Unit Stills Photography

posted in: unit stills photograpjy | 0

I have just had my new unit stills photography website done with some of my latest unit stills set from a few feature films I have recently worked on. Check it out and stay tuned for more stills coming very soon! Head on over to www.AlfonsoBresciani.com

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Wish List

posted in: Photo Gear | 0

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

 

Now that the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is reportedly undergoing testing there are already quit a bit of rumors on its possible new specs. Instead of rumors of mentioning what it is already being reported about its likely new features, I’m posting here my wish list, which in my opinion will further improve the new body.

  1. Visible AF points! Since the introduction of the 5D Mark III the viewfinder has been changed to a so called “Intelligent Viewfinder”. The irony of this name!!! The “Intelligent” Viewfinder uses a translucent LCD with superimposed display of the 61 AF points. These AF points are translucent and are very hard to see in bright daylight and they only become red in one shot AF mode, once focus is achieved or while changing AF points. When shooting in very dark places the available AF points aren’t illuminated and visible at all. In bright daylight with prime lenses (f/1.2 or f/1.4- f/1.8) these same AF points are nearly invisible! I even bought a 5 stops ND filter to let less light in during daylight shoots to make the AF points stand out more. The 5D Mark IV viewfinder should go back to the previous “dumb version” found on the 5D Mark II and 1D Mark IV, where the AF point selected were bright, illuminated and visible. Also, on previous Canon bodies, the other available AF points were visible as well (etched into the focusing screen).  How can Canon engineers even come up with this nonsense?Do they even have anyone testing cameras with primes? Or even testing them in different real life situations? The problem is with f/2.8 lenses and brighter ones; when using f/5.6 in daylight it’s pretty much fine. I’ve complained many times with Canon USA but of course it needs to be addressed with Canon Japan, where the cameras are designed, Canon USA can only forward the complaints to them. The same happens with the 1Dx  which they then modified and improved a bit with a firmware update, but it is still a workaround shortcut, not a permanent and final fix. So this is on the very top of my wish list for the upcoming Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. It comes even before more DR or better high ISO noise handling, this is a PRIORITY that Canon needs to address once and forever on each and every new Canon DSLRs.
  2. Illuminated buttons: Shooting at night, during concerts, movie sets, anywhere where the ambient light is very dim, it’s impossible to see the buttons. How hard would it be to make these switches and buttons illuminated? Nikon does it, can Canon figure out a cost effective way of doing it too? It would be ohhhh so nice to be able to turn them on when needed!
  3. Spot metering linked to the any AF points used, regardless of its position in the viewfinder. Currently on the Canon EOS 5D Mark III the spot metering is only in the middle of the frame and cannot be linked to any other AF areas used. This will be probably be implemented since it is found on the recently introduced Canon 7D Mark II and it has been a feature on the 1Dx.
  4. Clean ISO 6400, useable ISO 12800. This is really pushing it, but for my needs and experiences I would be extremely happy if Canon could manage to improve its high ISO noise to these levels. I rarely ever use with the Canon 5d Mark III an ISO higher that 6400. Actually I try not to exceed ISO 6400 period. The 1DX is a bit better compared, but it is still a long shot from being very good/useable at ISO 25600. Unless the image is cleaned up with quite a bit of noise reduction software or resized to 1000 px for web. A clean ISO 6400 and useable 12800 would make me a very happy Canon 5D Mark IV camper!
  5. Built in Wi-Fi. Yes, just like the Sony a7s, Canon needs to step up and implement it already. Stop making look like it is a premium feature and selling it as an add on. It is already on some Canon Powershot models and on the 60D-70D. It needs to come as a standard feature on the upcoming semi-pro Canon EOS 5D mark IV ( and pro body Canon EOS 1DX mark II)!
  6. More Dynamic Range. This is almost on the bottom of my wish list. Unless your exposure is really off or the scene presents and extremely high contrast, current DR in Canon’s bodies is pretty good, not as good as Nikon’s sensors (made by Sony) but the most visible difference happens at base ISO. As ISO is set higher the difference in more DR tapers off. I “almost’ never needed much more than what’s possible with Canon’s top bodies. Of course a couple of more stops could help in extreme contrast situations where you could push the shadows a bit more or recover some highlights. It would make it a stronger camera, but i’m not sure what is going on with Canon sensors at this point in time. Are they getting a new fab line? The future will tell.
  7. Silent shutter.  The silent mode is very good and super quiet on the Canon 5D Mark III, can it be made even quieter? Pretty please? For some strange reasons the “Silent Mode isn’t as quiet on the Canon 1DX. I’m hoping on the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV the silent mode will stay the same or it’ll even be even improved.

