Cameras, with the biggest change since the digital age
Hi All
As we are still in lockdown and event and corporate photography in Scotland is still a while away, I thought I would do a short article reflecting on how the cameras we work with have made a pretty major change recently to the profession. Some would say that no change can be as big as the film to digital transition and this is true but now there is a major change coming into play and that relates to the size of cameras. This change has probably been coming largely due to the explosion of mobile phone photography, with smaller lenses providing the final image. However, the boom in mirrorless cameras has finally come. At first it was Fuji, Panasonic and Sony leading the way, now the big guns have embraced the market, with Canon now promoting the EOS R series as their main camera choice for professionals and amateurs alike. The convenient small size, coupled with the familiar touch screen operation will appeal to many. The new range of lenses are also helping to promote the product. I would say the only area where these cameras aren't yet dominating, is in professional sport in low light, which is still largely dominated by big camera bodies and long telephoto lenses. As a conference photographer I love mirrorless cameras, especially the touch screen facility and the ability to reduce my visibility at events, in addition to less weight. However, I still prefer my larger camera bodies for most sport, due to the auto- focusing and low light capabilities - things are changing though and I expect this market to become part of the mirrorless revolution. I just hope they do not get too small, as I like to be able to grip my camera, but otherwise, roll on the changes, I am getting to the age where I don't want to be lugging around a lots of equipment all the time.
Anyway, until next time.
Kind Regards
Colin
www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk
www.edinburghphotographer.com
The Falkirk Wheel
Infrared photography in Scotland by professional freelance fine art and corporate photographer Colin Wright, Edinburgh, Scotland
Harbour photography East Lothian, Scotland
Hi All
I thought I would spend a a bit of time on one of my recent fine art infrared photography projects, which is photographing harbours in East Lothian. As a professional corporate, conference and event photographer working in Edinburgh, Glasgow and throughout Scotland, due to the covid restrictions, I have spent a lot of time on my personal projects, particularly infrared photography and due to travel limitations, I have been photographing local subjects, like the two harbours in Dunbar. So I thought I would do a little blog on how to photograph harbours. Dunbar has 2 harbours, one of them, Cromwell Harbour is the old one and there is a larger new harbour which leads out to the open sea. I won't go into the aspects of harbour life, but I will concentrate on studying infrared photography from a harbour point of view. As with all infrared photography we are looking for sunlight where possible, although in this case , as long as you have some cloud detail, it can be possible to get some good photos. There are so many things to photograph in harbours, I like old fishing boats, but modern yachts are of interest also. Black and white or colour can be considered and the weather could dictate which is best, in addition to the colour of the boats etc. I also think you should always be looking at what you want to achieve down the line after editing, as infrared photography is a bit like in the old film days and the image you see on the screen is a long way from the final version after editing. Close ups can also be considered.look for creels, ropes, old bits of boats and engines in the foreground, in addition to fishermen working on the boats. I also look for any grass areas or trees close by, which will be prominent in infrared. As always look at the angle you are shooting with, some low ground level shots can be very dramatic.
With the lockdown, I have had the opportunity to do a very in-depth study of harbour photography, so much that I hope to turn it into an Infrared Photography exhibition in the future and also to add some of the images to my infrared photography in Scotland book, with a separate chapter on the subject of harbour photography.
Anyway, hope that helps.
Until next time.
Kind Regards
Colin
www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk
www.edinburghphotographer.com
Event Photography in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Scotland
Hi Everyone
As we all prepare to come out of lockdown this time has also given all professional photographers in Edinburgh, Glasgow and around Scotland, the opportunity to think about their future strategy and to reflect on what is important to them as a person and to their business. I have had time to reflect on the areas of photography important to me and I hope to continue with my conference photography and event photography commissions with a renewed vigour. I am now a fully converted Mac user and the lockdown has provided me with the time to re-invest in IT and improve my editing skills. I also will be finishing my book on infrared photography in Scotland and doing more infrared photography with the possibility of converting another camera to shoot infrared.
So let’s look onwards and upwards in 2021.
Until next time.
Colin
www.edinburghphotographer.com and www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk
Mac or Windows - Photographers in Scotland and their Preferred Operating System
Hi All
Some time ago, I posted a blog on my other website on the subject of Mac or Windows operating systems. As I have now changed almost entirely to Apple systems, I now have more experience in using the MacBook and I thought as we are still in lockdown and it may be a month or two until my professional corporate and event photography commissions restart in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland, that this would be a good time to re-visit the subject.
So here is my opinion for what it is worth and it is only my preference from my personal experience. I am sure other photographers will go the opposite way.
For Apple Mac:
1. Although it shouldn't make a difference, they just look cooler and are more enjoyable to work with. Whilst this should not impact on business decisions, it does to an extent due to the professional image it creates.
2. Macs work better with Photoshop and the updates are designed to work well with Apple systems.
3. The products last longer in my opinion. Although more expensive, Mac systems can be an investment. I find my PCs start to slow down after a few years.
4. They sync well with other Apple devices. Although pc and android systems also offer sync between devices it is more clumsy and you are pairing different manufactured devices with each other, which is often problematic.
5. I like most of the Apple updates and they don't take ages to update. I also feel Windows updates often made the system more difficult to work with, rather than improve things.
6. I prefer Apple customer service.
For Windows:
1. Easier for working with documents due to Microsoft office compatibility.
2. I find it easier working with Music on Windows systems, they don't make it difficult to download or save Flac files to the devices. One of the things I don't like about Apple, is it forces you into their system, so you spend money on Apple products. I prefer to be given the choice.
3. Most Windows systems still offer the option to burn CDs and DVDs. I know this is outdated technology but some of my clients still want the service and it means I have to purchase an additional disk burner. This wasn't even available on my Mac book when I purchased it 5 years ago when most of my clients still preferred disks.
4. There are some things I prefer about Windows, such as keyboard shortcuts and right click options, but this is mostly just because I am used to the Windows system. Eventually I will learn the Apple shortcuts.
So that's it, overall I prefer Mac systems, as I think the good points outweigh the bad. I could have added in the Windows section that the products are cheaper but you get what you pay for and in the long run I now prefer Apple. Keep in mind I was a Windows user for 20 years, so this decision was not taken lightly.
Anyway, hopefully some event photography commissions soon, in the meantime, its more fine art and infrared photography during lockdown.
Until next time.
Kind Regards
Colin
www.colinwrightphotogrpahy.co.uk
www.edinburghphotographer.com