Peter Souza: The Way I See It
Oct 18, 2020 09:56:27 #
Bubbee wrote:
Know what I liked best? His composition! He captured FEELINGS and the great historical significance...the masterful way he framed the photos. Yes. I'd love to know the settings , etc. because, of course, to avoid being noticed, he couldn't use flash. What ISO? Outdoors without fill?
What a wonderful photographic gift to History..and to the legacy of a truly great Man.
What a wonderful photographic gift to History..and to the legacy of a truly great Man.
Thanks to Chg Canon for posting a great link to a short video explaining what camera, lenses and settings.
https://petapixel.com/2020/04/04/a-look-into-white-house-photographer-pete-souzas-camera-bag/
Oct 18, 2020 09:57:41 #
Oct 18, 2020 10:01:31 #
Oct 18, 2020 10:10:07 #
scubadoc wrote:
To all who watched his documentary last night, was anyone struck by the lighting in his photos? There was so much dynamic range in his photos, and they were so evenly lit, regardless of whether they were interior or exterior shots. It did not appear that he was using a on-camera flash, and there was no if any studio type setup. Does anyone have an idea how he achieved his beautiful results, accepting the fact that he is an extremely gifted “people” photographer?
My frame of reference. I saw the name; Souza, and I thought of John Phillip Sousa. Different spelling maybe pronounced the same.
Oct 18, 2020 10:20:33 #
I'm a NIKON man and by request---I'm speaking up. :-)
Listen to first part of the video when he was holding up the screwdrivers---- the camera is just a tool. HE is the master. Humble,honest, and so very skilled. One thing he said several times that I really wish more photographers would work on---sharpness. He picked lenses that he felt were sharp!! Check out the focal lengths he uses, how often he shot wide open, and he is unafraid to shoot at high ISO for important photos. Lots of good tips in that little video.
Listen to first part of the video when he was holding up the screwdrivers---- the camera is just a tool. HE is the master. Humble,honest, and so very skilled. One thing he said several times that I really wish more photographers would work on---sharpness. He picked lenses that he felt were sharp!! Check out the focal lengths he uses, how often he shot wide open, and he is unafraid to shoot at high ISO for important photos. Lots of good tips in that little video.
Oct 18, 2020 10:21:32 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Man, I bet that makes you feel real good ~:)
Oct 18, 2020 10:31:30 #
It's all about lifestyle branding...
Trust me, I shoot commercial fashion where there is very little focus on the quality of the garments... i.e. tightness of weave, cut of fabric, silhouette, "hand" a.k.a. feel of the fabric... This list is extensive, and if you truly want to excel in shooting commercial fashion you have to master (at a minimum) the "language" of designers of this textile artistry... otherwise you'll likely be ignored and remain forever on the sidelines...
Same with photographic "Kit" were savvy vendors show their product in the hands of their target audience i.e. a dashing gentleman shooting vivacious fashion models, typically scantly clad. No it's not about the product it is entirely about a "Cherished Lifestyle" that of a "Professional Photographer".
The sad truth is whose who actually work in the professional arena are keenly aware what a shame this "idealized" Lifestyle is. I have assisted a myriad of commercial shooters in my marketplace (thanks to decades of gigs coming from the ASMP) and trust me it's so totally about blood, sweat, tears and toil... I've endured 14 hour days on site, working non-stop in 105 degree heat... drenched in sweat... dealing with angry clients and worse yet incredibly obnoxious art directors... Nope, the classic Professional Photographer "Lifestyle" myth is an illusion created by camera makers advertising agencies...
btw, when I first started out so many decades ago my significant other at the time was from NYC... She use to take me into the city an introduce me to her commercial shooter colleagues... The wisest piece of advice one of the most successful give me? Cover up all "Branding" marks on your camera with black electrical tape! Why? Because it is a MAJOR distraction when you are shooting weddings or other events where every Tom, Dick and Harry will be in your face with questions and options. His favorite line? "Oh the camera? it's not mine, it belongs to my agent."
Enough said... and good luck shooting at the White House a.k.a. a major Covid19 hot spot...
And if Covid19 doesn't get you then the pepper spray, teargas and flash bands will...
All the best on everyone's epic journey
Trust me, I shoot commercial fashion where there is very little focus on the quality of the garments... i.e. tightness of weave, cut of fabric, silhouette, "hand" a.k.a. feel of the fabric... This list is extensive, and if you truly want to excel in shooting commercial fashion you have to master (at a minimum) the "language" of designers of this textile artistry... otherwise you'll likely be ignored and remain forever on the sidelines...