Website is being re-done!

posted in: Uncategorized | 0

Since this website is being re-done, it may be looking a bit incomplete at times. It will be functional but not every photos are going to be showing until finished, which shouldn’t take too long. Please excuse the dust!

New Canon 7D Mark II !

It’s finally here! After what it seems like forever the new iteration of the Canon 7D has been finally announced at the 2014  Photokina and it is available for pre-orders!

Quick specs: 10 frames per second, brand new 20.2 Mega Pixel APS-C Sensor, ISO from 100 to 16000 (Expandable to 51200), 65 cross-type Auto focus Points, 1080p HD Video (no 4k!) , Built-In GPS tagging (it even records which direction the camera is pointing!), internal compass customizable viewfinder, built in intervalometer, Weather Sealed Dual Card Slots (FC and SD).

 

It’s finally here! After what it seems like forever the new iteration of the Canon 7D has been finally announced at the 2014  Photokina at is available for pre-orders!

 

 

 

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II digital SLR camera is designed to meet the demands of photographers and videographers who want a camera that can provide a wide range of artistic opportunities. With a winning combination of cutting-edge operations and a robust, ergonomic design, it is optimized to make even the most challenging photography simple and easy. The EOS 7D Mark II features a refined APS-C sized 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor with Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors for gorgeous imagery. It shoots up to 10 frames per second at ISOs ranging from 100–16000 (expandable to H1: 25600, H2: 51200), has a 65-point* all cross-type AF system and features Canon’s amazing Dual Pixel CMOS AF for brilliant Live-View AF. It has dual card slots for both CF and SD cards, USB 3.0 connectivity and even has built-in GPS** for easy location tagging, automatically. Compatible with an ever-expanding collection of EF and EF-S lenses plus a host of EOS accessories, the EOS 7D Mark II is an ideal tool for creative and ambitious photography.

* The number of available AF points, and whether single line or cross-type, varies depending on the lens.
** In certain countries and regions, the use of GPS may be restricted. Therefore be sure to use GPS in accordance with the laws and regulations of your country or region. Be particularly careful when traveling outside your home country. As a signal is received from GPS satellites, take sufficient measures when using in locations where the use of electronics is regulated.

Superlative Sensor for Gorgeous Images

20.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and ISO 100–16000

The EOS 7D Mark II has a newly designed 20.2 Megapixel sensor that delivers high-resolution image files with stunning detail and impressive clarity. Optimized for low-light shooting, the EOS 7D Mark II’s sensor captures images at up to ISO 16000 (expandable to H1: 25600, H2: 51200) with remarkably low noise, thanks to its improved, higher sensitivity design. Phenomenal for stills, the EOS 7D Mark II’s sensor is equally up to the task for movies, delivering Full HD capture even at rates of up to 60p.

Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors

The EOS 7D Mark II’s sensor works seamlessly with its Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors for advanced image processing across the board. These image processors help the EOS 7D Mark II capture up to 1090 JPEG, 31 RAW, and 19 RAW + JPEG shots in a single burst for amazing action photography. Further, they enable the camera’s powerful image processing on-the-fly: lens aberration, variances in peripheral illumination and image distortion can all be corrected in real time thanks to the EOS 7D Mark II’s Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors.

