NEW YORK NEW YORK

// A quick stop over of only three days, there was a lot to see.



You can get this shot for on the free boat to Staten Island, the boat in the for ground, the space at the top of the image appeals to me.

The size and scale of the events at the now One World Trade Center and adjacent will take you breath away, this water monument dedicate to the lost was in almost total silence.

Standing tall and proud against the skyline

View of this great city from the viewing level not to be missed if you ever have the time or opportunity to visit NY.

Next time I hope to spend more time away from the tourist areas visiting perhaps the Bronx, I want to capture images and video content for my own image bank.

Canon 1Dc & 1Dx The perfect 4k Video Camera and DSLR.

 

Camera's on set for my shooting with Fabio Mancini + a Canon 5dii

 

Camera's as used on my shoot with Fabio Mancini, for the stills a Canon 1DX with 85L Prime, for video the Canon 1DC with Zeiss lens in 4k and CLog mode .

Key to keeping the 4k video recording are high speed (160MB/sec) cards.

I cannot fault either camera, both deliver stunning images and video. To get the most from them like any DSLR set them up to your liking for each project using custom menu's.


I love the crop and spirit level features in both of camera's, my preference is the square and 3:4 crop previews.

Canon 1DX First Impressions

The moment you get your hands on the 1DX it feels and looks imppressive, you will notice its weight straight away. I prefer it to be this way rather than light, the 1DX really sits rock steady in your hands.

Moving around the camera I was first drawn to the memory card opening, and the battery release.

The battery is about twice the size of the 5DmkII sliding in nicely from the left side. The memory cards are accessed from the back of the camera. The dual CF slots face backwards at you rather than at the side,  I prefer it this way too, keeps the camera facing forward ready to go again.

The menu layout is very similar to the 6D which I got my hands on last year, straight away it feels simple to use, it all makes sense.

Going through the menu options is something I encourage any camera user to do, get to know your gear inside out.

Checking through the menus one of the display features that can cause a lot of problems to my workshop attendees has been taken out on the 1DX, this was nice to see.

I like the toggle button being in two locations, great for when shooting portrait.

I liked the options for saving the files, being able to select dual saving i.e. to card A and card B, or to save to one card then to goto card B when card A is full, or save RAW to one and JPEG to the other, great feature for reviewing your JPEG files quickly after an event.

More to come on the 1DX soon.

Canon Speedlite 600 EX RT (compared to 580EX II)

The latest addition to the Canon small strobe is the 600EX-RT  here is a quick comparison with the compared to 580EX II.

1. LCD Display—larger, active-matrix LCD (as shown above, right), capable of displaying a wide range of icons and messages, backlight can be green or orange (I set custom functions so that orange appears when Speedlite is a slave and green in non-wireless and master mode.)
   
2. Menu System—it’s now interactive, the menu options and button functions change based upon the Mode
   
3. Control via On-Camera LCD—able to be controlled via camera LCD on Canon models intro’d since mid-2007.
   
4. Beep—now it’s easy to know when your flash is recycled
   
5. Zoom—range is now 20mm-200mm, a small, but helpful, change
   
6. Radio Wireless—now has two-way radio built-in that provides much longer range and much wider angle of coverage than with optical wireless. Signal will pentrate walls, softboxes, etc. Master will not beep until all slaves have checked in as ready
   
7. Optical Wireless—Full compatibility with optical wireless system used by 500- and 400-series Speedlites (but not able to use radio and optical wireless simultaneously)
   
8. Wireless Activation—Dedicated button to activate and change modes in wireless system
   
9. Optional Speedlite Transmitter—ST-E3-RT Speedlite Transmitter has radio only (not compatible with optical wireless used in older Speedlites), long range and wide angle of coverage, controls are identical to 600EX-RT
   
10. Group Mode—(new with 600EX-RT and requires 2012 or newer model camera) allows for individual control of up to 5 groups. Able to individually control each group: on/off, assign Mode (Ettl, Manual, etc.), and control power functions.
    
11. Flash Power—virtually the same as the 580EX-RT.

Canon Speedlite, small light to big light

Canon Speedlite, small light to big light setups need not mean an over complicated setup.

Most photographers have in their kit bag two or even three lights, the mount below allows multiple units to be grouped together.

The key to a simple setup like this is the arrangement of the lights, none of them are having to work too hard.

A lot people make incorrect assumptions about the power gains to be had by ganging multiple speedlights. In truth, it's the second flash that gives you the bulk of the extra power.

So you can bump your output by a stop for more power when needed by adding just one flash. Or—and this is usually more important to me—you can trim your recycle time in half by using two flashes and dialing the power down in each.

Whether you do this manually of let the camera do the work via ETTL you choose.

Canon Speedlite 600EX RT and Controller

Got my hands on the latest release small flash from Canon, the Speedlite 600EX RT.

We ran it on demo for my off camera flash workshop in London... LIKE.

Billed as the top of the range this is Canon’s first Speedlite flash unit to feature inbuilt wireless radio connectivity.

