DECEMBER 2010 ISSUE: 20 - FREE
NO W IN PR IN T!
ISSUE 20 - DECEMBER 2010
CONTENTS Opening Comment
4
What’s Happening at photocomment.net
4
Technique
28
Making your Holiday pictures perfect
Review
Scoop
6
News from the photographic world locally and internationally
30
Lomography Diana Mini
Review
32
Lowepro Passport Sling DECEMBER 2010
ISSUE: 20 - FREE
Professional Portfolio
8
Rikki Hibbert
Professional Portfolio
14
Freddie Child-Villiers Winner of the ELLE Samsung New Talent Photographer Search
Technique
Our Picks for 2010
33
PhotoComment’s favourite products from the past year
Final Comment
34
Year in Closure
18
Photographing Children
Feature
Front Cover Image by: Freddie Child-Villiers Professional Portfolio See Page 14
22
Tshukudu Game Lodge Wildlife Workshops with College of Digital Photography
LEGAL STUFF International and local Intellectual Property and Copyright laws protect all material (text, images, photographs, graphics, software and icons) used herein. You are only permitted to download, copy or print this on-line publication or any features there from for personal, instructional and non-commercial use. Whilst all care and attention is employed to ensure the legitimacy, accuracy and correctness of the information, data, texts, images, ideas, photographs and opinions expressed herein, PHOTOCOMMENT cannot be held responsible or liable in any way whatsoever for the content as it appears herein.
ABOUT Published By: Comment Media cc www.commentmedia.co.za Founder: Tristan Hall Design & Layout: Greg Wrench Printed By: United Litho Digital Edition By: DigiMag SA www.digimagsa.co.za Contact: magazine@photocomment.net
Similarly, PHOTOCOMMENT makes no express or implied warranty or representation as to the proprietorship or intellectual property inherent in the images and photographs published herein and which it has commissioned for use from external sources on good faith dealing. Accordingly, PHOTOCOMMENT is hereby indemnified, defended and held harmless against all claims, liability, damages, costs and expenses in regard thereto.
PhotoComment is available in print at selected outlets or as a digital magazine. For more information visit us on the web: http://photocomment.net
OPENING COMMENT
W
ell we thought it might never happen, but it is here and many of you will be reading this in print! That’s right PhotoComment is now available as a print edition as well as an online magazine. If you have been reading PhotoComment online, you can expect the same great content that you have been used to. We thank you for your support over the last almost 2 years and look forward to you continued support in the future. So what can you expect to see in this issue? We start off with our usual news section, titled Scoop. While it is quiet on the news front we still have some interesting bits of news for you. Many of you may know Rikki Hibbert already. She has been working with us at PhotoComment and we thought it was about time to show you her portfolio and learn a bit more about her. We also feature a portfolio from Freddie Child-Villiers who recently won the Elle Samsung New Talent Photographer Search 2010, that is quite a mouthful.
Janine Giannini gives us advice on Photographing Children in our Technique section and Frank Krummacher tells about the College of Digital Photography’s weekend wildlife photography courses at Tshukudu Game Lodge. Lisa Solonynko then gives us advice on the essential gear to take on holiday with us to ensure we capture all those special moments without breaking our backs. We also review the Lowepro Passport Sling, a very nice bag for carrying that essential gear when you go on holiday and Tristan courts the new Diana Mini from Lomography. Enjoy reading this issue and please send us your feedback and suggestions for what you would like to see in PhotoComment in the future. Email them to magazine@photocomment.net. Please don’t forget to visit our website http://photocomment.net for the latest photographic news and tips.
HAPPENING AT PHOTOCOMMENT.NET Photo Friday We all appreciate and are inspired by great images and Photo Friday is a way to view or even submit these kinds of images. We invite all PhotoComment readers to submit their images at http://photocomment.net/competitions and then each Friday we will pick a favourite image to be the Photo Friday photo. At different times in the year we will look to award a prize/s to the Friday image finalist. The current prize bundle up for grabs includes: 1x Vanguard Skybourne 51 Photo Backpack; 1x The Digital Photography Book – Box Set Vol 1,2,3 – by Scott Kelby; 1x Black Rapid RS-4 strap; 1x Garry Fong Puffer. 4
Greg Wrench - Designer\Editor
Canon Evolution Its December and generally it is a very quite time of the year for things news related. We found the following. To keep up to date with the latest news see our blog at http://photocomment.net
Canon recently showed off what it has planned for the future with a new 4k Concept Camera. The concept camera is a a bit like a hybrid, with a 20x optical zoom and 8mp CMOS sensor, the camera shoots 4k video which is four times that of the current Full HD cameras we have today. While there is not talk of this coming into production, I can’t help wonder if the replacement of the Canon EOS 5D mkII is not going to be a big video step in this
PhotoComment in Print!
