Dragging the shutter

A collection of my photographic illusions and observations

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Photography legend Jay Maisel (left) with the author, Terry Tinkess at Photo Plus Expo 2018 in New York City

I just finished watching Jay Myself for the second time, and each time I am left with a flood of conflicting emotions. 

I really wanted to see this film because Jay Maisel has been one of my idols since I first began to take photography seriously. I have had the honour of actually meeting, speaking with and shaking the hand of the man on one occasion, and I told him that in the next life I hoped we would have the opportunity to be friends. I have read, watched and listened to everything I could find on him and incorporate much of his philosophy into my teaching. He is the real deal, a larger than life personna who also behaves like a “normal” person. 

The film, a documentary created by photographer Stephen Wilkes captures the end of an era. Maisel, a New York curmudgeon if there ever was one, has been capturing the world with his camera for more than 60 years, but for most of the past five decades he has been synonymous with “The Bank”, a 36,000 square foot, six-story former bank located at the corner or Spring and Bowery in Manhattan. Maisel purchased the building for about $100,000, but sold it for $55 million when he was no longer able to afford the cost of maintaining it. He moved out in February of 2016.

Great story, right? He made out like a bandit, and you might be left feeling a little bit envious (jealous) at his good fortune, but he was so closely connected with his home that no amount of money could compensate for what he had to give up. A new, shiny mechanical heart can keep you alive, but it can’t compare to the living, beating organ that has resided in your chest since before the day you were born. It’s no where near the same.

The one hour and 19 minute documentary takes you through the five months between when Maisel agreed to sell and when he and his parade of belongings vacated the premises. (They estimated 35 truck loads). It is a collection of archival footage of Maisel as a young man, interviews with the photographer/director Wilkes who began his relationship as a young apprentice 38 years earlier, and interviews with people who have known or been influenced by him over the past half-century. Some of the more poignant passages involve Maisel’s wife Linda (La) and his daughter Amanda. They speak as much of the man as the others do of the artist. 

I won’t give away the entire story except to say that it is really a trip through the cluttered building that is a physical representation of Maisel’s mind (”a troubled mind,” according to Maisel.) Every frame contains a nugget to be greedily hoarded away.

While Maisel says that he looks at the move as a new adventure, you don’t need to be a genius to realise the great sorrow it brings to him, and that by allowing this painful part of his life to be chronicled, he is doing what so many others credit him with: doing for others. It hurts, but he sees the benefit. 

I watched the film and frequently had a tear in my eye, not only because it is difficult not to have affection and respect for the man, but also because I, like many, don’t enjoy the sudden realisation that the list we created with all the things we plan on doing will almost certainly never be completed. I don’t know who said “Tomorrow is promised but to no one,”  but it is incredibly humbling to realise that yeah, that applies to me too. I have a “normal” list, but I can only imaging what it felt like for Maisel, who had 36,000 square feet of former projects, projects in progress and projects he planned to do.Wilkes, possibly because of his own connection to Maisel and the Bank (”the greatest teacher I ever had”), captures this perfectly.  I only wish it was longer.

Jay Myself is showing in limited release, mainly in the US at this time. but it was made available on iTunes on September 17. At the present time it is only on the US version of iTunes, which meant I had to jump through multiple hoops to purchase a copy. It is well worth the effort. You can find more information at jay myself.com. To find out more about Jay Maisel, visit his website at jaymaisel.com (Maisel likes things simple; as he stated during his talk last year at Photo Plus, “If it has more than one button, I’m fucked!”

We all have heroes or idols or what ever you want to call them, people we respect, people we try to emulate and learn from. Only too often we discover that the image and the person are not the same thing, and that our heroes have feet of clay. I am pleased that Maisel, for all his ability, seems to be the real thing. I don’t think he has it in him to be otherwise, I look forward to the next life and only hope the cigar smoke will lead me to a person worth following.

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Things that matter for people who care

I have no numbers to back up my thoughts here, but I believe most people care about their family and friends, their pets, and they probably have some long-held beliefs on the subject of right and wrong. It gets less clear when we are talking about goods or services that have a more intrinsic value. We need food and shelter, of course, but how about the things that add a value that is more emotional than physical?   How much do the things that matter, really matter when push comes to shove? Is good enough really good enough?

As a photographer, I know I will never be the cheapest option for most people.  How do I justify the value that I place on my work? I provide things that matter for people who care. Let me explain.

We live in a world where we are overwhelmed with imagery on a continual basis. Everyone who has a smart phone has a camera, and hundreds if not thousands of images that they want to share. 95 million photos and videos are added to Instagram every day!  Some of these are good, some are not, but for the most part they are transient; you see them and they are gone. (Don’t even get me started on Snapchat, which I’m not even sure really exists because I blinked and it was gone.) 

Sure, these images exist on a tiny hard drive somewhere, at least for the short term, but they are like small billboards along the 401: you see them when you pass by, but will they be there the next time? How about in five years? Ten years? Digital is easy, cheap and high quality, but no one can guarantee how long digital storage of any kind will last. there is no foolproof option.

The five per cent of the marketplace that I concentrate on want to know that they can see that billboard (their photographic wall art, albums and photo books) every time their mind wanders down that same road. It matters to them that it always looks the same, that the colours are always as bright and that the memories they connect to it are never far away. They attach far more than a momentary glance at a collection of pixels to the images that matter to them, and for the knowledge that it will always be available, they are willing to pay a price. They do this because to them it matters, because they care.  They invest in lots of photos on the wall, and albums of prints to look back and see days gone by. And when they pass, their kids, and their kid’s kids can see who the people are that came before. 

Do I wish more people cared? Sure, and not only because it might be good for business. I really think we need to do a reset about what matters and what doesn’t, but to each his or her own.  I’m blown away by the quality of digital images available today. I just encourage people to select a few ‘irreplaceable” images and create prints from them.someone will be glad you did.

