AfterCapture's On Photography Blog

Dec 09 2010

Luscious Inspiration from “Scattered Flurries”

Category: Multimedia & Video — Ethan G. Salwen @ 12:08 pm

The value of signing up for email video suggestions from Vimeo hit home when the site served me up “Scattered Flurries” a couple weeks back. Ben Knight’s luscious, captivating video has remained prominent in my mind. Using an original soundtrack and careful editing of his stunning, snowy motion footage, Knight tells a story in a way that seems to resonate with the sensibilities of still photographers — especially in that almost every shot is powerful visual moment in itself.

One thing I’m learning watching videos suggested by Vimeo is that — derr! — the spectrum of possibilities in video shorts is so broad that most pieces defy easy definitions. For example, Knight’s piece seems to go beyond the scope of music motivational pieces, and yet it fits the definition.

More than anything, I serve you up “Scattered Flurries” because it seems ideal inspiration for how many still photographers might want to proceed, at least at first, with video: avoid dealing with sound; focus on capturing wonderful images; tell a story in the editing; avoid crew and major expenses.

Tags: Editing, Inspiration, Multimedia Inspiration, Skiing, Snow, Telluride, Video Editing, Video Inspiration, Vimeo, Vimeo.com, Visual Storytelling

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Nov 30 2010

Mouthwatering Multimedia Drink Mixing Guide

Category: Multimedia & Video — Ethan G. Salwen @ 9:15 pm

Does getting drunk and expanding your understanding possibilities in multimedia sound good? If so (and, um, even if prefer to stay sober), check out the multimedia reporting today by Steven Stern and the New York Times: “For Every Holiday Party, the Right Drink.” This is delicious multimedia!

Frankly, I won’t be mixing any drinks soon (other than maybe a Fernet and Coke, so popular here in Argentina). Still, I share this multimedia reporting because it demonstrates a manner of sharing lots of information with crisp, inviting efficiency.

Rollover any of the 12 yummy images of featured drinks and “Click here for recipe.” This is where the presentation gets really good.

I can’t vouch for the quality of the recipes, but the New York Times has has mixed up truly intelligent multimedia by dividing each recipe into four distinct areas: 1) introduction, 2) large photo, 3) ingredients, and 4) preparation. (Also, prominant “forward” and “back” arrows keep us clicking through the drinks.)

This smart, tasty way to organize information using multimedia offers photographers a great example how we might present documentary reporting, portfolios or any other content — especially when trying to put all information in only one caption might make viewers want to . . . well . . . reach for a drink.

Tags: Fernet and Coke, How to make mixed drinks, Inspiration, Mixed Drinks, Multimedia Inspiration, Multimedia Photojournalism, Steven Stern, The New York Times

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Nov 10 2010

Vimeo Emails Serve Up Daily Multimedia Inspiration

Category: Multimedia & Video, Online Resources — Ethan G. Salwen @ 6:22 am

To learn multimedia and video, we have to look at the stuff. Vimeo.com makes it easy with optional, daily email notifications. On your Vimeo.com page (no fee, don’t even need to upload videos), select “Edit your profile,” go to “Notifications” and check the desired boxes. So simple.

Sure, sure, we see video all time. And yes, since beginning to play with multimedia I’ve begun to pay much more conscientious attention to movies, TV, and commercials. But as photographers we also really need to be looking at shorter pieces, pieces made on low budgets, pieces made by photographers, pieces that are offbeat, fresh, geared for Web 2.0. and so. . .Vimeo is very promising for daily inspiration.

Tags: Inspiration, Moving Into Motion, Multimedia Inspiration, Video Inspiration, Vimeo, Vimeo.com

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Oct 20 2010

Using Multimedia to Sell Yourself (Not Your Images)

Category: Business & Marketing, Multimedia & Video — Ethan G. Salwen @ 3:16 pm

“You need to tell them who you are,” Lauren M. Rabaino suggests in her post yesterday at 10,000 Words, in which she is highlighting the importance of applying multimedia skills in non-multimedia jobs. Here, she is specifically talking about the importance of entrepreneurs (read: all photographers) selling themselves to clients with multimedia storytelling.

