PhotoComment Magazine - January 2011

3 Portfolios

Pro - Ken Kaminesky Student - Lynn Rosenmann Reader - Trudy-Jo Jonathan

In Camera B&W JANUARY 2011 ISSUE: 21 - FREE ISSUU

Olympus PEN E-PL1 and more!

FREE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 21 - JANUARY 2011

CONTENTS Opening Comment

4

Reader’s Comment

4

How to get your portfolio published in PhotoComment

What’s Happening at photocomment.net

4

Review

Submit Your Portfolio

27

Olympus PEN E-PL1 DECEMBER 2010 ISSUE: 20 - FREE

Scoop

6

News from the photographic world locally and internationally

Technique

28

In Camera Black & Whte

Professional Portfolio

8

Final Comment

30

Preparation & Practice

Ken Kaminesky

Technique

24

34 14

Composition Checklist

Event Report

Front Cover Image by: Lynn Rosenmann Student Portfolio See Page 20

18

PhotoComment Photo Walk

Student Portfolio

20

Lynn Rosenmann - VEGA

Reader’s Portfolio Trudy-Jo Jonathan 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

I

t is January and we look forward to many new developments this year. Our print version of the magazine is going strong, so look forward to a great new issue every month.

We have a jam packed issue this month with 3 portfolios. Our professional this month is Ken Kaminesky, who does wonderful things with HDR, our reader portfolio is by Trudy-Jo Jonathan from Cape Town and our student portfolio is Lynn Rosenmann from Vega in Johannesburg.

Tristan got to play with Olympus’s E-PL1 and Bruno from CODP demystifies in camera black and white shooting.

We hope you enjoy reading the magazine as much as we enjoy putting it together.

READER’S COMMENT

I

accidentally came across your website while browsing the web earlier on today.

I was delighted to find that there are other photographers (Gavin Falck) who use Pentax and that you do actually publish the pics and a story on a Pentax user. I have been on a few courses where people assume that you're either using Nikon or Canon and most of the pics featured in mags are taken by Nikon or Canon as well.

Gavin, you'll enjoy the K7 as that is what I use too.

- Alison Duncan Thank you Alison, we support all photographers no matter which camera they use, it is after all only the tool they use to express their creativity.

Do you have a something you would like to share with the readers of PhotoComment? Comments can be sent to

Greg Wrench - Designer\Editor

magazine@photocomment.net

HAPPENING AT PHOTOCOMMENT.NET

T

his is a new section in the magazine to keep you

Website of the Week

up to date with what is happening on the

Each Saturday we try to feature a great Photographic

PhotoComment website. Due to the time between each

We b s i t e f o r t h e w e e k . We b s i t e s l i k e

magazine and limited space, the PhotoComment

CameraClub.co.za for example. Check it out and be

website is the best place to go to for up to date news

insired.

and a lot more product reviews. Some of the regular features on the website are:

Photo Tip Tuesday Sometimes it takes a small spark to ignite a great

Photo Friday

creative idea. Tuesday’s may do that, or they may just

As many of you will know, each

be a practical tip. On Tuesday 7

week we ask you to submit your

Dec our tip was on Wildlife

best images from which we pick

Photography by Lightscapes.

our best each Friday. The Photo Friday image for Friday 3 Dec

Be sure to check out

was ‘Kruger Tree’ by Alan

http://photocomment.net

Hatton.

regularly for more great articles posted almost daily.

4

[o]

ISSUU

SIGMA APO 120-300mm F2.8

I

n case you missed it on our website,

Sigma South Africa

It’s December as we type this and a generally slow time of the year has picked up a little with news but not by way of new products, mostly just updates.

So here is what we have put together which is of interest.

To keep up to date with the latest news see our blog at http://photocomment.net

have confirmed that the

recently

announced SIGMA APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM (wow that is a mouthful, we need to give acronyms to our acronyms) is arriving in South Africa in March 2011. This new version of an already popular lens features Sigma’s OS (Optical Stabiliser) which was the main feature missing according to the critics.

