by successfulbob | Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, photography, photography education, photography gear
Since I moved to the micro 4/3rds format I’ve been looking high and low for the right bag for my gear and finally found it in the form of a Think Tank Photo Bag. The one I choose is called the Mirrorless Mover 20 and is pretty close to perfect for my needs. It has a strong build with solid material and stitching. I even like the handle on the top for when the bag is not attached to my belt.
So here’s my kit these days for most outings. Lumix GX7 camera with Lumix Vario lenses of 7-14mm f4.0, 12-35mm f2.8, 35-70mm f2.8 and either a 25mm f1.4 or 45mm macro. The camera goes on my shoulder and the three other lenses and assorted gear go into the Think Tank bag on my belt. (the bag comes with a shoulder strap too if you prefer) If I’m changing lenses a lot a nice feature is the magnetic closure on the flap. When you need to really secure everything it’s time to use the zipper to close the compartment.
The bag will hold three lenses, extra SD cards, spare battery, battery charger, card reader, small flashlight and a tripod. (“A tripod you say??” Yes I do. See the ‘splainin’ at the bottom of the post) The bag also comes with its own raincoat rolled up inside in case you get caught in inclement weather conditions.
Never have I traveled so light with this range of lenses. Gotta tell you I’m one happy camper!
This is my travel kit. All gear is on the camera or in the Think Tank Photo bag.
Note the little tripod. It may not look like much but this tripod has helped to hold the camera steady in cathedrals in Europe and the woods in America. You can set this on the floor. Hold it against a wall. Put it on a chair or table. Once you think about it a bit you see it’s a great way to get support for your camera when you are traveling and need to go light sans big tripod or mono-pod.
by successfulbob | architectural photography, black & white, Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, photography, photography education
Having attended the PhotoPlus Expo in New York I had a chance to wander around the city making photos and seeing what my Lumix GX7 can do. The Impressive Art setting with the color balance set to black and white adds a purely graphic feel to the captured images. I’m not sure why, but it is a look that I am really enjoying. The high contrast, slight ghosting works well for me and it’s hard to replicate the out of camera look in post production. Let me know what you think…
Photographed with a single light coming down from the ceiling. One of the dancers from the Bar-Top Bandits was the model for this. The costume, the light and the art setting all work together. 1/25 sec; f/2.8; ISO 3200 LUMIX G VARIO 12-35/F2.8 lens
This was the view out my hotel window. I like all the shapes and forms from the architecture. 1/80 sec; f/2.8; ISO 200 LUMIX G VARIO 35-100/F2.8 at 35mm
In the Javitts Convention Center looking up. Very graphic! 1/500 sec; f/5.6; ISO 200 LUMIX G VARIO 12-35/F2.8 at 12mm 
Using a slightly different art setting in camera to distinguish the difference between the old and new. Brick buildings in the foreground and the Empire State Building in the background. 1/500 sec; f/5.6; ISO 200 LUMIX G VARIO 12-35/F2.8 12mm Impressive Art setting with the color WB cranked all the way up. This has a illustrative feel.
by successfulbob | photography, photography education
Many times the cross country flight can be one of pain and torture. This particular flight to Phoenix from JFK was shortened by a single magazine. At PhotoPlus Expo in New York I had the pleasure of running into Alexandra Niki one of the editors of Resource Magazine. After giving me a great hug she slipped me the latest copy, the Fall Issue. I was wowed by the quality and variety of articles. Covering biz, tech, imaging, the arts and more. There were interesting takes on interviews with artists including how’s and whys of their image-making.
Imagine my shock when I looked up and realized three hours had passed while working my way through the pages. Definitely sparked some creative ideas. Now I can’t wait for the next issue… You can find your quarterly copy at newsstands around the country, order a subscription for 30 bucks at http://resourcemagonline.com/retail It’s also available online but I think you are going to want to touch this one. Cover stock and reproduction of imagery is pretty darn nice. Whether old school or new you’ll want to check this out.
Just have questions about the subscription service? try info@recourcemagonline.com
Here’s how Resource describe themselves… “Resource Magazine is a photo and video quarterly publication. Originally focused on photography, we quickly expanded to video when technology began to mesh the two worlds. The magazine is filled with inspiration, techniques, product reviews, photo essays and interviews with big name pros. Established professionals and aspiring image-makers alike can find something to inspire or inform them, and learn a new trick or two along the way.