T
his won’t be news to you if you are already
reading the print edition, but for those of
you who are reading our online edition, this is breaking news. PhotoComment, which appears to have created the first online photography magazine of its kind back in March 2009, is now available in print as well. The print edition is an A5 size magazine which is available from several photographic retailers and colleges across the country. We are launching the magazine free to the public and it is the same magazine that you can read online at the PhotoComment.net site.
DECEMBER 2010 ISSUE: 20 - FREE
6
N O W IN P R
IN T!
direction.
Panasonic GF2
T
here has been whispering for some
time and it is now official. Panasonic have moved to shrink the DMC-GF1 we reviewed earlier in the year (and were impressed by in some aspects) with a smaller and lighter GF2. Already that addresses one of our concerns that the camera could be smaller, however Panasonic have not stopped
Sandisk 32GB micro SDHC Cards
there. The new GF2 now has a touch screen which could make for an interesting user experience, plus it
With an increasing number of cellphones capturing
shoots 1080 AVCHD video and is compatible with the
HD Video, shooting stills over 5mp and storing
recently launched 3D lens. We can’t wait to test it.
music, movies etc for play back when there is time to kill or you are bored, it is great news that Sandisk are releasing in South Africa the new 32GB micro SDHC
Mamiya Rz22
M
cards. Tareq Husseini, Middle East and Africa Sales Director for SanDisk, reinforced the need for this
amiya - for those who have not been
type of card in a recent press release adding that “This
raised on raw meat, film, developer and
is the highest-capacity card of its type.”
fixer - are one of the big medium format camera makers and one of the systems they produced was the RZ67. The 67 stood for the 6x7cm negative it would provide in film. Due to their size most of these cameras where consigned to studio existences. The announcement of the RZ22 seems to second the thoughts of Pentax that there is a fair market for medium format cameras around the 10k price point, thats US Dollars I should add. The RZ22 will retail around US$11,500.00. 7
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
Y
Article By: Tristan Hall Images By: Rikki Hibbert
ou may have seen Rikki's name appearing in several places on the PhotoComment website
After four years of study at Tshwane University of
over the last few months, so we thought it was about
Technology, Rikki graduated cum laude in 2003
time to get to know her, and her photography a little bit
specialising in advertising photography.
better. A question many may be asking, Rikki shoots on Rikki picked up a camera at age 11 to document a
Canon, with the EOS 5D mkII as her weapon of
school tour. “I vividly remember setting up shots and
choice. Studio lighting comes from Elinchrom and a
arranging my classmates before pressing the shutter.”
favourite accessory we've spotted her with is a Gary
she recounts. Rikki was fortunate to attend a school
Fong Lightsphere. It is not uncommon however to spot
where photography was a part of the art syllabus and at
her with one of the Lomography cameras in her spare
15 she began breathing the fumes of the chemical
time.
darkroom. So what makes her tick? “I have an inherent need to Thanks to supportive parents – who bought Rikki her
create. It makes me happy and fulfils me. I believe in
first manual camera at 16 – passion and a first award,
setting and achieving goals, and rewarding myself for
Rikki knew she was going to embark on a journey to be
accomplishing these milestones. I usually reward
a professional photographer.
myself with new equipment!”
8
RIKKI HIBBERT
9
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
10
RIKKI HIBBERT
SUBMIT YOUR PORTFOLIO
R
egular readers of PhotoComment
Magazine will know that in each issue we
publish at least one portfolio. This could be from a professional photographer, a student who is currently studying photography or from one of our readers. You will know that the quality of these portfolios has been excellent and we are very appreciative of those who have gone to the effort of putting their portfolio together for PhotoComment. Now it is your turn. We are always looking for portfolios to publish, so this is your chance to get your images published! For each issue we (the editors assisted by a panel of industry leading photographers) will choose a portfolio from each category that inspires and celebrates the art and craft of photography.
