the ginkgo blog

Canon video contest launched on Vimeo.com - with the theme being "The story beyond the still" - go on, give it a shot!

Doing my weekly scan of the top 100 photography blogs, I found on Imaging Buffet and article about a new and pretty innovative video contest sponsored by Canon on Vimeo.com.

 
 

What particularly caught my attention was the claim that it's the first ever user generated HD Video of the year contest where photographers become filmmakers and But all get to see the story beyond the still image.

So, you have the camera, a drool-worthy arsenal of lenses and a trained eye honed by years of experience. So what the hell you waiting for? Get planning, building, editing and submitting!

We all have our own stories to tell. And, we all have our own unique style of telling them. Either as the spoken word or, in the vast majority of our cases, in print.

I'm sure that most of us have seen the Vincent LaForet short movies demonstrating the potentially endless capabilities of both the Canon 5D MkII a more recently, a 7D. Yes, they are visually beautiful and in the case of the 7D video, quite a compelling little story. But, he is a photographer, you are a photographer and I am a  photographer. So why don't we all give it a go. Just for a laugh, if for nothing else.

If you haven't already jumped to the Vimeo.com page and would like to know more. Click to continue reading after the jump where I have basically cut and pasted their information. Personally I wouldn't bother, as you might as well just go there and read it. At least then you are in the right place to start getting your entry ready.

Shrink the living hell out of those bloated PDF files with a freebie from Panic Software - Shrinkit - For Mac's only I am afraid...

  

Panics 'Shrinkit' application... Here's a nice little find... Especially from the more creative types who tend to produce quite a few very large PDF files to send off to print. Or in the case of the rest of you, help save an obscene amount of hard disc space when archiving your material.

 
 
An example I can give from today using Shrinkit was for a full page magazine advert that came in at 56.5MB was instantly (and I mean instantly) to a eye watering 4.6MB!

As you no doubt know, the production of PDF files from any of Adobes applications tend to be little on the large side. Even if you select the options to reduce the file size, they still seem to be unnecessarily large. And this, has always confused the hell at me as an equivalent print-to PDF on my Mac seems to reduce the overall footprint of a file quite considerably compared to Adobes output.

Well, it seems that Adobe doesn't in fact strip all of this metadata, swatches etc, even if you select the option to render it non-editable after creation.

But, thanks to the wonderfulness that is Panic Software, You can trash the lot simply by dragging and dropping - and it'll rename the original for you and preserve it in the same folder.

You can download the (free application here 181k) which is also being promoted on twitter by John Nack - Adobes very own...

Aperture 3 (lite) for the Apple iPad... This for me would be a no-brainer of a purchase on so many levels as a professional photographer out on location.

 

This device screams out to have Aperture 3 on it. Obviously in a 'lite' version...

I have to admit, I love Aperture. It makes my workflow, and in turn, my life so much easier. One of its killer features is the ability when out on location or in the studio to work with the creative team that is commissioning the work to finalise the overall look and feel as well of course the images of the selection. The final detailed attention doesn't need to be done there and then, back and wait for the powerhouse back in the studio.

I have no issue with carrying around my MacBook Proto do this work went out on location. But from a client's perspective it's still very hands off. The iPad I can see this can help make the work that we do more personal to those that commission it.

Just the ability to hold decent sized images in your hand, bring it closer to scrutinise, or just flipped through the proofs almost as if they were on a light table will in front of you. It's the touching that makes it a whole different ball game.

Take into account the likely ability for many cameras to hook up via the WiFi and then on top of that connect to the outside world via 3G and you have got yourself a very clever yet very portable, extremely useful and of course very cool tool set.

I don't need or want the full horsepower when I'm out on the road. I also don't need or want to be carrying around a portfolio case which is insured to the hilt in addition. The iPhone is just too small to make it. The iPad is bang on.

Assuming of course we can get the likes of Aperture running on it, or indeed an equivalent.

As a final thought, just imagine painting on exposure with your finger. Enhancing detail with edge sharpening with your finger. Effectively painting with your hands. There is a reason why primary school children love finger painting so, so much. And it is simply that they are connected physically and in turn emotionally with their work.

Bring it on...

Try for a 25% Discount... What would you most like to get out of a Photography Workshop or Holiday if you could join us on the Mediterranean Greek Island of Kefalonia this year?

Who doesn't want a huge discount off their 2010 photography workshop or holiday?! 

 
 
Who ever comes up with a really amazing and 'left' field thought that we simply can't resist offering to our attendees this year and beyond, will get a 25% discount off one of our workshops in 2010. That includes 25% off the rental price of a villa if you decide to stay on an extra week for a holiday with your family or friends.

We have got some new ideas we are working on right at this very moment that I think you will just love. But, we would love to hear your thoughts as potential attendees. 

We will post all of the ideas and put it to a vote. This isn't a competition as such, purely a way of getting your thoughts on our photography courses in the Mediterranean. And, as a thank you to the individual who comes up with something we all like, We'll knock 25% off the price of one of our photography workshops / photography holidays this year..

So - If you have a great idea that you wish someone would actually offer - Let us know. You can either email us the idea or simply add it in the comments section below.

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

So, should we ask the worlds bankers to pay a 'bugger all' percentage of their transactions profits (emphasis on profits) to potentially fix most of the issues on the planet? 0.05% of 'profits'...

I'll let the video speak for itself - 'ish. 

Olympus introduces PEN E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds camera - At first glance it looks interesting...

 Olympus introduces the PEN E-PL1, a new Micro 4/3 digital camera positioned as the entry-level model of the PEN Series. The E-PL1 features a new Live Guide user interface for easy, intuitive adjustment of brightness, hue, background defocusing, and other image parameters. Furthermore, the camera offers with a dedicated Movie mode button for seamless access to movie shooting, and six Art Filters for enhanced creativity, All that comes in a light, compact body with built-in flash and image stabilisation...

 OLYMPUS E-PL1 PRESS RELEASE SUMMARY

Capture the outside world, release the artist within - Great pictures for everyone

In today's world you've got to give the people what they want. And they're going to want the new Olympus E-PL1. Not only does it deliver extraordinary digital images, it's the perfect tool for anyone who hesitated to buy SLRs because they find them too complicated. The possibilities are virtually endless with this easy to use retro-cool model. With great features like HD movie shooting and impressive Art Filters, you too can take exceptional pictures. Its 100% stabilised body even lets you shoot blur-free with all lenses. Combining SLR performance and a lightweight design, PEN lets you   create exciting, innovative shots, preserving those moments in life you want captured forever. The ultimate democratising force in quality photography, the E-PL1 is available from March 2010.

The high-tech mirrorless construction of the PEN means it's small and handy to use, yet it produces ‘big camera' results. That's the genius of the E-PL1, now fine-tuned with these new features:

• Easy to understand, non-technical Live Guide

• 4 bold colours to choose from: black, white, champagne, red

Click the link below to launch the whole article...