markstothard's Blog

Fisheye Image

2013-03-28T10:59:53Z

The is something a little different, a Red Ensign Flag flown from a flag pole shoot with a Nikon 16mm Fisheye , you can see hoe the lens make the sky bend.

To see this image large, please visit http://ims.markstothard.com/image/I0000qKM3hwpAAy8

Damien Wright bowling at Somerset

2013-03-27T13:25:03Z

Damien Wright preparing the ball, ready to bowl again James Hildreath. Somerset v Worcestershire at Somerset.

Click here for larger version - http://ims.markstothard.com/image/I0000eNa8iuY0uC4

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Damien Wright preparing the ball, ready to bowl again James Hildreath. Somerset v Worcestershire at Somerset.

Click here for larger version - http://ims.markstothard.com/image/I0000eNa8iuY0uC4

PerfectEffects 3 Free Edition � Yes, FREE!

2012-06-22T06:42:42Z

My friends over at onOne Software has just shared with me some fantastic news for photographers�

They have some FREE Software to help make your images look their very best!

It�s called Perfect Effects 3 Free Edition. It allows you to create images with impact absolutely FREE!

The application includes 25 Professional effects that you can apply to your images in just one click enabling you to quickly and easily give your images popular HDR and Instagram� looks or finish your image with a variety of textures. (Our of my favorite part is the ability to paint-in, or hold back an effect from parts of your image using the pressure sensitive masking brush!)

You can access the program from your favorite apps: Lightroom, Aperture and Photoshop � OR you can simply use it as a standalone application.

IMO, few FREE apps are worth their salt, but after having played with PerfectEffects 3 Free Edition for a while, I�m changing my tune on the, �You get what you paid for� adage.

Click the following link to learn more about PerfectEffects 3 Free Edition.

i-Visor Pro LSP 7 Months Review

2012-06-20T09:09:58Z

Now back in November, the kind folks at Seaport Digital sent me their new i-Visor Pro LSP for my comments - http://msp.so/LZdwej.

I have always said having the right gear to assist you with your photography is a must; it makes your life so much easier and allows you to concentrate on capturing the image.

It�s only once or may be twice a year I get really excited about new gear and I�m pleased to say, that having Seaport Digital�s i-Visor Pro LSP laptop bag for the past 7 months this is one of those moments.

For my photography laptop, I have now left at home my trusted and much loved ThinkTank Photo Artificial Intelligence 17 V2.0 laptop bag, plus their Pixel Sunscreen and Gitzo�s G065 tripod platform as they are three separate items to lug around, where Seaport Digital�s i-Visor Pro LSP does it all in one.

I know when I pick up the i-Visor Pro LSP; I have all I need to process images on a shoot.

The main function of the i-Visor Pro LSP is a laptop bag that photographers can keep all your laptop accessories within, now I hear you say, that�s what all laptop bags do. Well the difference with the i-Visor Pro LSP, is the inspirational design and the two additional features. The case comes with a removable metal built in platform so you can mount it on a tripod and that within the case roof are three darkroom panels, (top and sides), that shades your laptop screen from any natural or artificial light, allowing you to view your images on your laptop in the field, including wireless or cable tethered shooting.

As I say in the base of the case is a removable metal platform that fits the standard 3/8� tripod collar screw, for safe and secure mounting to any tripod. Because of the way I shoot, I have made one small addition to the bottom of the platform, by adding a removable Really Right Stuff multipurpose rail, (Arca Swiss type), MPR-73, which allows me to use my quick release, Really Right Stuff support gear and ball heads with the i-Visor Pro LSP.

When you use the case with your laptop, up to 17�, it sits on top of two Velcro adjustable secured spacer bars located within the case, which raises the laptop out of the case for easy access and allows air to circulate around the laptop, so its fans are not constantly draining your battery flat.

The i-Visor Pro should stand up to almost anything as it�s made from heavy duty nylon with extra strong zips. The attention to detail is great, what I really like, it�s a very small detail, is the little pocket to tuck the platform zip puller tidily away, so that the zip puller doesn't get broken or snagged.

Even more inspiring design features are the three large outside zipped compartments, just ideal for your power supply, hard drives and much much more. A nice touch is the larger oversize pocket which easily holds documents, magazines, brochures, well I use it to hold and transport my Wacom Intuos 4 Medium tablet, and you won�t know it�s even there!

Now what do I get in my i-Visor Pro LSP;

Laptop 17�
Power supply for laptop with worldwide plugs.
2 extra batteries for laptop.
2, 1TB portable hard drives and their cables.
Wacom Intuos 4 Medium tablet, mouse, pen, pen holder and cable.
Really Right Stuff MPR-73 plate and tools.
Lens cleaning cloths and screen cleaner.
With space for much much more....

