I'm not going to get in the debate of whether or not we should even HAVE a daylight savings time. Frankly, I can't remember if the begins daylight savings, or if it ends this weekend. I think it's one of those backwards things... heck I'm still worried about Hurricane Season. Just wanted to give a friendly reminder to those who woke up an hour "early" this morning...
Self Portrait: Messing around with new toys.
Well not exactly new, I have had a Sony NEX 6 for a while now. I am and have been seriously contemplating moving to a mirrorless camera setup because of all the new opportunities of portability that they bring. Think of the Rangefinder cameras of the 60s and 70s, even to the point, that in some White Houses, that was the only thing that you could use because of the noise. I think these new cameras give greater access with quality that is now surpassing film in many ways.
A few days ago though, I saw a function that said Smart Remote, and I thought, "huh." Well turns out it was a function via the PlayMemories function that allowed me to use the remote setting on my camera, and even focus from the iPad (or smartphone). I used two Rotolights, one for main/hair and the other for fill. I am very impressed with the results. If you have any questions about the setup, feel free to comment.
LD
Self portrait using a Sony NEX6, iPad Mini, 2 Rotolights and a microfiber backdrop.
Model Monday: Are you missing a Passport to opportunity?
Even though it was 20 years ago, I remember my 9th grade World Geography teacher so vividly. His name was Joe Peters, originally from Clewiston, FL; "where you could sit and watch the sugar cane grow," as he would say. Mr. Peters was probably the main reason that influenced my choice to go into the Navy when I chose to go into the military 5 years later. I could remember him speaking of how the Navy allowed him to see the world, and when he looked where most of the bases were located, they were all in warm weather areas. While I was in the Navy, I got to see places like Singapore, Dubai, Canada, South America, and other places. It was great to see other cultures. But because I was on a ship, I never needed a passport do go to any of those places.
I remember growing up where, in most cases, all you needed was a driver's license to go to places like the Bahamas, Antigua, and even Mexico. But the world has changed since then. In the past two years, I personally have needed my passport more times than in the past 10 years. Why? Because of opportunities!
The reason why I speak on this today is because lately I have been casting for a photo shoot I am doing later this year outside of the U.S. In the casting process, I have come across, not only models, but also photographers who don't have passports. I've even had a close friend of mine who is a model, who almost refuses to get one. In this ever competitive environment, it is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.
If you are a model or photographer that is serious about being in this business long term, a less than $150 investment could bring you not only thousands of dollars, but a gateway to shoot at locations like nowhere else. Currently it takes about 3-4 weeks to get a passport back. The process is very simple, and you can go to almost any post office to get an application and more information.
Or you can check online here: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Time's are a changing, and so is technology.
Yes, the time is changing and with it is technology. Then again, new technology ALWAYS changes things. Recently the cell phone Nokia took its new Lumia 1020 Smartphone along with some of the best lighting equipment in the world, built by Profoto, into a studio and got some great results. I think you will be amazed.
While I don't think we are quite yet conditioned to having weddings, fashion shoots, and concerts shot with cell phones, I think what it does add is another dimension to production. Especially when it comes to behind the scenes images and quality.
The tech and quality that is put into phones like the Nokia, with Zeiss lenses, faster processors, low light capability express even more, now than ever, how much the skill and ability of the photographer really does matter and not just the tool that he or she is using. Like I told someone the other day, "Take a chef and put him in my kitchen, and he will still make me an awesome omelet. Take that same chef and put him in his kitchen, and he is making EVERYONE a great omelet."
Hope you enjoy the video.
LD
Fashion Photography with the Nokia Lumia 1020 Smartphone.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og2f5VL-WyQ&w=420&h=315]
What would you like to know?
So many times we artists start projects only to put it on the back burner. I can't tell you how many times I end up juggling a few chainsaws, axes, and a chihuahua or two, all at the same time. As much as I love sharing my photography or interesting photography stories on the blog, I am going to be expanding the blog more and more to cover what I do. I will try to not be political or anything like that, but I understand not everyone needs to know how to do a 3/4 pose on three toes. One things that I do a lot of is traveling and eating out. I will be changing the blog address in the future to better reflect that. So when you want to know where to get the best Sushi in Dubai, or the best German Food in Aruba, then you can rest assured that will be here. Hope you like
So follow me on my travels.
Leighton
America's Next Top Model Curvy Winner, Whitney Thompson Stars in The Ad Campaign For Panache Lingerie
You don't have to be skinny to be beautiful!
Behind the Scenes with LeightonD and Nicole Stoddart
Behind the scenes of a fabulous end of summer shoot with Leighton DaCosta, International Fashion and Wedding Photographer (@LeightonD). Assisted by Jacksonville photographers Nicolas Fletcher (@Driven_24) and James Burney (@JaakabPhoto) and styled by fashion consultant Beth Sullivan (http://www.seibellaimageconsulting.com). Nicole's hair is done by Keshia Melendez of Dimensions Hair Studio (@freshoil2011) and Makeup by Timothy Cabell (@theArtist219)