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At least leave a little rubble

Photographs remain even when reality disappears. How is that for profound? I frequently talk to people about the value of images, how no one lives for ever, and that a well-crafted photo can help us to remember those that are no longer with us.

It applies to places and things as well. Just ask anyone who grew up in one of the “Lost Villages,” the name given to the communities that were levelled and later submerged during the creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1958.

As a young man, I saw my future in retail, working my way up the management ladder in the men’s wear department of various Woolco Department stores in eastern and southern Ontario.

It would never be a career that made me wealthy (are you seeing a theme here?) but I really enjoyed the work and the people. Many of the people skills I employ today were developed as a management trainee.

Today, I read an article about the closing and planned demolition of the Lincoln Fields Shopping Centre in west-end Ottawa. It will be replaced with a new multi-use development. In the interim it will be an empty field instead of a place where people gathered to shop, eat, drink and interact.

Memories will keep Lincoln Fields alive for a while, but even that will slowly disintegrate. Without images it will become that place that used to be on Carling Avenue near the western parkway.

Times change, the world changes, and we won’t be here forever, but wouldn’t it be nice to know that there was something that would live long after we are gone that would let the world know that we were here and that we mattered?

Think about that the next time you argue there is no need for anything other than a digital image. The digital world can disappear in one “click,” and there won’t even be rubble to prove that it even existed.

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Nikon, you are driving me batty!  I have made the decision to convert completely to mirrorless photography and had a plan to change over my current collection of lenses to their mirrorless counterparts. The next one I expected to see was the 70-200mm f2.8 “S” version, but Nikon had other ideas, catching me by surprise with the release this week of the 85mm f 1.8 S portrait lens. I keep telling myself that I don’t need it, that I can make do quite easily with what I have, but the allure of a new, fast lens is hard to resist.

I know I am not alone in this “gear lust” phenomena, and while the truth be told any photographer can probably create  90 per cent of the photos they attach their name to with one and possibly two lenses, each of these “extras” brings a degree of specialization that (we hope) will be enough to set us apart from all the other photographic artists in the world.

We’re good at deceiving ourselves; cognitive dissonance helps us to create the outcome we wish to realize when really it is the creative ability, not the equipment, that will ultimately make the difference. If you want to create unique images, you have to see the world in a unique way.

Yet even as I write this, that little voice is whispering in my ear (Yeah, but with the 85 mm S you could have a unique perspective…”

Thanks Nikon.

[terrytinkessphotography]

A little splash of life

August 1sthas come and gone, and we are well into the back half of 2019. So many people who visit our studio have commented on how time passes so quickly: “Where did the summer go?’ they ask, and I, of course help the situation by mentioning that the leaves have already started to turn and that it will be cold again soon enough.

It seems, to me at least, that we always seem to be lamenting that which is gone and spending time thinking about the things to come. I’ve got nothing against reminiscing (the basis of what I do is built upon it) or planning, because it is always good to be ready, but just maybe we should spend more time on the here and now. You can never step in the same river twice, so why not just splash around a bit while you’re there? Enjoy what presents itself to you. Be a participant, not a spectator. There may never be a next time.

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What a year

Time flies, they say, when you’re having fun. I don’t know about the fun part, but it seems like the days, the weeks, the months and even the years are moving faster than they should. We’re almost half way through the month of May, and yet it seems to me that we passed through the Christmas season without even stopping to say hello. 

Despite the accelerated pace, it has been a year of firsts. Last May we received our first grandchild, a little girl who promptly wrapped the world around her finger. Any day becomes a good day after a few minutes of FaceTime with she who can melt your heart, and since that is just about every day, then things overall are good!

Before twelve months had passed we were blessed with a second grandchild, this one a boy, who seems intent on catching up to his older cousin while throwing dismissive glances at me in the meantime. I look forward to the escapades that the two of them (and grandpa) will enjoy in the years to come.

On the business side there have been some pleasant surprises as well. In April, I received the Certified Professional Photographer designation from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). This was followed-up a couple weeks later with our community’s Business of the Year award, which was earned, in large part by our expansion and renovation. So, like I said, a very busy, but very good twelve months. 

There have also been 101 small changes as well, the things that you don’t even think twice about, like changing camera formats and adding new lenses. Other than the fact of working seven days a week, 360 days a year, and the existing family members,  nothing much else has remained the same, yet this would be considered by many people to be a stable, balanced life. I guess it’s true that the only constant in life is change!

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Occasionally I get to create photos

I often have people tell me that it must be great to be a photographer and spend all my time photographing interesting people, places and things. I usually smile and agree that it is a lot of fun, but the reality is that when photography is the path you’ve chosen, and you’re hoping it will pay the bills, the time you spend with a camera in your hand is actually quite limited.

We recently completed a major renovation to our studio, knocking down walls and turning our space and the business next door into one unit. I say completed, but with a 60+ year old building, you are never really finished. Sufficient to say that we now have 3,000 s.f. of space to work with and it is a much more pleasant environment than it had been. 

It was a lot of work, with my sons, my wife and myself completing the bulk of it. It started on December 30, and while it seemed to be going quickly, somehow we are now in the latter part of March, a quarter of the year gone!

Yes, this was an unusual occurrence; you don’t renovate every year, but there are the other things involved in running a photography business, things like social media (which I don’t do enough of), traditional marketing, responding to inquiries, paperwork, which never ends, banking, paying the bills, ordering supplies, researching products and trying to understand which way the industry is going, attending assorted business meetings, and trying to squeeze some family time in as well, Oh, and I teach at the local community college, which takes about 20 hours out of my week.

Fortunately, it has been a particularly cold and miserable winter in eastern Ontario, so the number of days that I would want to be outside has been kept to a minimum. This week though, it has warmed up, and the ice has begun to recede, and some of the wildlife has once again started to make its presence known. I opened my bag the other day and pulled out my Z7 and actually spent some time shooting. 

It felt very good. I need to do more of it, There are a few days remaining before I need to finish my bookkeeping and file my HST report. 