The Best of Outdoorphoto Portfolio 1

O

utdoorphoto together with Game Parks Publishing have published the first of what is

Adobe Updates

hoped to be a series of coffee table books with the very best images submitted to the Outdoorphoto galleries by their more than 18,000 members.

A

The images are fantastic and each is accompanied by a

download. These updates largely offer RAW support

short story which helps one appreciate the patience it

for the following cameras:

takes to photograph wildlife at this level.

dobe have released Photoshop Lightroom 3.3, Camera Raw 6.3 and DNG Converter 6.3 for

?

Canon PowerShot G12 ?

Canon PowerShot S95

The book sells for R295.00 and is available from

?

Nikon D3100

Outdoorphoto +27 12 348 3693

?

Nikon D7000 ?

Nikon Coolpix P7000 ?

Olympus E-5 ?

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 ?

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 ?

Pentax K-5 ?

Pentax K-r ?

Ricoh GXR, GR LENS A12 28mm F2.5 ?

Samsung Nx100 ?

Samsung TL350 (Wb2000) ?

Sony A560 ?

Sony A580

6

Canon Firmware and Mode Dials

Capture One Pro 6

T

P

550D. In addition to this there is a service

name in the market for

o help correct minor bugs, Canon released

firmware updates for the EOS 7D and EOS

hase One have carved out a great

announcement out of Canon USA and UK that a

their RAW conversion

optional upgrade is available for a lockable mode dial

software in Capture One

on the Canon EOS 5D mkII and 7D. We spoke to Greg

and version 6 is set to raise

Hayes at CameraTek who

the bar further. The Pro

handles Canon SA repairs

version of the software

and he said that the upgrade

will include all the new

will be available in South

features in the express version like:

Africa from around mid

?

Enhanced metadata support including XMP sync

January 2011.

?

Auto Load and a GPS link to Google Maps(TM)

Leica V Lux 2

?

A Loupe tool to zoom into an image from 25 to 200 percent ?

Integrated movie import

T

udorTech, the South African Distributors for

Leica, have announced the V Lux 2 is available

?

Native 64-bit operation and OpenCL/GPU acceleration for substantially improved performance

in South Africa. This camera was released at Photokina and features a 24x optical zoom or rather a DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens. The effective range is 25-600mm. There is 14mp CMOS Sensor which also allows the camera to capture AVCHD Videos and frame rates of

Plus the additional features of:

?

Local adjustments edit selected areas of images non-destructively;

?

Black and white conversion -- precisely adjust color channels to create split toning effects when converting to grayscale;

14mp resolution

?

Keystone correction -- reduces or eliminates perspective distortion while maintaining dimension integrity;

through to 60fps

?

High-quality, simple to use printing options.

11fps at the full

a t

2 . 8 m p

resolution.

Nikon, Sony, Sandisk Team Up

Sony Firmware Updates

S

hortly after we went to print with the last edition, Sony announced the firmware update for the

NEX-VG10 which allows Alpha lenses with SSM or

ISSUU

Y

ou read it right, a rather interesting team up.

SAM motors to work in Autofocus with the LA-EA1

These three have approached the Compact

adapter.

Flash association with a new standard that if applied,

A more recent announcement is a firmware update for

could allow for transfer rates of 500MB/sec compared

the Alpha A900 and A850 which allows increased

to the current cap of 167MB/sec. We know 4K video is

autofocus speed as well as widening the bracketing

around the bend, but what else may be up these

range to +/- 5EV stops, as opposed to 3EV, as well as

manufacturer’s sleeves for the future?

increasing the bracketing range from 2EV to +/- 3EV.

PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO

KEN KAMINESKY

Ken Kaminesky

I

would venture to say that almost all photographers

that photography would be a good base to help me

dream of traveling the world with their camera,

develop an eye for composition, and being behind the

shooting for a magazine like National Geographic or

lens. After 2 years of school, I started working for

being a lifestyle photographer. Ken Kaminesky is one

some local photographers in Montreal and found that I

of those who has made a dream a reality.

was learning more from them than I ever would in school.

