I've already got my sports camera (my new Canon t4i). But, I found this interesting article on HubPages about choosing a digital camera for photographing sports. Thought I'd share the article with a few tips here in case anyone else is in the process of shopping...
Click through and read the original article for details, but here's the quick version.
High ISO. You need a high ISO setting if you're going to shoot indoor or night sports; no two ways about it. You need to be able to jack up the shutter speed with limited light, and that means 6400 or 12800 ISO. Anything less and you'll be disappointed.
Continuous Shooting Frame Rate. When you're trying to catch the peak moment of action in a quick moving sports environment, you'll need to shoot in continuous mode. Taking a few frames in quick succession gives you a better chance at picking the perfect moment. And being able to shoot more frames in a second means you get more choices. 3.5 FPS or so is eh. 5.0 fps is pretty good. 7 to 8 FPS is awesome.
Autofocus Performance. Finally, you need to be able to autofocus quickly. This means better autofocus points, and a better ability for the camera to determine when the image is in focus. If the action is moving quickly, you'll need to quickly refocus as the players move. If you've got to wait all day for that to happen, then you'll miss the action.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
My Favorite New Feature of the Canon t4i
Now that I've got my new camera... what's my favorite upgrade compared to my old Canon t1i?
I like having the extra range of the ISO for sure. But, the 12800 setting is fairly noisy. I don't use it all the time, and I still like to stick with 6400. This is an improvement over the Canon t1i, but you could do that with a Canon t2i or Canon t3i.
By far, my favorite is the continuous shooting frame rate. The 5.0 fps is surprisingly faster than the old framerate of the Canon t1i. When you consider a percent, it's about 40-50% faster - so it is a lot faster. It just doesn't seem like a lot when you compare 3.8.
This has been an awesome extra when shooting high speed sports - like baseball swings or sprint hurdles at a track meet.
Maybe someday I'll get into video and appreciate the autofocus in video. But for now, that doesn't matter to me. I'm just into still photography.
I like having the extra range of the ISO for sure. But, the 12800 setting is fairly noisy. I don't use it all the time, and I still like to stick with 6400. This is an improvement over the Canon t1i, but you could do that with a Canon t2i or Canon t3i.
By far, my favorite is the continuous shooting frame rate. The 5.0 fps is surprisingly faster than the old framerate of the Canon t1i. When you consider a percent, it's about 40-50% faster - so it is a lot faster. It just doesn't seem like a lot when you compare 3.8.
This has been an awesome extra when shooting high speed sports - like baseball swings or sprint hurdles at a track meet.
Maybe someday I'll get into video and appreciate the autofocus in video. But for now, that doesn't matter to me. I'm just into still photography.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Three Things to Take Pictures of in the Spring
It's spring time. That means the weather is turning, it's going to be warm out, and the landscape is gonna look a whole lot different.
It also means new things to take pictures of! So, in case you're tired of being stuck inside, here are a few ideas that you can take pictures of to take advantage of the change in climate.
Portraits in the Park. Portraits inside are nice, and studio portraits can be great in a certain way. But going outside and taking portraits in the park is so much more fun. You get a greater variety of surroundings - a lake, a tree, flowers, benches, grassy fields, whatever. I know I like doing portrait sessions outdoors better than indoors.
Pictures of flowers. Ok, so maybe they're over done. But taking pictures of nature - flowers, trees, whatever - can be a refreshing change. They're beautiful, they sit still while you experiment, and they give you a chance to test out some ideas with composition, exposure, and such.
Outdoor sports. It's baseball season, softball season, outdoor track season. Go watch some kids play sports, and take pictures! The outdoors are a lot more forgiving in terms of lighting conditions, so you may be able to do a lot better in the spring than if you were trying to take pictures of sports indoors.
What do you like taking pictures of in the spring...? Leave a comment below and let me know.
It also means new things to take pictures of! So, in case you're tired of being stuck inside, here are a few ideas that you can take pictures of to take advantage of the change in climate.
