Tuesday, June 28, 2011

{Photo Shoot} Red Lips, Coffee and Cigarettes

exposure: 1/160sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 100

Hi everyone! Recently Marione and I had a photo shoot with one of our models, Ria. It was a simple street shoot with a few different locations in the city. This is just one of the photos but the rest can be viewed here on the JMCK Photography fan page.

Gear used:
- Sony a350 with Carl Zeiss 24-70mm lens and Sigma 70-200mm lens attached
- one flash (HVL-F58AM)

Monday, June 27, 2011

{Self-Portrait Project} Aerial Workspace

exposure: 1/30sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 800

Hi everyone! This is what it looks like when I am planning my photography shoots and projects. Often at times its late into the night so the only light source comes from my lamp and my monitor (I don't like using my room light because it uses to much electricity). I look through books and magazines to draw some inspiration and use my notebook to write down any ideas.
I took this shot with the camera suspended on a ladder pointing straight down. The camera was triggered with a remote and the only lighting used was from my desk lamp.

Gear used:
- Sony a350 with Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 lens attached
- remote cable
- tripod

Saturday, June 25, 2011

{Snapshots} Mix n Match Fashion Parade

Hi everyone!

I recently volunteered to cover an event at Ultimo called the Mix n Match Fashion Parade where the models were showing off outfits from the clothing line, Show Pony. It was a simple event to cover where I had the chance to meet some people and take a few happy snaps of the place. Here are a few of the pics.

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 200

 exposure: 1/125sec f/stop: 4.5 iso: 200

 exposure: 1/60sec f/stop:4.5 iso: 200

exposure: 1/80sec f/stop: 4.5 iso: 200

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 4.5 iso: 200

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

{CameraGear} First photo of the Sony a77 and Sony a65


Hi everyone!
For those that don't know, I'm a gear head when it comes to cameras and lenses and anything photography related. I don't usually post up rumors but I'm just really excited to upgrade to this camera. The image above is the first ever photo of the long awaited a700 replacement, the a77 and the replacement for the a55, the a65. A big thanks to Andrea from Sony Alpha Rumors for getting this pic. The following are some possible specs also taken from the site.

- new 24 megapixel sensor
- ISO from 100 - 102400
- new dual Bionz processor
- 3 million dot LED EVF
- more than 10 fps 
- 11 cross type AF points
- 1080p/30fps, 720p/60fps and 720p/30fps high-definition video
- AF fine-tuning capabilities. A source told us that it has an improved focusing system (quite fast and accurate).
- magnesium alloy
- It will take CF+SD+MS cards
- 1.000 pictures with one battery

The camera announcement was supposed to be on the 7th of July but due to the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan the announcement has been pushed back to August but the shipping date and availability is still the same which will be late September/early October. There will also be a few new lenses and accessories to be announced with these cameras too. The new articulated LCD screens on the back of the cameras look interesting and I'm curious to see how they work.

Thanks for reading! 


Monday, June 20, 2011

{Self-Portrait Project} Refreshed

exposure: 1/2500sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 400

 Hi everyone! I'm actually starting to train for a fun run in August called the City 2 Surf which is the world's largest running event held in Sydney. After a short training session, I had the chance to take a photo of something that I wanted to do for a while and finally I had the chance to do this today.

Three flashes were used to get this look. There was one directly behind me on a stand, a flash behind me to my left a bit high up facing towards me and one more flash on the floor to my right facing up at my body (I forgot to bring another stand for this flash).  The camera was set up on a tripod, pre-focused and was triggered using a remote control. Thanks to Marione for helping me with the focusing since it was really dark. The flashes were triggered through the pop-up flash on my camera. It took over fifty shots to get the right photo with the right lighting and it was freezing while doing this since I was squirting myself with water but it was worth it in the end.  

Gear used: 
- Sony a350 with Carl Zeiss 24-70mm lens attached
- three flashes (HVL-F58AM, HVL-F43AM, HVL-F42AM)
- two light stands with Manfrotto 026
- remote cable
- tripod

Saturday, June 18, 2011

{Snapshots} Supanova 2011

Hi everyone! Today I was at an annual event called Supanova. For those that don't know, Supanova is an event where people gather to check out anything game, anime, manga, sci-fi, movie and fantasy related. People dress up in their favorite characters, shop around for costumes and other cool toys, play video games, watch the shows and more. Guests even get to meet and interact with a few stars such as Tom Felton who plays Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies and James Marsters who was in Buffy and Smallville. Its a great social event and from all the costumes I've seen, it makes me want to dress up for next year. Right now, here are a few snapshots of the festival that I took. By the way, I don't even know who half of these characters are but they look pretty cool! Enjoy!

exposure: 1/40sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 800

Cosplay Show

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 3.2 iso: 400

Spartans from the movie 300

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 400

Kakashi from Naruto Shippuuden

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 3.2 iso: 400

Ganondorf and Link from the Legend of Zelda (One of my favorite games on the N64)

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 200

Stone angels being interviewed by someone on their knees. I have no idea if they're playing any characters from a show or movie but it looks pretty cool.

