With more exhibitors than ever before, showcasing (and selling) more photographic and film related products and the best possible show specials, this is the ideal opportunity to upgrade your gear.

Attendees get free access (on a first arrival basis) to over 100 workshops and demonstrations at the event. Be sure to arrive first to secure your spot at one of the numerous workshop areas or get to a demo area and watch a live shoot take place, from start to finish.

There are dedicated workshop areas with unique presentations outlining all the major features of the latest software, techniques and more, a ‘strobist’ area where minimalists and gadgeteers hang out, a full fashion studio setup, a wedding area, and numerous other demo areas.

This year a dedicated gallery area has been created where independent photographers can have their work professionally displayed at the event, plus expect to see the seventh leg of the very successful Photos For Hope charity drive hosted on the mezzanine level. Photo and Film Expo supported the first leg which raised R45 000 for The Sunflower Fund and the initiative has grown since then. Photographers are encouraged to continue to donate images – visit this link for submission details.

The Photo and Film Expo has become renowned for the incredible giveaways that attendees to the event have a chance to win so watch this space. Tickets can be bought online, here.

The Photo and Film Expo 2013 Details
Venue: The Coca-Cola Dome 
Date: October 31 until November 3

Follow The Photo and Film Expo
Facebook: The Photo and Film Expo Facebook Fan Page
Twitter: @PHOTOFILMEXPO

The Photo and Film Expo 2013 is a new post on the Flux Mag blog.

Ducati Garage Rock Sunglasses by Oakley

These shades have been created with bikers in mind. They are designed to be worn underneath the helmet. A collaboration between two respective industry giants is undoubtedly going to produce a fashionistic masterpiece. The frames are made from lightweight, stress-resistant O Matter and it also features impact-resistant lenses.

9FIVE x Jordan Sunglasses

Here is another great collaboration. Sunglasses manufacturer 9Five and sneaker maker Jordan have joined forces to create these very cool 9FIVE x Jordan Sunglasses. Design cues have been influenced by the Jordan  XX8.  The shades have a black acetate frame with green temple tips.

Bigger Man  Sunglasses

The Bigger Man sunglasses by Vintage Frames Company are an exceptional example of retro flair. They were actually inspired by the oversized shades that Hunter S. Thompson sports in the movie “Fear and Loathing in Loathing in Las Vegas.” Lil Wayne can be seen wearing these shades in the “No Worries” video.

SK8 Shades

Radical to the core, SK8 Shades are hand-made sunglasses that have been fashioned out of recycles skateboards – now that’s awesome! They are the creation of South Africa’s very own Dave De Witt, an esteemed ramp builder. Each pair of shades , takes an average of three to five days  to complete. You can wear these shades with the comfort of knowing that in a previous life, they probably busted out some 50/50 grinds and big air moves.

Shwood

Got Shwood? If you don’t, you really should. This brilliant range of shades has been made from hardwood and emits a classic 50s look. You can have your lenses clear or polarised and have them fitted into rosewood rims or zebrawood.

LOOK/SEE Sunglasses

Designer Kyle Yamaguchi is responsible for these outstanding shades. Kyle  was a product line manager, developer, and designer for Nike Basketball. LOOK/SEE Sunglasses have been forged in the same manner that signature sneakers are created. The shades breathes new life into iconic sneaker colours and 30 different colourways of one frame have been created. At the moment Elephant Print, Reflective and a blood-splattered Dexter collab are the styles that are available.

Six Pairs of Very Cool Shades is a new post on the Flux Mag blog.

Fresh oysters, along with cooked meals featuring the dainty delicacy, will be abundantly available for famished festival-goers. This year medium oysters will be sold for R12 each and the popular jumbo oysters for R20 at a dedicated station. Gourmands are invited to experiment with their pairings and match the delicious oceanic flavour of the oysters with Guinness, beers and wines, or the classic favourite, a crisp bubbly. .

Last year saw 1000 cupcakes sold, 4000 pints of beer drunk at the Beer Tent, 280 kgs of lemon used and an overall growth of 61% of the Festival – some impressive figures. Entry into the Festival is free, however there will be a charge for the oysters, gourmet foods and wine.

Details
Venue: Brightwater Commons, Randburg
Date: June 1, 2
Time: 11:00am to 6:00pm

Oyster, Wine and Food Festival 2013 is a new post on the Flux Mag blog.

Jet Surf is a surfboard that sets itself aside from the rest by being high tech and motorized. A major drawcard is that waves are not required for you to ride it. The fact that it has been designed by MotoGP and Formula1 engineers and it took ten prototypes and seven years to get it perfect enough for commercial use is a clear indicator of how superior a product, it is.

Its two-stroke engine allows it to hit speeds of over 50km/h and is equipped with an automatic electronic control unit with auto start/stop function. The engine packs a serious punch and according to the manufacturer, no engine in the world yields the same power-to-weight ratio.  They are the only motorized vehicle that can be transported on a car, boat or plane, making it perfect for local, domestic or international travel.