Portraits in the Park. Portraits inside are nice, and studio portraits can be great in a certain way. But going outside and taking portraits in the park is so much more fun. You get a greater variety of surroundings - a lake, a tree, flowers, benches, grassy fields, whatever. I know I like doing portrait sessions outdoors better than indoors.
Pictures of flowers. Ok, so maybe they're over done. But taking pictures of nature - flowers, trees, whatever - can be a refreshing change. They're beautiful, they sit still while you experiment, and they give you a chance to test out some ideas with composition, exposure, and such.
Outdoor sports. It's baseball season, softball season, outdoor track season. Go watch some kids play sports, and take pictures! The outdoors are a lot more forgiving in terms of lighting conditions, so you may be able to do a lot better in the spring than if you were trying to take pictures of sports indoors.
What do you like taking pictures of in the spring...? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Do I Regret Buying That Canon t4i...?
Nope. Not at all.
A couple months ago, I pondered about whether or not to buy a Canon t4i. I was due for an upgrade, and the Canon t4i offered a improvements over my older Canon t1i - higher ISO, better autofocus system, better continuous shooting, higher resolution.
It was, by all accounts, a better camera. I struggled with whether or not to buy it with the 18-135mm lens, but ultimately I did because I already had an 18-55. The new lens had the new STM autofocus stepper motor and it covered a bigger focal distance. It seemed like a good walking lens - something to keep on the camera when I don't need something more specialized.
But then, only a month or two later, Canon announces that it's going to release the Canon t5i in April.
So am I upset that I upgraded "too soon"? I wouldn't say so. The Canon t5i really doesn't bring much of anything to the table. It definitely doesn't offer the same level of improvement that the Canon t4i brought over the t3i. But it does carry with it a higher price tag. Since it's brand new, it's going to sell at full retail ($800 or $1100, depending on the lens) for a while now. I'd consider buying it in six months when the price drops, but there's no way in hell I'd pay full price for the camera right now.
There are a few minor interface differences. There's a digital zoom that the Canon t4i doesn't have. Otherwise, the biggest difference isn't in the camera but in the lens it came with. I don't really want another 18-55mm lens and I wanted the 18-135mm anyway, so it doesn't much matter to me that the new 18-55mm also has the STM stepper motor.
If you're on the fence, check out this preview comparing the Canon t5i vs t4i. I'm pretty sure you'll agree that it's not worth sweatin' over. Get the cheaper t4i.
A couple months ago, I pondered about whether or not to buy a Canon t4i. I was due for an upgrade, and the Canon t4i offered a improvements over my older Canon t1i - higher ISO, better autofocus system, better continuous shooting, higher resolution.
It was, by all accounts, a better camera. I struggled with whether or not to buy it with the 18-135mm lens, but ultimately I did because I already had an 18-55. The new lens had the new STM autofocus stepper motor and it covered a bigger focal distance. It seemed like a good walking lens - something to keep on the camera when I don't need something more specialized.
But then, only a month or two later, Canon announces that it's going to release the Canon t5i in April.
So am I upset that I upgraded "too soon"? I wouldn't say so. The Canon t5i really doesn't bring much of anything to the table. It definitely doesn't offer the same level of improvement that the Canon t4i brought over the t3i. But it does carry with it a higher price tag. Since it's brand new, it's going to sell at full retail ($800 or $1100, depending on the lens) for a while now. I'd consider buying it in six months when the price drops, but there's no way in hell I'd pay full price for the camera right now.
There are a few minor interface differences. There's a digital zoom that the Canon t4i doesn't have. Otherwise, the biggest difference isn't in the camera but in the lens it came with. I don't really want another 18-55mm lens and I wanted the 18-135mm anyway, so it doesn't much matter to me that the new 18-55mm also has the STM stepper motor.
If you're on the fence, check out this preview comparing the Canon t5i vs t4i. I'm pretty sure you'll agree that it's not worth sweatin' over. Get the cheaper t4i.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Why I Want a Canon t4i
I've been using Canon dSLR cameras for a few years now, and I love my Canon t1i. I even loved the Canon t2i that I bought for use at work. They've served me well, and I don't really have any complaints.