Canadian based, Ken shoots Commercial Lifestyle

I was really enjoying shooting my own work on the

photography for several large stock agencies. We

side while still assisting. At this time I was mostly

asked him a few questions to find out a bit more about

working for fashion photographers and that was a fun

the man behind the lens.

situation to be in for a young guy. Pretty models, fun

PC: How did your interest in photography begin?

certain that this is what I wanted to really do. Twenty

KK:I took a course in my first year in college and after

years later, here I am.

work atmosphere, and some travel all made me more

developing my first roll of film, I was hooked.

But even then I didn’t think much of photography as a

PC: Who are your influences?

career. My plan was to get into cinema and I thought

KK: No one person comes to mind, however here are a

8

9

ISSUU

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PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO few people that I have a great deal of respect for, or

PC: What is the one destination you cannot get enough

admire in some way:

of?

Richard Feynman - physicist and all around amazing

KK: Mexico, for the people, places and climate.

guy Nick Brandt - photographer and philanthropist

PC: What is your favourite subject matter when

Frank Lloyd Wright - architect

traveling?

My friend Vivian who passed away last year. She

KK: Whatever I am photographing at that moment. It's

continues to inspire me on a daily basis.

too difficult to choose one thing in particular. There is far too much beauty in the world to pick just one

PC: What else would inspire you?

subject.

KK: Good art, design, and architecture. Kind people, travel, and the simple everyday things that I keep

PC: You do a lot of HDR photography, how important

reminding myself to be grateful for.

is editing to you?

PC: What is your favourite travel destination?

important as my camera. I can spend hours on one

KK: New Zealand for the natural beauty and Italy for

image to get it to look the way I want.

KK: A whole lot. Lightroom and Photoshop are as

the man made beauty.

12

KEN KAMINESKY PC: Have you travelled to Africa?

KK: No, it's high on my list of must see places though. Egypt, Kenya, South Africa and Morocco are all dream destinations.

Gear Corner

PC: In your experience, which destination is a place you must visit

Ken Uses:

before you die?

?

Canon 1Ds mkIII and

KK: India would have to be that place. I'd love to spend a few months there traveling around the whole country. Plus, I love Indian food, so

assorted Canon glass ?

Gitzo Basalt tripod

I'm assuming that I could find a few places that serve it there ;) ?

Novoflex Magic Ball

Head Under the Ken’s ‘About Me’ page of his blog, he jokingly kicks off by saying that he is a self made, billionaire inventor and while he threatens that he would have to kill us if he told us what it was that he

?

F-Stop Camera bags ?

Macbook Pro laptop

would invent, we somehow cannot help but think that he has invented a world of magical imagery that makes you want to go explore the [o]

ISSUU

world for yourself.

13

TECHNIQUE

by Lisa Solonynko

<

< composition: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spray and Prayâ&#x20AC;? is a phrase used by many

of how a vantage or angle will look before dealing with

photographers. It is the practice of taking many images

your gear.

in the hopes that one will be compelling. In some instances, this is a good practice, but it can easily lead

An added advantage to finger framing is the ability to

to laziness if applied to every photographic

be more aware of what is happening around you.

opportunity. To avoid dependance on this practice, use

Being in a new location can have hazards which may

the following composition checklist.

be missed if the environment is only seen through the

FINGER FRAMING

raise your camera and fine tune the composition.

viewfinder. Once you see a vantage with potential,

We all remember watching old movies that show the director holding up his fingers in the shape of a rectangle to view a scene. They did this in order to decide on a location without having to lug out all their gear. This actually works. Use this technique to get a quick idea

14

COMPOSITION CHECKLIST

DOUBLE CHECK THE FRAMING Before advancing the shutter, check the edges of the frame. Are objects intruding on the frame? In many cases a small shift in angle will remove stray tree branches, poles or vines from creating a disjointed composition.

KEEP HORIZONS STRAIGHT Unless done for artistic reasons, crooked horizons can ruin an otherwise compelling image. If your gear does not come equipped with a level, use the auto focus points to line up the horizon.

FOLLOW COMPOSITION RULES Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and the golden spiral to ensure that an image is pleasing to the viewer.

There is a lot of art and science behind these rules and that is why they work. Prior to going out to shoot, search images on the Internet to learn more about these

ISSUU

rules and to see their effect.

