Alex Cican

“Flooded” Took a break from work this week and went to shoot...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:34:18 +0200

“Flooded”

Took a break from work this week and went to shoot some photos.
One of the photos I ended up liking was this one.

10 second exposure, f/22
Nicosia, Cyprus 2012

Nicosia — A timelapse (1080p) *Update: Thanks to all of you who...

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:24:00 +0200

Nicosia — A timelapse (1080p)

*Update: Thanks to all of you who shared the video! Insane! 2500 views in 1 day (career high)!
—
Nicosia, known locally as Lefkosia, is the capital and largest city in Cyprus, as well as its main business centre. Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world, with the southern and the northern portions divided by a Green Line. Nicosia has been in continuous habitation since the beginning of the Bronze Age 2500 years BC which was then known as Ledra. On the 14th of August 1974 the Turkish army invaded Cyprus and captured 37% of Cypriot territory including the northern part of Nicosia. Despite that, with a population of 398,293 Nicosia is consistently ranked as one of the richest cities in the world in per capita income terms. Read more: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicosia

From what I know, this is the first “complete” timelapse of Nicosia. This video is a collection of about half the shots I wanted. I couldn’t cover all the desired locations and produce more shots. After 2 months of shooting, I decided to go with it and finish it. I might create a second one in the future.

I wanted to show a not-so-known face of Nicosia, somehow avoiding popular tourist landmarks. Even people who live in Nicosia will have a hard time identifying the locations of all the shots in the video (which imo is a good thing).

I tried to make the video as short as possible. Instead of going the usual route with a classical/chill out music and slow cuts, I decided to experiment with a fast paced edit following a fast-tempo music track.

I also need to get myself a slider! One shot, the one on the rooftop 2:20, took me 2 hours to finish. And it’s not perfect, moving from side to side at some points.

Shot on a Canon 5D MK2 with a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM, Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 lens, graduated NDs 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and a Hoya 77mm Circular Polariser HD. Post-processed in Lightroom 4.

Music by: The Mad Violinist — Ellie Goulding - Lights (Bassnectar remix) youtu.be/H_5j0uzlYfo

You’re my only form of advertisement. Please help me and share this video if you liked it!
I even included a cat to make the video more likeable! :p
Thanks! vimeo.com/sican/nicosia

Some stats: 70GB of data, 9445 photos (RAW but mostly JPGS), 49 shots, countless hours shooting, 2 months in the making and 1 Police incident (read about it here: alexcican.com/incident ).

Thanks for watching!

Wallpaper of the Month: February 2012 “Castle’s...

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:16:00 +0200

Wallpaper of the Month: February 2012

“Castle’s Gatekeeper”

Larnaka, Cyprus 2012

(click on the link icon of the photo above, to download the full resolution 1920x1200px)

If you liked this wallpaper, please take a moment to share it with your friends.

Licence

By downloading and saving this wallpaper, you agree to use this wallpaper only for personal use as a desktop background. Commercial use is prohibited. Wallpaper used as: banners, blog background, social network layout, manipulation, profile picture, avatar, re-uploading on other websites or claiming it as your own is also prohibited. This wallpaper is to be downloaded only from the domain of alexcican.com. All rights reserved by the artist, Alex Cican. Failing to comply with these rules means violating the terms and conditions and could result in prosecution and/or fine.

An incident

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:13:46 +0200

So I was out tonight, almost midnight, in the freezing cold (2 degrees Celsius), shooting some timelapses — last shots — for my upcoming short movie “Nicosia”.

I was at a big roundabout at the outskirts of Nicosia. I was positioned in the centre of it. Suddenly, a sketchy 4x4 car stops abruptly, near the edge of the road, at the roundabout, behind me.

I turn around, and I see three large dudes in plain clothes — don’t know if they were muscular or fat — getting off and beginning to walk fast towards me. As if that wasn’t enough, just as they were getting off, all three of them put on their hoods.

