From the Canon Professional Network:
Don McCullin is one of the world’s greatest photographers and now, aged 80, is working on a project that he hopes will serve as a lasting legacy of a life well-lived. But, as CPN Editor David Corfield discovers in this exclusive interview, some truths will never be fully reconciled...See the entire article on the Canon Professional Network. If interested, don't miss seeing the video Don McCullin – Seeking the Light, also on CPN.“I’m on the edge of the volcano. I’m standing on the precipice looking into the lava...” admits Don McCullin metaphorically, remarking on how he sees this latest chapter of an extraordinary life. A special three-volume retrospective of his work is due to be released soon. It’s taken two years to complete and, for McCullin, represents the very best of his photography. Called ‘Irreconcilable Truths’ the title is a nod to the soul-searching that went into the project as recollections of atrocities resurfaced in his darkroom as he reprinted many hundreds of images. It’s not been an easy journey, reliving some of those memories...
“There are some images that I will never print again, because I don’t think I’m able to,” he explains, citing one image in particular – of the starving albino boy taken in Biafra nearly 50 years ago. The memory, and the image, haunts him to this day.
From the Canon Professional Network:
Belgian filmmaker Matthew Vandeputte is rapidly emerging as one of the leading exponents of motion timelapse photography. CPN Editor David Corfield caught up with him to find out how technology, social media, and Canon’s high-resolution EOS 5DS R have helped take his work to exciting new heights...See the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.
Note: Don't miss seeing the timelapse captured on the observation deck of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. [Sean]
B&H carries the Canon EOS 5Ds R (review) which currently qualifies for a $300.00 instant savings.
From the Canon Professional Network:
Canon Explorer and travel photographer Joel Santos makes the most of every adventure he organises. As CPN writer Mark Alexander finds out, a recent trip to Namibia with the EOS 7D Mark II and the new EF100-400mm telephoto zoom was no different...Read the entire article on the Canon Professional Network and be sure not to miss the beautiful 25-image gallery.
B&H carries the EOS 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM.
The Canon Professional Network has updated its Tips and Tricks database with new information. For instance, did you know that Canon advises setting your camera to record JPEGS (instead of RAW files) when performing autofocus microadjustments?
AF Microadjustment - image qualityOr did you know that a lens's image stabilization is always activated in Live View on the 5Ds/5Ds R, not just when you press the shutter button half-way? (assuming that IS is not switched off on the lens)
Several EOS models feature the ability to adjust the focus of the lens to ensure it is in perfect registration with the camera. When performing microadjustment, make sure you set the camera recording quality to large JPEG, even if you normally shoot in RAW, as this will help identify focus issues more easily.
EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R: Live View and IS lensesOther recently added topics include:
When using an Image Stabilizer (IS) lens in Live View on the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R, you will find that the IS is always activated when Live View is turned on, even if you don’t half-press the shutter button. This will shorten the camera’s battery life, so unless you need to use the IS, you should manually switch it off on the lens to preserve power.
The Canon Professional Network has posted several new articles highlighting some of the EOS 80D's new features.
B&H has the Canon EOS 80D available for preorder.
From the Canon Professional Network:
"New levels of shooting performance — speeds to 14 fps, with AI Servo AF — along with 360,000 pixel RGB metering, multiple on-board processors, and so on mean that the EOS-1D X Mark II needs an even more powerful battery than in previous generation EOS-1D cameras. To meet these demands, the EOS-1D X Mark II is launched along with a higher-energy battery, the Canon LP-E19 battery pack."For more detailed information on the LP-E19, including backwards compatibility, check out the full article on the Canon Professional Network.
B&H has the Canon LP-E19 Battery Pack and LC-E19 Battery Charger available for preorder.
From the Canon Professional Network:
"British photographer Tim Flach uses his technical and artistic skills to capture almost-human moments from a wide variety of creatures. His work helps us look at our animal cousins in more profound ways, as he explains to CPN Editor David Corfield..."See the entire article and intriguing animal images at the Canon Professional Network.
From the Canon Professional Network:
"Colin McMaster is one of the world’s best when it comes to rally photography. The fast-paced motorsport that covers the globe throws up more than its fair share of great images – and great challenges – as he explains to CPN Editor David Corfield...Read the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.Colin McMaster lives life by the clock. The sport of rallying – itself governed by hours, minutes and seconds – extends far beyond the lens for him. Rallying is his livelihood and much of his downtime is given over to his passion: photography."
