Timothy Hughes photography blog

This blog has moved

2010-03-05T15:43:00.001-06:00

This blog is now located at http://blog.th-photo.net/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://blog.th-photo.net/atom.xml.

New cover featuring a band photo of The Choons

2010-03-04T11:29:00.004-06:00

I recently photographed a band called The Choons on State Street in front of The Pub where they will be playing on March 12. The shoot went really well, although we had a ton of gear (lighting and musical instruments) and State Street was super crowded. About 10 strangers came up and wanted to know what we were up to and basically just wanted to chat. I hired my friend Bao Lammikins to assist and that really helped me out. Once the gear was on location, he stayed in the Pub to make sure the light (and power cord) I had stationed inside to backlight the scene did not accidentally get kicked over. Art Director: Carolyn Fath. The cover story can be found on Isthmus | The Daily Page.

Selvedge Runway Show, May 1. Madison

2010-02-28T09:01:00.005-06:00

UW-Madison, School of Human Ecology, Design 2010 Gallery & TASA Fashion Show

Selvedge features undergraduate works from the University of Wisconsin Design Studies program. Illuminating the phases of design, Selvedge dramatizes innovative textiles and garments with the layering of interdisciplinary arts.

INNOCENCE, REBELLION, PASSION, IMAGINATION
detail the modes of expression through runway, gallery and performance
• May 1st, 2010. Times: 2pm – Gallery opens at 1pm. Reception following runway show.
7pm – Gallery opens at 6pm. Reception with cash bar following runway show.
• Monona Terrace, Madison, WI

fashionshow.wisc.edu

Isthmus cover: Deborah Blum

2010-02-18T15:48:00.004-06:00

On Friday, I had an exciting photo shoot with Deborah Blum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and the author of several science-themed books. We did the portrait in the UW-Madison Chemistry Building and with her connections we were lent (under the watchful eye of two professors) some interesting substances for the editorial photo. I really like how the bright colors turned out on this one!

Art director: Caroline Fath.

Mad Rollin' Dolls: Flat Track Roller Derby. Feb. 14, 2010

2010-02-14T21:05:00.006-06:00

I shot some roller derby photos at the Coliseum in Madison today. I've been photographing the Mad Rollin' Dolls off and on since 2004. Like many action sports, derby is quite challenging to shoot. The usable indoor light is very low which makes autofocus fairly slow on my Canon 5D. The maximum sync speed I get is 1/160 sec. which does not always freeze the action. To get an adequate amount of light-I mount strobes up on the second level of the arena and fire them remotely as well as using an on-camera flash for fill light. Unholy Rollers skater Rita Slayworth at the line.
A jammer for the Paper Valley Roller Girls racks up points. Reservoir Dolls jammer Charlie Hustle.

The photo gallery is online at: www.th-photo.net/Dolls/2-14-10/

Call for female models. Selvedge Fashion Show in Madison, Wisconsin.

2010-02-02T11:29:00.002-06:00

Model Call for Selvedge, the 2010 Textile and Apparel Student Association Fashion Show.

Approximately 30 volunteer, female models are needed. The majority of the student garments are constructed for sizes 0-8.

Model call
• Monday, February 15th, 7-9pm. Memorial Union, 4th Floor.
• Bring a recent photo. Models under the age of 18 should bring a written parent's consent.
• Wear fitted clothing and heels (2" minimum).

Models MUST be available for the following dates:

• April 25th: Final fittings.
• April 30th: Rehearsal.
• May 1st: Fashion Show.
• Models will also be contacted by student designers for fittings.

Editorial photography: Epic Systems Campus in Verona

2010-01-25T19:41:00.010-06:00

A few years ago, I photographed Epic Systems in Verona, Wisconsin while on assignment for Isthmus. I've finally gotten around to making a web gallery of the images with several unpublished photos. Epic is on an interesting, 400 acre campus with unique architectural/ landscape features, as well as housing a large collection of original artwork. View the Epic Systems photo gallery.

