Canon and Sony News for May 2016 (Page 3)

 Friday, May 13, 2016

When the clouds become turquoise, you are probably in a great place.
 
The day started out with no clouds in the sky. After having photographed for 6 days straight prior with good results, I was looking for more than what a clear sky would deliver, so some scouting was the task at hand. The selected location for the day was Wild Cow Run, at the end of Middle Caicos. From my base location in Whitby Beach, North Caicos, this meant a drive through most of North Caicos, across the causeway and through most of Middle Caicos. Then, at the end of the road, a 4x4 road was traversed until going further becomes impossible.
 
Your reward for this drive is one of the most beautiful beach locations in the world with seldom another person seen. I had hiked about a mile out when some nice clouds began forming on the horizon. Seeing great images beginning to materialize, I ran and swam back to the vehicle, grabbed a Canon EOS 5Ds R with an EF 16-35mm f/4L IS Lens mounted, threaded a circular polarizer filter onto the lens and put the setup in an EWA marine underwater housing.
 
I know, an underwater housing does not make sense for capturing an above-water image of beach, water and clouds, but ... you may have noted the "swam" part when returning to the vehicle. I had to swim (fins, snorkel and mask) through a channel with a swift tidal current to reach the island with the beach I was targeting. I was not using the camera underwater, but the housing was perfect for the water transportation to the scene.
 
Once across the water, I removed the camera from the housing, stowed the housing (and snorkel gear) high on shore and hiked over sand and shallow water to reach the desired location. The huge expanse of sand and shallow water had my greatest attention. I was looking for angles and heights that would work best while keeping the clouds in pleasing locations within the frame. The clouds were moving in rapidly and I was shooting quickly, monitoring mostly my manually-set exposures from time to time, keeping the brightest parts of the clouds nearly blown.
 
What I wasn't noticing was that, as the clouds came closer, they began reflecting the amazing fluorescent turquoise colored water behind the reef, which was located a distant 1.4 mi (2.25 km) from shore at this location. Upon uploading my images for the day, I realized that the clouds, as they came in closer than the reef, had picked up a very strong color reflection from the water below. The result was something I had not captured before, turquoise-colored clouds.
 
Photography (usually) rewards effort – effort pays off. It was definitely worth the effort of a round trip to the vehicle to add this (and many other similar) images to the collection. I'll leave the "foresight to take the camera with me the first time" topic for another day.


A larger version of this image is available on Flickr, Google+, Facebook and 500px. If reading from a news feed reader, click through to see the framed image.

 
Camera and Lens Settings
16mm  f/9.0  1/125s
ISO 100
8827 x 5885px
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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 5/13/2016 8:53:10 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

And speaking of seeing the world from orbit, Canon is giving you a behind the scenes look at filming A Beautiful Planet from the International Space Station.

From the Canon USA YouTube Channel:

Learn about how IMAX shot A Beautiful Planet from space from Director Toni Myers, DP James Neihouse and Astronaut Marsha Ivins. For more information, visit: abeautifulplanet.imax.com

B&H carries the Canon EOS C500 and 1D C cinema cameras.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Photography Education Videos
Post Date: 5/13/2016 8:01:05 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

by Sean Setters

While scrolling through Google's app recommendations a while back, one app in particular – ISS onLive – caught my eye. After playing around with it for about a month, I think it's a worthwhile download/install for anyone with even a moderate interest in NASA and the International Space Station.

The app allows you to view two different live video streams from the ISS, as well as watch the official NASA TV channel. As I write this, the NASA TV channel is airing a live interview with the ISS crew (it's pretty cool). And with Chromecast, you can even watch the live feeds on your TV. The app also features a map so that you can see exactly where the space station is at any one time, and it can be set to display up to 5 orbit paths.

Another nice feature about the app is its ability to warn you whenever the ISS will be flying overhead. By turning on the alarm feature, the app will tell you when the ISS is scheduled to make its next pass near your location and will alert you 5 minutes ahead of time. And while the ISS far above you traveling at 17,150 mph, you can use the app to take a full-screen snapshot of the live feed looking down at your home.

Here's another look at the app (screenshot taken this morning):

ISS onLive Screenshot Current

And with the next-pass information at hand, you can also use the app to help you plan a photo capturing the ISS streaking across the night sky.

