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‘Film Dating’ online quiz offers film recommendations based on your tastes

Is ‘Which Disney Princess Are You?’ not your style? Well, here’s one you might be interested in: a new online quiz aims to provide film stock suggestions based on the user’s personal preferences, doing so by asking the user to select sample images in either color or black and white categories. After completing the quiz, which only takes a minute or two, one film suggestion is offered with full specs alongside another film variety that is similar to the recommendation.

The quiz was created by Vincent Moschetti of the blog ‘One Year With Film Only,’ where the quiz is hosted. Users are advised to choose images they like based on their technical qualities — grain, contrast, temperature, and similar — rather than their composition and subject matter. Users are prompted to provide an email address at the end of the quiz, however, doing so isn’t necessary to view the results.

Via: PetaPixel

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 12, 2017
Bike Over Traffic: World’s Longest Elevated Cycling Path Opens in China

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Cities & Urbanism. ]

China’s first aerial bike path spans nearly five miles, raised over streets and highways and connecting six public transit hubs in the heart of Xiamen. If the new route is even close to as successful as its designers and planners expect, it could help usher in a new cycle-centric transport paradigm across the country.

Sixteen feet wide, the bike-and-pedestrian pathway network can accommodate 2,000 or more bicycles per hour. At night, 30,000 lights allow travelers to continue using the paths safely. Its planners anticipate an influx of ridership and have a system in place to actually close down the on ramps if too many bikers are already on the path.

Some sections of the cycleway are positioned under overhead mass-transit express lanes, offering some shelter from the elements (and less noise than riding alongside). Along the route, riders access the system via a variety of ramps tied into the city bus and subway system, aiming to bridge the gap between various forms of transportation.

Would-be bikers can also pick up bicycles via a ride share system positioned at entry and exit points. If the system does reach full utilization, city officials may extend the network further in the near future. Other cities in China (and around the world) can also look to this integrated system for inspiration for similar bike-oriented urban design strategies.

London Approves Europe’s First City-Spanning Bike Superhighway

Catering to some of the 170,000 cyclists that ride across London every day, this segregated bicycle lane will stretch from west to east, pass through the heart of the city and span 18 miles when …

Trail Blazing: ‘Freezeway’ Path for Ice Skaters Opens in Canada

The new Freezeway pilot project now live in Edmonton aims to draw residents out of hibernation, encouraging them to skate along an iced trail system slated to double as a seven-mile commuting …

High Line West: Chicago & LA on Track for Elevated Greenways

Following in the footsteps of the United States’ largest urban center, the 2nd and 3rd most populous cities in the country are each (respectively) developing and building extensive elevated …

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Cities & Urbanism. ]

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WebUrbanist

February 11, 2017
Think Tank launches Signature series of soft shoulder bags
Camera bag manufacturer Think Tank has announced a new range of shoulder bags designed to look good as well as protect your equipment. The company says its new Signature range is made from a polyester/nylon blend that feels as soft as fine wool even though it has a water repellent coating.

The bags come in two sizes and are aimed at those with smaller interchangeable lens system bodies rather than full-blown DSLR kits. Think Tank says the bags are suitable for one body and three to four lenses, while the larger of the bags, the 13, can also accommodate a 13″ laptop.

The straps of the bags are made from leather while metal clasps keep it fastened shut. A waterproofing layer coats the base of the bags to protect them when they are placed on wet surfaces.

The Think Tank Signature 10 and 13 bags cost $ 249 and $ 279 and will be available in Slate Gray or Dusty Olive. For more information see the Think Tank website.

Manufacturer information
Signature Series

The Signature Series from Think Tank is a modernized version of the classic shoulder bag. Whether you are a young urban professional or corporate photographer, the Signature shoulder bag is as fashionable as it is functional. Hand sewn advanced fabrics blend weather protection and durability with the classic feel of fine wool.
Genuine leather detailing and metal hardware adds character and stands up to the rigors of a photographer’s daily use.