How to submit your portfolio Select 10 of your best images, include a selfportrait and about 150 words about you and what inspires your photographic style and your philosophy. (Images should be approximately 1024x768, we will request high resolution copies when your portfolio is selected) Email these items to us along with your contact details to magazine@photocomment.net with “Portfolio for PhotoComment� as the subject. We look forward to receiving your submissions. 11
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO Rikki's favourite genre of photography is travelling
RIKKI HIBBERT When asked if Rikki ever feels threatened by the
abroad, but when at home she “loves food, décor and
'masses of inexperienced photographers wishing to
lifestyle photography”.
term themselves pros', her answer is simple. “Not really - a successful photography business isn't a walk
While Rikki works hard to get the shot right in camera,
in the park and anyone who thinks it is, won't last.”
she is not opposed to using post-production to achieve
With that said, Rikki's website is a fantastic
her creative vision. She also aims for visual impact in
information portal of helpful tips for all levels of
her work. When asked what her favourite image is she
photographers. Perhaps the best tip Rikki shared is
shares “I have many! But one of my all-time favourites
applicable not just to those wishing to make
is of three little boys playing on the beach in
photography their career as we initially asked, but it is
Mozambique. Technically the image isn't that great, but
applicable to anyone wanting to create the best images
I love the image because of the emotion I felt as I
they can. Do your photography 'whole-heartedly'.
clicked the shutter.” You are sure to see a great deal more from Rikki in the What are Rikki's tips to working successfully in the commercial environment? “Research, planning, expertise, creativity and professionalism - and working with the client on achieving the best possible result.”
12
future, and I don't just mean here at PhotoComment. [o]
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
A
big round of applause to ELLE Magazine and
PC: At what age did your interest in photography begin?
Samsung who kicked off for the first time this
FCV: I have always had a passion for art but found that I
year an event we hope to see grow in momentum in
would often get bored and never complete a given piece.
years to come. There are a great deal of exciting up and
Whilst I was growing up, my mother was a keen amateur
coming young photographers who are injecting new
photographer, shooting predominantly macro work of
energy and perspective in the photographic scene.
flowers. When she made the transition into the world of
ELLE Magazine partnered with Samsung to seek out
digital she gave me her camera. Photography grabbed
the top young fashion photographer in the country.
me instantly, it was fast, creative and something I could take with me everywhere. At the age of 15 I knew that it
If you have been following the PhotoComment blog
was what I wanted to do professionally.
you will have found several post on the final stages of this competition and even a video with the ten finalists
PC: Was there a particular moment when you knew this
– nice touch from ELLE to promote all the finalists and
was what you wanted to pursue and if so what was that
encourage the fashion industry to make use of them all.
moment?
In the end the winner was Freddie Child-Villiers who
you can see your own progression. As soon as I realized
took some time to answer questions and whose image
that this medium was something I could never perfect, it
appears on the cover of this edition of PhotoComment
became something I wanted to pursue.
FCV: One of the things I love about photography is that
magazine. 14
FREDDIE CHILD-VILLIERS PC: As a self-taught photographer,
to my photography has been as the
was there ever a desire to study the
result of being 'hands on' and free-
art formally? FCV: Yes and no. I love South Africa and when looking into tertiary education I didn't feel that there was anywhere that offered what I was after without moving overseas. SA however isn't something I'll give up that easily! I lost a huge amount of inspiration and love for art at high school as a result of having to conform to a particular style perceived as 'correct' by the art department. This turned me off studying art formally. Everything I've learnt with regards
15
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO am capable of as a photographer and to show how much raw untapped talent there is here in South Africa. To me, winning was not solely about coming first place, but rather to have any of the individuals involved in the production being contacted to showcase their work as a result of my spread, my goal would be complete. PC: What was your inspiration for the winning images? FCV: Living in Hout Bay, I have always been fascinated by how elegant and well dressed many of the residents of Imizamo Yethu are, despite being perceived to have nothing. I didn't believe many of the stereotypes about the townships and I wanted to portray this graphically, at a heightened level. I had visions of reportage style images, as to almost culture shock the viewer, as though nothing other than fashion mattered. However, I needed to learn more about how people live and interact in a township. I was fortunate enough to have the help of Francis Ali, a Malawian gentleman who lives in the township. It was with his help that I was able to come and go as I pleased for the best part of two weeks as a 'local'. It was these experiences that laid the foundation of 'Ubami Basekasi'. PC: What advice would you give to other young photographers? FCV: Photography is a tough industry. The digital age has resulted in lots of “photographers” all of whom are looking for work and, like vultures, will try anything to put you down. Don't believe any of it – know in your heart the caliber of your work. To keep learning and evolving with the industry is essential. A great way to do this is to find other photographers whose work inspires you, mimic it, but better it. Like everything worth pursuing, photography requires huge motivation and discipline, so above all: never give up! 16
FREDDIE CHILD-VILLIERS Shangaan people, to go to Timbavati as one of two PC: What keeps you shooting and what is your most
photographers officially authorized to photograph
exciting photographic moment to date?
these White Lions worldwide in an attempt to raise
FCV: I aspire to be the youngest person to win the
awareness and possible funding for the trust in the
Hasselblad Masters and to eventually run my own
future. Other than that – you'll just have to wait and
production house here in South Africa. These dreams
see..!