On the downside, the live video feeds are not always available. The app description even warns, "Sometimes video is not available by transmission problems. Be patient, in few minutes (sometimes hours) the transmission will return." But when the ISS's feed is working, and it's on the daylight side of the planet, you'll be treated to a view of Earth that you can't get anywhere else.

Download: ISS onLive for Android

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   
Post Date: 5/13/2016 7:04:55 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

According to the Egami Blog, Sigma has patented an optical formula for the 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports lens.

Patent Description

  • Patent Publication No. 2016-75828
  • Published 2016.5.12
  • Submitted 2014.10.8
  • Zoom ratio 2.67
  • Focus distance 72.41 118.50 193.38
  • F-number 2.92 2.92 2.92
  • Field of view 2h 33.58 20.51 12.56
  • Image height Y 21.63 21.63 21.63
  • The total lens length 250.00 250.00 250.00

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Camera and Lens Patents
Post Date: 5/13/2016 5:31:38 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Thursday, May 12, 2016

From the Canon Professional Network:

Few wildlife photographers have made a bigger splash than Andy Rouse. CPN writer Mark Alexander finds out how this Canon Explorer is using the new EOS-1D X Mark II to reach even greater heights...

In the realm of image-making, Andy Rouse is one of those rare individuals to achieve almost celebrity status. His name has become inextricably linked with the world of wildlife photography with demand for his unique views never seeming to wane. The 50-year-old photographer’s images have graced the covers of magazines across the world and he has picked up a clutch of prestigious awards for his efforts. As professional photography goes, Rouse is a success story. And yet, despite his prominence in the wildlife arena, you get a sense that the Englishman has come to a crossroads in his career. As he packs for his next expedition to India to photograph tigers, he reveals his latest venture into aviation photography is as much to do with changes at home as it is about trying something new.

See the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.

B&H has the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II available for preorder.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Professional Network
Post Date: 5/12/2016 1:12:42 PM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Samsung:

Combined high performance and capacity, this memory card solution provides consumers with up to 12 hours of 4K UHD video storage

May 10, 2016 10:49 AM – SEOUL, South Korea – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., an expert provider of advanced memory solutions, today unveiled its newest memory card globally – the EVO Plus 256GB microSD card. The EVO Plus 256GB offers the highest capacity for a microSD card in its class, delivering fast speeds and an expanded memory storage for use in premium smartphones and tablets, 360-degree video recorders, action cameras, and drones. Consumers can now record up to 12 hours of 4K UHD video or 33 hours of Full HD videoon their mobile device or action camera without needing to change or replace the memory card, allowing them to experience more and worry less about running out of memory.

The EVO Plus 256GB raises the bar for capacity and performance of microSD cards thanks to Samsung’s advanced V-NAND technology, offering high read and write speeds of up to 95MB/s and 90MB/s, respectively. This level of performance will provide general consumers and professionals with superb user convenience for storing heavy-loaded, high-resolution photography and 4K video recording, as well as graphic intensive multimedia like virtual reality (VR) and gaming.

“With the upward trend of consumers using high-performance, high-capacity mobile devices, our new, V-NAND-based 256GB microSD card solution allows us to deliver the memory card consumers have been craving,” said Un-Soo Kim, Senior Vice President of Brand Product Marketing, Memory Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our EVO Plus 256GB microSD card, will provide consumers with large capacity, and high read and write speeds. We are excited to offer our customers convenient and seamless multimedia experiences when they access, store and share all of the content they create and capture.”

The EVO Plus 256GB microSD card provides advanced protection, capacity, and performance with long-term reliability needed to get the most out of today’s electronics, making it an ideal companion for high-end smartphones and tablets with a microSD slot, even in the most extreme conditions.

Samsung will offer the EVO Plus 256GB microSD card with a limited 10-year warranty in more than 50 countries, including the USA, Europe, China, and other regions starting in June 2016 for $249.99 (Manufacturer’s suggested retail price).