Resource brings a fresh approach to the field of photo/video magazines, with a unique tone of voice and point of view. We talk to (and about) everyone involved on a shoot, from creatives working in advertising agencies, to studio staff, on-set crew and image-makers (be they photographers or videographers). Our articles are about the stuff that happens on (and off) set and the reality of working in this creative, fast-paced, and fun field.”
by successfulbob | Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, musician photography, photography, photography education
Photographing a musician in top form is a thrill. I photographed Link Linkin clarinet player, at Sound Bites Grill and worked up an image for the Sound Bites ‘Wall of Fame’. (see it here) Link saw it and asked to use it for his promotional materials on the web site and some 8×10′s. He asked for a few changes to make the image more generic and to clean up a couple distractions form the main subject. I was removing the SB logo and found it to be a little barren so after playing a bit I decided it would be cool to have Link’s name up in lights and he agreed. Small changes to a photograph in post production allow it to be used more effectively in promoting for different purposes.
I used the Lumix GX7 to make the photo. I gotta tell you that the extra dynamic range is really helpful when photographing live entertainment under LED lights… Especially when your entertainer is wearing a white jacket. The fact that you can fire off very fast bursts on the camera also allow the choice of very small changes that occur when a musician is in full movement to get the exact prime look at the right moment.
Here’s the final photo…
Clarinet player Link Linkin Live on stage photography & art treatment by Bob Coates Photography
by successfulbob | Lumix GH3, Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, panorama, photography, photography - art quote, photography education
Today’s quote I found while cruising Entrepreneur Magazine and it was in the editor’s note.
“It is a happy talent to know how to play.” Ralph Waldo Emmerson.
The editor talks of playfulness coming to a halt as we get older. As children we are happy to push a button to see what it does. We proudly display our artistic creations. We run and jump just because we can! Then as age and other people’s opinions begin to beat us down we become more conservative in what ways are willing to experiment with new things while trying to learn. In my Photoshop classes I have always exhorted people to play, play and play some more. Push a button and see what happens. Ask your self, “What if I do this?” Then do it. A mistake? Cool! You just learned something. Try again… And, again. Then comes the, “Wow, that looks cool!” moment when the button you pushed or new technique you tried is wonderful.
This is really hitting home for me as I move to the micro four thirds format with my Panasonic Lumix cameras. The GH3 AND GX7 have so many new features and possibilities it can be a little overwhelming. I kept trying to create a really good image without trying new things. But, as I started to take my own advice and try new settings, see what happens when I push this or tweak that I find the wonder that I had when I first started photography. It’s like having a darkroom in my hands. I’m more excited and energized than I have been in years. (and those who know me know I am always pretty excited about photography so it’s really saying something!) Am I making mistakes? Yep! But it doesn’t matter. As I make the mistakes I am learning new techniques, creating new looks in camera that I was never able to before. And, as I play I’m able to get more and more creative with my image making. How cool is that?
So even though you didn’t ask for it let me pass on a little advice… Be willing to fail because in failure you find your greatest, and quickest, learning curve.
Gregory Heisler Portrait Photographer I love this look straight out of camera. High contrast Black & White with a bit of glow around the darkest areas. This look has already sold to a couple clients! (Thanks to my fellow Lumix Luminaries for the tip to get me started with that one!)
In-camera panoramic stitching is a wonderful feature in the Lumix GX7 I’m having fun pushing it to limits. How well does it do in a moving person situation? That depends on how much the person is moving. If you get everyone relatively still it’s pretty cool… This is Frederick Van Johnson interviewing Kristen Jensen at the Lumix Lounge Live at PhotoPlus Expo in New York last week.
If you have a photo group and would like to have me or one of the other Luminaries speak it’s very possible Panasonic will cover the costs. You supply the venue and the photographers. Pick your subject and speaker and we’ll do the rest.
by successfulbob | Lumix GH3, Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, photography, photography education
PhotoPlus Expo in New York is quite a show. Been hanging out in the Lumix Lounge in booth number 137 and I gotta tell you it’s been pretty cool watching the live Internet broadcasts with the other Lumix Luminaries and the excitement with the people stopping by and chatting about the features of the GX7 and GH3 and the new GM1. Can’t believe they can get all the features of the first two cameras into one that’s a small as the GM1. It’s almost like a fashion accessory (read jewelry) that takes interchangeable lenses….
Here are some images of the Luminaries from the ‘set’ of booth #137. Come out and see Gulio Sciorio, Rob Knight and then myself today. If you can’t make it out you can catch the action here http://us.panasonic.com/lumixlounge #lumixlounge #panasonic #lumix #photoplusexpo
Lumix Luminary Kristen Jensen at PhotoPlus Expo
Lumix Luminary Suzette Allen on the set at PhotoPlus Expo New York
Ben Grunow interviewed by Frederick Van Johnson at PhotoPlus Expo New York
