A Measured Response…
Sekonic are the most prominent light and flash meters available in the UK. At least, certainly since the demise of Minolta and it’s range.
There are certainly some fine prodcuts in the line-up.
And for those contemplating a purchase, there is now an extended warranty included by the UK distributers. Here are the details:
All UK Sekonic Meters Will Now Carry A 5 Year Warranty
Image © Sekonic Corp
With immediate effect, all Sekonic meters supplied via JP Distribution and its authorised UK dealer network, will carry a 5 year warranty.
JP Distribution and its in-house service partner, JP Service Solutions, will now honour a 5 year warranty for any UK sourced* meter purchased from May 1st 2012 onwards.
This warranty covers labour and spares for units, which develop any issue due to manufacturers fault or malfunction, but does not cover accidental damage or customer misuse.
Registration for any authorised UK unit must be made via the Sekonic website, www.sekonic.com
*The extended 5 year warranty will only be honoured for units supplied by an authorised UK dealer, where a unit has been registered via the Sekonic website,
End. (03/05/12).
Metering & Exposure Course…
One of the key things to master is an understanding of metering and exposure. It is in fact quite an art, and to be honest, is actually one of the areas where often people find things can either go wrong, or certainly from what I see on courses, people do not optomise what can be achieved.
So I am pleased to say that we have a ‘Crash Course Seminar’ on the subject @ Calumet’s London store in Drummond Street taking place on April 2nd. More…
Manchester Bound…
We have two workshops in Manchester coming up soon. Both are taking place at Calumet. On March 13th we have our very popular ‘Mastering Portable (Strobe) Flash’ workshop.
Image © Canon Inc.
Image © Profoto
So anyone who wants or needs to understand Speedlights or Speedlights, will find this very rewarding. From the ground up we move onto some significant techniques and pro level capabilities. For more information or to book: Click Here.
Then on March 14th, we switch to studio lighting with our ground up course. So if you wish for a proper introduction, explanation and a chance to shoot some nice shots, this ticks the boxes. Showing repeatable and understandable solutions, it enables anyone to achieve rewarding studio results regardless of shooting for pleasure or professional needs. This course will be based around various kinds of people photography. For more information or to book: Click Here.
End. (01/03/12).
Manchester Course…
Just a reminder that we are with Calumet in Manchester on February 17th for our ‘Understanding Digital’ course. For more information: Click Here.
We will be back there on March 13th for our popular and informative ‘Mastering Portable (Strobe) Flash workshop. For more information: Click Here.
End. (09/02/12).
Portable Flash @ Park Cameras…
Next Friday will see our popular ‘Mastering Portable (Strobe) Flash workshop return to Park Cameras. From the basics to a high level of result in a day, and for any camera or flash brand.
For more information and or to book: Click Here.
End. (27/01/12).
Official Nikon Speedlight Workshop…
On Monday (January 23rd), I will be hosting again, my Nikon Speedlight Stage II event at Nikon UK Ltd.
Image © Nikon Corporation
These are part of the ‘official’ Nikon Speedlight workshop program I run , which over the years have helped so many, from the beginner too the working pro.
Very positive feedback confirms that we have things at a high and helpful standard.
This particular event majors on ‘wireless’ Speedlight capabilities.
It is a stage II event for those who have completed our stage 1 workshop or achieved similar.
Image © Nikon Corporation
Apart from clear and useful explanations, I also share further, decades of ‘real world’ Speedlight experience.
So those using SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700 and SB-600 Speedlights, or even earlier models, and wishing to maximise what can achieve will find this event very useful.
Bring plenty of storage card space as this is a wonderful mix of explanation and practical content.
For more details or to book. Click Here.
End. (15/01/12).
Last Few Places…
Our Digital Monochrome workshop @ Nikon UK Ltd this Friday (4th November) now only has a few spaces left.
The day is well received and of course covers this most fascinating genre and how to work within it to a high standard.
Step-by-step it nevertheless covers lots of ground so not just the basics.
For more information Click Here or to book: Click Here.
End. (01/11/11).
Portable Flash Workshop On Friday…
On Friday we will be at Park Cameras for our popular ‘Mastering Portable (Strobe) Flash workshop. So many have enjoyed this over the years, in part because I can draw on my decades of experience using the kit both as a pro photographer, and due to my technical background working with many companies behind the scenes. So if you would like more information or too book: Click Here.
End (25/10/11).
Speedlight Course Filling Up…
Our Nikon Speedlight Stage 1 workshop on October 10th is beginning to fill. We have some spaces left, but don’t leave it too long to book if your are considering this date, as we may likely end up at capacity.
Image © Nikon Corporation
This is a very popular course, and delegate feedback often confirms that it can set up a life time of good flash photography technique.
We cover of course, current Nikon Speedlight’s such as SB-900 and SB-700, plus previous units such as the popular SB-800 and SB-600. And because I have used Speedlight’s for so long and in detail, I am happy as well to help people with even earlier options.
For more information: Click Here. To book: Click Here.
End. (27/09/11).
Back In An Instant…
FujiFilm have reintroduced an instant film camera range.
