The Active Photographer - Episode #6

... Portraits And Picture Books.

This week's show is a fair bit shorter than usual, as time is against me.

I'm on location in London, talking about the technical and aesthetic considerations involved with corporate portraiture.

Also... Do you like picture books? Why are they important for photographers, and whose would I recommend?

Episode #6 - Portraits And Picture Books:


To check out more, head on over to TheActivePhotographer.com, where you can listen to this week's show and see its corresponding show notes, get in touch with me directly and subscribe via iTunes or RSS. All previous episodes are also there, too.

The Active Photographer - Episode #5

... Food for thought at ExCel.

This week, I’m in London again - but not to undertake any assignments. Instead, whilst visiting the Outdoors Show at ExCel, I stop by a couple of stands for a chat about their products and how they might fit nicely into my activities.

I also collect some new business cards en route, just in the nick of time. The process reminds me why they are so important for promoting oneself… and why I am so grateful my supplier came up trumps once again.

What do you do when you haven’t got time to stop and eat whilst on location? Simple – you munch on a nutritious energy bar. Hear what Matt Willis of Mule Bar has to say about how to feed a busy photographer!

Last week’s show went behind the scenes as I filmed a video review of an Aquapac rucksack; in this episode, I also catch up with their product development director, to see what other goodies are on offer for photographers.

Episode #5 - Food For Thought At ExCel:


To check out more, head on over to TheActivePhotographer.com, where you can listen to this week's show and see its corresponding show notes, get in touch with me directly and subscribe via iTunes or RSS. All previous episodes are also there, too.

The Active Photographer - Episode #4

... Bags And Bagpipes.

This week, one last bit of catching-up... A couple of recordings in which I make the most of the weather and finish off the last of my 2010 shoots.

Before the snow disappeared, back in November, I headed out into my local woodland to film a product review video, in the usual behind-the-scenes fashion. It all worked out well eventually - despite nature's attempts to thwart my plans!

My final recording of last year saw me returning home after photographing a large family dinner party and a man with bagpipes on New Year's Eve. In spite of still having a cough, I just about managed to get my words out.

Episode #4 - Bags And Bagpipes:

To check out more, head on over to TheActivePhotographer.com, where you can listen to this week's show and see its corresponding show notes, get in touch with me directly and subscribe via iTunes or RSS. All previous episodes are also there, too.

The Active Photographer - Episode #3

... Family And Festivities.

Following a no-go for last week's show, I'm playing catch-up, bringing you a couple of audio ponderances, recorded whilst out and about in the run-up to Christmas.

It's Christmas Eve, and I've just completed a traditional family gathering shoot - there's real snow, fake snow, carol singing and more. What a great way to round off the pre-Christmas work schedule!

Whilst on the road, I also take the opportunity to record a few thoughts about the importance of printing out your picture for future generations. What happens if you don't? Will part of your family's history be lost forever?

Episode #3 - Family And Festivities:

To check out more, head on over to TheActivePhotographer.com, where you can listen to this week's show and see its corresponding show notes, get in touch with me directly and subscribe via iTunes or RSS. All previous episodes are also there, too.

Always carry a camera?

Whilst heading back from a meeting one chilly morning recently, I felt compelled to pull the car to one side of the road and get out to grab a few pictures of the view across the city.

In my bag, along with the day-to-day items I typically carry, I had nothing to make images with other than a point-and-shoot (my trusty, go-anywhere, Canon G9) and my mobile phone's built-in camera. Choosing the former, I quickly rattled off a number of pictures before beating a hasty retreat to the warmth and relative comfort of the car.

I also recorded some thoughts for Episode #2 of The Active Photographer podcast. It's worth checking out the show notes there, but for those of you who want to skip straight to the audio, you can hear it via the player below.

Episode #2 - Snapshots And Snooker:


This photo opportunity was unplanned. It was exactly that - an opportunity. I hadn't expected to see the hazy view from the top of the hill; if I had, my regular kit would have surely been packed in the car.

Sometimes, it's nice not to be weighed down by the high-end clutter of one's kit. It allows us to concentrate purely on the visual, on what's in front of us - undistracted by which aperture to set or how many different ways a particular lens can be exploited to effect. When we don't have the distraction of such technology, we are left to work simply within our means, making the best of the situation.

Of course, there's the old adage which speaks of always carrying a camera wherever you go. Do I adhere to this? Well no, not always... unless you count the fact that my phone has a built-in camera, which could always be put to use (although I don't consciously think to use it in the same way that I might if I have packed a camera in my bag or coat pocket).

At times like these (and a good few others, actually), I'm often heard to say 'You know what, I'll definitely carry the G9 with me all the time from now on.' In much the same way as drinkers profess 'I'll never drink again!' after a particularly heavy night. Easily said, but not so easily done...

In my own mind, snatching these 'golden picture' moments as they present themselves is a bit like racking up a tally of wins. I've now got a bunch of images to work with, which I'd never so much as thought about when I woke up that morning. As I describe in the audio, I have no agenda for them, but I'm sure they'll be useful somewhere down the line. Self-promotion, stock image sales, illustration during workshops... the posibilities are endless, and it'll be interesting to see where they end up.

