Posts for: Thomas902
Jan 18, 2024 17:25:51 #
"...I would like to go all in for mirrorless..." Why Mike? Please share what perceived reason(s) drove this goal?
In my brief analysis the primary commercial photographers that truly benefit from the mirrorless paradigm (in my humble estimation) are the Sports/Action crew... It is here that mirrorless walks away from DSLR's (you can easily see this for yourself in the UHH Sports Forum or on flickr). Other than that I have found no compelling reason to abandon my substantial investment in F-Mount glass since even DxOmark rates Nikon's D810 and D850 IQ equal and/or better than Nikon's mirrorless offerings.
That said, currently I'm only interested in shooting commercially for recompense, a.k.a. for me the "thrill & joy" has long since gone so either I'm shooting for a client or I'll pursue other avenues more lucrative than photography... Such as Bridal Makeup Artistry which pays considerably more per/hour that wedding shooters typically make (per hour invested).
My question to you Mike is how many of your paying clients actually asked you "What Brand/Model camera are you using? I have yet to have a client ask me this, they only ask how soon they can have their deliverables
A very wise gentleman once enlightened me when I shared with him that my camera wasn't state of the art.
"and old clunker it may be, but try to replace it and we shall see..."
That was in the 1970's and I was shooting an F3...
Funny how nothing ever changes, just the players.
Food for thought Mike "It's a poor craft-person indeed that blames their kit for want of success."
If however you are paying the bills shooting sports at even the high school level then mirrorless can be (and often is) an empowering tool of choice. At the college and professional level check out those with credentials shooting from close in on the sidelines... It is there you'll likely find the Kit that has been validated through many, many hundreds of hours. Or you can get on flickr and search the top shooters portfolios where you can see precisely what kit they are plying their craft with. Got to love flickr, especially if you've ponied up for a Pro Account (which btw, suppress all the obnoxious ads like those you see on so many photography sites.
Hope this makes sense Mike... Wishing you much success with your Epic D500!
Oh, and maybe pick up several more D500s since the market availability is crazy high now.
As I type this mpb has seventeen D500's listed for sale!
In my brief analysis the primary commercial photographers that truly benefit from the mirrorless paradigm (in my humble estimation) are the Sports/Action crew... It is here that mirrorless walks away from DSLR's (you can easily see this for yourself in the UHH Sports Forum or on flickr). Other than that I have found no compelling reason to abandon my substantial investment in F-Mount glass since even DxOmark rates Nikon's D810 and D850 IQ equal and/or better than Nikon's mirrorless offerings.
That said, currently I'm only interested in shooting commercially for recompense, a.k.a. for me the "thrill & joy" has long since gone so either I'm shooting for a client or I'll pursue other avenues more lucrative than photography... Such as Bridal Makeup Artistry which pays considerably more per/hour that wedding shooters typically make (per hour invested).
My question to you Mike is how many of your paying clients actually asked you "What Brand/Model camera are you using? I have yet to have a client ask me this, they only ask how soon they can have their deliverables
A very wise gentleman once enlightened me when I shared with him that my camera wasn't state of the art.
"and old clunker it may be, but try to replace it and we shall see..."
That was in the 1970's and I was shooting an F3...
Funny how nothing ever changes, just the players.
Food for thought Mike "It's a poor craft-person indeed that blames their kit for want of success."
If however you are paying the bills shooting sports at even the high school level then mirrorless can be (and often is) an empowering tool of choice. At the college and professional level check out those with credentials shooting from close in on the sidelines... It is there you'll likely find the Kit that has been validated through many, many hundreds of hours. Or you can get on flickr and search the top shooters portfolios where you can see precisely what kit they are plying their craft with. Got to love flickr, especially if you've ponied up for a Pro Account (which btw, suppress all the obnoxious ads like those you see on so many photography sites.
Hope this makes sense Mike... Wishing you much success with your Epic D500!
Oh, and maybe pick up several more D500s since the market availability is crazy high now.
As I type this mpb has seventeen D500's listed for sale!
Jan 17, 2024 20:48:53 #
Oh my goodness Vicki, please give your oldest daughter my deepest appreciation for her career journey...
While working in an ICU as a Registered Nurse is a major challenge in itself, having to administer care to those who may not fully comprehend the gravity of their situation/condition is at another level entirely!
