Induro Blog

Dan Saelinger is one of my favorite commercial photographers, and as an added bonus, he often gives us a behind-the-scenes post on his blog. This recent one about his shoot for Business Week is particularly great because I’ve been looking specifically for some clever stop motion stuff to feature on this blog, as stop motion is, well, something you’d do with a tripod. Also it’s just cool.

Here’s how Dan describes the project; see the final stills and video work below.

As you may recall as the holiday approached last month I got insanely busy.  One shoot taking up a majority my time was a project for Business Week.  At the end of every year Business Week does a double issue giving a financial forecast for the upcoming one. I was tapped to shoot three images that would connect the different features together.

After working with the design and layout the creative director made the call to go with all  images on white.  It was also decided that we should use a globe as a common connecting element in each of the shots. Below are the final images.

While we were doing this project I thought it might be fun to try a little stop motion video as a potential practice run for future projects.  So below are two of the concepts done up stop motion style.

BW Darts from Dan Saelinger on Vimeo.

BW Trap from Dan Saelinger on Vimeo.

Today we have an interview with Erin Nicole Johnson, a photographer I find really thoughtful and funny and interesting. I think you will too.

Give me the 411 on yourself- education, background, image-making philosophy; your work is so wonderfully full of life.

I’ve been in too many and not enough places. I grew up in Niles, Michigan, then moved to southern Illinois, then moved back to Michigan in a suburb of Flint when I was 15. I attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD—which I graduated from in 2007) but also went to the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto for a semester. After my exchange was over, I took the overnight greyhound bus down from Canada and moved in with a friend in New York. We shared a room (literally—a room) in Washington Heights for a summer and would split the two stacked mattresses apart every night.

My work is heavily based on stories, and the main bulk of my photographic portfolio (and a project which I’m actually returning to) is from a series actually called “Short Stories”. It was initially inspired by finding some of my mother’s old journals in high school, and finding some parallels between what she felt and what I had felt in high school. By combining some of the passages from her journals, as well as mine, I started to make up the skeleton of the work. So, the first step for me when it comes to creating is research, research, research. Taking the time to feel inspired by many different sources, taking loads of notes, and drawing lots of sketches.

I like that you have a bit of everything going on in your portfolio- travel, portraits, some personal documentary- have you fallen into this path, is there one you’ll pursue more in the future?

What I have on my website currently is kind of an archive of what I’ve done so far. I’ve experimented a lot to see what I like best, but truthfully they’re all basically “personal work”!

With the project (Short Stories) that I’m picking back up on—the bulk of which is in the “Personal Work 1” portfolio—I’m hoping to refine my work and mostly focus on personal/fine art. Its basis is somewhat “recreating memories,” but I wanted the newer photographs to focus on “creating” memories: the people you see in a grocery store that make you wonder about their life (what they do, what their family is like, what they think about), or something caught out of the corner of your eye: a flash of a person standing on their front lawn, etc.

What type of commercial/editorial projects have you been up to lately? What type of editiorial/commercial projects would you like to be up to?

The most recent project was the 2008 Annual Report for Fraser, a Minnesotan non-profit that offers a myriad of resources for people with autism (www.fraser.org). My photograph “Coney Island” was also published on the cover of the Water~Stone Review #12, “In the Frame” this year. After I finished my internship, I took off for two months in Europe when I was photographing what would later become “Live Like This,” so photography jobs have been fairly quiet since I returned, which is fine. I’ve started a fairly interesting new day job, marketing sustainable insulation for houses (crazy, eh?).

I always love working with non-profits and would love to continue shooting portraiture or still-lives for periodicals. I’ve also always wanted to shoot a look-book for a fashion designer, and I’m hoping to work something out once I can find more designers nearby.

What is your favorite picture?

I think it might be “Golden Eagle Motel, Golden Arches” because it’s so ridiculous. Attempted sanctity on a motel sign that’s all but shouting, “Go America!” (not to mention motels are not particularly known for being the holiest of places). And what looms in the distance but the Golden Arches themselves? Rather than the gates of heaven, we get burgers. It’s incredibly macabre, but what are the chances of finding this bizarre scene in real life?

