One of my favourite graphic artists from 2009

graphic design: Various.

hypnotists and fugitives use facebook too

Whilst browsing the net, I came across two recent stories that I found quite interesting.
The first one is about a face book fugitive, the second is how a hypnotist will be using twitter and facebook to hypnotize millions. I don’t think I’ll be participating in the world record attempt, sounds like my sort of thing yet I just don’t trust the idea. Both quite unusual use of social networking sites in my opinion.

The best things in life aren’t things

Why give away a company to charity – Derek Sivers explains

Worth a read

Notice me 11, originally uploaded by UrBen Images.

Typical event photography set-up.

NAE AGM photo shoot, originally uploaded by UrBen Images.

I decided to include a informative illustration of my typical photography set-up when capturing events.

Canon 100mm f2.8 for portraits and interesting macro photography.
This is my favourite lens in terms of image quality and it I like how it often encourages me to look for the small details. I often capture something a little different with this personal favourite and when used with the MR-14EX it produces excellent results.

Canon 50mm f1.8 for natural light photography, I find this prime lens is a lot easier to work with when capturing an event as with the 100mm I can miss a lot of the moments/action. It is so light and small, it is perfect as a second camera round my neck so I can choose between the Canon 100mm and 50mm as quickly as possible.

So to clarify, I have the Canon 100mm on the 30D and the Canon 50mm on the 400D. Both with me at all times.

I also use the Nikon D90 with a Sigma 10-20mm for dramatic wide-angle photography. This can be the most fun lens to use however the distortion around the edges can be a bit weird for photos such as group shots. I think lots of straight lines tend to work well in these photos. I also have the option to film some interesting video snippets which can be useful when producing a highlights/promotional video type production.

I have decided to also carry a few light stands and a shoot through umbrella in case I decide to use numerous flashes. There may not be time or it simply isn’t practical and I might decide to simply use the Canon 30D with the MR-14EX ring flash and 100mm f2.8 and the 50mm f1.8 with natural light. I like to have the options though.

Shafina eyes

Shafina eyes, originally uploaded by UrBen Images.

First UrBen Media photograph to get 100 views on flickr in less than 3 days.

Alisia and Rachael decided to start nibbling away on my goodies in the artist studio at the NAE. So I decided to film them and something strange happened! These wide-angle lenses are too much fun, I should really be more sensible though. There is a performance happening at the New Art Exchange on the 6th and 7th of November and earlier today we were putting the final touches to some of the media that will be used for the trailer and the performance.

Lou fairground

Lou fairground5, originally uploaded by UrBen Images.

Loving the colours and strong contrast with this pic. So glad we decided to make the most of Goose fair as a backdrop. I really enjoyed this photo shoot. Even though the image originally came out quite dark, a bit of magic in photoshop soon lifted the highlights.

mini marriage

mini marriage, originally uploaded by UrBen Images.

Sometimes you get those moments that, if you enjoy taking photos, you really have to capture. I have noticed that the more and more I fall in love with lens based media, the more my confidence has grew in both the technical and social skills needed. I would have felt rude taking a picture of a lady in her marriage carriage once upon a time, now my attitude has changed and I have found that most people find it quite flattering. Genuine appreciation is a compliment in my opinion.

Lou lou CU

Lou lou CU, originally uploaded by UrBen Images.

Had great fun today working with Lou lou. I thought she looked so cool I had to ask her if she fancied a photo shoot. As soon as she realised I wasn’t chatting her up we were fine. I’m so glad I plucked up the courage as we are both really happy with the final result. I achieved this look with one umbrella (to soften the light) to the right of the camera, natural light coming from the window, left of the camera and a macro ring flash mounted on a 100mm macro lens. Finally a little bit of post production in Photoshop to add that final touch. We have already planned our next shoot with the goose fair amusement rides as a backdrop, should be interesting, Lou lou was such a pleasure to work with.