Except for the fact that the Canon t4i is out, it's a sweet upgrade over both cameras... and I don't have the money to spend to get it. I was just reading this comparison of the Canon t3i and t4i, and I'm impressed. But oh well, I'll probably end up waiting until I can afford the real upgrade to the Canon 7D.
However, if I did have the money to get a Canon t4i right now, here are a few reasons why I would.
High ISO. This is the number one reason why I'd love this camera. The new DIGIC 5 image processor boosts the ISO capability of the Canon t4i to 12,800. This is an extra stop over and above the t3i/t2i, and it's two steps past the original Canon t1i.
That's a huge difference for low light photography. I get so frustrated working in high school gyms or at indoor track arenas, because there's so little light. Even with a fast lens that opens up to f/2.8, it can be tough to get a quick shutter and still have sufficient light. With my Canon t1i, especially, I end up boosting a lot of photos in post and that creates a little extra noise.
If I could shoot at a higher ISO, though, that wouldn't be a problem. The 6400 on my Canon t2i is usually good, and that extra little boost from the Canon t4i's 12,800 would be awesome.
Higher Framerate. This is something you don't notice until you need it. 3.7fps (i.e. the Canon t2i/t3i) seems good. But, if you're shooting some really rapid motion like a 55mm hurdle race, a high jump, or a slam dunk, it's easy to miss that critical moment. In continuous mode, you can click through a few frames and end up at all the wrong spots.
The new image sensor also ups the speed a bit in continuous mode, so the Canon t4i captures images at up to 5fps. That's about a 50% increase beyond the Canon t3i's capabilities. Yikes! That's pretty impressive for a minor upgrade, if you ask me. It's still not as awesome at the Canon 7d's motor, but I'll take 5fps over 3.7 fps anyday.
Anyhow, those two features right there have me excited at the moment. The video stuff doesn't really float my boat, but those are some awesome bonuses for doing action photography.
Except for the fact that the Canon t4i is out, it's a sweet upgrade over both cameras... and I don't have the money to spend to get it. I was just reading this comparison of the Canon t3i and t4i, and I'm impressed. But oh well, I'll probably end up waiting until I can afford the real upgrade to the Canon 7D.
However, if I did have the money to get a Canon t4i right now, here are a few reasons why I would.
High ISO. This is the number one reason why I'd love this camera. The new DIGIC 5 image processor boosts the ISO capability of the Canon t4i to 12,800. This is an extra stop over and above the t3i/t2i, and it's two steps past the original Canon t1i.
That's a huge difference for low light photography. I get so frustrated working in high school gyms or at indoor track arenas, because there's so little light. Even with a fast lens that opens up to f/2.8, it can be tough to get a quick shutter and still have sufficient light. With my Canon t1i, especially, I end up boosting a lot of photos in post and that creates a little extra noise.
If I could shoot at a higher ISO, though, that wouldn't be a problem. The 6400 on my Canon t2i is usually good, and that extra little boost from the Canon t4i's 12,800 would be awesome.
Higher Framerate. This is something you don't notice until you need it. 3.7fps (i.e. the Canon t2i/t3i) seems good. But, if you're shooting some really rapid motion like a 55mm hurdle race, a high jump, or a slam dunk, it's easy to miss that critical moment. In continuous mode, you can click through a few frames and end up at all the wrong spots.
The new image sensor also ups the speed a bit in continuous mode, so the Canon t4i captures images at up to 5fps. That's about a 50% increase beyond the Canon t3i's capabilities. Yikes! That's pretty impressive for a minor upgrade, if you ask me. It's still not as awesome at the Canon 7d's motor, but I'll take 5fps over 3.7 fps anyday.
Anyhow, those two features right there have me excited at the moment. The video stuff doesn't really float my boat, but those are some awesome bonuses for doing action photography.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Signs of a Talent Agency Scam
If you want to start in the industry of fashion modeling, you must watch for deceptive people. Some con artists are looking to defraud you, guaranteeing a wonderful career in exchange for up front payment. When the dust settles the only thing you'll have is an empty wallet.