[o]
and my love for the medium keep me going. Ubami Basekasi has been my most exciting shoot to date! I worked with wonderful people and on the shoot day itself there were so many memorable moments and laughs. Although it was incredibly stressful and a logistic nightmare, its one of those shoots you walk away from having loved every moment, and to know that the images have inspired people – I couldn't ask for anything more. PC: How important is gear to you? FCV: Gear is very important to me. I am a stickler for quality, color and workflow. I love what technology has done for the camera but in my opinion, many have become too fancy. I shoot with a fully manual, 60's style medium format where everything is mirrored in my viewfinder. To me this keeps the magic of photography alive. I feel anyone can get a good image with a fully auto camera, but should feel the difference when they've achieved it with a manual one – its an addiction! PC: Would you consider Photography an art? FCV: It depends; I do believe it is an art in the right hands. With cameras now being everywhere, it has increasingly become a method of documentation. PC: Any future projects you keen to share? FCV: I am currently in the process of setting up a Modeling agency with Cape Town based marketing firm Spotlight Agency. We will be scouting models for the coming year. Later this month I have been invited by Linda Tucker, founder of the White Lion Trust and appointed Guardian of the White Lions by the 17
TECHNIQUE
Photographing Childr en
Article & Images By: Janine Giannini
O
ne of my favourite genres of photography is definitely child and
baby photography. Shoots with children are unpredictable, one never knows what wonderful, funny and gorgeously cute antics the kids will come up with. Children are uninhibited and natural in front of the camera and their own little personalities shine through with no effort at all. A shoot with kids promises a bunch of smiles, laughs, giggles, silly songs and funny faces (especially from mom and dad) and every now and then the prettiest little girl in the
know when the perfect shots will appear. I keep my
most beautiful fairy dress who is grumpy. Priceless!!!
finger on my AF button to make sure that both my camera and I are ready for anything.
I have learnt there are two important tricks to successful children's photography. Firstly you need to connect with the kids, get down on their level, be friends with them and have fun with them. Secondly, with children and babies it really is about capturing that special and spontaneous moment that reveals a unique part of their personality and expression. You need to be alert and ready at all times as you never
Different Age Groups Different age groups of children present their own unique moments and challenges. Newborns: only in those first few weeks can you capture the most peaceful sleeping moments in a fetal position, or those uncontrolled stretches of arms and legs. 3-6 months: Babies are more alert, the first “real� smiles appear and long intense gazes at mom and dad are beautiful. At this age however most babies are not yet sitting and one needs to work with mom and dad, have baby lying on his or her back, tummy or propped up in a basket or something similar. 6 months-1 year: Most kiddies are sitting, crawling and walking and the ball game changes. Now you really need to be
18
PHOTOGRAPHING CHILDREN on your toes. Mom and dad need to help you to keep
3-6 years: This is a great time to photograph kids.
this bundle of energy entertained, on your canvas and
They really understand they are the center of attention.
smiling. Once children start to walk they never seem to
Girls, very often will pose for you without too much
want to ever sit again. Be ready for a busy shoot, with
prompting, showing off their new dress and boys will
lots of laughs.
often show you all the new tricks they have learnt with
1-3 years: This is such an expressive age group, with
their soccer ball.
new words, songs and attitude. Be ready with your own arsenal of songs to sing, cute things to do and
Generally too much set posing or "do this" and "do
entertainment. This age group gets bored super fast
that" doesn't work well with children, they get
and you need to have a long string of ideas to keep
irritated, unsure of what to do and the sparkle tends to
them busy. Get mom and dad to help as they know best
die. My style tends to move towards allowing the kids
what brings out their little ones personality and the
to have fun and be themselves. Depending on the age
giggles best.
group you can give a bit of direction and ideas and get them to do things you ask, but don't bank on any set poses with the 1-2 year old age group. They have just learnt to walk and that's what they want to do, there is no negotiation; however, bribery can work wonders. The photographer, mom, dad and granny are all there for their entertainment and it's your job to be the jester and bring out the smiles. I often wonder if I should get someone to photograph the adults on the side lines just for a really good laugh!