Colin McMaster's Rallying Kitbag
Cameras:
Lenses:
Accessories:
From the Canon Professional Network:
By Laura Morita, Professional Child and Family PhotographerSee the entire article on the Canon Professional Network."It's pretty much the most amazing thing in the world when you look at the back of your camera and you see the incredible image you have captured. Perfect light, perfect moment, perfect expression. You get it home and and upload it onto your computer only to discover that it's out of focus. Wompwomp. In the early days of learning about photography, I struggled with getting sharp images. In this article, you'll learn my tips for getting sharp images. "
From the Canon Professional Network:
The launch of the PowerShot G5 X – with its electronic viewfinder (EVF) plus classic DSLR handling in a compact body – was a significant moment for Canon. In an in-depth interview, CPN discovers the technical challenges faced by the PowerShot development team – Takashi Yoshida, Ryuji Fukute, Kenji Ito, Koki Kitaya, Atsushi Fujita and Yoshikazu Sakagami from the Image Communication Products Operations Department and Yoshihiro Miyazawa from the Design Centre. Together they discuss the technical and design challenges they faced when turning concept into reality...See the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.
B&H carries the Canon PowerShot G5 X.
From the Canon Professional Network:
In recent years, the photographic industry has called for clearer criteria on entering and judging World Press Photo Contest submissions. The World Press Photo Foundation has answered this call for the 2016 Photo Contest by publishing a new code of ethics, revised entry rules, and a transparent description of the judging and verification processes. The 2016 Photo Contest changes are part of a new strategy which the World Press Photo Foundation devised during a five-month review involving 17 consultations with photographers, editors and publishers at events in 15 locations worldwide.See the entire article on the Canon Professional Network for full details.Entries to the highly anticipated annual World Press Photo Contest are regarded as visual documents and are therefore expected to be an accurate and fair representation of the scene the photographer witnessed. The first entry rule concerning manipulation was enforced in 2009 and in the 2014 Photo Contest World Press Photo began requesting photographers submit original camera files. The challenge being addressed now is making contest participants more aware of what counts as manipulation.
Managing Director of World Press Photo, Lars Boering, says: “In the past two years 33 entries, out of a total of 240 in the second last round, were excluded, and one story was disqualified after the award. If we want pictures to be documents and evidence, we cannot accept the addition or removal of content, even if it is just ‘tidying up the image’.”
As photographs are at risk for manipulation during every stage in the photographic process – capture, production, publication, and circulation – the World Press Photo Foundation has introduced a new code of ethics and committed to continued use of independent digital analysts and a fact-checking team to review original camera files, metadata and caption accuracy.
Originally announced in September of this year, the EOS C300 lens mount conversion service is now available in France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the UK.
From the Canon Professional Network:
Owners and purchasers of the Canon EOS C300 Mark II can now benefit from a new lens mount service option which offers the capability to change the 4K Digital Cinema Camera’s original EF mount to EF Mount with Cinema Lock or to a PL mount and back again.For more information on the Lens Mount Conversion Service, see the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.The Lens Mount Replacement service can be booked in at the Canon Regional Competence Centres (RCC) in France, Germany, Italy, Sweden or the UK. Alternatively, the PL lens mount and SHIM kit are also available for direct sale.
Canon has also revealed that from early 2016 a PL mount version of the C300 Mark II will be available to purchase in all EMEA territories. Up until now the camera has only been available in an EF mount but by January 2016 customers can choose whether to purchase an EF mount or a PL mount version. The upcoming PL mount version of the camera will provide support for all of Canon’s PL mount Cinema lenses and other industry-standard PL lenses (Cooke/i not supported), thus allowing for even greater shooting possibilities.
From the Canon Professional Network
Wildlife photographer and Canon Explorer Marina Cano discusses her career with CPN Editor David Corfield, revealing how music, cameras and a new pair of binoculars have helped her get closer to the natural world...Read the entire article and see Marina Cano's excellent wildlife imagery at the Canon Professional Network.If it weren’t for a flute, Marina Cano wouldn’t be the wildlife photographer she is today. It’s been an unusual journey for the Spanish lenswoman, but she is grateful for her past life as a professional flutist and says it is her love of music that has brought her closer to nature. “I was a teacher of music for more than 15 years – it’s my other passion,” Marina reveals. “I feel that music helps me with my aesthetic vision.”