There is a saying that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life, and while I agree with that premise, I think they should add a bit on the end: except when you’re completing all the tasks that allow you to do that thing that you love.

More later, I need to go hear the sound of the shutter. 

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Embracing Change

At the end of business on January 30, 2018, we shut things down for a bit while we underwent a renovation to our shoppe and studio. When we first purchased our building, we thought it would be more room than we would ever need, but circumstances being what they were, we also had to purchase the adjacent unit or face the prospect of splitting the cost of building a new firewall, something that would have cost us a great deal of money and time. Now, almost three years later, our tenant has moved out and we are glad we added the second unit. By knocking down the non-fire rated walls we jumped from being around 1,800 s.f. to more than 3,000 s.f. and added a lot of functionality in the process. It was a lot of work, but it is almost complete, so I can get back to photography and doing the work I love.

We spent a lot of time deciding whether this was the right thing to do; we could have just rented out the empty unit and had another source of income, or we could have just sold it all, folded our tent and moved on to the next big idea. It was understood that converting two units into one would require a lot of sweat-equity, still be expensive and require diving head-long into the unknown. Would the changes we made translate into more income? It’s too soon to know for sure, but we seem to be headed in the right direction.

In the meantime, while all this was going on, I continued my plan of switching from a DSLR-based studio to one where the only cameras were Nikon Z-line mirrorless. I’m happy to say that the learning curve has been quite gentle, but it still had its share of WTF moments, almost always because of user error. I’m comfortable with the change now, and await the arrival of  some new glass in the coming months (the 500 mm f5.6 and 24-70mm f2.8 S, both of which will be discussed in future posts.)

I’m debating the choice of IPS (In person sales) software, with Pro Select and Fundy being the frontrunners, and I continue my life-long pursuit of the perfect camera bag, a quest that exemplifies the idea that it isn’t the destination, it is the journey that counts.

All of these aforementioned activities involve change, most of which were a choice, not a requirement. Change can be unsettling, and often unnerving, but it is also refreshing and it makes you constantly test and evaluate yourself. I can’t see myself ever not embracing change: it is like reaching the crest of a hill and seeing for the first time what is on the other side. A little bit scary, yes, but certainly invigorating.

More changes? Bring ‘em on!

[terrytinkessphotography]

Nikon Full-Frame Mirrorless Observations

Alright, I’ve promised to share my thoughts on the new Nikon Mirrorless camera system, so here it is, but first a few caveats.

I don’t do reviews. Many of the ones you find online (I believe) are just click bait or people in need of validation (or the occasional gas-bag who just likes hearing himself talk.) This isn’t as much a review as my observations from having used the Z7 and more recently the Z6 in the same way as I’ve used every camera I have owned. If they are helpful to you, that’s as much as I could hope for. If they aren’t, then just disregard them.

I am not a person you will ever see produce charts to display the findings of my research. Looking at charts, quite frankly, gives me a headache. Photography has always been where science and art converge, but I have unashamedly placed myself on the art side. I love taking photos, the sound of the shutter, the experience of creating something that didn’t previously exist and the joy of looking back at the images and remembering how they came to be. I have the UTMOST respect for those who spend countless hours examining the science of photography, but I don’t find my pleasure in that domain.

One other disclaimer: my observations are based upon my style of photography, and what works for me, or what is acceptable to me may or may not be acceptable to you. Before making the investment, make the effort to get your hands on a Z7 or a Z6 and decide for yourself if it seems to be something you’ll be comfortable with. There really is no such thing as a bad camera out there, but it all comes down to what you expect, what your level of tolerance is and whether you want to spend time preaching about what the perfect camera should be or you want to get out and capture memories.

All in

I decided, after a great deal of thought, that if I was to give mirrorless a fair chance, I had to go all in, and as a result have switched from a D5 and D850 combination to a Z7 and a Z6. I do believe that mirrorless is the way of the future, and nothing I heard recently at the PhotoPlus Expo in New York indicated otherwise. It is debateable, however, how quickly that will come to pass. Nikon is reportedly preparing the D6 for field testing, but they have also gone on record saying that a D5 type pro-mirrorless body is definitely something that will make an appearance as well. In the meantime, I can do everything I need to do with the two Z’s, and if something changes, I’ve still got all my F mount lenses and could switch back to the DSLR stream, but I really don’t expect to see that happen. As always, it should be the best tool for the job and if mirrorless covers most of my bases, then I’m good.

The bodies

These are extremely well-made bodies, and although lighter and smaller, they definitely exhibit the Nikon pedigree. I had no issue picking them up and starting to shoot. The menus are familiar, and while there are some differences, they were, for the most part, easily adapted to, and I find now that I have been shooting with them for a while, my comfort level is back to where I like it to be.

I don’t want to sound like Goldie Locks, but the size of the body is also “just right.” It is much less imposing than a full-size DSLR body, and I find that I am more apt to have a camera with me and ready to shoot more often. It still feels solid and the build quality is exceptional, so combined with the smaller size, it’s a nice neat package.

Nikon stressed that both the Z7 and the Z6 were weather sealed, and that has been my experience. I have shot in the rain and in wet snow without issue, which is a big plus for me. You can always find some sort of rain cover, even if it is only a zip-lock bag, but not having to use one makes things a whole lot simpler.

One thing I did notice, that I didn’t expect, was a bit of an issue with the door on the card slot. I have hit it a couple times with my thumb, causing it to come open. This could be a problem in inclement weather, but since I’ve been aware of it, I have been able to avoid the problem.

Okay, so let’s deal with what so many see as a major design flaw:  the existence of only one card slot. Would I like to have two? Sure. Is it a deal breaker? Not for me, but maybe it is for you. I frequently change cards and download the images to my iPad or laptop asap as well. I have never lost an image to a faulty card, and through my workflow I minimize the chance of that happening, at least to any great degree. I do believe it is something that Nikon will address in subsequent models, but for now, one XQD card seems to work fine. (I wouldn’t be disappointed though, if the price were to drop a bit, which it probably will over time.