KEY FEATURES
- Modern wool-like fabric that is soft to the touch and stands-up to everyday use
- Full-grain leather bottom and detailing, plus antique finished metal hardware
- Zippered flap provides full closure and security to the main compartment, or tucks away when not in use
- Dedicated laptop/tablet compartment: Signature 13 fits a 13” laptop
Additional Features
- Secure clasps on front flap with one handed operation
- Soft look and feel with clothing-safe materials and design
- Dedicated phone pocket fits up to an iPhone 6s+ or S7 Edge
- Wide handle pass-through for attaching to rolling luggage
- Large front pocket for an extra strobe, rain cover or small book
- Long, cushioned neoprene shoulder pad positions easily when worn cross-body
- Zippered front pocket provides security for small items and includes a built-in organizer for pens and business cards
- Quilted velex dividers can be customized to fit your gear
- Shorter dividers can be made into shelves to stack shorter lenses and primes
- Dividers and bottom foam can be removed for a completely collapsible bag
- Although the bag’s outer fabric is treated with water resistant coating, a seam-sealed rain cover is included for downpour conditions
What Fits
1 standard-size DSLR with mid-range zoom attached plus 2–3 additional lenses
13” laptop fits inside a dedicated compartment

Specifications
Internal Dimensions:
13.3” W x 9.1” H x 5.1” D (34 x 23 x 13 cm)
Exterior Dimensions:
14.6” W x 10.4” H x 6.3” D (37 x 26.5 x 16 cm)
Laptop/Tablet Pocket:
13” W x 9.1” H x 1.2” D (33 x 23 x 3 cm)
Weight:
3.1 lbs. (1.4 kg)

Materials
Exterior:
Durable water-repellant (DWR) coating
Polyurethane coating
240D wool-like 195G nylon/poly blend
Full-grain leather
YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion-resistant) zippers
Antique-plated metal hardware
550D polyspun
Nylon seatbelt webbing
Neoprene
3-ply bonded nylon thread

Interior:
High-density closed cell foam dividers
210D silver-toned nylon lining
Polyurethane backed velex liner & dividers
2x polyurethane coated nylon 210T seam-sealed rain cover
Nylon binding
3-ply bonded nylon thread
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
February 11, 2017
The people and the sights of WPPI 2017

The people and the sights of WPPI 2017

This year’s Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) conference took place in Las Vegas from February 6th through the 9th, and DPReview was there. While we did see a few surprise announcements at this show, WPPI is chiefly an opportunity for industry leading photographers to showcase their work, provide workshops and information sessions, and for visitors take in a wide array of accessories that you never knew you needed and now can’t live without (and, of course, many that you probably can).

We spoke to some of those leading photographers about what their chief takeaways were from WPPI this year, as well as took in some of the sights as we traversed the show floor in the sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center.

Sights of WPPI 2017: Print competition

First up, it’s important to note that big parts of WPPI are the print and album competitions, with literally hundreds of stunning prints on display for all to see. They run the gamut from contrasty staged portraits to black and white wedding photojournalism, with a good amount of abstracts thrown in for good measure. It’s a fantastic (and easy) way to kill a couple of hours on the show floor.

People of WPPI 2017: Peter Hurley, with hair

He’ll never look the same. Well, at least not for a very long time. Here seen showing off his trademark ‘squinch,’ Peter Hurley actually shaved and donated his hair to Locks of Love on the final day of the show, after this photo was taken.

When asked what stood out to him about this year’s conference, Hurley said, “we have fifty people here as part of the headshot crew, and after starting it just five years ago, it’s been amazing to see how the community has grown.”

Sights of WPPI 2017: Fresh lenses

In case you missed it, we saw some announcements for lenses from both Sony and Tamron at the show this year. Tamron announced new ‘G2’ versions of two zooms, their 70-200mm F2.8 and 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 lenses, which will retail for $ 1299 and $ 499, respectively, when they arrive this Spring.

Sony also had some surprise announcements, including an FE 100mm F2.8 STF G Master that promises to have some exceedingly smooth out-of-focus characteristics, as well as an FE 85mm F1.8 that brings an affordable 85mm option to the lineup. They will retail for $ 1500 and $ 600, respectively, and are expected to arrive come March.

People of WPPI: Cliff Mautner

Cliff Mautner is a wedding photographer who serves both Philadelphia and New York and has a background in photojournalism at the Philadelphia Inquirer. We got a chance to catch up with him at this, his fourteenth time attending WPPI.

For Mautner, WPPI is “all about community…this is worldwide recognition. What comes out of this convention generally sets a tone for the wedding and portrait industry globally.”

Sights of WPPI: Furry animals

Given the wide variety of styles and conventions for portrait photography, there was an abundance of themed backgrounds, knit outfits and hats for toddlers, and of course, stuffed animal props guaranteed to up the ‘cuteness’ factor of your newborn and children’s photography.

