The Quality of Light

The quality of light is something photographers obsess over whether they work in still or motion. This is especially true when discussing lightbanks. The last thing that kisses the light before it reaches the subject is the front diffuser of the bank and this is why I have always appreciate the quality of light created with the Chimera lightbanks. Yes, the Chimera material is durable and fade resistant, at least in my experience. But it’s the quality of the light that keep me coming back to Chimera when my choice is a lightbank.

Chimera has two types of lightbanks, one for strobes and another for film & video. It’s important that you use the correct bank for the continuous hot lights because of the higher temperatures. Coming from strobes I had to introduce myself to Chimera’s Video Pro line when I started shooting motion with hot lights. The OctaPlus has become my go to light when I need the wrap around of a 7 foot light and that special light quality. When doing many of many portraits the Chimera medium bank is perfect.

Portrait by Lee White, Los Angeles photographer using Chimera medium lightbank

For more information on the various types and sizes of lightbanks go to http://chimeralighting.com/

LED Lighting With The Spectra 900F

As an editorial photographer photographing on location and traveling by air frequently, I need sturdy, compacted and powerful lights. Now that editorial photographers have to create videos along with still photographs the lights should be able to do double duty for still and motion. LEDs are the perfect choice since they are very sturdy so able to withstand the baggage handlers and inspections. The bulbs last a long time, up to 50,000 hours with little change in intensity and color balance. LEDs draw little power so hooking up to outlets that also have computer inline do not have the same hazardous that strobe surges create or the power draw of tungsten. The new Spectra series from Manfrotto fit the bill perfectly.

The Spectra 900F is a daylight only balance powerful on or off camera LED compact light. It has a 50 degree wide beam. As you can see from the picture you get the light, ball head and three large filters in CTO, 1/4 CTO and opal diffusion. The ball head allows you to either mount the Spectra to the hot/cold shoe on your camera or by using the 1/4” threading allows various mounting possibilities. You might like to use the new lightweight Manfrotto NanoPole Stand with the Spectra 900F, I’ll describe it more fully in another blog entry. The Spectra 900F works for about an hour at the highest setting on 6 AA batteries, AC adapter, or D-Tap adapter for various power sources.

I was able to use the 900F by itself and with other Spectras for a variety of photographs and videos. I stretched the Spectras to the limit of their capabilities. In the 50’s glamour shot above, I used direct light for the main light high and to one side creating a small shadow under the nose and gently contouring the face. I used a Spectra as a back rim light to softly fill the shadow on the face, neck and shoulder and help give highlights to the hair. To make the background more interesting and add to the 50’s glamour look I used a third Spectra shining through a Chimera Window Pattern Kit to cast a palm leaf pattern.

For more information:

http://www.manfrotto.us/category/24329.8373.8465.0.0/LED_Lighting

http://chimeralighting.com

Chimera When You Need Innovative Lightbank Solutions

The prize for the “Best Lighting” sponsored by Chimera – Choice of Medium or Small Video Pro Lightbank or 1X1 LED Lightbank in the APA 2nd Annual Short Video Contest.

Every photographer, videographer, cinematographer and lighting specialist knows it takes more than vision to create a masterpiece. It takes the right equipment. And for more than 30 years, Chimera has developed and invented innovative products that have changed the way the industry creates perfect light.

Chimera continues to innovate and invent solutions for photography and film—from the creation of the famed Illuminata, to the development of Speed Rings and Pancake Lanterns, to the 2009 introduction of the F2X for large area lighting. You can count on us to give you the solutions for tomorrow’s projects!

Our lighting essentials and accessories are lightweight, portable, durable and heat resistant—making it easy for you to turn your vision into a masterpiece.

Video Pro Chimera Lightbanks

Video Pro lightbanks are all perfect when you need controlled soft lighting on small sets. They’re also ideal for use as a separation light or small fill. These standard-depth banks are extremely lightweight and are primarily used with single broad-beamed, open-faced instruments.

They’re ideal for all Chimera Circular Speed Rings measuring 3 to 9 inches (78 to 230 mm,) Adjustable Speed Rings from 5 to 9 inches (125 to 230 mm) and Dedicated Speed Rings.   Available in sizes from XXS to Large.   Video PRO Plus comes standard with three screens (full, half and quarter grid) so you can quickly and easily modify light output.  Screen constructed of unique, custom material that’s anti-aging and anti-static.