19
TECHNIQUE Lighting No matter your location, keep your lighting simple and uncomplicated. Children are generally busy and full of energy and bounce. You need to be able to concentrate on the children rather than adjusting complicated lighting set ups. Your luck would be that the best moment of the shoot happens when you are changing your lighting. Choose a lighting set up that can stay the same for the duration of the shoot and that isn't too focused on lighting a small area. More complicated and focused lighting with snoots and barn doors are still fine to use with newborns and older children perhaps from the ages of 5 or 6 and up. Children between the ages of around 6 months to 4 are far too busy and move around far too much for focused lighting. If you are outdoors, early and mid morning are best for soft light. Try to stay away from outdoor areas that have a mixed shade and light combination.
20
PHOTOGRAPHING CHILDREN Quick tips to help your children's photo shoot run smoothly
Early and mid morning is the best time to photograph children as they are at their best. Afternoons often present challenges of being tired from a long day.
Have a few simple props/toys in your studio to entertain and distract the kiddies. They can get bored quickly.
Have toys/props that would be appropriate for the different age groups
Ask mom and dad to bring along that favourite blanky, teddy, book or car. It helps to settle the kids that may be shy but also adds a personal touch to the shoot.
For the younger kids, 6 months- 5 yrs ask mom to bring along a juice, bottle or little snack. This is hard work and a 5 min break is sometimes a good idea.... for everyone.
If you have a child that is shy, grumpy or doesn't feel like standing on the backdrop, too much insisting seems to make matters worse. Take a 5 min break, casually chat to mom and dad and just play with the little one. No pressure tends to turn things around
Ask mom and dad to book the shoot so that nap times and feeding times are avoided. Hungry, tired children are miserable uncooperative children.
The child often dictates the end of a shoot. Depending on the age group, 40min to an hour is about as much time as you are going to get before the wheels come off and the fun dies. When the child is starting to get tired, clingy to mom or niggly call it a day and end on a positive note.
Remember to have FUN! Sometimes mom and dad can be stressed, trying to make sure their gorgeous kids are looking their best and on their best behavior. Help mom and dad relax and reassure them that even if the kids were jumping around like hooligans for part of the shoot that you have plenty of great shots. Show them one or two images on the camera to ease their minds. [o] 21
FEATURE Article and Images by: Frank Krummacher College of Digital Photogrpahy
S
everal times each year the College of Digital
to the presence of
Photography hosts week-end photographic trips
humans, and this makes
to Tshukudu, a game lodge situated close to
for photographic
Hoedtspruit in the lowveld. The weekend consists of
opportunities that would
morning and evening game drives, a walk with lion or
otherwise not be
cheetah juveniles, lectures and feedback. To provide
possible. In addition to
the best photographic experience, game viewing
this Tshukudu is a fully-
vehicles are exclusively reserved for the
fledged Big Five reserve,
photographers and a lecturer accompanies each group
and chances of spotting
on all the game drives. Spouses are welcome if space is
these on your game
available.
drives are excellent. The
What makes the photographic experience at Tshukudu
sensitive to photographers' needs, and will often go out
rangers that accompany the groups are trained to be unique is the fact that the lodge is also a rehabilitation
of their way to get into the right position, and to be at
centre for wild animals. Many of these are habituated
specific venues for the best light.
22
TSHUKUDU GAME LODGE WILDLIFE WORKSHOPS
At Tshukudu's main lodge the birdlife is prolific, and
adorn the communal areas, and at the reception copies
the birds visit their own 'restaurant' frequently. Many
of “Ala's Story” (Ala being the late mother of the
photographers spend their idle time between game
Sussen's family) are for sale. The accommodation is
drives here, capturing wonderful close-ups of the
comfortable and suited to a three star lodge, but the
comical hornbills or the iridescent glossy starlings that
food is where Tshukudu truly excels. Meals are very
are regular guests. In the shady canopy of the trees that
tasty and more than generous, and dinners in the boma
cover the veranda, squirrels chatter and leap from
– with the head chef describing each morsel in
branch to branch. With a little patience and
delicious delight – are a wonderful experience. Watch
perseverance, they become inquisitive and make for
out for the tame bushpig Pumba, who lurks around the
very cute subjects.
entrance of the boma in the hope of scoring a snack!