It is a powerful flashgun for use both on and off the camera. Built-in radio triggering offers remote lighting control over distances up to 30m.

On the creative side High-speed flash sync enables the Speedlite 600EX to operate at any shutter speed – perfect for fill-in flash on sunny days.

Four AA/LR6 batteries provide silent recycling in as little as 0.1 sec, that will do for me.

Compared to the original 580EX it feels more robust and is packed with features, will run a feature on it very shortly.

600EX RT at Calumet

Off Camera Flash enhance it with a Justin Clamp

Off Camera Flash enhance it with a Justin Clamp, also find it listed as the Manfrotto 175F-1 Spring Clamp with Flash Shoe.

Created by Justin from B & H and Joe McNally one evening from a couple of pre existing  Manfrotto parts this piece of kit is in my bag.

You can get this item from B & H over in NY or in the UK from Calumet.

You can fit the clamp to a stand or use the clamp side to hold onto any willing surface, if you are using the clamp I do suggest you add some strong tape to make sure the setup is secure.

Canon 6D, perfect high performance entry level camera.

I was with the Canon people yesterday, got my hands on the NEW Canon 6D.

First impressions are its nice and light noticeably lighter then the 5Dmk2/3, which often gets comments back from female clients about.... being heavy.

I am liking the Wi-Fi features that are inbuilt, a costly add on for all other pro camera's, also built in is GPS, so you can track where and when you took your shots, ideal for me when location hunting.

Looking at the images using 6400 ISO they were as you would expect impressive.

Would I recommend this camera, YES to anyone entering photography wanting a lot of the high end features or maybe as a second camera, perfectly ideal for events weddings etc.

Body only expect to pay around £1800.

With an app you can take full control of the camera remote, also transfer files to other compatible devices like printers and monitors or even other 6D's.

Delivery's for pre-orders are on track for December.

Canon 6D at Calumet

Website update & whats new at jasonharry.com

With the dismal summer gone, winter settling in it was time for some new content, the website front page and blog have fresh imagery with more images and video content to be uploaded soon.

More frequent video posts from me will be coming this way, next up a brief video showing the equipment I use with my basic DSLR video setup, I have found there is real benefit to both sides of my photography and video work using the Calumet monitor.

The Calumet monitor featured a week or two back is really good for preview or play back, am finding it great for checking the details and critical focus, a sound investment.

Calumet 7" LCD HDMI Monitor.

Today I took delivery of a Calumet 7" LCD HDMI Monitor, saw Calumet demo one on a Canon 5d MK3 last week when we were together meeting some of Manchester's newest photography students.

Why did I get this? I have a couple of interior shoots coming up where I know the working space is going to be tight, with this device attached I can get the camera right in, setup and review test images out of camera while I get to the perfect shot.

This device is also great to ensure critical focus, working with the lens on full zoom and the camera's x 10 zoom tack sharp images are guaranteed.

The HDMI cable slots into the side of 5dMK3 the other end into the monitor, the monitor runs from its own battery supply.

Reason two for getting this device, having clients review shots in camera is not always the best, this compact device will easy fit into a day to day kit bag. It will be easier for the clients to view images out of camera and me to control the viewing side it. 

Clients often review images but then they want to check the image in more detail means passing the camera back to me, this way we review together with the larger view... all good.

I know this will be a great addition for my video work too.

Compatible Input Formats: Composite - NTSC/PAL; HDMI - 480i/p, 576i/p, 720i/p, 1080i/p
Color Depth: 24-bit (16,777,216 colors)

The full technical spec of this item can be viewed here

Will post an on the job video... some time soon.

Grey Card, if in doubt create a custom white balance.

Grey Card, if you are in doubt about what colour the light source is, I recommend creating a custom white balance by taking a sample shot.

For those people new to photography from time to time you will create great pictures, but for some reason the colours look, funky.

Without going into the detail this can easily be corrected using a grey card.

Assuming your camera has the custom white balance function, all you need do is create a file of the grey or white card. Next step is to set up the custom white balance using this file.

The camera will look at the reference file and removing any colour cast from images using this profile when you camera has been set to this custom white balance.

Creating the sample file and setting up the custom white balance profile takes in total less than 30 seconds.

One last note, this profile will work only in the light your made the file in, if the light source or environment changes you will need to make a new file

There is another option, to sample from a neutral object in post production if you have this in your picture, that choice is upto you.

Professionals leave nothing to chance, I prefer to have a good starting point every time.

Canon Speedlite 580EX maximise its potential

Canon Speedlite 580EX maximise its potential by getting it off the camera.

Now I will admit at one time to of had an abundance of these small strobes, at one point 5.

They retail right now for around £350 and with the latest 600RT model at nearly £700 that is serious investment.

Now here's something for you, Michael Bass Designs < it's in the title.

He is my custom electroincs guy, located in America. He kindly modifys all sorts of leads and other "Stuff" to enable my kit to do what I want it to do.