Although all Licensed Registered Nurses must passed their state board exam (NCLEX-RN) and complete their licensing academic requirements (set in place by the state they work in) they also typically have at least one or more years experience as a "floor nurse" in a hospital before they are even considered for hire into an ICU environment. Adding the communicational challenges and complexities of providing critical care to a pediatric population is a huge step above what a "floor nurse" is faced with.
Yes your daughter has a Herculean task of dealing with heighten stress levels as the sole "team" member where there is zero tolerance to error or omission in providing this level of continuous care (typically 12 shifts (i.e. tours of duty)).
That said there have been recent significant changes on how many Hospitals are addressing the merits of Parental Presence at the Bedside (PPB) of critically ill children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
Here is a link to a Peer Reviewed Paper on NIH PubMed Central which is focused on the aforementioned. It's an interesting read and hopefully a harbinger of a higher quality of care, and it's impact on better outcomes.
Again please give your daughter my sincere adoration on her career choice Vicki.
While working in an ICU as a Registered Nurse is a major challenge in itself, having to administer care to those who may not fully comprehend the gravity of their situation/condition is at another level entirely!
Although all Licensed Registered Nurses must passed their state board exam (NCLEX-RN) and complete their licensing academic requirements (set in place by the state they work in) they also typically have at least one or more years experience as a "floor nurse" in a hospital before they are even considered for hire into an ICU environment. Adding the communicational challenges and complexities of providing critical care to a pediatric population is a huge step above what a "floor nurse" is faced with.
Yes your daughter has a Herculean task of dealing with heighten stress levels as the sole "team" member where there is zero tolerance to error or omission in providing this level of continuous care (typically 12 shifts (i.e. tours of duty)).
That said there have been recent significant changes on how many Hospitals are addressing the merits of Parental Presence at the Bedside (PPB) of critically ill children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
Here is a link to a Peer Reviewed Paper on NIH PubMed Central which is focused on the aforementioned. It's an interesting read and hopefully a harbinger of a higher quality of care, and it's impact on better outcomes.
Again please give your daughter my sincere adoration on her career choice Vicki.
Jan 17, 2024 13:08:09 #
Thank you so very much for your kind words and continued support Vicki...
They mean so much coming from a master of the craft.
btw I totally LOVE your doggie imagery in your flickr feed Vicki it is especially endearing...
This collection of doggie portraiture is beyond fabulous.
The skillful studio illumination you use in those portraits is absolutely breathtaking!
Dogs are indeed such noble creatures and connote i.e. symbolize faith and loyalty especially when included in portraiture. So much so that in portraiture of married couples, a dog placed in a woman's lap or at her feet can represent a.k.a. is synonymous with marital fidelity. As such it is frequently found in the portfolios of many high end Portrait Photographers.
Wishing you much joy and continued success on your photographic journey Vicki...
They mean so much coming from a master of the craft.
btw I totally LOVE your doggie imagery in your flickr feed Vicki it is especially endearing...
This collection of doggie portraiture is beyond fabulous.
The skillful studio illumination you use in those portraits is absolutely breathtaking!
Dogs are indeed such noble creatures and connote i.e. symbolize faith and loyalty especially when included in portraiture. So much so that in portraiture of married couples, a dog placed in a woman's lap or at her feet can represent a.k.a. is synonymous with marital fidelity. As such it is frequently found in the portfolios of many high end Portrait Photographers.
Wishing you much joy and continued success on your photographic journey Vicki...
Jan 16, 2024 16:32:42 #
"...Love seeing your work!"
Thank you so much for your kind words Michael, they are dearly appreciated...
And likewise I totally LOVE seeing your work Michael, especially Gracie Lynn at 12 and a half years...
The download is epic with such a radiant joyful smile with sparkling eyes...
Also Loving a girl, her horse, and the barn cats so endearing, so beautifully done...
All the best on your fabulous photographic journey Michael
Thank you so much for your kind words Michael, they are dearly appreciated...
And likewise I totally LOVE seeing your work Michael, especially Gracie Lynn at 12 and a half years...
The download is epic with such a radiant joyful smile with sparkling eyes...
Also Loving a girl, her horse, and the barn cats so endearing, so beautifully done...
All the best on your fabulous photographic journey Michael
Jan 16, 2024 12:35:13 #
"How did she achieve that pose? Perfect 90 degree bend at her wrist?"
