Thursday 16 February 2012

Canon 600mm f/4 IS (MONSTER LENS)



The 70-200mm Lens I always thought was a Big Boy of lenses so to describe the 600mm… I think the only term would be MONSTER!!!!!

And boy is it a monster. It weighs over 11pounds, and costs around 10grand. it is about 3 feet long (with the lens hood on) and comes in a box which can survive a plane crash, also adding to the weight making it a heavy as hell thing to lug around with you where ever you go.  You will either need another box on your other side while walking to counter balance you or a…. donkey to carry it for you if you are doing anything more than walking from the car to the… side of a playing field.

The lens is so big that my Canon 550D can fit inside the lens hood.



I have done a full test and review of it and that will be coming up soon.  just need to edit the video footage.

Enjoy










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Tips for New Models

I have been inundated with thanks from so many girls/models saying that it is soo good that this video was made. Not only girls and models but also some photographers have been blogging this video and posting it up for any models they know getting into the modelling industry to take heed of.



Oddly when I upload a video onto youtube in the side pannel there is usually "Related" Videos suggestions which usually relate to the video I have put up, but so far there has been no related video. It seems as though there are lots of videos informing models on how to pose or photographers on how to direct the lighting but nothing about pitfalls and advice for first time models.

Some photographers have highlighted the annoyance of some Chaperones in some cases, saying that they can put a downer on the shoot or interfere or potentially be a hazard with tripping over wires or even stealing equipment.

1)  My additional advice to photographers regarding chaperones, is indeed invite the model to bring a chaperone,  but ask that they are there at the start and then come back and pick up the model after the shoot.

2)   For models,  Get a chaperone to take to you to the shoot location, get them to spend the first 20 minutes with you at the location with the photographer, it is always good to have 2 sets of eyes and opinions at the start.  If everthing seems good and your hair and make up is all set and ready to go,  have your chaperone check the first shoot setup then get them to go for a coffee somewhere and come back when you are nearing finishing your shoot.

3)   I advise any new model, if at any time you feel in anyway uncomfortable, just get up, pack up and leave no questions asked, just text your chaperone and go.  The second a photographer…. sorry… a "Creep with a Camera" starts talking to you about things like Sex, or if you think they are good looking …. just get the hell out of there. They are not photographers they are Creeps, that should be avoided.


4)  Furthermore if a photographer… sorry again… Asshole with a Camera, starts getting angry or frustrated with something you are not quite able to do or understand, such as a pose or a look they are trying to get, then it is not your fault, it is the fault of the Asshole who is not able to either articulate or demonstrate the look that he is going for, and they are clearly more frustrated with their own inability than yours.

5)  One thing that can be frustrating is models insisting on seeing every photo.  Sometimes a shoot goes well when there is flow and no stopping and starting.  However this does not mean a full hour of shooting without the model seeing the shots.   I have shot with some models that literally after one photo, they would ask, "how do I look, can I see"  This is fine at the start as the model may be needing reassurance that their hair and makeup and outfit is looking right. However what i sometimes do now is say "we are going to do 10 photos and then we can look at the shots" and in those ten shots we just do some tiny head movements and posture changes, and this helps build up the flow to the shoot.  Once you are a good model, you can go for a full set before looking at the shots (a set being a location, and a pose and an angle)

In the end if you are a new model or just thinking of getting into modelling. Do shoots with your friends first, do shoots with photographers who some of your friends have shot with and have given good comments about, Shoot with photographers who you have checked their references and spoken to the models they have shot with.  Know as much about your photographer as you can before you go on a shoot with them.  Always have your phone charged and your chaperone ready to come pick you up.

Always err on the side of caution with anything you do that involves men in a position of power over what you do.

Good luck.

Dom








My new photography book. click below