Friday evening processing

Quick sample of portrait processing...

Straight off the camera

Lightroom tweaks

1. 5x4 crop

2. Some saturation, blacks, whites and exposure tweaks

3. Some vignetting

Photoshop tweaks

1. Content aware removal of picture frame

2. Cloning out light shade

Two years and a day since my last post!

Well lets kick off with something I got back into in 2018, fashion photography. Late 2017 I got a call from an Irish women's clothing manufacturer - Cotton Threadz Clothing - looking to get some shots done, and now four seasons shoots later here are some of the shots.



Each season Debbie & Paul design a fantastic range of blouses, amazing quality and great colours and designs. They've added a blouses and a trouser suit this year. Stocked in many Irish boutiques.

Cotton Threadz Clothing
Model: Leah Cooney
Make-Up: Lara Bell Makeup (Laura O'Neill)

Nikon D4S officially out in March

So the after months of speculations, rumours and "leaks" the D4S is on its way, coming in at a head spinning £5,200, but with some rather nice enhancements including an industry leading ISO of (extendable) 409,600! Also updated are a redesigned 16.2-megapixel FX sensor and the Expeed 4 image processor, a burst rate of 11 frames per second at full resolution, and is protected by “a tough weather-sealed full metal body." Update March 5th: In Dublin some shops now: €6,199.

From Nikon: Nikon today announces the D4S, a new 16.2 megapixel FX-format flagship built to keep professionals ahead of the game.

The ultimate imaging machine has advanced: as the successor to Nikon’s acclaimed D4, everything about the D4S powers exceptional images at exceptional speed. An expanded ISO range and EXPEED 4 image processing take low light photography to another level, making the D4S a master of the dark as well as the light. Advances to AF performance offer improved acquisition and tracking at 11 fps, plus much finer control over the AF area with the new Group Area AF mode. Nikon’s RAW Size S file format accelerates image transfer onto networks and a Gigabit 100/1000TX Ethernet port enables ultra-fast connection.

Hiro Sebata, Professional Product Manager at Nikon UK, comments:

"The Nikon D4S follows the success of the D4 and brings with it a new level of performance designed to meet the needs of the most demanding photographers.”

He adds: “Nikon engineers have taken on board valuable feedback from professional users in order to implement a wealth of improvements that will make all the difference to professionals working in the intensely competitive fields of sports, press, and nature photography. Equipped to power ahead in the most challenging environments, the D4S ensures serious photographers stay ahead of the game.”

Built upon success

Moving beyond the limits its predecessor was built to push, the D4S blazes a new trail for high-speed professional image making. The camera’s revamped sensor offers the ultimate image quality, and the expanded ISO range of 100–25600 is extendable up to an industry-leading 409600 (equivalent). Nikon’s new EXPEED 4 image processing engine boosts the camera’s overall performance to a whole new level, vastly improving image rendering and ISO performance. A true master of the dark as well as of the light, sophisticated localised noise reduction, edge sharpening and tone control ensure the D4S delivers outstanding results in the kind of ‘dirty’ low light conditions many sports and news photographers are confronted with. The burst rate of 11 fps is not compromised by ISO settings or lens choice, and details are rendered sharp and exceptionally well defined even when Noise Reduction filtering is applied. As with the D4, the D4S is built to sustain peak performance in the most demanding environmental conditions imaginable. The camera is protected by a tough weather-sealed full metal body, and features subtle details that make all the difference to handling: changes to button layout and re-shaped control buttons improve operation in damp conditions whilst the re-contoured design and smoother grip make it easier to hold out in the field.

Full throttle: stop at nothing

Everything about the D4S is built around the need for speed. In a world where the speed of transmission and networking has become as important as megapixels and ISO settings, the D4S delivers on every count. The frame-per-second with autofocus tracking has increased from 10 fps to 11 fps, making the D4S the fastest autofocus D-SLR-camera in Nikon’s history. The camera implements a Gigabit 100/1000TX Ethernet port and offers a new RAW Size S option for accelerated image transfer. When milliseconds matter, the shutter’s 42 ms lag can gain you the critical edge, taking pictures in less than the blink of an eye; and a completely new shutter and mirror mechanism reduces mirror bounce, delivering a stable viewfinder image with minimal viewfinder blackout when shooting at high speed.

