Archive for the ‘Tips and Techniques’ Category

Do You Photograph Weddings?

Friday, April 24th, 2015

One question that I get quite often from both photographers and brides-to-be is, do I photograph weddings? I DO! But then I don’t do it very often either. With my travel schedule, workshops and commercial/editorial photo shoots I really don’t have very much available time. However if you ask me far enough in advance, I’ll be there.

In fact, I love photographing weddings. One reason is that I always find that they are a lot of fun to be at, how can you not have fun? You get to spend the day with a group of people who are all happy and celebrating. On the other hand, if you have ever photographed a wedding you’ll know that it can also be challenging and for some photographers even stressful. Apart from dealing with people there is the photographic technical side. What is the lighting going to be? It can range from dark churches and reception venues to bright harsh mid-day sunlight. Should you use a flash? Even what camera bag or strap should you use.

I use the Canon 5D MKIII, which is pretty good with high ISO, I wish it was better though. The two lens that I use and also what I consider a definite must have for wedding photography are the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX and Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX, in fact these two are my workhorse lenses for most of my work.

Recently I tested out the new Sigma 50mm F1.4 ART lens, I can tell you that I absolutely love this lens!! For wedding photography it has to be the perfect prime lens, but I do know that some photographers prefer the angle of view that 35mm F1.4 gives, it just depends what your photographic style is.  Since either one of these lenses is a F1.4 they both can “see” in the darkest possible setting that you might find yourself in. So they will be able to focus much quicker and with more accuracy than a F2.8 and you can also use a much lower ISO. That combined with it’s narrow depth of field which creates that great soft blur background effect makes either one of these lenses a must have lens! In my next post, I will be reviewing the Sigma 50mm F1.4 ART lens in more detail.

Ottawa Wedding PhotographerOttawa Wedding PhotographerOttawa Wedding PhotographerSantorini WeddingOttawa Wedding PhotographerOttawa Wedding PhotographerOttawa Wedding Photographer

BTS – Fitness Photo Shoot Workshop

Monday, March 16th, 2015

This past weekend I was teaching a Fitness Model/Lighting Photo Shoot Workshop in my studio in Ottawa. This a final photo from one of the lighting setups with Audrey who was one of the models.

Audrey-010

Below is the Behind The Scenes photo of this shot and some of the equipment that was used in creating it. Let me know if you have any questions!

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#1 DIY Sandbag

#2 Manfrotto 052 Light Stand (discontinued) – Replacement 1004BAC Light Stand

#3 Plume Wafer 100 Softbox – Main light

#4 V-Flats (Lightform)

#5 Manfrotto 170 Mini-poles – using 4 of these – two are holding the V-flats and two for the background lights

#6 White seamless paper 9ft. – 2.71m

#7 Manfrotto 032 Autopoles + 044 Background Paper clamps/Hooks + 046MC Metal Chain Expan Set

#8 White Tile Board (Home Depot)

#9 Lastolite Collapsible Urban Background (not being used) and Holly who was one of the other models (taking a break)

#10 Floor mat – Audrey was fighting off a cold so we tried to keep her feet off the cold floor.

Behind The Scenes – Studio Photo Shoot

Thursday, March 12th, 2015

The participants on my studio lighting workshops have the opportunity to see all of the equipment that is in my studio. Or if we are on a location  model photo shoot the equipment that I bring to those workshops.  Equipment is always being talked about and used in each setup for every scene, and while it is only a tool in helping to create a picture. It is pretty essential.

I receive quite a few e-mails and messages from photographers asking me about equipment. What do I use and what do I recommend. In order to help as many people as possible I have decided to start posting photos and descriptions showing the Behind The Scenes (BTS) of some of my shoots. If there is something that you would like to know or learn more about, please either add a comment here or send me an email

LASTOLITE URBAN BACKGROUNDS

I have previously posted about these backgrounds and I can’t even begin to tell you how great they are. At first glace they look kind of strange. Models, designers and even photographers who are seeing them for the first time will look at them and either say or secretly think “he’s going to use this?” Okay, I admit they do look funny and definitely out of place, but every time right after I’ve taken the first picture and they see what it looks like the reaction is always – WOW!!!

