Sun, January 15, 2012
Natural Philosophers
Photography Tyler Stalman
Producer Shea Kerwood
Hair Hed Kandi
Makeup Wray Bokitch
Stylist Jennifer Lyle
Location The Bank Nightclub
Einstein Vonda with iModel Management
Newton Hayley with iModel Management
Aristotle Kaelen with iModel Management
Socrates Jade with Sophia Models
Plato Brooklyn with Key Model Management
Student Yvonne with Sophia Models
How to Photograph Your Art
My guide to taking the best possible photos of your artwork, using simple lighting and camera techniques.
Production and direction by Tyler Stalman & Jason Eng
Created for www.saatchionline.com
Fuji X100 Preview & Sample Photos
The folks at Fuji and The Camera Store were kind enough to let me spend the day with a pre-production model of the much anticipated Fuji FinePix X100. It's retro styling, compact design and pro-targeted features have got a lot people excited about this camera, myself included. Fixed 35mm equivalent lens, f/2.0 lens, large APS-C sensor, this camera has a lot of features I save been looking for in a compact for a long time.
These were shot at sunset to test out the super fast 1/1000 sync speed, and the built in neutral density filter, using a ProFoto D1 with bare reflector and BatPac. It should be noted that these two images are slightly processed in Lightroom (white balance, contrast, saturation).
It will take a lot for me to purchase a non-Canon camera, so I will have to spend more time a production ready Fuji X100 before I trust it with my photos, but so far it looks like they've got a lot of things right.
Transforming DSLR Cameras Into Cinema Rigs
The orders are going in this week for a whole new rig to turn my compact little Canon 5D mkII and 7D into hulking cinema production beasts. After dozens of hours of research, and a week of renting gear, I thought I would share with you my strategy for assembling the ultimate video rig, and how I prioritized my needs.
Step 1
Camera, a little prime lens kit (35mm, 50mm & 135mm for me), tripod with a fluid video tripod head, monopod and external audio system (Zoom H4n or H1) - $2500 to $9000
With these basics, you could go shoot world's next big indie flick. You might have to fight with the gear a little more than you would like to, but with this kit, there are no excuses to produce something great. Although excuses can always be found.
Step 2
Viewfinder (Z-Finder or LCDVF), dolly/sliding/tracking system, boom and/or lapel mics, extra memory cards - $700 to $2500
These few items can kick your production levels up to 11. Executing simple camera moves, keeping your subject in focus and producing super clean audio on set will convince the world that your budgets are way higher than they are.
Step 3
External monitor, shoulder support system, video lighting, variable ND filter, on camera shotgun mic - $1500 to $3500
These tools will help you work faster, and give you more options when crafting your images.
Step 4
Follow focus, matte box, crane/jib, steadycam, more lenses, more lighting - $3000 to ∞
Now it's just gravy. If you want to get serious about producing content that will deliver exactly what you and the client are expecting, these will help.
This is roughly the path I have followed in my move from photography to video over the past, and I think (for the most part) I made the right decisions. How would you have done it?
