More reasons why Hasselblad H4D-40

The previous post about the Hasselblad H4D-40 has officially become the most read thread on this blog ever!  There has been so much interests in it from both clients as well as photographers about this new tool that we are using.

One other thing that the Hasselblad can do very well over the 35mm DSLR is the optics that are made for it – sharpness and contrast aside, they have excellent flare control and here’s an example of what exactly I’m talking about.

 The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L mk II probably has the best flare control in my canon range of lenses.  Lens hood were mounted on the respective lenses to minimise flare and both filters were spotlessly clean when we shot these.  Note that both the camera angle and light position were kept constant (mounted on tripod).  Camera setting are identical, ISO 400, 1/20s shutter speed, f/8 for this test.

Hasslelblad H4D-40 with 35-90mm aspherical

 

Canon 1Ds mark III with 16-35mm mk II

 

I’m sure the results speaks for itself.  The Canon suffers from contrast loss as a result of the flare, whereas the Hasselblad truly shine in this area.  That’s another 1 more point for the Hasselblad!

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The Eagle has Landed! New albums arriveth! (FINALLY)

Man, when the UPS guy knocked the door and delivered the parcel, I’m like a kid in a candy store.

I’m very pleased to introduce the latest albums that have arrived from the States.  These books are of quality and dripping of luxury, y0u just got to see them for youself! 🙂

Latest flushmount album with the presentation case

Book unveiled

Quality & Luxury

Old 30-page flush mount (Left) and New 40-page flush mount (Right)

Latest photo/Art book

Book opens up flat, plus no more worries about the centre fold!

The binding is just awesome

Flat! I'm happy! Cheers!

And some lucky couple will get to be the first to view the sample albums! I’m so excited! 🙂

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Tools of the Trade – inside the Wedding Photographer’s bag (part 1)

“So what camera / lens do you use?”  This is probably one question that haunts me throughout my career as a professional wedding photographer, and they either come from friends, other photographers, or even my clients (occasionally).

Yes, equipment discussion is not really my cup of tea, but some of you might find this post interesting to read, maybe.  First, let me qualify myself. 

1.  This is purely for info sake.  I’m not sponsored by any photographic related companies nor paid by anyone for writing this. 

2. One should use equipment according to his /her photography style – there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all-uber-setup. 

3. These equipment that I’m reviewing are based on what I’ve used and what has worked for me.  To put it simply, this setup compliments my style of photography. 

4. Good photography is not about how well-equipped you are, it’s about how well you use your equipment. 

5. When in doubt, please refer to point #1 🙂 

Ok, here’s a snap shot of my bag just before I packed the contents into my dry box. 

Equipment

What's in my bag

A. Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L Image StabliserB. Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L Mk 2

C. Canon EF 85mm f1.2L Mk2

D. Canon EF 35mm f1.4L

E. Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L

F. Canon EOS 1Ds mk 3

G. Canon EOS 5D

H. My trusty 8-year old Swiss-made blower

I. Gary Fong’s flash diffuser.  Some call it Fongdom, most of my clients call it the tupperware 😀

A. Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L

One of my first Canon ‘L’ series lenses that I bought back in 2002.  Use this mainly for outdoor portraits and / or in situation where I want to compress the scene.  I don’t use this alot indoors because f2.8 is just not fast enough for me. Personally, I find this lens very useful on a dull day, especially when we want to isolate the subject from the background. For example, the photo I shot in Bath, UK

Canon 70-200mm f2.8L IS 

or use to compress the scene, as in this example that I shot in Marina Barage, Singapore.

 Equipment - Lenses

or for a reasonable amount of bokeh or background blur…

Equipment

to be continued…

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Overseas shoot in Munch

Will be in Munich for a shoot from 20 to 27 April, if there’s another one else who would like to have a session in Berlin, Dresden or Munich, do drop me an email stephen@lyricalmoments.net Let me know if anyone’s interested to assist the shoot there, preferably those who’s not afraid to drive around Europe 😉

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