Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category

Max Hill – SBC Skier Cover

Published
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Dan Carr
on November 10, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 14 Comments

A nice surprise in my mail box this morning.  I knew about this for a couple of weeks but today was the first time I have seen the finished product.  This is my 8th cover but my first one in N.America so i’m really pleased with this one.

Max Hill is the man on the cover and the shot was taken last April in Whistler, BC.  I had the idea for this shot about 3 years ago but that year at the time we didn’t have the snow for it.  Last year there was plenty in the spring time so finally got to make it happen.  When I took Max and Leigh Powis to this spot and explained that I wanted them to jump over a railing, hand plant on it AND grab their ski they looked at me as if I was mad.  Once they’d given it a couple of attempts though and built a small jump to pop them over the railing it didn’t take any time at all.  I think this shot was only about the 4th or 5th time that Max hit it.

Shot with a Canon 1dMKIIN , 15mm Fisheye , 1/250th , f7.1, ISO 250.  Lit with 1 Elinchrom Ranger and 4 Nikon speedlights all triggered with pocketwizards.

I have made a quick lighting diagram for those interested in that sort of thing.  Click for larger

Winter Is Coming – How to do slow motion with the Canon 7d

Published
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Dan Carr
on November 7, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 20 Comments

I hadn’t taken the time yet to try shooting 60fps with my Canon 7d.  But it started to snow heavily in Whistler village this morning and as I watched out of the window it looked like the perfect chance to try it out.  I put the Canon 85mm 1.8 lens on the 7d and opened my front door to get a few shots.

I had mistakenly thought that creating nice slow motion shots with the footage would just be as simple as dropping the 60fps clips into a 30fps timeline in Final Cut Pro.  Actually that’s not the case though.  Doing that just drops every other frame and you end up with regular looking footage and simply setting the clip speed to 50% does not take advantage of all those 60 frames you just shot.  I did a quick search on the net and found a good tutorial by Philip Bloom.  I can only speak for Mac users here I’m afraid but the solution is pretty easy so long as you have Final Cut Studio.

If you have FC Studio you will also have a program called Cinema Tools.  Fire it up and hit command+O to open a clip.  The clip will open in a video viewer and on the right hand side will be a button that says “Conform”.  Clicking on this will bring up a drop down box with various frame rates in it.  Select the one you want (29.97 for example) and then hit “Conform”.  The transformation is instant and requires no rendering, all that is being modified is an internal part of the file that denotes how the video is played.

WARNING:  This process is not reversible.  Once you hit the “Conform” button there is no going back so I highly recommend that you do this process to a copy of the original file.  I created a sub folder called SlowMo inside the folder containing my original files.  Then whenever I found a file that I needed to conform, I copied the original to that folder, Conformed it and then imported it into Final Cut Pro.  Don’t forget that you will also need to transcode the 7d files from H.264 before you do anything.  Make sure you transcode the files before you conform them in Cinema Tools!

I shot about 10 quick shots from my door to have some footage to test this with and the result is below. Winter is nearly back!!  Click though to the vimeo page to watch it in HD.

Winter’s Coming – Whistler, November 7th 09 – 60fps 7d from Dan Carr on Vimeo.

Shooting Video with the Canon 5dMKII – Part 2

Published
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Dan Carr
on October 2, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

So once you have all of your video in a format that you can work with, import it all into Final Cut and set up a new project.  This is where you need to tread carefully, depending on which version of FCP you have.  I have Final Cut 5 and that caused some problems to begin with because I had no clue what I was doing.  In FCP 6 and later, when you drag a clip into the timeline, it automatically converts the timeline/sequence settings to conform to the setting of your clip.  In this case 1920×1080 , 30fps, AIC.  In FCP5 though, this does not happen and it caught me out for a while.  I had changed the Video&Audio settings under the file menu, but I was not aware that there is a settings panel for the sequence under the “sequence” menu, or ou can hit Command+zero.  In this menu, you also need to specify the video size (1920×1080), the codec used (in my case AIC), and also the frames per second (30fps NOT 29.97fps).  You will have to enter the “advanced” menu to find the drop down menu for frames per second and change it from the 29.97 default to 30fps.

If you forget to change these settings, when you export the finished product you will be left with video that has been stretched from the default 720p size up to 1080p and it will look terrible!  This took me a while to figure out….which some of you will no doubt find amusing.  But bear in mind I am speaking as a person who only just opened Final Cut Pro for the first time and there’s a lot to take in!