We have floor to ceiling huge full length mirrors in the Studio where the talent can study their pose dynamic in real-time. Kelsey soon learn how to use them effectively... It fact Richard Avedon deployed a huge mirror directly behind his camera when shooting in his studio... I took his lead here Julian and duplicated same... The model's LOVE it!
btw I just did a maternity shoot with a former Agency Model who decided at the last minute she wanted "High Key" renderings... And she missed having those mirrors... Well, those mirrors are massive and weight too much to move around like Post-It Notes.
btw, we managed to pull it off anyway with some arm waving and verbal coaching.
Below is one of the Concept Images by © Igor D on flickr... It's from a NYC Fashion Editorial Photographer. The best of the best gravitate toward NYC... Why? It's where all the major advertising agencies are located. Funny how Money changes everything.
Hope this helps or is at least food for thought.
Again thanks so much for your very kind words Julian
We have floor to ceiling huge full length mirrors in the Studio where the talent can study their pose dynamic in real-time. Kelsey soon learn how to use them effectively... It fact Richard Avedon deployed a huge mirror directly behind his camera when shooting in his studio... I took his lead here Julian and duplicated same... The model's LOVE it!
btw I just did a maternity shoot with a former Agency Model who decided at the last minute she wanted "High Key" renderings... And she missed having those mirrors... Well, those mirrors are massive and weight too much to move around like Post-It Notes.
btw, we managed to pull it off anyway with some arm waving and verbal coaching.
Below is one of the Concept Images by © Igor D on flickr... It's from a NYC Fashion Editorial Photographer. The best of the best gravitate toward NYC... Why? It's where all the major advertising agencies are located. Funny how Money changes everything.
Hope this helps or is at least food for thought.
Again thanks so much for your very kind words Julian
© Igor D on flickr
Jan 16, 2024 11:59:13 #
Many thanks for your continued support John...
You always seem to find the time to review and reflect...
Best wishes on your photographic journey.
You always seem to find the time to review and reflect...
Best wishes on your photographic journey.
Jan 16, 2024 11:57:01 #
"This is a great shot!"
Thank you for your support Chip...
Kelsey's mom loved it as did the fashion designer.
At the end of the day that's all that truly matters...
Again many thanks and please continue to post here in the People Forum Chip.
Thank you for your support Chip...
Kelsey's mom loved it as did the fashion designer.
At the end of the day that's all that truly matters...
Again many thanks and please continue to post here in the People Forum Chip.
Jan 16, 2024 11:32:24 #
"Such a unique pose for this doll-faced waif.
Agreed raymondh... Kelsey is indeed a classic "Doll" who's mom brought her to our studio in hopes that we might be able to guide Kelsey on her Dream Career as a waif fashion model in the footsteps of Kate Moss (both being underage to work professional without a guardian's consent (and/or becoming an emancipated minor)
btw My on-line presence on "Broken Doll Models" has brought other talent to our studio in pursuit of this same young girl's dream... Most young Guys simply want to be Football Stars, while their female counterparts are totally focused on the Fashion Catwalks of New York; Paris; Milan; Tokyo and London.
I have seen this in spades here on UHH where the membership is predominately male (and pretty much naive about High Fashion) albeit we did have one female fashion shooter posting here a half decade ago however she soon left to post on flickr (wise move)
Thanks again for your thoughtful reflections on Kelsey raymondh... She is a one in a million talent...
Agreed raymondh... Kelsey is indeed a classic "Doll" who's mom brought her to our studio in hopes that we might be able to guide Kelsey on her Dream Career as a waif fashion model in the footsteps of Kate Moss (both being underage to work professional without a guardian's consent (and/or becoming an emancipated minor)
btw My on-line presence on "Broken Doll Models" has brought other talent to our studio in pursuit of this same young girl's dream... Most young Guys simply want to be Football Stars, while their female counterparts are totally focused on the Fashion Catwalks of New York; Paris; Milan; Tokyo and London.
I have seen this in spades here on UHH where the membership is predominately male (and pretty much naive about High Fashion) albeit we did have one female fashion shooter posting here a half decade ago however she soon left to post on flickr (wise move)
Thanks again for your thoughtful reflections on Kelsey raymondh... She is a one in a million talent...
My presence on Boken Doll Models where countless gifted young talent pursuit their Dream Career
(Download)
Jan 16, 2024 10:40:45 #
Thank you for your kind words and continue support Don...
Albeit virtually all credit goes to the aggregate team synergy latent within provided by Kelsey, Devon and most importantly the creator of the ensembles, Tique who's hand made textile artistry we showcased in this collaborative..
She furnished thousands of dollars worth on Haute Couture garments for the shoot after meeting with Kelsey and I in her Washington DC studio.
