It's been a long time.

It's been a long time since i've put my camera to the shelf and my my hobby on pause. I had a lot of things to do and had no time for anything.
But since i've seen my nikon daily, and knowing that i have a very basic "studio" gear at home the time had to come when i had to say now.
I have to admit i forgot how fun is this. You will see what is missing from your current gear.
I've found out that for background you don't have to go for an expensive fabric. You can go to a fabric shop, and get a few meters from the kind you like. (from 1,5 euro  for a 100X150 cm ). Hang somewhere (i'm thinking to get a curtain valance (4 Euros for an extendable one in IKEA. :) ) and use a flash. the rest is depends on you. And it's easier than you think. :)


For these pictures i've use on'y what i've found at home. and my chap home "studio flash" and/or my system flash.

It's on.

In my last post I've mentioned that i was in a studio.
Well, here are the approved pictures. Enjoy, and share your thoughts.

See my other pictures in my Picasa album 

1st time...

I'm over it. Yes, i had my fist studio session, my first request for it, and the first feedback about the photos.

It's done.

I can tell, if you want to try yourself out in a studio, don't hesitate. It's amazing, hard, and exhausting.

Photos will come soon, but until than let me share some toughs and good to know tips for the first tries.

So the things what I've learnt. 

The most important thing is to ask for assistance. You can do everything by yourself, but handling the lists/tripods, etc and shooting the pictures will distract you, and the model too. Which can be seen on the pictures.

The second thing, is to take short breaks. I've been making photos for more than 2 hours, and i realize that in every 30-45 minute it's good to have a 5-10 minute break, while your model can rest a bit, or can check the pictures or correct the makeup. It will build confidence in her/himself, and gives you some time to think.

Bring water! In the center of the flashes the model will require to drink. and believe or not, you too.

Use everything the model has. Long hair? nice legs? colorful eye? well shaped lips? Record. Concentrate on them. Use them. Believe or not, if you focus on the "parts" what the model is proud to, will make her/him to do a showoff. And than you can capture the essence of the model.

Look around in the studio. Is there anything what you can bring in to the scene? Even a pair of gloves can bring some extra.

Don't afraid to ask the model to do something. If you were able to connect with the model, she/he will be happy to do what you ask. (within in reasonable limits of course) Just ask. Move the model. Ask to make silly faces. try to make the session to be fun. If the model enjoys the session, you'll be able to make good pictures.

And speak. Show that you are keen to make good pictures. Tell what you want to see, in short sentences. Make it simple. Turn left a bit, turn your head back. Look here, look over there. Turn around, look back. But before that, tell why you asking. ( like ok. on the next series i want to make pictures like this. I would like to see this. ok?)

On technical side, don't forget to ask about the flashes. Flash sync speed is important. For example in my case the flashes could be used on 1/160s sync speed. I didn't know that. I've started the session on 1/200. So most of my pictures had the gradient shade on the lower side of the sensor, and i've noticed it only at home.

These are the things i've learnt. I hope you'll be able to use them, and again. Don't hesitate to go to studio. It's fun, and you can develop a lot. Grab a friend and go make some photos.

Rapid Shooting

One of my friend asked me yesterday, if I would have some time to make some pictures about his friend for some web contest. It was Friday afternoon, and i knew that i would have 2 hours free on the weekend. So i said yes.

The only thing i knew that the subject of the photos would be a girl who will wearing a corset, and she wants outdoor pictures. We fixed the time for 2:30 PM, and the location, the nearby ruins of an amphitheatrum. 

So Today i started my ritual, which i always do before the session: dismantle the gear i will use, clean every part of it one by one, and assemble it again, put it back to my camera bag. It usually takes 30 minutes, and helps me to clear my mind. I take my Nikon, the new battery grip, an 50mm 1,8 lens, the 17-105mm kit lens. A flashgun, the Aurora Firelfy, a home made sync cable (with a length of 6m cat5 cable) a car window shade (silver) for reflector and a 1l Coke.

We spend approx 1 hour taking the photos in the direct sunlight (was bad idea i have to admit) and the cool wind.

The results? Well, You tell me. :)

Workshop.