Photographers are doing an amazing job at harnessing multimedia to highlight their work, but how many (and how creatively?) are photographers using multimedia to sell themselves — entrepreneurial style?

Here are four example of photographers using multimedia to help sell themselves to potential clients. What’s cool is that this self-promotion was either an after thought (#1) or not a thought at all (#2, #3 and #4), but all do the trick — meeting the 2.0 reality of potential clients wanting to identify a cool, like-minded image maker to work with, not just someone who makes cool images.

#1. This video features Ian Shive:

Amazing multimedia, wonderfully highlights his work, but also really shows you want this guy is about. Not surprisingly, he’s told me that he’s gotten amazing attention (and business) from this series.

#2. This video features Gail Mooney:

Amazing multimedia journalism, this is just a rough that Mooney quickly slapped together after her travels for “Opening Our Eyes.” Yes, it wonderfully teases us with the quality of her work (we want to see more!), but it also shows Mooney up close and personal — something you’d never see in a portfolio-only piece. Mooney has told me that every time she has shown this teaser she gets amazing interest in her project, and that her viewers are most interested in what she has to say on camera.

#3. This video features Peter Krogh:

OK, this is not amazing multimedia, nor does it seem to be a super sales device, but I actually think it is. In this world of 2.0 sharing, we get to see super photo nerdy Krogh in a less photo-nerdy moment, sharing a bit of his life, showing us who he is, helping us imagine him out camping in his van, letting us know that Zippy Lives!

#4. This video features Mary Lynn Price:

If you can make a fun, excellent, educational multimedia piece that features you, and starts off you with you mostly naked, well. . . I think you’re doing a great self promotion sales job, even if wasn’t your intention.

Tags: 10000 Words, Gail Mooney, Ian Shive, In Motion, Lauren M. Rabaino, Mary Lynn Price, Multimedia Inspiration, Multimedia Promotional Strategies, Opening Our Eyes, Peter Krogh, Promote Yourself Not Your Images, Promotional Strategies, Self Promotion

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Oct 15 2010

The Hybrid “DSLR” — One Camera Type With Many Names

Category: Multimedia & Video, Technology Insights, Viewpoint — Ethan G. Salwen @ 5:26 pm

Silly me! There I thought that a DSLR that captures video must have one simple, standard name, and that I just didn’t know what it is. Thus my post on the topic in which I look at the overlapping use of “HDSLR,” “HD DSLR” and “DSLR video.” The comments I received from a number of savvy photographers made it clear that one simple, standard name does not exist, and that it might be better that way, at least for now.

Tony Wu wrote that “The discussion/debate never crossed my mind,” and he isn’t too worried about the question. Eric Chen wrote that the question is an “outdated discussion,” as nearly every DSLR captures video, and “it would be suicide for someone to produce a new SLR that isn’t ‘D’ or ‘HD’ or ‘ViD.’” His suggestion: “Drop the silly prefixes! I just use ‘SLR.’”

Ian Shive seems to agree about dropping prefixes, except to perhaps add an “F” to film SLRS — as in FSLR — and thereby making it clear that an SLR that is called an SLR is really a DSLR. Interesting idea.

“Let’s call it what it is; a VSLR,” wrote Ralph Clevenger. “A video single lens reflex camera, or video-capable single lens reflex.” Not only does this make the most sense, Clevenger believes, but he also notes that it rolls of the tongue real nice. In an email to me said that Brooks Institute, where he teaches, will be adopting this name. The VSLR. It does roll off the tongue nicely, and Clevenger makes good sense, but could there be a risk to insisting (as I was) that there must be one label when one label does not exist?