How does a tripod assist you in your image-making?

Quite a bit of the photographs are either 4×5 or medium format, so a tripod was definitely necessary.

Additionally, having the camera stationary makes it possible for me to compose the scene before I take the photograph, as if I were directing a film.

A member from Oklahoma City posting under the handle mutau052 on the Canon Digital Photography Forums seems very pleased with his new Induro AP2 tripod kit. See the unveiling photos here, plus his initial thoughts. Congrats on your purchase, mutau052!

Since we started the week up in the air, it seems natural to take our time coming down to the ground. Hover, even.

Enter photographer Denis Darzacq, who uses photography to do that most amazing thing: stop time. These are from the series Hyper, 2007:

And here’s a rather endearing behind-the-scenes of how the photographer creates his images. Amazing how something so frenetic seems so peaceful and calm in the end.

See more Darzacq, here.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been seeing an awful lot of through-the-airplane-window shots lately. Maybe it’s because camera phones are so prevalent and of increasingly good quality, but I might go so far as to call this a trend.

Why don’t we take a little tour of these images? A good place to start would be with Kate Steciw, I think, who makes beeeyootiful work.

These are called Mountains of Madness. I have it on good authority that they are the Alps.

This one is by Alex Prager, a new phenom in the art world.

I love the drink and plane window juxtaposition. Here is a vintage shot, by none other than William Eggleston.

This is Utah. Amazing, no? The image is by Alexander Heilner. See more, here.

These are almost otherworldly. By flickr’s Zeke Sneaker.

And finally, a camera phone image over Hong Kong, by Dennis Wong. Very cool.

Keep up that high-flying work, folks!

Wow, this week has a theme- great Induro reviews by real folks. Eric Brown of Photography Minute wrote to say he’s pleased with his new CT314, and thought I’d share a bit of his review. Complete with pictures! Take it away, Eric:

I’ve been looking for a good carbon fiber tripod. What I found was the Induro CT314 Carbon Fiber 8X Tripod….and I’m glad I found it.

Initial Thoughts on The Induro CT 314:

This tripod is solid! The legs are solid. The leg locks are solid. The center column lock is solid. Everything is solid on this tripod. The tripod is rated to hold 39.6 lbs, which should be enough to hold any tripod head + camera / lens combo. I found no slipping or wavering on this tripod like I had on my previous tripod. The leg locks are solid and, while not the same design as some other well regarded leg locks, they feel just as solid.

Height

The tripod will get tall (for you tall folks) and will get low for those of you who are into macro and/or if you are looking to change the perspective of your photographs.

I took a few minutes to run the tripod through all of its configurations so you can see how low and high it can go..take a look at the photographs below:

Induro CT314 8X Tripod at its lowest point

Induro CT314 8X Tripod after unfolding

Induro CT314 Tripod with all legs extended

Induro CT314 Tripod all legs and center column extended

Changing Leg Angles

One of the interesting features of this tripod is the locking mechanism for changing the angle of the legs. The locking mechanism is easy to use and provides great support.  Below is a photo of the locking mechanism pulled out in preparation for changing the angle of the leg.  To change the angle of the leg, you pull the leg in a bit and then pull the leg angle lock out and place the leg at the predetermined angle (24 degrees, 55 degrees and 80 degrees) and then push the leg angle lock back into place. This approach seems much more stable (and easier to use) then the one on my old tripod.

Induro CT314 Tripod leg angle lock

Column Locking Mechanism

While I’ve never been a huge fan of columns on tripods (I’ve always thought they took away from the stability), the column on the CT 314 is solid and the column lock is as solid and easy to untighten/tighten as I’ve seen (a photo is below). The center column is grooved, which keeps it from turning while using the tripod.

Induro CT 314 Center Column Lock

I’m told that there is a short column for use with this tripod but I’m pretty happy with this one so far.