It was the end of 2012. I got an opportunity to attend on a Basic Studio light workshop.
Do you know what that means? Well. Pack together a few photographers. Let's say you are in the middle of the experience level in the group.
Grab a "teacher".
Some light stands, stobes, background, nice girls and let it roll.
Well. I have to admit, the last time when i was in a photo studio, i was approx 5 yrs old, and the kindergarten made the traditional Look how my daughter/son grew up.
That was my last experience.
the tutor told us a lot of things. But 1 sentence grab my attention:
,, The funniest thing in studio lightning is the following: It's damn easy". I've added a few things:
- I've read a lot about how to setup, what to do, why, how to measure, how to calculate........ andsooooooon.
Funny thing. All of us has an extremely important and precise light meter. Our eyes. Put that light here, see the result. Grab this light, and put over there. See. Adjust. Looks good, take a photo. Basically that's all the magic. ( ok i know it far more complex. But you have to admit. If you never tried, you would be as terrified about the studio lights, the setup, the equipment, etc as i was.)
1 day. 6 hours. Result? I feel the i will be able to handle the strobes, and light modifiers just enough to make a band photo, or a nice "profile" picture. And what is more important. I will have the confidence in myself about this. So that will also create a big chance to success. If you as low on budget as me about photography. (I admit it. its a passion for me.) you can still try yourself out in a studio. in Hungary you can rent one with some equipment and backgrounds for 10 euros/hour. Ask a friend, or bring your loved one. And shoot.
Can't be difficult. So for new year, that's the plan. (I've added this to the "Sell 1 photo" whislist)

The Prom

Ok. Here's the deal. You have a camera. You take pictures. You are more or less capable to shoot good pictures. Sometimes. So be a photographer for a young lady's Prom. The Prom.
Scene: A Handball stadium.. Max distance is around 57m (approx 160 feet).
I have to say, i never did something like that. The pressure on me ( what i've felt) was worse than what i've felt on my friend's wedding. This was the Big day for the lil'girl.
I've spoken one of my friend who did some events like this. (Thx for the suggestions Attila!)
I had my 17-105 VR, my 50, and my old 70-300 Tamron, a Nissin Flashgun.
What i did not have: Experience and knowledge about the choreography.  Oh, and i also didn't have a good place. Fixed position behind the display, without the permission to move. Can you imagine? I've faced with a strange situation. Everything was happening right on the other side. Always. The dances, the speeches. Everything.
In no time i got myself in the "Oh, screw it!" mood, but i had to present good/quality photos about the event. No place for letting down the family.
So after a hour (Do you know how difficult to hold  ~2 kg equipment in hand for that long? I never knew. My hands started to shake so much even the VR was not enough to compensate!!!!) i gave up my position, and started to run all over the place to make at least a few good shots. Just before my nerves would melt down,.
I was able to enter to the "dancefloor". That was the another point when I've had to admit. It would be a really good idea to attend on the prolusion. To know where i should pay attention. Of course I had no idea what will happen on the dancefloor.....
So it was somekind of a nightmare. But you know what? The family just loved my photos. :D Even i was able to find some really nice pictures.
So after all it was a good learning. The lessons:
- Don't even start to formal event to make photos without knowing what will happen there, when.
- Be prepared everything. It can happen there is good light, but eventually you'll have to adjust your settings as you would make photos in a low light environment.- Pack water and powerbar. You'll need it.
And to share and show Some of the good pictures.

Happy Birthday for me in advance. :)

Yes, I'm just about to get elder. Usually i don't really like birthdays, You know, the party, the presents, etc.
Ok, i'm kidding. So i don't really like birthdays, because of the counter increases. Now it's gonna be 31. Strange.
Well, this year I decided to invest a little to my hobby. (It's sounds better if i say it was a present than telling that I bought new stuff for something i don't get any money back from it, but i spend quite a lot time with it, with questionable results :) )
So as I've read the photography is about light. How You use light, and what do you do with it.
As mainly I'm a concert photographer (still hobbist :) ) I don't have any control on lights. It's already there. So instead set up the light as I would like them, I have to adapt it to my pictures. Good light, no light, red light. Any light. I have to say i don't really know anything about light setup. (Yes, I've read a lot about basic light setups, but i never had a chance to try them.)
Now it will change.
Let me Introduce my new toys. (from Mikrosat)
The first one is a simple set. Nothing fancy, a tripod an umbrella holder, and a flash-bulb.