15

TECHNIQUE

COMPOSITION CHECKLIST

BREAK COMPOSITION RULES After ensuring that you have created captures that follow the rules, break them. Try a dead centre composition or zoom in closer than is comfortable.

Some of the most intriguing images come about by virtue of breaking the rules.

WHERE'S THE LIGHT In most cases, light is the most important aspect to an image. Bad light can degenerate any image from outstanding to average in an instant.

Include noticing the light in your composition checklist. A simple shift in position or the addition of a filter, can make the image complete.

When on holiday or a specific shoot, compelling subjects can be seen everywhere. Following a basic composition checklist will help to ensure that they are captured in an artistic and interesting way. At first, it may seem daunting to have to consider each point. But, using the list with every actuation will quickly make it second nature. Practice the checklist so that you do not become dependant on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spray and Prayâ&#x20AC;? method of photography. [o] 16

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EVENT REPORT

A

PHOTOCOMMENT PHOTO WALK

Report By: Rikki Hibbert

couple weeks ago, on a rainy Tuesday morning, Tristan, Werner and I were sitting sipping

completely different experience. This Photo Walk

cappuccinos, chatting about the photography industry

opened my eyes and ignited my creativity. For the first

and brainstorming ideas for PhotoComment, when

time I understood why tourists explore our city centre.

Tristan said “What about a Photo Walk?” This no

Especially Newtown, which is decorated with

doubt got the creative juices flowing, so Werner

exquisite locally made street art. Following the 2010

ordered another double espresso and we started

FIFA World Cup Soccer, I had a renewed sense of

planning the very first PhotoComment Photo Walk.

being proudly South African.

Our plan was to keep the first Photo Walk group small

After just over two hours of walking and snapping

and intimate, so that we could get to know each other,

away, we headed back to the canteen at Arts on Main

and learn from each other. Since December 2010

for refreshments and the eagerly anticipated lucky

marked the first printed edition of PhotoComment

draw! The prize, a 715B Digi Black Manfrotto tripod

Magazine, the Photo Walk was also a celebration to

with integrated ball head, was sponsored by Singer

note this worthy event.

Photographic and was won by Photo Walker veteran, Mark Straw.

On the morning of the Photo Walk, we were blessed with the most beautiful sunny weather. So armed with our walking shoes and camera gear, we set out to explore the streets surrounding Arts on Main in Johannesburg. Accompanied by a security guard, the group felt safe as we headed off as tourists in our own city. Guided partly by Werner's knowledge of the city, and partly by intuition or recommendations from the group, the walk was relaxed and not too structured.

If you missed out on this inspiring day out, take a look On a personal note: I have often driven through the city

at the gallery of images shot by the group here

- dodging maniac taxis, driving in circles when my

(http://photocomment.net/galleries/photo-

GPS goes on the blink, and nearly causing severe

walks/photo-walk-arts-on-main-04-dec-2010/) and

damage to my car ramping over the Reya Vaya bus

make sure you register with PhotoComment

lanes – and each time I go into town I dread it.

(http://photocomment.net/?action=register&instance

However, walking in town, taking photos – is a

=1) to hear when the next Photo Walk will be!

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[o]

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STUDENT PORTFOLIO

Lynn Rosenmann

L

ynn Rosenmann is a Vega National College of

weak and just needing to know more.”

Photography full time student. She chose to

Lynn is describe by one of her lecturers as “One of our

study photography full time following several short

top photographic students. She is committed and takes

courses where she felt frustrated by being “technically

great pride in her work” and, from what we can see, it shows. So what caught Lynn’s interest and what makes her tick. We asked her a few questions which we hope will further inspire you.

PC: What got you interested in photography?

LR: I studied nature conservation and in the last 15 years spent a lot of time outdoors photographing animals.

PC: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

LR:

Everywhere…other

photographers, photographs, the outdoors and new technology PC: Which photographers inspire you?

LR: I love the older film photographers like Ansel Adams and the not so old like Art Wolfe, Frans Lanting, Steve Bloom and am totally inspired by Koos van der Lendes beautiful landscapes. I also love our SA artists that paint those beautiful Karoo scenes.