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Samsung News
Post Date: 5/12/2016 5:28:57 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Wednesday, May 11, 2016

From Canon USA:

Watch this sample video captured with the amazing and compact EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM Lens. This remarkable little lens opens up a whole new world or macro for beginner and advanced users

B&H has the Canon EF-M 28mm Macro IS STM available for preorder.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Photography Education Videos
Post Date: 5/11/2016 2:23:27 PM ET   Posted By: Sean

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

Canon’s engineers changed the digital SLR landscape with the Speedlite 600EX-RT and its revolutionary, built-in radio-based wireless flash capabilities. Introduced in 2012, this flash has become a gold standard in the industry, and has enabled many serious photographers to “raise their game” in off-camera flash capability, while preserving the option of E-TTL automatic flash exposure control, through the camera.

In the ensuing four years, Canon has listened to feedback from serious enthusiasts and professionals, and with that input has created the next-generation, top-of-the-line Canon E-TTL flash unit: the Speedlite 600EX II-RT.

In this document, we’ll give an overview of what’s new and different, and likewise paint a picture of what remains unchanged. As the product name might suggest, this is an evolutionary update, and not a radical new product introduction. The Speedlite 600EX II-RT will replace the 600EX-RT in the Canon line-up, upon its introduction to the market later in 2016. Parenthetically, unlike the 600EX-RT, this newly-updated 600EX II-RT will not have a companion “non-RT” version for sale in limited parts of the world… only a radio-compatible 600EX II-RT is being introduced, world-wide, at this time.

Read the entire article on the Canon Digital Learning Center.

B&H has the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT available for preorder.

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Post Date: 5/11/2016 11:01:01 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Image quality results from the Canon EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens page.

I'll leave the comparison lens selection up to you, but ... certain is that there is no directly comparable lens available.

B&H has the Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens in stock.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 5/11/2016 10:07:14 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

by Sean Setters

You probably know that Canon USA provides a 1-year warranty on new DSLR cameras and lenses purchased through its authorized retailer network. But what you may not know is that your warranty can often be extended by using a credit card to purchase your camera gear. In many cases, credit card companies will provide Extended Warranty protection (usually 1-year after the manufacturer's warranty has expired) when you charge the full amount of the camera gear to the credit card.

In addition to the extended warranty coverage, some credit card companies also offer purchase Protection Coverage (up to a specified amount) if your item is damaged or stolen within the first 90 days of purchase.

Yet another credit card benefit that you may be able to take advantage of is Price Protection. With this benefit, the credit card company will reimburse you the difference in price if you find a lower price on the newly purchased item within 60 days.

Of course, you'll need to contact your credit card company (or do your own research) to find out which (if any) of these benefits come with your specific credit card(s).

Here is some general information I found about various credit card benefits:

Visa Signature Card

Visa cardholders can register a product and extend a manufacturer’s warranty. One convenient service makes it quick and easy.
(This benefit may also be available on other card products. Check with your issuer to see if you qualify.)

Warranty Manager Service offers you a number of valuable features, including warranty registration and Extended Warranty Protection, all available with a simple toll-free telephone call. Warranty Manager Service’s registration service helps you take full advantage of your warranties, because you can get key information about your coverage with a single toll-free call. And if you send us [Visa] your sales receipts and warranty information, we’ll keep everything on file-so arranging for a repair or replacement is as easy as picking up the telephone. Warranty Manager Service offers Extended Warranty Protection that doubles the time period of the original manufacturer’s written U.S. repair warranty up to one (1) additional year on eligible warranties of three (3) years or less when an item is purchased entirely with your eligible Visa card.

MasterCard
Extended warranty
Doubles the original manufacturer's or store brand warranty for up to one year when you pay with your eligible MasterCard.

Price protection
Should you find a lower price for a new item within 60 days from the date of purchase using your eligible MasterCard, you may be reimbursed for the price difference.

Purchase assurance
Provides coverage for most items you purchase with your eligible MasterCard if the item is damaged or stolen within 90 days of the date of purchase.

Discover
No need to worry about expired warranties. We will extend the terms of an existing eligible warranty for up to 1 additional year on warranties of 36 months or less.

Note that the entire cost of the eligible purchase must be charged to your Discover Card (or accrued rewards) for coverage to apply.

American Express
Use your Card for your eligible purchases and you can have warranty protection for longer.

Use Your Eligible Card - Extended Warranty1 can provide up to one extra year added to the original U.S. manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of 5 years or less when the eligible purchase is charged to the Card.

Coverage - You will only be covered up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Please read important exclusions and restrictions.