Lenses

I have tested both bodies with the Nikon’s latest version of the 24-70 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8 as well as the 105 micro, 105 f1.4, and the 14-24 2.8 and found them to work flawlessly despite the need to use the FTZ adaptor. I have not noticed any focusing issues, and the lenses behaved as they did on the D850. The native 24-70 f/4 and 35 1.8 are obviously lighter, but that has been less of a consideration than I would have thought. I still chose the lens I needed for the situation whether it was an F-mount or a Z-mount.

I can’t comment on how the adaptor works with third party lenses as I haven’t used any of them. My personal belief is that you invest in a system: camera body, lenses, flashes, etc. These things are designed to work together, and for me they have now that I’m a Nikon shooter and also when I was a Canon shooter. If Sigma, Tamron, Tokina or any of the others work for you, that’s great, because obtaining results that make you happy is what it all comes down to. Many people lose sight of that. If you don’t take pleasure from the photography you do, why bother?

One problem I did encounter with the adaptor is that because of the design (the bump-out at the bottom) you can’t simply switch between the native lenses and the ones that require the adaptor if you use the spider holder carrying system. The plate that fits on the bottom of the camera juts out just enough that the adaptor cannot swivel into place. If you’re using only F-mount lenses it isn’t a problem because you can connect the adaptor and then attach the plate, or you can stick with native lenses, but you can’t do both without removing and then reattaching the plate. Spider is aware of the problem and are working on it.

Small things

It was a nice bonus that both the Z6 and Z7 take the same battery as the Nikon D850, so I didn’t need to buy a couple spares. As well, the battery life in real life turned out to be better than expected. I’ve been able to shoot well over 1,000 images easily with battery power to spare.

Things I had to adjust to

The silent shutter is very nice, and I used it at a baptism without disrupting the blessed event. It is a little disconcerting when you shoot multiple frames and don’t really notice until afterwards how many you took or what they looked like when you review the images, but again, it was a matter of adjusting to something different, not something bad.

Am I the only one that truly enjoys the sound of a high-quality mechanical shutter? I miss that sound, but it seems like a small price to pay. Still, the sound the D5 makes…

The EVF

The resolution of the electronic viewfinder (EVF) is incredible. It is like watching a very small UHD television. It is such an advantage to be able to confirm settings while looking through the EVF, you are less apt to miss a shot that you might have missed while looking at the back of the camera. Once you become familiar with the layout of the various buttons and dials it becomes simple to stay engaged with your subject and make changes on the fly.

In addition, you can just push the I button on the right rear of the camera and you can

           -set picture controls

           -image quality

           -flash mode

           -control the wi-fi connection

           -change the shutter release mode

           -change the AF-area mode

           -adjust the white balance

           -set image size

           -choose metering options

           -control active D-Lighting

           -turn vibration reduction on or off

           -select the focus mode

There are a number of different viewing modes which can be set with a button on the left side of the viewfinder. You can choose viewfinder only, monitor only, prioritize viewfinder and automatic display switch.

You can also decide where you want to review your images; in the viewfinder, on the monitor or both.

The buffer

I could see this being a problem for people who shoot birds in flight, or do sports photography, but for me it wasn’t an issue and I actually think it helped me to be more selective about when I released the shutter. With the D5 or the D850 there is always the temptation to “spray and pray,” knowing that you just had to come up with something good if you held the shutter release down long enough (provided your exposure and composition were good.) Now, I find that I shoot less because I don’t want the camera telling me I can’t shoot more, and I’m more selective about what I point my lens at.

Overall

It is a busy time of year and I haven’t gotten out as much as I would like to, but I can say that I am not any less happy with the results I have obtained with the Z7 and the Z6. The weight loss is much appreciated and having a camera ready to go more often can’t help but improve the number of opportunities I come across. There are definitely things that need to be worked on (second card slot, larger buffer, higher frame rate) but the roadmap Nikon released shows that there will be a number of improvements to come, many that may already be far along in the development process. Bottom line: both these cameras take excellent photos, and if you’re not a frustrated engineer, you should be able to enjoy using them. There will always be something new and something better, but do you want to spend your time waiting for it, or do you want to spend your time capturing really great images?

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Reflections on PhotoPlus Expo 2018

Two weeks have passed since Brenda and I travelled to New York to attend PhotoPlus Expo (PPE) 2018. PPE is the largest photographic trade show in North America, and I’ld be lying if I said I wasn’t just a bit overwhelmed with all the things there were to see and learn about. Sure, a lot of it is hype and a sales pitch loosely disguised as a sharing of ideas between people with similar interests, but so what? When you attend one of these events, you have to expect that the companies that paid big money to be there are going to try to make enough money to pay the bills, their shareholders and maybe even have a bit left over for R and D so that they can try to come close to the list of wishes  many think they should have fulfilled years ago. They can try to sell all they want, no one has a gun to your head forcing you to buy. 

Amidst all the selling, however, we discovered a lot of good people who were more genuine than we could have hoped for and they were willing to share what they liked, what they didn’t, and some of the experiences they had along the way. What's more, they also were interested in what we thought as well and what our life was like when not behind the camera. 

We were there for two of the three days that the Expo was open, and I think you really need to plan on all three to fit everything in (and more than three if you want to spend some time seeing the city.) I made it out for one early morning stroll along the High Line, the 1.5 mile-long decommissioned rail bed that has been built into one of the most interesting parks you will find anywhere. If you love watching people, this is a good place to do it, and every time you reach one of the cross streets that run perpendicular to the High Line, you get a glance into one of the many neighbourhoods that combined create the city that never sleeps. 

Despite all the sales hype, the only things I purchased were an XQD memory card and a bracket for my Spider camera holster. I did however get to meet most of my photography “heroes”, the people who I have learned the most from and who I try most to emulate, not so much in style, but in their approach to the craft and to people. Having the opportunity to talk with Tamara Lackey, Jerry Ghionis, Joe McNally, Dixie Dixon, Sue Bryce and Jay Maisel allowed me to check a whole lot of things off on my bucket list. 

