Posts Tagged ‘photography’

Winning entries for 2012 Getty Images Creative Grants

Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

Photographers Linka Anne Odom and Klaus Thymann, alongside agencies Good Pilot and Mother London, have won the 2012 Getty Images Creative Grants.

Each of the two teams will receive US$15,000.

Pathways sees photographer Linka Anne Odom and agency Good Pilot collaborate with D-Foundation to pursue a project which aims to recruit volunteers to increase effectiveness of medical care provided to vulnerable people in India. Through their visual communication, they aim to inspire doctors to travel to India and donate their skills to the project, as well as raise awareness around D-Foundation itself by creating pop-up exhibitions highlighting the charity’s work in hospitals around Germany.

Pathways sees photographer Linka Anne Odom and agency Good Pilot collaborate with D-Foundation to pursue a project which aims to recruit volunteers to increase effectiveness of medical care provided to vulnerable people in India. Through their visual communication, they aim to inspire doctors to travel to India and donate their skills to the project, as well as raise awareness around D-Foundation itself by creating pop-up exhibitions highlighting the charity’s work in hospitals around Germany.

This year, the Getty Images Creative Grants received 75 submissions from photographers and agencies in 20 countries.

Each team comprises a photographer and communications professional.

The US$15,000 will be used to cover the costs of developing compelling new imagery to strengthen the communications of a non-profit organisation the recipients have chosen to support.

Project Pressure, by photographer Klaus Thymann and agency Mother London will visually highlight global glacial history, before the demise of this natural wonder. The grant will enable Thymann to travel to Nepal, where he will document the field work of the Project Pressure team and the impact of glacial retreat on the local population. As well as imagery and video, Mother London will also utilize social media platforms and narrated slideshows to record his work.

Project Pressure, by photographer Klaus Thymann and agency Mother London will visually highlight global glacial history, before the demise of this natural wonder. The grant will enable Thymann to travel to Nepal, where he will document the field work of the Project Pressure team and the impact of glacial retreat on the local population. As well as imagery and video, Mother London will also utilize social media platforms and narrated slideshows to record his work.

Photo Contest: Home Without Walls (Open Category)

Saturday, June 23rd, 2012

SingTel has launched the Open Category of the “Home Without Walls” photo contest. The contest is open to all Singaporeans from today to 5 August, 2012; and has a top prize of S$2,500.

SingTel "Home Without Walls" campaign photography contest Open Category

This contest is part of a series of activities under the “Home Without Walls” campaign.

The campaign aims to inspire Singaporeans to connect with their families and forge stronger bonds with their loved ones.

The Grand Prize winner for the Open Category contest will walk away with S$2,500, and the individual winners for each of the four category themes will enjoy S$500 in cash prize.

This photo contest is open to all Singaporeans and submission is done through the SingTel FaceBook page.

Photographs can be taken with any camera, including mobile devices. Selected entries will be collated into a set of limited edition postcards which will be distributed at a later stage.

Winning photographs from each category will be published by SingTel.

Judging panel

  • Mr Lim Soon Hock
    – Chairman of National Family Council and the Centre for Fathering
  • Ms Daphne Ling
    – Winner of the ‘Best Parenting Blog’ at the Singapore Blog Awards 2011
  • Mr Suhaimi Abdullah
    – Grand Prize Winner of the Professional Category photo contest

TODAY! Canon EOS 650D body, Kit 1 and 40mm pancake lens hits the shelves

Thursday, June 14th, 2012

Instead of end-June, the Canon EOS 650D Body and Kit 1 (EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens) are now available. The new EF40mm f/2.8 STM lens also hits the shelves today at S$299.

Canon EOS 650D Kit 1 (with EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens).

Canon EOS 650D Kit 1 (with EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens).

The Canon EOS 650D Kit II (with EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens) and the new EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens are still not available yet.

Canon EF40mm f/2.8 STM lens

Canon EF40mm f/2.8 STM lens

Available from today
Canon EOS 650D
Body S$1,149
Kit 1 S$1,299
EF40mm S$299

Two new Canon lenses: EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and EF 40mm f/2.8 STM

Sunday, June 10th, 2012

Together with the launch of the new touch-screen EOS 650D DSLR, Canon is launching two new EF lenses. (Pricing & Availability to be announced later).

Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens

Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens

The Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM features reduced chromatic aberration with the inclusion of one UD lens element and one PMo aspherical lens element.

When used with the Movie Servo AF of the Canon EOS 650D, it also offers smooth, speedy and quiet focusing while recording.

This is achieved with the development of a new six-group zoom system, and the adoption of a stepping motor and focus mechanism.

Along with it, the Dynamic IS system features an expanded correction range, with image stabilization equivalent to 4 stops of light, which proves very useful when shooting subjects on the move.

Canon EF40mm f/2.8 STM lens

Canon EF40mm f/2.8 STM lens

The EF40mm f/2.8 STM comes in an ultra-compact and lightweight design, with a diameter of 68.2mm, a thickness of 22.8mm and weighing 130g, making it the slimmest and lightest EF lens produced.

A fast f/2.8 aperture, 7-blade circular aperture and aspherical lens elements enable the lens to achieve a high level of image quality from centre to corner.

New DSLR: Canon EOS 650D

Friday, June 8th, 2012

Canon has unveiled the EOS 650D, its entry-level DSLR that will replace the current EOS 600D. The 18-megapixel shooter will be available at the end of June (prices within).

Update (13 June, 2012):

Instead of end-June, the EOS 650D Body and Kit 1 will be available from tomorrow. The new EF40mm f/2.8 STM lens will also be available from tomorrow at S$299.

Canon EOS 650D has 18 megapixels and a touch screen monitor.

Canon EOS 650D has 18 megapixels and a touch screen monitor.

Canon boasts that the EOS 650D is the world’s first DSLR with a touch screen monitor.

The EOS 650D features a continuous AF (autofocus) Servo and the powerful DICIG 5 imaging processor.

Price & Availability of the Canon EOS 650D

Body only

  • S$1,149
  • end-June
  • 14 June
Kit 1 (EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens)

  • S$1,299
  • end-June
  • 14 June
Kit II (with EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens)

  • S$1,699
  • mid-July

Other enhancements include a wider ISO range from ISO 100 to 12,800 (expandable to 25,600), Multi Shot Noise Control, Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control, 9 cross-type AF points within 31 AF zones, and a Hybrid CMOS AF System.

I tried out the camera during the launch event at Klapsons The Boutique Hotel in Singapore.

It’s a nifty shooter for the amateur photographer looking to take his/her photography to the next level.

The EOS 650D can shoot continuously at 5 frames per second.

The continuous AF Servo was smooth and noiseless – a boon for those who zoom in and out while shooting video and don’t want the noise to be recorded.
“We are confident that the EOS 650D will be a compelling choice for amateurs looking to bring their photography to the next level,” said Andrew Koh, Senior Director and General Manager of the Consumer Imaging and Information Products Group, Canon Singapore.
What’s more, the autofocus continues working when zooming in and out, rather than stay on the original focus distance at the commencement of video recording.

Along with the EOS 650D, Canon also introduced two new lenses, the EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the EF40mm f/2.8mm STM, featuring a stepping motor for fast and quiet autofocusing.

Pricing & availability for these two lenses will be announced later.

Photo Contest: Home Without Walls (Professional Category)

Saturday, May 5th, 2012

SingTel has launched a photo contest aimed at the professional photography community – with a top prize of S$15,000. Submit online before 20 May 2012.

Win the grand prize of S$15,000 or one of four S$1,000 prizes for the four themes.

Win the grand prize of S$15,000 or one of four S$1,000 prizes for the four themes.

The contest is part of a series of activities under the “Home Without Walls” campaign.

Capture family moments in one of four themes.

Capture family moments in one of four themes.

The campaign is about inspiring Singaporeans to make real and meaningful connections with the people who matter, with the aim of creating homes where there are no communication barriers, and connect from the heart – whether online or offline.

For the moment, only the Professional Category of the contest has been launched – for professional photographers that earn more than 50% of their normal income from photography.