Citi DoubleCash Card (MasterCard)
We will extend the manufacturer’s warranty for an additional 24 Months. If you purchase an extended warranty, our coverage begins at the expiration of that warranty. In the event of a covered failure we will repair or replace the item or reimburse up to the amount charged on your Citi card and/or ThankYou Points (excluding shipping and handling) or $10,000, whichever is less. In no event will total coverage exceed 84 Months from the purchase date.
As shown above, warranties longer than 3-years typically do not qualify for extended warranty benefits. This is important because even though Nikon DSLR purchases would qualify for extended warranty coverage (1 year warranty), Nikon USA provides 5-year warranty (1+4 year extension) on lenses after registration. Sigma lenses qualify for a 4-year Sigma USA warranty (1+3 year extension) and Tamron USA provides a rather generous 6-year warranty.

Again, I urge you to check your credit card benefits to see if any of these benefits apply to you. It's a benefit we hope to never use, but a great benefit to have if your camera gear fails soon after the manufacturer's warranty expires.

On that note, getting an extra year's warranty on the newly announced Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT doesn't sound so bad, does it?

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 5/11/2016 8:11:58 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Nikon:

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.10 to 1.11

  • Fixed an issue that caused increased drain on the camera battery when the camera was off or in sleep mode with a GP-N100 GPS unit attached.

Download: Nikon 1 V3 Firmware v1.11

B&H carries the Nikon 1 V3.

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Posted to:    Category: Nikon Firmware Updates
Post Date: 5/11/2016 6:26:35 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From SanDisk:

MILPITAS, Calif. - May 10, 2016 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today announced that the Ministry of Commerce of China (“MOFCOM”) has approved the acquisition of SanDisk by Western Digital Technologies, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: WDC).

All necessary regulatory approvals for the acquisition have now been received and the transaction is expected to close on Thursday, May 12, 2016. SanDisk stockholders previously voted to approve the transaction at a special meeting of stockholders held on March 15, 2016.

“We are pleased that the final regulatory approval has been received and we can now proceed with the planned combination with Western Digital,” said Sanjay Mehrotra, president and chief executive officer, SanDisk. “We thank our stakeholders for their support of this transaction and look forward to contributing to the success of Western Digital as it transforms into the leading storage solutions company.”

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Post Date: 5/11/2016 6:09:44 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Accessorize this Spring with the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT Flash and Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM Lens with Built-in Macro Lites and Image Stabilizer

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 11, 2016 –Spring is all about having the right look and Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is giving photographers of all levels two new options that can improve their creativity and versatility; the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash and the Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens.

Photographers looking to take rapid-fire flash images will appreciate the improved recycling time in the new Canon Speedlite-600EX II-RT flash. Those looking to explore the world of macro photography will appreciate the stylish compact look of the new Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens, the first EF-M Macro Lens for the Canon EOS M Camera System, which features Image Stabilization and a pair of built-in miniature Macro Lites to enhance image quality during close-up photography.

The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT Flash Offers Improved Continuous Flash Firing and More
The Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash is compatible with most EOS cameras. It replaces Canon’s top-of-the-line Speedlite 600EX-RT, and improves continuous flash firing by approximately 1.1 to 1.5 times when using AA batteries and up to two times when adding the new optional Compact Battery Pack CP-E4N.

Additional Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash features include:

  • Zoom flash head covers wide focal length range of 20–200mm; maximum guide number is 197 ft./60m at ISO 100, making Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash the most powerful flash unit in the EOS system.
  • Wireless flash shooting support is available for both radio and optical transmission with compatible Canon Speedlites, offering users greater functional range when using flash.
  • Multiple flash system support allows control of up to five groups of compatible Canon Speedlites.
  • Dust- and water-resistant body for reliable operation in harsh environments.
  • Flash-readiness indicator on the display panel, simplified button and dial operation and variable manual flash output.
  • New, specially designed accessories supplied include a built-in bounce adapter, plus SCF-E3 hard-type color filter sets, and a soft case. The new Compact Battery Pack CP-E4N is available as an optional accessory for faster recycling time and more flashes per charge.
  • Illuminated dot matrix LCD panel for enhanced display information, including flash mode and usable distance ranges plus C.Fn (Custom Function) and P.Fn (Personal Function) settings.