Speed Improvements Across the Board

7D Mark II
High speed continuous shooting up to 10.0 fps allows you to capture fast action

With a new, rugged shutter designed for 200,000 cycles, the EOS 7D Mark II can shoot up to 10 frames per second to capture all the action. With super quick AF and exposure systems complementing the shutter’s 55 msec shutter release time lag, the EOS 7D Mark II is tailored to meet and even exceed the speed of the action. Refined mechanics like a newly designed, more efficient shutter-drive motor and a vibration dampened mirror drive mean impressive performance for high caliber image quality, fast.

Sophisticated Mirror Control System

The EOS 7D Mark II camera employs an advanced mirror vibration control technology that enables the camera to support its speedy, continuous shooting capabilities while ensuring great image quality. The system uses a motor to help reduce the vibrations caused by high-speed shooting. By reducing the vibrations, the camera can achieve accurate and precise autofocus to provide steady and clear action shots at up to 10.0 frames per second.

Brilliant, Speedy AF Tracking

65-point* all cross-type AF system for high-performance, accurate subject tracking with EV -3 sensitivity (center point) for focusing in extreme low-light conditions

An EOS first, the EOS 7D Mark II features 65 all cross-type AF points* for high precision AF at remarkable speed. Cross-type AF points ensure stable AF that is not influenced by the subject’s shape or color. On the EOS 7D Mark II, the AF points are spread over a wide area of the frame, enabling faster AF, wherever the subject lies. With a central dual cross-type AF point of f/2.8, AF is enhanced with lenses faster than f/2.8. And thanks to this new system, AF is possible even in dim lighting as low as EV-3.

* The number of available AF points, and whether single line or cross-type, varies depending on the lens.

7D Mark II
Achieve Impressive AF During Video Capture

Canon’s innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables you to shoot video like a camcorder with smooth, fast, and accurate autofocus and lets you enjoy instant and precise autofocus even when shooting stills

The EOS 7D Mark II features Canon’s revolutionary Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a milestone in AF speed and accuracy that unlocks the potential of Live View shooting. This advanced technology has truly changed what is possible with a DSLR camera.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF involves a sophisticated rethinking of the CMOS sensor. Traditionally, image sensors have one photodiode per pixel for recording, but the CMOS sensor on the EOS 7D Mark II has two photodiodes per pixel, 40 million in total, enabling each pixel on the sensor to both perform phase-difference detection autofocus and capture light. With phase-difference detection AF, autofocus is achieved quickly and easily on the camera. This unique AF system enables autofocus on approximately 80% of the image plane, vertically and horizontally, and helps ensure virtually no loss in image quality.
The benefits of Dual Pixel CMOS AF are clearly evident in Live View and video shooting, where the EOS 7D Mark II achieves natural, precise focus very quickly, even when switching between subjects. And, combined with the predictive power of Movie Servo AF, subjects in motion are smoothly and consistently tracked – once focus is locked, the EOS 7D Mark II holds on! Plus, with the shallow depth-of-field afforded by EOS optics, video gains a brilliant, cinematic ambience lacking when shooting video with many other Digital SLRs.
HD Quality, EOS Performance

Stunning Full HD video with custom Movie Servo AF (speed and sensitivity) for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects, multiple frame rates including Full HD recording at 60p in MOV and MP4 formats and uncompressed HDMI out

While offering performance improvements across the board for still photography, the EOS 7D Mark II is also an incredibly capable HD movie camera. Taking advantage of its Dual Pixel CMOS AF capabilities, the EOS 7D Mark II has customizable Movie Servo AF options: not only can AF location be defined, AF speed and tracking intervals can be specified too, for fluid, smooth focus transitions. The EOS 7D Mark II delivers refined and detailed image quality with Full HD 60P recording at ISO values up to 16000, has an HDMI output and records to both SD and CF cards for versatility and security during important shoots.

