the ginkgo blog

Help your own photography business by helping a new start-up in the directory sector... Local-Photographers.co.uk

2010-03-19T10:24:48+00:00

Had a call from this group of chaps asking if I would mind listing their site on mine and in return they list my business on theirs. A nice simple swap. Of course one day, this will evolve into a pay for type service, the like of which we are all familiar with. The difference here is, these guys actually communicate with you - on the phone nonetheless...

So, why not help these guys out in their new venture and get yourself a little extra SEO self promotion too and get in touch with the chaps at Local Photographers if you are based in the UK. You never know, this might be that little extra leg up the rankings that you were looking for and in return, your helping out a new business venture in very dodgy economic times.

Canon video contest launched on Vimeo.com - with the theme being "The story beyond the still" - go on, give it a shot!

2010-02-27T17:09:11+00:00

Doing my weekly scan of the top 100 photography blogs, I found on Imaging Buffet and article about a new and pretty innovative video contest sponsored by Canon on Vimeo.com.

What particularly caught my attention was the claim that it's the first ever user generated HD Video of the year contest where photographers become filmmakers and But all get to see the story beyond the still image.

So, you have the camera, a drool-worthy arsenal of lenses and a trained eye honed by years of experience. So what the hell you waiting for? Get planning, building, editing and submitting!

We all have our own stories to tell. And, we all have our own unique style of telling them. Either as the spoken word or, in the vast majority of our cases, in print.

I'm sure that most of us have seen the Vincent LaForet short movies demonstrating the potentially endless capabilities of both the Canon 5D MkII a more recently, a 7D. Yes, they are visually beautiful and in the case of the 7D video, quite a compelling little story. But, he is a photographer, you are a photographer and I am a photographer. So why don't we all give it a go. Just for a laugh, if for nothing else.

If you haven't already jumped to the Vimeo.com page and would like to know more. Click to continue reading after the jump where I have basically cut and pasted their information. Personally I wouldn't bother, as you might as well just go there and read it. At least then you are in the right place to start getting your entry ready.

Participants are invited to use the HD video capability of their camera to create short, two to four minute videos that tell a story based on the final still frame from Laforet’s piece, and then from each successive winning “chapter.” Videos can be submitted to and viewed on a dedicated site within the Vimeo online community before they are judged.

The “Story Beyond the Still” contest provides filmmakers with a unique opportunity to showcase their storytelling abilities in a new style of filmmaking utilizing an HD-capable camera to capture moving images while also demonstrating the social appeal of collaborative storytelling. To kick off the contest, Laforet collaborated with Grey New York to bring his interpretation of a still image to life in a short film entitled “The Cabbie,” which serves as the first installment of a seven chapter collaborative work in which each participant will be asked to interpret the previous winning photographer/filmmaker’s final still image to start their vision for the subsequent chapter.

In “The Cabbie,” Laforet’s interpretation begins on a still image depicting a teddy bear left on the sidewalk outside of an airport before telling the “Story Beyond The Still” that gives the viewer more to appreciate beyond the original moment the image was captured. Viewable exclusively on Vimeo at http://vimeo.com/groups/beyondthestill/, Laforet shot in stunning 1080p HD image quality utilizing Canon’s new EOS 7D Digital SLR camera.

“The concept behind the ‘Story Beyond The Still’ Contest was to find a way to involve people in the new realm of HD DSLR video,” said Laforet. “Working with Canon, Vimeo and Grey NY to bring the contest to light, there is tremendous anticipation to see how the story unfolds in this wonderful social experiment in filmmaking.”

Six winners will be chosen (one for each chapter) based on their submissions and will join Laforet on location to collaboratively film the final chapter of the film, In addition, winners will receive a choice of prizes including Canon EOS 7D and 5D Mark II DSLR cameras or select Canon lenses.

For complete rules and to submit “The Story Beyond the Still” videos participants can visit http://vimeo.com/groups/beyondthestill/. Projects will be judged based on how well participants execute the four criteria including:

1.         Best incorporation of initial still and quality and evocative nature of final still
2.         Cinematography
3.         Storytelling

Each chapter winner will be selected by a three-step judging/voting process including the initial selection of 50 semi-finalists by a three member panel comprised of Vimeo, Grey NY and/or Canon U.S.A employees. Five (5) finalists will be determined by representatives from Vimeo, Grey NY and/or Canon U.S.A., and a distinguished panel of award-winning photographers and cinematographers (subject to scheduling availability) including:

Vincent Laforet – Director / Canon Explorer of Light Photographer
Russell Carpenter – Cinematographer “Titanic”, and “True Lies”
Rodney Charters – Cinematographer/Director of Photography FOX Network’s “24”
Shane Hurlbutt – Cinematographer “Terminator: Salvation”, and “We Are Marshall”
Stu Maschwitz – Filmmaker/Author of The DV Rebel’s Guide: An All-Digital Approach to Making Killer Action Movies on the Cheap
Rick McCallum – Producer “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace”, “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones” and “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith”
Philip Bloom – Director / Director of Photography – Co-owner F-Stop Academy
Blake Whitman – Director of Community and Product – Vimeo
Nick Childs – Director/ Director of Content – Grey New York.