As you now have your timeline set up as an AIC timeline, all the transcoded clips you made will now play and edit in real time.  Once you have that setup its plane sailing.  With a reasonable amount of RAM in your computer (i’d recommend 4gb or more) you will be able to throw clips around and add transitions to them in no time at all.  For me, once I had those steps figure out, it all started to come together.  Video with a 5dMKII is not that daunting after all.

Tomorrow I will post the first video that I made and also some practical information about the physical shooting side of things.  Lens choice, shutter speeds and ND filters.


Canon Announces the 7D

Published
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Dan Carr
on August 31, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 7 Comments

As I blogged about the other day, there’s been a lot of speculation about this camera for a few years and today is finally the day that Canon have announced the elusive 7D.

It fits into an entirely new position in their SLR lineup, right between the current 50d and the 5dMKII and comes in at the VERY attractive price point of $1699 US or $2099 CDN for the body only.

Specification run down:

  • 18 megapixel APS-C 1.6x Crop
  • 8fps
  • Dual Digic IV, new 14-bit ADC circuitry
  • New 19-point AF circuitry
  • 100% viewfinder with LCD overlay, allowing a level and gridlines to be projected on the screen
  • New 63-zone metering system
  • Exposure compensation is now +/- 5 stops
  • FULLY weathersealed, Not half-weathersealed like the 5D Mark II
  • 3″ Rear screen, upgraded version of the one in the 50D and 5D Mark II
  • Video is 1080p at 24, 25 or 30 fps, or 720p at 60/50/30/25/24 fps, has manual controls, gridlines and the virtual level available
  • ISO 100-6400, extend to 12800
  • Internal ETTL flash control (this is a big addition!)
  • Uses the same battery as the 5dMKII lp-E6
  • New battery grip

Canon has made some extraordinary advances with this camera and I think it’s going to be a huge bit with action sports and adventure photographers such as myself.  Having a camera that shoots with the speed of a 1-series camera but in a smaller, lighter package is something I have dreamed of for a long time.  There are a few subtle differences in there too which are quite exciting.  The 19-point focus system has all 19 points as more accurate cross-type sensors with lenses of 5.6 and up.  Great news for people using f4 lenses, the old system only had cross-type function for lenses of 2.8 and up.  This should mean greatly improved autofocus speed and tracking even if you are using a teleconverter on an f4 lens. The LCD overlay on in the viewfinder sounds like a great way to display info too.  Canon have also finally added ETTL control of external flashes meaning no more ST-E2 transmitter to remotely control and trigger external Canon flashes.  I might finally get some use out of my old 580EX now!

As you can see from the photos there are several ergonomic changes too.  A dedicated button for liveview and video recording is a welcome addition and also a programmable button next to the shutter release which can be assigned to any function such as mirror lockup.

Cramming 18 megapixles into a 1.6 crop sensor has a few people worried though, this has by far the biggest pixel density of any camera out there right now but has apparently been done with some new technology and should not effect the noise levels.  I guess we’ll have to wait and see on that one….

For me this is an exciting introduction.  It improves on my current 1dMKIIN in nearly every way and does so in a package that is half the size.  Alongside my 5dMKII this will make a formidable combination and I have already added myself to the waiting list to receive one of these cameras as soon as they come into Canada in about a months time.

For the video guys out there the 7d finally adds multiple frame rates with 24p, 25p and 30p in HD and 60p in 720p resolution.

South of the Equator – Chapter 1

Published
by
Dan Carr
on August 14, 2009
in Trip Report and Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

Eventually winter comes to an end in Whistler.  Last day of summer camps on Blackcomb glacier were mid way through July and with temperatures in the mid 30s every day I needed to get back to a cooler climate.

I flew direct from Vancouver to Auckland on a new service from Air New Zealand and I have to say that they are just about the best airline I have ever flown with.  Though it does help the that booking agent was an action sports photo fan and kindly hooked me up with a bulkhead seat so I could stretch out.

Of course I went through all the usual problems trying to get my bags within the weight limits but eventually after I had tossed a ton of non-essential items (clothes) out at the check in desk I sneaked everything into 2 bags at 32KG each.  One pelican 1610 hard case full of flash equipment and F-stop bags and my huge DaKine ski roller bag which held a pair of skis, ski boots, light stands and a small amount of clothing.

