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Tag Archives: photoshop info
The Glasses Shoot
Ages and ages ago, Chloe-Jasmine and I had a little shoot at the house .
These are super simple.
- Single Light from an SB900
- Light modified using the Orbis
- 50mm prime lense
The B&W conversion was done using the Duotone Mode.
The Unknown Photographer
The Unknown Photographer - http://unknownphotographer.net/
For Updated Part of this blog check Let’s Get Cooking http://shar.es/WExGn
you can find a how to guide about this photoshoot here.
So, as I was trying to look like I was doing some “work” I found the home of the Unknown Photographer the other day. An interesting and intriguing website I thought. A short investigation of the project and it had me hooked. When I noticed the little video asking for people to get in touch I did so without a moments hesitation. After all I am unknown and I am a Photographer
So what had me firing of my to register my interest, and interest to what ? Well, let me introduce myself what I do. I am Dave Kai Piper, 28 almost 29, and I take photos and coach other people who take photos too. Photographer and Photography Coach. I come from the UK and shoot with with my own take on Fashion and contemporary Portraits. I love to make complicated things look simple and push simple things to the limits. I love to get people shooting and fire up the creative light we have within all of us. Which, is why I love the concept of the Unknown Photographer, for me it’s about the bigger picture (excuse the pun). I have a saying I like to use: “ Photography is not about photos, it’s about people” and for me this project fully proves that point. It’s about getting people together, it’s about sharing the world, the paths we take in it and the things we have learnt. It’s about real people doing real things, meaning, this is something that can really help. It’s not about super high end glossy photos taken on a super sexy Hasselblad with a world class creative team shooting for Prada, it’s about you in your park taking photos of a duck. It’s about being relevant to the wider photographic community. There is nothing wrong about high end photography, I am guilty of chasing my next cover for a magazine too, but there is more to this world and the Unknown Photographers aims hunt that down. Fabulous ! Fashion to Food, Medium Format to Mobile Phone, there will be something for everyone here and everyone can learn from it. This is a core value I agree with.
As an educator, I know how important the delivery of information can be. It’s vital to know how to engage with people and to understand how to communicate the messages, and even more so, to know what messages to communicate too. It’s important to not give the right information at the wrong time and to not give the wrong information at the , well, to make sure all information is relevant. This is a core idea at Unknown Photographer. Being able to give real world practical advice for people at every level. For example, I would not jump into a telling a new photographer that I use a Quadtone /Duotone conversion method for my Black & White Conversions. I would tell them to to press the BW button and leave it there. Does a new photographer that is learning how to press the shutter button really need to be bogged down in PS for a year, do they just want to get out and shoot ? We can always come back to that later down the line. The main point is that it’s very easy to over-complicate things. Sometimes the best people to learn from are the people around you / at the same level. The Unknown Photographer brings you this, and that is fantastic.
It’s a community thing, its about seeing how other people deal with the same constraints as you. Seeing how people have tackled the same problems, seeing how people have innovated and avoided splashing huge amounts of cash. How good can you be with a cropped sensor and a speedlight ? Do you really need all those lenses ? Do you really need to spend hours per photo in Photoshop ?
Photography is about vision and being visually aware and the only way to do this is to open up and see the word around you, being open to listen. Be ready to be inspired by everyone and everything. It’s a big wide beautiful world that starts on your doorstep. If the Unknown Photographer helps demonstrate this, it has my backing 100%.
Oh, the below photo is from a D90 with a single speed light.
For Updated Part of this blog check Let’s Get Cooking http://shar.es/WExGn
you can find a how to guide about this photoshoot here.
[Blog] - [Photography] - [Coaching] - [Gallery]
Tagged 101 photography show, 3 Legged thing., 50mm @ F1.4, andy strachwsky, birmingham, birmingham acadmey, blackrapid, blackrapidtv, camera canon, crop frame, dave kai piper, eric eggly, flash 101, flash exposure, flash photography, full frame, http://unknownphotographer.net/, inspiration, lighting 101, Nikon, Nikon D90, onone, photo 101, photography photography, photography tutorial, photography workshop, photoshop info, Photoshop tutorial, street photography, strobes 101, strobist, strobist 101, strobist tutorial, susan roderick, Tutorial, unknown Photographer, wedding photographer birmingham
Ellements Magazine
re-posted from an interview with Ellements Magazine
Ellements Magazine from the US got in touch to ask about me and my artistic style, below is the article.
Dave Kai-Piper – Photographer & Photographic Coach.