First Macro Lens in the Canon EF-M lens series
Photographers looking for a compact, lightweight macro lens should look no further than the Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens, the first Canon Macro Lens specifically designed for the EOS M Camera System.

The new lens features a pair of built-in miniature Macro Lite electronic flash units that illuminate close-up subjects as needed, helping to freeze movement, enhance color accuracy and provide a better sense of depth and dimension. Two curved flash units surround the front element of the lens, with the ability to illuminate both simultaneously, or one at a time. Users are also able to adjust the brightness of the Macro Lites between “bright” and “dim” settings.

The standard focusing range of the Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens extends from infinity to life-size (1 time). Additionally, a Super Macro Mode allows shooting at even higher magnifications up to 1.2 times. This feature allows you to capture smaller details that really make your subjects stand out against the background.

Additional features of the Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens include:

  • Hybrid IS, the same feature as found on Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens, helps reduce camera shake for enjoyable handheld photography.
  • Stepping motor (lead screw-type STM) helps provide smooth and quiet focusing operation when taking photos, and near-silence when shooting videos.
  • One UD lens and two aspherical lenses** help deliver outstanding image quality at all distance settings by reducing chromatic and spherical aberrations.
  • Angle of view similar to a 45mm standard lens (35mm equivalent) provides flexible image capture of various subjects and scenes at macro distances and beyond.
  • Tapered lens top shape makes it easy to capture high-quality images at close range without casting shadows.

The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT electronic flash unit is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers in June 2016 for an estimated retail price of $579.99. Canon’s EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers in June for an estimated retail price of $299.99.

B&H has the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT, CP-E4N Compact Battery Pack and the EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM available for preorder.

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Posted to: Canon News   Categories: Canon Announcements, Canon USA News
Post Date: 5/11/2016 12:02:14 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Latest Canon PowerShot Digital Camera Provides Impressive Image Quality and Zoom Range in a Compact Size

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 11, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, introduced today the new Canon PowerShot SX620 HS digital camera - ideal for individuals looking for a convenient, easy-to-carry compact digital camera capable of producing high-quality photos and videos. This new camera boasts a 20.2 Megapixel* CMOS imaging sensor and a powerful 25X Optical Zoom lens (25-625mm equivalent) in a form factor that will easily fit in a pocket or purse, making it an ideal camera for those passionate about photography to capture gorgeous imagery no matter where they are.

The camera’s built-in wireless capabilities make it convenient to share images and videos on the go, and its powerful 25X optical zoom lens makes it ideal for those wanting to zoom in and out of the action. The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS digital camera is a great companion for those looking to visually document their daily adventures and easily share their experiences as they explore new places and do new things.

As the successor to Canon’s PowerShot SX610 HS digital compact camera, the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS digital camera also features:

  • An Intelligent Image Stabilizer (IS) that helps optimize image stabilization for virtually shake-free images in a variety of shooting conditions
  • Built-in Wi-Fi** and Near Field Communication (NFC)*** to allow for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos to a personal computer or other compatible devices such as the Canon Connect Station CS 100
  • 20.2 megapixel* CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4+ Image Processor to help deliver stunning image quality, even in low light
  • The ability to capture spectacular 1080p Full HD video
  • Large 3.0-inch (approximately 922,000 dots) LCD to allow for easy viewing, even from a wide angle
  • Hybrid Auto mode that allows for recording up to four seconds of video before each image that is captured, then automatically combines each clip and still into a quick video recap of the day
  • Smart AUTO mode which intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on pre-defined shooting situations to help create the best possible image
  • Creative Shot mode that uses composition, color and lighting from an original image to create unique images with an artistic flair
  • An Auto Zoom feature that, when enabled, makes the camera automatically zoom in on subjects and help keep them in focus

Canon’s PowerShot SX620 HS digital camera, available in black, red and silver, is scheduled to be available in May 2016 for an estimated retail price of $279.99.

B&H has the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS Digital Camera available for preorder.

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Posted to: Canon News   Categories: Canon Announcements, Canon USA News
Post Date: 5/11/2016 12:01:32 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Tuesday, May 10, 2016

With 9 students planning to arrive for prom pictures within a short period of time, I had to be ready. The entire week preceding the big day was extra cloudy with lots of rain. The forecast for the Saturday afternoon shoot was calling for clouds with a 30% chance of light rain. Clouds would be perfect for afternoon outdoor lighting, the grass was very green and the new spring leaves on the trees were a great color for a background, but that chance of rain required a studio setup be on standby.
 