New jewelry photography tearsheet

2010-01-21T18:47:00.003-06:00

I was fortunate enough to help work on the February issue of Madison Magazine. I photographed several pieces of jewelry on a tabletop sweep as well as some fine jewelry isolated on white. Shot with my Canon 70-200mm and extension tubes on a tripod. I'm really stoked about how the layout turned out. Stylist: Shayna Miller, art director: Tim Burton.

Photographer self-promotion

2010-01-13T08:31:00.019-06:00

Over the last two years I have sent out hundreds of postcards and promotional pieces to a few dozen hand-selected publications and art buyers. I have really enjoyed the ongoing project since it requires extremely-tight editing of images, utilizing my graphic design skills to create the print pieces, and directing my focus toward publications and agencies that I'm truly interested in working for. For me, this sort of project keeps my creative vision on track, as I continue to chip away at shooting the kind of work I love to do.

Overnightprints.com prints all of my self-promotional pieces. They specialize in 4-color printing on heavy stock in large and short-runs. The quality is excellent and color is very consistent. They offer fantastic email deals from time-to-time and I recommend them to friends often. Tip: download one of their templates to ensure that print size and crop marks are accurate. Design in 8-bit, CMYK color mode and use the GRACoL 2006 color profile (always check first to be sure this is the most current profile in use).

I hand-write individual notes to each potential client and occasionally send the 5.5"x8.5" color postcards in transparent vellum envelopes (which substantially adds to my expense). Addressing and writing out all the mailers generally takes several days and I try to send them out quarterly. Researching my recipients is extremely important in the process. I always want to be sure I have the proper name and address of the art director or photo editor as well as an understanding of the style of photography they typically use.

First fashion photo shoot of the year: Lucinda

2010-01-10T12:19:00.006-06:00

Behind the scenes photo of Rosalee working on Lucinda's hair in my Madison studio. Shot with my Zeus ringflash.

Ringflash vintage-styled photograph with Super8.

I had a fantastic shoot with Lucinda last weekend. I have worked with her in the past and she always does excellent work. A few years ago Lucinda did runway modeling in Paris. Rosalee, and her assistants Caroline Radaj, and Jessica Rudnik helped with styling, hair and makeup. The shoot was a collaborative effort and everyone came up with some very creative concepts.

Editorial headshot with chrome catmask.

Cinematographic chic.

Lucinda in blue dress.

Madison skyline photo in use

2010-01-08T10:48:00.007-06:00

Hey how about that?

Even with thousands of image sales, I rarely get to see my images at work. Segredo, a lounge opening in Madison next week, has been using my stock photo image in its print ad campaign and website. I think it looks pretty cool.

License the skyline image here.

Running Noise Ninja on Snow Leopard with Intel Macs

2010-01-08T09:48:00.003-06:00

Recently I migrated all the apps and documents from my PowerPC G5 to a brand-spankin' new Intel iMac machine running Snow Leopard. The setup assistant flawlessly transferred everything over the FireWire connection in about a half hour. Miraculously, everything worked including CS3 with the exception of one of my favorite Photoshop plug-ins: Noise Ninja.

The error message I got when launching Photoshop was "One or more plug-ins are currently not available on your system. For details, see Help > System Info." Upon checking the System Info, the message was "Plug-ins that failed to load: Noise Ninja NO VERSION - - from the file “/Applications/Adobe Photoshop CS3/Plug-Ins/NoiseNinjaPlugin_MacPowerPC_2_3_2/NoiseNinja.8bf”

I assumed that the Noise Ninja version I paid for was not going to be compatible with Snow Leopard and that I was going to be shit out of luck. Actually, I went back to the site at www.picturecode.com and found an Intel Mac version of the software. I installed it and it accepted my license keycode. Problem solved.