This is how the Fashion Industry flourishes within our diverse cultures. While NYC is the epicenter of the Fashion Industry in America our Studio hopes to put Washington DC on the Fashion Catwalk circuit.
I actually became aware of Tique at a Washington DC Fashion Event thus after finding the right talent we approached her for the possibility of creating catalog fashion imagery for her marketing efforts. That's how this image happen... I was only one player in the mix of outstanding talent.
Again many thanks Don...
Albeit virtually all credit goes to the aggregate team synergy latent within provided by Kelsey, Devon and most importantly the creator of the ensembles, Tique who's hand made textile artistry we showcased in this collaborative..
She furnished thousands of dollars worth on Haute Couture garments for the shoot after meeting with Kelsey and I in her Washington DC studio.
This is how the Fashion Industry flourishes within our diverse cultures. While NYC is the epicenter of the Fashion Industry in America our Studio hopes to put Washington DC on the Fashion Catwalk circuit.
I actually became aware of Tique at a Washington DC Fashion Event thus after finding the right talent we approached her for the possibility of creating catalog fashion imagery for her marketing efforts. That's how this image happen... I was only one player in the mix of outstanding talent.
Again many thanks Don...
Jan 15, 2024 23:11:18 #
jaredjacobson I've worked gigs I've booked through the ASMP as a lighting assistant...
These were primarily High End portrait and product shoots where the "Tog" on the shoots were using Manfrotto Magic Arms with Manfrotto Super Clamps... They are priceless, precious and irreplaceable for highly complex scenarios...
Many times I would be up on a 12' wooden step ladder and clamping these to either the ladder's side or steps...
It is totally amazing at how eloquent the results would look... With only two players it appeared to be an entire gaffer team... It is so easy to understand how Manfrotto "owns" lighting and equipment support in Europe... Built to last...
Hope this helps or is at lease food for thought... Cheers! Thomas
These were primarily High End portrait and product shoots where the "Tog" on the shoots were using Manfrotto Magic Arms with Manfrotto Super Clamps... They are priceless, precious and irreplaceable for highly complex scenarios...
Many times I would be up on a 12' wooden step ladder and clamping these to either the ladder's side or steps...
It is totally amazing at how eloquent the results would look... With only two players it appeared to be an entire gaffer team... It is so easy to understand how Manfrotto "owns" lighting and equipment support in Europe... Built to last...
Hope this helps or is at lease food for thought... Cheers! Thomas
Jan 15, 2024 15:21:52 #
Clothing Designer: Vanda Tique for Donnastella Designs
Hair Styling: Cosmetologist, Devon Baltimore
Model: Kelsey Renea (currently unsigned)
Kit: Nikon D300 w/ AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR DX Nikkor
Lighting: 30x60" Softbox Camera Left; Background 90" wide Thunder Gray Sweep
Hair Styling: Cosmetologist, Devon Baltimore
Model: Kelsey Renea (currently unsigned)
Kit: Nikon D300 w/ AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR DX Nikkor
Lighting: 30x60" Softbox Camera Left; Background 90" wide Thunder Gray Sweep
Jan 15, 2024 15:01:48 #
Way too cute! Albeit with those Owl Decoys I'm surprised you weren't overwhelmed with a flock of Crows!
Thank you for sharing this epic outing...
Thank you for sharing this epic outing...
Jan 15, 2024 14:55:48 #
Lovely Loop Lighting using Mother Nature's superb Softbox... Natural Window Light...
btw, her use of eyeliner and lip decor lifts this image's narrative into the Beauty Genre paradigm
The only suggestion I might make here is to shoot with fast glass wide open in your camera's basement ISO in order to maximize dynamic range... This helps to avoid plugged shadows and blowout highlights (or use a reflector to kick light back into the shadows) either way works, though it helps to have someone who knows how to hold a reflector to fill shadow areas...
You're a very lucky gentlemen to have such a gorgeous daughter... Hope you're honing your wedding/bridal photography skills... She may show up with a ring on her left hand fourth finger, a.k.a. the ring finger.
And always remember you'll not be losing a daughter you will instead be gaining a son...
Thank you for sharing... Wishing you much joy on your photographic journey
btw, her use of eyeliner and lip decor lifts this image's narrative into the Beauty Genre paradigm
The only suggestion I might make here is to shoot with fast glass wide open in your camera's basement ISO in order to maximize dynamic range... This helps to avoid plugged shadows and blowout highlights (or use a reflector to kick light back into the shadows) either way works, though it helps to have someone who knows how to hold a reflector to fill shadow areas...
