ART & SOUL gets the Inside Edge

by Brian Smith on March 14, 2012

in Books

BIG SHOUTOUT of thanks to Inside Edge Magazine for including ART & SOUL among the books authored by my fellow Sony Artisans Andy Katz, Me Ra Koh and Nigel Barker. SWEET!

Here’s Inside Edge had to say:

“256 pages of exceptionally beautiful portraits, Art & Soul was developed by Brian Smith and The Creative Coalition with Sony support to raise funds for arts education. Each of the 123 celebrity portraits—including prominent actors, producers, directors, dancers and singers — is coupled with personal stories conveying the critical role of the arts in their life. The portraits are captured against a simple black backdrop so the essence of the subject dominates the photograph. Suggest Art & Soul to portrait photographers and students looking to capture captivating images with simple lighting and a sharp eye.”

Inside Edge review of books by Sony Artisans of Imagery

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My reDefining Moment

by Brian Smith on March 2, 2012

in Interviews

How could shooting portraits of Burlesque Legends lead to celebrity portrait photography? This interview with Tamara Lackey of the reDefine Show takes you through the journey.

Along the way, we talk about the Art & Soul book and drop of few Secrets of Great Portrait Photography. Big props to Tamara, Kate Burgauer and Sarah Coppola of reDefine for this fab interview!

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Our shoot of James Patterson is out in the March 2012 issue of the Harvard Business Review. I always love shooting portraits of authors, we spent a very nice hour with the best-selling author at his fab Palm Beach mansion – sharing house renovation horror stories. I left him with a copy of ART & SOUL – we share the same publisher. Though Patterson has sold approximately one billion more books than me, I got Spike Lee, Sam Jackson, Anne Hataway, Kelsey Grammer and over 100 of their friends to write mine for me…

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Sony 500/F4 G lens at WPPI 2012

by Brian Smith on February 20, 2012

in Gear

Sony Alpha Product Manager Kenta Honjo holds the new Sony 500/4 G Lens

Personally, I would have gone all Louis Vuitton on the case - can we talk Brian Smith Edition?

Here it is Sony users, at long last it’s here the Sony 500/F4 G lens for Sony A-mount SLT and DSLR cameras. This is one SWEET LENS! Great balance, all-hand assembled just like all G- Glass – its a beauty! Think of it as the Ferrari of Alpha lenses and for a Ferrari, $13,000 is practically a steal…

Here are the Factory Specs:

* Longest-ever focal length G Lens from Sony
* Nano AR Coating on optical surfaces for flawless still images and HD video
* Bright F4.0 aperture for superior light gathering
* Compatible with SteadyShot INSIDE featured in all α cameras
* New SSM drive circuit for quick, accurate autofocus
* Rugged dust- and moisture-resistant design: ideal partner for SLT-A77
* Enhanced handling and operability

Serious photographers can pull distant subjects closer with a powerful new 500mm (equivalent to 750mm with APS-C camera) super-telephoto lens from Sony.

The SAL500F40G is ideal for wildlife, sports and demanding imaging applications that require extreme magnification with un-compromised optical performance.

The SAL500F40G is the longest fixed focal length G Lens from Sony to date. Whether you’re shooting detail-packed stills or Full HD video, you’ll enjoy frame-filling close-ups with flawless resolution. With a bright F4.0 maximum aperture, its excellent light gathering power allows the use of faster shutter speeds to broaden shooting opportunities.

Inside, the advanced optical design of the SAL500F40G includes 11 elements in 10 groups, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements. It’s the first G Lens from Sony to feature an advanced new coating process that ensures crisper, clearer images. Exclusive to Sony, the ground-breaking Nano AR Coating process cuts internal reflections drastically. Resulting images are brilliantly crisp and clear, with dramatically reduced lens flare and ghosting. Flare is reduced still further by the carbon fibre lens hood that’s lined with black velvet fibres to absorb incident light.

The ruggedly-engineered SAL500F40G copes effortlessly with tough photo assignments. Focusing ring and front/rear joints are protected by interlocking seals that shrug off dust and moisture, even when you’re shooting outdoors in driving rain or arid desert conditions. This weather-resistant design makes the SAL500F40G a perfect partner for the SLT-A77 (α77) Translucent Mirror camera that offers serious photographers similarly rugged performance.

Like all other A-mount lenses, the SAL500F40G is compatible with the SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilisation system that’s featured in every α Translucent Mirror and DSLR camera from Sony. Depending on shooting conditions, camera model and settings, you’ll enjoy camera-shake blur compensation that’s equivalent to approximately 4.5 stops (max.) in shutter speed.

In a year that is filled with major sporting events, the razor-sharp autofocus performance of the SAL500F40G makes it ideal for capturing the true essence of athletic emotion as the worlds’ eyes look on. Complemented by α systems that deliver up to 12 frames per second (fps) stills shooting and 50 fps in full HD video mode, wildlife photographers now have the tools to capture and share every nuance of their chosen subject.

The high-torque SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) features a new drive circuit, ensures rapid, responsive AF with significantly faster object tracking than conventional Sony lenses.