You can also use Fresnels up to 1,000 watts, especially if you use diffusion in the gel holder to spread the beam.  Lightbanks available for Barger 4 and Barger 6 Stip Lights.

TECH Lightbank 1X1 LED lightbank

There are also the Chimera TECH Lightbanks for LED, Plasma and Remote Phosphor lights—the perfect way to get the most out of the new lighting technologies , and still create beautiful, diffused talent-friendly light.

Info on the Video Pro Lightbanks and 1×1 LED Lightbank can be found at www.chimeralighting.com.

Interested in winning a lightbank?  Check out APA’s 2ND Annual Short Contest for 2013 at www.tinyurl.com/apavideo.

Show Us Your World In Motion

APA 2013 Short Video Contest

American Photographic Artists (APA) just announced their 2^nd Annual Short Video Contest.  All creative professionals are invited to “Show Us Your World In Motion”.  Below are details of the contest and a link.  Just think there are over $15,000 in cash and some of the coolest video industry prizes.

More than that, every entrant is a winner because Smartsound.com is going to give every entrant a free album of their music and Sonicfire software to edit the music.

“The career of a photographer is all about telling stories. We know that many of you are actively engaging in shooting video/motion.  Clients increasingly demand that photographers are adding video as an integral part of their services offered.  APA wants to spotlight your talents directly to our extensive subscriber list.  This is a great opportunity to showcase your talent to the most respected decision makers in the industry.  And, our judges include prominent industry professionals, even more opportunities for you to get your work seen.”

“Beginning April 8^th we ask you to submit up to three videos between one and five minutes each. The contest closes on May 26^th at 5PM Pacific Standard Time.  Winners will be announced on June 11^th.”

“There are over $15,000 in cash and prizes including $500 cash and prizes from Adobe, Agency Access, Chimera, Cinevate, Controlled Vocabulary, Dripbook, Glidecam, Hollywood Camera Works, Hoodman, ikan, indisystem, RedRock Micro, Resource, Roberts Imaging, smallHD, Smartsound, and Think Tank Photo.   In addition you can win bragging rights and become an award winning Video Director overnight in one of several of the fifteen categories being awarded.”

“To find out how to submit and to read the fine print please go here: http://tinyurl.com/APAvideo . The contest is open to APA and all creative content creators”.

Check it out I think you’ll want to enter.

Chimera Lighting for Photo and Video

As a professional photographer and owner of Lee White Photography, I have been a longtime user of Chimera gear with my strobes.  When I seriously started shooting video along with my photography, I was faced with using some type of continues light.  I wanted to keep the same lighting style I had developed over years of experience so one of the answers was obvious, continue to use Chimera.  The only change I had to make was move to the heat resisted Film & Video Chimera lighting gear.  I now have the same gear I’m comfort working with and can shoot motion as well as stills.

Chimera also introduced me to some new innovative products that I really enjoy like the Panel Frames/Window Patterns that are much more effective then the traditional cucoloris.  Rather than a single pattern on a solid 4X4 frame I have a choice of patterns on three different frame sizes which collapse into a small bag.  Chimera also has a line of Chimera constant lights that are mated with the Film & Video Chimera lighting gear and deserve a look.

Chimera Window Pattern in Foreground with Lee White Shooting Video

For more information go to Chimera’s website at http://www.chimeralighting.com/products

Secrets of Video for Photographers – New Jersey – Unique Photo

Secrets of video for photographers Friday seminar in New Jersey is more timely than ever for you if you want to have the skills most in demand today.  Saturday workshop info below.

Learn how to make videos that people want to watch. Whether you’re an amateur or professional, learn the techniques that every photographer shooting video should know even if you never take your camera off automatic.  Translate your photographic knowledge in to cinematic genius.  What equipment do you need and when do you need it.  Come and get inspired as well as educated.

The Friday evening seminar will include:

– Visual storytelling

– Basics of camera, sound and lighting techniques

– The latest in video equipment and software for video suitable for photographers getting into video.