The Active Photographer podcast

It is with much joy - and some relief, I can tell you - that I can now proudly announce the official launch of my all-new podcast!

The Active Photographer brings you a weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse into my day-to-day life as a working photographer.

Each week, I'll be be talking to you both on location and back at the office, sharing tips, resources and generally-useful information relating to the world of photography.

To give you a flavour of what the show's all about, why not take a listen to the following audio...


A sneaky listen:


Episode #1:


I'll keep it short and sweet here... To check out more, simply head over to TheActivePhotographer.com, where you can listen to all the shows and see their corresponding show notes, get in touch with me directly and subscribe via iTunes or RSS.

Product test: Aquapac PDA Case

With the launch of my brand new podcast just over a week away, my thoughts have turned to all things audio of late - not least of all the considerations I have to bear in mind when I'm out and about recording content.

A while back, I reviewed the Aquapac PDA case, which took the form of a video and write-up on the GBP:Blog. You may remember it. Well, that video and post has been so well received, and subsequently pushed around the social media world so much, that I thought I'd make mention of it one more time.

Look out for more of the same from me soon, as I am now working directly with Aquapac and a number of other companies offering a range of great products which make our lives that much nicer.

---

One of the latest additions to my kit bag is an audio recorder, which I've begun using to produce interviews, location reports, video commentary etc for the GBP Blog. And so far, I can't fault it ('initial impression' review coming up soon). That is, except for one thing.

This technology is all well and good, but there comes a time when it needs a little helping hand in more extreme environments. Put simply, the audio recorder doesn't like the rain. Suffice it to say this is an assumption and I don't wish to test the theory - but for piece of mind, I set out to find some decent protection for the thing.

Enter Aquapac, who produce all manner of dependable covers and cases. I have been aware of these guys for many years, and took the opportunity to catch up with them earlier in the year at the Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show. Jump forward a few months and they suggested the 100% waterproof PDA Case for my particular requirements.

Rather than waffle on here too much, I've put together the following short video so you can see and hear the test for yourself:




Several details are not mentioned in the video, as I wanted to keep it fairly brief, but for your reference:

• This case will float in water, and is submersible to 15ft (5 metres)
• It has an optically-clear rear panel, good enough to shoot photos/video through
• You can use your PDA stylus as normal right through the case
• A stylus holder is built-in
• The product model reference/number is Small PDA Classic (344)
• You can also check out more more from Aquapac on their Facebook page
  

If you have any thoughts or comments, feel free to jot them in the comments section.

Vobes-Babbidge Pinhole Camera Project: First tests

Well, the Vobes-Babbidge Pinhole Camera Project is moving on at a nice pace now, with our latest tests showing definite improvements over the last.

In the first of our audio commentaries below, you'll hear us constructing our MK#1 camera, taking it outside for exposures using only available light (the sun) and developing the very first paper negatives. It was interesting to see what appeared out of the darkness of our improvised darkroom...

Pin Hole podcast - 003

With the MK#2 camera in hand, there was a definite increase in sharpness, contrast and density in our results. In a somewhat more controlled environment, we stayed indoors and set up a still life arrangement; this was lit by a constant light source (one 1000-watt halogen photo lamp).

By no means perfect (watch out for the schoolboy error!), our work is still very much about understanding the process and slowly refining our technique... as explained in our final thoughts about how to move things along in the very near future. Enjoy!

Pin Hole podcast - 004

Oh, and if you missed our first two instalments, you can catch up with them here.

Introducing: The Vobes-Babbidge Pinhole Camera Project

With the end of another year just hours away, it's time to think ahead to what the next twelve months might hold in store. That in itself will be the topic of a forthcoming post, but for now I'd like to talk briefly about a very exciting project which I will be involved in throughout the whole of 2010...

Many of you will by now be aware of my friend and collaborator Richard Vobes - most likely as a result of following either him or myself on Twitter, or via various audio chats we have recorded this year for vobes.com (some of which have also subsequently appeared in posts here on the GBP Blog).

Well, now we have taken things one step further, embarking on an idea which Richard came up with a number of months back. Its working title is The Vobes-Babbidge Pinhole Camera Project - and we are very excited about it!

In a nutshell, we are going to be stripping back the photographic process, removing the hi-tech, super-material, computer-reliant aspect so prevalent these days, instead concentrating on producing a set of images as the final outcome of a simplified yet very involved process.

Why so involved? Well, rather than simply purchasing a pinhole camera and photographic film, we will instead be working from scratch - completely from the ground up. As such, the starting point will be to construct our camera- most likely from traditional materials such as wood, varnish, brass, leather etc. And then there's the small matter of the physical medium onto which our images will be physically recorded (clue: we want to make our own).

The final images will for part of an installation/exhibition around this time next year.

