User Profile Fields Own View
The Digital Pinhole Photography II
Summary:
Martin Timm is back with part two in his series on digital pinhole photography. Here he has gathered all the necessary ingredients to cook up a pinhole adapter that can fit any digital SLR.
The techniques used to construct it is right out of your grade school handicraft's hour. This amazingly simple approach using toilet paper rolls, tin foil, rubber bands glue etc is carefully explained. The result: a ready to use handy-dandy pinhole attachment for your digital camera that's ready to use.
So now it's time to get your feet wet..literally. Martin takes it outside and gives a hands-on demonstration using the pinhole adapter to compose a great picture, demonstrating it works too. So check it out!
A FotoTV Christmas Carol
Summary:
In this special holiday video, photographer Eberhard Schuy of Loft 2 creates a unique Christmas/New Years memento, exclusively for FotoTV viewers.
Starting with basic materials, such as regular table salt and simple container, Schuy demonstrates step-by-step, how to create an iced-over, frosty Santa Claus, perfect to photograph and use as a holiday card. Although Schuy shows us two unique examples, practically any small item can be used and the creative possibilities are endless.
Normally, the first thing that comes to mind when attempting to photograph ice would be to use ice crystals straight from the freezer. Unfortunately, this technique would last only a few seconds, not leaving much time before melting, making it difficult to capture it on film. Schuy’s technique, creating snow that does not melt by using table salt remedies this problem. The frosted, or iced-over Santa Claus remains exactly as is so that there are no time constraints for making photos.
Moving along, Schuy sets up lighting best for bringing out the structure and detail of the frosty creations. Most photographers are aware of the particulars and troubles when it comes to photographing very bright, or white saturated textures. In addition to the thorough and highly beneficial technical information, Schuy takes several test shots, demonstrating specific techniques and tricks in regards to the lighting to achieve distinct shadows and most authentic looking results, and the results are fun and phenomenal—definitely a great idea for the holidays, as well as a way to try out new ideas.
The Self-Made Boom Stand
Summary:
In this do-it-yourself video tutorial, Michael Quack from Visual Pursuit Studios shows FotoTV how to make a heavy-duty boom stand out of materials that can be purchased from a local hardware store.
Quack constructs a strong and long-lasting boom stand to support the weight of a boom and soft-box, as well as increasing its flexibility to also mount continuous lights, strobes, or other holders. In addition, he explains important aspects to consider, concerning precautionary measures, counterweight, material and size when constructing your own boom stand.
This extra sturdy, durable boom stand is the ideal tripod boom stand for countless studio applications and very easy to make.
Construction of Light Part 2
Summary:
In this film, photographer Martin Krolop builds a small self-made snoot using familiar techniques that rely on studio flash systems and snoots.
Krolop designs the snoot for a portable Canon 580 EX flash, so that the light can be shielded and a spot-like effect created. Keeping the construction and materials simple, he uses a DIN A 4 sheet of silver construction paper, scissors, a cutter, a marker, a ruler, and most important, gaffer’s tape.
The snoots are sturdy enough to be folded and stored in a back pocket. Although they are not completely indestructible, they do become weaker with age, nonetheless they are extremely portable and very easy on small budgets. In addition, Krolop demonstrates practical uses of the self-made snoot construction, as well as comparison to a diffuser built in previous FotoTV segment.
Also worth noting are Krolop’s professional tips. He suggests constructing a second, somewhat larger snoot, to slide over the first one. This is a simple technique to create a zoom effect through the sliding snoot. It is a very effective way to regulating effects, light direction and intensity. Most photographers know that time and again it is necessary to create special lighting situations and effects and Krolop gives FotoTV viewers realistic custom solutions to expand their knowledge, creativity, and wallet.
Based out of Bonn, Krolop comprises half of the creative team at Krolop & Gerst photography. Combining traditional photography techniques with the latest technology and software, Krolop and Gerst specialize in editorial, fashion, location and wedding photography, providing excellent visual solution services to many satisfied clients.