Photos must be taken after 20 March 2012 and, if possible, reflect a Singapore context.

Each participant may submit up to 12 entries.

There are four separate themes for photos: Attachments, Connections, Memories, and Networks.

Participants must send in photo of family moments based on their own interpretations of the above themes.

Detailed terms & conditions can be found online.

The panel of judges comprises Derrick Heng from SingTel, as well as renowned photographers: Yumi Goto, Marc Prüst, and local photographer Tay Kay Chin.

The winner of each theme will win S$1,000 in cash, while a grand winner will take home S$15,000.

New DSLR: Nikon D3200

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Nikon has launched, worldwide, the 24.2-megapixel D3200. The new entry-level DSLR will be available in the US in late April (approx. US$700 with 18-55mm kit lens).

Nikon has also launched a Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a (approx. US$60, available in May in the US) for the D3200.

The new Nikon D3200 is available in red or black.

The new Nikon D3200 is available in red or black.

The D3200 records Full HD (1080p) video with full time autofocus (AF) and sports a high-speed continuous shooting mode at 4 frames-per second (fps).

The optional WU-1a gives the Nikon D3200 wireless connectivity to mobile devices.

WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter

The new optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter can wirelessly send images to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, to enable preview of an image (but not videos) before shooting and remote control of the camera, from up to 15 m away.

The 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor works together with Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine gives an ISO range of 100 – 6400, expandable to ISO 12,800.

As an entry-level DSLR, the D3200 is designed with user-friendly features for the beginner.

WU-1a plugged into D3200.

WU-1a plugged into D3200.

Accessible on the Mode Dial, the Guide Mode provides step-by-step photo instructions for set-up, shooting, viewing and deleting images and movies.

There are also six Scene Modes – Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-Up and Night Portrait.

For video, the camera offers manual or automatic exposure control, and a stereo microphone input to attach an optional external microphone.

The application for Android smartphones (2.3) and tablets (3.x) will be available in May 2012, with the iOS app for iPhone and iPad expected in Fall 2012.

The Guide Mode walks the beginner using the entry-level D3200.

The Guide Mode walks the beginner using the entry-level D3200.

The main differences between the Nikon D3200 and the D3100 are tabulated below.

Nikon D3200 D3100
Resolution 24.2 MP 14.2 MP
Video Full HD (1080p) 30 fps 24 fps
LCD 920 k 230 k
Max ISO (regular) ISO 6,400 ISO 3,200
Continuous shoot 4 fps 3 fps
Release date 19 Apr 2012 19 Aug 2010

The brochure can be downloaded here.

What’s better than a Canon EOS-1D X? Ans: A Canon EOS-1D C!

Friday, April 13th, 2012

Canon has announced the EOS-1D C, a DSLR capable of recording video at 4K resolution (4,096 x 2,160 pixels) at a frame rate of 24p, or Full HD resolution (1,920×1,080 pixels) at 60p – whilst retaining the still image shooting prowess of the EOS-1D X.

This new flagship DSLR will be available from end October this year (prices TBA).

Canon EOS-1D C, flagship DSLR with 4K video - available in October 2012.

Canon EOS-1D C, flagship DSLR with 4K video - available in October 2012.

The Canon EOS-1D C is designed for use in motion picture, television and other high-resolution digital production industries.

The DSLR provides its users a physically compact yet digitally powerful machine to meet the high demands of today’s production standards.

The Canon EOS-1D C records 4K resolution video (4,096 x 2,160 pixels) at a frame rate of 24p, with 8-bit Motion JPEG compression, cropped to an APS-H-equivalent angle of view.

It can also record Full HD video (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) at a maximum frame rate of 60p, answering the demanding needs of industry professionals.

In addition, the EOS-1D C allows for efficient workflow during production and post-production, with features within the firmware and the accompanying software suite.

Connections panel on one side of the camera.

Connections panel on one side of the camera.

The camera records all video, including 4K, directly to the inserted CF card without having to use peripheral equipment such as external storage devices, bringing increased mobility to its user.

When required, captured video (excluding 4K video) can be output to an external recorder via an HDMI terminal, using an uncompressed YCbCr 4:2:2 signal.