Bettering the best: AF advances

The D4S takes the class-leading accuracy and usability of Nikon’s renowned 51-point AF system and advances it further. In addition to improved lock-on, expanded ‘Store by orientation’, and new options for AF mode restrictions, the D4S boasts a brand new Group Area AF mode. Designed to allow much finer control over the size of the autofocus area, Group Area AF constantly monitors five different AF fields, which can be shifted across the 51-point array as composition demands. Shooting in this mode enables fast moving subjects to be tracked with phenomenal precision over long distances, and greatly improves acquisition and background isolation when shooting subjects that are comparatively small and close to a high-contrast or distracting background. As with the D4, the AF system inside the D4S is configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings and sensitive down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F).

Multi-area D-Movie evolves

For moviemaking in diverse conditions, the D4S offers broadcast-quality video in multiple frame formats and boasts a range of operational enhancements that allow more control over footage while filming and improve sound recording. D-movies are now possible at 50p/60p, and photographers can set sensitivity and select maximum ISO in M mode, plus select the sensor crop format, control power aperture, and fix shutter speed. In addition, Nikon’s 3D noise reduction reduces random noise and noise flicker when filming at high sensitivities. As with the D4, the D4S offers three sensor crop formats, FX, DX, and native crop (approximately 2.7x), and uncompressed full-resolution HDMI output to external devices. You can simultaneously record full resolution HD movies in-camera and with an external recorder via HDMI (an HDMI cable clip is provided with the camera for a secure connection). Sound recording has improved thanks to more options for audio control, including the option to select the sound range (wide/voice), and reduce wind noise when recording with the built-in microphone.

Summary of key features:

- Revamped 16.2-MP FX-format sensor: offers the ultimate in image quality and excellent cropping flexibility.

- Phenomenal light sensitivity: ISO range of 100–25600 is extendable up to an industry-leading 409600 (equivalent).

- 11 FPS with AF: 11 fps in FX format with AE/AF superior to the D4.

- EXPEED 4: boosts the camera’s overall performance to a whole new level.

- Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings and sensitive down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F).

- AF advances: improved lock-on, new options for AF mode restrictions, plus the new Group Area AF mode.

- Multi-area D-Movie: Full HD (1080p) movies in FX- and DX-format at 60p/50p/30p/ 25p/24p frame rates. Offers three sensor crop formats FX, DX and native crop (approximately 2.7x) and clean HDMI-out. Access the ISO range from ISO 200 up and control shutter speed, aperture and audio levels while filming. Nikon’s 3D noise reduction reduces random noise, and the camera offers sophisticated options for audio control.

- Tough in the field: weather-sealed full metal body.

- Fast track: Gigabit 100/1000TX Ethernet port and RAW Size S file format for accelerated image transfer. Compatible with Nikon’s WT-5 Wireless Transmitter.

- Colour adjustable monitor: anti-reflective 8 cm (3.2-in.), 921k-dot LCD monitor that lets you push the colour balance and brightness in any direction.

- Fast durable shutter: Kevlar/carbon fibre-composite shutter unit with 42 ms shutter lag, standard life cycle rating of 400,000 releases and a shutter speed of 1/8000 to 30s, with flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec. A new shutter and mirror mechanism delivers a stable viewfinder image with minimal blackout during high-speed shooting.

- Spot White Balance metering: easily acquire manual, pre-set White Balance data based on the selected area within the frame: the size of the area acquired can be retained even when the image is enlarged, and consecutive data acquisition is possible.

- High-capacity EN-EL18a battery: ultra-compact and lightweight lithium-Ion rechargeable battery with a capacity of 2500 mAh (10.8V).

- Storage media: two card slots—one for high-speed CF (UDMA 7) cards, and one for high-speed, high-capacity XQD cards.