Here are some issues that you have to look out for.
1. Classified ads. If you see an advertisement posted somewhere - in a newspaper, on Facebook, etc - then hesitate before attending. Successful talent agencies have plenty of walk-in talent, and they don't need to scour the mall. You may want to respond to open casting calls, but otherwise general adverts like these are a bad omen.
2. Asking for money up front. If the modeling agency charges you money up front before you can work for them, then turn right around and get the hell out of dodge. This is an obvious hint that they can't be making earnings on commissions, so they instead make profit elsewhere. If they aren't working, then don't expect for you to be.
3. Making you use their in house photog. A real modeling agency will ask you to get a set of images together with some comp cards, but they aren't going to force you to spend tons of cash on their own headshot photographer. You need to look around and choose a photographer or composite card printer that you feel comfortable with. If they really demand a specific photographer, they'll pay for it.
4. The agency wants you to pay to take their modeling classes or whatnot. It's just a way for them to dig in your pockets. It might seem more honest than a \"representation fee\" or some such thing. But at the end of the day it's just the same.
5. They promise you modeling gigs. If only it were so easy. No one can be positive that you'll get a job as a runway model, and anyone that promises that is just trying to butter you up. Chances are, they are just trying nudge you into giving them some cash.
After you've witnessed a few of these scams, they become a piece of cake to spot. The simple idea is that the company wants to \"sign\" as many models as possible, take their money in the beginning, and then keep them busy with a few casting calls. If new models keep walking in the door, they do not worry you're on the couch not working. They stole their cash. Don't let that moola be yours.
Here are some issues that you have to look out for.
1. Classified ads. If you see an advertisement posted somewhere - in a newspaper, on Facebook, etc - then hesitate before attending. Successful talent agencies have plenty of walk-in talent, and they don't need to scour the mall. You may want to respond to open casting calls, but otherwise general adverts like these are a bad omen.
2. Asking for money up front. If the modeling agency charges you money up front before you can work for them, then turn right around and get the hell out of dodge. This is an obvious hint that they can't be making earnings on commissions, so they instead make profit elsewhere. If they aren't working, then don't expect for you to be.
3. Making you use their in house photog. A real modeling agency will ask you to get a set of images together with some comp cards, but they aren't going to force you to spend tons of cash on their own headshot photographer. You need to look around and choose a photographer or composite card printer that you feel comfortable with. If they really demand a specific photographer, they'll pay for it.
4. The agency wants you to pay to take their modeling classes or whatnot. It's just a way for them to dig in your pockets. It might seem more honest than a \"representation fee\" or some such thing. But at the end of the day it's just the same.
5. They promise you modeling gigs. If only it were so easy. No one can be positive that you'll get a job as a runway model, and anyone that promises that is just trying to butter you up. Chances are, they are just trying nudge you into giving them some cash.
After you've witnessed a few of these scams, they become a piece of cake to spot. The simple idea is that the company wants to \"sign\" as many models as possible, take their money in the beginning, and then keep them busy with a few casting calls. If new models keep walking in the door, they do not worry you're on the couch not working. They stole their cash. Don't let that moola be yours.
Friday, April 6, 2012
A Few Things You Need to Know About Model Composite Cards
New to runway modeling? One of the beginning things you will must do is design a comp card. So what are comp cards, and what should you know about them? Here are a few things that any up and coming model should know about composite cards.
5. What Are Composite Cards?
Comp cards, also ocassionally called zed cards, are like a business card for fashion models. It contains a set of pictures from the model's port, and it lists the model's key stats. Sed cards should also include contact numbers for the model or for the agency to which the model belongs.
When you get down to it a comp card is a starting point between the model and a hoped for employer. If you go on a open call, you will be expected to leave behind a zed card - like an actress would submit a headshot or a regular interviewee would leave a resume.
4. What Kind of Pictures Go On a sed Card?
A zed card is kind of a small, focused portfolio. You want to catch the eye of your would be employer, and simultaneously show a bit of range. A zed card often starts with a headshot or similar close crop on the foreside, and a selection of several photos on the other side. The other side of the card should show some variety - different kinds of make-up, modeling, hair, what have you. It is also a good spot to include head to two images, instead of the headshot on the front side of the card.