Rather instinctive I decided to distance myself from the camera which was still shooting, my gear and Lowepro bag, and to begin walking towards them. I later realised that I did this in order to gauge what was going on with these dudes.

If they were thieves, the time it would take for me to realise it, would be reduced and the distance between them and my gear would be big enough to allow me to take action.

As I was walking towards them, and they towards me, I shouted a rather warm message: “Evening, is there a problem?”. Silence. “Speak up, dammit” I thought. The dudes walk a couple of meters more and the guy closer to me asks: “What are you doing here?”. With one foot ready to sprint in the opposite direction I respond that I’m taking some photographs.

Shortly after, they identified themselves as the Police and cooperating, we started walking towards my camera to show them what I was doing.

As I was showing them the images on my camera’s LCD I explained to them what a timelapse was, and that I was shooting the traffic of the roundabout with the moon moving across the sky. Needless to say, the shot I intended to do — moon moving across the frame — was ruined because the camera was positioned very low on the ground pointing upwards. In order to show them the LCD I had to take the camera out of position.

Whilst still hovering over me, they asked several other questions like “What’s the purpose of this”, “How I got there?”, “Where do I work”, etc. after which they finally left.

I never had an incident with the Police, let alone plain clothes undercover Police, asking me about my photography intentions. Good thing they didn’t take me to the station!

The irony is that just a couple of minutes before the Police raided me, there were a dude with an RX-8 drifting like he’s in 2 Fast 2 Furious around the roundabout.

UPDATE: Watch the finished timelapse of Nicosia:

How to become a better photographer (Part 1)

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:01:00 +0200

How to become a better photographer, take unique photos, market them and improve your portfolio.

Sounds too good to be true? It’s not. As humans, we constantly evolve and improve: look at how far we’ve reached in any department, be it technology or medicine. This is proof that we can just do it and that impossible is nothing, we just have to get our mindset right (how I fit two recognised, but opposite, trademarks in one statement I don’t know). Have you stalled as a photographer, can’t get the job you want, you‘re doing the same crappy paying gigs you don’t like, over and over? You just need some good spanking and paradigm shift. That’s why I wrote this post.

Introduction

My A4 sketchbook is almost full of notes and ideas (aside from other stuff, like design sketches and drawings). Someday I might lose it or forget to take it with me. So, I thought of transcribing my notes on this blog. This is a new section and could be a part of something bigger in the future. We will see…

Disclaimer: I would like to state beforehand that the core ideas expressed here are not entirely mine. They were gathered and combined by me from various sources and people. Some of them are: Leo Babauta, Malcom Gladwell, Seth Godin, John Izzo, Chase Jarvis, David duChemin, Bruce Barnbaum, Michael Freeman, Trey Ratcliff and many others. That being said, I have to conclude that this is my own understanding and interpretation of these ideas and of the vast subject called “photography”.

What makes your photos… yours?

Are your photos yours, because of your camera? I could be using the same one, as well. Is it your photo’s unique aspect ratio? I could be using the same one, as well. Is it your subject? I could be hiring the same model or visiting the same place, as well. Is it your patience? I could be waking at 4AM, composing my shot and waiting all day for that “decisive moment”, as well. Is it your copyright watermark?

Or perhaps it is your style? If you have one, easily recognisable and distinguishable, I could copy that, as well. This one is somewhat subjective, but with the digital darkroom (Photoshop, Lightroom) I can copy and recreate any style. Filters and actions help you reach post processing perfection. Some filters are even named after the photographer (Camera+ for the iPhone has a filter named “Ansel”).

There are photographers out there who use GPS location and find the exact position from where famous photographs were taken, just so they can take the same photo. Stuck on Earth is an app that lets you view on the map the exact position from where famous photos were taken from. If you get the same picture or not that depends on many factors.

So, have you figured what makes your photos, yours? Let me help you: it‘s your vision.