Posted in Feature
My Artistic Statement? That’s becoming more and more of a tricky thing, I am almost coming to the idea that it’s impossible to have but crucial to success in this industry. I can try and explain, having an artist statement per shoot, per project or per year is fine. The idea of an artistic statement is that it helps shape and create whatever project you are putting together, it helps other people understand what it is you are doing and how to interpret your work. The problem that I have with creative people writing artist statements is that most of them are written in the most dramatic style and way to over complicated. Some are like Hollywood tag lines for films and full of such rubbish. If your Artist statement has more than one full stop, you’re just being over dramatic in my eyes.
The way I approach the idea is like naming a film or book. If your body of work was made in to a film, what would be the title? That is far better question if you are describing a body of work in literate way. I have used “ Do you want the truth, or something beautiful? “ and (currently in progress) “Measured in Moments”. Both are subtle enough to allow thought and freedom while still communicating a coherent message with the photographic content they represent. The overall message of my work is the “The Concept of the Truth”.
I find it interesting that in the days before home editing really took off, the idea that the camera never lied was very widely used phrase, today, people expect that the camera lies all the time, when the truth is, it has never told the truth, in yesteryear or today. The truth is that the only person who knows what the camera is saying, is the person holding it, the story ends there. The photos created are just the photographer’s manipulation of what is before him or her. If you really want to know the truth about something, go and see it for your self. My work is an open view that looks at concept of using the camera to show my view and my thoughts about something.
This concept of playing with the truth allows me to be innovative with my style of photography. I go from using a lot of post production to very simple basic work. I like the idea people don’t ever really know what they are looking at, or overlook the amount of digital work that has gone into a photo. I like the idea well edited photograph should look like its not edited at all, once again the idea of playing with the honesty of photography.
I love Photo shop, I could edit photos all day, I am a bit of a creative geek when it comes to technology, I use all the latest equipment and toys, my editing suite does look like the Starship Enterprise with huge screens, lots of computers and hard-drives buzzing away. My camera bags are light and mobile, spending a lot of time on the road teaching and coaching is fun, but means I have to pack sensible when it comes to camera equipment. I only carry what I need and leave the rest at home.
I have built up a little bit of a reputation of using a single speed-light with the Orbis adapter, Carbon Fibre tripods and my 50mm lens. I love to shoot linked up to my laptop too. Elemental have some great portable lighting solutions, I have been hitting the road powered by the GODOX PB820 Battery packs in the recent weeks, and very impressed. When you have to carry and roll your camera gear around cities, mountains and airports, every kilogram of weight counts. The Carbon Fibre Tripods I use are from 3 Legged Thing, pure eye-candy, do check them out. When I shoot, I tend to chase an idea rather than just let things be organic, I do like to control my shoots to a degree, travelling and shooting does lend to a style as you have to choose the equipment you have with you. When you are in another country, it’s hard to nip back home for the beauty dish so you have to think a way round problems when they come up. I tend to shoot low into the f2.2 range and just use speed-lights for creative effect, as a rule I carry 3 flash units, a soft-box and the Orbis. Using Nikon is great for speed-lights, The D700 is the camera of choice, due to its size and weight, while being full frame still.
See more of Dave Kai-Piper @- http://www.davepiper.org.uk/
Head Shots |
Model: Chloe-Jasmine Whichello : http://idaretobedifferentdear.blogspot.com/
Make up: Daina Zwarthoed : www.TheMakeupStudio.de
Full Length Shot |
Make up: Leah Mabe : http://leahmabe.com/
Dress : Joe Challita
Necklace : Peter Lang
Tagged 3 Legged thing., 3leggedthing.com/, 50mm @ F1.4, birmingham, carbon fibre tripods, Chloe-Jasmine, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello, dave kai piper, Dave Piper - Latest Work, GODOX PB820 Battery packs, NIK Software., Nikon D90, Orbis, orbis ringflash, Photography, Photoshop, photoshop info, Photoshop tutorial
Orbis Interview
A while ago…
I met a man called James, he showed me a flash adapter called the orbis® ring flash, I got my grubby hands on one and its been love ever since. I was asked to do an interview for the website and blog, This is shown below. If you know me or have seen me shooting, you will kn0w how much love and use my Orbis. I am not just trying to sell the thingy or be a promo spokes person. It’s something I actually enjoy using and suits my style very well. It also just happens that the Orbis people are uber cool people too.
All the photos on this blog are shot with a Nikon camera (D90 and D700) a fast prime lens, an SB900 with an orbis® ring flash mounted via my frio™ (on Eddie, the 3 Legged Thing tripod.)
“Do you want the truth or something beautiful?”
When you get a man like Dave Piper to sit down and answer questions for you, what do you ask him for an exclusive orbis® ring flash interview? Perhaps, something about his equipment? Or maybe the work he did at The Cannes Film Festival? Or perhaps instead, like us, you’d ask him what he thinks about before he presses the shutter button (and read quite possibly the most eloquent answer to that question we’ve heard in a long time…).