Features

• Wide Stance Cross-braced Magnesium Alloy Spider provides ultimate core system stability

• Extra Long Grooved Center Column extended camera positioning without unwanted column rotation

• Full Width Leg Locks maximum support at any angle

• Dust and Moisture Resistant Ergonomic Rubber Grip Leg Locks ensure an easy positive 1/2 turn all-weather lock

• Interchangeable Rubber Feet and Stainless Steel Spikes in Carbon Fiber mount provide the right contact on any surface or terrain

• Slip Resistant Top Plate with Reversible Tripod Head Mounting Screw assures compatibility with virtually any tripod head

• Spring Loaded Weight Hook allows additional weight mounting stability during windy conditions

• Oversized Center Column Lock adds vibration reducing structural support

• Non-Rotating Carbon Fiber Leg Sections offer quick and easy setup

• Reversible Locking Center Column allows low angle shooting (optional ballhead not included)

• Adjustable Leg Angles with Lock accommodates uneven surfaces and awkward shooting situations

• Integral Bubble Level allows adjustment to prevent uneven pans and tripod head movements

• Triple Closed Cell Comfort Grip provides comfortable handling during cold or hot outdoor conditions

• Double Threaded Accessory Mount fits wide range of accessories (optional PocketWizard and bracket not included)

Weight     5 lbs (2.3 kg)
Includes     Deluxe carry case, strap, toolkit
Warranty     2 years (+3 Online = 5 total)

Conclusion

This is a great tripod for anyone looking for a sturdy professional level carbon fiber tripod.  I would easily recommend this tripod (or any other Induro tripod) to any photographer out there…great tripods and great prices.

Thank you so much for this thorough review, Eric! Let’s check out some of your bird pictures, they’re fab (I especially love this cardinal.)

See more!

I’ve come across photographer Scott Bacon‘s great review of Induro’s CT113 tripod. Scott often shoots outdoors and needs light, versatile gear. Looks like he found what he needed!

Below are some excerpts.

Being a hiker, backpacker, traveler, photographer, here were my requirements.

• Light, Light, Light! Carbon fiber, for sure.

• Sturdy and rigid enough for my Canon 5D Mark II and my selection of (smallish) lenses.

• 20-22″ folded length – better for strapping to backpacks and fitting in suitcases.

• 3-section non-rotating twist locks – for reasons stated above and I like the twist locks because they tend not to snag on tree branches and brush when hiking.

• Built-in bubble level – convenience.

• Hook at the bottom of the center column – don’t use it much, but surely nice to have when the wind is howling or when shooting in deep, powdery snow.

• 50″ height without center column extended – expedites setup with DSLR and works great with a 4×5 field camera.

• Padded grips on legs – just a “nice to have” – not really a requirement, I guess.

• Reasonably priced – I don’t mind spending on high quality gear, but I’m not going to pay for just a name when other alternatives of equal quality exist.

During my research I found that there are many more options in the world of carbon fiber tripods than there was 10 or 12 years ago! Of course, some of those products are made well and some… not so much. I read reviews and perused forums and decided on the Induro.

First impressions of the Induro Carbon 8x CT113 from a discerning photographer:

• Impressive! Very light, sturdy, and operates smoothly – love the non-rotating legs!!

• Bubble level is cool.

• Perfect integration with my RRS BH-40 ball head – nicely balanced.

• Includes nice carrying case, spiked feet and small tool kit.

• Question about durability… Will this tripod last 10 years? Only time will tell, I guess. I can foresee deterioration of the foam pads on the legs – no big deal – replaceable. And I wonder about the same of the rubber on the twist locks – could be a bigger deal.

I’m quite happy with the Induro and I can’t wait to hit the trail and put it to work!

Thanks, Scott!

I love your new pictures….

See more of Scott Bacon, here.

Everyone is talking about Induro’s new Gimbal Heads. They’re truly spectacular. Below is the official press release, read all about them.