What the hell is a vision? It’s your view of the world, how you see its different subjects and issues. A photograph of yours is basically a part of you. That’s what distinguishes your photo from mine. If we were to both stand at the same time, with the same camera, the same lens, the same everything and shoot the Eiffel tower, we would come up with very different photographs. It happens all the time. What separates me from you is our different vision. With time and experience, you will find yourself making your vision clearer and unique. You stop copying other photographers and your message, what you have to say, becomes distinct and evident. And in the end, your photographs become better.

Create unique photographs

How you can take unique photographs that no one else can take? Simply:

Acknowledge that it doesn’t have to do with the scene/location/camera/angle/model etc.
Spend some time to identify what you want to say about this scene/event/model. How does it affect you? What influence does it have over you?
Be yourself and include that in your photograph.
Speak through your photograph. No artist statement or caption is required. If your photograph is not enough to convey your message, your photo won’t be powerful enough and your message will not be understood.

Create compelling photographs

You may have a vision and you may be trying to say something but if your photograph is not compelling, attractive, it will fail. A compelling, powerful photograph is one which includes many layers of impact (layers of awesome, as duChemin calls them). As you add more layers, the photograph becomes even more compelling. Does your photograph have:

an interesting subject matter?
a powerful moment?
attractive light?
good composition (placement of elements in the frame)?
a great/interesting angle?
no distractions?

Notice that I’m not even touching on the subject of technique. You may have a razor sharp photo, but it still may be boring. On the other hand, you may have a blurred and noisy shot of a great subject, but it can be a compelling photograph.

Moreover, are the relationships of the elements you decided to include in your photograph compelling? Create relationships between elements you include in your frame. And try to think not only about the relationships between objects. Try to create visual relationships as well, formed by lines, colours, forms, textures, light, etc. As Barnbaum says: photographers look for relationships and snap shooters look for “things”. You will begin seeing “photographically”, and noticing photographic opportunities in dull places or subjects.

Another important aspect you have to take into consideration is what’s important to you. You can’t create a compelling photograph, or body of work, related to sports if you’re not interested in sports. Think of what work you would want to be doing, and start doing that kind of work. Keep at it, and you will become one of the best!

Describe this photo

Let’s do a quick exercise.

Did you take a good look at the photograph above? Look again and study the shapes, moment, light and other aspects I discussed about in this article.

My interpretation

Let me try and describe why I like this photograph and why it works for me. There is a visual relationship between the people, the columns, the trees and the windows in the back. All the lines are vertical with the the triangular shape of the fountain breaking the pattern (making it visually interesting). The fountain, where everyone is looking at, is the center of attention with soft light coming from above illuminating it and directing attention to that part of the frame. It is more so accentuated by the diagonal converging lines of the brick floor, the gaze of the man on the right and the yellow lines of the building. This pulls the viewer inside the photograph.

The people on the left look as if they are statues (stopped, stagnant) whereas the man coming in the frame from the right, has movement (with his right foot in the air).

Moreover, when I look at the photo it makes me curious and I wonder: why is everyone looking at the fountain and the kid in the far left corner is looking at something else?

How could this photo be improved and become even more powerful? I would darken the sky in post-processing a bit so that the brightest element in the frame is the fountain alone. Lastly, I would appreciate if the other people (behind, centre) would not exist in the frame (the man with the wheelchair, for example).

Conclusion

I would like you to go study photographs and try to read them and describe them.

Look at your own photographs: what are you trying to say? Is that being said clearly enough? Could by cropping that bottom soda can, improve your photograph direct attention to what’s important? What could be done more to improve the message?