We chat about his muse Chloe-Jasmine Wichello, shooting in London the day after The British Music Awards and how he thinks photography holds up against the heavyweights of digital media. Ladies and gentlemen, Dave Piper…
Q: How long have you been a photographer?
All my life I have had a love for art and story. I have spent my last four years shooting weddings, bands, portraits and fashion editorials. My time is balanced out with many other things. Most photographers have a number of incomes and I am no different. Much of my time is spent split between my re-touching service and bespoke one-to one workshops.
Q: Are you a pro or amateur? What was your breakthrough, either when you knew you were in love with photography or when you became pro?
Well, I have had a romantic link with photography in all its shapes and forms for as long as I can remember. People like Tim Burton have had an untold influence on the way I see the world, it’s all about the artistic vision for me. How could someone not love the world of photography, it shapes and drives everything around us?
I remember during a photo shoot at Cannes Film Festival this year, pausing and thinking, am I really here?… This year alone I have been to more places than I ever thought possible, all of it due to photography. One of my first breakthrough shoots was…. … a shoot with celebrity Aussie designer, Joe Challita. We took three beautiful models in these amazing dresses and did a shoot in the middle of London the day after the British Music Awards.
Teaching with Bryon Pa ul McCartney on his Tuscan based workshops was a good step forward. Bryon was the first person to show big trust and faith in my work, both shooting and teaching. Another big turning point was meeting my partner and muse, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello. 90% of my best work is with Chloe and a constant source of inspiration.
In 2009, I was walking around the Focus on Photography (Birmingham, UK) event thinking how amazing it would be to have a portfolio made by Epoca. Last year I got a phone call. It was from a lady called Terri Romolo; she works for Album Epoca. Terri had called me to ask if they could use some of my photography for the books on display at the exact show I was at the year previous. Terri and Epoca have been amazing to me since and continue to produce the most stunning wedding and portfolio books. My Epoca portfolio goes everywhere with me.
Photo © Dave Kai-Piper. Model: Chloe-Jasmine Whichello
Q: Tell us a bit about the setup for your photo shoot(s) – lighting, equipment, post processing?
“Content is King”, Sir Cecil Beaton showed us this. Simplicity is the key for me and I shoot with Nikon cameras and fast prime lenses. Very simple kit and lets me be super mobile. A lot of the time I shoot with reflector or the orbis® ring flash on a tripod.
There is a clear difference between digitally editing photos and digitally developing them. I work to an Adobe workflow system. Bridge > Lightroom > Photoshop. Over the last year or so, I have started to implement a system using a Duotone and Tritone colour palette and have found some inte resting colour effects. There are many great plug-in’s perfect for weddings and such; I’m using the Nik Software plug-ins. Although a lot of people might think so, I don’t actually use a Mac set up. I use Dell workstations, Wacom Tablets and Dual Dell screens. Lighting wise, I love to try and be as natural as I can, but when shooting in a studio or working with flash, I currently use the new Trinity Lights from Elemental, very nice lights indeed.
Q: How did your orbis® help?
I do love the orbis®, I might use it in a strange way though. My orbis® pretty much lives mounted via my frio™ (on Eddie, the 3 Legged Thing tripod). I use it to provide back lighting and extra light to shape and illuminate people. I find the orbis® is great at creating mixed lighting (natural & flash). With a quick flick of a button you can have an instant soft box. Stand behind it and shoot through it, you have a ring flash, stand someone in front of it, you have a backlight. Kids love it too as it doesn’t get hot. I’m about to start taking two orbis® flash units with me to instantly create fast simple lighting solutions. It’s comforting to know that the orbis® will bail you out of tricky low light problems. The orbis® is perfect for those close up macro photography shots too.
Behind the scenes with Chloe-Jasmine (Make up Artist) & Oliva Ward (model) Gingersnap Models
Q: The orbis® is designed to give photographers an edge. It’s very challenging to make a living as a professional photographer, what are your tips for staying competitive in the industry?
Produce things that people need and want. Be in the right place at the right time. I guess it’s just that simple. Which is why it’s so challenging at the same time. It’s about getting the job done. Get the job done in the most stylish way possible.
Q: Your photos have a particular quality to them, how would you describe your personal style?
My work has started to develop a style that is both colourful and playful while keeping a high impact and vintage ethic. I like to give an element of story and drama. As a designer, this concept of story and narrative is always close by. I want to be entertained. Many of my artistic influences are film makers and musicians.
My Dave Piper photography website has the tag line :
“detail and clarity, fused with narrative form and function”.
Q: Are you a self-taught photographer, did you go to college or university, or did you have a mentor?