Lastolite Urban Background

BTS – Lastolite Urban Background

The backgrounds are reversible and have a different background on each side. This one pictured is the Steel Shutter and on the other side is the Wooden Distressed Door. They are also collapsible, exactly the same way as a reflector folds up, so that makes them extremely portable and quick to set up anywhere. When it is fully opened it is 1.5×2.1m (5′ x 7′)

Lastolite Steel Shutter Background

Lastolite Steel Shutter Background

I have a couple of these backgrounds, the other one is the Red Brick/Grey Stone. I want to get more of them. For more information and descriptions of the other backgrounds here is the Lastolite Web Page for the Urban Backgrounds

 

Studio Lighting and Model Photo Shoot Workshop – Saturday Jan 17th

Friday, December 26th, 2014

This workshop is designed to help you learn the technical and creative aspects of producing effective portraits using flash in a studio. It will include demonstrations and intensive hands-on training on studio lighting. On this day long model photo shoot you will learn lighting techniques, posing and model interaction helping you to understand the relationship between lighting and posing.

You will learn how to use hard light, soft light, main key light, fill light, side-lighting, kickers, back-lights and reflectors.

You will be photographing the models in a variety of different studio lighting setups and clothing changes. With only 3 other photographers on this workshop you will have plenty of time to shoot each model in the different lighting setups and clothing/outfits.

Registration Details:
Cost for the day long workshop is $125. + HST to reserve your spot a deposit of $50. is required. The balance is due on the day of the workshop, payable in cash.

Limited to 4 photographers
You can either book through the Meetup page or contact me directly gblack@garryblack.com

Karine and Chloe will be the two models for this workshop.

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Karine-163

Chloe-0339

Chloe-0266

 

 

Lastolite Urban Backgrounds – Part 2

Sunday, August 17th, 2014

Recently I was shooting photos for a model who wanted several different looks for her portfolio. The quickest way to get so many different location looks was to actually shoot in the studio. Rather than driving all over the city all I had to do was pop open a few of my Lastolite Urban Collapsible Backgrounds. This isn’t a review of these backgrounds, it’s just to show you some additional photos of actually using them and the results you can get. The backgrounds that I have used here are: Derelict Wall, Wooden Fence, Shutter Door, Tarnished Metal.

lastolite collapsible urban background

lastolite collapsible urban background

lastolite collapsible urban background

lastolite collapsible urban background

lastolite collapsible urban background

lastolite collapsible urban background

lastolite collapsible urban background

lastolite collapsible urban background

lastolite collapsible urban background

lastolite collapsible urban background

Lastolite Urban Backgrounds

Friday, April 11th, 2014

Years ago, many years ago, I used canvas and muslin backgrounds in my studio and also when shooting on location in offices and homes. A huge advantage with them is their portability, their main drawback are the folds and wrinkles in the material that is nearly impossible to get rid of.  Well, physically it is impossible to get of them, the only way to do it, is by shooting with an shallow depth of field like f2.8 – 4 and throwing it out of focus. However, my biggest complaint with them though, is that they scream out dated studio photography. I would much rather use white or thunder grey seamless paper or preferably shoot at an outdoor location.

Fast forward to this week, when I received three of the new Lastolite Urban Backgrounds.  They are the next best thing to shooting at an outdoor location but they also offer the versatility of shooting in the studio and being able to rapidly change the backgrounds. Seeing these in person is one thing and then seeing them in photos is quite the other – they are amazing!  So far, I have used them for 2 photos and in both the models and MUA have been totally amazed and impressed how the pictures looked. “They look so realistic and three dimensional.”  The backgrounds are reversible, there is a different design on each side, they are easy to set up and wrinkles are non existent. When I first started to use them I hung them up from a Manfrotto U-Hook, but I quickly realized that wasn’t necessary as they can stand alone leaning up against the wall.  They are fold and open up just like the reflectors and come with their own circular carrying case. They take up very little storage space are easy to carry around. I have to say that I am really impressed with these backgrounds!!!!

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Lastolite Urban Background

Review of the Sigma 24-105mm F4 ART Lens

Thursday, January 30th, 2014

This is the third of the new Sigma “Global Vision” lenses that I have used and tested in the past year. The other two were the 35mm F1.4 DG ART (review here) and the 120-300 F2.8 DG SPORTS lens which I took on my trip to Namibia, Africa in September. To say that these lenses are unbelievably good, would be a huge understatement. And now after testing the 24-105mm, I truly impressed with the quality of the >Sigma Global Vision Lenses.

In testing the Sigma 24-105mm lens, I used it on both a full-frame Canon 5D MKIII and Canon 7D APS-C sensor cameras. The 7D with the APS-C sensor which has crop factor of 1.6x effectively makes this lens the equivalent of a FF 38.4mm to 168mm.