Sizes and Weights;

Nominal Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz with Platform.
Nominal Weight: 4 lbs. 14 oz without Platform.
Nominal Outside Dimensions: 19" x 13" x 4".

The guys at Seaport digital have also thought about your investment in their gear, the i-Visor Pro LSP comes with its own protection, a weather proof case for while you are carrying it around and a separate dust jacket for while it�s not being used.

The only negative I can report on and it�s really small, if you are a flying photographer, the weight with the removable platform is nearly 7lbs, so it could eat up a large amount of any luggage allowance, as I said the platform is removable, so this part of the laptop bag could be left at home, go with your checked luggage in the belly of any plane with your tripods, or as I do, said it ahead of time with UPS / FedEx.

I have thrown a lot at my i-Visor, in our out of cars and vans, in the rain and it�s worn well, with very little show of wear, so I�m pleased to say I will get years of use out of it.

I will never leave home without my photographic laptop in it�s i-Visor Pro LSP laptop bag as it�s now been a permanent part of my day to day photographic life for the last 7 months. I would recommend to any photographer, whom wants to see their images on their laptop as they shoot, to invest in an i-Visor Pro LSP.

Where to buy?
USA - Seaport Digital - Calumet
UK - Calumet
Netherlands - Calumet
Australia - CR Kennedy
Spain - DiseForo
Japan - Gin-ichi
France - ProPhot
Italy - Gruppobp
Korea - Photot
Switzerland - Light + Byte
Canada - Vistek
Rest of the World - Seaport Digital

Images supplied by Seaport Digital

What Camera Should I Buy

2012-06-19T10:58:02Z

There are two questions I get asked a lot as a full time photographer;

What camera should I buy and why did you buy Nikon? Well hopefully with this post I will answer these two questions.

Now for what camera should I purchase?

This is such an open question, its like asking what flavor of ice cream should I buy. We all have our own personal needs and favorites that for one reason or another we like or dislike.

My advice to you just starting out in photography or need some guidance is before buying a camera is to ask yourself;

What type of images are you looking to photograph, sports needs fast glass and fast frames per second, where portraits, wedding and landscapes do not. Just like, do I want a fast (Ferrari), family (MPV), or go anywhere (4x4) car, so the first question you really need to ask yourself "What's the subject I want to capture".

Once you have decided on the type of photography that interests you; for me it's all about knowledge and support. Yes you can always go to the manufacture's web site and ask questions (good starting point) or buy more books and manuals, but wouldn't it be better for free one to one help. That's why I say, join your local camera club, there will be lots of people more than willing to help you with your choice of camera and gear. You should be able to try out their cameras, see how the camera feels in your hands, is it too heavy to large and you never know that they may have special deals with a local camera store.

So you have now found a camera you like, do you know anyone else with that brand of camera, ask them for their opinion, if there friends with you ask to borrow their camera for a weekend. If the camera costs lots of money, why not hire one for a week and really see if that's the camera for you? If you have a group of friends whom are already into photography, you never know you could have an agreement to share gear, experiences and spend time together capturing images.

So your just about ready to buy, now check out the Internet, read reviews and watch video's. Please remember the content you read, just like this blog post is an opinion of that person / company, not necessarily true or correct.

STOP, you are going to buy, have you thought about USED, there are some great deals for pre owned camera equipment, try the classified sections in magazines, photography websites and auction websites. You could get better gear at the same price or your chosen camera at a lower cost. Please remember most private sales are sold as seen, no warranties, but there are some great third party warranties out there. Traders should or will offer a warranty on used gear, normally 3 months plus.

Now before you join in on the Internet to buy from a web site, give your local camera store a try, you should have a great experience, the guys and girls in these shops will know their gear and you should build up a good relationship with them. They should also allow you to take photos using Demo cameras within the store with your own memory card. Most camera shops will price match an Internet price.

If you don't click with your local camera shop, then buy of the internet, remembering with mail order, in some countries you get a cooling off period, so if you don't like your purchase as long as the goods are in new condition, you may be able to return it.

But what if I already have a camera, if so are you generally happy with this. The feel, the camera's performance, if you have a D-SLR any additional lenses and lighting etc. If so and you are happy with the gear you already have I think best advice would be to enhance your gear by buying newer better equipment, don't necessary buy new.

Remember they want your money, customer is KING.

Now why did I choose Nikon? Well their cameras feel right in my hands plus the F - mount that is used to hold the lens to the body of a D-SLR has fundamentally stayed the same, with just Nikon adding to the F - mount over time. This means I can take a used lens from 35 years ago, it will fit and basically work on a brand new camera today.

Social Photographers Day at Disneyland Paris

2012-06-17T08:06:36Z

It's time to go the Disneyland Paris again for a day or so and I'm planning to go on Wednesday 15th of August, NOT FOR WORK.