Fully self taught, sitting down and learning things does not come naturally to me. I learn best by observation. I cut my teeth with a wedding company called Prestige Photography. One day I walked in and asked for a job. A year later I was asked to assist on a wedding with them. Darren Rudge was the man that took that gamble. He looked after me for a while until I turned to the fashion world. Most of my awareness has come from the pages of Vogue, 125 Magazine, Love Magazine, Hollywood and MTV.
Creative minds like Tim Walker, Robert Voltaire, Sylvie Blum, David LaChapelle, Sally Mann, Jerry Uelsmann, Sir Cecil Beaton, Rankin and Woland continue to teach me.
I have never had a mentor as such, but lots of people have looked out for me. Bryon Paul McCartney would be one person who went out of his way to give me a break, I owe a lot to him.
Photo © Dave Kai-Piper. Model: Chloe-Jasmine Whichello
Q: Is there something you always ask yourself/think just before you press the shutter button?
It’s usually “Is this photo going to sit on my hard drive forever, untouched and just wasting space?”. With the Digital Age, its very easy to shoot 1000`s of frames. This is a pet hate of mine. If I shoot 50 frames, it would be nice to have 30 usable photos and 10 great frames. 80% of photography is done before you press the shutter. The thing I tend to think about before pressing the shutter is “Am I ready to press the shutter?”.
Q: What is one last impression you want to leave in your photos?
That’s an interesting question. Many people these days just see photography as something that is used to paparazzi celebrities. I want to leave the idea that, with all the many forms of digital media today, the still photograph is still king.
Q: Do you have any tips for those looking for advice from recognised photographers?
Have a vision, have an idea and have respect for the people around you.
Follow photographers’ blogs, send them questions, and ask to help, ask to assist. I love to get questions via e-mail and my blog. Many photographers will take the time to get back to you, as long as you ask sensible questions. Ask the normal, what brand camera do you use, and don’t sit about waiting for a reply. Be open and interesting, ask those questions that get people engaged. Above all, be confident in yourself.
Photo © Dave Kai-Piper. Model: Chloe-Jasmine Whichello
Q: Where can we hear more from you or see more of your work?
Check out my blog and website, or come say hi on Facebook. My website also has a contact page for more info.
Email |dave@davepiper.org.uk? 500px | http://500px.com/DaveKaiPiper
Dave Piper is but one of the many amazing photographers that we’ll bring to the forefront through a series of orbis® blog interviews. We’re stoked to have a diverse range of photographers equipped with the orbis® and even more so that we can share their tips and insights, because sharing is caring!
For stunning results like Dave, get your own orbis® in the enlight photo pro store and check in next month to see who’s getting amongst it with the orbis®!
Tagged 3 Legged thing., 50mm @ F1.4, adobe photoshop, birmingham, birmingham acadmey, Bryon Paul McCartney, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello, dave kai piper, Dave Piper - Latest Work, Edits, Fashion, fashion shoot, flash, Joe Challita, Nikon D90, orbis® ring flash, photo editing, Photographers, Photography, photoshop info, Photoshop tutorial, portrait, Punk Rock, ringflash, speedligh, strobist, wedding photography
It’s all about being inspired !!
It’s all about being inspired !! This blog is really inspired by the vastly talented Camilla Akrans. Camila is the photographer that can lay claim to the photography used by Rhianna for the LOUD album. I love the tones Camilla has used, the bright red hair reminded me of another great album cover. I was inspired to do a Dave Kai Piper inspired mix of the two great shots.
Having the right look or image of paramount importance for the modern artist in the super fast turbulent music world. Just being noticed is hard enough, you have to look good too. Just look at the pop stars of today, the presentation and image can be more important than music created. Lady GaGA is an artist who has clearly fully understood this. Big money is spent on crafting personal images that can be sold and marketed worldwide. As a photographers we are a crucial and powerful cog in the media machine that enables this to happen. Its a tricky thing to get right. How does one begin to shoot a cover photo for someone like pop singer Rhianna. Camilla Akrans is the photographer responsible for Rhianna’s LOUD album. She did, what I think, is utterly fantastic job on the album. Its a great sexy and fashion look, something Camilla does seem to pull of again and again with sumptuous effect. It is clear that hours of careful planning and test shoots would of taken place to create such a project.
I have used Camilla’s wonderful work to inspire a shoot of my own. But, as always wanted my own spin on the idea. I wanted to show you my take on the purple duotone / cross processed look that Camilla has used to perfection on her cover shoot. Marilyn Manson had a very popular album called Mechanical Animals, it has this wonderful androgynous look, together with the red hair. These were my visual ques. The very beautiful Victoria Coutts from Gingersnap Models stepped in for me. The wonderful Chloe-Jasmine Whichello added the perfect make up.