– How photographers can apply their present skills to video

– How professional photographers can create new revenue streams

Sept 16, 2011 6 – 8pm

Unique Photo SuperStore
123 US Hwy 46 (West)
Fairfield, NJ 07004
Phone: 973-377-2007

For more information or to register go to http://university.uniquephoto.com/e/index.php/classes/lee-white-seminar-html.html

Sponsors: Panasonic, AJA, Apple, Manfrotto, Zeiss, Sennheiser, Smartsound, Redrock Micro, ManhattanLCD, Beachtek, Indisystems, Chimera, G-Technology, AntonBauer, Red Giant Software, Hoodman, and K-Tek

Secrets of video for photographers workshop in Atlanta on Saturday gives you a quick and thorough education in the tools and techniques every photographer should have when doing video.

Whether you are a beginning, advanced or professional photographer, you can advance your visual storytelling with video in exciting new ways. Don’t miss this opportunity to hit the ground running in your adventure into video.

Come join Lee White, professional photographer/videographer and college instructor as he guides you through the tools and techniques needed to help you make video without pulling your hair out.  Avoid the common mistakes that ruin most novice videography.  Learn what camera settings on your HDSLR for video mean and how best to set your camera for different situations.  Find out how to do good audio recordings. See what video gear can help you make better videos.  Find out what is involved with editing your video, adding music and getting it out for others to enjoy.

The Saturday workshop will include:

– Hands-on experience with camera, lighting and sound equipment

– A chance to direct and shoot talent and a table-top situation

– The importance of workflow including recording formats and camera settings

– How to edit video and output

– How photographers can market their new skill-set

August 27, 2011 9:30am – 4:30pm

Unique Photo SuperStore
123 US Hwy 46 (West)
Fairfield, NJ 07004
Phone: 973-377-2007

For more information or to register go to http://university.uniquephoto.com/e/index.php/classes/secrets-of-video-for-photographers-workshop-with-lee-white.html

Sponsors Panasonic, AJA, Apple, Manfrotto, Zeiss, Sennheiser, Smartsound, Redrock Micro, ManhattanLCD, Beachtek, Indisystems, Chimera, G-Technology, AntonBauer, Red Giant Software, Hoodman, and K-Tek.

Secrets of Video for Photographers in Portland Oregon

Newspace Center of Photography was the perfect setting for my Friday evening Secrets of Video for Photographers seminar.  We set up in the newly constructed main gallery surrounded by photography by local photographers.  There were an interesting variety of photographers from advertising, editorial, commercial, corporate, architectural, wedding and portraiture that attended my presentations. Today’s photographers realize the need to get into video from the many requests they get from clients.

Saturday’s workshop was a combination of studio owners and some employees from Pro Photo Supply.  The photographers were either getting into shooting video or sharpening their video skills by being introduced to new video techniques/products and their uses.  The Pro Photo Supply employees both helped out with support and educated themselves on how to better advise customers on the products available to make shooting video easier.

Lee White talking about video to photographers in Portland, OR by ©Daven Mathies

Secrets of Video for Photographers in Portland

Videos by photographers are more important than ever in today’s environment.  Discover what today’s Art Directors, Editors and Art Buyers are saying about video by photographers. Become informed about the ways you can use video to promote yourself and where you can place your videos to be seen. Hear what advertising and editorial photographers already shooting video are saying. Find out if short form or long form is right for you and your clients and you can use your present still photography in video.

Come join Lee White, professional photographer/videographer and college instructor as he guides you through the tools and techniques needed to help you make video without pulling your hair out.  How to handle the “creative call” and put together a “treatment”.  Avoid the common mistakes that ruin most novice videography.  Learn what camera settings on your HDSLR for video mean and how best to set your camera for different situations.  Find out how to do good audio recordings. See what video gear can help you make better videos.  Find out what is involved with editing your video, adding music and getting it out.

Whether you are a beginning, advanced or professional photographer, you can advance your visual storytelling with video in exciting new ways. You can turn your pictures into moving pictures.  Don’t miss this opportunity to hit the ground running in your adventure into video.
Smartsound will be providing free royalty free music and soundtrack software for every attendee.

Friday night DOOR PRIZE: G-Technology G-Drive mini 7200rpm harddrive – perfect for editing video.

