THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKFLOW

I'm like most photographers out there. We tend to think more about just shooting, and getting the images and less about the the process to getting to the final finished photograph. And even less about the safety of our files along the way. Let's face it, we just expect our expensive equipment to work properly.
Most of the times (thankfully) it does, however like anything mechanical and mad-made, it's never a matter of 'if' but rather 'when' something will fail.

Well know photographer Chase Jarvis, recently posted a well constructed and thorough video detailing the workflow of his shoots, from the moment the image is capture in-camera to the final processed and delivered images to the client. I know this has probably been re-blogged a couple hundred times, but for those who haven't seen it, it's very interesting and worth a watch.



now for the average photographer, what Chase has there is obviously a bit of overkill and out of reach from a cost perspective. (I know memory is cheap, but I can't imaging how much his server set-up and all those HD's add up too)

The point here is that the security and back-up of your RAW data is extremely important. I am guilty myself of trusting that my computer will just work the next day, and that my images are pretty safe on my HD until I get around to doing a back-up copy. And luckily, I haven't had an issue yet where I have lost files. (touch wood)
The reality is, your workflow NEEDs to be carefully thought out. And you need to make sure you back-up your RAW data in at least 2 places or you are at risk of losing those images forever.

I know I'm going to be taking a closer look at my own workflow/backup procedure and evaluating if I'm taking the proper precautions with my data.

Here's some thoughts and suggestions on ways to make sure you images stay safe

• Use Smaller Memory Cards - in a day when cards are relatively cheap and offer up large amounts of storage.. it's much safer to use multiple smaller sized cards when doing a shoot, instead of one big card. At least if something happens, you still have some images safe on another card.

• Buy trusted brand name memory cards and back-up HDs - as tempting as it is to get those ebay knock-off specials, it's simply not worth the risk. Spend a bit more money for some peace of mind.

• Make it a habit of backing up your images as soon as your download them from the camera. Try to make sure it's on a separate HD or even to a DVD if possible. Store them somewhere safe.

• Keep a back-up copy off-site - This may not be possible for everyone, but keep another copy of everything on a seperate HD at a friends house, a safety deposit box, or even just in your car. In the horrible case of a fire or theft, you will have copies that are safe.

• Think before you shoot - the digital age has programmed us to think the number of photos we take doesn't matter, but let's face it. How many out of focus or badly composed images are sitting on your HD, that you will most likely never open again taking up valuable HD space? Sometimes we can avoid this right at the beginning, before we even hit the shutter. Don't miss the moment, but try to edit what you shoot before you shoot it.

• Find a naming and filing method that works for you. Being organized with your files is the best way to make backing up easier and automatic. Plus finding a particular fie later on will be much easier. Use tags, dates, and file names that make sense to you.

These are just a few suggestions that I have. If anyone has any to add, please feel free to post them in the comments!

OK Go - End Love - Official Video

OK GO never ceases to come up with super cool and original videos.
this one involves some creative use of slow-motion video and stop-motion
which always makes for a fun time!

hopefully this video will cheer up your Monday, as it did for me!

Vintage Camera love.

(production: November 1975 to March 1978)

A co-worker was kind enough to give me this camera to add to my collection.
it's a bit dirty, and the battery for the light meter needs replacing, but the shutter appears to be in good shape, and it fires nicely.
This thing is built like a tank and feels like it could stop a bullet. They don't make em like they used to, that's for sure!

I have quite a few film cameras now, and although I always mean to being them out and actually run some film through them.. I haven't had much success or actual time. Not to mention the expense of buying the film and processing as I do not yet have that darkroom in the basement I have always dreamed of having. *sigh*

I learned photography on a film slr camera back in college (yes I am that old), so there will always be a soft spot in my heart for film sprockets, red lights, chemicals, enlargers and of course real photo paper. As a child of the late 80's early 90's part of me will forever be pro-analogue.

I will try to post up a few more shots of this beauty, and hopefully (no promises) some actual shots taken with it and it's 50mm f1.8 pentacon lens.

I'll try to feature a few more from my collection as well on here if anyone is interested.

in the meantime, if you want to find out more on this camera look here
http://www.praktica-collector.de/189_Praktica_LTL3.htm

INSPIRATION: LIGHTING

these two videos show some great examples of the effectiveness of creative lighting, be it for still photography or in this case video.

very fitting the band is called 'Francis and the Lights'

love the minimalist approach here

The Top (Music Video) from Francis and the Lights on Vimeo.

Music Video - "Darling, It's Alright" - Francis and the Lights from Francis and the Lights on Vimeo.

WELCOME TO THE LIGHT SENSOR

I must be crazy. I already feel like time is a precious commodity of which I can never seem to find enough of. Yet, here I am starting a blog in addition to my other blog my portfolio site not to mention my facebook, flickr and twitter accounts. yikes. I thought all this technology was supposed to make our lives easier!

Despite all those and many more distractions and responsibilities life brings me, I still felt I needed a place to blog about my passion: photography. And not MY photography specifically, but photography as a whole.

So this blog will be a place I put anything I stumble across that is photography related. Digital, film or video. And anything that helps inspire, evoke reactions, and educate other photographers along the way. That is my hope anyways.

So I hope you follow, and I promise to try and deliver.

thanks for checking it out so far!!

- Brian, the light sensor