Elmsford NY, January 12, 2010 — Photographers have a seemingly endless choice of support heads to perch atop their tripods: panheads, ballheads, and a wide array of other head accessories. There are times, however, when these may not be the optimum choice for special shooting situations.

Recently, the U.S. design team at Induro, makers of the finest tripods money can buy, introduced a tripod head for sports, wildlife and nature photographers who work with very long, heavy telephoto lenses. It’s called a gimbal head, and the key to its success is the ability to easily balance heavy camera/lens systems. It does so by positioning the equipment at its center of gravity and essentially making it “weightless.” This provides a level of control, ease of handling and freedom of movement not possible with any other support system.

“Typically, photographers choose either panheads or traditional ballheads because that’s what they’re familiar with” explains Induro Product Marketing Manager Jeff Karp. “However, the gimbal head has some unique characteristics enabling it to do things other heads can’t. The camera and lens, because of this unique weightless state, can be tilted up or down and stay in that position without the need to be locked in place. It also can easily move horizontally and vertically for quick, accurate tracking of fast moving subjects. This can be a big asset when photographing wildlife.”

Noted landscape and nature photographer Joe Brady, who is in charge of Webinars for MAC Group adds, “We were recently in Yellowstone National Park and the gimbal head enabled me to get some extraordinary shots of bald eagles and bull elks quickly, without a lot of movement on my part. That enabled me to work quickly and quietly without disturbing the subject. I was completely sold on the gimbal head and, incidentally, so were the other people in my group. I think four or five of them have put in orders already.”

When you need the maximum degree of control and flexibility, there is no better choice than the Induro GHB2 Gimbal Head. The GHB2’s convenient calibrated vertical scale and height adjustable lens platform makes it easy to consistently place your camera/lens combination at the right position for repeatable results and perfect balance.

When you need a more compact outfit, the Induro GHB1 or GHBA can provide most of the control of the GHB2 at a reasonable price. The three gimbal heads range in price from $200 to $489, including an Arca-Swiss style quick release plate.

“A high speed 500mm or 600mm lens and professional camera system can cost upwards of $10,000” continues Karp. “When you consider the weight and image magnification, it becomes obvious that hand-holding this equipment is not practical. There will be too much movement and the ability to frame a shot is impossible. With a gimbal head, you can pre-select your area of focus and, without the weight constraints of a heavy, unwieldy camera/lens combo, you are freed to create amazing images.”

Induro Gimbal heads should be an integral part of every sports, nature and wildlife photographer’s arsenal. For an investment of less that $500 you can get the maximum performance and creative control from professional telephoto lenses.

-

Take a look!

Let today be panorama day. We spied this sweet one over at Light Photographic Workshops, made with the help of an Induro.

the deets:

15 shot HDR panorama
Canon 5D Mk II, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L, Induro C213, RRS BH-55 and pano kit

Noticed that most of the shots we post are looking west.  Decided to put up a quick HDR pano looking to the east over Los Osos and Chorro valleys.  Took the fifteen component shots during Jennifer Wu’s course here at Light a few months ago. The components were prepped in Lightroom, merged in Photomatix Pro, optimized in LR, and finally stitched in Photoshop CS4.

Check out Induro’s CT213, and make a panorama of your own!

Here are three from Flickr’s creative commons that I find ril pretty. Click on them to make them easier to see in detail.

Cima Fraiteve. Photo by Roberto Ferrari

Taken from the "Barrage Vauban" roof, looking North. Strasbourg, France. Photo by Francois Schnell.

Saltspring Island. Photo by Nicholas Kenrick.

Have a great weekend!

Have I mentioned Induro’s Adventure Series lately? Yeah, I think I have.  But now we can see them in action. Raymond Neice, a student at Miami Dade College, has been making some nice auto imagery with the help of the Induro AB2 (check out the new and improved AKB2). It’s a tricky thing to get the motion perfectly timed for this kind of image, and Neice does it well.

The Adventure Series is cool because the ballhead comes attached and ready for action.

Vroooom. Have a look.

See more!