Following the selection of the five chapter finalists, their videos will be posted at http://vimeo.com/groups/beyondthestill/ where members of Vimeo will have five days to view the videos and vote to determine the chapter winner.

Links for 2010-02-18 [Digg]

2010-02-19T00:00:00-08:00

the ginkgo blog: Shrink the living hell out of those bloated
An example I can give from today using Shrinkit was for a full page magazine advert that came in at 56.5MB was instantly (and I mean instantly) to a eye watering 4.6MB!

Shrink the living hell out of those bloated PDF files with a freebie from Panic Software - Shrinkit - For Mac's only I am afraid...

2010-02-18T13:25:50+00:00

Panics 'Shrinkit' application... Here's a nice little find... Especially from the more creative types who tend to produce quite a few very large PDF files to send off to print. Or in the case of the rest of you, help save an obscene amount of hard disc space when archiving your material.

An example I can give from today using Shrinkit was for a full page magazine advert that came in at 56.5MB was instantly (and I mean instantly) to a eye watering 4.6MB!

As you no doubt know, the production of PDF files from any of Adobes applications tend to be little on the large side. Even if you select the options to reduce the file size, they still seem to be unnecessarily large. And this, has always confused the hell at me as an equivalent print-to PDF on my Mac seems to reduce the overall footprint of a file quite considerably compared to Adobes output.

Well, it seems that Adobe doesn't in fact strip all of this metadata, swatches etc, even if you select the option to render it non-editable after creation.

But, thanks to the wonderfulness that is Panic Software, You can trash the lot simply by dragging and dropping - and it'll rename the original for you and preserve it in the same folder.

You can download the (free application here 181k) which is also being promoted on twitter by John Nack - Adobes very own...

Links for 2010-02-17 [Digg]

2010-02-18T00:00:00-08:00

the ginkgo blog: Try for a 25% Discount... What would you mo
Who doesn't want a huge discount off their 2010 photography workshop or holiday?!
the ginkgo blog: Aperture 3 (lite) for the Apple iPad...
There is a reason why primary school children love finger painting so, so much. And it is simply that they are connected physically and in turn emotionally with their work.

Aperture 3 (lite) for the Apple iPad... This for me would be a no-brainer of a purchase on so many levels as a professional photographer out on location.

2010-02-17T16:06:41+00:00

This device screams out to have Aperture 3 on it. Obviously in a 'lite' version...

I have to admit, I love Aperture. It makes my workflow, and in turn, my life so much easier. One of its killer features is the ability when out on location or in the studio to work with the creative team that is commissioning the work to finalise the overall look and feel as well of course the images of the selection. The final detailed attention doesn't need to be done there and then, back and wait for the powerhouse back in the studio.

I have no issue with carrying around my MacBook Proto do this work went out on location. But from a client's perspective it's still very hands off. The iPad I can see this can help make the work that we do more personal to those that commission it.

Just the ability to hold decent sized images in your hand, bring it closer to scrutinise, or just flipped through the proofs almost as if they were on a light table will in front of you. It's the touching that makes it a whole different ball game.

Take into account the likely ability for many cameras to hook up via the WiFi and then on top of that connect to the outside world via 3G and you have got yourself a very clever yet very portable, extremely useful and of course very cool tool set.

I don't need or want the full horsepower when I'm out on the road. I also don't need or want to be carrying around a portfolio case which is insured to the hilt in addition. The iPhone is just too small to make it. The iPad is bang on.

Assuming of course we can get the likes of Aperture running on it, or indeed an equivalent.

As a final thought, just imagine painting on exposure with your finger. Enhancing detail with edge sharpening with your finger. Effectively painting with your hands. There is a reason why primary school children love finger painting so, so much. And it is simply that they are connected physically and in turn emotionally with their work.

Bring it on...

Try for a 25% Discount... What would you most like to get out of a Photography Workshop or Holiday if you could join us on the Mediterranean Greek Island of Kefalonia this year?

2010-02-17T15:04:17+00:00

Who doesn't want a huge discount off their 2010 photography workshop or holiday?!

Who ever comes up with a really amazing and 'left' field thought that we simply can't resist offering to our attendees this year and beyond, will get a 25% discount off one of our workshops in 2010. That includes 25% off the rental price of a villa if you decide to stay on an extra week for a holiday with your family or friends.