Serious enthusiasts will also welcome a strong emphasis on enhanced handling and ergonomics. Four focus hold buttons are spaced around the lens barrel for easy operation in any position. They’re complemented by a two-way DMF (Direct Manual Focus) mode button and focus range switch for slick operation when you’re shooting under pressure.

Built to order, the SAL500F40G super-telephoto lens from Sony is available beginning April 2012.

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ASK BRIAN: To Tether or Not?

by Brian Smith on February 20, 2012

in Ask Brian Smith

Q: Hi Brian, I’m a Hallmark grad who just moved to Miami. With the NEX cameras, do you still shoot tethered, or have you ditched the digitech completely? Also, what’s your take on video with DSLRs? Will they do to still pictures what digital did to film? – adyus

A: My workhorse camera is the Sony a900, I’ll tether on big shoots so the clients can see, but most of the time shoot to card. I’ll be shooting tethered at WPPI this week with some really cool accessories from Tether Tools. The whole point of the NEX-5 is it’s small size, so I use it much more for street photography and travel than on big productions.

As for the second part of your question, I’m very impressed with the quality of the HD video from the NEX-5 and a77. They’ve both got big sensors so they blow the doors off traditional camcorders. Video won’t replace the still photograph – it’s another tool for story telling.

Q: hey BRY how are you doing? Do you know any one who is using the IPAD for a tool with photography? I NEED TO upgrade to a better way of sending stuff to clients. THANKS – dudelooks

A: The main thing I use iPad for is to have a portfolio with me at all times such a times I get seated next to a potential client on a plane. I still send out a print portfolio book, though if your portfolio includes motion, the iPad clearly rocks. My favorite iPad portfolio app is Foliobook.

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Win the Camera That Shot The X Factor

by Brian Smith on February 20, 2012

in People Photography

Here’s your chance to win the camera that shot The X Factor and pick-up a few of my best portrait photography tips in the process. Sony is giving away a Sony NEX-5N – the same camera that I used to shoot the finalists when I appeared on The X Factor. Thanks to lovely Sukhjit Ghag for this fab interview on the Sony Blog. Enter for your chance to win.

 

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‘Secrets of Great Portrait Photography’ at WPPI 2012

by Brian Smith on February 14, 2012

in Talks

I’m heading back to WPPI 2012 in Las Vegas to speak about my favorite subject – capturing great portraits. WPPI is always a great show for the portrait and wedding photography industry I’m looking forward to bringing this talk back to Vegas after packed crowds at PhotoPlus Expo and Estudio Brasil in Sao Paulo.

New for WPPI, I’ve added a lot of new images to my talk including photos from my shoot on The X Factor. I’ll be speaking about everything from how to connect with your subject to ways that hair, make-up and styling can add production value to your shoots and all the things that go into the decision making process on a shoot from concept to location to lighting to refining the final look in post.

Secrets of Great Portrait Photography
Tuesday, February 21, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
MGM Conference Center – Room 318
sponsored by Sony

Celebrity portrait photographer Brian Smith will share the lessons he’s learned over the past 30 years capturing the faces of the famous, infamous and unknown as a top magazine portrait photographer. Brian will discuss his approach to editorial and commercial assignments from concept to final images, and detailing his approach to lighting and problem solving on productions both small and large. He will also share secrets about how to quickly capture the personality of the people in your photographs. He will also discuss how personal projects can be used to generate editorial and commercial assignments, and allow your personal style to evolve and grow while generating assignments you love to shoot.

We’ve got some great raffle giveaways from:

LOWEPRO: One DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW (a $149 value)
PHOTO SHELTER: One Free 1 Year Standard account (a $329 value)
SONG FREEDOM: Two Free Bronze Packages (valued at $360 each)
Each one gives the winner 10 songs to use over the next year.
TETHERING TOOLS: Tether Pro USB 15ft High-Visibility Orange Tethering Cable plus JerkStopper Tethering Kit – Camera Support JerkStopper and Computer Support JerkStopper (USB option)

Great crowd at 'Secrets of Great Portrait Photography' with Brian Smith WPPI 2011

'Secrets of Great Portrait Photography' WPPI 2011


Golfer Graeme McDowell photographed in Horshoe Bay, Bermuda


The X Factor winner Melanie Amaro photographed in Los Angeles


Marcus Canty photographed on The X Factor

Be sure to stop by the Sony booth on the WPPI show floor where I’ll be speaking and doing lighting demos each day.