Canon introduces updated 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II

2010-01-06T11:09:00.004-06:00

Canon has revised its 70-200mm f/2.8 image stabilized lens for professional photographers. The new design features a decreased minimum focusing distance, improved autofocus performance, more durable build-quality, and improved optics. This is a very expensive, specialized lens which would be ideal for photojournalism, aerial photography, and fashion runway photo work. I own a 70-200mm f/4L and in hindsight I should have gotten the IS version. Without going into too much detail-my studio strobe lighting system allows for 1/125 second exposures and for the long end of my lens focal lengths, IS would be handy to ensure sharp captures. For the majority of my work I prefer the f/4 versions of the 70-200mm models due to the lighter weight specs.

Photo courtesy Canon Inc.

Lake Success, N.Y., January 5, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, introduces the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens. Arguably the most popular focal range in Canon's telephoto arsenal and a staple lens for any professional photographer, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens provides the focal length, maximum aperture and zoom power for capturing everything from fast-action sports to studio portraits. Built for the professional, the body structure of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens has been enhanced to provide better durability and strength without a significant increase in weight. Canon has improved optical performance on the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens by redesigning the internal elements, incorporating a fluorite element and a fifth UD element. The use of the fluorite element and five UD elements helps to minimize secondary chromatic aberrations and produce better image quality with improved contrast and resolution through the entire zoom range; the end result is an optically precise lens worthy of becoming the leader of Canon's L-series lenses.

Along with its redesigned optical elements, the new lens design features improved AF speed due to a new focusing algorithm and has reduced the minimum focusing distance to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) through the entire zoom range, allowing photographers to capture tighter portraiture shots in a small studio space. The previous lens model's minimum focusing distance was 4.6 feet (1.4 meters), whereas now photographers can stand nearly 8 inches closer to their subject and achieve sharp focus and tight crops. Canon has also enhanced the Image Stabilization allowing it to compensate for shutter speeds up to four steps slower than 1/focal length, a one step improvement over the previous lens model.

"Canon's core has always been our optics, and we are constantly challenging ourselves to produce better and more advanced optical systems for our customers. The new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens incorporates the best advancements in Canon lens technology from the past few years and packages it into what we believe will be the most popular lens for professionals and advanced photographers," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The enhanced magnesium alloy barrel design of the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens features added strength with a minimal 20-gram increase in weight compared with the previous model (1490g vs. 1470g) and retains Canon's protective seals and fittings providing dust and water resistance for those photographers working in adverse conditions. A new bayonet mount on the front of the lens includes a locking mechanism to ensure the supplied lens hood remains securely in place. Other noticeable improvements include a wider focusing ring, and sleeker design by reducing the thickness of any protruding elements such as the switch panel. The new lens is also compatible with Canon's existing EF1.4X II and EF2X II Extenders as well as EF Extension Tubes and the 77mm Close-Up Lens 500D.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens is supplied with a detachable tripod collar, a reversible bayonet mount lens hood and a lens pouch. The new lens is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in April, price to be determined.

Happy New Years everyone!

2009-12-31T11:46:00.002-06:00

I got the year started with a new front cover :)

Sally and I took a bunch of headshots with different lighting and backgrounds and here's the one that was published. I think it looks quite nice. Art director: Carolyn Fath, photo assistant: Ken Udell.

4M (6.43k) in 0:39:19 this afternoon

2009-12-22T15:26:00.004-06:00

Not my 5k running pace but not too shabby either. Hope to be bangin' out 5 mile runs [in 50 minutes] this winter on the treadmill.

Madison Magazine: Style + Shopping, January

2009-12-19T20:20:00.002-06:00

The January issue of Madison Magazine is out and I've got a nice-looking double truck (2-page spread) of winterwear in the style section of the print magazine. We shot a ton of products for the feature, but it was a lot of fun to work on. We've got a fantastic team that works with me on these projects including stylist Shayna Miller and art director Tim Burton.