The Second one is the real traveler pack. Few months ago i've decided to create a beauty dish, because it seen to be easy. Everything was ok, except the mounting to anything. Than i saw this:

Basically it's an Octobox - Umbrella designed for flashguns. Since i have a quite "flashy" Nissin, i decided to get this one too, with an additional tripod. (As i count, currently i have now 2 tripods for flash, 2 for camera, and one monopod at home. Seems a bit too much? :) )
Oh, yes. And the real thing. How this works? Well, the 1st test pictures seems to be nice.:)

set to BW+Vignetting effect in Lightroom. 

I will try to learn now... So Lights, Camera, Action..... Shooot!
(Images of products are taken from Mikrosat's webpage. See details above)

One night in......

... Bangkok Poznan.
Well, it's strange. I always knew that the Polish people are nice and welcoming people. Somehow (for business) I could visit again this nice Country. The Destination was Poznan, and i had a free night on the first day. (Just for an example the taxi driver who took me from the airport to my hotel bought me a bottle of beer when I told him that i want  to try out the best polish beers. So he just stopped, and bought me one of their finest.For free. :) )
So I grab my gear, asked for a map, and hit the city. Guess what. I was walking in the cold (approx 6 C or 42F) with only a leather jacket+T-shirt. After a hour I ended up in a pub (Johnnie Rocker). And a local band just started to play. Yes, it was a live performance night. I was sitting there with my Nikon in my bag. So I ordered a beer and start shooting the band. Nobody asked me who am I, or where I came from. They were good. I mean, they could make the mood for the approx 75 people. Not bad for young band.
And when i sent them my pictures i got a very good feedback. I mean, a really good one.They were not the fist - and i hope not the last one- who told me they really liked my pictures, but for now, it was something different. I really know nothing about them. What music they play, what is their "style" but it seems I was able to deliver for them what they haven't expected. That was the special in this case.
If you like rock music and you're in Poland, that band is a must see (Stormy Monday).
I'll add only 1 picture this time, my personal fav. Do you remember the previous post's blue contour like photo? Well, here is an another one. I kinda like the mood. :)

To Be....... Means....

To be an artist means you have a way to express yourself. You stick to the essence of something, and you have a tool to show it.
To be a photographer means you have a view of looking to things. Those things can be anything. A flower, a landscape, a vase, a building or a nice bowl with food. You have a vision, and you want to show it.
You can be anything. a mom, boyfriend, a best man, a landlord, a plumber, a doctor. And you can be a photographer too. I'm (If i can reference myself as this) an IT engineer. And sometimes i grab my gear, and try to be the man with the Nikon.
Today I started to create a page for my "Photography". As I started to select my pictures i've found out something. Even if I try to show my vision in different ways, if i'm experimenting, my pictures usually the same. Good, someone say, but the same.
For me it's always difficult to get the "best of" selection on photo-shoots. It's like you have to show your very best to someone, who does not know you, but will judge you at your first try. No matter how hard that night was, no matter how difficult the conditions were while you held that camera, you'll be judged at the first picture you show.
And to get back. I made approx 15000+ pictures in the last 2 years. Mostly on concert events. And I'm still make my best pictures with the eye of a fan of the band. I can't change that. Trying to get the mood, the sweet moments of the event. (even if it's a killing feeling metal band plays with a lead singer who looks like a devil).
And now, i can tell, that I have a vision. I have a way to show how would i feel on that concert. It's really hard to keep the passion, and the good mood. But if i loose it, I will finish the night with, let's say 25 maybe good pictures. I remember, I had an event where i ended up with 200+ "Wow" like images. And it was because I felt good. Not because the music. Not because the band was super famous. Just because they were able to create a mood, and i could freeze it in 12M pixels...

I have to say. I'm not a photographer. Nor an artist. I'm just guy who records feelings with a camera. Yes. My pictures are the same. Only the subject and the angle, and the focal point, the exposure, the colors, the DOF differs. The passion (the bands, and mine) is always the same....