The rest of my camera equipment travels with me as carry on in a Think Tank Airport International roller case.  I think the weight limit for carry on was about 7kg but my bag weighed at least 25kg.  No questions asked on the first flight but I did hear the dreaded words ” excuse me sir, can you just put that bag on the scales for me” when I was boarding my connection from Auckland to Queenstown. Busted.

Always have a backup plan!  No matter what the weather is I always fly with my ski jacket under my arm.  It has HUGE pockets and if the worst happens, I can put a lot of lenses in the pockets.  I slung my 300mm and my 1dMKIIN around my neck, my 70-200 on my 5dMKII over my shoulder and the rest of my lenses went in my jacket pockets.  The flight attendants were scratching their heads as I did this and they still made me check the Think Tank roller into the aircraft hold, but at least all the important stuff was with me.  Of course I looked rediculous boarding the plane, especially as I was the last one on by this time and it opened the floodgates to the usual questions….. ohhhhh how much does that lens cost, can you see the moon with that thing, your job must be very easy with such a nice camera etc etc  C’est la vie.

Once arrived I took a couple of days to chill out in Wanaka.  Every time I go to that town I am stunned by it’s beauty.  Simply breathtaking scenery but I didnt have much time to spare.  A quick day catching up with friends and then on the road north to Christchurch to meet up with the Atomic ski team for a 10 day shoot for their 2011 catalog….. stay tuned for chapter 2 later in the week.

Summer happenings

Published
by
Dan Carr
on July 5, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

Bit of an odds and ends posting this one.  I’ve been shooting a few things up on Blackcomb glacier in the last week or so.  The progression of skiing over the last year is pretty impressive.  It seems everyone has a new variation on a double cork or double flip these days.  Paul Bergeron (photo on the left) is looking particularly impressive.  I also shot a quick video of Peter Olenicks new double which seems to be a kind of misty 5 to switch backflip. Crazy stuff.

Pete Olenicks new dub from Dan Carr on Vimeo.

A few nights ago I went up to Camp of Champions for a sunset shoot with the 4frnt crew.  CR Johnson, Matt Sterbenz and Finn Anderson were on hand along with local skiers Mack Jones and Carl Fortin.  As with this shoot last year , we were blessed with perfect conditions and a beautiful sunset.  The photo on the left shows the collection of Elinchom Rangers set up by myself and a couple of other photogs.  In the last couple of shoots I have been experimenting with some different pocketwizard setups to try and increase the usable range.  What I have learnt is that moving the PW away from the light stand and flash head can make a noticeable difference.  A Manfrotto magic arm with camera plate and a cold shoe provide a useful setup because you can easily move it around depending on what angle you are shooting.  DO NOT be tempted to angle the aerial towards you though.  You must keep the aerial pointing vertically.  Any deviation from the vertical seems to cut down the range again.  This was the first shoot in a long time that I have not experienced major pocketwizard frustrations and in fact I managed to get the new TT1 transmitter to sync incredibly fast with my ranger.

Carl Fortin, Camp Of Champions, Whistler, BC

Canon 1dMKIIN, 1/320, f5.6, 24-105mm at 50mm, iso 400

Coming up this month there will also be a sunset shoot going down at Momentum ski camp and i’m working on the marketing material for a new spa here in Whistler when i’m not shooting skiing.  At the end of the month i’ll be packing up and heading to New Zealand for a team shoot with another ski company.  It’s nice to get back to shooting, the last few weeks I have spent many hours in front of my computer screen sorting through the winter shots and getting them sent off to all the ski magazines around the world.  A necessary part of the job and certainly not my favorite part.

All quiet on the western coast…for now

Published
by
Dan Carr
on June 25, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

The blog has been pretty quiet lately.  Having finished my final shoot of the winter for Whistler Blackcomb in May I took a bit of time off after a long winter.  I went back to England to visit my family and also took some time to head to France to watch the Le Mans 24 hour motor race.  After skiing, motor racing is my second passion.  One day I would love to spend a bit more time shooting it.  The trip to France was a holiday for me so i didn’t spend a lot of time shooting but I did pack my 5dMKII and a couple of lenses.  I was actually fairly impressed with the AI- Servo focusing of the 5dMKII, i think that’s the first time I have tried using it.  With the 300mm lens it was pretty accurate on the fast moving cars.  In the end the race was won by the number 9 Peugeot 908 HDI.