We have got some new ideas we are working on right at this very moment that I think you will just love. But, we would love to hear your thoughts as potential attendees.

We will post all of the ideas and put it to a vote. This isn't a competition as such, purely a way of getting your thoughts on our photography courses in the Mediterranean. And, as a thank you to the individual who comes up with something we all like, We'll knock 25% off the price of one of our photography workshops / photography holidays this year..

So - If you have a great idea that you wish someone would actually offer - Let us know. You can either email us the idea or simply add it in the comments section below.

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

So, should we ask the worlds bankers to pay a 'bugger all' percentage of their transactions profits (emphasis on profits) to potentially fix most of the issues on the planet? 0.05% of 'profits'...

2010-02-17T14:23:39+00:00

I'll let the video speak for itself - 'ish.

Olympus introduces PEN E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds camera - At first glance it looks interesting...

2010-02-03T14:18:37+00:00

Olympus introduces the PEN E-PL1, a new Micro 4/3 digital camera positioned as the entry-level model of the PEN Series. The E-PL1 features a new Live Guide user interface for easy, intuitive adjustment of brightness, hue, background defocusing, and other image parameters. Furthermore, the camera offers with a dedicated Movie mode button for seamless access to movie shooting, and six Art Filters for enhanced creativity, All that comes in a light, compact body with built-in flash and image stabilisation...

OLYMPUS E-PL1 PRESS RELEASE SUMMARY

Capture the outside world, release the artist within - Great pictures for everyone

In today's world you've got to give the people what they want. And they're going to want the new Olympus E-PL1. Not only does it deliver extraordinary digital images, it's the perfect tool for anyone who hesitated to buy SLRs because they find them too complicated. The possibilities are virtually endless with this easy to use retro-cool model. With great features like HD movie shooting and impressive Art Filters, you too can take exceptional pictures. Its 100% stabilised body even lets you shoot blur-free with all lenses. Combining SLR performance and a lightweight design, PEN lets you create exciting, innovative shots, preserving those moments in life you want captured forever. The ultimate democratising force in quality photography, the E-PL1 is available from March 2010.

The high-tech mirrorless construction of the PEN means it's small and handy to use, yet it produces ‘big camera' results. That's the genius of the E-PL1, now fine-tuned with these new features:

• Easy to understand, non-technical Live Guide

• 4 bold colours to choose from: black, white, champagne, red

Click the link below to launch the whole article...

• 6 intriguing Art Filters

• Convenient integrated flash

Rewriting the rulebook

A hybrid of SLR performance embodying the latest technologies and compact comfort, PEN constitutes a new class of camera. The E-PL1 with integrated flash houses a 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, producing beautiful, razor-sharp photos and HD movies, and the TruePic V engine guarantees superior image quality at up to ISO 3200. Mechanical in-camera image stabilisation provides shake protection of up to 3 EV, effective regardless which lens you decide to use. The high definition AVI format movie option is available at 30fps and 1280x720p resolution – recording up to 7 minutes of film in a single shot. And all this top drawer technology comes in a neat pocket-sized camera.

Helping you take your best photos the new Live Guide speaks plain language, making it easier than ever to change difficult SLR camera effects like depth of field. These can then be monitored on the 2.7” HyperCrystal LCD. i-Enhance, for example, makes sure all colours in your picture spectrum are vivid and rich. It is automatically applied in conjunction with i-Auto mode, which recognises what kind of scene or subject you're taking and adjusts settings accordingly, or can be used alone. And e-Portrait gives your subjects a quick facelift by glossing over impurities. With the abundance of supportive features and excellent technology, feeling like a pro is a given.

Draw your own creative conclusions

Whether in the form of a high quality movie or an image, the Olympus E-PL1 helps you capture the outside world while setting free the imaginative world within. Select from a range of six Art Filters to compose your own creative images or HD films: for instance Pop Art lets you warp it like Warhol, and the new Gentle Sepia gives images a touch of class. Use AF tracking to focus shots on one moving subject or do something with your movies normal camcorders won't allow: play with depth of field and angle of view for atmospheric movie shooting and snap in high resolution during shoots for spontaneous stills. Further widening the expressive spectrum of options is the Micro Four Thirds system. It facilitates a range of interchangeable lenses and can be extended through the use of adapters. Brand new are the ultra-wide angle M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 (18-36mm*) and M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 (28-300mm*) zoom lenses. These ultra-light lenses are 50 and 70% smaller (compared to the 18-180mm volume) than their Four Thirds cousins and achieve less noise as well as greater AF speeds. Ideally suited to the PEN body, they capture unique pictures and movies without weighing down your bag. They will be available in late April and late May.