20

ISSUU

LYNN ROSENMANN

21

STUDENT PORTFOLIO

PC: Words of wisdom to those contemplating photography as a full time study?

LR: Take full advantage of the diversity of the work and the knowledge of your lecturers, push yourself to the limit and have fun. Read widely and use criticism to learn from.

We love delving into the minds of student photographers and learning about what makes them tick. Of course the question we pose to all students is what their aspirations for the future are. Lynn’s reply goes to the essence of who she is: we would say.

“Spending time outdoors, getting to the next level through practice and criticism, being able to apply what I’ve learnt.” [o]

PC: What are your favourite photographic subjects?

LR: I love time exposure, landscape, architecture and wildlife. I also love spending time in the darkroom and B+W photography.

PC: Could you share your greatest

“lightbulb”

moment?

LR: I was petrified of studio lighting, but working hands on with the lighting and seeing how it falls makes you understand lighting.

PC: Any mistakes you have learnt from?

LR: Gosh where to start… Not understanding my camera and using it to its full extent. Getting exposure, contrast and lighting correct was time consuming.

22

LYNN ROSENMANN

Gear Corner Lynn Uses: ?

Canon 5D mkII and

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various lenses

23

READER’S PORTFOLIO

T

rudy-Jo Jonathan is a 29 yr old photographer

who lives in Cape Town. When asked her

thoughts on the mother city she said “I was born in Cape Town and have been told that this makes me a snob because I rave about how beautiful my city is. To me Cape Town is a smorgasboard of contradiction, beauty and photo opps.”

Trudy tries to road-trip as often as she can. Her family have given her the label of "the girl with the camera".

Despite working in the industry she still feels she has a lot to learn.

PC: How did you begin with photography?

TJ: I went to college to study graphics because I loved drawing. Photography was part of my course and I fell

in love with it. I loved learning how to capture moments, manipulate light and the ability to "instantly" capture on paper what I had once tried to do through my drawings.

PC: What was your first camera and what do you use now?

TJ: My first camera was a 35mm film Minolta. I was so new to the concept of being a photographer I don't think I ever learned what model it was.The functions were very basic, but I loved what I was able to achieve with her and was devastated when she finally "died"!!

I now have a Canon Rebel Ti1 (EOS 500D), a far cry from my little Minolta.

PC: What is your favourite subject matter?

24

TRUDY-JO JONATHAN

TJ: I don’t think I've found my niche yet, but I do enjoy

rather than rely too much on post production, although

people as my main subject matter. I would not

I do appreciate the tools available to create a "WOW"

necessarily say I favour portraiture, but rather

image.

incorporating a human aspect to my composition.

PC: Are there specific photographers that influence PC: So why the desire to road trip?

your work?

TJ: I do not have a specific role model, I choose to

something new with my camera, even when that trip is

expose myself to as many styles and concepts as

just a seemingly regular one.

possible and draw from that what appeals to me most.

PC: How important is post production to you?

PC: What inspires and motivates you?

TJ: I try to achieve the image I want with my camera

TJ: I feel inspired by the city around me, the people

Top Left: Self Portrait: Once again I reduced the colour saturation, a technique I'm fond of using… it's like turning down the volume so you can hear better.

Below Left: Bicycle: A snapshot really. I loved the contrast of light and the slight blurring in the solo rider. There was something purely joyful about that afternoon ride I had to capture.

Bottom Left: Rainbow, San Miguel: ”Indifference” is what comes to mind: she saw no-one and no-one saw her. Yet her demeanor told a hundred stories.

Below Right: Balloons, Guanajuato: A near perfect day. I reduced the saturation of colour in everything but the balloons. The balloon seller reminded me that happiness is often found in simplicity.

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TJ: Every road trip presents an opportunity to capture

25

READER’S PORTFOLIO

who fill it, my personal experiences, and what I am feeling on any given day will influence what I shoot.

Photography is a form of expression for me. Through the images I capture, I share in moments of joy, sadness, wonder. It sounds silly to most but there's a saying I've always lived by. "Live for the moment, then let it go." My photography lets me cheat and share that moment again and again.

