WELCOME
...to the blog of Amriphoto.
We are going to use this blog to give you news from our shootings and about equipment, etc. While we will not cover all of our shooting it should still give you some insight into our work. For registered users we plan some "behind the scene" info, "making of´s" along with tips from the pros.
Beside that registered user are going to be informed about special deals in a newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading and are looking forward to your feedback.
Quantum Qflash vs. Canon 550EX Part I
Written by Wolfgang Amri
Saturday, 20 February 2010 10:52
1.800€ vs 300€ "Compact" Flash
It was a long decision process whether we should buy one of those Quantum Qflash units or not. Why did we even think about it? Among other reasons, one was that we have never been satisfied with Canons TTL results (Through The Lens - the camera measures the flashlight hitting the subject and the flash stops emmitting light as soon as there is enough - theoretically because a lot of conditions have to be met). In our earlier times we shot with Minolta and the flash exposure was almost always spot on, even though the devices have a technological disadvantage of about 10-15 years. That also kept us from upgrading our Canon 550EX to the newer versions 580EX and 580EX II that provided similar TTL results in our experience. With manual flash settings we had quite OK results with both.
Well, now how does the Canon 550EX compete with the much more expensive Qflash?
We made our first impression at our dealer Slach, where we could try one of these units before we purchased it. Some shots (especially one against strong sunlight) conviced us and after we evaluated the shot in our office, we went out again with the money in our pockets and brought the baby to its new home.
In the first part of this hopefully continued test (as freelance photographers we have to deal with our time as you might imagine), we just compared the sheer power of these two units...
Just like the big ones...
Written by Wolfgang Amri
Monday, 08 February 2010 12:04
...we now also have a leader!
After doing quite some videoproductions lately, and also currently working on two, it was about time to produce our very own leader for videoproductions.
Other than that there isn´t a lot of news - there´s simply too much work with these two videos. I can´t say I hope it´s going to change soon ;-).
Anyway - perhaps a little advice for wedding couples. The free weekends in summer are steadily decreasing, so if you´d like to have us shooting your wedding, you´d better hurry up.
Skiing Vacation
Written by Wolfgang Amri
Wednesday, 06 January 2010 08:53
...well, not actually vacation...
but rather a planned Skishooting. Unfortunately we didn´t have the best weather conditions except on the first two days.
Now it´s time to retouch the logos to get the images accepted at stockagencies. 38 visible logos on the image to the left, and it doesn´t even show skiboots or skis.
Back to the Computer - hmm, at least it´s warm here.
The sky is the limit!
Written by Wolfgang Amri
Friday, 01 January 2010 00:00
More Motion Graphics!
We´d like to start the new year with a foretaste on what to expect from us this year.
Happy New Year!!!
2010 - Motion Graphics and perhaps a new Studio?
Written by Wolfgang Amri
Monday, 28 December 2009 06:27
What will 2010 bring?
Motion Graphics!
For some time now we are training our Motion Graphic skills.
Since our video and footage division is gaining more and more importance we want to offer complete packages from 2010, including all the graphics needed for great looking video productions. Having been designers before we stepped into photography and video, that is just a logical step. For 2010 we want to emphasise this part of Amriphoto. A current example shows the video to the left.
Therefore we plan to split the website in two or three parts and extract video and motion graphics from the photosite. Let´s see if we find the time.
A studio?
For about two years we are looking for the perfect studio, but since our current capacities are now at it´s limit, we will have to use even more time for the search than we did in previous years. Still we keep choosey - better having some patience than working in a suboptimal environment for the rest of our career.
Minidolly, Omni-Tracker, and and and
Written by Wolfgang Amri
Sunday, 20 December 2009 08:26
...what about a little more?
Since we didn´t write anything from our equipment front in the last months, it´s about time to catch up.
Not that spectacular, but a good start: finally a canon fisheye. Last time we had to rent it because Canon wasn´t able to deliver one. Crisis? Well - if you can´t deliver, who shall buy your products - no wonder the sales go down.
Other news on the lensboard: Canon 100-400mm L, a Canon 2x Converter (you´ve already seen pictures from that "set"), and in fact since summer in our range: The legendary Canon 85mm 1.2L (I don´t have to say much about it I guess - it more than meets our expetations).
Oh, and yes - there´s also a new Canon 7D, which we bought due to the video capabilities and the frames per second. Especially when travelling, our Sony PMW-EX1 is somewhat heavy (our carry on luggage is already too much without it). The 5Ds on the other hand: while producing amazing image quality, the sensor for some shots is already too big resulting in too shallow DOF. Additionally it doesn´t deliver 25p for the moment. Up to now we are impressed by the handling and quality the 7D delivers. While not quite on par with the 5D, it´s still good value for money. Well, that leaves us with 6 DSLRs in our lineup. 1xEOS 1Ds Mk II, 2x 5D, 1x 7D, 1x 400D for timelapse and 1x Nikon 40D because of the electronic shutter, that has big advantages in some situations.
Due to the astounding image quality of modern DSLRs and the new 7D, we sold our Sony FX1. 1080i isn´t quite suitable for the international market anyway.
OK, and finally the really great news:
The Minidolly from Kesslercrane is a great tool for shooting moving camera footage with a great 3D effect. While it is only about 1m long, it brings great results - and is very mobile. We plan to bring it to the maldives in March but have to look for a new bag (once again).
The Omni-Tracker is some sort if skateboard on 3 inlinewheels, you can adjust the direction of every wheel to produce exact moving shots around an object. The disadvantage compared to a standard dolly: you need a flat surface - but this is something you can get anywhere. The big advantage: it is extremely lightweight and versatile.
Christmas presents
Written by Wolfgang Amri
Friday, 18 December 2009 10:01
...just like every year...
the requests for familyshootings sky rocket just before Christmas. We planned some time, but since we had other projects in the pipeline we couldn´t nearly do as much as requested.
Therefore the call just like every year: if you want to give photos for Christmas, plan way in advance and at best get them in summer. Not only is it much less stressfull (imagine having your christmas presents ready in summer!!!), it also gives a much bigger variety of possibilities. You could shoot outside - I guess you can imagine the difference of a summer shot outside compared to the dull colors you get in december.