Peter Anthony Photography Blog

GETTING OUT OF A PHOTOGRAPHY SLUMP

2012-02-20T22:00:45Z

Athletes in a slump often admit that during these times they're gripping the stick or bat more than they usually do. Even the smallest amount of variance in their routine adversely affects their results. Similarly, it becomes unnatural when a photographer begins over thinking and forcing something to materialize that typically comes naturally to them. Tensions and anxieties arise, in all walks of life, when one pressures themselves into forcing something to materialize. When moments like this become apparent, let go, let your anxiousness effervesce, and move on. Dwelling on it will only amplify the frustration. It's that simple, good luck working that into your daily routine.

KODAK FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY

2012-01-30T21:30:00Z

Image by: What The Duck

It's hard to believe that one of the most prominent names asscoiated with photography is close to disappearing forever. Last week, Kodak filed for bankruptcy protection. To put this into perspective, it would be like one of the five major car manufacturers disappearing from our collective consciousness for eternity. Given our current economic climate, and what has transpired in the last few years, that may not be that much of a stretch come to think of it. Regardless, Kodak and photography were terms that were often used interchangeably. Well, the "fad" of digital photography clearly caught on, and Kodak's gamble to put far too much stock in their past, that being film sales, led to their diminishing relevance and eventual financial collapse.

Kodak seemed to be everywhere when I was growing up. The oh so well known red and yellow logo was to be found plastered almost everywhere. I can't remember however the last time that I saw a Kodak advertisement. Kodak is just another reminder of the impermanence of everything in this universe. If we live in the past, and cannot come to accept change, we will undoubtedly suffer from our failure to look to the future and let go.

PHOTOSHOP PARODY

2012-01-13T22:30:00Z

Here's just another reminder to those of you using any type of retouching software that less is almost always better. Subtlety reigns! One day people are going to look back at this time in photography and ask "What were they thinking?". That's easy; they weren't...

UPGRADE YOUR MIND'S FIRMWARE

2012-01-11T17:00:47Z

Image by: PeterAnthony Photography

Many of us always make a point of upgrading. For some people, it's a mantra that they live according to. Somewhere along the way we've developed this idea that newer is always better. Why would I buy a regular laundry detergent if there's an "improved" laundry detergent on the market? We seem to be wired into believing that the most recent iteration of something is always going to be superior. Well, that's not always true. I only have to look at some of my old manual focus lenses. There's nothing out there today that can match the colour, rendering, and construction of these gems.

However, there is one thing that many of us tend to neglect upgrading, which genuinely requires upgrading, and that's our mind. Oh sure, when there's a new operating system, or even an incremental improvement to an existing operating system, we quickly upgrade. When it comes to our mind, we're either reluctant, slow, or unmotivated to upgrade our own mental firmware. Whether it's a result of our current comfort, or being in a perceived unbreakable routine, we need to trudge past this and push our mind in order to genuinely stimulate ourselves. Stimulus should not always come from external sources. It should come from within. With that being said, you can't improve your photographic eye unless you begin by furthering your photographic mind first.

NIKON D4 ANNOUNCED

2012-01-06T16:00:00Z

From today's press release:

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon D4, a Nikon FX-format camera that serves as the new flagship model in Nikon's lineup of digital-SLR cameras. Nikon will be exhibiting the D4 at the 2012 International CES, to be held Tuesday, January 10 through Friday, January 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This electronics exhibition is open to the public.

The D4 is equipped with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor (imaging size of 36.0 x 23.9 mm) and EXPEED 3, the latest image-processing engine specifically optimized for digital-SLR cameras, making it the next-generation flagship Nikon digital-SLR camera with the ultimate in versatility and functionality that offers superior image quality rich in detail along with excellent high-speed performance. It has an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, and offers superior image quality under a broad range of lighting conditions with its image sensor supporting an incredible range of sensitivities from ISO 50 to ISO 204800.

The new 91K-pixel (approximately 91,000 pixels) RGB sensor supports the Advanced Scene Recognition System, which is able to recognize human faces even when images are framed using the optical viewfinder. In addition, the Advanced Scene Recognition System offers significant improvements in AF, AE, i-TTL flash control, and auto white balance (AWB) control accuracy. The 51 focus point AF system has been improved with faster initiation of autofocusing and the ability to detect and focus on subjects with less lighting. In addition, 11 focus points are fully functional when lenses with a maximum aperture of f/8 are used. All of this means more precise autofocusing when super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses are used with teleconverters (2.0x). The Multi-area Mode Full HD D-movie movie recording function is capable of recording full-HD movies at 30 fps, and offers three movie recording formats for selection according to recording conditions or creative intent.

