

13 Apr

What do you do if your average vehicle isn’t enough to safely transport all of your camera gear and other equipment? Well, if you’re the team behind North Dakota-based video production company Threefold.

In the two-minute video recently posted to YouTube, Caleb from Threefold walks through the team’s custom grip truck, which is actually a 1995 diesel E350 box truck that was purchased for $ 7,000 and served as an ambulance in its previous life. From custom shelving and mounting solutions to 2000W inverters and custom charging solutions, the van has nearly everything you’d need for on-location storage, charging, repairing and more.

Sure, it might be overkill for most, but when you need a purpose-built solution, DIY is the way to go. You can find more of Threefold’s work on their YouTube channel.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Create Sexier Portraits With These 5 Tips!

12 Apr


Jake Garn Photography

 
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Updated: Fujifilm X100V sample gallery

12 Apr

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The Fujifilm X100V is a camera designed to tag along on adventures large and small. We brought it along on plenty of excursions during the course of testing – back when we were able to do that sort of thing – from trips to the coast to walks around the block. Take a look at all of the shooting we were able to do with this award-worthy camera, from a time before quarantine.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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