We had our model, our inspiration, we just needed the photo!
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PDF GUIDE on how the photo was shot and edited.
Tagged 3 Legged thing., 50mm @ F1.4, A pretty model, Adobe Lightroom, adobe photoshop, album art work, album music cover, androgynous, blue eyeshadow, blue lips, Camilla Akrans, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello, cross processed, dave kai piper, Dave Piper - Latest Work, eddie, eddit, edit, Edits, Fashion, fashion look, fashion shoot, Frio, Gingersnap Models, how to guid, loud, marylin manson, Mechanical Animals, Music Photography, Nikon D90, Orbis Flash, personal images, Photographers, Photography, photoshoot, Photoshop, photoshop info, Photoshop tutorial, photoshot, purple duotone, red hair, Rhianna, sexy and fashion look, Tutorial, Victoria Coutts, wedding photographer birmingham
ViewFinder Center for Photography
Photography Courses in Zurich, in English!
At ViewFinder, you can improve your camera skills, learn how to create more beautiful photos, and make new friends who share your passion for photography!
Location: Zürich, Switzerland
In February 2010, we opened the doors to our new studio, conveniently located in Zürich Kreis 4, just a short walk from Albisriederplatz, Letzigrund Stadium and Hardbrücke/Escher-Wyss Platz. Our new location presents great opportunities for classes and workshops both in the studio and out and about in central Zürich.
ViewFinder Photography Courses
and Workshops
At the ViewFinder Center for Photography, you’ll discover photography courses and workshops designed to meet your interests and needs. Our friendly, informal atmosphere will put you at ease so you can focus on improving your photography. All our courses are taught in English by an experienced instructor who is a working professional photographer. If you need help finding a photography course just right for your level of skill and interest, please send us an email.
August-December 2011 Course Schedule now online
We are dedicated to providing creative and innovative learning experiences that encourage people to develop their individual passion for photography, take better pictures and simply have more fun with photos.
2011 Course schedule for August – December
One-day courses in Zurich - Saturdays or Sundays, 10:30 – 17:30, or as noted.
For course details and further dates, click on the course name below. To register for any of these courses, please use our online registration system. If you have questions or need more information, click here to send us an email.
- dSLR 1-2-3 Photography for Beginners (Click course link for November/December dates)
Three-part series:
DSLR 1 – Saturday, 20 August
DSLR 2 – Saturday, 27 August
DSLR 3 - Saturday, 17 September - People & Portraits: Capturing Personality Sunday, 28 August
- Creative Composition 1: Fundamentals of making better photos :Saturday, 3 September Creative
Composition 2: Exploring your creative vision Saturday, 1 October - Exposure & Available Lighting Techniques Sunday, 2 October
- Intro to Studio Flash Lighting
- Studio Lighting Workshop with model Sunday, 6 November
- Better Travel Photography Saturday, 10 December
Evening classes in Zurich – Selected weeknights, 19:00 – 21:30
Evening courses are scheduled based on interest. Use our online registration system to let us know which course you would like to attend and we will send details.
Evening courses are scheduled based on interest. Use our online registration system to let us know which course you would like to attend and we will send details.
- Macro Photography Lab
- Low-Light and Night shooting
- DIY Portrait Lighting
- Canon Lens Fun Lab
- Editing, Organizing and Using your Digital Photos
- Editing & Organizing with iPhoto - Mac users
Summer Photo Workshops in Tuscany Workshops (2012 dates will be announced soon)
- Intimidation-Free Fine Art Nude Photography
- Workshop I. Light, Form & Expression
- Workshop II: Personal Vision & Portfolio
- Learn more about our Summer Tuscany Workshops here
If you’d like to be notified by email as we schedule evening courses and workshops, please send us an email at info@viewfindercenter.com.
Unless otherwise noted, courses are held at our studio center in Zürich:
Badenerstrasse 370, Halle 3
CH-8004 Zurich
CH-8004 Zurich
Courses are geared for beginner to intermediate experience. Some courses require a DSLR camera (a camera with changeable lenses). If you don’t yet have a DSLR, you can rent our studio camera for the day and “try before you buy” (CHF 30/day).
Still have questions? Call us at (+41) 052 203 3044 or send us an email.
> Click here to register for a course
Join us to explore special photography topics in just one evening.
Selected weeknights, from 19:00 – 21:30. Click on course name for info.
Macro Photography Lab
Low-Light and Night shooting
Editing, Organizing and Using your Digital Photos
Evening courses are scheduled based on interest. Please use our
online registration system to let us know which course you would like to attend and we will send details.
online registration system to let us know which course you would like to attend and we will send details.