Richard Anderson (who likes “DSLR” and thinks, like Richard Harrington and PhotoCineNews, that it is best to simply talk about “DSLR video”, for clarity and avoiding additional prefixes) points out that “When it comes to terminology, there is no single George Bush-like ‘decider’”, and notes that “as soon as DP Review starts a forum called ‘HDSLR’ or ‘Video SLR,’ then the term will start to congeal.”

Before “It” Congeals

It seems clear that sooner than later all photographers (not working with antiques) will be using SLRs that are DSLRs and that all DSLRs will capture video and sound. Therefore, it seems possible (and sensible?) that SLRs that happen to be D (or V or H or HD) will come to be know simply as SLRs. This would be nice. But, of cousre, another term might congeal as a set standard. Who knows, but in the meantime I suggest:

#1: Don’t think about this topic as much as I have! As Gail Mooney puts it: “I’m much more interested in what the camera does [sic] than what it’s called.” In other words, she’s using her DSLR (or whatever it’s called) rather than debating about what to call it. Good for her!

#2: Consider what name makes sense to you, and stick by it. I still believe that professionalism and calling things by their best names go hand and hand. With this post and my previous one on this topic you are more than equipped to make a quick, intelligent naming decision for yourself.

Tags: Brooks Institute, Correct Name for a Digital SLR, Eric Cheng, Gail Mooney, Ian Shive, Nomenclature, PhotoCineNews, Photographic Terminology, Ralph Clevenger, Richard Harrington, The Proper Name for Hybrid Still-Video Cameras, Tony Wu, Why It's Called an HDSLR

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Oct 05 2010

It’s Called an “HDSLR”, Not an “HD DSLR” — Really!, I think

Category: Multimedia & Video, Technology Insights, The Industry — Ethan G. Salwen @ 5:25 pm

“I love my new acoustic electromagnetic induction guitar.”

– Professional musician confused about nomenclature.

What’s in a name? Sometimes nothing. But when it comes to photographic professionalism, using correct terms is just part of the job. I made up the quote above to illustrate this point. Wouldn’t it be ridiculous if a professional musician didn’t know the name of his instrument? Well, it seems that an analogous situation is plaguing the photography world.

Throughout a recent article I wrote on multimedia and video I refer to “HD DSLRs,” as I have a number of times in this blog. Of course I’m referring to hybrid cameras that, like the Canon 5D Mark II, record both still and video. Sure you know what I’m talking about, but are you aware that this kind of camera is not called an “HD DSLR”? I haven’t known, which is a major oops.

It is called an “HDSLR,” and nothing else would make sense — at least, I’m pretty sure.

“It is a DSLR and not a HD DSLR!” is a brief, clear blog post on Canon5DTips in which “admin” shares his pet peeve about people incorrectly calling an “HDSLR” an “HD DSLR”; explains why it’s called an “HDSLR”; and asks us to “Pass the word.”

Passing the HDSLR Word

Here’s the heart of what “admin” explains:

• SLR = “single lens reflex” camera.

• DSLR = “digital single lens reflex” camera.

• HDSLR = “hybrid digital single lens reflex” camera, as in hybrid still-video capture.

• HD DSLR = a mistake that got introduced somewhere along the line, with “HD” representing “high definition,” which does not make sense because, as “admin” explains: #1. “DSLR already produced high definition images,” and #2, “[The name] does not say anything about the video capability of the camera.”

Makes perfect sense to me. So from now on I’m going to call it an “HDSLR,” and I’m going to ask you to do the same.

Not So HD Fast

I’d love to end this post here, with confidence, but I’ve been doing a bunch of poking around on the Web to confirm that “HDSLR” is as correct as I think. I’ve ended up pretty confused, only 99% sure “HDSLR” is right. Even if it is right I’m not sure what the “H” is stands for.

Why All the HD Confusion?

