Archive for the ‘Workshops’ Category

Cuba Model Photo Shoot Havana and Varadero

Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Stephanie was one of the two models on last years’ photography workshop to Cuba. We spent the week in Varadero and in mid-week our group headed into Havana where we rented a couple of classic American cars. We are going back again this year on November 26th for a week, want to join us. There are four coming with us this year!!!  Once again we will be travelling with Transat Holidays. They were fantastic on last year’s trip, everything was perfect! Contact me at Algonquin TravelPlus Gloucester Centre if you are interested in coming along.

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Model/Photographer Portfolio Studio Shoot

Thursday, September 22nd, 2016

Join us on Sunday afternoon, Oct 2nd for a Model Portfolio Studio Photo Shoot. This is not an instructional workshop, it is an opportunity to meet and shoot in the studio with a few models who are looking to expand their portfolios and take lots of pictures.

Class size limited to 4 photographers

Cost is $55.00 + HST ($62.15) To register for this workshop requires payment in full – either by Paypal, bank e-transfer or cash.

We will be shooting in my studio and I will be using many of my favourite lighting set-ups. We will use two shooting areas simultaneously. This will be a hands-on class and you will be creating images!!!

If you have any questions please contact Garry email or  613-824-9295.

Here are the three confirmed models for this shoot: Karis, Brittany and Sabrina

*models can change without notice

Model - Photographter Portfolio Photo Shoot

Model Photo Shoot

Model - Photographer Portfolio Photo Shoot

Model Photo Shoot

Model - Photographer Portfolio Photo Shoot Ottawa

Model Photo Shoot

*** Here’s the background for these Model Portfolio Photo Shoots

 

I am constantly receiving emails from potential models who would like to have a photo shoot with me. Unfortunately many of them can not afford the cost of a shoot. Some of them I have shoot with in the past while others are completely new to me.

I do have the occasional TF photo shoot, but I have far more requests for them than I have time available to do them.

I do think that many of these models have great potential, so by hosting these workshop photo shoots, these models will have to opportunity to shoot with many photographers and will be able to build up their portfolios.  I will also be taking some pictures of them, so you are not obliged to give the model any photos but hopefully you will have a few photos that you would be able to give them.

Cuba Model Photo Workshop

Friday, September 16th, 2016

Varadero, Cuba, which has one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, attracts tourists from around the world.  We will be using the white sand beach, clear blue waters and resort greenery as the backdrop for our images on this week-long workshop.

This is a hands-on instructional workshop using natural light, flash and reflectors/diffusers to create outdoor portraits. The goal is to help you learn both the technical and creative techniques that will help you with the process of creating remarkable images outdoors on a location photo shoot.

Topics that we will cover:

• Lighting :  Natural Light, Flash and Reflector/Diffuser

• What to look for when making an image.

• Posing Techniques

• Lens Selection for Portraits

• Controlling Depth of Field – How to deal with backgrounds

• Selecting a location and background choice

• Post Processing Techniques during non-shooting times

We will be photographing in a number of different shooting locations at the beach and around the resort, using a variety of lighting set ups, such as: hard, soft, bounced, reflected, diffused light and flash fill.  During the week, there will also be an optional day trip to Havana for photography. Photographing in Havana is something that everyone really seems to want to do, so we might go there a couple times during the week.

Each participant will have ample shooting time with each model.

Class size limited to 6 photographers

 

 

 

 

Booked through

Algonquin Travel Gloucester Centre

1980 Ogilvie Rd., Ottawa

613-748-3600

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Review of Indra 500 TTL Battery Powered Flash

Monday, January 4th, 2016

Using flash outdoors and on location can be challenging. For most photographers the two main challenges are either the size/weight/bulk of the equipment, or the general technicalities of using flash. Balancing ambient light with flash can be daunting. Many find that using only available light is so much easier because you can “see the light” compared to using flash which you can’t see until the picture has been taken. However once you understand camera flash and how to use the light you’ll be able to shoot in any possible lighting condition and come away with amazing photos.

Many photographers start off trying to use speedlights for outdoor shoots, but unfortunately these small flashes do not have anywhere near the strength to overpower the sunlight. If you are using any light modifiers with them, the light output is even further reduced.