Just wondering if anyone would like to join me for a day just for some Disney fun and social photography? My thinking is to travel via Eurostar, leaving London at 06.50 am, which arrive Lille Europe at 09.30, local time, change at Lille Europe for the 10.26 direct to Disneyland Paris arriving at 11.49, or we could just meet at Disneyland Paris, if you are not traveling from London.

Spending the afternoon in the park enjoying the atmosphere and taking photographs, sharing photographing knowledge, then I proposed to return on the 18.02, last direct train back to London.

The current price of EuroStar tickets is �34.50 each way (correct at time of post) - you can get 2% cash back via Quidco

However if it's practical I could drive and pick up on route and even stay overnight (share the costs of the fuel etc) I'm open to suggestions.

If you are interested, just send me a tweet @markstothard

Nikon D600 Leaked Images

2012-06-14T08:37:47Z

These images of Nikon's D600 have been leaked on xitek.com

The word on the internet is that the camera will sell for around �1000, $1500 US.

Chance to Win A Nikon Coolpix S30 Digital Camera

2012-06-08T07:58:27Z

Here is a chance to win a great NEW family point and shoot digital camera, the Nikon's Coolpix S30, just in time for this years school summer holidays.

his sturdy, simple and fun, the 10-megapixel Coolpix S30 is a real family camera.

acked with brilliant features, it�s so simple to operate that everyone from the grandparents to the kids can have fun with it. Being shock- and waterproof, it can be used practically anywhere and it�s designed to fit comfortably in any pair of hands.

he menu uses bold, colorful icons for easy navigation and large one-touch buttons make it simple to take a photo or begin filming a video clip. Automatic anti-blur technology ensures sharp shots of even the fastest-moving friends or relatives.

un in-camera filters can keep everyone busy for hours as they add their own special touches to the photos they've taken.

or more information on Nikon Coolpix S30 - please Nikon UK's web site.

ll you need to do is enter your name and email address below;

Terms of competition:

Prize a New Nikon Coolpix S30 Digital Camera.
Choice of 4 colours, Black, White, Blue and Pink, subject to stock.
One entrance per email address.
Each entrance will need to confirm their email address.
Your details will not be passed on to any 3rd party.
Winner will be announced on twitter - http://twitter.com/markstothard
Winner agrees to have their Name published, NOT their email address, please email us a picture with your prize.
No other prize or cash is offered.
Winner will be chosen and announced on Monday 16th July 2012.
Winner will be contacted on Monday 16th July 2012 via email.
Prize will be dispatched on Tuesday 17th July, subject to choice of colour.
Prize is UK stock, however if winner is outside the UK we will TRY our hardness to supply your country specification.
If winner is outside the EU, while we will send your prize as a gift, you will be responsible for any local duties / import taxes.
Prize must be claimed by 1st September 2012, if not claimed the prized will be donated to a local good cause.
No contract has been offered or entered into with this competition.
The above image is for illustration purposes only.

onOne Marketplace - New Presets, Templates & Backgrounds

2012-05-26T12:46:35Z

NEW ITEMS NOW AVAILABLE!

We've teamed up with the industry's top professionals to bring you the very best templates, backgrounds and textures, and brand new presets for Lightroom 4 & Perfect Effects. Here is just a small sample of what's new in the onOne Marketplace:

Frank Salas Dramatic Wedding Presets for Perfect Effects 3

Set your images apart from the rest and create a unique look by adding flavors of grunge, texture and contrast to your photos with these Perfect Effects presets from Frank Salas.

View now - See more Presets for Lightroom, Perfect Effects and Aperture

Memory Box Backgrounds

Experience a new level of depth in your portraits and fine art images with these creative backgrounds from Doug Landreth.

View now - See more album templates

Tessie Senior Album

he combination of hand-sketched patterns, colorful layouts and modern styling will make any senior girl excited about her album.

View now - See more backgrounds & textures

onOne Software 30% up to May 31, 2012.

2012-05-24T08:03:32Z

Buy any onOne Software product^* and get 30% off your purchase through May 31, 2012.

As a bonus, you'll receive one month of free online training on KelbyTraining.com where you'll learn from the world's top pro photographers and Photoshop experts.

Plus, you get hundreds of onOne training videos in the onOne University After completing your onOne Software purchase, your email receipt will contain a link and promo code for use on KelbyTraining.com.

You'll get instant access to valuable photography training including Photoshop CS6 and Lightroom 4 training!

Nikon New Full Frame D-SLR, D600 ?

2012-05-22T13:31:46Z

There has been several reports on the internet that Nikon make be releasing a new entry level full frame D-SLR. Below are some of the reported Nikon D600 technical specifications that may be included within the reported camera that MAY come to market.