(to be continued)

How to protect the lens of your camera

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:58:07 +0200

You paid a lot of money for your lens. Why risk damaging it? In this tutorial I will show you various methods that will help you protect your lens and increase their timespan. Furthermore, I talk about some other stuff, making it sort of like “the news” section. Watch the video

Filmed with an EF 24-77mm f2/8 L lens. The “Europe’s biggest annual imaging show” that I attended and talking about it in the video: Focus On Imaging (http://www.focus-on-imaging.co.uk/)

Products shown in the video:

1) Lowepro ProRunner 300 AW (http://products.lowepro.com/product/Pro-Runner-300-AW,2182,14.htm)

2) Lens Pen (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hama-00005612-Lens-Pen-Digi-Clear/dp/B0002W6FNM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1299862912&sr=8-3)

3) Hoya U.V. filter, 77mm diameter (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoya-77mm-UV-Filter/dp/B00006H2FK/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1299862971&sr=1-3-fkmr1)

When selecting a Hoya filter make sure that it’s the correct diameter of your lens! To check what the diameter of the lens is, it should be written on the front, in the inside on the outer edge of the lens.

Thank you for watching! Please share the video with your friends! Follow me on Twitter or Facebook for more updates on upcoming tutorials and series!

Free Camera Dolly

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:35:24 +0200

No more carrying long PVC tubes, wooden platforms, and destroying skateboards for wheels. All you need is the “secret ingredient” shown in the video.

Episode 7 of the “Clever uses of a tripod” series.

Help me out! Please, if you found the video useful, share it with your friends. That’s the only thing I ask from you. Not hard, eh?

Thank you for watching! Please share the video with your friends! Follow me on Twitter or Facebook for more updates on upcoming tutorials and series!

Running with the camera - Steadicam

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:33:00 +0200

Episode 6 of the “Clever uses of a tripod” series.

The trick is very simple to use but effective. With some practice you can hold your camera very steady and move along. In the examples which can be seen in the video I was running at full speed, testing this effect to its maximum.

If you’re pacing/walking fast the shot will be even more stable!

What I forgot to mention is that with some stabilisation software you can have a professional steadicam shot.

Remember to keep your elbows up!

Thank you for watching! Please share the video with your friends! Follow me on Twitter or Facebook for more updates on upcoming tutorials and series!

First Person POV

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:28:58 +0200

Week 5, the last, of the series entitled “Clever uses of a tripod”. The tutorials’ aim is to show you how to utilise your tripod in clever, unorthodox ways. These methods work excellently with the video DSLRs because the cameras are light and easy to manoeuvre and carry when on a tripod. If you haven’t, go and check out the previous week’s tutorials and then come and watch this one. This week I will show you how to use your tripod to simulate a first person body mount that shoots from the first person’s point of view. Watch the video

Tutorials from the series: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3

I know, the example is not so “exciting” and needs work. But you get the idea. I didn’t have enough time to motion track it, add blood, extra effects, improve the sound design and make it a proper mini-film. Edited and graded in Adobe After Effects. Sound recorded with the iPhone. Video used in the tutorial is this one.

Need additional info?

Tripod shown and used is this one: Velbon Ultra LUXi-L Tripod. Price was around €90. Also, if you’re interested check out my gear »

Thank you for watching! Please share the video with your friends! Follow me on Twitter or Facebook for more updates on upcoming tutorials and series!

Vertigo (or Dolly Zoom) Effect using your tripod

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:23:00 +0200

Week 4 of the series entitled “Clever uses of a tripod”. The tutorials’ aim is to show you how to utilise your tripod in clever, unorthodox ways. These methods work excellently with the video DSLRs because the cameras are light and easy to manoeuvre and carry when on a tripod. If you haven’t, go and check out the previous week’s tutorials and then come and watch this one. This week I will show you how to use your tripod to get that vertigo, dolly zoom effect used in Hollywood movies. Watch the video

Tutorials from the series: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3

Correction: one of the many names is “dolly zoom” not “dolly focus”. I was on 4 hours of sleep only so if anything is unclear, ask me. After watching the recording of the episode on my laptop I wondered: “Am I in the jungle?”. All kinds of animals can be heard throughout the video.

