Episode #62 – Why One Size Does Not Fit All
This week: I’m in conversation with Marco Pezzana, discussing just how photographers and film-makers go about selecting kit for their own specific requirements.
Whilst at Manfrotto’s Interactive Photo Lab event in Covent Garden last November, I thought it would be interesting to talk to Marco (Vitec Group’s Divisional Chief Executive) as he would be able to offer a photographic company’s point of view on the subject.
Of course, it goes without saying that all companies are continually thinking about their product development with end users’ applications in mind – but it’s not often you get to hear those thoughts directly.
Some quick links to things mentioned in this show:
- TAP Episode #45 – Talking With Manfrotto In Berlin
- TAP Episode #48 – Talking With Manfrotto In Berlin… Again
- Kata camera bags
- National Geographic camera bags
- Canon imaging products
- Bill Frakes
- Manfrotto Facebook page
- Manfrotto tripods and support
- Manfrotto School Of Xcellence
- Drew Gardner’s Blog
Music featured in this episode is courtesy of Matt Stevens. You can check out more of his work here.
Episode #61 – Snow, Drift HD
This week: I’m outdoors once again, making the most of the photographic opportunities available in one of my local woodlands.
It’s not often that we get snow in this part of the world, so when the UK had a small covering at the end of last week, I just had to take advantage. Whilst there, I also wanted to try out a new piece of kit – the Drift HD high-definition video camera – which I’ll frequently be using throughout this year to produce extra behind-the-scenes footage on some rather exciting photo shoots.
Some quick links to things mentioned in this show:
Music featured in this episode is courtesy of Matt Stevens. You can check out more of his work here.
Camping, Cameras And Cold – The Video
Back in podcast Episode #57 – Camping, Cameras And Cold a few weeks ago, I told you how I’d just spent a couple of days camping in Dorset, testing kit and taking photographs on location. Well, whilst out and about there, I also recorded some video on the Kodak PlaySport Zx5. Here’s a short edit I’ve put together, including a selection of stills.
Enjoy!
Episode #60 – Without Light, We Are Nothing
This week: I’m in conversation once again with photographer/writer Hugh Graham, who was one of my lecturers when I studied photography at University.
Light, in all its forms, is what we photographers depend upon when creating our pictures – whether it be natural, artificial or a mixture of the two. In this episode, Hugh and I discuss just what light means to us, its applications and how we work with it.
Some quick links to things mentioned in this show:
- Pocket Wizard
- Nikon D3 SLR
- Tom Kent, musician
- Nikon cameras
- Canon cameras
- Giles Babbidge Photography website
Music featured in this episode is courtesy of Matt Stevens. You can check out more of his work here.
Beware Of The Fogged Lens!
Heading out to take pictures this weekend?
Be sure to let your camera acclimatise to the change in temperature before you leave the comfort of your warm surroundings. This is what happens if you don’t:
Not a great look, is it? Well, not unless you’re going for the soft focus look, that is…
Will Snow Bring Test/Review Antics…?
Snow is forecast this weekend – perfect conditions for Test/Review shenanigans, I say!
Could this signal the first outing for these Hi-Tec Altitude IV WPI Enviro boots?
Update…
Well, the snow did indeed fall – only about an inch or so, but it was enough!
The boots did extremely well; they were a good fit, the laces stayed secure, my feet remained warm and dry throughout.
Episode #59 – The Importance Of Keeping Fit And Healthy
This week: I’m talking about why it’s important for me to keep my general health and fitness up, in order to produce the best results I can – not just for the benefit of my clients, but for the overall benefit of my life as a photographer.
Some quick links to things mentioned in this show:
- TAP Episode #56 – Taking Time To Clear The Mind
- Timothy Ferriss
- Book – The 4-Hour Body
- Book – The 4-Hour Work Week
- The Active Photographer Jolly
- Mike Mentzer / High Intensity Training
- Fountain Jam book project (links to the old GBP Blog!)
- The Rowans Hospice
- Blurb.com
- Focus On Imaging
- TAP Episode #13 – The Brains Behind Focus
- TAP Focus Extra #1
- TAP Focus Extra #2
Music featured in this episode is courtesy of Matt Stevens. You can check out more of his work here.