We found ourselves particularly drawn to a small assortment of imitation chicks, all holding differing poses poses and mimicking varying activities to suit whatever your creative cuteness needs may be.

People of WPPI: Brian Smith

Brian Smith is a portrait photographer specializing in celebrities, athletes and executives, and despite an extensive and impressive list of such clients, he is approachable, unassuming and professional. Smith’s favorite part of WPPI is the general attitudes of the attendees, which are chiefly of expanding creative expression and overall improvement. He enjoys being a presenter and giving attendees tools to make their photographs even better.

Sights of WPPI: Printing products before your eyes

3D printing has been around for a while, but we DPReview editors still felt we got a little dose of science fiction when we stopped by the 3D Flex Flash booth. Their products, designed to act as light modifiers for professional flash guns, are flexible (and therefore easily packable), and are created entirely via 3D printing, as they were demonstrating throughout the show. They offer the Wyng, a bounce diffuser (or flag if you get it in black) as well as the Nest, which is a sort of mini softbox and has optional grid attachments.

People of WPPI: Kenna Klosterman

Kenna Klosterman is a Seattle-based photographer and tour guide specializing on photo tours in Cuba, though she’s traveled to over 40 countries in total. She’s also a Host + Community Connector at CreativeLive, and finds that what she likes most about WPPI is getting to interact with people in the portrait and wedding photography industry in person. “So much of what we do is online,” Klosterman says. “It’s not so much the products for me [at this show], it’s all about the people.”

Sights of WPPI: Coffee faces

I mean, it wouldn’t be a photography show if you couldn’t get your headshot printed into a latte, would it? They’re whipped up in a special Sony lounge section of the show floor. Simply show your Sony camera (our own Wenmei Hill was toting an RX100 V in her purse) to get a caffeinated consumable of your likeness for your very own.

People of WPPI: Dixie Dixon

We ran into Dixie Dixon this year at WPPI’s Nikon booth before the hit the stage for a talk on ‘Bringing the Soul of Fashion to Life.’ Dixon is a commercial fashion photographer whose work takes her around the world. Dixie’s first camera was a Nikon FG which got her into photography at the age of twelve, and she’s become one of the original sixteen Nikon Ambassadors of the US.

Sights of WPPI: Touch the future of photo booths

Foto Master is hoping to bring some ease to the photo booth business. The Mirror Me Booth hides a touchscreen and digital camera behind one-way glass, making for a polished (pun intended) and intuitive photo booth experience. You simply tap to initiate the process, and can later input your printing or delivery preferences, as well as sign your group selfies.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 11, 2017
Prime or zoom? LensRentals investigates

In the latest LensRentals blog post, Roger Cicala writes: ‘I’m going to address something I see repeated online all the damn time that just sets my scientific teeth on edge: This zoom is just as good as a prime.’

What follows is a fascinating look in to the mind-numbing complexities not just of zoom lenses, but of optical bench testing in general. It is worth a read for many reasons, as it offers great insights in to gear selection and gear testing.

Read the full article on LensRentals’ blog

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 11, 2017
Panasonic cuts stabilizer hum in Lumix G80/85 and GX80/85 with firmware update

Panasonic has released new firmware for its Lumix DC-G80/81/85 and DC-GX80/GX85 camera models that eliminates the whirring noise caused by the in-body stabilization system while in stand-by mode. Firmware version 1.2, in both cases, also reduces the impact of the noise during video recording, which previously would encroach on the audio of scenes shot in quiet situations. Now in stand-by mode the body is silent whereas before it was really quite noisy.

The new firmware also adds Dual IS 2 to the G80/81/85 when the camera is used with the company’s Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 ASPH lens. Dual IS 2 is Panasonic’s improved stabilization system that uses the IS features of both body and lens combined to increase the amount and flexibility of the motion compensation.

For more information see the Panasonic update page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 11, 2017
Pixlplay turns a smartphone into a big, durable ‘camera’ for kids

A new Kickstarter project aims to make digital photography easily accessible to children, with a product that is relatively inexpensive and durable. Called Pixlplay, the device is essentially a smartphone case shaped like a classic 35mm film camera, and it includes moveable dials and knobs, as well as a functional shutter button.