This effect was last seen in the 2010 movie “Little Fockers”. Filmed on a 24-70mm. If you have a lens with a broader range (for example a 24-105mm) you can amplify the effect more. Edited and graded in Adobe After Effects. Sound recorded with the iPhone. Video used that showcases some movies using the effect is this one. The secret to getting the effect is to move the focus ring together with the zoom ring, whilst moving closer or further away from your subject. It needs practicing: Move both of the rings at the same time:

Need additional info?

Tripod shown and used is this one: Velbon Ultra LUXi-L Tripod. Price was around €90. Also, if you’re interested check out my gear » Thank you for watching! Please share the video with your friends!

Next week, a new exciting tutorial! So, make sure you subscribe (top right) or follow me on Twitter or Facebook

Ground Level Shots

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:18:00 +0200

Week 3 of the series entitled “Clever uses of a tripod”. The tutorials’ aim is to show you how to utilise your tripod in clever, unorthodox ways. These methods work excellently with the video DSLRs because the cameras are light and easy to manoeuvre and carry when on a tripod. If you haven’t, go and check out the previous week’s tutorials and then come and watch this one. This week I will show you how to use your tripod to shoot ground level shots. Watch the video

Tutorials from the series: Week 1 | Week 2

Thanks to Philip Bloom who gave me the idea, now I am featuring a live preview of the effect with the camera mounted on the tripod. Again, be careful when moving the camera so low to the ground; you could scratch it. Use a cloth and wrap it around the area where you mount your flash. Alternatively you could use a sponge with some duct tape. In the second tripod trick, you could grease the tripod legs for a smoother motion. Edited and graded in Adobe After Effects. Sound recorded with the iPhone.

Need additional info?

Next week, a new exciting tutorial! So, make sure you subscribe (top right) or follow me on Twitter or Facebook

Free body mount camera rig

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:15:43 +0200

Week 2 of the series entitled “Clever uses of a tripod”. The tutorials’ aim is to show you how to utilise your tripod in clever, unorthodox ways. These methods work excellently with the video DSLRs because the cameras are light and easy to manoeuvre and carry when on a tripod. If you haven’t, go and check out the first week’s tutorial, which shows you a free alternative to the Zacuto rig. This week I will show you how to use your tripod as a body mount camera rig. Watch the video

I was filming with the Canon 5D Mark II so it was impossible to show you the camera on the tripod. The tripod legs should extend according to your waist. If you are “big” then you should extend the tripod’s legs to the next stopper and also extend the middle column; this will bring the tripod’s head at the actor’s eye level. Edited and graded in Adobe After Effects. The sound build-up used in the example is from VideoCopilot.

Need additional info?

Next week, a new exciting tutorial! So, make sure you subscribe (top right) or follow me on Twitter or Facebook

A free alternative to Zacuto: Your tripod

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:09:00 +0200

Over the course of the oncoming weeks I’ll be posting a video tutorial from the series entitled “Clever uses of tripod”. The tutorials’ aim is to show you how to utilise your tripod in clever, unorthodox ways. These methods work excellently with the video DSLRs because the cameras are light and easy to manoeuvre and carry when on a tripod. For the first week, I prepared a tutorial showing you how to use your tripod like a Zacuto rig. This will save you lots of money if you are on a budget, like I am.

I was filming with the Canon 5D Mark II so it was impossible to show you the camera on the tripod. But you get the idea. Edited in Adobe After Effects. I apologise for the noise in the sound; my laptop situated nearby was dying! Oh and sorry for the hair; bad hair day!

Need additional info?

Tripod shown and used is this one: Velbon Ultra LUXi-L Tripod. Price was around €90. Also, if you’re interested check out my gear »

To thank you for making it this far, check out some behind the scenes photos. My £3200 gear was resting on some Disney video cassettes, 1.5 meters off the ground! I didn’t have another tripod, and the place was pretty tight to put something else, there.