It wasn’t a cheap trip when you totalled up the air fare, hotel, meals and registration fees, but I headed home feeling that it was money well spent. Sure, you can get much of the same information online without leaving your living room, but you don’t get to handle the equipment, ask the questions that didn’t  make it to You Tube or spend a lot of time with people from all around the world who are willing to actually listen to you as you drone on about how the thing you miss most about the Nikon Z7 is the sound of the shutter. You also get to see that some of the people you thought were special, really are.  

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One less set of shoulders

I find myself blessed in so many ways, not the least of which is for having developed an interest in a field, photography, where so many great men and women have blazed a path before me without restricting where I can go from here. 

We lost a great one a couple days ago with the death of noted war photographer David Douglas Duncan. Duncan passed away at the age of 102 in Grasse, France, reportedly from complications from pneumonia. 

Duncan served with the US Marine Corps during World War II and became a combat photographer. His experience guided him into photographing further conflicts such as the Korean War and Vietnam, focusing on the people on the front lines. In an inhumane environment, he captured humanity at its best, and at its worst. He tried to capture a sense of what those on the front lines were experiencing when nothing in their future was guaranteed. 

Duncan also became a close friend of Pablo Picasso chronicling the painter’s career and was the only photographer allowed to photograph many of Picasso’s private works. 

In 2017 Duncan was featured in a short video commissioned by Nikon as part of their 100th anniversary celebration, (https://youtu.be/UUvHAa1M7D4) and it was through this video that I first became fully aware of Duncan’s work and his efforts in promoting Nippon Kogaku (Nikon) in their development and growth in post-war Japan. The feature, which was created primarily with photos and video by Joe McNally and video by Drew Gurian reinforces McNally’s belief that those who practice photography today, have the photographers who came before them to thank for much that they are able to achieve. That we all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us is a philosophy that I strive to reinforce with my students. 

Today, we have one less pair of shoulders to support us, but maybe those who learned and were inspired by people like David Douglas Duncan absorbed enough to continue to support all of those who rely on them for guidance and inspiration. 

Rest in peace David, and thank you for everything you shared with us.

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Investing in yourself

I don’t care what the task at hand is, there are as many ways of accomplishing it as there are people trying to do so. It doesn’t matter whether you are doing maintenance around the house, travelling across the country, cooking a meal for a large group of people, or taking a photo, there is no one “right” way.

It makes me shake my head when reading any of the more  popular photography discussion boards, to see the response from the masses when the contributor says they are going to add a nice shiny new piece of gear to their arsenal. Usually the first few will say congratulations, followed shortly by those who ask whether the contributor has considered the options, and finally the group who proclaim the superiority of the various knock-offs. All these groups provide useful information, but it is the  anger that the knock-off fans spout that amazes me. it’s not like the guy (or girl) is asking you to help pay the bill. They haven’t started a go fund me page, they’ve just stated what their plan is, and they are looking for constructive feedback. 

We all work in different ways, have different needs and place different demands on our equipment. If yours works for you, that’s great, and I respect that you’ve made a decision and are happy with it. If I want something different for me, that doesn’t mean that you’re wrong, just that I have decided that something different is right for me. That’s why our studio just added a set of ProFoto B1x lights and an air controller to our equipment list. 

They weren’t cheap; the whole setup cost round-about $8,000, but this is a long-term commitment. I didn’t invest in ProFoto, I invested in me. 

I did research, lots of research, and considered all the usual suspects: ProFoto, Elinchrome, Broncolor and Godox. My requirements were pretty straight-forward: minimum 500 watt/seconds,consistent colour temperature, battery powered and able to be controlled remotely. Having the battery and the flash as a single unit would be a bonus. When all was said and done, I felt that ProFoto made the most sense for me, and after trying them out for a day and a bit, I think I made the right decision, a decision that in no way effects what anyone else does. 

Good equipment doesn’t necessarily translate into a good photographer anymore than good tools ensure craftsman-quality work in any field. What it can do is present otherwise unavailable opportunities. What you do with them rests completely with you. 

[terrytinkessphotography]

Joe and Me

I’m a big fan of Joe McNally and his photography. He, along with Jay Maisel are perhaps the two people who have influenced my photographic career the most. I identify with Joe more, perhaps because we are of similar age and seem to have so much in common. For example:

Joe:  Went to Journalism school (Syracuse University) intent on becoming a sports writer. After taking a class in photojournalism, he decided that his career involved having a camera in his hands.

Me: Went to Journalism school (Carleton University) intent on becoming a sports writer. After taking a class in photojournalism, I decided that I really enjoyed having a camera in my hands.

Joe: Loves the sound of the shutter.

Me: I love the sound of the shutter.

Joe: Admits he is a bit of a dreamer.

Me: I can take a trip without leaving the farm and frequently do. 

Joe: The son of a small Irish lady who could instill fear in the hearts of anyone she chose to.

Me: The son of a small Irish lady who did instill fear in the hearts of everyone she met.

Joe: As a child he moved frequently due to his father’s employment. 

Me: As a child I moved frequently due to my father’s employment. 

Joe: Commonly makes pop culture references to the 70′s, 80′s and 90′s.

Me: Commonly makes pop culture references to the 70′s, 80′s and 90′s.

Joe: Loves to find a way to make things work.

Me: Love to find a way to make things work.

Joe: Often makes self-depracating comments (because he’s humble.)

Me: Often makes self-deprecating comments (because they’re true.)

Joe: Says that If nothing else, he is tenacious. 

Me: Been called tenacious many times (Terribly Tenacious Terry Tinkess).

Joe: Says he is a generalist because he’s not good enough at any one thing to specialize at it.

Me: Says I am a generalist because I’m definitely not good enough at any one thing. 

Joe: Loves to teach and share what he knows.

Me: Loves to teach and share what I know, such as it is.

Here is where it starts to fall apart a bit:

Joe: Nikon shooter for over 35 years.