In answer to the question of why she picked these images for her submission Trudy shared “I think the images I chose reflect me, they are somewhat ordinary subjects, yet captured with a bit of an artistic touch.

They are moments that reflect a time or place.”

The essence of photography. [o]

Top Right: Windmill: I always thought I hated shooting landscapes, until I went driving with a friend and shot while he drove. I have subsequently changed my mind!!

Top: Table Mountain City view: Cape Town is known for this awesome landmark, but I loved the feeling of freedom and near invincibility I felt standing on top of it. I liked the human element to what is essentially a landscape image.

Bottom Right: Masks, African Tradition: I enjoyed asking the vendors what each mask represented and they were happy to oblige. African traditions are still strongly regarded as a way of life.

This both impressed and intimidated me.

Above: Greenpoint Stadium: Even though there was a breathtaking sunset, I felt the image was stronger, timeless even, in B&W. I added a bit of noise to reiterate this.

Below: Crossroads: This one was personal, I felt like I was standing at a junction in my life and needed to chose a direction.

The image practically begged to be taken.

26

TRUDY-JO JONATHAN

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)

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Email these items to us along with your contact details to magazine@photocomment.net with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Portfolio for PhotoCommentâ&#x20AC;? as the subject.

We look forward to receiving your submissions.

27

REVIEW

OLYMPUS PEN E-PL1 Review By: Tristan Hall

The PEN is Mightier than...

F

or those who know me, they will know how, of late, I’ve been complaining that conventional

DSLR cameras are too bulky, heavy and inconvenient to carry everywhere, every day. For this reason I have been a great advocate of the new developments in mirrorless cameras. This said, the war has become rather fierce among the combatants in this new photographic world. Having tested Panasonic’s GF1 as well as Sony’s NEX-5, I was rather anxious to get my hands on the Olympus PEN E-PL1.

Handling

My one bug bear is that the camera can take its time to

The Olympus E-PL1 sticks out a bit when it’s hanging

process images shot using the ‘Art Filters’.

out with its bigger siblings, the E-P1 and E-P2. It’s taller, yet not as long. Made with more plastic and yet

Image Quality

all of this makes it - to my mind at least, more attractive

I found that the images were great in most situations.

and easier to hold.

Sure the noise levels are not on par with cameras

All in all, my only complaint would be the lack of a

double its price and more, but even then there would

scroll dial. While many have heavily criticised the

only be half a handful that are significantly better in

Sony NEX-5 for being too menu driven, the E-PL1 is,

those general circumstances.

in my opinion, a little too button driven when it comes

The inclusion of the art filters is what puts the

to having to set the aperture, shutter speed etc.

Olympus cameras in a league of their own. I love the pinhole filter and even the pop art one ads some great

Performance

punch, all in-camera. It’s the closet thing I can think of

This area is an interesting one. What I can tell you is

to a digital Lomography camera.

that this camera performs much better with the newer version 1.1 of the firmware, compared to version 1of

Conclusion

the firmware.

What then can I say to conclude this review? How does

Before I did the upgrade the E-PL1 autofocus was

the E-PL1 compare to the competition. The E-PL1 is

slow, uncertain of itself, generally as responsive as an

sure to find favour with many looking for a mirrorless

ox wagon. With the upgrade done it was like a new

camera. Sure its not the smallest, but it is better

camera. While it was not quite a Ferrari or top end

proportioned than some of the others. It has a built in

DSLR, it was certainly able to hold its own and I am

flash which none of the direct competitors have and

fairly sure it was better in the autofocus department

there is a great range of lenses available.

than I remember the Panasonic GF-1 being, bearing in

Let me put it this way, I thought I had made up my

mind that has also had a firmware upgrade

mind on which I was going to buy before this camera

subsequently.

came along.

28

[o]

ISSUU

TECHNIQUE “In Camera Black and White” - Myths and Misconceptions By: Bruno Poco and looking on the LCD preview I can immediately appreciate the beauty inherent to B&W images.