There are three models (Pro Race, Ultra Sport, Factory) to choose from that has varying levels of capabilities. The arrival of the Jet Surf could mean the start of a new era in watersports.

Jet Surf – a Futuristic Spin on Surfing is a new post on the Flux Mag blog.

Hutcherson’s toned body and quintessential California girl looks made her one of the most popular ring girls in MMA today. She grew up in Southern California and got her big break when she landed a modeling gig for Rockstar energy drinks and has done work for Metal Mulisha, Spike TV and is most renowned for previously being a Strikeforce ring girl.

She made her Strikeforce debut on a most historic night, when then unstoppable Russian juggernaut Fedor Emelianenko was beaten convincingly for the first time. When Hutcherson takes center stage you can be assured that all eyes are on her. Considering the fact that Strikeforce shut down in January, we can only hope that she gets to strut herself in the UFC.

Kelli Hutcherson is a new post on the Flux Mag blog.

With the ever changing style and capabilities of them, it is not hard to believe that there are so many awesome cameras on the market to choose from. Here are eight cameras that you have to check out.

Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj

Not only is the Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj a funky looking snapper, it also projects videos and pictures on flat surfaces. The S1100pj has a 5x Zoom NIKKOR glass lens, 14.1-megapixels and a 3-inch Touch Screen with image editing and drawing functions – not too shabby.

Instagram Socialmatic Camera

The retrofied images that the Instagram app produces, has made it extremely popular, especially on the social media front. Now you can shoot Instagram pictures and print it on the spot with the Instagram Socialmatic Camera. Antonio Pedrosa from ADR studio, can take credit for this work of genius. The camera has an internal printer that prints pictures directly on Instagram paper.

Fuuvi Pick

This little fella has a very simplistic design and yet still looks awesome. As it is the size of a flash drive, it does not have a viewfinder, so accuracy may be a little tricky. Fuuvi has a two-megapixel lens, built-in USB jack, and a microSD slot. Despite the absence of a viewfinder, its highly compact nature makes it a winner.

Lego Mini Camera Custom

No childhood was complete with out a Lego set. Now you can muster a remnant of your childhood with the Lego Mini Camera Custom. Designer Chris McVeigh is responsible for this very creative creation. It allows you to build your own camera from scratch using the beloved Lego building blocks. You can’t take pictures with this camera but it is still a cool thing to have.

Canon PowerShot N Camera

Attention to detail is a prerequisite with the Canon PowerShot N Camera. A 12.1 Megapixel Sensitivity sensor ensures you take pictures with sniper precision. A 28mm wide-angle lens lets you take in the entire picture. The Creative Shot mode automatically creates an additional five images after you take a picture. Other features include 8x optical zoom, shoot HD videos, Wi-Fi and more.

Carbon One mini

The Carbon One mini is a mini replica of the Polaroid SX-70 One Step. Its prefocused lens captures very sharp images of everything that is beyond 1.2 meters. Your pictures get a retro touch by the addition of a white photo frame. Pictures can be printed by connecting the Carbon One mini to a PictBridge printer. The good news is, the pictures will print instantly so you don’t have to “shake it like a Polaroid picture.”

Doryu 2-16 Pistol Camera

We have heard of the term “shooting picture” but this is taking it to a whole new level. The Doryu 2-16 Pistol Camera is actually a 16mm, Japanese police-issued camera. A Cine-Nikkor 25mm F1.4 lens is fixed to the end of the barrel. It definitely is a very interesting gadget but we suspect that it is perhaps not the most airport-friendly camera around.

Lomography Spinner 360

The Lomography Spinner 360 is a 35mm camera that is able to shoot 360° shots. This amazing ability is enabled by a vertical handle that has a built-in ripcord. As you pull it, the shutter opens and the camera rapidly does a full revolution – hence the the 360° shot. That is actually the equivalent of five normal pictures… got to love science.

Eight Very Unique Cameras is a new post on the Flux Mag blog.

To appreciate its true magnitude you have to see it in person as words or pictures will not truly do it justice. The waterfall is embalmed in lush wilderness with no road access making it’s an amazing and enchanting experience. If you are ever lucky enough to visit Angel Falls make sure you try out these awesome activities.

Try BASE jumping
BASE jumping at Angel falls is some thing that will certainly separate the mice from the men. Locals also refer to it as Parakupa-vena, meaning “the fall from the highest point,” a moniker which is pretty much on the money. The view at the jump point is amazing but once you jump you will be in free fall of about 90 mph. The adrenalin dump is insane and the experience would be unforgettable.

Go on an expedition
Several tour groups offer expeditions to Angel falls. This sure beats conventional sight-seeing and you get to take in the full experience of the raw wilderness of Venezuela. Few destinations on earth can boast the geographic and cultural diversity that Venezuela exhibits so rest assured that you are guaranteed to see some awe inspiring sights. Each expedition has its own unique itinerary so check around for options to decide what suits you the best.