Recently I started using and working with the Phottix Indra 500, which is a 500 Watt TTL portable Studio Light featuring High Speed Sync. This flash is able to overpower the sunlight and when using High Speed Sync (HSS) or Hyper-Sync I can control the lighting completely and achieve amazing results I can set my camera’s exposure mode to manual, aperture or shutter speed priority and the flash to either manual or TTL and have complete technical and creative control I cannot believe how much this has changed location lighting for me, opening up a whole new door of creative possibilities.

 

The features and tech specs for the Phottix Indra 500 TTL flash are:

*500Ws Studio Light with LED Modelling Light
*TTL Auto, Manual and Stroboscopic (1-100Hz) Modes
*High Speed Sync – 1/8000s shutter speeds, Second Curtain Sync
*Hyper-Sync – 1/8000s shutter speeds – higher power output than using HSS
*Manual Power 1/128 to Full Power in 1/3 Stop increments
*4-Channel Wireless Radio Control with Phottix Odin and Mitros+ systems
*Phottix Odin for Canon and Nikon Receivers Built in, Phottix Strato II Receiver Built in
*Large TFT LCD display, 3.5mm Sync Port and USB Port for Firmware Upgrades
*Battery Powered (400 full-power shots using 5Ah Indra Battery Pack, 0.1s to 2s recycle times)
*Weight: 2.1kg, Dimensions: 267mm L x 140mm Dia x 190mm H

These are powerful flashes. They are around nine times stronger than my Canon 580 EXII flash, which is Enough to overpower the harsh mid-day sun. They also come with a built in LED modeling light, not overly bright, but it definitely works. We used this modelling light with an 80cm Octobox for a night time, totally dark, outdoor shoot, and the modeling light gave enough light to see and also focus with.

The Indra 500 can be used in either TTL (which uses Through The Lens metering) or in complete manual mode. It has 8 stops of power adjustments, ranging from full power to 1/128, which gives you the ability to overcome the midday sun or add just a hint of light. You can also shoot wide-open with large apertures and fast shutter speeds up to 1/8000s with HSS and Hyper-Sync. The Odin receivers for Nikon and Canon are built into the flash, however you will need a Phottix Odin TCU (transmitter). Using the Odin I have full control of the flash from the camera position, with the ability to adjust the output and switch from manual to full TTL. The range for the Odin is rated at 100 metres, great for sports and action photographers. While I don’t require such a huge distance from the flash what I do need is the reliability of the trigger/flash. It hasn’t disappointed me.

Setting up the Hyper-Sync is very simple. Everything is done right from the camera using the Odin TCU. Basically all you have to do is take a picture. If a black band appears you just change the timing setting on the TCU. It took me less than one minute to get the settings for each of my cameras to sync up to 8000th sec. Hyper-Sync is different than High Speed Sync (HSS). Hyper-Sync is a calibrated time delay that ensures the camera shutter is open during the moment when the flash pulse fires. This gives you an extra stop or two more than HSS.

Using the indra as fill flash @ 1/2000 sec

Indra 500 TTL using HSS
Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 24-105 ART Lens
Lens (mm): 74
ISO: 250
Aperture: 4.5
Shutter: 1/2000

The Odin TCU has four wireless channels and three flash control groups. The Indra can be controlled in TTL ratio modes A:B with EV +/- adjustments of three stops. You can also adjust the flash EV from the camera’s built in flash exposure compensation dial. A fantastic and unique feature of the Odin is the ability to designate groups in different modes TTL/Manual. The individual groups, A, B, C, can also be controlled in TTL mode with EV +/- adjustments that can be adjusted in +/- 3 EV levels. Groups can also be set to Manual mode, adjusting power levels remotely, or turned off. The Phottix Odin system will also trigger compatible non-TTL flashes and studio strobes. The Indra can also be used with any wireless Transmitter and receiver  (Pocket Wizard, Cactus, Yongnuo) however the flash is in complete manual mode.