I do own the Canon 24-105mm F4L lens, the zoom range makes it a very versatile and useful all purpose or walk around lens. However I was disappointed with it’s performance from the start. It is not as sharp as other Canon L-series lenses, the distortion at 24mm is huge, the AF sometimes “searches”, it doesn’t lock in right away – this could be a result of the lens being an F4 and I am use to shooting with fast lenses with apertures of F2.8 and faster. Aperture really does make a big difference in the speed and accuracy of focusing as does the auto-focus motor and the camera itself.

The criteria that I use in evaluating any lens is based on the following factors. Yours might be similar, but maybe in a different order.

  1. Sharpness.
  2. Distortion, Chromatic Aberration and Vignetting, if these can be easily corrected in post-processing it’s not really an issue.
  3. Construction, Lens Design and Ergonomics.
  4. Price.

In testing the Sigma 24-105mm I was fortunate enough to be able to use it for several weeks, before having to return it to Sigma Canada.  That gave me the opportunity to use it on many of my photo shoots. In fact, after reviewing the results from the first test shoot with it, I was confident enough in the image quality to use it on all of my commercial shoots.

For me the most important factor to consider is the lens’ performance, is the picture quality high enough to meet the demands of the publishing industry. What I found with the Sigma 24-105mm is that it is an extremely sharp lens and definitely far surpasses the high standards for publishing. On the Canon 5D MKIII  the sharpness is excellent in center, and while corner sharpness was not quite as sharp, it was still very good.  When comparing it against the Canon 24-105mm f4L, the Sigma outperforms it in every aspect. Overall it is sharper at every focal length and aperture setting,  including corner sharpness and wide open at F4.

On both the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and 7D, I found that the focusing was very quick, accurate and is unbelievably quiet.  And although I didn’t use it very often,  you can also use manual focus at any time to over ride the auto focus.  The lens also has a very effective four-stop image stabilization, as opposed to three-stops in the older technology of Canon’s.

A design feature that I think is a very good idea was placing the zoom ring, which is very large at the front of the lens as opposed to the Canon 24-105mm which is quite small and located closer to the camera body and it’s focusing ring is towards the front of the lens. I definitely prefer using Sigma’s configuration, it is better balanced making it easier to hold the camera/lens and also easier to operate.  It has an 82mm front filter compared to 77mm on the Canon, although after using for a day I didn’t notice any difference physically between the two.  Adjusting the focus and zoom does not change the length of the lens, as well the front element does not move or rotate, so using a filter holder or polarizing filter isn’t any problem. The minimum focusing distance is 45 cm (17.7″) I had to look that up, Canon and Nikon’s 24-120mm is similar.

The combination of rugged construction and the high quality of materials give the overall build of the lens is a  and high precision.  The lens mount is made from brass and when it is attached it to the camera goes on smoothly and fits tightly. The lens does not have a rubber weatherstripping seal, so don’t stand in the poring rain with your camera and this lens. If fact most people use a raincoat for their cameras/lenses since most cameras are not weather resistant either. A new accessory for the Global Vision Lenses is the Sigma USB dock which allows you to calibrate the lens and update the lens’ firmware.

There are many technical reviews, charts and scores about this lens on the internet, however I find that reading them is like reading an an instruction manual. I don’t read instructional manuals from cover to cover very often.  What I’ve heard about these other reviews, is that basically they have come up with the same results that I have discovered by using this lens in my day to day work. And that is, Sigma has once again designed and manufactured another lens which is producing outstanding results. A lot of thought has gone into designing this new series of Sigma lenses. I have been using the EX series of lenses for the past 2 -1/2 years and my opinion of them is that they very good, now with the new series of Global Vision  lenses,  all I can say about them is they are incredible and an excellent value.

I had almost completely given up using the Canon 24-105mm and had forgotten how useful that zoom range was. Now given the superior image quality from the Sigma 24-105mm I am hooked on that zoom range again. After using the Sigma 24-105mm F4 I will buying one and will be selling my Canon lens, although I’m probably shooting myself in the foot by writing this review.