Constructing a Base Tripod
Summary:
In this informative Do-It-Yourself video tutorial, Michael Quack head of the Visual Pursuit Studio in Düsseldorf, shows us how to build a homemade base tripod.
Quack explains for times when photographers need to travel light or simply due to lack of packing space, this base studio really comes in handy. He constructs it so that it easily accepts all standard studio lamp connections, and by simply changing out the mount-connection it is possible to even use Metz type flash guns, making all your lights, whether flash gun or floodlight, very versatile.
Quack says that there are really only two disadvantages; you need a sturdy piece of wood to serve as the base and the fact that your client might possibly think you are a penny-pincher. In reality, these are actually not disadvantages because the homemade base tripod is just as stable and works just as well as any professional store bought base tripod. Not only do you save money, but also you are more flexible when it comes time to travel.
Construction of Light Part 1
Summary:
In this hands on film photographer Martin Krolop covers a very interesting topic, while constructing a basic useful tool in photography: the diffuser. Using various simple materials and tools Krolop craftily constructs an economical handmade alternative in lieu of diffusers, snoots, spots, and the like used in studio photography.
After a short introduction Krolop demonstrates exactly how to build your own diffuser and briefly discusses the materials needed to build such a diffuser for various flash models. Using basic items available at most art supply stores Krolop efficiently and methodically constructs a sturdy diffuser. All the items necessary to start are a DIN A4 thick sheet of construction paper gaffer’s tape, glue, thick black straws, a cutter, a knife, scissors and a pen.
Although most photographers are familiar with being crafty or inventive when it comes to a photography situation where something hard to find or very special is needed to create a perfect picture, Krolop thinks out of the box and focuses on the basics in this film. Many photographers spend a lot of money on their equipment, even for one-time use or rarely used items. This film teaches photographers to find perfect tapered solutions right from their studio or home— definitely an instructive incentive for photographers and their future projects.
Based out of Bonn, Krolop comprises half of the creative team at Krolop & Gerst photography. Combining traditional photography techniques with the latest technology and software, Krolop and Gerst specialize in editorial, fashion, location and wedding photography, providing excellent visual solution services to many satisfied clients.
Construction of a Studio Panel
Summary:
FotoTv founder Marc Ludwig takes us step by step through the process of how to make a professional photographic studio panel.
The studio panel is a basic tool for the studio; you cannot go without having to ever use one. In this film Ludwig shows us how, with a few ingenious ideas and several materials how you can achieve great results. Using things available at most every hardware store you can construct your own studio panel, inexpensively and with ease using Styrofoam boards, a small portable drill or screwdriver, a paint roller, knitting needles and gaffers tape just to name a few items.
A studio panel needs to either reflect light or block it, so that is why it is necessary to have a two-in-one mobile panel; one that stands alone and moves where you need it to, without the need of an extra person in the studio. This comes in handy for special photographic applications such as nude photography, and when having a photo assistant very close to the model would not be the best decision.
Ludwig runs down the necessary dimensions, sizes, tools and components needed for a perfect construction. All together an immensely useful film for photographers of all stages, complete with hints and tips on how to go about building your very own efficient studio panel.
Jewel Frames
Summary:
This is may be the shortest film on FotoTV ever! It is also the cheapest way to build a gallery in your home.
In fact, this sort of presentation is an alternative to framing your pictures. All you need is a standard CD jewel case and a photo cut to the right size. With a ten-pack of CD-boxes and half an hour of your time, you can construct a small gallery of your favorite pictures on a wall at your home.
Interesting design does not have to be expensive. Our workshop will show you how to do it.
Ihrings Homestudio 1
Summary:
Building your home studio with flood lights from the local hardware store is a cheap way to get started in studio lighting.
In the first film of his series, Lars Ihring, photographer and lighting expert since his university days, shows us what you need to use flood lights and to build diffusers for them in order to soften the light they give off. In keeping with the desire to minimize upfront costs, Lars Ihring shows you how to use inexpensive pieces of wood, brackets and a sheet baking paper to build your own diffusers.
A complete list of supplies accompanies the film. This will allow you to begin working in your home studio with a minimal investment of under $150.