Comprehensive Information, Right in the Viewfinder

Intelligent Viewfinder II provides approximately 100% field of view for shooting ease

The EOS 7D Mark II’s Intelligent Viewfinder II makes it easy to both shoot, change and confirm camera settings and shooting modes all without looking away from the viewfinder. Displaying approximately 100% of the composition, the viewfinder can show settings like shooting mode, exposure level, white balance, drive mode, AF operation, metering mode, recording format, even an electronic level and more. All of this information can be displayed by or superimposed easily over the image for review while shooting, and multiple views are customizable through the EOS 7D Mark II’s simple user interface.

Specialty Controls, Built Right In

Improved custom controls and built-in intervalometer and bulb timer for expanded creativity

An EOS first, the EOS 7D Mark II offers time-lapse fixed-point shooting and long exposures without the need for a remote control. The EOS 7D Mark II’s interval timer takes from 1 to 99 shots at preselected intervals, ideal for shooting flowers as they bloom or clouds drifting through the sky. Its built-in bulb timer keeps the shutter open for a designated amount of time, perfect for night photography, or to capture the flow of traffic on a street corner.

Built to Perform

Magnesium alloy body with shutter durability up to 200,000 cycles and enhanced dust and weather resistance

The EOS 7D Mark II is constructed of the highest quality materials, and to exacting standards that ensure unfettered performance at all times. For example, the shutter can shoot at speeds up to 1/8000 sec. for up to 200,000 cycles, the chassis is built of lightweight and rigid magnesium, and the camera’s seals are built to resist water and dust. This combination makes the EOS 7D Mark II ready for almost anything.

Speed and Accuracy with Intelligent Subject Recognition and Analysis

EOS Scene Detection System features a new 150,000-pixel RGB+IR Metering Sensor for improved precision

The EOS 7D Mark II has an amazing iSA Intelligent Subject Analysis system that employs an independent RGB light sensor with approximately 150,000-pixel resolution. This sensor enables Canon’s intelligent Tracking and Recognition system (iTR AF) that detects and tracks subjects, automatically switching the AF point to optimize tracking. With new tracking algorithms tailored to recognize faces and colors, this system serves as a brilliant foundation to the EOS 7D Mark II’s AF system.

Extraordinary GPS, Built-in

Built-in GPS* Receiver provides a digital compass, records location information (longitude, latitude, elevation and universal coordinated time (UTC)) as EXIF information for geotagging images when shooting

Ideal for travel or nature photography, the EOS 7D Mark II’s built-in GPS* can record longitude, latitude and altitude data as EXIF data, can track movement at set intervals with its logging function, and can even set the camera’s internal clock to local time! When using the logger function on a computer, you will see the exact route you travelled, and the map will show you where and when you took each image.

* In certain countries and regions, the use of GPS may be restricted. Therefore be sure to use GPS in accordance with the laws and regulations of your country or region. Be particularly careful when traveling outside your home country. As a signal is received from GPS satellites, take sufficient measures when using in locations where the use of electronics is regulated.

Sharp and Clear Viewing

3.0-inch Clear View II LCD monitor (approximately 1,040,000 dots) for bright and clear viewing

The EOS 7D Mark II comes with a 3.0-inch Clear View II LCD monitor for shooting videos and stills. Displaying fine detail (at approximately 1.04 million dots), this screen is perfect for composing and reviewing images. Thanks to a solid construction between the monitor’s resin-coated cover and the liquid crystal display, reflections are minimized, and the display can be viewed with reduced glare. The LCD’s surface is treated with a smudge-resistant coating to minimize fingerprints and maintain a bright, clear image display.

Additional Features

Anti-flicker shooting

The EOS 7D Mark II features a new flicker detection system that not only alerts the user in the viewfinder, but with the camera’s Anti-Flicker Shooting function can compensate for flickering light sources, taking shots only at peak light volume. This feature is useful for minimizing disparities in color and exposure, especially during continuous shooting in sub-optimal lighting situations.

In-camera lens aberration corrections

To help photographers with achieving high quality images, the EOS 7D Mark II corrects image distortions like peripheral illumination, chromatic aberration and distortion, in-camera, as the image is recorded. When shooting in Live View mode, the results of distortion can even be monitored in real time through the EOS 7D Mark II’s Image Simulation Function.