Tshukudu is family owned and operated, and this spirit
Early mornings see heavily laden photographers
makes its way into all facets of the lodge. Pictures of
loading their kit into the vehicles. After a cup of tea or
the young children playing with lion cubs, family
coffee and rusks they are off on their way, with the
portraits in the bush and images of animal 'friends'
early morning chill awakening all the senses. It's not
23
FEATURE
TSHUKUDU GAME LODGE WILDLIFE WORKSHOPS
long before the first wildlife is spotted, and only the
opportunities will come and the light will get better
sound of rapid-fire shutters disturbs the tranquillity of
and better.
the bushveld morning air. Once everyone is satisfied with having bagged their shot, the vehicle heads off
During the summer months the hot days have many
again – who knows what awaits around the next bend?
animals basking in the mud of the shallow water holes,
After a lengthy morning drive the vehicles head back
and even though the brighter light is not ideal, sudden
to the lodge, where a sumptuous breakfast awaits.
rolls and splashes can produce some unusual shots. Some days are overcast, and contrast problems
How do you like your eggs?
disappear. Then photographic opportunities are much
After breakfast the photographers have the
more prolific, and often the animals are not hiding in
opportunity to download the mornings photographs,
the deep shade away from the heat.
and to select their favourites for a review session with CODP's lecturers. Critical feedback is provided on
As the day draws to a close the hunt is on for the lions
these images, and tips on how to improve are readily
that awaken from the day's slumber to head out for the
provided. Lunch at the lodge is a casual affair, with guests helping themselves from a generous and very tasty buffet. Beware though – dinner is not all that far away. The afternoon game drives get underway when it's still bright and sunny. The pace is often more sedate than in the mornings, with the knowledge that the
24
25
FEATURE
TSHUKUDU GAME LODGE WILDLIFE WORKSHOPS
hunt. Their home range is well known to the rangers, and with a little tracking and some radio communications the lions are soon found. They are still lazy, but soon start to move out and the scramble is on to get into the right position and to get the spotlights trained on the cats. Shutters trip continuously until the lions move out of range and into the bush, and the vehicles move off to return to the lodge, where cool drinks ease the bushveld dust. After freshening up it's time for the legendary boma dinner. Next to a roaring camp fire, highlights of the day's excitement are shared. After a delicious meal,
there is a further surprise in store: photographs of feeding porcupines and Pumba the bushpig. This is a challenge under dim lighting at the feeding station, but with a little effort some wonderful and creative photographs result. After that, all that remains is a good night's rest with the sounds of the bushveld creatures – large and small – to lull you to sleep. And the next day you go and do it all over again! For more information on the Tshukudu Wildlife Workshops please visit www.codp.co.za or call 086 11 PHOTO (74686). [o] 26
TECHNIQUE Article By: Lisa Solonynko
H
oliday time is the perfect opportunity to capture images of people and places that you can be
proud of. Unfortunately, many photographers do not plan ahead to get the most out of the experience. Taking the time to seriously consider what gear to bring on holiday is extremely important, most photographers bring way too much with them. Instead, consider limiting the amount of gear you will ultimately have to lug around. The more you need to carry and fiddle with, the more likely you will miss the capture that would stand out in your portfolio. Following these simple gear tips will allow you to enjoy your holiday, and come away will compelling images. Must have gear includes: Camera Body: Bring a body you are comfortable with. This is not the time to try out a new body. Ensure that you have practised changing settings with your eyes closed until it is second nature. Once you have mastered your camera body, you will be ready for any image opportunity. Lenses: Two lenses that provide a range of focal lengths is ideal. A wide angle and a telephoto are good bets to cover all of your needs. If your desire is to take candid street images, a fast 50 mm is a must. Do not
Plastic Resealable Bags: If trips to the beach or desert
fall into the trap of taking all of your lenses. This will
are on the agenda, resealable bags are invaluable. Use
actually limit your creativity.
them to protect lenses, bodies, memory cards and cleaning cloths. Salt, sand and dust will wreak havoc
Polarizing Filter: This filter is a key component in
on your gear if you don't take extra steps to protect it.