White matches everything, so ... I went with white this year.
 
Setting up for a high key white background is not hard nor is it expensive. If shooting partial body portraits, a white wall, white reflector or white foam core can work well as the background. For full body portraits, rolled paper is often the best option and it works great. Savage Widetone Seamless Paper Background is what I use.
 
To hold the rolled paper in place, a background stand (I have Impact and Manfrotto brands) is needed. The rolled paper slides onto the top bar of the background stand and rolls out onto the floor to the front (get another person to hold the background stand up while unrolling the paper as the stand could easily tip over during this step). I gaffer tape the paper to the floor to keep it from rolling back up and clamp the roll of paper to the top bar to keep it from further unrolling.
 
High Key Lighting Setup
 
More complicated than the background setup is the lighting and the balancing of the lights. I typically start my light balancing setup with the camera exposure settings. With powerful strobes in use, I have a lot of flexibility even at the lowest noise ISO setting of 100. With the EOS 1D X Mark II and similar-resolution full frame cameras, I generally start with f/11. This aperture gives me a lot of depth of field, keeping much or all of the subject in focus along with room for error (it is rare to get an out of focus portrait at f/11) without compromising image sharpness to diffraction. Note that, when using a solid-colored background such as rolled paper, there is little benefit to blurring the background via a wide aperture. A 1/160 shutter speed is about as fast as I trust the PocketWizards to trigger the first strobe and for the rest to optically trigger while the shutter is fully open, so that is what I go with. The f/11, 1/160 and ISO 100 combination is generally enough to overwhelm any ambient light present.
 
For lighting with consistent requirements, manual flash settings are ideal and ... the only option I have with my Elinchrom Digital Style studio monolights (Elinchrom ELC Pro HD Flash Heads are the current models).
 
For the high key background, I place a softbox-fitted strobe on each side of the paper with the power set high enough to blow out the background in the selected exposure (but not higher than necessary as flare could become an issue). I was tempted to place a 4x8' piece of clear Plexiglas on the floor under the subject to better reflect the bright background, but ... I feared that the parade of subjects flowing through my studio would not be kind to this relatively-expensive piece of plastic's useful lifespan.
 
To keep the background reflection from strongly influencing the lighting on the subject (a wrapping light the softens the transition from subject to the background), the subject should be positioned well in front of the background. The subject to background distance was about 10' (3m) in this example.
 
Prom is all about the dress (or tux) and a 54" octagonal softbox angled just slightly downward and directly at the subject from camera-left created an even light emphasizing the dresses. This light was adjusted to the output needed for proper dress brightness with care taken to not overexpose the dress as reducing brightness during post processing can reduce the background's whiteness. A 24x24" softbox on a Manfrotto boom was positioned above the subject to light their head with the appropriate brightness setting used for that.
 
While it takes multiple lights to effectively create a high key effect and light the subject, the light sources do not have to be studio strobes. I have done the same many times with Speedlites and constant lights, can also be utilized. And, the background does not have to be pure white as long as your background lights are bright enough to make whatever color is available bright enough. I've even shot high key corporate portraits using a light-colored wallpaper background. Hit it with enough light and it turns white.
 
Umbrellas can be used in place of softboxes.
 
By the time my first subject arrived (my own daughter was first and about 1 hour late), the day was bright, sunny and unfavorable for lighting in my preferred outdoor locations. It didn't take much thought to know that the indoor option was best.
 
With the lighting and camera settings all dialed in before any subjects arrived, I was able to take lots of photos in a short/compressed amount of time.
 
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens is an excellent portrait lens and 70mm is just wide enough for comfortably shooting full length portraits in my studio space. The just-arrived Canon EOS-1D X Mark II was my camera choice for this shoot. This scenario was a walk in the park for this camera.


A larger version of this image is available on Flickr, Google+, Facebook and 500px. If reading from a news feed reader, click through to see the framed image. Please share these tips with your circle of friends!

Have any questions? Ask!

 
Camera and Lens Settings
80mm  f/11.0  1/160s
ISO 100
3648 x 5472px
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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 5/10/2016 11:13:39 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
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