For motion-picture productions, the camera incorporates a Super 35mm crop function, enabling video to be recorded in the industry-standard 35mm angle of view.

The Canon Log Gamma enables the recording of high-quality video with rich gradation expression.

This produces the impressive image quality required in motion-pictures by minimizing both shadow detail loss and highlight detail loss while retaining a high level of color-grading freedom.

Top view of the Canon EOS-1D C

Top view of the Canon EOS-1D C

The EOS-1D C ships with software applications such as EOS Utility and Picture Style Editor.

Canon EOS-1D C body

Canon EOS-1D C body

EOS Utility allows a whole host of camera operations to be controlled via a PC, while the Picture Style Editor allows users to edit and register customized image settings in the camera.

These two applications enable real-time processes such as editing the picture style and confirming results on a monitor during set up or even on the shooting set, increasing production efficiency.

Playback software that ships with the camera allows 4K/Motion JPEG and Full HD video at 60p shot on the EOS-1D C to be output on an external monitor with no loss in image quality.

It also enables video shot with the Canon Log Gamma to be output on a monitor with video gamma applied.

Event: I AM NIKON DAY

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Nikon Singapore will be organising “I AM NIKON DAY” on the weekend of 28-29 April at the Raffles City Convention Centre. The event is free and open to all photography enthusiasts.

Walk-in auditions for The Big Shot Season 3 will also take place at the same venue during the photography weekend.

I AM NIKON DAY - 28 and 29 April 2012 (Raffles City Convention Centre)

I AM NIKON DAY - 28 and 29 April 2012 (Raffles City Convention Centre)

Online registration of seats begins today (here) and is based on a First-come-first-served basis. Registration closes on 25 April.

Event I AM NIKON DAY
(Talks & Workshops)
Date 28 & 29 Apr 2012
Time 11 am to 7 pm
Venue Raffles City Convention Centre
Location Level 4, Atrium Ballroom

Nikon’s Professional Photographers (such as award winning photographer Stefen Chow) and guest photographers will be speaking at the photography weekend, sharing their experience and expertise on a range of topics for beginner photographers and seasoned amateurs.

Speakers include past winners of “The Big Shot Season 1” (Liew Tong Leng) and “The Big Shot Season 2” (Affandy Razak).

Check out the list of speakers and the detailed programme here.

The Big Shot Season 3 (Audition)

Event The Big Shot Season 3
(Audition)
Date 28 & 29 Apr 2012
Time 10 am to 8 pm
Venue Raffles City Convention Centre
Location Level 4, Orchard Ballroom

Auditions for “The Big Shot Season 3” will also be held during the weekend. This third installment of the photography reality television series will air in 2012.

The competition is open to the public for photographers aged 18 and above. Detailed requirements can be found here.

Photos: iLight 2012

Sunday, April 8th, 2012

I brought the kids down to the Merlion Park last Sunday to catch the last day of the iLight Marina Bay 2012. The lighting display was beautiful, while the kids enjoyed the “DIY” light-painting of the Merlion – despite the hour-long queue.

The lasers were not out yet because it was still early. The rainbow lights from the boats provided its own light display.

The lasers were not out yet because it was still early. The rainbow lights from the boats provided its own light display.

The iLight Marina Bay 2012 lasted from 9 March to 1 April 2012 this year.

This was the second edition of the sustainable light art festival, which was first organised last year.

Merlion during iLight Marina Bay 2012It was organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in collaboration with Smart Light Singapore.

The lighting festival had the photography community in Singapore abuzz with excitement as photographers, both professionals and amateurs, flocked to the vicinity to snap beautiful pictures of the light.

Children loved the Merlion light-painting.

Using a large touch-screen monitor, they could select parts of the Merlion and then paint it with a colour of their choice from a colour palette.

Brightly-garbed Merlion spewing its blessings onto the Esplanade.

Brightly-garbed Merlion spewing its blessings onto the Esplanade.

As they filled in the colours, coloured light was projected onto the actual Merlion statue, according to their selections.

The Merlion has never been more spoilt for choice when it came to choosing his party clothes.