 

 

24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM

24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM

Sigma 24-105h

24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM

Sigma 24-105g

24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM

Sigma 24-105f

24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM

Sigma 24-105e

24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM

Sigma 24-105d

24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM

Sigma 24-105c

24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM

Sigma 24-105b

24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM

Manfrotto Pro Photographer

Thursday, January 23rd, 2014

Today, Manfrotto Canada officially launched the Manfrotto Pro Photographers and Videographers Program. I am pleased to be one of the top professional photographers in Canada who have been chosen to be part of this program. It was over 30 years when I bought my first “real” tripod, a Manfrotto #055, before that I had a flimsy poor excuse for a tripod.  Over the years I bought other Manfrotto tripods, the #190 and the HUGE/HEAVY #075 that I used for a Pentax 6×7 medium format camera.  Today the tripod that I use is Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 Carbon Fibre Tripod which is so much lighter!!! And if you have seen any of the behind-the-scene photos taken in my studio, you know that it is jam-packed full of Manfrotto light stands, poles, clamps, arms and brackets. I’m looking forward to testing and reviewing more Manfrotto equipment in the future, I’ll keep you updated.

 

Manfrotto Pro Promo Sheet_Eng

Ottawa Photography Workshops and Photo Shoots

Sunday, January 19th, 2014

Last year, near the end of November I launched a Photography Meetup group for my Ottawa workshops. These workshops will cover a variety of topics: studio lighting and also location model photo shoots, creative impressionist photography, visual design, photo shoots in downtown Ottawa of architecture, spring flowers and autumn colours. In addition to my own workshops and classes, I have also added Ashley Murfin as another instructor/organizer. He has an incredible studio which is fully stocked with tons of props and is constantly conducting “Themed Photo Shoots”

Hope you will be able to join us on an upcoming workshop or photo shoot.

 http://www.meetup.com/Ottawa-Photography-Workshops-and-Photo-Shoots/

 

 

LENS REVIEW – SIGMA 35MM F1.4 DG HSM

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

For the past several weeks I’ve have been using and testing Sigma’s new 35mm F1.4 DG HSM lens and every time I mention it or post one of the photos, everyone asks “what do you think of it?”  The short answer is…..Stellar results and performance!

 So what makes this lens so great?

This is one of the newly designed lenses from Sigma’s new Art line, one of the three new lines that also includes Contemporary and Sports categories. When I first saw this lens several months ago at a trade show I was quite impressed with the solid feel and mechanical  quality/construction.  As soon as you see and start handling it you realize the quality of this lens, it has a feel to it of being a superior  professional lens – which it is.  There are many well thought out and designed features, one which I really thought was very well done is the large and well placed manual focusing ring, which is a full-time manual override.  Since the depth of field at F1.4 (as it is with any F1.4 lens) is only a very thin plane of focus, I sometimes find myself fine tuning the focus manually. I’m old school and this approach works for me. That being said, the majority of the time I use the auto focus and with this lens I found it to be quick, accurate and there it almost completely silent. Just take care where you place your focus point(s), as you would with any F1.4 lens. The minimum focusing distance is about 12 inches, which allows you to get in really close to your subject, an added bonus.

So what about image quality? The sharpness and colours are amazing. The resolution/sharpness wide open is excellent, and shooting at F1.4 – F2 is one of the main reasons why you are buying this lens.  The in-focus details are razor-sharp and the bokeh, background blur, is very soft and diffused. For low light photography this lens is 2 stops faster compared to my 24-70 F2.8 and with my Canon 5D MKIII it focuses incredibly quickly and accurately. Plus there is the additional advantage of the 1.4 aperture for bokeh, which is way better bokeh than f2.8.  There is practically no chromatic aberration, fringing and distortion. On a cropped sensor camera it would be a fantastic normal field of view lens, as it would be approximately the equivalent of a 50mm lens. Before getting this lens, I already had the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM a lens that truly impresses me with it’s image quality. The new Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM actually surpasses the build and image quality of the 85mm.

 Below are some of the photos that I have taken using a Canon 5D MKIII and the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM lens.

Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F7.1

Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F7.1

 

Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F2.0

Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F2.0

 

Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F2.0

Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F2.0

 

Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F4.0

Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F4.0

 

Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F1.4

Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F1.4

 

Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F1.4

Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F1.4

 

Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F11

Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F11

 

Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F1.4

Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F1.4

 

Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F1.4

Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM @ F1.4

 

 

 

Given the high optical quality and the excellent build of this lens, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending it. The lens sells for a very reasonable price, which is also substantially less than the camera manufacturers’ equivalents. It also comes with a 7 year warranty from Sigma Canada. Bottom line – I would definitely recommend this lens, it is probably the highest quality lens that I have ever shot with!