For anyone who has even the vaguest interest in racing, a trip to Le Mans should be on your list of things to do.  The track is steeped in the history of the worlds greatest sports car manufacturers and the atmosphere generated by the 250,000 strong crowd is something I have yet to find words to describe.  It is not just about the racing, it is a pilgrimage.  Even the drive to the hallowed La Sarthe location is a sight to behold as an endless stream of Ferraris, Porsches, Lamborghinis and other exotica pass you on the highway.

This week summer training camps kicked off here in Whistler and over the next few weeks I’ll be spending time shooting at both Camp Of Champions and Momentum ski camp if the rain here ever lets up.  Then it’s off to New Zealand with a client for a pretty cool sounding trip…. stay tuned.

Summer is coming

Published
by
Dan Carr
on May 19, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

Yesterday was Gaper day here in Whistler.  Blackcomb is now closed and Whistler is open for some limited spring skiing. I have one more snowboard shoot left to do here with the Sandbox crew and it looks like we will get that done towards the end of this week when the current low pressure has cleared out.  Winter is nearly done.

When winter finishes in Whistler though you only get a couple of weeks off before summer camps start up on the glacier.  I’m stoked already, the Blackcomb glacier hosts 2 of the best summer parks in the world.  Momentum Ski camp and Camp of Champions.  Here is a few of the shots from last summer that have been published  recently.

Tweet Tweet

Published
by
Dan Carr
on May 1, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Twitterific, twitastic, tweeps, tweeple, twitterverse.  Confused?  Then skip this post.

If you do know what i’m talking about then read on…  There is a thing called follow Friday on twitter, its an unofficial thing, but people post up twitter names of people they think you should follow.  This is my version of follow Friday, only much bigger.  In the last week or so twitter seems to have hit the ski industry much harder so i thought I would put down a list of some interesting people to follow both from the ski industry and the photographic community.  I’m going to keep it pretty simple just a list…..tweet.  And let me know if i missed people and I can update the list as it grows.

SKI industry twitterers.

@dancarrphoto , @k2ski, @lineskis, @SpyderVenom,@ozskier (digi dave),@jeffschmuck, @IF3,@voleurz, @whistlerparks, @Newschoolers, @Freeskier

SKIERS

@HankLambo (Henrik Lampert), @stoneusbillups (Matt Walker), @danetudor, @codytownsend, @steepskiing (Chris Davenport), @eroner, @MikeDski (Mike Douglas), @sarah_j_burke, @TimDurtschi, @ingridbackstrom, @hathbanger, @MyshellParker, @Schubomb, @NicholasMartini, @greteeliassen, @ABoronowski

SKI/Snowboard photographers

@dancarrphoto, @Kapitolphoto, @annaleah, @nabbott, @dspphoto, @TimZimmerman, @MikeBerard

World ski and snowboard festival!

Published
by
Dan Carr
on April 17, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Its that time again. WSSF. The world ski and snowboard festival.  Live music and the worlds best skiers and snowboarders decend every year on Whistler for the best end of season party in the world.  It’s always a busy couple of weeks shooting the various events and trying to squeeze in shoots with the skiers between events.  I spent the last couple of days shooting with Jossi Wells who is here to compete in the Big Air event tomorrow night.  Practice for that started this evening (see above photo, 5dMKII , 1/320 f7.1, 15mm).

Tomorrow i’m stoked to be shooting with last years Superpipe winner Tucker Perkins, we always get good shots when we work together.  I should have just enough time to get back home, charge batteries and get back to the village for the big air finals tomorrow night.  Sunday is the Orage Masters team competition and then on Monday I will shoot a bit of the pipe competition before packing up all my gear and heading to Vancouver for a couple of days to work on a catalog shoot for the clothing company Orage. Then straight back up to Whis again for one more day with Tucker before he heads back to the US.  Might take aday off after all that…… but maybe i’ll just shoot the snowboard cometitions too as I can always sell a few of those shots to a couple of snowboard mags I do some work for.  When thats all over and done with I have another cool project on the horizon.  Hope to post more details soon and cover the whole thing with some behind the scenes photos……stay tuned.  Busy busy.

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