Monday February 20, 2012:
Noon – 12:45pm CAPTURING PERSONALITY – BURLESQUE (LIVE SHOOT) – Sony Booth 421
1:30pm – 2:15pm THE NEX BIG THING: SMALL CAMERA – BIG RESULTS – Sony Booth 421
3:00pm – 3:45pm CAPTURING PERSONALITY – BURLESQUE (LIVE SHOOT) – Sony Booth 421
8:00pm – 10:00pm SONY SHOOTOUT MGM Conference Center, Level 3, Rooms 312-320

Tuesday, February 21, 2012:
8:00am – 10:00am ‘SECRETS OF GREAT PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY’ – MGM Conference Center – Room 318
Noon -12:45pm THE NEX BIG THING: SMALL CAMERA – BIG RESULTS – Sony Booth 421
1:30pm – 2:15pm CAPTURING PERSONALITY – BURLESQUE (LIVE SHOOT) – Sony Booth 421

Wednesday, February 22, 2012:
11:15am – Noon CAPTURING PERSONALITY – BURLESQUE (LIVE SHOOT) – Sony Booth 421
12:45pm – 1:30pm THE NEX BIG THING: SMALL CAMERA – BIG RESULTS – Sony Booth 421
2:15pm – 3:00pm CAPTURING PERSONALITY – BURLESQUE (LIVE SHOOT) – Sony Booth 421

Stop by to say hello to me and my fellow Sony Artisans of Imagery Matthew Jordan Smith, Me Ra Koh and fab photographers Sarah France and Daniel Boswell. It’s going to be an absolutely great show – hope to see you there!

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What Lens for Portraits?

by Brian Smith on February 13, 2012

in Ask Brian Smith

Q: Could you tell me what is your favorite lens for portrait? 24-70mm, 70-200mm or primes? Thanks! – Normand

A: Great question Normand. Traditional wisdom for full-frame camera sensors like the Sony a900 would be something in the 85-135mm range. Sony’s CZ 85/1.4 is one of my favorite lenses. Sony’s Zeiss glass is wonderful and that lens is definitely the sharpest 85 I’ve ever used. Along with Sony’s 100/2.8 Macro and CZ 135/1.8, it’s a great choice for tight portraits like this portrait of Samuel L. Jackson:

Samuel L. Jackson photographed with a Sony CZ 85/1.4

But my personal favorite lens for portraits is the CZ 24-70/2.8. On medium format, my favorite portrait lenses were 110-140mm which translates to 55-70mm on full-frame 35mm. I shoot a LOT of portraits in this range. This allows you to have a quiet conversation with your subject rather than shouting out directions from across the studio which gives the shots a bit more intimate feel – more like sitting across the table from your subject than looking at them from across the room. Plus, closer is always nicer when you’re shooting Anne Hathaway…

Actress Anne Hathaway photographed with a Sony CZ 24-70/2.8 at 70mm

The other thing I like about the CZ 24-70/2.8 is that it covers the perfect range for portraits, so no time wasted – or shots missed – when changing lenses. If I want to quickly change to a medium half body or 3/4 shots, I’ll shoot somewhere in the range of 45-50mm like I did for this shot of Ben Vereen:

Ben Vereen photographed with Sony CZ 24-70/2.8 at 50mm

If I’m shooting full length or if I simply want a bit more exaggerated perspective, I’ll shoot in the 24-28 mm range. For this shot of dancer Mary Murphy, I wanted the shot to feel like she was dancing with you.

Dancer Mary Murphy photographed for ART & SOUL

Mary Murphy photographed with the CZ 24-70/2.8 at 28mm

If I really want to exaggerate perspective for an in-your-face portrait like this of Jason “Weeman” Acuña, then 24mm will do the trick.

Jason "Weeman" Acuña photographed for ART & SOUL

Jason "Weeman" Acuña photographed with CZ 24-70/2.8 at 24mm

I’ll be talking about his and all ‘The secrets of Great Portrait Photography’ at WPPI in Las Vegas on Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

You can see all these portraits and many more in my new coffee table book ‘ART & SOUL: STARS UNITE TO CELEBRATE AND SUPPORT THE ARTS’ shot in partnership with The Creative Coalition and Sony. The book features portraits of 123 celebrities with their personal testimonials about the importance of funding the arts. A portion of the proceeds will go to The Creative Coalition to lobby for arts funding so order yours today!

EQUIPMENT USED:
Sony a900
Sony a850
Sony CZ 24-70/2.8 lens
Sony CZ 85/1.4 lens
Sony 100/2.8 Macro lens
Sony CZ 135/1.8 lens

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ASK BRIAN: What camera has The X Factor?

by Brian Smith on February 10, 2012

in Ask Brian Smith

Q: Hi Brian, Are you able to tell me what camera was given to the contestants on the x factor last season? I’m currently looking for a new camera and am looking for a good recommendation – amberellen85

Sure Amber, The X Factor finalists all got a SONY NEX-5N. It’s the same camera I used to shoot these portraits of them.

Marcus Canty photographed on The X Factor

 

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COPYRIGHT = $$$

Understanding how to put copyright to work for you is crucial to your success as a photographer. Learn what you need to succeed. Join us for this informative and entertaining program that will inspire and empower.

Topics to be discussed will include:

Why copyright registration matters
What to do when your image has been infringed
How and when to choose an attorney
Fair Use – When is it really fair?
What is published vs. unpublished?

Moderator: Debra Weiss, Creative Consultant
Panelists: John Harrington, Photographer and Author, James Silverberg, Attorney

February 8, 2012
6:00 pm – 10 pm
Carousel Studios, 3700 NE 1st Court, Miami, Florida 33137

This Event is Free and Open to all Photographers

Limited Seating – Please Register HERE

Sponsored by American Photographic Artists (APA National)

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