Many of us have used ‘instant’s professionally in the days before digital capture, as proofing means to check for example lighting. Tons of the stuff so it seemed.
Not overlooking those countless ‘family’ memories that must have been shot over the decades on Polaroid, Kodak and Fuji materials.
This type of image capture probably deserved more credit than I think it got from an ‘historic’ photographic viewpoint, so I think it nice to see it return.
These cameras though have a very definite marketing angle and a lot of course will depend on how much the film packs retail for.
Here are the details:
Fujifilm re-launches instant camera range
Fujifilm has announced a major re-launch of its Instax range of instant cameras and accompanying films.
There are four cameras in the range – the Instax Mini 7S, the Instax Mini 25, the Instax Mini 50 and the Instax 210. Each ‘Mini’ camera produces wallet-sized 62mm x 46mm prints while the larger 210 model prints at 62mm x 99mm. Each print has a deep border to write on a personal message if required.
All models feature built-in, automatic flash that makes them ideal for night clubs, concerts and parties.
The Mini 50S comes with a motor driven, two-position lens that allows the user to shoot close-up images. This model also features a self-timer that allows for two images to be taken with a single click, ideal for group shots.
Image © FujiFilm
Gabriel Da Costa, product manager from Fujifilm explained the move: “The market for instant photography has grown considerably in recent years and we felt the time was right to re-launch and re-brand our Instax range. Our main target area for Instax is 15-25 year old females and we will be taking out advertisements in relevant magazines to promote the range. We’ve also launched www.instax.co.uk together with a Facebook page to really help push instant photography.”
He continued: “Camera phones and digital compacts have brought photography to new areas but nothing can match the thrill of an instant print. There’s a whole generation who missed out on the ‘golden age’ of instant photography and we’re confident that the Instax range will prove to be a big hit with today’s tech-savvy youth. Instax cameras are the ideal addition to parties, weddings and days out and provide a lasting reminder in an instant.”
Instax Mini film (for use in all the Instax mini cameras) comes in a handy cartridge, giving stunning-quality instant images that fit into a purse, wallet or mini photoframe.
Instax Wide Film (for the Instax 210) also comes in an easy-load cartridge and delivers superb quality instant images in a new ‘landscape’ format that’s a refreshing change from the square picture shape long associated with instants.
Based on the same instant film technology that has long benefited the work of demanding professionals, Instax film achieves a level of image quality and colour accuracy that was hitherto thought impossible from these types of films – bringing brilliant instant pictures within everybody’s grasp. Professional quality instant film technology means accurate colour and sharpness with every frame, not to mention a unique and highly attractive way to take and share your photos.
Go to www.instax.co.uk for further information.
End. (13/11/11).
Wireless Speedlight’s Next Week…
On Monday (September 12th) we have our next Nikon Wireless Speedlight Workshop @ Nikon UK LTD.
It is a valuable option for those looking to understand and use off camera flash across a wide genre of subjects.
The content, apart from easy to follow explanations beyond any instruction book, also enables delegates to create some eye catching imagery on the day.
For more information: Click Here.
Nikon Capture NX Course…
I am very pleased to say that Nikon UK LTD have asked me to host their upcoming workshop on Capture NX on October 3rd.
This is something I am very happy to do, because while it may not be the most ‘fashionable’ of software based on user numbers, I do use it myself as a fundamental aspect of my workflow.
Image © John Clements
So having taken the time to really understand its concepts, character and how to set it up in practical, day to day use, I will be sharing that knowledge to save others lots of time.
Personally, I am still to see anything better for working on Nikon Raw (NEF) files in an overall technical sense.
In truth I do have other software options, and respect each for it’s strengths, but shooting around Nikon’s ‘Total Imaging System’ concept makes a lot of sense to me once everything is set-up properly with the right workflow. Most often an image starts and ends in Capture NX.
Of course, the content is also a fine introduction too many general post capture capabilities, no matter your software preference and needs. And don’t forget that if you shoot Jpegs or Tiff files, virtually any camera system can be used at the front end with Capture NX alongside.
So for the non professional, looking to maximise their ‘fun’ with image making, through too those aiming for a professional workflow, using Capture NX in full, or as part of the post capture process, there will be a lot covered. And as always, we aim to make it fun and factual for everyone’s benefit. For more details: Click Here.
End. (01/09/11).
Crash Course Portable (Strobe) Flash…
Just a reminder that on Saturday September 3rd, we have our ‘Crash Course’ seminar for those wishing to get to grips with portable flash photography in the shortest means. Calumet Drummond Street are our hosts for this keenly priced event.
For more information see our previous post: Click Here.
End (26/08/11).
Portable (Strobe) Flash Crash Course…
People just cant seem to get enough of portable flash, which is understandable as it has so much potential. But it can be frustrating getting started.
I am also aware that it is difficult for some to attend full day workshops where we maximise what we can teach and convey. So, as the first focus for a new range of ‘Crash Course’ seminars, what better subject? Calumet Drummond Street (London will be our hosts on September 3rd.
This event is simply packed with helpful content and is ideal for those taking the first steps or in need of a refresh that is real world practical. And it is suitable no matter your camera and flash unit brands. For more details and or to book: Click Here.
End. (22/08/11).