Camera and Tripods

Yes, they’re heavy, bulky and the last thing you want is more stuff to carry around with you, but they also open up a whole range of techniques you can try that would not be possible without one.

Sometimes I use one just to focus my mind on what I’m doing. Because it’s more difficult to move everything around it makes me think more about the camera angle before I line up the shot. When I’m photographing people I don’t like anything to slow me down, I think it’s very important to get the shots as quickly as possible before the subject gets bored, but when shooting objects it’s good sometimes to slow down and think a little more.

Things you can do with a tripod that you can’t do without one

1) Take pictures at slow shutter speeds without getting the dreaded camera shake. This enables you to do lots of interesting things like having some, non-moving, parts of the picture sharp while other, moving, parts are blurred.

Also panning with a moving object, like a car, is easier with a tripod. Panning at a slow shutter speed will render the object (car) sharp and the background as blurred streaks.

2) Use much smaller apertures giving you greater depth of field. Because you can use slower speeds you can shoot at any aperture you like.

3) Shoot a series of frames that will join up into a panorama more accurately. Although this is possible hand held, the best way to shoot panoramas is to shoot in upright format, take lots of pictures that overlap and use a tripod that has been carefully adjusted to be level with the ground.

Using your tripod

A few quick tips to help you get the best from your tripod.

Always spread the legs fully. Common sense really, it’s going to be more stable the further you spread the legs. Some tripods, like mine, allow you to spread the legs past the normal stops to get you out of trouble in tight situations. Only use this facility when it’s really necessary.

Use the minimum height you need. Don’t go higher than you have to, the higher you go the more wobbly the tripod will be.

Extend the legs rather than the central column. The central column should only be used for fine adjustments, it is not as solid as the legs.

Adjust the height of the legs before spreading them. It’s the only way to make sure that the legs are all the same height. This will give you the best chance of the camera being level. However you still need to check it by eye or with a spirit level.

Quest Software

Victoria Williams from Quest Software contacted me asking if I was available to cover their event at the Savill Court Hotel where there will be a live band performing and many prizes to be handed out to the staff on the night. I gladly accepted this opportunity and was introduced to the lovely Christine knight who would be organising the event.

I arrived at the Savill Court Hotel around 6pm where I found Christine rushing around with last minute preparations for the exciting night ahead. I was shown where to set the Photo Booth up and get myself ready for the evening events to begin. With the Photo Booth set up at the entrance, I managed to get a photo of all the guests as they started to flood in.

With plenty of drinks flowing and after some amazing speeches everyone headed into the hall for a lovely sit down meal with quiz and prizes being handed out between courses. The meal was followed by an amazing live band. By the end of the night everyone had a turn on the dance floor where I managed to get rather a lot of kisses on the cheek from merry ladies ( I thank you all ) I would like to take this opportunity to thank Helene Kemsley from Avenue Events for her hospitality on the night.

What’s In My Camera Bag

My Photography Kit

I frequently get asked what do you use’s questions and “What camera do you use?” “Are you a Nikon guy or Canon guy?” “What lenses do you use for weddings?” “What kind of lighting do you have?” etc. Well, here’s your answer. What’s in my bag? …too much stuff, but I love it all.

Cameras

• Olympus OMD EM-1 (2 off). My main camera. My baby. I LOVE this camera.
• Olympus OMD EM5 (2 off). Backup camera. Also fantastic for every day use.
• Olympus OMD EM-10. My everyday street camera (always in my bag)
• Olympus OM-2. Good old faithful film camera (with fuji pro400H film in)

Lenses

• Nikon 35mm f/1.4G. Used for getting-ready photos, group portraits, etc.
• Nikon 50mm f/1.4G. I use this lens a ton. Sharp and fast.
• Nikon 85mm f/1.4G. I LOVE this lens. Sharp, fast, and creates awesome bokeh (background blur).
• Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8. I use this lens the most after the 50mm. Sharp, fast, and a great versatile zoom range.
• Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VRII. Great for wedding ceremonies or to really throw the background out of focus for portraits.
• Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm F1.8. Amazing and tack sharp for portraits.
• Olympus M.Zuiko 12-50mm F3.5-6.3. Very good for macro shots (wedding rings) Has macro function built in.
• Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f1.8 full metal body and sharp as a razor (my favourite lens)

Lighting

• Olympus FL600R Flash (8 off). you can never have to many speedlights.
• Pocketwizard Trigger Transmitter (x1). For firing my flashes off-camera.
• Pocketwizard Receiver (x2). For firing my flashes off-camera.
• Manfrotto Mini (x3) Light Stand.
• Manfrotto 5001B 74-Inch Nano Stand.
• Lastolight Umbrella Adapter (x2) with Clamp Style Shoe.
• Manfrotto 026 Swivel Lite-Tite Umbrella Adapter
• Elinchrom 43″ Silver Umbrella.
• Elinchrom 43″ White Satin Umbrella. Used mostly for portrait sessions.
• Elinchrom 43″ Soft Shoot Through Umbrella. Never use this; probably should though.
• Lastolight 6×7 Hi-Key Background with trail. Use it all the time for wedding photobooth.
• Lastolight 3×4 Hi-Key Background. always in the boot of my car (first choice for Headshots)
• Lastolight Ezybox ll Octa
• Orbis Ring Flash. Fast and easy to use for on location with amazing light.

Bags

• Think Tank ~ Airport Navigator I LOVE this bag.
• Peli 1510 Hard Case. Holds all my stay at home kit for storage.
• Manfrotto Tripod Carrying Case. (my monopod is inside snug as a bug)
• Manfrotto Lightstand Carrying Case. Used to carry my light stands and umbrellas.

Accessories

• B+W 77mm Slim UV Haze MRC #010 Filters (on most lenses).
• A bunch of Compact Flash cards in multiple capacities from Lexar.
• A bunch of AA rechargeable batteries.
• 43” Reflector. Hardly ever use; I should probably use this more too…
• 3 Legged Thing Tripod Carbon (Keith & Eric)
• Rode Microthone Pro. Pop this on the GoPro for some amazing sound quality.
• GoPro 3. Set this up at weddings to capture the ceremony (and for tutorials)

Hardware & Software

• Apple 27” iMac mid-2014 w/ 32GB RAM.
• Apple Macbook Pro 13” mid 2012 w/ 16GB RAM.
• iPad Mini 32G wifi/3G
• Drobo 5D 16T. Holds an insane amount-o-stuff.
• Drobo Mini 4T. Holds more stuff.
• Apple Time Machine. Just because i like to be safe.
• Adobe Photoshop CC. A must-have.
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4. Another must-have.
• LightBlue. Manages all my appointments and finances.