Amore Toscana
Spring and Summer Photography Workshops
with Bryon Paul McCartney
2012 DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
A photo workshop is a great way to learn new photography techniques and immerse yourself in the craft of photography. Our workshops are open to photographers of all levels. Whether you are just beginning or a seasoned pro, our photography workshops help you develop your creative talent and improve your technical skills in the midst of scenic and inspiring southern Tuscany, Italy. In 2011, we offer four six-day workshops, based in beautiful San Quirico d’Orcia.
Quick Links to 2011 Classes
Find a class to explore your passion for photography! Follow the links below for details:
DSLR 1-2-3 Photography for Beginners
Creative Composition 1 & 2
Exposure & Available Light
People & Portraits: Capturing Personality
Better Travel Photography
Studio Lighting Workshop with model
Macro Photography Lab
Low Light & Night Shooting
DIY Portrait Lighting
Content reposted from – http://www.viewfindercenter.com/
We are dedicated to providing creative and innovative learning experiences that encourage people to develop their individual passion for photography, take better pictures and simply have more fun with photos.
Tagged Better Travel Photography, Bryon Paul McCartney, Canon Workshop II: Personal Vision & PortfolioLens Fun Lab, Course schedule, Creative Composition 1 & 2, Dave Piper - Latest Work, DIY Portrait Lighting, DSLR 1-2-3 Photography for Beginners, Exposure & Available Light, Fashion, fashion shoot, in English!, Low Light & Night Shooting, Macro Photography Lab, models, Music Photography, NIK Software., One-day courses in Zurich, People & Portraits: Capturing Personality, photo editing, photographer, Photographers, Photography, Photography Courses, Photography Courses in Zurich, Photoshop, photoshop info, Photoshop tutorial, Studio Lighting Workshop with model, Summer Photo Workshops in Tuscany Workshops, Switzerland, teaching Zurich, viewfinder centre, ViewFinder Photography Courses and Workshops, wedding photography, Zurich
Chloe & her glasses | Portrait Shoot
The other day, I just happened to have the wonderful Chloe-Jasmine in my living room, we shot a few photos using the orbis® flash.
These are all shot with the orbis® mounted on a 3 legged thing tripod, with the Frio Coldshoe. Nikon D90 & 50mm lens
More photos from this blog , Just click on the photos !!
Enjoy 
Tagged Bryon Paul McCartney, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello, dave kai piper, Dave Piper - Latest Work, Edits, fashion shoot, Music Photography, NIK Software., Nikon D90, photographer, Photographers, photoshop info, Photoshop tutorial, rock music, wedding photographer birmingham, wedding photography, weddings
The orbis® Flash
My little review of the orbis® flash adaptor
I was first introduced to the orbis® Flash at Focus On Imaging in Birmingham earlier this year. For those of you who have not heard of this gadget, “the orbis® easily turns your harsh SLR flash into beautiful, shadowless light - the ring flash effect, with equipment you already own” is the promise from inventor James Madelin.
The pictures below are all shot using the orbis® attached to a SB900. Shot with a D90 @ 50mm. Eddie and a Frio were used to mount everything together.
Model & Make-up: Chloe-Jasmine Whichello
In a nutshell the Orbis® Flash is an adapter that shapes the light coming out of your speedlight / flash into a much nicer shape while adding a certain about of defusing at the same time. It has been called a budget Ringflash. Its important to not compare the orbis® to a 800watt mains powered Bowns or Profoto Ringflash, in my eyes they have been designed to meet different needs. They both have good points and bad points. If you are in a studio environment and have the time to set up a proper ring flash, then the orbis® is never going to be able to stand up to the raw power. This is due to the fact that the orbis® powered by a speedlight pushed into the bottom, its only reflecting the light into a better shape. It’s only going to ever be as strong as what ever speedlight you are using. I am lucky enough to have the SB900 Nikon flash which does kick out a strong light. This has led to overheating problem when attached the orbis® though. The studio is clearly not where the orbis® has been designed for.
A ringflash is a flash that is designed to wrap around the end of the lens leaving a space for the lens to come though the middle, the idea is that, this should leave very little shadow , creating even and soft light on the subject, I think, it was a dentist that first came up with the idea. Its the sort of lighting that forensic photographers use. Its used a lot by beauty and fashion photographers as it can be used to show great detail. Ringflash lighting is clean and simple to use. Most people use a ringflash close up for head shots. Usually a ringlash is part of a lighting set up in a studio with a hair light or back light too, nothing stops you from using it on its own though.