If you do a search on “HD DSLR” or “HD-DSLR” you will get a lot of results from a lot of professional sources. Many pros clearly think that an HDSLR is really called an “HD DSLR,” just as I did until Friday. I’m assuming that these people are just making a mistake, not giving the matter much thought. And yet, some of these sources are quite influential in the industry. I also can’t ignore the fact that six experts proofed my article filled with “HD DSLR,” and no one commented on this apparent error. Either it’s not an error or it’s one that is quickly getting accepted as either an alternate to “HDSLR,” or as the correct name itself. I suppose there’s a slight chance the two things refer to two different kinds of cameras, but I really doubt that.

I turned to PhotoCineNews to see what term this well-respected site’s authors are using. It was clear that the folks writing for PhotoCineNews know that an HDSLR is an HDSLR and not an HD DSLR. When writers don’t Continue reading “It’s Called an “HDSLR”, Not an “HD DSLR” — Really!, I think”

Tags: Canon5DTips, dpBestflow.org, Gail Mooney, HD, HD DSLR or HDSLR, It is a DSLR and not a HD DSLR!, Nomenclature, Photographic Termonolgy, Richard Anderson, The Proper Name for Hybrid Still-Video Cameras, Why It's Called an HDSLR

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Oct 01 2010

Photojournalist Paula Lerner Wins Emmy Helping Reveal Veiled Suffering in Afghanistan

Category: Multimedia & Video, Photographers — Ethan G. Salwen @ 2:48 pm

A major kudos to multimedia-embracing photojournalist Paula Lerner for winning an Emmy this week for her critical contribution to to “Behind The Veil,” a powerful, sobering, in-depth multimedia feature highlighting the struggles facing women in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

“Behind The Veil” highlights the amazing potential of a multimedia reporting. Grounded in the thoughtful reporting Jessica Leeder, of “The Globe and Mail”, and built around ten videos of Afghan women sharing their plights, “Behind The Veil” depends heavily on Lerner’s images. Featured during Leeder’s voice-over, her photographs paint a broad visual picture of the topic in a way that brilliantly compliments the videos and Leeder’s reporting.

I have not yet investigated the story behind the creation of “Behind the Veil” but I’m fairly sure that Lerner made her images independently of this project, and before the project was even conceived. I say this because I heard Lerner speak about her work in Afghanistan last October at PhotoPlus, and I’ve seen a number of the images in her online portfolio. Just as important, many of Lerner’s images document moments before Afghan woman’s rights began to be abused more severely — to levels that Leeder helps illustrate are arguably worse than when the Taliban ruled the country.

Take at least a quick look at “Behind The Veil” to better understand an important story, to see multimedia harnessed to its full potential, and to respect the important photojournalism created by Lerner.

Tags: Afghanistan, Behind The Veil, Documentary Photography, Emmy, Jessica Leeder, Multimedia, Multimedia Inspiration, Multimedia Photojournalism, Paula Lerner, Photojournalism, The Globe and Mail, Video Photojournalism, Women's Rights

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Sep 23 2010

Adventures in Motion — The Article

Category: Creative Process, In-Camera Techniques, Multimedia & Video, Photographers, Technology Insights, The Industry — Ethan G. Salwen @ 2:32 pm

“The ability to easily distribute video to a worldwide audience via the web is the third factor that has dramatically opened up possibilities in motion for still photographers,” I write in “Adventures in Motion: Nature photographers get serious about capturing video and producing multimedia.” Factor One, I explain, is that hi-def digital video capture has recently become so affordable. Even more critical, Factor Two occurred “in the late 1990s when professional video editing software began to run on the same computers photographers used for their digital still photography.” With this brief historical background, in “Adventures in Motion,” which I wrote for NANPA’s Currents magazine, I dive into a deeply-researched piece in which I attempt to inspire photographers to embrace multimedia and video, and to provide some fundamental advice for doing so smartly.

To get a taste of the scope of “Adventures in Motion,” check out the article’s subheads: “New Frontiers in Video Capture, Editing and Distribution,” “Proceed with Excitement and Respect,” “Having Fun and Learning By Sharing,” “Understanding New Paradigms in Publishing,” “Taking On Video Editing One Step at a Time,” “Listen Up: Sound Is King,” “It’s All About the Story,” and “Beyond the Million-Dollar Question.”