Explore Canaima National Park
The magnificent Canaima National Park is the gateway to Angel Falls. This tropical habitat is actually home to an extremely wide variety of flora and fauna. Breath-taking natural wonders which are known as tepuis are extremely majestic and a sight to behold. Animals to keep a lookout for include giant anteaters, giant armadillos, giant otters and even bush dogs. There are even two archaeological sites that was discovered in the park.

Take a swim at the waterfall
A visit to Angel Falls has to be culminated with a swim near the base of the waterfall. The water is amazing and it a truly refreshing experience that will make you feel one with nature, however be sure to steer clear from dangerous cascades. A lot of the water that falls, evaporates or gets blown away as fine mist which leaves a pleasant sensation on your skin.

Visit Kavac
Make sure you get to visit the little village called Kavac which is an often overlooked paradise. It is close to Angel Falls and nestled in the jungle. Getting to this village is an experience on its own as you travel through the rainforest and then swim into a cave. There are traditional huts that have very comfortable beds and hammocks for rent. The village had a local bar as well as a small crafts shop. Spending a night or two in this charming village is a fantastic way to round up your visit to Angel Falls.

Five Awesome Things to do at Angel Falls is a new post on the Flux Mag blog.

Living up to the postponement promise that was made back in 2011 when the band was unable to make it to Oppikoppi Unknown Brother, the band is thrilled to finally have found dates that work for South Africa.

Of their postponement announcement in 2011 Chevelle said “Obviously everyone is really disappointed; there was such enthusiasm and support from all over South Africa and it’s a country we all wanted to see. But we will get there soon.” – soon has become now. This is going to be an epic concert. Tickets are available at Computicket.

Details

Cape Town
Venue: GrandWest, Grand Arena
Date: May 31
Time: 19h30
Cost: R350 – R450

Joburg
Venue: Carnival City, Big Top
Date: June 2
Time: 19h00
Cost: R350 – R 450

Chevelle Live in SA is a new post on the Flux Mag blog.

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6X6

The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6X6 makes a statement without uttering a word. It sells for about $525 000 and it is rugged down to the bone. Much of the credit for the superior performance of the G63 AMG 6×6 is due to the V8 engine and the speedshift plus 7G-tronic automatic transmission. The 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine develops a peak output of 544 horsepower. It also has increased traction due to the inclusion of six wheels.

Mopar Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper

The Mopar Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper is ready to tear that terrain to shreds – one look at its oversized tyres will give you a clear inkling. The Mopar Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper looks as dangerous as its names sounds. Its unique styling is the result of the inclusion of half doors along with modified bumpers. It is powered by a Hemi V8 that spits 375 horsepower – aint no dune is high enough!

Shelby Raptor

A juxtaposition of aesthetic perfection and superior engineering makes the Shelby Raptor an off-road specimen. It has been fitted with a supercharged engine that forces out 575 horsepower and it has been complimented with a Shelby Stinger exhaust system. An exquisite leather interior and the wrapping of the body in Shelby graphics and styling makes this an off-road-gem.

Hauk Jeep River Raider

The Hauk Jeep River Raider is based on the iconic Jeep Wrangler. It has a Hemi engine that ranges from 405 to 636 horsepower. It is extremely gung-ho and features a full roll cage, four-point safety harnesses, bullet proof Dana 60 axles with dual piston calipers. Its immense toughness has been reinforced by an undercarriage armour system.

SportChassis P4XL

If you are looking for the ultimate sport utility luxury vehicle, the SportChassis P4XL is definitely the way to go. Its gargantuan nature is a major draw-card  Everything about it is huge. It features a 8.3L Cummins diesel engine (that kicks out 330 horsepower), shift-on-the-fly technology and even an air brake system. The interior has noise reduction system, state of the art touch screen multimedia systems and a powerful pioneer sound system – it’s the epitome of luxury.

Ford Atlas Pickup Concept

A heavy-duty body and a super aggressive front is a clear indicator that this is a no-nonsense pickup. The Ford Atlas Concept features a next-generation EcoBoost powertrain, which introduces truck-enhanced Auto Start-Stop engine shutoff technology. Auto Start-Stop shuts off the engine when stopped in traffic to save fuel. In fact it has a few fuel saving features that will not hinder towing or hauling capability.

Off-Road Cars You Wish We Owned is a new post on the Flux Mag blog.

Taking place on the outskirts of the beautiful Mpumalanga province, the spectacular new venue, with roots in the Rocking The Daisies venue – Cloof Wine Estate, will boast two stages hosting top music acts, delicious food and engaging activations as well as many outstanding ‘green’ initiatives.

Music acts will be announced soon but if the past few years are anything to go by, we suggest getting your tickets now to avoid any disappointment! Tickets are available through Webtickets.

Details

Venue: Welgelegen Manor Estate, Mpumalanga
Date: May 24, 25
Price: Full Weekend Pass – R250 ( at the Gate – R300)

Follow Sowing the Seeds
Facebook: Sowing the Seeds Facebook Fan Page
Twitter: @SowingTheSeedSA

Sowing the Seeds 2013 is a new post on the Flux Mag blog.