For me, the orbis® really comes into its own when you step outside or need a very lightweight portable lighting solution. With the rise of the popular Strobist / off-camera flash look it was only a matter of time before the big company started to make lighting modifiers for speedlights. Nothing really has come though as good as the orbis® though, It shapes the light so nicely. As a photographer, this is the single most important factor. For the last couple of months the orbis® has lived in my camera bag, at first, I never really used it that much. I do love natural light. At times I never even carry my flash, this would mean carrying an orbis® would be even more silly. I had the idea that the orbis® would only give me the Strobist look, something that I didn’t want. It was after a couple of weeks I started to really start shooting with the Orbis to see how versatile it is. Most of the time that I used the Orbis, it is mounted on Eddie ( 3 legged thing) and used as back light , side light or to create funky catch lights. Most of the shots taken don’t even look like they have had any flash at all. You can get some super soft lighting, and quickly do the super lightweight set up of the kit.
I have used the orbis® with the Frio, with a SB900 All mount on super lightweight Carbon Fibre Tripod from 3 Legged thing. Shooting Nikon is great as there is no need to buy any remote triggers, you can just set the Speedlight and Camera to fire remotely. You can do all adjustments in the camera menus. You can also pick up the orbis® camera mountings which nicely mount the flash,orbis® and camera all together. Great for shooting though the center of the orbis® in a ringflash style.
So its light, cheap and greats great light. But, it can be bulky as a portable bit of lighting kit at times, it does overheat the flash if used “pap style”, when mounted on the camera, it does create a bit of a funny weight problem. There is also a small problem of being able to fully use the lenses to zoom or focus as the orbis® sits over this part of the lense (when shooting though it) I get round this by mounting the orbis® on the Tripod and just shooting though the middle. Pretty much all lenses do fit, of course a 200mm f2.0 wont fit, but why would you need it to !!
To sum up, for the small downsides the orbis® has, it’s quickly turning into a vital part of my camera kit. While out on a shoot, just having it close by is a comfort, knowing how much of a creative tool it can be. I am very sure Nikon, Cannon, Metz and the other lighting companies starting kicking them self when they saw the orbis®. I would never dream of using my Speedlight without the orbis® attached now. I would love to see some colour gels for the orbis®, and I wonder if orbis® will ever make their own flash to fit the adapter in an even more snug way, I don’t know, I hope so as most of the downfalls are not the orbis®s fault but in fact limits of the flash units.
The photos of Chloe-Jasmine on this blog are all shot using the orbis®, the very top photo is using the orbis® as a ringflash, the next two underneath are using the orbis® as an off-camera flash, balancing with the window lights. These photos were taken on my living room floor and wall. Mains powered ring flashes tend to be very powerful and hard to mix with natural light. Another point for the orbis®.
In a couple of days, I am flying off to teach on Bryon Paul McCartney’s art Nude workshops. I have given a great deal of thought to which kit get the nod and gets to come with me. Space is very tight when packing to travel and fly. The pros and cons of the orbis® are very clear. The shape and light that it gives, the creative ways that it can be used are enough to justify the size and bulk. Are are also taking an Elinchrom quadra if things need that bit extra. In Tuscany, there is always great light, we tend to use alot of reflectors to balance out shadows, but this year, I feel the orbis® will be taking care of the fill lights and helping to creative effect. I am hoping that cooling the flash head in the Tuscan sun will not be to much of a problem, we shall see !
Overall, does the orbis® work. Yes. Should you have one, very much so. If you are an events photographer, Sports, Wedding, Portrait or art photographer, there are very few reasons why you should not have an orbis®
Do also check out the Frio and 3 legged thing Tripods. The Frio is very clever little clip that enables you to mount the flash to a tripod, it has a very simple and safe locking system. I was and do use the fabulous tripods from 3 legged thing
Be sure to check out the orbis® Flickr group ( link )
I always have a flash gun with me. An orbis® would be ideal for shooting in low light environments without wanting to overpower the ambient. My ring flash on its lowest setting is still really powerful – Christian Scott
Tagged 3 Legged thing., 50mm @ F1.4, A pretty model, Adobe Lightroom, adobe photoshop, birmingham, birmingham acadmey, Bryon Paul McCartney, Carbon Fibre Tripod, Chloe-Jasmine, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello, Dave Piper - Latest Work, Edits, fashion shoot, flash, Frio, James Madelin, models, Music Photography, NIK Software., Nikon, Nikon D90, off camera flash, Orbis, Orbisringflash, orbis®, photo editing, photographer, Photographers, Photography, photoshop info, ringflash, wedding photography
Dave Kai Piper Interview | Lady Sybilia
Photographer Dave Kai Piper interview-
“Do you want the truth or something beautiful?”
An interview with Lady Sybilia for http://sybilia.wordpress.com/
“Perhaps the pursuit of perfection, is the pursuit of sweetness and light.
