I’m definitely a problem v. solutions kind of person, and look at gear to make life easier. And make better content.
The new goal/problem was to find a small, powerful source of light, to add onto my Fuji, and be able to get interviews at trade shows.
What was needed was a nice, compact, source of light, battery powered.
After looking around the landscape, Lume Cube, a company that has been leading in the tiny light category has come up with a solution.

Well, they came up with a few, actually. Continue Reading »

Are we finally seeing some good times in the wild? I mean, our neighborhoods?
In my neighborhood, in NYC, the plywood has come down from the stores, the streets are alive with the outdoor restaurants.
I have been taking the subways, buses, and a coupla taxi’s. The taxi drivers have to remember the mask deal, especially in a closed space.
Mostly, it’s walking. That’s how you see what’s really going. Like always, right?

So, the basic walking kit has been in use, and this is what it consists of:

*Fuji X100F with a lens shade
*Spare batteries for the camera and the phone
*Extra SD cards- I’ve been going either SanDisk or Sony, 128gb, super fast cards.
*LensPen, because you need to keep it all clean.
*A wrist strap, so I have that extra bit of security carrying the camera.
*And it all goes into a Peak Design Sling 10L

*Plus, if you are new to this, you may want to check out the listed book on the 100V

All of it is here in this link.

Why this gear? One main reason is that I have used this setup for years, and it works.

First, the main event ,the camera.
the Fuji 100V has a leaf shutter and can be put into electronic shutter mode, so it can be silent.

The files are beautiful. Plus, you can access all of the Fuji film stocks as algorithms for your JPGs. Things like Provia, Acros, Classic Chrome, Sepia. They are added to JPGs only as you are hopefully shooting RAW and JPG, for editing later. In LightRoom, the FujiFilm film stocks come up as a choice in develop mode so you an get those formulas added to your RAW files, as well.
The small size of the camera is ergonomically right, AND most importantly, I’m not digging into menus to adjust my exposure. A hallmark of Fuji cameras, it gives an analog feel to a sophisticated camera.
I go for the all black version, as it has a more has a discreet presence, and being silent, when using electronic shutter, you can get shots that you may have missed.

The lens shade, allows me to be fast, and not missing the opportunity. With the shade, nothing is hitting the lens, and you grab and go. In jacket weather, I sometimes juts go out with the camera in a jacket pocket.

Always have spare batteries when you are out walking. Nothing hurts worse than having an empty camera when you see the shot.

SD cards can get filled up. Or go bad. Yes, that does happen. I usually pack 2 extra.
LensPen: I have one of these in every camera bag. They just work. cleans the lens, and wipes away and dust. Cheap, and cheerful.
And the wrist strap. EVERY camera I own has a wrist strap. On this smaller camera I use this simple strap.

The more robust, interchangeable lens cameras, get the SpiderHolster spiderlight wrist strap. It’s perfect and after a full day of shooting is still comfortable.

Now the bag.

We all have a bunch perhaps, or have tried a few.
This Peak Design Sling 10L is my perfect walk around bag.
Room for my Fuji x100f, with space to scale up to a X-T4 with a 14mm, a 56mm, and a 55-200 (my crop duster). Or the leave out the 56mm, and add in the 50-140mm.
Straps on the bottom to hold a monopod, tripod, or lately, an umbrella!

Into the front pocket, I slip credentials, biz cards, SSD hard drive, and maybe a protein bar.
There is an inside flap, which has been able to hold an iPad, when that may be needed. Yep, have the keyboard case, and the pencil so things can be edited on the run.
When we can go inside again, this will be more useful.
The shoulder strap is comfortable, and easily adjustable.
There are a couple of design features I especially like:
*The zipper top opens TO the body, as opposed to away. An extra bit of security.

*And the bag itself has a somewhat of a defined shape as opposed to soft, shapeless design.
It allows me to easily slip my camera in and out of the bag.

This is the basic kit.
I do always throw in a Baggu reusable bag, because while you are out, you may need to pick up some things. Like dinner, or some groceries.

I have added a carabiner to the back handle to hook up a bag to.
Now, one thing that is NOT on the bag is a water bottle holder.

Now, I will toss in the Fuji X-T4, with a 14mm lens, for street when I want to switch up the lensing. I’ll break that more robust kit down in another post.

Stay safe and healthy out there!

How are you doing today?
Have you zoomed enough? Are tired of looking at a screen?
Well, I am!
So, for a bit of respite, I go out to my tiny balcony and catch up on some reading.

Trust me, it’s no big deal, but I have used this lately more in all the years I’ve lived here!
And catching up on my reading. Mainly books about photography, and the odd detective novel thrown in. Walter Mosely is my current fave as he can deliver a visual that sends me to that place!

If you want to skip the post, here is a full list of some starter books that’ll keep adding to.

When I left LA for NYC, I left 95 boxes of books behind. Yeah, I know. I do miss many of them.

There are books that have been next to my bed, and in my NYC bookshelf, that bring me to the great outdoors, currently about 92º, to get inspired, informed, and sometimes, just luxuriate in the images I’ve not gazed at in too long.
Let’s get to it:
For a faster read, there are a couple of books I go to:
Aperture’s Photographer’s Playbook, and PhotoWork: Forty Photographers on Process and Practice.

The Playbook has 1 or 2 page ideas that may spark a personal assignment. Interesting if you’re feeling blocked, or just want to expand.
The PhotoWork book is great because it gives some insight into the photographic mind. The same questions were asked of everyone, and the answers can add up to a better portrait of each photographer.

