Multimedia HDSLR workshop with Vincent Laforet, NYC

As if simply BEING in NYC wasn’t inspiring enough for the PDN Photoplus Expo… I attended a workshop with one of my hero’s in the industry: Pullitzer prize-winning photojournalist-turned multimedia guru: Vincent Laforet. I attended Laforet’s multimedia workshop where I learned advanced techniques for using my HDSLR (5D MarkII) for filmmaking. While I’m technically using the same camera for still and video, the accessories and way of “being” with the camera is a whole new world. Forget the days of roaming free with the camera as a still photographer- when shooting video, think strategies for stability… I tried two shoulder rigs made by Redrock Micro- Laforet showed the different features and confirmed that you truly do get what you pay for rigs . Laforet and crew showed us some complex gear such as the techno-crane on a track for making smooth camera movements around a subject. With the techno crane, one person is in charge of focus, one person directs, one pushes the crane/camera around the tracks and controls the hydraulics for smooth raising/lowering of the camera.

If you are interested in multimedia and you are unfamiliar with Vincent Laforet’s blog– it’s one of the best references out there. He constantly tests equipment and posts his findings as well as new techniques. Although this workshop was gear-heavy, Laforet reminded us that “just because it exists… you don’t have to have it. The more gear you have the more you will be slowed down by it.” Thank you! I find that too often, we (photographers) become focused on gear rather than storytelling.

Let’s get back to storytelling: Laforet’s visual storytelling is solid and incredibly inspiring. Reverie is fairly formulaic- and it works SO well…

Inspiration:

See: Nocturne and Reverie

So if you have the opportunity to take a workshop with Vincent Laforet, jump at the opportunity. He is truly a wealth of information and creative inspiration. He might embarrass you (ask Anne Margaret) but you’ll walk away with new perspective and deeper understanding.

New Photographs for the National Equity Project | Oakland, CA

I’ve had the honor of photographing students, families and some of the key leaders for public school reform for the National Equity Project (formerly BayCES) this year. The portraits will be part of a permanent exhibit in their newly remodeled office in downtown Oakland, installed November 2010.

Bay Area Coalition For Equitable Schools becomes National Equity Project