Me: Nikon shooter for over 435 days (Canon convert; should have done it sooner).

Joe: Once had the cover of National Geographic and Life on the newsstands at the same time.

Me: Once read both the cover of National Geographic and Life while standing at a newsstand. 

Joe: Has an interest in climbing tall buildings.

Me: I have no interest in climbing tall buildings but will take the elevator to the top if there’s no glass floor. 

Seriously though, I don’t for one minute think I am anywhere near the photographer Joe McNally is, but I’m working to head in that direction, normal human life span probably being an issue though.

My point is that regardless of where you are in your photographic journey, you will find people you learn from and people who you would like to compare yourself against, as a way of seeing how your work measures up. I think you learn something from every person you come into contact with during your life, so why shouldn’t you look towards those people you feel a connection to? 

The funny thing is, Joe McNally himself does not think he should be compared to the people he learned from, believing that each subsequent generation stands on the shoulders of those who came before. In my mind, that is exactly how it should be, and I consider myself honoured to have had the opportunity to cross paths with so many people so willing to share. I feel strongly the obligation to continue the practice. 

[terrytinkessphotography]

Pro or Part-Time?

If you are a photographer, you know that you have chosen to participate in a very competitive marketplace. Not only do you have other well-trained and highly experience photographers to compete against, there is also a seemingly endless group of people with cameras who sell their services not to make a living, but as a hobby, or a way to make a little extra cash or just because they enjoy it. There is an old saying that asks why would you buy the cow, if you can get the milk for free? While I don’t liken myself (or anyone else for that matter) to a member of the various species commonly known as livestock, I can’t help but see how that comparison applies very much to the life of a working, professional photographer in 2018.

It’s not a new comparison; for as long as there have been consumer cameras, there have been those who could see no reason to pay a professional photographer for what uncle Bob/ aunt Martha or various sons, daughters, nieces or nephews could do “just as well” for cheap or free. It was, however, the explosion of the digital age that pushed the situation from being a simple annoyance to more of a fight for survival. It is a constant struggle to explain to potential clients why you provide a quote of $3,000 for their wedding photos when someone else offered to do it for $500 and give them everything on a memory stick to do with as they please. It’s a lot of work, and it can be frustrating, but it goes with the territory. “I’m better because I say so,” just won’t cut it. Break down the numbers and the difference is clear to see. 

Your work has greater value because...

It’s a concept that may seem foreign in a world of built-in obsolescence, but the carefully-crafted work of a professional photographer will stand the test of time. Archival inks on archival quality canvas or photo paper can easily last 100 years. The images you capture can become a family treasure, handed down from one generation to another. Can the photographer who just hands over a memory stick of images say the same? Will the client who took the lowest-bid approach to their wedding photography take the same approach when choosing where to have them printed?

You have better training, more experience and support

You take pride in what you do, and you should because you’ve put an awful lot of work into it. Think of the hours spent in the classroom or studio, the hours spent watching video explaining how to use a specific technique in order to provide your client with an image that is like nothing they have ever seen before. Think about all the seminars, workshops, and conferences, not to mention the training you access as a member of a professional association. Combine that with the experience you have gained along the way as well as the mutual support provided by the people you share a common goal with. Does the hobbyist/part-tiime photographer have anything that compares to that?

The equipment to do the job

It’s true that it is the person holding the camera that makes the difference, but there is no disputing that having the  right equipment for the job does lead to a better result. While the part-timer is still working with an entry level camera and a kit lens, you have invested in camera bodies that are weather sealed, can shoot upwards of nine frames per second and provide the ability to shoot in low-light situations and capture extremely large RAW files with exceptional dynamic range. You also have access to lighting equipment that can turn night into day and possibly even battle the sun into submission (at least for a few minutes.) You can put the light where you want it, not just accept that it is what it is. Does the part-timer only shoot existing light photos because they choose to, or because they don’t have the ability the equipment to do otherwise?

Are part-time photographers ‘bad” ?

Absolutely not, in my mind anyone with a love of photography is headed in the right direction, and many are quite talented, I just wish they would value what they do a bit more, and try to improve while understanding the limits they face in terms of skill, ability and equipment. If they want to improve, then they should be willing to seek (and we should be willing to offer) an opportunity to work with a professional photographer as an assistant or second shooter.You need that support to learn and to grow as a photographer. A great deal of what we do goes far beyond the camera. A willingness to work together would benefit the professional, the part-timer and the consumer, and make the job of educating the public a whole, lot easier. 

[terrytinkessphotography]

Oct.-Dec. 2017 Class Schedule

Sorry for the delay in getting this out. We’ve been very. busy lately, but am looking forward to sharing some knowledge and information on the field of photography. #terrytinkessphotography

October-December 2017 Photography Class Schedule

Saturday, Oct. 28                   9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.             Photo equipment & travel

Monday, Oct. 30                    6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.              Halloween photography

Saturday Nov. 4                     11:00 a.m.-1:00 pm.             Sunrise Photography (All about the light PT II)

Tuesday, Nov. 7                     6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.              Photography on a budget                                                                                        

Thursday, Nov. 9                   6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.              Camera Boot Camp

Saturday, Nov. 11                  8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.             Along the waterfront                                                                        

Tuesday, Nov. 14                   6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.                Christmas photo books                                                                                          

Thursday, Nov. 16                 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.              Photography on a budget                                                                            

Saturday, Nov. 18                  6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.              Camera Boot Camp

Tuesday, Nov. 21                   6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.              Intro to photo editing                                                          

Thursday, Nov. 23                 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.              Camera Boot Camp

Saturday, Nov. 25                  9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.             Photography on a budget                                                                                        

Tuesday, Nov. 28                   6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.              Christmas photo books                                                                    

Thursday, Nov. 30                 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.              Camera Boot Camp

Saturday, Dec. 2                    6:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.               Sunrise photography (PT II)

Tuesday, Dec. 5                     6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.               Gifts for your photographer

Saturday Dec. 9                     4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.               Sunset Photography (PT IV)

Tuesday, Dec. 12                   6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.               Photography on a budget

Saturday, Dec. 16                  10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.          Christmas morning photos

Tuesday, Dec. 19                   6:00 p.m-8:00 p.m.               Christmas decoration photos

Thursday, Dec. 21                 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.               Photography on a budget

 ______________________________________________________________________

 Descriptions of some of our courses:

Camera Boot Camp: This course is designed for both new photographers and those who simply have new equipment. We will work our way through all the buttons and menus on your camera so you will have a better idea of just what it can do for you.