What's more, the D4 records images to memory cards faster with built-in support for high-speed, UDMA 7-compatible CompactFlash memory cards and next-generation, high-speed XQD memory cards. In addition to built-in wired LAN features, the D4 also supports high-speed image transfer via wireless LAN when the new, compact, easy-to-use Wireless Transmitter WT-5 (available separately) is connected to the camera. The D4 is also equipped with a number of new functions that support a more efficient workflow for professional photographers, including one that allows users to add IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) information to images.

Here's one of the first promotional videos, if you're interested:

NEW YEAR'S PHOTOGRAPHY RESOLUTION

2012-01-03T22:15:00Z

Without a doubt my New Year's photography resolution is going to be not to purchase any camera gear in 2012 (unless something I currently own is lost, stolen, or broken beyond repair). No lenses to be purchased, no cables, no lighting equipment, no accessories whatsoever. That's quite exciting for me. Use what you have and make great images with your current stock of gear. I'd rather spend the time learning more about myself by using existing gear than purchasing new gear and learning about it. It's a simple yet very liberating plan. In fact, I'm actually going to take this a step further and take inventory of what I own, and sell off some of my lesser used gear. This is one resolution that I'll have no difficulty keeping, but that's what everyone says early in January.

AVOID UNNECESSARY ACCIDENTS

2011-12-02T17:00:00Z

Image by: PeterAnthony Photography

This may simply be a matter of stating the obvious, but indulge me for a moment to do exactly that. In order to reduce the number of hectic moments that you have, develop a routine where you always return your gear back to your camera bag, or your studio, to exactly the same spot every time. It can be unnerving when you're on location and you begin to fumble through a camera bag or backpack looking for something, when you know you're losing time, the moment, and more importantly optimal light. Routine and habit is important when it comes to photography; sometimes we cannot afford to spend seconds searching for something that isn't even there. Pay attention to organizing your gear, because there's already enough unpredictability in our cluttered day.

LED ZEPPELIN IV ... 40 YEARS LATER

2011-11-13T01:00:00Z

Image by: Bob Gruen

40 years ago this past week, Led Zeppelin released the greatest rock album of all-time (at least in my opinion). A powerhouse from the legendary opening vocal intro of “Black Dog” to the final notes of the hypnotic Mississippi blues-infused “When The Levee Breaks”. Led Zeppelin IV contains eight classics including “Rock And Roll,” “The Battle Of Evermore,” “Misty Mountain Hop,” “Four Sticks,” “Going To California,” and, of course, the ultimate rock anthem, “Stairway To Heaven.”

“Hats Off…” to Jimmy, Robert, John Paul, and John for creating a true work of art that only gets better with age.

Celebrate the anniversary ... put it on, turn it up loud, and go edit some images.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

2011-11-11T16:01:05Z

Image by: PeterAnthony Photography

Canadians pause today in a silent moment of remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict, and peace. We honour those who fought for Canada in the First World War (1914-1918), the Second World War (1939-1945), and the Korean War (1950-1953), as well as those who have served since then. More than 1,500,000 Canadians have served our country in this way, and more than 100,000 have died. They gave their lives and their futures so that we may live in peace. To all the brave Canadians that served, and to continue to serve around the world ... thank you. Words cannot express how fortunate we are to live in such a safe, just, and peace filled country.

Many of the rights and freedoms that we still have today as photographers in various parts of the world, are a direct result of those who served and continue to serve our respective countries. To all the veterans and their families ... thank you.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2011-10-10T20:00:00Z

We're just approaching the end of Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada. Although we should be cognizant of the need for an appreciation for all of the blessings in our life on a daily basis, Thanksgiving is an official time to do so. Take the opportunity to take stock of the many freedoms and gifts that are afforded to those of us that live in a Western Democratic society on a daily basis. In Canada, we have the freedom to photograph in public spaces without fear of reprisal or persecution, let alone imprisonment. We also have the luxury to access disposable income to support our hobbies and businesses. Most importantly, we also have our health and leisure time to pursue our interests in photography ... too often these two things are overlooked when we're taking inventory of the things to give thanks for. Instead of looking through a viewfinder, spend some time looking inward over the next few days. No doubt, you'll come to the realization of how fortunate you are.

To all of my friends south of the border, have a very enjoyable and peace-filled Thanksgiving in a few weeks from now. May all of you have more reasons to be thankful each and every year.