The accessory port offers even more imaging alternatives, such as attaching the VF-2 electronic viewfinder or Microphone Adapter Set, which is ideal to record high quality stereo sound in movies. When the work is done, relax and admire your handiwork from the sofa with a remote by connecting your camera to your TV via HDMI.

Fun camera, serious results

The E-PL1 is a quintessentially inclusive photographic tool: making it easier even for beginners to join the big leagues of quality movie and photo shooting. Available in March 2010, you can pick up your PEN in a choice of four colours for a recommended retail price of €599.

Additional information: All about the new Olympus PEN E-PL1 digital camera

Mediterranean / Greek Island photography holidays and workshops on the Greek island of Kefalonia 2010 - We have a little bonus for course attendees joining us in February, March and April this year......

2010-01-26T19:11:50+00:00

Click the picture to launch the February 2010 magazine advert in a new window.

For our readers, stumblers and Google search results visitors, I'm making this advert available early so that you can, should you wish to, take the opportunity of the offer before it goes out to the masses in the February edition of a number of photography magazines.

Basically, if you join us on one of our workshops and would like to bring your partner to share your room, we are waiving the standard additional £200 for accompanying non-attendees until the end off April. In other words, there is no additional cost from us to bring your other half or child etc.

Whilst they are not attending the workshops, we have no issues whatsoever with them accompanying you whenever they wish during the week. All we do ask is you don't try to pull a fast one and angle for a freebie workshop place.

If your partner would like to attend the workshops with you and they will be sharing the room with you, there is only an additional cost of £350 for the week anyway. And what's more, that price is the same throughout the year.

So, if you'd like take advantage of this offer, drop us a line or give us a call to discuss and find out more. You can find our contact details on the Ginkgo Studios Workshops website.

"Love me Tender" - Boys... Don't be an arse and forget valentines........

2010-01-26T15:26:34+00:00

Agent Provocateur - "Love Me Tender" in HD from Greg Williams on Vimeo.

Short film written and directed by Greg Williams as a web based viral ad for the Lingerie firm Agent Provocateur.

The model is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Not a new film by a long way, but a timely reminder that it really is worth your while remembering which side your bread is buttered in a couple of weeks ;-)

Our Mediterranean / Greek Island photography workshops and holidays in Kefalonia 2010 have a little bonus for course attendees joining us in February, March and April 2010 can have a little bonus...

2010-01-19T08:30:34+00:00

Click the picture to launch the February 2010 magazine advert in a new window.

For our readers I'm making this advert available early so that you can, should you wish to, take the opportunity of the offer before it goes out to the masses in the February edition of a number of photography magazines.

So, if you'd like take advantage of this offer, drop us a line or give us a call to discuss and find out more. You can find our contact details on the Ginkgo Studios Workshops website.

Links for 2010-01-08 [Digg]

2010-01-09T00:00:00-08:00

the ginkgo blog: Stunning satellite image of the UK caught i
A quite stunning and rather striking image taken by NASA's Terra satellite on January 7th 2010. A very clear picture of how the UK is seeing winter weather only previously seen in the 70's and 40's.

Links for 2009-12-29 [Digg]

2009-12-30T00:00:00-08:00

the ginkgo blog: iPhone 3G connected to network, but not...
This one has been perplexing me for ages - And yet it seems that the solution has been annoyingly simple and nothing to do with the iPhone at all (well, kind of...) Need a fix? - Well, here it is....
the ginkgo blog: Hasselblad Now Offering Phocus 2.0 Software
We operate the older (but utterly amazing) 503CW & 903CW's here using the digital CFV back (and occasionally film too) from Hasselblad and for this combination, Phocus is excellent - So fingers crossed, Phocus 2 will be even better... As soon as I have had the opportunity to give it a good trashing, I'll be sure to let you know what I think.

Links for 2009-11-21 [Digg]

2009-11-22T00:00:00-08:00

the ginkgo blog: iPhone goes through a 90'C white wash and l
If like me, you listen to podcasts, music or iPlayer on your iPhone to help you to drift off to sleep. Just make sure you put it somewhere safe as soon as you wake up and arise from your snuggly duvet on these winters mornings.

Links for 2009-11-03 [Digg]

2009-11-04T00:00:00-08:00

the ginkgo blog: The Hyena & Other Men - Nigerian Ghetto Lif
A stunning, if not disturbing series of images from Pieter Hugo 'The hyena & Other Men'... Ghetto life in NigeriaAfter the jump, there are a lot more images plus thoughts and narrative from Pieter. Be warned, these images I have found to be uncomfortably hypnotic.

Links for 2009-10-29 [Digg]

2009-10-30T00:00:00-07:00

the ginkgo blog: The Nissan GTR 2009 - A friends car and one
Here's a couple of shots I did of friends Nissan GTR not long after he got it. To say I am jealous - and that I want one now would be a gross understatement!