The Pixlplay case features a pair of rubber handgrips, adjustable clamps for accommodating phones of various sizes, and a 3.5mm cable that plugs into the phone’s audio jack to power the case’s shutter button. Photos can be snapped through the phone’s built-in camera app using the shutter button, or by touching the phone’s screen (a touch-sensitive screen protector is built into the case). Camera settings can also be adjusted by touching the screen.

Pixlplay features child-resistant dual latches to help prevent children from removing the smartphone, which is offered some protection from drops and dirt while inside the case. Included activity sheets, meanwhile, teach kids the basics about photography, while a dedicated iOS photo editing app allows kids to add frames and silly stickers to their photos. There doesn’t seem to be an Android app, however the case itself can be used with Android and Windows phones.

The case’s maximum phone dimensions are 5.59 x 2.95 x 0.374 in / 142 x 75 x 9.5mm, making it suitable for the iPhone 7 and older models, as well as most Android smartphones. The product’s maker, Pixl Toys, is currently seeking funding for Pixlplay on Kickstarter, where it has raised about $ 13,000 of its $ 25,000 goal. A single Pixlplay camera is being offered to backers who pledge at least $ 25, with shipping estimated to start in June.

Via: VentureBeat

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 11, 2017
Architectural Fairy Tales: Unreal Structures Tell Strange Sci-Fi Tales

[ By SA Rogers in Art & Drawing & Digital. ]

These fictional structures seem to be ripped right out of the concept art for a sci-fi film, envisioning a world of architecture that’s totally out of scale with humans but fittingly grand for the environments in which they’re placed. ’Last Day’ by Ukrainian architect Mykhallo Ponomarkenko is the first prize-winning entry at this year’s Fairy Tales concept architecture competition, using classical painting techniques to tell stories of a huge artificial platform that uses anti-gravity engines to escape the laws of physics.

“Landscapes have always inspired me to put something weird, unreal and out of human scale into them,” says Ponomarkenko. “Something not feasible and not practical that contrasts with the natural surroundings, but also exists at the same scale. These satirical interventions lead to new ideas and feelings about nature – they make the viewer more aware about the environment and our harmful impact on it.”

“We are flat surface creatures. Sometimes I feel that we crave it so much that the planet is going to be turned into pavement so cars can go anywhere, and our industries could continue expanding. The ‘Saturn Rings’ in my proposal represent these flat surface desires but in a more poetic, optimistic, and friendly manner.”

Organized by Blank Space, an online architecture platform, the fourth annual Fairy Tales competition announced three winners selected from over 60 project submissions. Winners are awarded prizes of $ 2,500, $ 1,500 and $ 1,000, respectively, and select projects will be featured in the fourth print edition of Fairy Tales: When Architecture Tells a Story. Read the story that goes along with ‘Last Day’ and see the rest of the entries over at Blank Space.

“The proposals put forth in the Fairy Tales competition create entire worlds of the imagination – they build their immersive stories as much by what they don’t say, as by what they do,” says Blank Space. “The winning entries in this year’s competition include oblique references to current events, mundane daily activities and human emotions that we all easily relate to – they make visible how we shape space, and in turn, how space shapes us.”

“The images and narratives are so wildly outlandish, and yet, so grounded that it seems like we could mistakenly stumble into any of them. They are personal and powerful – a testament to the power of architecture as a world-builder.”

Kiev Street Artists Paint Interesting Fairy Tales

Against the stark, pale background of Post-Soviet Ukraine, the vivid colors and fanciful images painted on brick, plaster, stone and wood are as jarring as they are cheerful, an unexpected jolt …

Architectural Fiction: 35 Impossibly Surreal Structures

Unbound by gravity, the need for structural soundness or any sense of real-world aesthetics, architecture becomes like a life form of its own, multiplying and mutating in strange and unsettling …

Grimm Abandonment: Derelict Australian Fairy Tale Park for Sale

Inspired by classical fairy tales, this deserted theme park recently opened its doors to an urban explorer and photographer, giving outsiders a glimpse into the current state of the place as well …

[ By SA Rogers in Art & Drawing & Digital. ]

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WebUrbanist

February 11, 2017
5 Easy Ways to Drastically Improve Your Photographs for Beginners

It’s the easiest thing in the world to take a photo. You aim and press, and you’ve captured a moment, which in time will turn into a treasured memory. But did you know that with just a little bit more effort and barely any time, you can turn those captures into something more? Something that offers the subject the respect it deserves. Something that is a pleasure to look at even before the shimmer of nostalgia is sprinkled onto it by time, and something you’ll be proud to share.