You're a very lucky gentlemen to have such a gorgeous daughter... Hope you're honing your wedding/bridal photography skills... She may show up with a ring on her left hand fourth finger, a.k.a. the ring finger.
And always remember you'll not be losing a daughter you will instead be gaining a son...
Thank you for sharing... Wishing you much joy on your photographic journey
Jan 13, 2024 18:17:00 #
Don one thing I forgot to mention is how unique the "Cultural Mystic" within the Equestrian community/world actually is... They have a language & terminology that takes some time to master in order to communicate effective with those immersed within.
That said please realize that my clients were all 11-14 year olds comprised predominately of high spirited young girls who's skill and command of their Equestrian Endeavor is simply amazing! Should you wish to become involved with the aforementioned in your market I highly recommend that you review an excellent flick called "Moondance Alexander...
Here is a short Trailer for Moondance Alexander
This movie may indeed change the way you view the ambience latent within the Equestrian Arena, it certainly changed my entire outlook and attitude in regard to my clients "unique" world...
A young girl and her horse is a very special and wondrous thing...
btw, Moondance Alexander is actually based on a very real, poignant and heartwarming story...
Don since you've been so supportive of my photographic journey I would be more than happy to send you my copy of this epic DVD... or at least a check for $10 to cover the current pricing (including shipping) of Moondance Alexander.
Again, wishing you much joy and success on your photographic journey Don...
That said please realize that my clients were all 11-14 year olds comprised predominately of high spirited young girls who's skill and command of their Equestrian Endeavor is simply amazing! Should you wish to become involved with the aforementioned in your market I highly recommend that you review an excellent flick called "Moondance Alexander...
Here is a short Trailer for Moondance Alexander
This movie may indeed change the way you view the ambience latent within the Equestrian Arena, it certainly changed my entire outlook and attitude in regard to my clients "unique" world...
A young girl and her horse is a very special and wondrous thing...
btw, Moondance Alexander is actually based on a very real, poignant and heartwarming story...
Don since you've been so supportive of my photographic journey I would be more than happy to send you my copy of this epic DVD... or at least a check for $10 to cover the current pricing (including shipping) of Moondance Alexander.
Again, wishing you much joy and success on your photographic journey Don...
Jan 13, 2024 02:48:58 #
Loving this series Don...
Your renderings of these pivotal moments are very nicely done...
Totally enjoyed this post, brought back many cherished memories of client work in the Hunter/Jumper arena for Reportage photography of the equestrian competitions in Northern Virginia "Horse Country"
Albeit I was primarily hired for editorial portraiture... Not the event competition (thankfully).
I will share that there is an epic magical bond between a 11 to 14 year old girl and her horse...
Some actually braid and add colorful bows to their horses mane and tail (which I was amazed to learn that they use special Shampoo and Conditioner to enhance Mane and Tail for "Special Events").
It's another world entire Don...
Since they where clients I had to become very familiar with all the Tradition involved.
Probably toughest assignments were when I had to capture a spirited young lady atop her lovely animal totally airborne a.k.a. all hooves off the ground in a Canter... i.e. "Pegasus
See below...
Your renderings of these pivotal moments are very nicely done...
Totally enjoyed this post, brought back many cherished memories of client work in the Hunter/Jumper arena for Reportage photography of the equestrian competitions in Northern Virginia "Horse Country"
Albeit I was primarily hired for editorial portraiture... Not the event competition (thankfully).
I will share that there is an epic magical bond between a 11 to 14 year old girl and her horse...
Some actually braid and add colorful bows to their horses mane and tail (which I was amazed to learn that they use special Shampoo and Conditioner to enhance Mane and Tail for "Special Events").
It's another world entire Don...
Since they where clients I had to become very familiar with all the Tradition involved.
Probably toughest assignments were when I had to capture a spirited young lady atop her lovely animal totally airborne a.k.a. all hooves off the ground in a Canter... i.e. "Pegasus
See below...
Equestrian Event Hunter-Jumper Class; Trot & Canter Division; Nikon D3x; AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED IF VR; FL: 250mm; @ F/4; Shutter Speed: 1/2000; ISO: 360; Venue: Turner Farm, VA
(Download)
Fashion Narrative... Equestrian Event Equitation: Short Stirrup Division; Nikon D3x; AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED IF VR FL: 350mm; @: F/4; 1/2000 second; ISO: 900; Turner Farm, Great Falls, VA