Sounds like good stuff, no? Well, if I succeed with “Adventures in Motion,” it is because I was able to bring to life the experiences the visionary, multimedia-embracing nature photographers who informed this piece: Rob Sheppard, Eric Cheng, Ian Shive, Tony Wu, Ralph Clevenger and Mary Lynn Price.

I deeply thank all of these photographers. During hours of interviews, each one shared their unique perspectives with passion and patience. They also provided invaluable feedback on drafts of the article. While their experiences differ, I was pleased to discover that they are all very much on the same page in terms of what matters for still photographers moving into motion.

Currents’ editor Niki Barrie is the unsung hero behind “Adventures in Motion.” Not only did she assign the article, but she performed some major hand-holding as I worked to refine my mess of a first draft from more than 10,000 words down to less than 4,000. Thanks, Niki!

Check It Out! — A Resource Worth Sharing With Colleagues?

I encourage you to give “Adventures in Motion” a read. Even if you well beyond “newbie” status in your adventures in motion, my hope is that you will find a resource worth sharing with colleagues.

Sooooooo?

I know you’re the opinionated type, so please share your opinionated response to “Adventures in Motion” — in a comment below. More than “Good job!” or “That sucked!”, I encourage you to enter the dialog with your experiences. Expand on what I got right, correct what I got wrong, share any critical advice I left out, pose a question that was raised, or respond to any questions raised below.

Tags: Adventures in Motion, Adventures in Motion: Nature photographers get serious about capturing video and producing multimedia, Articles by Ethan G. Salwen, Currents, Eric Cheng, Ian Shive, Mary Lynn Price, Moving Into Motion, Multimedia Fundementals, Multimedia Inspiration, NANPA, NANPA's Currents, Nature Photography, Ralph Clevenger, Rob Sheppard, Tony Wu, Video Editing, Video Fundementals, Video Photojournalism

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Sep 21 2010

Photographing Atom Bombs

Category: Multimedia & Video, Photographers, Viewpoint — Ethan G. Salwen @ 3:18 pm

“Capturing the Atom Bomb on Film” is a simple but fascinating multimedia presentation by The New York Times. It presents 23 images from “How to Photograph the Atomic Bomb” by Peter Kurun and offers an audio file narrated by George Yoshitake, 82, a photographer who captured atom bomb testing, and who also lost family members when such bombs were dropped on Japan. The images, with captions, are definitely interesting, but it is the audio by Yoshitake that really pulled me in.

What’s interesting about the format is that the audio is not timed to the images and can be played separately, or not at all. This might seem like lazy multimedia production, but it shows another, simple way that images and audio can be blended into an meaningful experience, in which the viewer is definitely in the driving seat.

Who Is Peter Kurun?

Have you heard of Peter Kurun? I hadn’t. But he Continue reading “Photographing Atom Bombs”

Tags: Capturing the Atom Bomb on Film, George Yoshitake, How to Photograph the Atomic Bomb, Multimedia, Multimedia Inspiration, Multimedia Photojournalism, Peter Kurun, Science Photography, Scientific Photography, The New York Times, Trinity and Beyond: The Atomic Bomb Movie

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Sep 20 2010

Bigger Isn’t Better – PEN Story 2

Category: In-Camera Techniques, Multimedia & Video, Technology Insights — Ethan G. Salwen @ 12:46 pm

“I love it when process does not call attention to product,” I wrote in my last post, commenting on The PEN Story. So it’s interesting to see that this is exactly what seems to have gone wrong with PEN Giant, the follow up to The PEN Story. Don’t get me wrong, I’m impressed as hell by what the creators accomplished (check out the “making of” video below), but then again that’s the problem. I’m distracted with the techniques to the point of not simply diving into the joy of the story — as I did with The PEN Story.