Isthmus newspaper cover shot

2009-12-18T12:07:00.003-06:00

Two weeks ago I photographed a portrait of Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor co-presidents of the Freedom from Religion Foundation for the December 18 cover of Isthmus | The Daily Page. We shot many photos inside their office in Madison before moving outside with the strobe to shoot the cover image. Art director: Carolyn Fath.

Isthmus cover: Sgt. Mike Koval

2009-12-12T11:46:00.006-06:00

I've got the cover shot in the Dec. 11 Isthmus of Sgt. Mike Koval of the Madison Police Dept. We took the photo at night on West Washington Ave. so that we could get a striking editorial portrait with downtown lights as the backdrop. It's always a challenge matching your ambient light to the key light, and in this case it was quite a bit more difficult since it was quite dark out. Nevertheless, we get some great photos and I was really happy how the cover turned out. Art Director: Carolyn Fath.

Zeus RingMaster ZRM1 and Dyna-Lite M1000XR ringflash system (review)

2009-12-04T09:15:00.013-06:00

I've finally given into the temptation to pick up a ringflash (read: budget) and after much research I decided to get a power pack system. Choosing the Ring Master ZRM1 by Paul C. Buff was almost a no-brainer. The component is extremely lightweight, fairly inexpensive (as far as ringflash heads go), and has plenty of power.

The power pack was more difficult to choose. The options were the Paul C. Buff Zeus Z1250 pack for $600, or a Dyna-Lite M1000_ or M2000_ series pack from eBay (M1000X, M1000E, M1000XL, M1000XR, or M1000WR). I had read online that the original M1000 and M2000 packs are incompatible with the ZRM1 due to cable differences, so that model was out. I found an M1000XR (late model) pack in great condition and won the auction for $518/shipped. In the end I decided to go with the Dyna-Lite mainly because it's a tried, tested and true design with exceptional user reviews. Its low center of gravity prevents it from getting kicked over and (unlike the Zeus) its carrying handle is always available even when the flashhead is plugged in. Pretty minor design differences, but the M1000s are also readily-available used. I'm sure the Zeus Z1250 is a great pack and I actually think the the 5-stop flashpower output dimmer is easier to adjust on the Zeus than on Dyna-Lite packs.

The ZRM1 ring flash head has a 12' cable that plugs into the power pack to give the flash and modeling lights power. This cable does not trigger the strobe however, so for that I picked up an (uncoiled) 15' Paramount PC to AC (household) sync cable for $25/shipped. The PC sync cord is bound to my power pack cable with velcro every 3'. Since the ringflash needs to be hard-wired in order to get power I figured I may as well trigger my flash with a cable rather than wireless.

The Paramount PC sync cord is compatible with the Canon PC sync socket. I've found this brand of cable fits much better than the cords supplied with Paul C. Buff strobes and better than the screw-mount variety of cords. To keep the sync cable in place a 1/4" strip of gaffers tape secures the cable to my Canon body.

The reasons I chose a pack system over an ABR800 AlienBees Ringflash are twofold. The AlienBees Ringflash will not overpower the sun under most circumstances and it's also a pound heavier. That may not sound like much, but when shooting handheld-lightweight design is king in my book.

In addition to the ringflash head I picked up the 20º grid. It emphasizes the ringflash effect on subjects. It also makes the ringflash head unit heat up much faster so you've got to be extremely careful not to overheat the flash head with the modeling light. I haven't had luck with the grid so far, but I'll need to take some additional test shots to see if I'm going to keep it or ditch it for a Moon Unit softbox.

Build quality on my Dyna-Lite M pack is excellent. It is an old-school design that is durable, reliable and functional. The pack has blazing fast recycle time as well as a beep that tells you when the strobe is ready for the next shot. However, adjusting the power output on three separate switches (for one light) is not particularly user-friendly. The Zeus RingMaster plugs right into the M1000XR and everything works perfectly since the voltage and cable pins are identical.