On sale at selected retailers from 6th March 2014

Olympics Photographer & his $48,000 bag of kit!

Heres an interesting interview from Shutter Muse with AFP staff photographer Leon Neal, talking about shooting the Olymics and the $48,000 worth of Nikon gear he brought with him. 

Click here to go to Shutter Muse and read the interview

First portrait shoot in a while!

So last Sunday I had my first portrait shoot in over 3 years, it was also the first time I took the studio gear (Elinchrom D-Lite4s) out on a shoot, in fact they had been packed away since November 2010! Luckily they were more easy to put up than I remember/expected, and packed away just as easy when we were done. And more luckily the bulbs still worked, they're about €60 a go! Anyway, I enjoyed it, think it went well....

A whole load of Nikon Df photos....

So after all the rumors and teases the Nikon Df is officially released, I haven't decided whether I like it or not yet, but at $2749 (and will probably come in around the same in €) I think they may have missed the mark. Anyway, heres a few pics...

Click here for them all!

Nikon - Pure Photography

Now that all the videos are out in the Pure Photography series, its seems an FM2 like digital camera is on the way from Nikon.

Click here for some indepth predictions from Nikon rumours. 

Nikon DF Camera Images Have Been Leaked

Nikon unveil new product for their mirrorless range

Nikon has released details of a new product. the LD-1000 (available in black or white), AAA powered, a continuous light source, aimed at close-up photography or for shooting movies from close up, for the 1-Series mirrorless cameras. 

Overview from the Nikon website

Stylish-looking LED light. A flexible continuous light source that’s simple to use, it’s ideal for close-up photography or when shooting movies from nearby. Small and lightweight, you can easily attach the light to the camera or detach it for off-camera use. 

An incredibly handy way to add impact to images, this LED light is freely adjustable, even when used on-camera. Unlike working with a flash, there’s no need to wait until you’ve taken the shot to see if your lighting ideas work. Instead, you can monitor the effect of this continuous light source via the camera’s LCD screen or viewfinder before you shoot.

Key Features

Portable continuous light source: Ideal for close-up photography and a convenient additional light source when shooting movies from close up. Helps avoid flat-looking photos and can help soften shadow areas, compensate for backlight or add depth to colours.

Flexible: Freely adjust the angle of the light even when it is attached to the camera, or shoot with the light off-camera for even more control over the height and distance of the light from your subject.

What you see is what you get: You can see the effect of the LED light on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder before you shoot. This makes it easy to adjust the light’s position until you achieve the look you want.

Diffuser: The LED window is equipped with a diffuser that allows soft, natural-looking shadows and helps reduce strong reflections when photographing shiny subjects.

Stylish portable design: Small and lightweight, this stylish-looking light fits easily into any bag. Available in white or black, it compliments Nikon 1 camera bodies perfectly.

Easy to use: One switch on the back of the light lets you set the strength of the beam to ‘high’ or ‘low’, and turn the light ‘on’ or ‘off’. The light attaches to the camera via the tripod socket and can be easily detached for off-camera lighting.

Compatible with any camera equipped with a tripod socket. Ideal for use with Nikon 1 system cameras and COOLPIX compact digital cameras.

Now call me a cynic but this looks awfully like a €10 torch I have in my camping bag, it even comes with 4 colored "gels", a little adaption of adding a diffuser and a bracket, I might be on to something! 

It definitely swivels on the horizontal, but from the photos I can't see that it swivels on the vertical. I'm sure it provides a strong consistent light source, and good to see it uses AAA's and they didn't go for a unique Nikon battery.

A long time Nikon user, I'm just not really liking this one,I've seen plenty of led panel lights that come with a bracket or attach to the hot shoe for a fraction of the listed price of around the $100 mark. I'm not sure if its something I'd go for. It'll be interesting to see users reviews when its released.

;-)

Available now for pre-order on some sites.

5 Reasons Why You Need a 50mm lens

A usually funny piece from DigitalRev's Kai on the 50mm!!