Photography on a Budget:  Photography can be an expensive hobby, but there is almost always an inexpensive way to get a professional result. We will explore ways of doing this.

Posing and Portraits:  When you are the one taking the photos, you have a responsibility to try and make your subject look as good as possible. There are a few simple techniques that can make anyone look better.

Photo Editing Options:  There are many different options out there to help us make our photos look better often than we could have imagined possible. We will look at some of the choices and discuss what you need to consider to make the choice that works best for you.

Macrophotography: Macrophotography is something that you can do at virtually any age. It involves taking photos of small things or zooming in to look at small portions of larger objects. You can travel great distances to practice this skill, or you can stay in your own backyard or even inside if you choose. In this class we will look at some of the equipment you can use, some that you can create yourself and some of the things you can do to get the results you will be happy with.

A walk in the woods/Along the waterfront: We live in a beautiful part of the country and I think you might be amazed what animals are watching you from the shadows.  Each session we’ll take a walk through a local area and see what images we can capture. You never know what you’ll come across, and each time you’re almost guaranteed that you’ll see something you didn’t notice before.

Pet Photography:  People care about their pets (it seems, sometimes) even more than they care for themselves. Our pets can be a source of inspiration, joy and humour, and they can also be some of the best models you will ever come across (and they work cheap!) In this session we will look at some of the ways that you can capture images of your best friends that will be a source of happiness for many years to come.

It’s all about the light: a five-part program

Photography is all about capturing light, the golden light of sunrise, the blue hour, just after the sun has dropped below the horizon, the light of the moon and the stars and even the incredibly harsh light of the noonday sun. Light is what drives photography, but it also drives photographers to distraction, which is why we spend so much time discussing it. If you can learn to control the light, then everything else will become easier. No other one area will improve your photography as much as your understanding of light.

It’s all about the light will be a multi-segmented class and you are welcome to participate in any or all of them in whatever order you prefer.

Part One: Using the light you’ve got:  This session will be held in the studio. We’ll discuss the availability and use of natural light, how to make it even more so, and how to move it to where you need it. We will also look at some of the different lighting options available.

Part two: Why photographers choose to get up before the sun:  You knew it was going to happen! In this class, we will meet at the studio and then go out to meet the day and hopefully capture the sun as it rises above the horizon. Remember, it is usually cool at this time of day, and insects are just another fact of life. After we’ve had a chance to fill a memory card or two, we’ll go back to the studio for coffee and share our thoughts and photos.

Part three: The harsh light of the midday sun:  It seems to be a waste to have the largest part of the day be unsuitable for photography, but really, all it takes is more creativity on your part. I’ll show you how to deal with unflattering light

Part four: Sunset glow, and the Blue hour:  This will be a two-in-one session, as we will not only capture the sun falling below the horizon, but we’ll also get to experience the blue hour that occurs just afterwards.

Part five: Twinkle, Twinkle little star: If we can manage a clear night we’ll try to go out and capture the night sky. If it doesn’t, we’ll still have lots to talk about so that when things do clear up, you’ll be able to find a really dark spot and explore the heavens.

Is there something special you would like to learn about? Is there a photographer or style of photography that you find particularly interesting? Let us know and we may be able create a course to suit you, or plan an evening when we can examine the work of your favourite photographer and discuss the methods they use to create such great work.

Please note: while we are always ready to welcome an extra person to most classes, you need to notify us by at least the day before that you are planning to attend so that we can confirm that the class will be running as scheduled. Payment can be made prior to the start of the class, but when you arrive at our studio.

Terry Tinkess

Terry Tinkess Photography

19 Thorold Lane

Ingleside, ON K0C 1M0

613 537 8962

[email protected]

www.terrytinkessphotography.com

[terrytinkessphotography]

August-September photography class schedule

Thursday, August 17             7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.               Camera Boot Camp                                        

Saturday, August 19              5:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m.               Capturing the sunrise                                                                                              

Tuesday, August 22               7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.               Photo editing options

Thursday, August 24             7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.               Photography on a budget                            

Sunday, August 27                8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.             Along the waterfront                                                                                    

Tuesday, August 29               7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.               Available Light Photos                                  

Thursday, August 31             7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.               M, P, A, and T: what  

                                                                                             do they mean?

Thursday Sept 7                   7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.               Build an equipment 

                                                                                            plan        

Sunday Sept 10                     7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.               Macrophotography

 Monday, Sept 11                   7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.               capturing the sunset  

                                                                                             and the blue hour

Thursday, Sept 14                7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.               Camera Boot Camp

 Sunday, Sept 17                    11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.             How to use the 

                                                                                             midday sun                  

Sunday, Sept 24                    9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.             Camera Boot Camp

Tuesday, Sept 26                  7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.               Forensic Photography          

Thursday, Sept 28                 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.               Street Photography

_______________________________________________________________________

Course descriptions:

Camera Boot Camp: This course is designed for both new photographers and those who simply have new equipment. We will work our way through all the buttons and menus on your camera so you will have a better idea of just what it can do for you.

M, P, A and T: what do they mean?  You’ve become comfortable with your camera and what it can do for you using the automatic mode, but now you’d like to move on and learn what the M (manual), P (programed exposure), A (aperture priority) and T (shutter priority) modes can do for you. In this class we’ll talk about which mode is the best for different situations and what you can expect when you take control of the camera.