“My work is about a celebration of the natural world,” she continues. “I think I have a special aesthetic sense and this comes to me naturally. The city in which I live, Santander, is incredibly beautiful and the land around me is beautiful too. So my life is steeped in all this beauty and I try to recreate it in my photography.”
“There is a really strong sense of design in my work. I can’t simply document a subject. I have to try and do something artistic, either by finding some drama with the subject or waiting for the light.”
Marina continues: “My father was a keen amateur photographer and when I was about 17 years old I started taking pictures with his old camera, just taking pictures of everything really; but a few years later I discovered wildlife photography and instantly I was in love.”
The binoculars Marina Cano uses for wildlife photography can be found here.
From the Canon Professional Network:
"What makes a good food photo?Read the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.Showcasing the dish’s best traits is essential to any successful food image. Its colors and textures are the key details that make you want to take a bite, so you want to have them all clearly in focus.
Food photography trends change as often as fashion trends and the more you can familiarize yourself with what industry leaders are doing, the more successful your images will be. Take a look at the websites and feeds from companies like Williams-Sonoma, Martha Stewart, Food & Wine, Donna Hay (Australia), Bon Appetite, Sur La Table, etc. and see what color schemes are of the moment. Is it the light bright or is it moody and based in shadow? Is the food messy and broken up, strewn about the plate, or is it tidy, tight and neat? Does the food have a homemade appeal or does it look highly constructed by a professional chef? Is the look attainable or aspirational? Are the props simple or highly stylized? Is the food the focus or is the scene and story that the props create more significant? As you continue to pour though these publications and ask yourself these questions, your eye will become stronger and your own imagery will improve."
From the Canon Professional Network:
"If you’re like me, you love looking at photographs. Creating images that capture a viewer’s interest and holds it usually doesn’t happen by accident. When you look at a photograph that captivates you, what is it that keeps you looking at the image? There are several answers to this question and in this blog, I’ll share with you some tips to help you create better composition in your images.See the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.It’s important to look at a scene through your camera and intentionally use elements in the image to improve composition. I’ll talk about the use of compositional aids such as rule of thirds, negative space, leading lines, balance and the use of color. Sometimes making a great photograph means choosing a slightly different camera position or lens choice. More than simply pointing and shooting, a solid thought process should go into composing an image. Be an observer!"
From the Canon Professional Network:
"In the fast-paced, high-octane world of automotive photography, you might be surprised to learn that changing opinions takes time. Despite this, top car photographer Dom Romney tells CPN writer Mark Alexander that Canon’s new 5DS is beginning to turn heads..."Read the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.
B&H has the Canon EOS 5Ds / 5Ds R available with $300.00 instant savings, 13 months of Damage Protection (CarePAK Plus) and 2% Rewards.
From the Canon Professional Network:
"Canon's series of Speedlite flashguns range from the professional 600EX-RT and the recently introduced 430EX III-RT to compact units like the 320EX and 270EX II. Lighting expert Syl Arena advises on what to look for when selecting the best Speedlite for your needs..."Read the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.
B&H carries Canon Speedlite Flashes.
From the Canon Professional Network:
"Top sports photographer Al Bello (Getty Images) has been working in the photographic industry since 1990 and has thus far won four World Press Photo Awards for his work. In an exclusive interview he spoke to CPN writer Steve Fairclough about his career, his inspirations and how he shot some of his most famous pictures."Even if the name looks unfamiliar to you, you're probably familiar with some of Bello's work. His most famous image – that of New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham's three-fingered catch – is one almost any NFL football fan will recognize. [Sean]
Check out the full article on the Canon Professional Network.
Al Bello's Go-To Gear
From the Canon Professional Network:
Owners and purchasers of the Canon EOS C300 Mark II will soon be able to benefit from a new lens mount service option which offers the capability to change the 4K Digital Cinema Camera’s original EF mount to EF with Cinema Lock or to a PL mount and back again.
After purchasing the C300 Mark II, service mount options will soon be available from Canon Regional Competence Centres (RCC) in France, Germany, Italy, Sweden or the UK. These services are expected to be available in October 2015; further details of how you can purchase the lens mount options will be communicated shortly.
