Archive for the Photography Category

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A functional, compact dual-audio ENG rig

Posted in Photography, Photojournalism, Reviews, Travel, Video with tags , , , , , , , , on June 21, 2014 by William Hooks

Canon 5D3_dual lav shotgun audio_monopod

This setup works well for daylight-lit ENG; I usually add a Stellar ST-3000 LED light and a 6″ cold shoe rail when artificial light is needed.

This group fits into a Lowe Pro Flipside 400 pack and includes:

Canon5D3 w 24-105 f/4 L
Rode NTG-2 shotgun mic with deadcat and shock mount, headphones
Tascam DR-60D DAR with 2 x 3.5 mm short cables to run to and from the camera
Audio Technica Pro70 wired lav mic w dead’marble’
2 XLR cables, 6′ each
3X 3″ loupe
batteries

The Benro S6 video monopod goes into its own case to the site of the events.

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The four heads

Posted in Music, Photography, Photojournalism, Reviews, Travel, Video with tags , , , on June 8, 2014 by William Hooks

This is an illustration of the 4 fluid heads and associated equipment I use for video stabilization.

The Induro hi-hat yields low-angle and tight interior shots, for example; the monopod can provide sweeping ‘jib’ shots and the tripod specializes for Dutch angles. All contribute to multicam shooting.

 

The heads from Benro are S6 on monopod, and S8 flat base.

This combination travels well and all heads use interchangeable, standard quick release plates.4 fluid heads_ motion options

The 75mm bowls on the Manfrotto video tripod and hi-hat allow seamless transfer between their respective heads.

So what? This combination is FAST and secure to use.That means I have more time to be creative and waste a lot less time and effort switching cameras for obtaining specific shots!

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Shots of Ledgo 600 watt LED panel, Benro S8 video fluid head

Posted in Photography, Reviews, Studio Portraiture, Video on May 19, 2014 by William Hooks

These will let me light on location using a V-mount Li ion battery as well as the usual studio setup, as shown here. I included illustration of the charger for the battery… this system gives reliable power for an all-day shoot whether to the lights or audio recorder for example. The 300 watt Husky LED panel runs only on wall power.

The S8 head carries up to 22 pound payloads, somewhat more than my Manfrotto heads. I like the included bubble -level light for low-light leveling of this head.

5D3_70D_monopod_hi hat

Benro S8 video head

Ledgo 600 LED panel

V mount charger_battery

Wide shot_ LED panels w S8 head_monopod_hihat

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Jib use at studio shoots, 7 May 2014

Posted in Photography, Video on May 8, 2014 by William Hooks

This is my default jib setup, with a floor dolly and my custom camera cage attached for versatility. These enable easy repositioning of the setup and front use of the jib for precise motion control when I don’t want to be at the rear station- it’s quick and smooth. I can use the camera’s monitor as in this example or attach an external one.

A Mafer clamp holds the microphone array at the front -top of the jib,thanks Matthews!

The Canon 5dIII barely fits into the cage when using the Manfrotto flat base fluid head (here)… the fit’s better with the 70D, allowing additional camera moves from the head while employing the jib’s separate motions.DSCN0637

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New custom 6 ft jib /mini-crane

Posted in Photography, Travel, Video on May 5, 2014 by William Hooks

I’m using a Manfrotto flat-base fluid head as the default to mount cameras on the jib. To shoot simultaneously with 2 cameras, I use a Manfrotto dual camera arm.

For focus, the Manfrotto DSLR remote controller works well esp with the wonderful AF system on the Canon 70D…5″ HDMI monitor is used for display and exposure estimation for the operator at the counterweight position, also using a lever to move the camera perpendicular to the long axis of the jib if needed.

A 25 pound donut sandbag stabilized the tripod, attached to an Arukas ball head and then Manfrotto hexagonal camera plate system integral to the jib mount. With a 5D3 and 17-40mm f/4 I find that about 15 pounds on the right and 7.5 on the left arm of the counterweight bolt work well.

Arukas ball head with jib mount

counterweights_ jib monitor

jib camera payload

jib payload detail

travel jib in studio

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New addition to the Canon EF lens collection yesterday

Posted in Photography, Photojournalism, Video on April 15, 2014 by William Hooks

I ‘m now using the 135mm f/2 L and plan to add a 1.4X Canon teleconverter soon, as this lens performs very well with converters and would extend my reach on a 70D from ~200mm f/2 to ~300mm f/2.8— nice in a compact package for sports and video in particular…..

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Completing the prologue to an upcoming documentary, KATRINA TO LANDERS:Random relocation of African American Refugees from the hurricane disaster in 2005

Posted in Music, Photography, Photojournalism, Travel, Video on March 28, 2014 by William Hooks

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Manfrotto SYMPLA Clamp-On Remote Control for Canon DSLRs

Posted in Photography, Reviews, Video on March 9, 2014 by William Hooks

Manfr_Remote controller

DSCN0401DSCN0398This is an initial, preliminary review. I recently added this item to my 5D3 system, primarily for video, and so far it’s promising to make life much easier for shooting with a jib and on a shoulder rig in particular. Theses situations call for being able to control the camera remotely if feasible.

The part number for this unit at B&H is Manfrotto SYMPLA MVR911ECCN.

I paid the B&Hprice of approx $280 at Samys Pasadena, CA.

What can I do with this? I can set a focus range for racking in or out; turn Live View on or off, record and stop video or take stills, WITHOUT touching the camera. I can use digital zoom to check focus.

The initial tests show that it works as advertised with the 5D3.I still need to test with a longer USB cable to allow more flexibility on rigs and jib if possible…stay tuned.

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Had fun solo aid climbing at Joshua Tree NP this week

Posted in Photography on February 28, 2014 by William Hooks
My Black Diamond Skylounge single portaledge was the ticket for relaxing after the first pitch (I'm lazy)

My Black Diamond Skylounge single portaledge was the ticket for relaxing after the first pitch (I’m lazy)

protium oxide

Reclining in the BD Skylounge

The weather turned early Thursday morning with a sandstorm hitting camp…. but it was great fun! I said adios to my Nikon Coolpix S9100 after 3 years of good service, I plan to add a Canon S110 compact soon.

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What winter???

Posted in Photography, Reviews on January 23, 2014 by William Hooks
Thanks Petzl for the great ascenders! I also like the Black Diamond N-Force but they're a little more effort to slide up ropes...

Thanks Petzl for the great ascenders! I also like the Black Diamond N-Force but they’re a little more effort to slide up ropes…

Metolius Quarter Dome haul bag --excellent for soloing and as a sub-bag

Metolius Quarter Dome haul bag –excellent for soloing and as a sub-bag

At least in southern California– I had to seek shade to be comfortable this afternoon hauling and aid climbing around here…..DSCN1817

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I especially recommend the Petzl MicroTraxion combo hauling device, the CMI RP-101 pulley, and the Tibloc by Petzl if you want to do 3:1 haul setups as shown here- instead of space hauling if the distances are less than ~ 50 feet.
Space hauling really looks good if you’re bringing something up from farther than that.

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