The construction of the RingMaster leaves something to be desired. It feels like a plastic prototype just waiting for metal components. That being said, the parts are modular, lightweight, and easy to replace in case something breaks. Paul Buff stands behind his products so I'm sure that parts are readily-available and warrantied (or inexpensive). The modeling lights get very bright when powered up which is a great feature to prevent red-eye and to aid in focusing.

My photo assistant Maria was nice enough to stand in for some test shots of my new flash system. Here you can see the telltale "donut" catchlights in her pupils. You have to really get in your subject's face in order to see the ringflash catchlights, because as you move back the light source appears smaller. ƒ/11, 1/125 second, ISO 100, M1000XR on minimum power (125 w/s), bare bulb (no front diffuser).

Here is another shot slightly further this time with the distinctive outer shadow from the ringflash on a white sweep. At this distance from the subject, the donut-shaped catchlights are solid small circles. ƒ/10, 1/125 second, ISO 100, bare bulb (no front diffuser or grid).

Battery life in the Apple Magic Mouse

2009-12-01T08:37:00.007-06:00

Well, I've had my Magic Mouse for less than a month and yesterday I got an error message warning me that my (2) AA mouse batteries were low. By the evening, the Bluetooth mouse stopped working due to dead batteries. They included Energizer AA alkalines from the factory. Let's hope a fresh set will last longer this time!

On average, I use my Mac about 8 hours a day and do not turn the mouse off when I'm done using it.

Update Jan. 4, 2010: my set of Energizer AA rechargeable batteries lasted 34 days this cycle. I recommend everyone using the Magic Mouse keeps a spare set of AAs around for a backup (or a wired mouse).

For all of my AA needs, I use Energizer nickel metal hydride batteries (NiMH) that I got for $8 on sale, but there are many good options available here: rechargable AA batteries from Amazon.com. Use the customer star ratings as well as cost to aid your decision. NiMH rechargeable batteries easily outperform alkaline batteries so pick up a set and you'll save a ton of money in the long run. Strobist has an excellent article on rechargeable AA batteries on their blog.

Will The Megapixel Wars End?

2009-11-29T00:56:00.003-06:00

Digital Photo Pro has just released an informative article titled Will The Megapixel Wars End? The story talks about digital camera sensors reaching the limits of lens-resolving power and how ISO ratings may be the next feature camera manufacturers will focus on. It's interesting to compare and contrast DPP's article with my blog post titled The Megapixel Race Is Over! which I wrote in May of this year.

Back in the gym

2009-11-26T23:08:00.003-06:00

I took a few month off of going to the gym since I was doing all my running outdoors. Last week I rejoined SnapFitness and paid up six months in advance. I'm super excited about getting back into shape and I banged out a 5k in 28:30 tonight. It feels really, really good and I'm looking forward to stopping in a few times a week this winter!

I'm chillin' at home tonight listening to the album by Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson on myspace. It's pretty cool so far, and I might pick it up on iTunes at some point. Glad that finally has a wishlist feature!

V Magazine and Ford Models female model search competition

2009-11-24T15:58:00.003-06:00

V Magazine and Ford Models are teaming up to find the next face of women’s fashion with an international model contest. The winner will appear in the pages of V and receive a contract with Ford.

Fairly simple process, fill out the forms and upload four snapshots per the online instructions here: V Magazine & Ford Models contest entry. Good luck!

New photographs in December Madison Magazine

2009-11-23T12:39:00.002-06:00

Hope you can check out the December issue of Madison Magazine where I've got several photos in the Style + Shopping feature.

Stylist: Shayna Miller, Art director Tim Burton.

Fashion Fridays is tomorrow night

2009-11-19T11:29:00.003-06:00

I'm excited about attending Fashion Fridays tomorrow night in downtown Madison.

Here is more information on tomorrow's event facebook page for Fashion Fridays.

Photo: Peter Castro, Model: Paige Butler, Hair/Make-up: Rosalee Eichstedt

I am not shooting this runway show but here are a few photos from the May fashion runway show.