January 2006

January 15, 2006 10:54 - Happy (belated) New Year!

Well, it has been a while since I posted here due to a long and needed month-long trip back to the UK. I hope everyone had a great time over the Christmas holidays and that your New Year has started well.

I expect that many people received either their first digital camera for Christmas or were lucky enough to get a nice upgrade or lens that you have been after. Now all you need to do is brave the chilly winter days and put them to use.

The year ahead for me is going to be a busy one. I aim to fill the photographer's directory this year and hope that many of you reach a point where you have an on-line presence or portfolio, and can either start up as a part-time photographer or even go it alone on a full time basis, exciting times.

For those already on the directory, I know that many have already started receiving enquiries and bookings, including myself with 4 weddings booked already this year, and from as far away as the Caribbean.

I also plan on finishing my e-book for the more advanced beginner or intermediate photographer this month so keep an eye out for that.

Other parts of this site will be updated and added to and I would appreciate any feedback as to what any regular visitors would like to see on All Things Photography.

Anyway, enough rambling, I need to get on. In the meantime, here are some tips for the coming year;

• Always keep your camera with you. You never know what will or might happen that makes you kick yourself for not being prepared.
  

• If you are new to photography, enter a few competitions this year. Not only will you receive constructive criticism, but you will be aware of what makes a good picture by studying the winners and runners up and entries in general. January is obviously the best time to start and you can make it your goal for 2006 to win at least one or two comps.
  

• Stock photography: Whether you intend to start submitting or have got a bit lazy as of late, use the seasons and scenarios that you come across to your best advantage. For example, 4-6 months before any major date or event such as summer holidays, Valentines Day, the World Cup or Halloween, make sure you get a bunch of images relating to that theme and start sending them off.
  

• Set yourself some juicy goals. Do you have an "L" lens that you just have to have? Or are you dreaming of finally owning that high resolution digital SLR that you see everywhere? Use the kit you have now to make enough money to buy it in 2006. Take family or pet portraits, learn how to and shoot a wedding or two, enter competitions and just put your camera to use.
  

• Read, read and read, whether it is magazines, books, websites or even your cameras manual (I know, no-one ever reads those, right)? Feed your enthusiasm with knowledge and your photography skills will develop much faster.

So, Happy New Year to everyone and I hope 2006 is a successful year for you in all respects.

Nick
All Things Photography

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January 15, 2006 11:16 - Nikon to end Film camera production

Nikon Corporation in Japan announced last week that it is to stop all future production of film cameras due to the massive drop in sales in favour of digital.

At their last year end of March 2005, film bodies accounted for just 3% of the total sales volume compared to 19% the previous year, a serious drop which meant something had to be done.

Nikon, along with Canon, have always been seen as the forerunners for press and sports photographers, many of who were still using film for whom this will mean a serious rethink.

Having worked for Nikon briefly in the 1990´s, and having owned the Nikon F3 and F5, this is a huge decision. These stunning high end cameras, including the new Nikon F6, arguably still produce the most incredibly detailed images (with the right lens) which some argue are still better that digital in relation to colour rendition and "dynamic range".

Dynamic range is the ability for a camera or sensor to distinguish between the sharp contrast of light and dark areas, a silhouetted tree for example, and produce a well-balanced image.

Nonetheless, Nikon's decision only fuels what many have said all along, that film is dead other than for the die-hard fans and those who still love the smell of the chemicals and the thrill of the darkroom.

In my personal opinion, this was an obvious move and I expect other manufacturers to quickly follow suit as the digital era gathers momentum.

For Nikon, I would assume that the resources saved from making this decision, can now be spent on the research and development needed to bring digital technology right up to date and to continue their "race" with Canon for digital perfection.

In the 1980´s when I was enthusiastic teenager, I drooled over the then "unaffordable" Canon A1 and Nikon F4. Now I guess I will have to browse the collector's shops and antique stalls if I want one….sigh…I feel old all of a sudden.

Although, the thought of what photographic advancements could be around the corner for my 2 year old son in 30 years time, keeps me guessing as to how far technology can go!

For more information on this news, go to The Observer Online

All the best,

Nick
All Things Photography

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