3. What Stuff Should Go on a Comp Card?
The info on the composite card has two goals - to list size and stats and to list contact information. You should have typical measurements like chest/bust, waist, hips, height, and weight. You may want to also list eye color and hair color, but this is less necessary if it changes from time to time. You might also opt to include shoe size.
In terms of the contact information, that's your call. You want to include the easiest way for the casting agent to get in touch with you. If you maintain a website or online portfolio, you should include that. If you have a business phone number, you could include it. I would definitely include an e-mail address too.
2. How Large Is a Comp Card?
Print Shops will sell you on plenty of different sizes, but the traditional size of a comp card is 5.5\" x 8.5\". Comp cards were historically designed on A4 sized paper (~8.5\" x 11\"), but this changed to A5 size (~5.5\" x 8.5\") in the 70's. The printer might offer you a slightly smaller\different size (~5\" x 8\") to conserve paper and make the cards less expensive. It's better to keep to the business standard, though.
1. What Quality Paper Should You Use?
Sed cards should be printed on high quality, tough card stock. When it comes to paper weight, the weight should be in the range of 12pt and 14pt. Anything lighter than 12pt will seem crappy; you don't want to come across cheap. Some comp card printers are starting to offer cards printed on photo paper, same as they offer \"greeting cards\" made on photo paper. Even though they may say that it will lead to nicer image quality, a nice quality printer can reproduce colors nicely on card stock. You should stick with the customary paper so that your card is more heavy and more durable, instead of just using the thinner photo paper.
5. What Are Composite Cards?
Comp cards, also ocassionally called zed cards, are like a business card for fashion models. It contains a set of pictures from the model's port, and it lists the model's key stats. Sed cards should also include contact numbers for the model or for the agency to which the model belongs.
When you get down to it a comp card is a starting point between the model and a hoped for employer. If you go on a open call, you will be expected to leave behind a zed card - like an actress would submit a headshot or a regular interviewee would leave a resume.
4. What Kind of Pictures Go On a sed Card?
A zed card is kind of a small, focused portfolio. You want to catch the eye of your would be employer, and simultaneously show a bit of range. A zed card often starts with a headshot or similar close crop on the foreside, and a selection of several photos on the other side. The other side of the card should show some variety - different kinds of make-up, modeling, hair, what have you. It is also a good spot to include head to two images, instead of the headshot on the front side of the card.
3. What Stuff Should Go on a Comp Card?
The info on the composite card has two goals - to list size and stats and to list contact information. You should have typical measurements like chest/bust, waist, hips, height, and weight. You may want to also list eye color and hair color, but this is less necessary if it changes from time to time. You might also opt to include shoe size.
In terms of the contact information, that's your call. You want to include the easiest way for the casting agent to get in touch with you. If you maintain a website or online portfolio, you should include that. If you have a business phone number, you could include it. I would definitely include an e-mail address too.
2. How Large Is a Comp Card?
Print Shops will sell you on plenty of different sizes, but the traditional size of a comp card is 5.5\" x 8.5\". Comp cards were historically designed on A4 sized paper (~8.5\" x 11\"), but this changed to A5 size (~5.5\" x 8.5\") in the 70's. The printer might offer you a slightly smaller\different size (~5\" x 8\") to conserve paper and make the cards less expensive. It's better to keep to the business standard, though.
1. What Quality Paper Should You Use?
Sed cards should be printed on high quality, tough card stock. When it comes to paper weight, the weight should be in the range of 12pt and 14pt. Anything lighter than 12pt will seem crappy; you don't want to come across cheap. Some comp card printers are starting to offer cards printed on photo paper, same as they offer \"greeting cards\" made on photo paper. Even though they may say that it will lead to nicer image quality, a nice quality printer can reproduce colors nicely on card stock. You should stick with the customary paper so that your card is more heavy and more durable, instead of just using the thinner photo paper.
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