Then there are the books about photographers like Larry Fink and Mary Ellen Mark. They seem to be taken from classroom events they taught, and although I’ve been making photographs for decades, I get a nugget or 2 from each one that sticks with me. It’s called the Photography Worksop Series from Aperture.

Honestly, there is something in the Fink book that jogs my brain, every time I edit and get to selects. Scary.

Then have been diving into the Sally Mann autobiography. If you are familiar with her imagery, this cuts deep. Highly recommend.

One book that I haven’t cracked yet is the Dan Winters book, The Road To Seeing. I have picked it up, and put it down a few times. Big commitment and know I will get there before the end of summer.

The current perfect blend is the Life And Work of Sid Grossman.

Beautifully produced, superior printing, and not just a book of photographs, but a great read on his life, and personal conviction.
” A photograph is as personal as a name, a fingerprint, a kiss. It concerns me intimately and passionately. I am not ashamed of that” Sid Grossman

When the sun starts to set, I do head back into the smallish NYC apt, and go through the list of docs on image makers to watch.
More on that list in another post.

And yes, If you purchase from the links provided, we do get a small commission. No price change for you, but it helps support these efforts.

Cheers!

I hope you are all staying safe and healthy. Best wishes to you, and your family.
Sure, most communications start with that in these days of covid.

But what can you say, other than to wish your fellow humans the best?
© Damon Webster, 2020. All rights reserved.

And how are you spending your time at home?
If you have been working, chances are you are spending more time in front of screen than ever, and the concept of a 9-5 day (or 8-6), has been blown away.

In NYC we are slowly starting to open up, with restrictions. Heck, even B&H is taking on-site customers!

© Damon Webster, 2020. All rights reserved.

If you are a photographer or videographer, I hope you have been documenting this historic time, as things are moving fast. I look forward to reading what all of the cultural anthropologists will say about this time.

© Damon Webster, 2020. All rights reserved.

© Damon Webster, 2020. All rights reserved.

© Damon Webster, 2020. All rights reserved.

Trying to use my shelter in place as productively as possible, it was time to dig through all of the accumulated gear, and see what was needed, and what needed to be sold!
That was cathartic! And profitable!
Not quite the keeping ” does it spark joy? ” but what is being used, or will be used. Things came out of hiding, lived in the light of day, got evaluated, and either were listed on ebay, given a go, or put away.

Then, of course, was going through all of the archives, and realizing what photo files need better tagging. A ton!
just try looking for a specific image and all it is tagged with is New York, and a date.
Not good enough.

And then the scanning. If you have come to photography in the digital age, you don’t have to worry.
There are nightly sessions with my Epson V850 scanner, making my negs and transparencies into digital files that can be more easily accessed.
Truth be told, even though the scanner can create hi-res files, still doesn’t beat drum scans.
So the flatbed scanners files let me see what I have, and then have judiciously selected images for the expensive drum scans.
Holy Moly! the difference is staggering. the depth on drum scanned images is incredible. I’ve been using Duggal, here in New York for that.

Don’t get me wrong – i have binged a TON of TV, bought too much rice, probably have enough TP to last me for a long while,

© Damon Webster, 2020. All rights reserved.

and have a flock of masks to choose from before walking out the door. And my office clothes have definitely taken a back seat to more comfy options.

The home office has been tricked out with proper lighting, optional green screen, a headset, and some good mic options. Why not, right?

And podcasts are all the rage. Before the shutdown, I was about to start a podcast about exploring your city. Hah! timing, right? With severely limited public events, and venues, now have to rethink this.

How have you been spending your home time? If you have kids, I think I have an idea, and if you are caring for someone at risk, bless you and the service you provide.

If you would like to share your experiences during these days of covid, please contact me @ damon@photoinduced.com, and let’s see what we can do to get it posted.
Looking for image related experiences, and how your photographic life has been affected during all of this.

So stay safe, and stay healthy! look forward to hearing from you!
Wear a mask, and remember to Vote!

© Damon Webster, 2020. All rights reserved.

Thsi is a good thing to see in the midst of all the rest. I personally have donated prints to NYC Salt sales, and encourage you to support them.

Today, Nikon Inc. announced the expansion of the brand’s partnership with NYC Salt, an organization that helps create opportunities in visual arts as well as pathways to college and careers for underserved youth from diverse backgrounds in New York City. This important partnership will expand to include a variety of programs that align with Nikon’s ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of creators and amplifying diverse and underrepresented voices in the arts.

Nikon Inc. + NYC Salt Initiatives

Emerging Talent Scholarship: Nikon will establish an annual $10,000 Emerging Talent Scholarship to an eligible student graduating from the NYC Salt program and entering a visual arts field, providing them with a foundation to help follow their dreams and pursue a career in the visual arts.
NYC Salt Camera Locker Equipment Fund: Nikon will support NYC Salt’s camera locker program through an equipment fund which will grant access to the latest Nikon cameras, lenses, and other equipment, enabling students with the necessary tools to advance their photography and videography skills.
Nikon Ambassador Mentorship Program: Nikon is collaborating with its network of world-renowned Ambassadors in the U.S. to coordinate a mentorship program for NYC Salt students, allowing Nikon Ambassadors to interact with the NYC Salt students, share their expansive knowledge and supplement the NYC Salt curriculum for 2020 and beyond.

Nikon is also working with its Ambassadors to organize an online public print sale of their images, with all proceeds going to NYC Salt to help expand their educational offerings to students. The print sale will take place from now through August 31.