KATA Launches “Take A Shot”
News just in from KATA – they have a brand new competition under way!
If you’re one of the successful entrants, you could get your hands on one their latest bags. I currently have a couple on Test/Review – and believe me, they’re made tough, so this is well worth a go!
So then, here’s the official gumph…
“London, 23 January 2012 – KATA, a world renowned designer and manufacturer of high quality camera bags and protective photo gear, has launched a photographic contest celebrating a passion for photography and a love of adventure. The KATA bag ranges are highly versatile, allowing photographers to take along kit ranging from a simple point-and-shoot to a DSLR with lenses and tripod.
The “Take a Shot” contest calls for entrants to submit shots of their most important photographic companion – their KATA camera bag – in action. The photo could be of the bag itself, carried, worn, looped on a belt or slung over a shoulder, in an exotic location or an everyday environment. The possibilities are endless and KATA wants a peek at some of the adventures that your KATA bag makes possible. The judges, a panel of photo experts employed by KATA, will be looking for images that showcase creativity and originality with KATA at the centre of the image. Technical know-how and insightful shot composition in conjunction with a passion for capturing the perfect image in an inspiration or unique setting are all key elements that the judges will be looking for when making their final decision.
“Judging a contest like this means we will have to sift through a lot of great shots”, says Bellina Israel, KATA’s Line Manager. “But when a picture is taken with real passion and a love of photography you can tell right away. Pictures like that stand out.”
To submit a photo, entrants should visit www.katabags.co.uk
Judges will choose three photos out of all submissions, and the lucky entrants will receive one of the latest KATA bags.”
Good luck, everyone!
Test/Review: Nikwax Travel Towel, ‘Beach’ Size
Ok, so a towel may not be the most immediate item of equipment you’d think of when it comes to photography. But of course, when considering location kit (ie, stuff I take with me whilst away on a shoot, whether that’s for a day, several or more), hygiene is as important as cameras. Believe me, clients are inclined to agree – and they thank you for staying clean, especially when working long, hot days in the field together!
Regular readers will know that I recently spent a couple of nights camping under the stars in Dorset, here on the south coast, which gave me the chance to try out this useful little product.
Now then, if your idea of camping (whether for work or pleasure) is to load up the family car with every creature comfort known to man, including the kitchen sink, then the main selling points of the Nikwax Travel Towel are probably going to be lost on you. If, however, you’re looking for a way of drying off whilst keeping the weight and bulk of your kit low, then you’d best follow this link to my review of the Nikwax Travel Towel over at GearWeAre.com.
Test/Review: Pacific Outdoor Peak Elite AC Sleeping Mat
I wouldn’t say I’m a creature of habit, but it is true enough that I don’t tend to change my outdoor kit very often unless there’s a very good reason to do so. If it ain’t broke and all that… For example, the thing I like about my tried-and-tested standard-size Thermarest mat is that it has reliably kept me off the cold ground when camping in my tent for around the past 15 years.
So, for me to throw caution to the wind and entrust my comfort and sanity to a completely different mat, of a completely different design, by a completely different manufacturer, it was always going to be something of a baptism of fire for any new pretender.
Here, then, is my latest review for GearWeAre.com – taking a look at Pacific Outdoor’s Peak Elite AC Sleeping Mat.
Episode #58 – Simple Local Business Portraits
This week: In contrast to last week’s show, I’m talking about a much more sheltered and controlled working environment.
Following a call from a local business owner who is in the process of reviewing her marketing strategy, it was down to me to produce an up-to-date profile picture for use in all kinds of promotional activities.
Some quick links to things mentioned in this show:
- Giles’ LinkedIn profile
- Bowens photographic studio and location flash lighing
- Nikon D3 SLR
- Nikon Nikkor 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF
Music featured in this episode is courtesy of Matt Stevens. You can check out more of his work here.
Layer-up For Warmth, Folks!
As many of you will know, this time last week I was in deepest darkest Dorset, doing a spot of camping and walking in the course of my activities. Not everyone’s cup of tea in January, granted, but the resulting pictures were well worth enduring the cooler temperatures. With this in mind, I thought it would be nice to give you an expert’s view on how to properly suit up for your photo excursions. And so…