Vimeo Hits the iPhone

logo ^© Vimeo, LLC

Great news for iPhone users, Vimeo has integrated a new player that supports playback on both the iPhone and the iPad. So even though your $500 device doesn't support flash, it does support HTML5. They also now utilize a "watch later" feature which allows you to create a playlist for later viewing. Vimeo is the video host choice of professionals that want to deliver professional content. For more goodness visit Vimeo.com.

A Wedding at Yosemite

Photo by Patrick Pike

There are a few good Photographers, fewer Wedding Photographers and even fewer good Wedding Photographers. We will stop there. Well, one more, there are even fewer good Wedding Photographers that shoot at awesome locations, 90% of the year. The striking exposure above seems as if it's straight off the big screen, and is one of many from Patrick Pike's portfolio. Patrick is a Wedding Photographer in Yosemite National Park, California.

One thing that is important about wedding photography is capturing people's every "moment." You're not just after portraits of the family or that moment they transfer rings. You are after every aspect of the most important day of most couple's lives. You have to re-tell a visual story that they will want to remember over and over. Family, bridal party, friends, flowers, decorations, food, the kiss, cake cutting, the list goes on. Oh, and you have to be creative, and in most cases nail it on the first shot; it may be the only shot you get! Anyone interested in going into wedding photography should seek out someone with experience and try to work under them for a few months, rather than practicing on a couple with a tight budget. Even just shooting with others will allow you to absorb more info in a short amount of time.

Be sure to check out Patrick's blog! He offers a few tips on locations and shares his experience working with other professionals.

The Bahamas in Technicolor

This breathtaking piece was shot by Cinematographer Ryan Lightbourn. Ryan is a Music Video Director based in Orlando, Florida. Just as many others did, he recently embraced the new DSLR technology that Photographers either love or simply don't find useful. Here he travels through Harbour Island & Abaco capturing a variety of shots and telling a great visual story. Ryan's video was recently featured on Vimeo.com.

Leong Chee Wai - Sleeping Bees

Image Copyright Leong Chee Wai

Here is a wonderful capture by Photographer Leong Chee Wai. A few bees seem to be taking a little nap. Leong did a great job with exposure and really put the Tamron [AF90mm f/2.8] macro lens to use. Photographers like this constantly remind us that this is indeed an art-form, in which you choose your own paint-brush to make a masterpiece. We hope to feature more of Leong's work.

Think Tank Sling-O-Matic Review

The Think Tank Sling-O-Matic series was released last month, and so far has received mixed reviews. It seems either most love it or hate it [based on original design feedback]. This not a bag for everyone, so if it is for you, chances are you will love it! Thanks to Ben Jacobsen for this great review.

I have not seen the bags available directly through Think Tank, but they are currently shipping from Adorama, with the original Think Tank Lifetime Warranty.

Canon 5DMkii firmware update 2.0.8

Canon has released firmware update 2.0.8 for the 5DMkii. They address the following functionality issues:

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which movies are not taken at the shooting mode registered in the user's settings if a shooting mode Aperture priority (or Shutter priority) is registered in any of the camera's user settings (C1, C2, C3) and the user attempts to shoot a movie.
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the shutter will not release when pressing the shutter button when the auto power off function is set to "on".
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which overexposure occurs when shooting a Live View shooting simulation with the ISO speed set to L.
4. Fixes a phenomenon in which the settings of the Speedlite transmitter ST-E2 revert to the default settings when both the camera and the ST-E2 are set to auto power off.
5. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Macro Ring Lite (MR-14EX, MT-24EX) and slave flash do not sync while shooting wirelessly.

Download firmware

If you are unsure what version of firmware you have, press your < MENU > button and scroll over to the third "settings" tab. The current version will be notated on the last row.

Warning About Lasers and Photography

Image from Canon 1DMk3: Source garibaldiphoto.com

The photo above is the result of a laser being pointed directly into a lens, and hitting the image sensor at the right (or wrong) angle. Though this does not happen all the time, a few cases have surfaced. Usually it is hard to pinpoint the cause, especially when shooting stills, but the result is a horizontal line (or crosshairs in this case) across the exposure. As each case is similar, it has been proven that there is indeed an issue when shooting near powerful lasers, though this is not always the outcome.

It has been reported that using the live view function may increase the chances of this happening. But when shooting normal [stills], the shutter protects the sensor from damage, as long as it isn't open! Please do not take this warning lightly, insure your equipment and know what it covers. *Note, insurance does not cover intentional carnage.

Here is a video clip of a similar mishap on a 5D Mkii:


Though this photo was very helpful to the Photography community, I promise, Christian actually does have more interesting shots.

FGV PL7D

Image courtesy of FGV Schmidle

Bandpro.com distributes a product called the FGV PL7D [PLxD]. This is a product by FGV Schmidle that permanently converts the already classic xD series camera to a well oiled cinematography machine.

The modification includes a one piece, solid steel mounting plate that connects the sensor, mount and base. Also included is a 3-pin Fischer socket to start the camera using an LCS or RS-4 remote. No mistaking it, this bad boy accepts all standard PL mount lenses. Click here for the full specs.

Shot of a Lifetime - Mark Pain

At the Ryder Cup this past weekend, Photograoher Mark Pain [Daily Mail] captured the shot of a lifetime. The last time we saw anything remotely as remarkable was the shot of the 550lb Marlin. Pain was not in the wrong here, it was simply a missed strike for Tiger. Either way he felt the impact, and had to gracefully move on. For those interested, Tiger finishes with wins 4&3 against Europe's Molinari.

Panasonic AG-AF100 at DVExpo - Dan Chung

Last week, we brought you the overview of the Panansonic AF101. Now we have a more unbiased look from Jan Crittenden Livingston of Panasonic USA. Dan Chung [DSLRnewshooter.com] asks Jan some key questions, including what the benefits are when comparing this to a DSLR. The camera is set to ship this December.

MSRP: $4995USD