USB 3.0

The EOS 7D Mark II features a USB 3.0 digital terminal for fast transfer to PCs and printers, plus offers connectivity to Canon’s WFT-E7 (Version 2) for wireless transfer and Wi-Fi® compatibility.

NOTE: For connecting an interface cable to the USB 3.0 terminal, a cable protector is included with the EOS 7D Mark II, and must be used at all times to protect the camera’s circuit board.

 

It’s finally here! After what it seems like forever the new iteration of the Canon 7D has been finally announced at the 2014  Photokina and it is available for pre-orders!

 

 

Golden Star Hunters Big Chief Larry Bannock

These are just a few samples of the many photographs available for ordering online at
 www.nolapic.com or click on each individual image to be taken to the ordering site.

 

5D3_6739

 To view more images of the Golden Star Hunters Big Chief Larry Bannock funeral,
please click on each image or go directly on my other site www.nolaPIC.com

 

5D3_6817

 

5D3_6835

 

5D3_6886

   To view more images of the Golden Star Hunters Big Chief Larry Bannock funeral,

please click on each image or go directly on my other site www.nolaPIC.com

 

 

At the The Multimedia Art Museum – Moscow House of Photography

Phil Harris Jazz funeral

 

April 10, 2014
I’m very excited to have these photos of mine selected to be shown at the The Multimedia Museum – Moscow House of Photography as part of a show sponsored by the U.S Embassy in Moscow to highlight America’s diversity for Russian audiences. The Multimedia Museum is the leading institution exhibiting photography in Moscow with recent exhibitions of Elliot Erwitt, Sebastiano Salgado, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Martin Parr, Alec Soth, Steve McCurry, August Sander, Berenice Abbott and upcoming 2014 exhibitions of Garry Winogrand. The New Orleans Culture Exhibition runs from May to July 2014.

 

Sallie Ann Glassman Voodoo Priestesess

 

About the photographs:
On June 9th, 2010, Discovery channel filmed a funeral parade to honor the life of Captain Phil Harris from TV’s Deadliest Catch. Crew from Deadliest Catch and the music of The Soul Rebels Brass band attended-in the Marigny District Jazz funeral event in New Orleans.

Voodoo Ceremony with Vodou Priestess Sallie Ann Glassman. Original post here: http://www.pompo.com/2013/07/14/head-washing-ceremony-with-voodoo-priestess-sallie-ann-glassman/

These  are just a few samples of the many photographs available for ordering online at www.nolapic.com or click on each individual image to be taken to the ordering site.

 

 

 

2014 Krewe of Zulu Pictures !

April 1st 2014

What an incredible Mardi Gras it was, my love/obsession for shooting with the rain came through this 2014 Mardi Gras day and on top of that I really got up and close to my all time favorite Krewe of  Zulu for some unreal pictures! It was VERY cold and miserable, ( at least for New Orleans standards) but nothing great comes easy in life, does it…I suffered more than you can imagine, trust me on dat,  but some of the Zulu photographs are in my opinion simply amazing! I’ll let you decide! ok?

 

These are just a few samples of the many photographs available for ordering online at www.nolapic.com or click on each individual image to be taken to the ordering site.

 

 Krewe of  Zulu New Orleans
Krew of Zulu ! Click image to purchase a print on nolaPIC.com

 

Click image to purchase a print on nolaPIC.com

 

 

Click image to purchase a print on nolaPIC.com

 

 Zulu Mardi Gras New Orleans
Click image to purchase a print on nolaPIC.com

 

 Zulu New Orleans
Click image to purchase a print on nolaPIC.com

 

 Krew of zulu New Orleans Mardi Gras 2014

 

New Orleans Black and White Photography of Zulu
Click image to purchase a print on nolaPIC.com

 

As always click on each picture above to purchase a fine art print from my other site http://www.nolaPIC.com or to see many more in a larger size;  The smaller size in here doesn’t do justice to the images!