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 400

I don't know what character she is supposed to be but she has a cool costume. Maybe someone can help me name with who she is supposed to be?

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 1600

Red Ranger from the Power Rangers! He did so many poses and he's a funny entertainer. If only the other rangers were there.

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 400

Master Chief from Halo and a random guy with a pistol.

exposure: 1/15sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 400

The car in the Green Hornet movie.

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 1600

Ironman! This costume was awesome because his hand and chest light up. He grew his beard to look like Tony Stark.

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 400

I don't know who they are supposed to be. One is a cat and the other one is some sort of baker?

exposure: 1/80sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 400

One of the droids from the Star Wars movie being chased by a girl in a cat costume.

exposure: 1/80sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 400

I don't know who these characters are but they had some awesome costumes, especially the guy with the sword.

exposure: 1/25sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 800

Deadpool dancing before he starts to strip.

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 400

Goku in rage.

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 400

As with some of the other costumes, I have no idea who this is supposed to be but it looks awesome.

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 1600

One of the group entrants in the Cosplay showcase. 

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

{Snapshots} Vivid Sydney 2011

Hi everyone!

The third annual Vivid Sydney festival has finished for another year. It hasn't failed in entertaining the people that ventured out into the cold and sometimes rainy nights to visit the light shows and live music that this event had to offer. With every show there is always a stand out feature that amazes me and I'm sure many other people. The first year it was the Sydney Opera House, last year it was St Mary's Cathedral and this year it was Customs House. I made a short time lapse of customs house that you will be able to view at the end of the post. If you missed out you can also take a look at the other time lapse video I made of the Sydney Opera House by clicking here. Right now, here are a few snapshots of the festival that I took. Enjoy!

exposure: 1/2sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 200

Unfamilar Customs by The Electric Canvas

 exposure: 1/6sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 200

Light Wave Action by Bow Jaruwangsanti, Kristy Philp, Christa Van Zoeren

 exposure: 3.2sec f/stop: 7.1 iso: 100

Positive Attracts by Edwin Cheong

 exposure: 0.6sec f/stop: 5.6 iso: 100

C/C by Angela Chong

 exposure: 13sec f/stop: 7.1 iso: 100

View of Sydney Harbour Bridge during Vivid

 exposure: 20sec f/stop: 9 iso: 100

Hopscoth by Fiona Venn & Reinhard Germar

 exposure: 6sec f/stop: 11 iso: 100

The Ken and The Opal by Haron Robson

 exposure: 1sec f/stop: 5 iso: 100

Web of Light by Ruth McDermott & Ben Baxter

 exposure: 2sec f/stop: 8 iso: 100

Fire Dance

And here is a short time lapse of Customs House during Vivid Sydney. Enjoy!

Monday, June 13, 2011

{Self-Portrait Project} A different perspective

exposure: 1/30sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 400

Hi everyone! Today I thought I would show you a different perspective on what it looks like when you open the fridge. At the moment my fridge doesn't have that much in it since I ate all the food but luckily I still have one more can of mountain dew. I've started trying out these flavors and although this particular flavor isn't my favorite it still tastes alright. My favorite flavor at the moment though, is 'Voltage' which is available at a store called 'Sugar Fix' if you're in Sydney.

This shot took a few goes because I wanted the can to be in focus and myself to be partly blurred out. Its not my best photo because of my weird facial expression. That must be what I look like when I open the fridge door =.P

Gear used:
Sony a350 with Tamron 17-50mm lens attached

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

{CameraGear} Sony announce the a35, NEX-C3 cameras and more

Hi everyone!

On the 8th of June 2011, Sony announced two new entry level cameras to their NEX and Digital Single Lens Translucent (DSLT) lineup, the a35 and NEX-C3.

The Sony a35 replaces the a33 that was announced last year and is the second generation of cameras from Sony to incorporate a translucent mirror. The following are a few upgrades to this camera from its predecssor:
- improved sensor (16.2 megapixels from 14.2megapixels)
- new feature tele-zoom high speed shooting at 7fps
- new feature picture effects for stills and HD video
- camera battery consumption is redefined for longer shooting
- slightly lighter

Sony a35 with 18-55mm lens attached

This camera does not have a tilt screen like the a33 but it does cut the cost down for a more affordable price for people wanting to step up from their compact cameras. However, the a35 does retrain all its other features from its predecessor such as sweep panorama (2D and 3D), HDR, Hand-Held twilight, continuous autofocus on stills and video and more. Its a modest update to the a33 and with its new features added to this model, it is sure to be a great, stand-out camera for its class.

a35 body (back)

The NEX-C3 replaces its predecessor, the NEX-3 that was released last year. The C in the name stands for compact and as of the time of this posting, it is the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C sized sensor.