Photography on a Budget:  Photography can be an expensive hobby, but there is almost always an inexpensive way to get a professional result. We will explore ways of doing this.

Building an equipment plan: So many people are drawn to photography, only to leave disappointed after spending lots of money on new equipment only to find that it didn’t make their photos any better. GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) is a very real thing and one of the easiest (and most expensive) ways to set yourself up for failure. In this class, we’ll look at what you really need versus what you really want, how to stretch the abilities of your equipment (and yourself) and how to develop a plan that will allow you to add/change equipment in an organized and economical way.

Photo Editing Options:  There are many different options out there to help us make our photos look better often than we could have imagined possible. We will look at some of the choices and discuss what you need to consider to make the choice that works best for you.

Macrophotography: Macrophotography is something that you can do at virtually any age. It involves taking photos of small things or zooming in to look at small portions of larger objects. You can travel great distances to practice this skill, or you can stay in your own backyard or even inside if you choose. In this class we will look at some of the equipment you can use, some that you can create yourself and some of the things you can do to get the results you will be happy with.

A walk in the woods/Along the waterfront: We live in a beautiful part of the country and I think you might be amazed what animals are watching you from the shadows.  Each session we’ll take a walk through a local area and see what images we can capture. You never know what you’ll come across, and each time you’re almost guaranteed that you’ll see something you didn’t notice before.

It’s all about the light: a five-part program

Photography is all about capturing light, the golden light of sunrise, the blue hour, just after the sun has dropped below the horizon, the light of the moon and the stars and even the incredibly harsh light of the noonday sun. Light is what drives photography, but it also drives photographers to distraction, which is why we spend so much time discussing it. If you can learn to control the light, then everything else will become easier. No other one area will improve your photography as much as your understanding of light.

It’s all about the light will be a multi-segmented class and you are welcome to participate in any or all of them in whatever order you prefer.

Part One: Available light photography:  This session will be held in the studio. We’ll discuss the availability and use of natural light, how to make it even more so, and how to move it to where you need it. We will also look at some of the different lighting options available.

Part two: Capturing the sunrise: You knew it was going to happen! In this class, we will meet at the studio and then go out to meet the day and hopefully capture the sun as it rises above the horizon. Remember, it is usually cool at this time of day, and insects are just another fact of life. After we’ve had a chance to fill a memory card or two, we’ll go back to the studio for coffee and share our thoughts and photos.

Part three: How to use the noon-day sun:  It seems to be a waste to have the largest part of the day be unsuitable for photography, but really, all it takes is more creativity on your part. I’ll show you how to deal with unflattering light

Part four: Sunset and the Blue hour:  This will be a two-in-one session, as we will not only capture the sun falling below the horizon, but we’ll also get to experience the blue hour that occurs just afterwards.

Part five: Night sky photography: If we can manage a clear night we’ll try to go out and capture the night sky. If it doesn’t, we’ll still have lots to talk about so that when things do clear up, you’ll be able to find a really dark spot and explore the heavens.

Forensic Photography: No, this isn’t CIS Ingleside, but there are times when you can use photography to prove something. Maybe it is to collect evidence when you were involved in an accident, or maybe those shingles with the 25-year guarantee have started to curl and fall off in only three years time. These are only a couple of the many situations we will discuss as you learn the difference between a photo as evidence and a photo as entertainment.

Street Photography:  For many people, the most difficult type of photography involves taking pictures of people they don’t know. It is a good skill to acquire, however, as there are stories all around us if you’re ready, willing and able to capture them. In this class we will discuss the genre of street photography and look at some ways to make it less painful both for the photographer and for the subject. 

 _____________________________________________________________________

Is there something special you would like to learn about? Is there a photographer or style of photography that you find particularly interesting? Let us know and we may be able create a course to suit you, or plan an evening when we can examine the work of your favourite photographer and discuss the methods they use to create such great work.

We can also try to schedule any of our classes on a different date/time that better suits you. Let us know what works and we’ll try to make it work.

 Please note: while we are always ready to welcome an extra person to most classes, you need to notify us by at least the day before that you are planning to attend so that we can confirm that the class will be running as scheduled. Payment can be made prior to the start of the class, or when you arrive at our studio.

 Terry Tinkess                                                            Terry Tinkess Photography

19 Thorold Lane                                                            Ingleside, ON K0C 1M0

613 537 8962

[email protected]                      www.terrytinkessphotography.com

[terrytinkessphotography]

Your wedding your way

I received a request the other day for information on how much it would cost for me to photograph a wedding, and as I always do, I answered, “it depends...” and went on to explain that there were a lot of things to consider and perhaps the bride and her fiancé could stop by and we could talk about it. 

The caller told me she had just called XYZ Photography and they gave her a price right away, and that was what she wanted me to do as well. I politely told her that I would need some more information, but she declined and the conversation ended. 

I pondered for a moment about whether my method of dealing with prospective clients was the right one, since she was not the first one to ask for a one size fits all package price and be irritated when I wouldn’t provide one. I hate missed opportunities, but I don’t think I’m wrong and here’s why.

Most people who are looking at getting married plan on doing it once (or at least just once more.) It is one of the most important days in your life, so why would you want to allow someone, usually a stranger, to choose what you’re going to get in terms of photography? That is what you get when you choose a “package” with your only concern being price. I’m going to give you this and you will pay me this much.

Now I know money matters, but there are probably things that you care strongly about, and other things you could care less about. Maybe the thought of formal photos makes you ill, but you would like a series of behind the scenes photos that truly capture the mood of the day. Maybe you want that one, perfect formal photo, nicely framed for each of the parents and grandparents, but a photobook with a collection of images from the day for yourself (and lower res photos for Facebook, of course.) 

The point is, a photographer who takes the time to talk with you and get to know what matters to you is better prepared to offer you what you want, and while you may not be able to get everything you want for the price you want to pay, you will at least have the chance to focus on the things that matter to you, With that in mind, it only makes sense to take the small amount of time it takes to sit down with a professional photographer so that you get your pictures on your day, your way.