Some of the solutions offered by Canon could of been better like for example the off camera cord which is approx 30cm would actually be better longer.

Michael kindly modifies them for me, making them extendable by attaching mini din cables and making me up extra sections in 5m lengths. See below

I prefer this modified cord option, another options is maybe using the ST-E2  controller.

However, where there is strong day light outdoors or when the flash needs to be behind camera, the ST-E2 would struggle.

Michael Bass Designs gets the thumbs up for me, his solutions work. 

A lot of the world's top pro photographers use him, he is highly recommended.

web www.michaelbassdesigns.com

Beginner's Guide to Photography buying the right DSLR.

As a Beginner's Guide to Photography buying the right DSLR is a question I get asked frequently, so for those people....

Priority in choosing your new camera
1) How does it feel in your hand (size / weight / ergonomics).

2) How much can you afford vs how much does it cost
3) What do you shoot, hence, what lenses will you use with it?

4) Will you be a casual low volume shooter or like a pro heavy use or extreme conditions.

My first serious expenditure was based on the above decision process, I wanted to know how durable the body was and whether the model was new technology.

My money is always invested in pro quality and the latest photography equipment.

I sold my first body a few years on with 280,000 actuations, it never failed me once. Thanks Canon.

Photography Business : Investing in Equipment v Training

The photography business is without doubt fiercely competitive, how to invest is not an easy or straight forward decision. 

Photography can be for you a hobby or for the more serious as a business, I have been on both sides.

It's always been part of my own personal character always to do better, better than I was yesterday and so on.

Be resigned that your growth as a photographer will be similar to a baby's development, it goes at a certain pace, and simply evolves.

Granted you may have immediate successes, I wish you many but being able to sustain this and knowing the pitfalls will come in time.

In order to be progressive, not falter or take you on certain unwanted deviations I suggest you observe a small group of people at the top level and maybe some breaking out, over time do they make it or drop off, did they deviate and back track?

Workshops with good professionals are popular, workshops cover all aspects including systems and business which is not an area to be over looked. Booking direct with established professionals in your area of interest or through pro stores I would recommend.

The rush to buy heaps of expensive gear should be avoided, rather explore and get a better understanding of how the equipment has been sold to you and the possibilities it has to offer.

Yes you need to understand the different modes of shooting and how the pro's use it which will be different that the format it has been sold to you, this applies more to the camera body.

Accept it has been sold in a mode that will for most users produce acceptable images, but go deeper into the camera function's and this is where the pro's are.

So if you wish to be more balanced and move forward progressively invest in areas other than just the "gear" this includes training. I have done it, some workshops weren't for me leaving somewhat disappointed, but never without taking away some extra knowledge I didn't have at the beginning of the day.

My goto lens Canon EF Zoom lens - 24 mm - 70 mm - F/2.8 - Canon EF

My Canon 24mm - 70mm L series F/2.8 is more often than not my go to lens.

I work with video using the Canon 5d series, so for me the files need to be as clean as possible at capture.

This lens fits general studio shooting and video work perfectly offering wide angle and F/2.8 all the way.

My style of working is generally close, preferring closer as it feels more intimate, working with a 70 - 200 is an alternative, however this has caused me a few problems when wanting to work the angles quickly, the 70 - 200L is for me is a second body option.

Getting back to the 24-70 it has recently been updated and the price for the latest version is around £ 2,299 GBP, yikes.

Photographers gear, buy what you need.

Photographers gear, buy what you need. There is so much you can choose from, choosing what you need is not an easy decision, spend wisely.

Choosing the wrong equipment for sure will cost you again further down the line, nothing good is cheap in this game

Buy what you need, if you are unsure try RENTAL first.

In the UK and USA Calumet provide an excellent rental services, at the time of posting they will deduct the rental if you then decide to buy that item after the rental. Check this out.

A summary of the equipment you will likely need.

Body and Lens buy the best you can afford, the lens is critical I would always recommend the L or pro series lens. Avoid cheap glass, you really need the best lens as they will likely stay with you from body to body.

If you need external flash get it off camera, I have a bracket like the press use.

Grey card, get into using a custom white balance to help create natural tones,

Reflectors,  silver/ white and gold/ white, bigger the better.

Printer, the Epson R3000 is very good to A3+  You need to proof your work, choose a suitable print profile in your workflow.

Screen calibration, either do this manually with the help of a test file and print from someone like peak-imaging or with a calibration device. Some screens display slightly blue caution adjusting for the screen, print a sample.

Software, I work between Adobe Camera RAW and Photoshop CS5, industry standard.

Print paper, I use the Calumet Brillant Lustre paper (10x15) for most test printing.

This list is for general photography, as you get deeper into your given area you will need other equipment, master this group and your on track.

Experience will bring you the best results so don't get bogged down in the gear side, keep it simple to start with, enjoy more.

Good luck.

www.calumetphoto.co.uk Manchester number +44(0) 161 274 0500 the store is worth a visit, else give them a call, very friendly and experienced.