It is a learning curve, but through experience, you will quickly start seeing which subjects lend themselves better to B&W. The most obvious examples of subjects suited to B&W are scenes where the colour is not important to the subject that you are photographing. For instance, the magic of photographing sunrises and sunsets is created by its incredible colour. Photographing these subjects in B&W defeats the purpose, as you will not capture what makes them so interesting. Less obvious are images that will not produce a sufficient tonal range. For instance if you are photographing in extremely soft light, you sometimes lack desirable contrast and your images appear flat and boring. I’ve noticed this especially when photographing subjects such as flowers and portraits.

H

ave you ever wondered what happened to black and white photography? I refer to capturing

images in black and white rather than colour images

So here is what to look for: A good variation in tonal range to create a visually

that are later manipulated into B&W. It is a truly

interesting photograph. In fact good light for B&W is

different way of seeing and photographing.

where there is some contrast, but where you can still capture detail in the shadows.

As human beings we are consistently and unavoidably

Avoid too much contrast, as an image can become

always surrounded by colour. B&W creates a different

visually busy and uneasy on the eye, while scenes low

way of looking at and recording the world and this

in contrast can look dull and boring.

unique characteristic is what I believe the inherent

Textures are recorded beautifully and can make a

appeal of B&W is. All other reasons why we like

relatively boring scene visually superb.This works

B&W are spin-offs from this core quality.

especially well on subjects like landscapes and derelict architecture because normally there will be a

My personal reason for photographing “in-camera

variety of textures present.

B&W” is its simple and trains me to see in B&W. I love

Side lighting will give great shaping or texture and a

the feeling I get when I’ve photographed the subject

better tonal range.

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IN CAMERA BLACK & WHITE

There is also a nostalgic appeal to B&W images. They

coin, I do believe that post-production B&W does

appear timeless and allow us to connect to the past,

serve an important role. I myself use post-production

even if it is just for a brief moment. Growing up in a

B&W, not because it is necessarily better, but because

family of photographers and being exposed to

it means that I can save both a colour and B&W copy

powerful B&W images of bygone eras has definitely

of the image. In mentioning this, I do not often feel that

left a strong impression on me, often leaving me gob-

any of my “in-camera B&W” images would have been

smacked and wondering if I would ever produce work

better in colour. This comes from being confident in

with such power. Only years later did it become clear

the ability of the camera, practicing seeing in B&W

that this is another characteristic of B&W; it has

and to regularly using this skill. Its value lies in that it

powerful story telling qualities that just simply cannot

is another way to be creative and expand what you can

be ignored.

already do as a photographer.

This timelessness works great for

photographing people. It seems to freeze time better and does not date as easily as colour does. This quality

For “in-camera B&W” to work successfully, the

is another clue of what works in B&W photography.

camera picture controls will need to be tweaked into

Think about documentary photographs that have left

producing better B&W tonal ranges. This is because

an impression on you, more often than not they are

DSLRs were designed to capture colour using the red,

probably B&W.

green and blue colour (RGB) spectrum. It is a mixture of these three colours that make up all other colours.

One of the advantages of “in-camera B&W”, is that

Black and white film produced an excellent tonal

you spend much less time working on a computer

range because its sole responsibility was to record

converting images. “In-camera B&W” is much more

tone. Simply setting the camera onto B&W or

practical, and with a bit of practice, it is easy to quickly

monochrome will produce flat images because the

change to B&W picture settings. Saying this, however,

camera is processing colour images into B&W by

working on Photoshop will allow greater choice and

simply removing all colour resulting in evenly toned

control over the final image but if your camera is set

images. The way around this problem is to set the contrast slightly higher resulting in a much better tonal range, with richer blacks and brighter whites.

world differently and this will influence your

Ultimately you do not want to turn the contrast too

photography for the better. On the other side of the

high because you will start loosing details in both the

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correctly it will still produce very good results. When using ”in-camera B&W” regularly you start seeing the

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TECHNIQUE shadow and highlight areas. shadow areas. Once you have done this, you will no The way to go about setting up your camera is to find a

longer need to change the exposure. Again consistency

scene that has medium contrast. Setting up a still life

is paramount.

indoors close to a window will give you the qualities of light perfect for camera set up. Essentially you will

Depending on your camera, the following instructions

look for light with some contrast but that is not too

will differ slightly so be sure to grab your camera

harsh. Pay attention to the shadows, they are important

manual if you get stuck. As a Nikon user I will

once you start changing the contrast settings. Also try

illustrate how its done using one of their cameras.

and include a subject with an interesting texture.