With these five basic steps, you will notice an immediate improvement in your photos. Once you’ve started giving it just a little bit more thought, it’ll become a natural part of your photography.

Let’s begin!

1. Get low, get high — it’s all about perspective

The easiest and most natural way is to photograph from the level of your own eyes. There is nothing wrong with that, but it’s just one of many viewpoints — and perspective is essential to the way we relate to a photograph.

Shot at human eye level.

Want to expand your perspective? Don’t be afraid to move, crouch, or if you’re up to it, lie down before taking your photo. Climb up on a chair even. If you’re photographing a child, get down to their eye-level and see what a difference it makes to your photo.

Shot at bug level.

2. Less space, more content

Do you tend to point and shoot, without composing the photo? This leads to two very common outcomes. One of them being a lot of unnecessary space around the subject, the other we’ll discuss in step three below.

Does the person you’re photographing take up only a small portion of the image? Most of the time, that’s unintentional, and it just makes it harder to enjoy the look of the subject, whether it’s a person, flower, or a sculpture.

Try filling the frame with a face. Don’t be afraid to get closer (unless you’re photographing a venomous snake).

3. A view askew (off-centered)

The other common result of pointing and shooting is that the subject almost always ends up being in the center of the frame. Sometimes, that works beautifully, but most of the time it’s just boring.

If you’re photographing a person, try to place them (particularly their eyes) off-center in the image. Be aware of their movement or line of sight, and leave room for that. Meaning, place the subject to the side they’re not moving into or looking at, and put more space in front of them in the direction they’re facing.

The statue is entered in the frame here and the image is very static (boring).

In this image there is more room in front of the statue in the direction the hand is pointing, leaving room for the little bird to “fly”.

To learn more about composition, check out these composition tips.

4. When too much is just right

If you’ve been doing photography for a while, you’ve probably heard how important it is to control the exposure of your images correctly (in other words avoiding both too little and too much light. It’s a basic rule of photography, but let me suggest that you try breaking it.

In my experience, too little light is more of a problem than too much, and sometimes, too much is just perfect — especially if your subject is backlit.

Try it and see what you think!

5. Space is cheap

Don’t worry about taking too many photos. Really! One of the great things about digital photography is that you can snap loads of shots and choose among them later for the best ones to keep. Don’t miss a moment because you hoped to capture it perfectly in one go.

Try taking photos the way you would normally, then experiment with the steps presented above. When you look through your photos, choose the ones you like and delete the rest. Think a bit about why you like the ones you kept and why you chose to delete some. It’s a fun, easy, and cheap way to learn and to find your own style.

Lastly

As always, rules are meant to be broken! But remember that the more familiar you are with the rules, the more creative your breaking of them can be. If you try out any of these steps, I’d love to see your creations in the comments below!

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The post 5 Easy Ways to Drastically Improve Your Photographs for Beginners by Hannele Luhtasela-el Showk appeared first on Digital Photography School.

Digital Photography School

February 11, 2017
Study: people don’t actually like looking at selfies

A couple of weeks ago a Sony-sponsored study found that consumers are ready to embrace selfies as a tool. Now a research paper, published by Sarah Diefenbach and Lara Christoforakos of Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich published in Frontiers in Psychology in January suggests that a majority of smartphone users enjoys taking selfies, but very few people like looking at selfies of others.

The paper is titled ‘The Selfie Paradox: Nobody Seems to Like Them Yet Everyone Has Reasons to Take Them’ and is based on a study that surveyed 238 people from Austria; Germany and Switzerland. Of those who responded, 77% said they take selfies at least once a month and 49% said they receive selfies from others at least once a week. While respondents thought of their own selfies as somewhat ironic and playful, they had less favorable views on others’ selfies.

‘Altogether, participants expressed a distanced attitude toward selfies, with stronger agreement for potential negative consequences (threats to self-esteem, illusionary world) than for positive consequences (e.g., relatedness, independence), and a clear preference (82%) for viewing more usual pictures instead of selfies in social media.’

Many respondents also thought selfies could have an adverse effect on self-esteem and create a superficial and inauthentic image of the person taking and sending them. 90% of participants regarded others’ selfies as self-promotion. However, only 46% of respondents said the same about their own selfies. The research team acknowledges that the results are potentially biased towards the surveyed regions, and that other cultures have more accepting attitudes towards selfies. As so often in science, further study is required.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 11, 2017