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Shooting tethered in the studio

Although I have had the equipment to do it I have only recently started to shoot tethered while working the the studio, I like it.

My equipment/software list:

  • Nikon D700
  • Lens as needed
  • Dell 13″ StudioXPS
  • 500 gb external HD
  • 15′ USB cable
  • Gitzo 1258 Tripod
  • ProLine GMS80A Conductor Sheet Music Stand
  • Nikon Camera Control Pro 2
    • * Just bought TetherPro
  • And of course the studio light gear

So here is the basic setup: Simple and useful.

 

IMG 3079EDITweb 300x200 Shooting tethered in the studio

Tethered setup overview

The above image is from a catalog shoot I did for Jane Burch, see “The Transformation” article.

 

Tethered shooting allows me to view the images in real time on a 13 inch calibrated monitor, allows me to zoom into the images to check focus and detail.

 

RKD 0750 300x194 Shooting tethered in the studio
13 inch image view

I rarely show the monitor to the model, unless I need to show them something specific – good or bad. I do, however, encourage the client, in this case the MUA, to review and comment as the photographs are taken to ensure they are getting what they want and need.

 

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Client reviewing images as

I don’t know if it’s the same with Canon equipment but Nikon software places the images onto the computer’s hard-drive not the CF card. I do not edit, much, on the laptop so I have the download directory on an external hard-drive for easy transfer to my desktop editing machine.

 

RKD 0647 pp 1024x662 Shooting tethered in the studio

A final image

While this setup isn’t exactly ‘high end’ it works well for my needs.

 

A specials thanks to Tom Thompson for the behind the scenes shots.

My take on the $35 iPhone 4 Telephoto Lens

I honestly do not remember where I read about the Photojojo iPhone Telephoto Lens but remember thinking it must be a joke.

iphone telephoto lens c5d4 600.0000001297642718 My take on the $35 iPhone 4 Telephoto Lens

Photojojo iPhone Telephoto Lens

Chuckled and went to read about it anyway. After reading their humorous write-up and looking closely at the images provided. I realized I had no use for it at all. But of course I bought one anyway.

“But of course I bought one anyway.”

The iPhone 4 kit was on back order and took nearly three weeks to arrive. If you order the iPhone 4 kit today (March 6, 2011) it won’t ship until March 21st.

Mine arrived last night. First thoughts:

  • Well packaged.
  • Comes complete with;
    • lens (front and rear caps)
    • stand
    • cleaning cloth
    • back case
    • small black cloth carrying bag
    • instruction manual
  • Surprisingly well build components. Not Nikon level craftsmanship but pretty well done.

My only real complaint is the back only case – I prefer a case with front and back coverage for my phone. A smaller disappointment is the minimum focus distance of  3 meters.

Today I took it out to play a bit. I mounted the iPhone onto the  supplied stand and braced it upon a garden fence in my front yard. (yeah – I know.)

Click on the following images to enlarge:

photo 1 300x224 My take on the $35 iPhone 4 Telephoto Lens

iPhone 4 only lens at widest setting

photo 2 300x224 My take on the $35 iPhone 4 Telephoto Lens

iPhone 4 only lens maximum zoom

photo 3 300x224 My take on the $35 iPhone 4 Telephoto Lens

iPhone 4 with Photojojo 8x telephoto lens installed

photo 41 300x224 My take on the $35 iPhone 4 Telephoto Lens

iPhone 4 with Photojojo 8x telephoto lens installed AND maximum digital zoom

Pro D/SLR quality it ain’t: but it is functional.  And would be very handy if you were a spy. Well, except for the 3 meter focal distance thing.

I will carry it and look for opportunities to use it.

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