~Matthew Arnold~
Coming across Dave Kai Piper’s work was an interesting moment for me as i’ve been always evaluating personal style,aesthetic choices that reveal a direction towards soothing the eye with pure photographic artistry rather than initially impressing with uber fabulous choices of subjects,lighting,editing, as i reckon is the current trend. Ok i like several styles. Yet, the above plus the personality of the photographer itself played a significant role in me requesting him to answer,in his very own style naturally,the basic ‘Lady Sybilia’s’ questions…He kindly accepted, showcasing the context behind the concept..and other interesting details..
Your work showcases a strong interest in certain vintage aesthetics with a modern view. Is that the case?
Its a complex subject, however you’re not far wrong. I love the romance and elegance from what we could call Vintage. I would not for one moment say that I set out to shoot anything Vintage for artistic merit, its more to evoke a feeling of time and place. The concept of Vintage is tricky for me. For me, Vintage is more a concept and context in which to tell your story.
If you were ehm.. ‘forced’ to choose a certain era/photographer for image inspiration, which would that be and why?
I guess this answer is an extension of the last. Most of my biggest artistic influences have not been photographers or artists in the context of still frame. I am sure the close links between my family and the church have had an impact. The Catholic use of the Baroque after the Council of Trent, I guess, would be an era that was a catalyst for me and my work. Normal is never quite enough. I love the way the Baroque comes after you. It makes you form opinion, it makes you form your views. I like to think my work can do the same. Pretty photos are not enough, they need to engage the audience on another level. Inspiration is a strange thing. Being lucky enough to live in the UK we have some of the most amazing photographers and artists on our doorsteps, so there are many people I could name. When it all comes down to it. I like a good story. I want to be entertained. Many of my artistic influences are film makers and musicians. Marilyn Manson being the biggest along with Tolkien. Over the years there have been many amazing people who have shaped my world view, and there for my artistic views too. Its a very hard question to answer. But, If forced to, I would say, Cecil Beaton. This would for the sheer honest elegance and ability to create a story from a still photograph. Beaton shows us that photography is about content in context.
-Could you describe your overall vision/idea behind your work?
Sounds awfully Cliché, but I am quite aware that my work will live longer than I. I want to make a body of work that is going to live beyond me. To give something back to the world that has given so much to me. I guess my artistic views are formed on the sense that, what ever I do has to be created to stand for many years to come. To answer the first question. Yes. Its my version of what the Baroque is.
-Was fashion photography/photography your main idea or a career or emerged through life experiences?
I would still not say I really do shoot fashion. I would say that my style is to shoot fashion based portraits. The main focus is emotive content, then subtext is fashion in most cases. -Could you define some major influences that have shaped your view on things, perhaps photographers, designers, artists? There are many people who have shaped my views. There are few people who have actively came to me and helped me though. These people have defined me as a person and played major roles in my life. It’s unfair to name people, but they do know who they are. Most of them have not been photographers or artists, but people. Most of these people have put their time and energy into me a person, I owe a debt to these people, that, one day I hope I can repay.
-Are there some moments you’d define as crucial to your career, certain collaborations ,work features etc, that come to mind as milestones to you as a photographer?
Meeting Bryon Paul McCartney ? Meeting Chloe-Jasmine Whichello ? Meeting George Eko ? Meeting Steve Lewis ? Meeting Joe Challita ? Meeting Karl Baxter ? Meeting Krishan Parmar ? . . . It’s such a long question to give an honest reply to, the list above could go on for a many a thousand names. But of course there are some people who have had a more direct impact. Some people have been in my life for an hour, some people for many years. Some people I might never see again, others I am yet to meet. I don’t think I have reached any major cross roads yet, but, when I do, I am sure I will have the right people around me to help me see my path. Sometimes life is about choosing the people you stand next to.
The Westminster Shoot | Fashion Shoot
These were taken way back in Jan for Rag Mag out in Beirut.
Photographer : Dave Kai Piper
Make Up & Hair: Leah Mabe
Model: Racheal Howard / Chloe-Jasmine Whichello & Ruby Slate Balthazar
Dress: Joe Challita
Jewellery: Peter Lang A/W 11
A very special thank you to Lucinda Ellery and Chloe-Jasmine for the location and all your help on the day.
Westminster | London
Shot for Rag Mag | Beirut
Tagged Bands, Beirut, birmingham acadmey, Clhoe-Jasmine Whichello, dave kai piper, Dave Piper - Latest Work, Edits, Fashion, Fashion Birmingham, fashion shoot, Joe Challita, Leah Mabe, models, Music Photography, Peter Lang A/W 11, photo editing, Photographers, Photography, Photoshop, photoshop info, Photoshop tutorial, portrait, Racheal Howard, Rag Mag, Ruby Slate Balthazar, wedding photographer birmingham, wedding photography, wedding photos