Indra 500 TTL using HSS Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 24-105 ART Lens Lens (mm): 62 ISO: 160 Aperture: 6.3 Shutter: 1/400

Indra 500 TTL using HSS
Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 24-105 ART Lens
Lens (mm): 62
ISO: 160
Aperture: 6.3
Shutter: 1/400

The Indra 500 is quite compact. Part of the reason for that is because it has a separate battery pack. The Profoto B1 which is a similar unit has a built in battery, which some people like. Personally, I prefer a lighter weight head with a separate battery pack, that distributes the weight so it’s not all on top of the light stand. While working outside I have found out, the hard way, light stands that are top-heavy blow over a lot easier. Using a lighter weighted head and the battery to weigh down the bottom of the light stand helps a lot, having sand bags is a good idea as well. The battery pack has 2 outlets for strobes or a flash each which can be connected and powered at the same time. The recycle times for the flash are very quick, I never find that I have to wait for the flash to recycle to take the next picture. It has a LED display to show the remaining power. I haven’t gauged it but the charging time to recharge the battery is fast, my guess would be somewhere around 3 hours when it’s completely drained. The battery is permitted as carry-on baggage for airlines, which is a big plus me as a travel and location photographer.

Indra 500 TTL using HSS Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 24-105 ART Lens Lens (mm): 57 ISO: 200 Aperture: 5.0 Shutter: 1/1600

Indra 500 TTL using HSS
Fill in Flash in late afternoon.
Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 24-105 ART Lens
Lens (mm): 57
ISO: 200
Aperture: 5.0
Shutter: 1/1600

Indra 500 TTL using HSS Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 24-105 ART Lens Lens (mm): 68 ISO: 320 Aperture: 5.6 Shutter: 1/1000

Indra 500 TTL using HSS The flash was set to -1.3 EV for slight fill using a shoot through umbrella
Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 24-105 ART Lens
Lens (mm): 68
ISO: 320
Aperture: 5.6
Shutter: 1/1000

The flash is well constructed and has a solid feel to it. The size and weight makes it easy to carry and set up. The head uses the Bowens “S” mount quick release. This mount is very easy to attach and remove light modifiers, it is also the most readily available mount for accessories.

 

As a studio shooter I use manual settings for my camera and flash. I can still do this with the Indra 500 but I also have the option of setting the camera on manual exposure and setting the flash on TTL. I can also use aperture priority and TTL, this would be great for shooting events and weddings where you don’t have a lot of time to set up and take exposure readings. I have to confess since I have been using the Indra 500 I have been using the TTL setting on practically all of my outdoor shoots, it is amazingly accurate. When shooting in harsh sunlight I can use shutter speeds that are higher than the sync speed (usually 1/200 or 1/250 sec) by using HSS or Hyper-Sync, it is so easy. When the Odin is set to HSS the flash seamlessly switches into HSS when needed or uses slower speeds depending on my aperture settings and ambient lighting – I no longer have to think about what shutter speed I’m using. This is pretty amazing for me, because I am one of those photographers whose main objective is the photo, not the technology. When I don’t have to worry or think about any of the technical settings I am free to concentrate on creativity.

Indra 500 TTL  and a Phottix Mitro+ behind model on camera left Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 24-105 ART Lens

Indra 500 TTL and a Phottix Mitro+ behind model on camera left
Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 24-105 ART Lens

At nearly half the price and with more features and almost double the battery capacity of the Profoto B1, the Indra500 is an exceptional value. It makes using flash simple, it has lots of power, it’s reliable, well built, very portable and easy to set-up on location shoots. This light is just amazing!!! It definitely is a great choice and tops my list of recommendations for flash lighting gear.

 

Indra 500 TTL   Canon 5D MKIII - Sigma 24-105 ART Lens

Indra 500 TTL
Canon 5D MKIII – Sigma 24-105 ART Lens

PROS:

* Exceptional value – half the price of the competition with more features and almost double the battery capacity
* Opens up a whole new door of possibilities to be creative on location
* 500w/s = 9 times more powerful than my most powerful speedlight, allows me to do full length body shots while overpowering the sun
* Seamlessly switches into HSS when needed – I no longer have to think about my settings or limit my creativity
* Full control of the flash from the camera position using the Odin, from manual to full TTL
* Hyper Sync gives me more light to freeze the action at super-fast shutter speeds
* Can fully trust the TTL system to give me exactly what I need
* Consistent light output even at high shutter speeds
* Very portable and easy to set up
* Very well made, solid construction, not a cheap “plastic” feel
* Uses the Bowens “S” mount – the most universal mount available
* Very fast recycle times and battery charging time
* I found that it was more than fast enough in the studio, it never slowed me down
* Can be used with existing Phottix flashes and receivers

CONS:

* I only have one, I’m going to have to purchase a second.