Canon has also revealed that from early 2016 a PL mount version of the C300 Mark II will be available to purchase in all EMEA territories. Up until now the camera has only been available in an EF mount but by January 2016 customers can choose whether to purchase an EF mount or a PL mount version. The upcoming PL mount version of the camera will provide support for all of Canon’s PL mount Cinema lenses and other industry-standard PL lenses (Cooke/i not supported), thus allowing for even greater shooting possibilities.
EOS C300 MARK II WHITE PAPERS NOW AVAILABLE
Users and potential users of the EOS C300 Mark II can also now discover much more about the capabilities of the camera thanks to three, new downloadable white papers written by Larry Thorpe (Senior Fellow, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Professional Engineering & Solutions Division, Canon USA). The white papers are titled ‘Image Performance Enhancements in the EOS C300 Mark II’, ‘Extended Recording Capabilities in the EOS C300 Mark II’ and ‘Ergonomic and Operational Enhancements to the EOS C300 Mark II’.
If you want to find out more and download these and other white papers just click here to visit the Canon USA Digital Learning Centre (DLC) or click the links on right hand side of this page to download the specific EOS C300 Mark II white papers. The Canon USA DLC also offers additional, downloadable white papers on the Canon Cinema EOS System via the link above.
Note: The article above doesn't go into much detail, but the EF Cinema Lock Mount first appeared in the ultra-high ISO ME20F-SH announced July 30th 2015. From my understanding, the EF with Cinema Lock mount eliminates the slight "wiggle" that can occur when EF lenses are attached to a traditional EF mount (especially problematic if a follow focus is being used).
Below you can see a close-up of the new EF with Cinema Lock featured on the ME20F-SH.
From the Canon Professional Network:
Canon today announces its annual programme of activities for Visa pour l’Image 2015, the international festival of photojournalism held in Perpignan, France, taking place from 31 August until 6 September (pro week) with the exhibitions continuing until 13 September...
In its 26th year of partnership, Canon will run an inspiring and interactive series of events throughout the seven-day festival that champions the very best in photojournalism and reflects Canon’s passion for powerful images. This year the Canon programme will include:
CANON EXPERIENCE ZONE
For the very first time the Canon experience zone, located in the Palais des Congrès, will be open to the general public. Visitors will be able to get hands-on with Canon’s latest range of products and solutions; from image capture through to printing. Accredited photographers will be able to book in for a free portfolio review with Getty Images Creative Director, Anthony Holland Parkin, on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th September, and can also visit the CPS desk where they will have the opportunity to get their equipment checked, cleaned and have small repairs carried out, free of charge.
CREATIVE INSPIRATION
A Canon experience bus will be stationed by the Couvent des Minimes, where members of the public will be able to come on board and speak with Canon experts to gain advice on everything from how to take better holiday pictures, to capturing the perfect portrait of your child.
Canon will also be promoting its Rugby World Cup partnership during the festival and inviting visitors to have their photograph taken with rugby players from the local famous team, Union Sportive des Arlequins Perpignanais. A variety of other exciting rugby-themed experiential activities will also be on offer for attendees to get involved with and the best photographs taken will be put into a prize draw where three lucky winners will be given World Cup tickets.
CELEBRATING THE POWER OF IMAGES
Canon has sponsored two exhibitions at Visa pour l’image 2015; the first showcasing photographs from the Democratic Republic of Congo by Canon Ambassador Pascal Maître, alongside last year’s Female Photojournalist of the Year Award winner, Viviane Dalles. The second celebrates a body of work from a range of internationally acclaimed photographers to mark the 10th anniversary of Canon’s iconic EOS 5D-series DSLR in collaboration with Getty Images. All of the stunning images have been printed on Canon’s professional large format printer, the imagePROGRAF iPF9100.
CANON FEMALE PHOTOJOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD
For the 15th consecutive year, Canon has sponsored the Female Photojournalist of the Year Award, which will be presented at Visa pour l’Image 2015. Also supported by ELLE magazine for the second year in a row, this year’s award is given to Anastasia Rudenko, for her project on mental illness in Russia. Rudenko will receive a grant at the ceremony on 5th September 2015, to support her portfolio of work. All entrants have been judged on both previous works and plans for future projects. In addition, the 2014 winner, Viviane Dalles, will be exhibiting her work on teenage mothers in the north of France at the festival.
To find out more about the latest updates and plans for the 27th Visa pour l’Image international festival of photojournalism, please visit the Visa pour l’Image website.