Tarantino, Hugh Laurie, Ian Somerhalder & Norman Reedus

March 1 through  March 4, 2014.
Best New Orleans Mardi Gras ever with lots of celebrities throwing all kind of beads and doubloons! People (and photographers included!) absolutely loved it! To see more shots on my other site nolaPIC.com please click here: http://www.nolapic.com/celebritiesgras2014

 

 Quentin Tarantino Orpheus parade New Orleans

 

 Quentin Tarantino Orpheus parade New Orleans

 Quentin Tarantino Orpheus parade New Orleans

 Quentin Tarantino Orpheus parade New Orleans

 Quentin Tarantino Orpheus parade New Orleans

 Quentin Tarantino Orpheus parade New Orleans

 Quentin Tarantino Orpheus parade New Orleans

 Quentin Tarantino Orpheus parade New Orleans

 Quentin Tarantino Orpheus parade New Orleans

 Quentin Tarantino Orpheus parade New Orleans

 Quentin Tarantino Orpheus parade New Orleans

Hugh Laurie King of Bacchus - New Orleans

Hugh Laurie King of Bacchus - New Orleans

Hugh Laurie King of Bacchus - New Orleans

Hugh Laurie King of Bacchus - New Orleans

Hugh Laurie King of Bacchus - New Orleans

Hugh Laurie King of Bacchus - New Orleans

Hugh Laurie King of Bacchus - New Orleans

Hugh Laurie King of Bacchus - New Orleans

Hugh Laurie King of Bacchus - New Orleans

Ian Somerhalder on Endymion

Ian Somerhalder on Endymion

Norman Reedus on Endymion

Norman Reedus on Endymion

 Norman Reedus on Endymion

Norman Reedus on Endymion

Ian Somerhalder and Chet Overall on Endymion

Ian Somerhalder on Endymion

Ian Somerhalder on Endymion

Ian Somerhalder with Lagniappe Brass Band on Endymion

Ian Somerhalder on Endymion with Lagniappe Brass Band

Ian Somerhalder on Endymion

The “usual suspects” in Jackson Square, and Royal Street. Guest Star on the broom, Dr. Love !

January 22, 2014

Most street street musicians and artists in new Orleans performs where the tourists are, so they can make a living selling CDs and making a few tips while they do what they love. Beside the “first French Quarter stop” of Jackson Square, right in front of the St. Louis Cathedral, next, comes Royal Street, where most galleries are. There you will find performers lined up during busy weekends. Some of the musicians and artists line show up to hold their spot the night before just to make sure they have the prime spot available on crowded weekends!

Yes Ma'am on Royal Street. Click image to view larger and/or purchase a print.
Click image to view larger and/or purchase a print.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are just a few samples of the many photographs available for ordering online at www.nolapic.com or click on each individual image to be taken to my other  website.

Brass Band In Jackson Square. Click image to view larger and/or purchase a print.

 

 

 

I hadn’t seen Dr. Love in quite some time and just a few days ago I wondered what happened to him…There he was, in da Square in better shape than ever and with a bigger smile than ever! To see more pictures of Dr. Love click here.

My Photos Published in National Geographic Traveler

 

January 13, 2014
These two pictures taken at the 2011 Satchmo Summerfest second line have been published on the December 2013/January 2014 of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER print issue (above), and iPad article, full spread (shot below). Not only the National Geographic publication included on their article “Best of the world 2014” the City of New Orleans, but they placed it first on its list! Pictured above from left to right are Jennifer Jones,  Selma Heraldo, Louis Armstrong’s beloved neighbor and friend, and Yoshio Toyama followed by the Treme Brass Band in front of the St. Augustine Church in Treme. I was indeed very happy to hear from Yoshio that he particularly loved the image with Selma very much, since he knew her very well and wasn’t expecting her to briefly join the second line with him that day. Selma Heraldo, the main living link to Louis Armstrong, sadly passed a few months later that year.

To purchase open edition fine art prints of these photographs please click on each image or go directly on my other website www.nolaPIC.com