Same with photographic "Kit" were savvy vendors show their product in the hands of their target audience i.e. a dashing gentleman shooting vivacious fashion models, typically scantly clad. No it's not about the product it is entirely about a "Cherished Lifestyle" that of a "Professional Photographer".
The sad truth is whose who actually work in the professional arena are keenly aware what a shame this "idealized" Lifestyle is. I have assisted a myriad of commercial shooters in my marketplace (thanks to decades of gigs coming from the ASMP) and trust me it's so totally about blood, sweat, tears and toil... I've endured 14 hour days on site, working non-stop in 105 degree heat... drenched in sweat... dealing with angry clients and worse yet incredibly obnoxious art directors... Nope, the classic Professional Photographer "Lifestyle" myth is an illusion created by camera makers advertising agencies...
btw, when I first started out so many decades ago my significant other at the time was from NYC... She use to take me into the city an introduce me to her commercial shooter colleagues... The wisest piece of advice one of the most successful give me? Cover up all "Branding" marks on your camera with black electrical tape! Why? Because it is a MAJOR distraction when you are shooting weddings or other events where every Tom, Dick and Harry will be in your face with questions and options. His favorite line? "Oh the camera? it's not mine, it belongs to my agent."
Enough said... and good luck shooting at the White House a.k.a. a major Covid19 hot spot...
And if Covid19 doesn't get you then the pepper spray, teargas and flash bands will...
All the best on everyone's epic journey
Oct 18, 2020 10:58:34 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Never miss a beat, do you? Thanks for the laugh.
Oct 18, 2020 11:08:11 #
Thomas902 wrote:
The wisest piece of advice one of the most successful give me? Cover up all "Branding" marks on your camera with black electrical tape! Why? Because it is a MAJOR distraction when you are shooting weddings or other events where every Tom, Dick and Harry will be in your face with questions and options. His favorite line? "Oh the camera? it's not mine, it belongs to my agent."
The wisest piece of advice one of the most successful give me? Cover up all "Branding" marks on your camera with black electrical tape! Why? Because it is a MAJOR distraction when you are shooting weddings or other events where every Tom, Dick and Harry will be in your face with questions and options. His favorite line? "Oh the camera? it's not mine, it belongs to my agent."
Guilty as charged. Was just at a wedding, the guy was shooting Nikon, so I naturally started a conversation with him while waiting for the bride and groom to show up. Just never got in his way and didn't talk to him again until everything was over.
Even with tape over the camera, I would have known it was a Nikon ...
Oct 18, 2020 11:18:46 #
scubadoc wrote:
Of course, but his talents transcend his tools
They would have to if he’s shooting Canon. 😜🤪
Oct 18, 2020 11:52:37 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Of course, your expected response, my friend. I hope you don't believe that! :)
Oct 18, 2020 12:10:19 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
In my opinion, your insinuation that "Canon" is the only good camera made is stupid. Canon is definitely the largest camera manufacturer in the world, but my impression of that is due more to their marketing strategies and success than their quality differences.
In my opinion, the feel of the camera in ones hand, and the logical and confident feel is what makes a camera right for the photographer. Brand aside, "if it feels right" is more important than anything written on the front of the camera. The image quality of any of the major brands today far exceed the ability of the photographers of today, it has always been that way.
Oct 18, 2020 12:29:01 #
truckster wrote:
Guilty as charged. Was just at a wedding, the guy was shooting Nikon, so I naturally started a conversation with him while waiting for the bride and groom to show up. Just never got in his way and didn't talk to him again until everything was over.
Even with tape over the camera, I would have known it was a Nikon ...
Even with tape over the camera, I would have known it was a Nikon ...
About two years ago my last child(42) got married to her boyfriend of 20 years. When we interviewed wedding photographers(3) I never asked about their camera. I only wanted to see their portfolio. The photographer and her two assistants did a wonderful job. I don"t know what camera she used. The three albums we received from the photographer were very professional.
However, the best pictures that showed the event and the spontaneity came from the two disposable cameras that we left on each table. Out of the 30 we got 27 back and had those developed. Of course the few that my 12 year nephew and his friends took in the men's room never made it in the scrapbook. Next time Jerome think...Mirrors. My brother took care of that problem.
Oct 18, 2020 12:43:53 #
traderjohn wrote:
My frame of reference. I saw the name; Souza, and I thought of John Phillip Sousa. Different spelling maybe pronounced the same.
My last name is Souza. Both spellings are pronounced the same. My husband's family were from the Azores and Brazil. Find the Souza name often in Brazil, Hawaii, California, Massachusetts.
Oct 18, 2020 12:54:56 #
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