Manfrotto: Compact Series MKC3-H01

So it's been awhile since my last blog sorry, but I just had to rave about the new Manfrotto compact series tripod (MKC3-H01) I just bought for $50 at Best Buy. Can't go wrong with this deal. I managed to place my Canon 5D Mark II, battery grip, and 24-70mm lense and it was very stable. The I really like the ability to switch between camera and video mobility, but my favorite is the easy quick release position wheel. If you are photographing kids, products, portraits, or even street photographer, this is the best bang for your buck. And Manfrotto is the pretty much the most innovative leader in tripod and monopod products. Come on $50 for a Manfrotto, that's a deal.

Strapped for cash? Time for some DIY Photography!

So, I'm always learning new and creative ways to shoot photography. I came across www.diyphotography.net, a self instructed website that gives photographers a chance to get professional quality photos from Macgyver type contraptions. One of my favorite DIY Photography tips is creating your own Bokeh (http://diyphotography.net/diy_create_your_own_bokeh). Check it out and happy shooting.

I'm a camera gear junky...

For those who read my last blog, I mentioned the Spider Holster hip unit. But for those who don't want a belt clip approach, I highly recommend Blackrapid straps. They offer a variety of camera straps for single camera to a cool looking double camera unit. I personally like the RS DR-1 double strap unit because it makes you look like you're packing some serious shooting power. One thing cool about the RS DR-1, is that if you only want to use one camera, you can take off the other side and keep one strap as a sling which works just as good. What's cool about these straps is that the camera flows with the strap and not dragging it for compete comfort and usability.

If you only have one camera, I'd recommend the RS-5 because of its cool magnetic utility strap. You can hold your iphone, memory cards, business cards, and batteries. The RS-4 is a lighter version of the RS-5 and to some people that might do the trick, but did notice it did not come with the attachments. The new RS-7 is a shoulder forming strap that works to the ergonomics of your shoulder for comfort. There are MODS which are additional attachments that can be strapped on selected models. All MODS fit on the RS-7 and RS-5 models.



So, if you're looking for a more versatile way to carry your camera around, go with Blackrapid straps. Great product!

WPPI Experience...

Coming back from my first WPPI (Wedding Photography Portrait International) Event, I've gained a whole new respect for photographers and the whole industry. The event is solely on wedding photography, but there are other markets and businesses involved as well. Once I stepped into the main room, you get blessed with the "hugantic" CANON booth and all the goodies they had to offer. I went into the conference not expecting much, but I was blown away at all the album design/printing companies out there. WHCC, Asuka, IRIS Book, Queensberry, and Renaissance Albums are by far the higher end production and quality type of albums.

I did come away with one great product that I randomly ran into. I came across the Spider Camera Holster booth and pretty much just fell in love with the product. I've been looking into getting a hip carrying unit because it put less stress and weight on the neck and shoulders due to annoying camera straps. I also got an extra Spider Pro, Plate, and Pin for a second camera.



By far, I will be returning to WPPI next year to see what companies come up with new innovative products.

Seriously... I haven't blogged for a year!

Shame on me! I'll be sure to blog more often. Heads up, I'll be heading to Vegas for WPPI 2010. Ready to meet the wedding photographers of the world.

Get the "AWW" with Infant & Toddler Photography

When you pick up a parenting or baby magazine, how many times do you say "I can take better pictures." Well what's stopping you? Childrens photography is one of the biggest photography market today, other than weddings from my previous blog posting. Being a parent myself, I've been trying to capture my daughter's expressions. From my experience, it's a WHOLE lot easier when they are infants because they can't move much. My daughter is a toddler now and quick as a fox. So this brings me to the challenges of children photography between infants vs. toddlers.

For infant photography, my general rule is:
1) ISO settings are between 100-200 because infants barely move and you should be able to capture them relatively with ease.
2) Limit the use of flash and only use as needed because infants and kids remember the big bright blinding flash.
3) Make sure infants are fully fed and rested, this makes it easier cause they are happy and full. If the infant refuses to sit alone or feels uncomfortable, try taking out their favorite toy/stuffed animal or if needed have a parent hold them and you can get a close up shot.

For toddler photography it's more of a challenge because they are constantly on the go in any environment. How many parents out there find it tough when trying to photograph their kids on a swing or running around in a park? Here are some simple tips:

1) Up the ISO to 400-800.
2) Owning an Image Stabilizer lens helps with panning and motion stillness.
3) Have some favorite snacks handy because you'd be surprised what toddlers do for something candy coated.
4) Most important, anticipate where the toddler will end up and catch them in the end.

With toddlers, you'll probably end up with more of a photo journalistic style because of the range of unexpected motions. This can be a good thing for a more natural feel of photography.

In The Moment Shots with Weddings.

Wait for it... Wait for it... NOW! For those photographers who basically wait for the right moment or have trouble looking for the "moment shot", my rule of thumb is just shoot it and worry about it later. Because if you wait too long, you've missed everything. You missed the bride walking down aisle, you missed the exchange of rings, you missed the traditional seal the deal wedding kiss. The "moment shot" is that one shot that tells an entire story. That one shot can pretty much sum up the entire wedding. I aim to photograph the right moments in retrospect to composition. I take as many photos as the situation will let me, anywhere between 5-10 shots and move to different location. I must admit though, it's a lot easier if a photographer has a keen sense of what's going on. I usually put myself in different situations of placement. What if I were in the crowd taking pictures? What if I were right up front with bride and groom? What if I were on the 10th floor looking down at wedding? And within these positions you tend to find hidden moments that happen in a blink of an eye.

With the digital SLR technology today, it's almost hard to mess things up. I tend is always shoot in color and when I process the RAW files I can adjust the black and white settings using Adobe Photoshop. It's just easier to have options to turn color into black and white, rather than be stuck with a monochrome image initially.


Weddings by far are one of the most stressful photography sessions any photographer will encounter. It is your job to make sure you photograph all the beautiful people, especially the bride and groom. Be patient, calm down and just have fun with the moments that come in waves. When you're calm and having fun, you'll really start to get creative.

(Equipment: Canon 5D, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L, Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L, Canon 50mm f/1.4)

Nothing beats a Maui Sunset

My second time in Maui staying in Lahaina for 6 days, I'm trying to figure out how I can move there and live off sea water and beach sand. Hawai'i time is so relaxed and comforting. 3 hours behind west coast and 6 hours east coast and 1 full day behind Europe time zone. One day I'll be able to say, "Working from Maui home."