With the scene set up and your camera ready for Once you have got your subject ready, compose your

action:

photograph and get your camera on a tripod so that

?

Go into your “shooting menu”

your composition does not change. Consistency is the

?

Down to “set picture control”

key here.

?

Go down to “monochrome” or “MC” but don’t

Next get your exposure correct. Use whatever method

?

On your cursor button press the right arrow, which

press the ok button just yet. you prefer, be it a hand-held light meter, a grey card or

will open up a detailed menu.

my favourite, the histogram. Take a photograph in

?

First make sure that the “filter effects” are set to

colour and look for detail in the highlights and in the

“off” and that “toning” is set to B&W.

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IN CAMERA BLACK & WHITE ?

Make sure that “brightness” is set in the middle

and rather use your camera’s exposure controls to make images brighter or darker. ?

Now set the “contrast” on the “0“ and take your

first photograph. You should immediately notice how dull the image appears and that there is little difference in the tonal range. There should be little or no punchy dark tones or bright highlights. ?

The next step will be to progressively increase the

contrast setting, without changing the exposure settings, until you’re through all the settings.

Do not rush and set it to whatever looks best on the camera, because the LCD screen can be misleading.

Rather take a good look at the images on a computer.

The best images will have a good variety in tones.

Look for dark areas that are punchy and not dull and that you have a good tonal range right throughout. Set your camera to the contrast setting that worked best and trust it, remembering that you can always do some

B&W images and knowing that capturing them is

post-production on the images and get them looking

literally a few button pushes away, has helped me to

just right.

photograph more confidently. Sure, it has not completely replaced the role of B&W manipulation

Besides the technical side of this, its value for me as a

during post-production but it is another option. It is

photographer has been the way it has allowed me to

another creative tool that all photographers should be

look and capture the world around me in new ways, to

familiar with and hopefully, you will now give it a try.

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see in B&W. I am now on a constant lookout for good

[o]

Preparation & Practice

I

guess the one benefit of having to write a January magazine in December is that by the time the new year actually rolls around, you are used to typing and writing 2011 instead of 2010, so, its good practice and preparation.

That gives me an idea for this Final Comment. 2010 was an interesting year with many exciting and scary changes, perhaps 2011 should be a year of preparation and practice.

I have heard lately how lucky some people are because of the gear they own and the great pictures they take. I have heard of how lucky people are to travel to great destinations. I am sure I heard a famous golfer quoted as having said the more he practices the luckier he gets.

We live in the age where cameras are at their greatest and the limits of your creativity are knowing fewer and fewer bounds. This year should be the year that you extend yourself beyond those bounds.

Set yourself a goal - I know, this is the last thing you want to hear, but seriously, we would not have been here today with a print magazine and a growing website with great readers and supporters who attended our first photowalk in the Johannesburg CBD, if we had not set ourselves goals, even if they were not always visible.

It comes down a lot to what we, as photographers, should know a great deal about. Focus.

I also want to challenge you to pick a favourite photographic subject matter and make 2011 the year

where you focus your energies on that subject, working toward perfecting that genre in photography and making it your own.

I say this as I think all too often we try to be so diverse that we risk not excelling in any one particular area.

The year past was one which taught Greg and myself that. Sometimes we can have all the best intentions in the world and brilliant ideas, but if you trying to give too many things your all, you will at some point be giving them nothing.

Pick a path and perfect it in 2011. Set out to take the best portrait pictures, or the best pet pictures. Decide and define yourself by that this year.

This year, I think will be the year we tell stories in our images... I know that for myself personally, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to pursue my personal photography a little more and a long neglected project will provide my routine to drive it.

So, here is wishing you the best for 2011. [o]

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