Lecture When: Friday, June 10, 2011
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm
Where: Newspace Center for Photography
1632 S.E. 10th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214

Workshop When: Saturday, June 11, 2011
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Andy Batt’s Studio
2021 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

For more info and to register go to: http://www.prophotosupply.com/p-events.htm

Hosted by Pro Photo  Supply and ASMP  Sponsored by Chimera, Manfrotto, Panasonic, Apple, Zeiss, Beachtek,  Smartsound, Sennheiser, Hoodman, Indisystems, Manhattan LCD, G-technology, AJA, Red Giant Software, Anton/Bauer, Logicboard,  K-Tek and Casio.

Secrets of Video for Photographers comes to Portland Oregon

Secrets of video for photographers is coming to Portland for two events that takes away the mystery of video production and replaces it with solid information.  More than just tech talk, Lee White also goes over ideas on how to increase revenue streams and creative strategies.

The evening seminar is two hours jammed packed with need to know info!

When: Friday, April 8, 2011
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm
Where: Newspace Center for Photography
1632 S.E. 10th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214
Cost: General $10, ASMP members & Students $5
Register Now!

All attendees will receive free SmartSound music and SonicFire music editing software .

Taking the step from stills to video can be a challenging one. You will have to learn how to deal with motion and sound, tell the visual story in a different way. There is new equipment to master. Post-production can be much more involved and time consuming. The explosion of interest in video both by clients and photographers in the last couple of years has opened new creative avenues for photographers. More photographers are being asked to create video content so are facing new challenges in estimating, production and post-production. Come and learn about the latest tools and techniques needed to create video. Learn how to better estimate the time and costs involved and how you need to approach video differently than stills while using your photographic talents to your advantage.

Lee White’s evening lecture presentation and videos will go over the steps photographers need to know in creating video without tearing their hair out.

During the evening Lee will discuss:
• How photographers can get new clients
• The latest in tools that make video production easier
• The all-important planning stage and what new concepts and costs photographers need to think about
• The importance of post-production
• HDSLR vs Camcorder in video production
• How photographers can apply their present skills to video

The latest equipment and software by sponsors Apple, Manfrotto, Panasonic, Zeiss,  Sennheiser, Beachtek. Red Giant Software, SmartSound, G-Technology, Indisystems, Chimera and Casio will be at the event for photographers to see.

_____________________________________________________

Secrets of Video for Photographers workshop

This fast paced all-day workshop is not to be missed.

When: Saturday, April 9, 2011
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Andy Batt’s Studio
2021 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Cost: General $150; ASMP members & Students $100 – Lunch included
Register Now!

All attendees will receive free SmartSound music and SonicFire music editing software .

Photography and video are coming together. In the last couple of years, the idea of photographers producing video has exploded and photographers now must gear up and learn the language of video. As advertisers and magazines turn to video on the web, cable and mobile devices to get out their message, there are more opportunities than ever for you to do video in tandem with your photography to capture new clients and sell video services to existing clients.

Producing video creates fundamental changes to your workflow. It requires new tools and techniques to take the step from photography to video. You need to learn what the new technologies mean to you from a photographer’s point of view. This is why Lee White, a professional photographer and educator, has created an intensive all day workshop to help guide you into video. This hands-on workshop will go in depth about each step of video production so you can start producing your own video and avoid some of the most dangerous pitfalls.

In the morning, Lee White will go over the fundamentals of video production and direct a plan for a shoot for the afternoon. In the afternoon, we will shoot, and edit and color grade the video.

The Saturday subjects will include:
• The importance of workflow including recording formats and how to use them to your advantage
• Estimating and planning combined photography and video shoots with forms for estimating video production
• Understanding the lighting, filming and sound techniques needed for video
• Hands on experience with camera, lighting and sound equipment
• Editing and color grading demonstrations
• Common issues in directing talent and a chance to direct yourself
• The importance of post-production

The latest equipment and software by sponsors Apple, Manfrotto, Panasonic, Zeiss,  Sennheiser, Beachtek. Red Giant Software, SmartSound, G-Technology, Indisystems and Casio will be at the event for photographers to see in action.