39 AF points (with an option of 11 AF points)
5 fps (same as the D700, the D800 has 4fps)
2 SD card slots with Eye-fi support
Build-in retouching images functionality
Built-in flash with sync speed of 1/250s
Two user settings: U1 and U2
Fn button
GPS
HD video
The sensor inside the D600 will probably be 24MP (may be made by Sony, modified by Nikon)
The new camera will be marketed as an entry level full frame camera
Auto DX crop mode
In-camera RAW editor
Built in time-lapse functionality
Possibly with build-in HDR
Possibly with integrated GPS
New external battery grip
To be released this summer
The D600 will probably not have an internal AF motor, which means it will work only with AF-S lenses (just like the D3200 and D5100)
The price of the D600 is rumored to be very low - maybe as low as $1500
Announcement September 2012
One or more low-priced f/4 lenses will be announced with the D600. For example, Nikon recently filed a patent for a 24-70mm f/3.5-4.5 full frame lens which seems to be designed for a cheaper FX DSLR body

I would like to say, this post is only as a discussion point and not based on any news directly from any official Nikon representative.

Nikon Wireless Transmitter Compatibility

2012-03-23T06:28:38Z

The chart below provides information regarding the current compatibility of Nikon Wireless Transmitters with D-SLR cameras and software.

Wireless Transmitter	Nikon D-SLR Camera	Setup Software
WT-1	D2H (supports D2Hs, D2X, D2Xs with firmware 1.1 installed)	WT-1 / WT-2 Setup Utility
WT-2	D2H, D2Hs, D2X, D2Xs	WT-1 / WT-2 Setup Utility
WT-3	D200	WT-3 Setup Utility
WT-4	D3, D3S, D3X, D4, D300, D300S, D700, D800/D800E, D7000	WT-4 Setup Utility *Wireless Transmitter Utility only for D4, D800 and D800E.
WT-5	D4	Wireless Transmitter Utility

Check out Nikon's software download for more information regarding the latest version of each software application and operating system compatibility. Nikon Wireless Transmitters allow the camera to be controlled remotely from a computer running Nikon software or to upload images to an ftp server over a wireless LAN. The utilities above allowed the creation of profiles to be stored in the transmitter memory for easy connection and file transfer when needed.

For remote camera control through software:

The WT-1 / WT-2 used Nikon Capture 4.4.2 with Capture Control to remotely operate the camera. Nikon Capture (4.4.2) Editor with Capture Control software was replaced with separate applications, Capture NX 1 and Camera Control Pro 1. Only Camera Control Pro 1 had support for Wireless Connection Utility and WT-2, and not with the WT-1.
WT-3 / D200 remote operation may be controlled with either Camera Control Pro or Camera Control Pro 2.
WT-4 - remote operation is controlled through Camera Control Pro 2 software only.
WT-5 - remote operation is controlled through Camera Control Pro 2 software or using WT-5 built in HTTP Server Mode for connection to Laptops, Apple iPhone or iPad.

How does the D800E differ from the D800?

2012-03-22T16:04:29Z

The D800E and D800 are both high resolution D-SLRs, with the same 36.3 MP sensor. The difference between the cameras is that the anti-aliasing filter (part of the low-pass filter structure in the camera) on the D800E has been optically disabled.

Anti-aliasing filters are incorporated in the low-pass filter to reduce the effect of aliasing and moir� patterns that can occur in digital images. Aliasing and moir� patterns are more noticeable with subjects that include high-frequency (finely-detailed) patterns. A side effect of incorporating an anti-aliasing filter is that it reduces resolution within the image. Removing the anti-aliasing properties from the low pass filter results in improved image resolution, as the light is transmitted without being filtered through the lens onto the photodiodes in the image sensor. All other D800E functions and performance are the same as the D800; colour reproduction characteristics, infra-red coatings, anti-reflective coatings and image sensor cleaning functions are the same on both cameras.

The D800E is not suited to all users, but is intended for users who can control the conditions under which aliasing and moir� issues occur. Examples of use would be landscape and studio photography.

The D800 is more suited to general photography, for example wedding photography where the photographer is constantly adjusting to the shooting conditions and the subject matter is not controllable i.e. clothing is often a source of moir� patterns caused by finely detailed patterns.

Nikon 1 V1 Firmware Update A 1.11, B 1.10

2012-03-22T14:18:29Z

Nikon has upgradws their Nikon 1 V1 A firmware to Ver. 1.11 and B firmware to Ver. 1.10.

This software allows for simultaneous update of both A and B firmware to the latest version.

Verify your camera�s firmware version using the instructions below.

If this latest version is already installed in your camera, you need not update the firmware. For more details please click here.

Save $100 off OnOne Software Perfect Photo Suite 6

2012-03-22T13:32:10Z

Create extraordinary images quickly and easily with Perfect Photo Suite 6. It works everywhere � with Lightroom 2, 3 & 4, Photoshop, Aperture or by itself as a standalone application.

Special offer � Save $100 now as offer end March 23rd.

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