any vacation kit. It intensifies blue skies and reduces reflections on water. Practice with this filter prior to
Another great use for large resealable bags is for
leaving so that you can learn about the angles to use to
climate control. When moving between cool dry
get the best effects. 28
MAKING YOUR HOLIDAY PICTURES PERFECT
environments and hot humid ones, condensation can cause kit issues. Simply seal gear in bags prior to the transition. Allow a few minutes for your gear to acclimatize to the new environment before removing the bag. Any condensation will occur on the bag and not your gear. Camera Bag: If vacationing in a spot with a sketchy reputation for pickpockets and the like, avoid carrying your gear in a bag that advertises its contents. Instead, use a more neutral, touristy backpack. Insert extra padding to protect your gear. Cleaning Kit: Having a cleaning kit is essential for keeping dust and dirt from affecting your gear and images. Include micro-fibre cloths, dust blowers and lens cleaners so that you can address dirt issues as they arise. Ensure that you have at least three micro-fibre cloths as these are easily lost. Memory Cards: Take more cards than you think is necessary. If shooting in RAW, which is highly recommended, a lot of storage is needed. For critical shoots, including vacations, I recommend taking a number of smaller cards instead of a couple of large capacity cards. Memory cards do fail. Having a card fail is upsetting, but loosing 16 or 32 GB is devastating. Instead, take a handful of 2 or 4 GB cards. Should a failure occur, all of your images will not be lost. Holidays are great opportunity to get out and photograph new places and subjects. Planning ahead will ensure that only critical gear is packed along. More focus can then be placed on creating compelling images.
[o] 29
REVIEW Review and Images by: Tristan Hall
T
here is a rapidly growing cult that seems to be
working it’s way through the photographic
world. It has attracted over a million people into its seemingly illogical movement, a movement that boldly proclaims - in the digital era - that the ‘Future is Analogue’. The movement is called Lomography. There are many who may consider this movement a fad, a flash in the pan and would perhaps compare its tools of the trade and resulting images to bowel movements rather than a powerful, artistic, emotional
So What is She Like?
and creative movement associated with say, a Beethoven maybe. I would say that those critics - like
Well, she has a tiny body and always has two
me originally - passed judgement without having tried
perspectives on life, square or half-frame on 35mm
an experiment to experience it for themselves.
film. Thanks to her half-frame perspective she can capture up to 72 frames on a roll of normal 36.
It is a Relationship not just an experience. You may have read in our previous issue, a reader’s review on the Lomography Holga by Bryan Powell. You may recall how he wrote of Holga as though he were almost having an affair with her. Likewise the Diana Mini is more than an experience with a camera, it has become part of the family. My wife who is an artist, is crazy over her... for the first time there is another women in my life that she is not jealous about. I can’t say that my Blackberry gets the same respect. Unlike traditional cameras which I get, review and return as though conducting a formal interview, the Diana Mini arrived and was dined at an Italian restaurant, and walked around fashion boutiques.
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LOMOGRAPHY DIANA MINI
I have found that you need to be firm with her advances (frame advances that is) yet gentle enough not to break film sprockets, in half frame you only have to wind her up a little. For some reason my Diana Mini’s frame counter never went over 6. You will learn you have limited control over her. There are four focus zones 0.6m; 1-2m; 2-4m and 4m to infinity. You can
The first time we went out together I made the mistake
control her aperture simply by
of using a roll of film I had been saving which expired
choosing between cloud or
in 1984... it did not go down too well, but with some
sunshine and shutter speeds are
younger blood inside we were able to create some
either a ‘Normal’ setting or
wonderfully different images and I cannot wait to get
‘Bulb’ for long exposures.
some more film in her.
Her wide angle lens allows you to
If you - like I used to - pass judgement on Lomography,
get close to the action and when
perhaps you should first try it before you pass
you press her button (shutter
judgement. I certainly feel that I have a new creative
button) you get a almost kiss-like
lease on life. Don’t treat this in the same way so many
click.
narrow mindedly brand bash Nikon, Canon etc.
Sure she is a little plastic, and she
As photographers we should broaden our horizons, we
isn’t the sharpest girl around in
should not be - as I heard recently - so “narrow minded
reference to her lens, but that is
we can peep through a key hole with both eyes open”.
just her personality.
[o] 31
REVIEW
Camera Bag or Everyday Fashion Item? Review By: Tristan Hall & Rikki Hibbert
N
ow don't you worry, I am not going to pretend to know something about
fashion or the coffee club culture but this review is going to have a twist. To try offer a balanced perspective, Rikki is going to be our more fashionable, female and should we say modern reviewer, while I, Tristan will apply the more conservative... perhaps typically South African male point of view. Ladies First The Lowepro Passport Sling is a comfortable and fashionable camera bag that you wear across your body. I particularly like the design because it doesn't necessarily look like a camera bag, meaning
A third pocket is designed to accommodate a water
opportunist thieves will probably not give it a
bottle, as we all know photography can be thirsty
second glance.
work.
