On a commercial shoot, last month, in San Jose, I needed to do a number of repeatable shots for the director on our video project. What that means is the director has a specific shot in mind. He told me where to start, where to end and what he wanted in-between. Then we shoot the scene and he would want to redo the shot exactly the same, but with variations in speed and gimbal position. While I am able to duplicate a flight path pretty well by hand, it would be great to have an app that records the position of the drone at key points and … [Read more...] about Becoming a Better Drone Videographer: Repeatable Shots using Litchi
Gimbal
Gear Review: Oben GH-30 Gimbal Head
I've been using gimbal heads in my photography for as long as I can remember. Gimbal heads are simple devices that support long, heavy, lenses. They help photographers move big lenses around while tracking fast moving objects in the distance. Weightless balance Their primary feature is the ability to balance the camera and lens within the tripod head and use tension controls to simulate a "weightlessness." The camera can be moved freely but stays in place when not being moved. The gimbal allows for easy tracking along the vertical and … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Oben GH-30 Gimbal Head
Cinetics Lynx Motion Control System Review
Those who know me, know i've been a Timelapse fanatic since the first time I got to hang out with Michael Shainblum in San Diego about 4 years ago. I've been even more addicted to the gear and gadgets that have come out since then to help artists create visually stunning and dynamic time-lapse films. There are a LOT of options out there from the higher end and expensive motion controllers and rails, to the super low budget and simple egg timer with small camera mounted to the top. So how do you know what's right for you and at what price point? … [Read more...] about Cinetics Lynx Motion Control System Review
Breaking Down the Different Types of Tripod Heads
There are so many different types of tripod heads and it can get confusing on which one to use depending on what you’re shooting. I like it when my gear complements my photography, rather than getting in the way or making my job harder. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of tripod heads. Ball Heads Ball heads are the most popular tripod head for photography. The rotating ball lets you position the camera in almost any way imaginable, with a locking screw letting you lock the ball in position. It gives you the most flexibility in … [Read more...] about Breaking Down the Different Types of Tripod Heads
How to Get a Stable Shot When Shooting Video
Shooting video on a DSLR, Mirrorless or Micro Four Thirds camera can be challenging. Let's look at how to choose the right camera or camera configuration for the task at hand. Even if you only have one camera to use, you can figure out how to optimize your set-up for the job. Form Factor Shooting video on a DSLR camera is currently not a well-designed experience in terms of ergonomics. The technical need to shoot with the camera’s mirror open requires the photographer to compose a shot using the DSLR’s LiveView feature or LCD monitor. As … [Read more...] about How to Get a Stable Shot When Shooting Video
Proper Long Lens Technique with Scott Bourne
I met up with Photofocus founder and wildlife photography expert Scott Bourne this past week at the Viera Wetlands in Melbourne, Florida to photograph birds in flight. The weather was absolutely gorgeous (even at 6:30am in the morning). But getting up early was really worth it to photograph the birds at first light. Hey - Vanelli came too. While we were there, Scott wanted to share a video about the proper long lens technique when shooting a long lens on a tripod. Believe it or not, properly supporting the lens practically guarantees … [Read more...] about Proper Long Lens Technique with Scott Bourne
How to Get Steady Shots from a Quadcopter
Are you interested in Quadcopters or already bought one? One of the most important options you can get is a gimbal (think of it as Image Stabilization). Gimbals allow you to rotate cameras in any direction, allowing the camera to stay horizontal even if the support is tipped. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr0fG2Coqao This tutorial is from Photofocus partner lynda.com. You can learn all about the advantages of shooting with one. Be sure to also check out the lynda.com 10 day trial so you can watch the full course and learn more about … [Read more...] about How to Get Steady Shots from a Quadcopter
Hot Gear: Sony a7R and Movi M5 Gimbal
In a recent conversation with Chase Reynolds over at LensRentals, we couldn't wait to talk about all the new "hot gear". As you now know, the LensRentals.com team sees quite a bit of inventory come and go from their warehouse so it's always interesting to hear about the different products that are being moved on a daily basis. The two products he chose? The Sony A7R & the Freefly Movi M5 Gimbal. Listen to the conversation here. (Starting around 25:00) Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on … [Read more...] about Hot Gear: Sony a7R and Movi M5 Gimbal
Lindsay Adler, Apple News & Hot Gear | Photofocus Podcast 6/5/14
This week's podcast interviews photographer Lindsay Adler who talks about her new studio and getting started in the world of fashion photography. Rich also gives you a quick update on the new photo options from Apple for Mac, Windows, and iOS We then check in with Chase Reynolds about two hot new pieces of gear. Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Lindsay Adler Lindsay Adler is a professional portrait and fashion photographer based in New York City. Her editorial work has appeared in numerous … [Read more...] about Lindsay Adler, Apple News & Hot Gear | Photofocus Podcast 6/5/14
Got A Really Big Lens? You Need A Really Big Tripod Head – Induro GHB2 Mini Review
For years, one small company named Wimberley has owned the gimbal head market. Photographers who use the big fast lenses like the 500mm F/4, 600 F/54 or 800mm F/5.6 lenses now have a choice. Induro has announced the Induro GHB2 GH-Series Aluminum Gimbal Head. Gimbal heads make it very easy to use big glass. They provide a gravity balanced, weightless experience. In my wildlife work, I wouldn't think of shooting without a gimbal. If you're unfamiliar with gimbal heads, Induro has a video that you can watch free of charge demonstrating the … [Read more...] about Got A Really Big Lens? You Need A Really Big Tripod Head – Induro GHB2 Mini Review
Scott Demonstrates The Wimberley Gimbal Head
Click on the Vimeo link for a full size version. _______________ … [Read more...] about Scott Demonstrates The Wimberley Gimbal Head