Lecture and workshop are sponsored by Pro Photo Supply and ASMP Oregon.

Secrets of Video Production for Photographers – The Next Step

The new workshops are here! All of you that were nice enough to pester me about doing more can relax. Hopefully, there will be one near you. Once again, I’m kicking off the series in LA. This year they are on February 24 and 26 at the famous Fairbanks Studio with a flurry of events to follow.

Taking the step from stills to video can be a challenging one. You will have to learn how to deal with motion and sound, tell the visual story in a different way. There is new equipment to master. Post-production can be much more involved and time consuming. The explosion of interest in video both by clients and photographers in the last couple of years has opened new creative avenues for photographers. More photographers are being asked to create video content so are facing new challenges in estimating, production and post-production. Come and learn about the latest tools and techniques needed to create video. Learn how to better estimate the time and costs involved and how you need to approach video differently than stills while using your photographic talents to your advantage.

Note: Workshop info and date below evening event

Thursday Evening Event – Thursday Feb 24

At the famous Warner Studio now called “The Lot” in West Hollywood
7-9 pm doors open at 6:30 pm parking at 1006 North Poinsettia Place, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Hosted by Hollywood-DI

Lee White’s evening presentation including videos will go over the steps photographers need to know in creating video without tearing their hair out.

During the evening Lee will discuss:

– How photographers can get get new clients
– The latest in tools that make video production easier
– The all important planning stage and what new concepts and costs photographers need to think about
– The importance of post production
– HDSLR vs Camcorder in video production
– How photographers can apply their present skills to video

The latest equipment and software by Apple, Manfrotto, Panasonic, Zeiss, Redrock Micro, SmartSound, Sennheiser, Beachtek and Chimera among others will be at the event for photographers to see.

Registering for Thursday night February 24 event

Parking is free, please go to www.tiny.cc/LAevening for directions.

How much: APA/ASMP MEMBERS are $15 all others $25 *Please put membership number in special instructions to seller and a discount refund will be given at the workshop as the APA/ASMP member enters.

Questions call 818.399.3540 or email lee@leewhitephotography.com

Saturday Workshop Saturday February 26

9 am- 5 pm at the famous Warner Studio now called “The Lot” in West Hollywood – Limited to 20 participants

Hosted by Hollywood-DI

Photography and video are coming together. In the last couple of years, the idea of photographers producing video has exploded and photographers now must gear up and learn the language of video. As advertisers and magazines turn to video on the web, cable and mobile devices to get out their message, there are more opportunities than ever for you to do video in tandem with your photography to capture new clients and sell video services to existing clients.

Producing video creates fundamental changes to your workflow. It requires new tools and techniques to take the step from photography to video. You need to learn what the new technologies mean to you from a photographer’s point of view. This is why Lee White, a professional photographer and educator, has created an intensive all day workshop to help guide you into video. This hands on workshop will go in depth about each step of video production so you can start producing your own video and avoid some of the most dangerous pitfalls.

In the morning, Lee White will go over the fundamentals of video production and direct a plan for a shoot for the afternoon. In the afternoon, we will shoot, and work with a professional editor from Hollywood-DI to edit and color grade the video.

The Saturday subjects will include:

- The importance of workflow including recording formats and how to use them to your advantage
– Estimating and planning combined photography and video shoots with forms for estimating video production
– Understanding the lighting, filming and sound techniques needed for video
– Hands on experience with camera, lighting and sound equipment
– Editing and color grading demonstrations
– Common issues in directing talent and a chance to direct yourself
– The importance of post production

The latest equipment and software by Apple, Manfrotto, Panasonic, Zeiss, Redrock Micro, Sennheiser, SmartSound, Beachtek and Chimera will be demonstrated.

Registering for Saturday February 26 Workshop

You must register by Friday, February 25 because this is taking place on a movie lot and security needs your name to let you in!

Parking is free in the lot but we must have you registered so security can let you in. You will get directions upon registration.

How much: $149.95 APA/ASMP members will receive a 10% discount refund* on confirmation of valid membership.

Questions call 818.399.3540 or email lee@leewhitephoto.com

*Please put name and membership number in special instructions to seller and the discount refund will be given at the workshop as the APA/ASMP member enters.

©Lee White