The strap is adjustable, so you can wear the bag low
Interior: The padded camera box fits a DSLR with
or high, and the excess strap neatly tucks away. I
attached lens, and sports a memory card pouch. No
found the shoulder pad to be a little annoying, so I
more digging to the depths of your camera bag
removed it. Personally I think the bag looks better
looking for that extra card. The padded box could fit
without it.
your DSLR and a flash, but I have the rather cumbersome Canon 5D Mrk II, and this utilizes the
Now lets talk compartments. As a woman, I carry a
entire box. The truly awesome thing is that the box
lot of stuff around with me, not all essential, but it's
is removable, so you could also use the Lowepro
comforting to know it's there. Just in case I may
Passport Sling as a stylish travel bag.
need it! The expandable compartment in the front of the bag Exterior: There are 2 fairly large and deep side
zips open to reveal 30% extra space. This space is
pockets for quick access items, like mobile phone,
ideal for personal items, or extra accessories such as
lip-gloss, mascara, field journal and other essentials.
a lens, flash, and your flash diffuser.
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LOWEPRO PASSPORT SLING
OUR PICKS FOR 2010 An exciting year 2010, here is our favourite gear that we have either reviewed or that caught a lot of our interest. Best Compact – Sony Cybershot HX5-V We liked it so much we now have one on the team. AVCHD video, 10x Zoom & Sweep Panoramic, the list goes on.
Another 2 pouches on the inside of the bag are perfect for extra batteries and business cards. Overall, I think the Lowepro Passport Sling is great
Best DSLR – Nikon D7000
as a daytime or travel camera bag when all your gear While we’ve yet to put it through its paces, from the little we’ve played with it we can say that we like it a lot.
is not needed. Mundane Male When we were given the Passport Sling to review we were kind of asked to get the perspective of the more, conservative male photographer. Now I am not so sure just how well I qualify but when it comes to camera bags I think all photographers - whether they openly confess it or not - have a fetish for bags. That said, the last thing you want is to have a bag that is perhaps a little... out of character. When I first had the bag described to me I thought it was squarely aimed at female photographers, and when viewing the Lowepro Promotional Video it only seemed to confirm my suspicion.
Best Photo Accessory – L owe p r o Pa s s p o r t Sling We just recently got to review this bag – check out our website – and it almost caused a fight amongst the team. Best Website/Podcast – www. LightStalking.com Not an easy category to pick a winner.With great photo guides, tips, new forums and the weekly e-mail newsletter, Light Stalking its just an inspiriational place to be.
At the risk of raising an eyebrow or two I took the bag out, walked with it and used it. No negative responses from what I saw and in use it proves to be a bag that is capably functional. I have had but one complaint, sometimes the padded cover for the strap wont stay on your shoulder. Over and above that, I may just occasionally swap my Black Rapid RS straps for this bag. [o]
Best Product Overall – Sony Alpha NEX-5 This was very difficult to decide on, particularly with the Sony A55, the Nikon D7000 and some other gadgets that we got to play with or see at Photokina. In the end, its the new firmware, size and range of adapters to use an almost limitless range of lenses that put the Sony NEX-5 back into contention. 33
Year in Closure
T
his has been a very exciting year, particularly for us here at PhotoComment. If you had asked me at the beginning of the year wether we would be at Photokina, mentioned on international sites or co-host a podcast and end the year off with people reading this Final Comment in a print edition I would have said ‘not likely.’ PhotoComment began as a personal project back in 2007 and I never envisioned it growing like this. On a similar note, as I write this, I have just returned from the announcement of the ELLE Magazine New Young Talent Photographer Search where the winner Freddie Child-Villiers - took the prize as a 20 year old, self taught photographer. It hit home that the potential to succeed is there for every one if you don’t give up.
2011 will likely be the same. What I hope is that we will continue to grow in our art. Set ourselves the goal to shoot more... perhaps I should raise what seems to have been a theme for me this year throughout all of these Final Comments. Shoot to tell a story, perhaps pick a project for 2011 that only you can tell in the way that you do. Then, work to print the best and share with the rest. Start with this festive season, capture and share the memories, and, where appropriate, share them with us. Wishing you all the best as this year draws to a close and see you in print and online in January 2011. [o]
Photography is like any skill, practice and determination is what is required to achieve ones best. There is a natural desire within us to share our images, either to receive feedback in praise or sometimes, though perhaps very seldom, criticism. There is a danger however in making comparisons too seriously, as I have been reminded about recently in a post by photographer Scott Borne. Often we can cause ourselves the greatest discouragement by comparing ourselves (and our gear) to others. While it can be satisfying to gain praise, it is important to remember that art is subjective. It is good to improve your craft but do not lose your passion. This year has been a year of surprises. I am certain that
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DECEMBER 2010 ISSUE: 20 - FREE
NOW IN PRINT!