Press release for the a35 can be found here.

NEX-C3 with 18-55mm lens attached

The NEX-C3 retains all of its stand out features but adds the picture effects and a special mode called peaking which assists in manual focus. Battery life is also more efficient and is able to shoot at about 400 shots per charge.

NEX-C3 (back)

Press release for the NEX-C3 with additional info and specs can be found here.  

 30mm f3.5 Macro Lens for E-Mount

Sony also released a couple of accessories, one of them the 30mm f3.5 macro lens for the E-mount system. This lens offers the chance to take real life macro images with a magnification ratio of 1:1. It also offers smooth and silent auto-focus and gives a minimum working distance of 2.4cm. This lens is also supplied with a lens hood.

HVL-F20S Flash

Lastly, the HVL-F20S flash for the NEX system was announced to boost the number of accessories available. This flash clips onto the accessory terminal on top of any NEX camera and offers a guide number of 20 as opposed to the supplied flash with a guide number of 7. The flash can also bounce and zoom for different effects with your photos. This flash does not require any batteries.

NEX-C3 with HVL-F20S flash attached

A firmware update was also announced for the a33 and a55 cameras to enable the following:
  1. Addition of the Picture Effect function (7 Effects, 11 Variations)
  2. Programmability of the D-RANGE button (on the top panel) to access 14 functions (Drive Mode, Flash Mode, Auto Focus Mode, AF area, Face Detection, Smile Shutter, ISO, Metering Mode, Flash EV Comp, White Balance, DRO/Auto HDR, Creative Style, SCN/Picture Effect, Sweep Shooting)
  3. Addition of a new mode to turn off display parameters
  4. Improved operability of the Menu (the ability to return to last selected item instead of menu top)
  5. Enable High-Speed Sync when using compatible external flash wirelessly (only α55 – α33 already has this feature)
  6. Addition of Digital level gauge display (on the HDMI output) when using the optional external monitor (like CLM-V55 LCD Monitor)

A firmware update was also announced for the NEX-3 and NEX-5 to enable the following:
  1. Addition of the Picture Effects function (7 Effects, 11 Variations)
  2. Addition of the Manual Focus Peaking function
  3. Very minor – when turning off the camera, the “α” logo will be displayed on the LCD

Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

{Video} Vivid Sydney 2011 Time Lapse

 
Hi everyone! I recently made a time lapse video of the Sydney Opera House during Vivid Sydney 2011. For those of you who don't know what this is, its a festival of music and lights that is held every year for about three weeks and is now in its third year. This unique event is now the largest light festival in the southern hemisphere. If you can brace the cold and you're willing to come out, you will find that this event was well worth the trip.

Enjoy the video and let me know what you think!

Monday, June 6, 2011

{Self-Portrait Project} Waiting

exposure: 1/5sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 200 

Hi everyone! I titled this photo 'waiting' because I am currently waiting for better things to come. This doesn't apply to everything but with a few things, its important to wait. So while I'm waiting, I'm having a hot beverage to keep me warm during these winter nights.

I needed some assistance with this shot and lucky Marione was there to help me with this one. The camera was prefocused and shot with a 10 second self-timer for me to get in position. Marione was there to assist me with how to take the photo and to guard the camera while it was set on the tripod. 

Gear used:
- Sony a350 with Carl Zeiss 24-70mm lens attached
- Tripod

Sunday, June 5, 2011

{Photo Shoot} The Guitarist

exposure: 1/1600sec f/stop: 5 iso: 100

I decided to have a little shoot with my dad in his bat cave which is actually the garage. He spends his time playing the guitar here nearly everyday after he comes home from work. I was going for a natural look with no posing here so you get a glimpse of how he is in his environment. I converted this to black and white to create some mood and I used two flashes off camera. One was set up to my right just behind him to create the shadowing and to give it some emotion. The second was to my left just in front of him set at a low power. The only thing I don't like in this photo is the beer bottle on the bottom left corner (just goes to show that I need to be more aware of the placement of objects in a photo).

This is also my submission in a photo contest conducted by Digital Camera Warehouse and Canon. Let's hope I'm one of the finalists.

Gear used:
- two flashes (HVL-F58AM and HVL-F43AM)
- two light stands with Manfrotto 026
- camera with 24-70mm lens attached