Sometime all you need is to open your eyes...

This will be a rapid post. About what you need to make photo. If you have anything what can record light, the only thing still needed is to open your eyes.
This pic is made during a break just in the front of the building i work.
Let's call it Stages.... Or Riders of the Ages...

Made via my mobile in 5 seconds. I know, I know. But it has a mood/feeling. :)

I AM Trying

Not much to say. Just seen this video. Tells everything.

Mind The Gap vol4.

Still minding the gap. :)
London. Not just a town for approx 8 million people, fully loaded with history, but a town where the nature and the city meets. I've never thought that a city could have this diversity of animals, plants, flowers. You can walk a few hours to see the historical buildings (Yup, Big Ben, The Tower), see the glass-iron-concrete beauties (The Gherkin, the still under construction Shard), but anywhere you go, you will face with parks. Hyde, St. James, Kew Garden.... Steel, glass, granite, grass, wood... A complex system.
I was amazed by the "Royal Squirrels" in the St.James, or next to the Planetarium, or the Mighty Pigeons in Kew garden.
Making photos about nature is always difficult, especially when you're a tourist. An animal looks good on pictures, if you can show them. ( Usually running like hell, and disappears before you can lift your gear.)
To show the beauty of the nature usually comes with macro photos ( which is almost impossible if you're not prepared for short-range photos). But if you're there, well, you have to - at least try - to show it.
Well, I've tried.

Georgie the cactus

Just sit down, and relax with history.

The "Royal Squirrel"

When a bench calls you to sit.

Mind The Gap vol3

Still mind the gap.

The most amazing thing in London was the architecture. It's stunning how the old buildings and the new High-tech offices are matched together.

You just walkin on the streets, and you can see how the future can be integrated into the past. It's like a time-travel. you can use your imagination and see the what-if-i-were-live-that-time.

Mind The Gap vol2

Yes, still minding the gap.
In this short post, I continue with the previous tourist, or photographer topic, but from an another perspective.
I'm a hobbist. The advantage from this that i know the rules, and some basic technical background. I've seen the true tourists, who started shooting during twilight with flash. I hope they get what they wanted.
Instead of flash, i looked for something solid, set the trigger to 2 sec delay with longer exposure, aim, and shoot.

I know it's still not fully composed. But it think this is when the tourist meet the photographer. When you know what you want to see, and able to deliver it. (and if i would have my tripod with me... )

Mind The Gap vol1.

It was a long time, as usual. Busy workdays, and no energy to post, or shoot.
But finally some free time, holiday, and sightseeing. Again, it was very difficult to separate the hobbist from the tourist in myself. Is it really required to separate?
I think sometimes yes. You cannot be there, and see and enjoy if you are looking the city trough the viewfinder.
The title is ,,Mind The Gap" This year we finally get to London. 5 days with the amazing city, without time, without things to worry about. But i was a tourist well, lets say: mostly. This is the vol1, because i would like to show how different a tourist and a photographer view about a city. I had a little both of it.
As a Tourist, the most important thing is the journey. To be there, and grab some memories with you, also (if possible) some pictures. Some stereotype: The asian tourists usually running across the city with their camera and shooting everything they see. They'll have memories, and funny stories, and they will show, and tell, and they will be happy. Everything is important on the journey. There is no "wrong" picture. Over/underexposure does not matter. out of focus? Who cares. What matters is the story behind the picture what the tourists tell:

The changing of the guards in London, and we were 2m from the guards and.....

Why to try to create better pictures? Not just point and shoot? Why stand there prepared and compose, set, wait and shoot? Well, sometimes you can do it. sometimes you want to do it. (Show me someone who don't want to see the stunning, amazed faces when she/he shows the holiday photos.... :) ) But if you spend the most of the time in a "holiday reporter" role, you will be able to show the best pictures ever. But when they'll ask you and? how was your holiday, you can answer them: I had my gear, the lights were fine, so i enjoyed it.