 

Available at the following dealers:

L.L. Lozeau https://www.lozeau.com/
Henry’s http://www.henrys.com/
Don’s Photo http://donsphoto.com/
The Camera Store http://www.thecamerastore.com/
Lord Photo http://www.lordphoto.ca/

 

 

Varadero Cuba Model Photo Workshop

Tuesday, September 15th, 2015
Cuba 2015 Model Photo Shoot

Cuba 2015 Model Photo Shoot

Varadero, Cuba, which has one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, attracts tourists from around the world.  We will be using the white sand beach, clear blue waters and resort greenery as the backdrop for our images on this week-long workshop.

This is a hands-on instructional workshop using natural light, flash and reflectors/diffusers to create outdoor portraits. The goal is to help you learn both the technical and creative techniques that will help you with the process of creating remarkable images outdoors on a location photo shoot.

Topics that we will cover:

• Lighting :  Natural Light, Flash and Reflector/Diffuser

• What to look for when making an image.

• Posing Techniques

• Lens Selection for Portraits

• Controlling Depth of Field – How to deal with backgrounds

• Selecting a location and background choice

• Post Processing Techniques during non-shooting times

We will be photographing in a number of different shooting locations at the beach and around the resort, using a variety of lighting set ups, such as: hard, soft, bounced, reflected, diffused light and flash fill.  During the week, there will also be an optional day trip to Havana for photography. Photographing in Havana is something that everyone really seems to want to do, so we might go there a couple times during the week.

I have four models booked for this workshop.  Each participant will have ample shooting time with each model.

If you have any questions, please send an email or call Garry at 613-824-1564.

Class size limited to 6 photographers

Lady Kat Eyes

Monday, March 23rd, 2015

One of the things that I really love about my job is being able to meet so many creative and talented people. Whether it’s other photographers or models. As a photographer I am able to create and control the technical elements of a picture. Models create a character, mood, feeling and look. It’s the collaboration and interaction between the photographer and model which creates the final image. Here are a couple of images that my friend Lady Kat Eyes and I created on a recent Studio Lighting Workshop. As I always say, without her this would only be a picture of grey seamless paper.

Lady Kat Eyes Canon 5D MK III - Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX @100mm

Canon 5D MK III – Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX @100mm

Studio Lighting Workshop Canon 5D MK III - Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX @200mm

Canon 5D MK III – Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX @200mm

Studio Lighting Workshop with Lady Kat Eyes

Studio Lighting Workshop with Lady Kat Eyes

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.

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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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Chloe-0339

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Outdoor Lighting Workshop – Ottawa

Friday, August 15th, 2014

This is a hands-on instructional workshop using flash and reflectors/diffusers and natural light to create outdoor portraits. The goal is to help you learn both the technical and creative techniques that will help you with the process of creating remarkable images outdoors on a location photo shoot.

Topics that we will cover:

• Lighting :  Natural Light, Flash and Reflector/Diffuser

• What to look for when making an image. This sounds rather vague right now – but this is huge in terms of getting a great picture.

• Posing Techniques

• Lens Selection for Portraits

• Controlling Depth of Field – How to deal with backgrounds

• Selecting a location and background choice

 

After demonstrating each lighting technique, each participant will be able to photograph the model using the same lighting set-up. Everyone will have the opportunity to put in to practice the lighting techniques taught.

This workshop is limited to 4 photographers

Cost is $175 +HST ($197.75)  and includes photo instruction and model fees.  A deposit of $100 is required at time of registration to hold your space on the workshop. You can pay by Paypal, cheque, cash, or email money transfer through online banking.

If you have any questions or would like to register for this class, please send an email or call Garry at 613-824-9295.

The workshop will be held from 4:00 pm to sunset/twilight ~8:15 pm on Sunday August 24, 2014

NOTE – To attend this workshop, you do not need to have your own flashes.

A Digital SLR camera is required with lenses. Lighting equipment and model(s) will be provided.

Model booked for this workshop is Brittany.

Brittany

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