For the benefit of both ourselves and those who would like to follow our progress, Mr. V and I will be recording all of our steps along the way - via audio, video, stills and note books. We've already documented our first tentative steps via audio; you can listen to these below in order to get a better idea of just what we have in mind.

Pin Hole podcast - 001

Pin Hole podcast - 002

To keep up to date, either check by here to see new pinhole-related posts, or bookmark the Pinhole Camera Project page over on vobes.com.

Giles on Empty Shops Radio

For those of you who are Twitter-literate and who follow my antics (so simple to do - just look here!), you will have picked up on the fact that from this week, and on occasions throughout the weeks leading up to 19th December, I am going to be involved with a new collaborative project down here on the south coast.

Arranged by Artists And Makers, in conjunction with Worthing Lions and EmptyShopsRadio.com, the initiative is turning a former Allied Carpets showroom into The Upmarket - a space for local charities and communitiy groups to raise funds and showcase their work, as well as a meeting place for other assorted arts-based activities.

Today has been great fun, and my first chance to get properly involved with proceedings. It was also a great networking opportunity (so, a quick shout out in particular to good ol' Mr. Vobes, Marie-Louise Plum and David Rogers - all of whom are super-well connected via the Twitter network, of course).

In terms of photography, I had a casual mixed bag of shots to produce, ranging from the typically formal 'group' shots for publication in local press, to spontaneous promo imagery of radio interview activities 'on the shop floor' as it were.

One person who did not feature in any of the pictures was yours truely (probably for the best, to be honest!). However, I did sit down to record a podcast with Mr. V, in which we discussed the use of photography and new media (such as Twitter, Blogs and audio) in publicising your business, events, musings etc.

You can listen to this simply by clicking on the play icon below:

Play Podcast

If you happen to be in the Worthing area, or else fancy taking a trip down from elsewhere (as Marie-Louise did), the guys will be very happy to meet you and discuss what this whole little shindig is all about. The more of you that get involved, the better!

In the mean time, be sure to check back at the Empty Shops Radio web page to hear the latest podcasts as they are uploaded.

Product test: Aquapac PDA Case

One of the latest additions to my kit bag is an audio recorder, which I've begun using to produce interviews, location reports, video commentary etc for the GBP Blog. And so far, I can't fault it ('initial impression' review coming up soon). That is, except for one thing.

This technology is all well and good, but there comes a time when it needs a little helping hand in more extreme environments. Put simply, the audio recorder doesn't like the rain. Suffice it to say this is an assumption and I don't wish to test the theory - but for piece of mind, I set out to find some decent protection for the thing.

Enter Aquapac, who produce all manner of dependable covers and cases. I have been aware of these guys for many years, and took the opportunity to catch up with them earlier in the year at the Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show. Jump forward a few months and they suggested the 100% waterproof PDA Case for my particular requirements.

Rather than waffle on here too much, I've put together the following short video so you can see and hear the test for yourself:



Several details are not mentioned in the video, as I wanted to keep it fairly brief, but for your reference:

• This case will float in water, and is submersible to 15ft (5 metres)
• It has an optically-clear rear panel, good enough to shoot photos/video through
• You can use your PDA stylus as normal right through the case
• A stylus holder is built-in
• The product model reference/number is Small PDA Classic (344)
• You can also check out more more from Aquapac on their Facebook page
  

If you have any thoughts or comments, feel free to jot them in the comments section.

Another radio appearance

A quick tip-off for something which is coming up later today...

Following my appearance on the Vobes Show at the end of April, I have been asked to contribute to another online radio show - this time hosted by Louise Barnes-Johnston at Frontline Results. A brief overview of the show can be found here.

As well as discussing 'where it all began' for GBP and the sort of work we undertake, Louise and I will also be addressing issues which concern small business owners in these tough economic times, including what potential oportunities are out there just waiting to be exploited.

I hope you can find the time to listen in - 5:30pm (BST) - and of course, I welcome any feedback in the comments section which follows this post. For those of you who can't be with us online at the time, I'll be posting up the audio shortly after the show.

UPDATE: The audio for this interview can now be accessed on this post.

Giles interviewed on the Vobes Show

Yesterday was a fun day. After spending the morning taking care of a few things around the office, I made my way over to see Mr. Richard Vobes, who interviewed me on his online radio show, ready for airing today. I say 'interviewed' - actually, it was very much relaxed, with a feel more along the lines of a chat among friends.

For those who don't know of him, Richard is an award-winning internet broadcaster, multi-talented to say the least. He also happens to be an all-round nice chap. Regular readers may remember I spoke of him in this post a couple of months ago.

We discussed all manner of things throughout the course of our time together - including traditional & digital photography, the media, networking & online social networks, and a number of topical stories hitting the headlines. Oh, and as for me being referred to as 'Babbington'... bit of a long story!

So pour a cuppa, sit yourself down and enjoy an hour of laid-back, informal conversation. Simply by click here and the audio will open up in your chosen player.

As ever, I'd really like to hear your thoughts and comments. And for more of the Vobes, be sure to check out Richard's site.