Don't overdo it. (not to mention that it is a terrible death if your partner (husband, wife, bf, gf) beats you to death with your tripod)

I've tried to bring out the most of the theme/situation in 30 seconds. It's a very good practice. And the results. Well, if you can show them, and the pictures itself will tell the story instead of you. Well, than you did a great job. (this is where i still need to develop):

It's darkness down there....

... So grab your gear.... What else could i say. :) Ok, maybe some additional info.
Maybe, most of you know, that Budapest is famous about it's thermal springs, and mineral water. One of the outcome is the famous spas, the others are the bottled mineral waters in the shops, grocery stores. There is an another result. The caves.In the relative small part of the city there are two drip-stone caves. Today, we made a small trip (approx 500 meters in destination, and 50 minutes in duration) with my fiancée down to the Pál-völgyi barlang. First i wanted to left home my camera, because of the darkness, and because there is water everywhere. Now I've learnt what is the difference between a compact and a DSLR camera. No flash, but ISO 3200. Results? Well. :)

The last picture taken with flash. The others without it. So if there is no light, or extremly low light. Don't be afraid. Just grab your gear, and start shooting. Of course, in RAW. :)

Passion of the subject

What should i say. It's important.
I've read somewhere that the best portrait recipe is to create pictures of the subject of the portrait when she or he does something he/she likes or enjoys. For a long time, I always thought that to be a good portrait photographer the most important thing is to learn the essentials of lighting.(strobes, sofboxes, modifiers etc.)
But on Friday I've learnt something.
Portrait photography is not just to set up the light. It's more to see the subject in a special way, and to record it.
Why I'm telling this? Since a long time I usually take pictures on concert events. Low light, moving subjects, noise, drunk people and lot of other disturbing things. (I can remember a time, when I was so angry to the light setup, because every time when I wanted to create a picture a robot-lamp blinded me with it's light... Little bit annoying when you can see actually your own overloaded retina's red/blue spots instead of the stage.... :) )
But if you can stop thinking the 10-100 men behind you, or the few hundred dBs which killing your ear, the spilled beer on the floor you're trying to stand/kneeing. Well, than you can see the most important thing in the life pf the photographer. People who are actually happy. Happy because they doing what they like-love to do.
Is there anything more important for a good portrait? (Not to mention to actually record it with the required equipment in the required settings... )
I doubt.
Maybe the followig pictures are not the best concert pictures. But (maybe) kinda good portraits. What do you think?

And again, as usual, i would like to thank you for the crew of the Rockvilag.hu's team for the wonderful event, and to the bands who attended. ( On pictures above : The Velvet Seal )

Missing self-confidence or just discretion??

This will be only a written form of my thoughts. I realized that i have a big problem with the public photography.

Basically this would be a simple situation. I grab my camera, go out, and shoot pictures. Right? Not a big deal.

BUT. My personal (and as i see this is the usual) feelings about being a subject of a photo is not really positive.

I identify 4 kinds of people. The first one (like me) hates to see himself on a photo. Hates the situation to know that he-she is recorded by someone. Usually those are who raise their hands to cover their face, or looking straight to the camera with an evil look. The second one who does not care. They are the subject of the most urban pictures. You can see them on every picture. The one, who is walking-standing-sitting naturally. The third category the ones, who come to you and ask if he-she can see or get the picture about him-her. (They will stop for you, and will nod for you if you smile to them). The last category (and if possible the worst one) who wants to be on all pictures. (usually appearing on events - like concerts, parties etc.) and chasing you. asking. please take a photo about me and my friend, girlfriend, dog, beer, hat, whatsoever.

But. What if i'm walking in a park, and i see a couple sitting on a park-bench, looking into each other's eye holding hands, and smiling with the most amazing 'I'm in love with you' kind of smile... If i try to ask for their permission, the moment will break. If i didn't that would be rude. If i didn't and than go to them to show and ask for their approval to keep (and send) the picture for them could work, but what if i have to delete a beautiful picture?

I know the solution is just to do it. Without doubts. Any idea how to handle these situations? :)

 

Spring.

Hello Everyone!
Spring is coming. At least the temp is now above 15 C during the day. It's time to go out, and relax, enjoy the sunshine drink something, or just have an ice-cream....:)

Ohh, and if you have your camera with you. Just shoot some nice photos. :)