I found this  posting and thought how useful, it’s by :

Get a Grip – by Jeff Guyer

http://thephotobrigade.com

I recently saw a post about using zip ties as a makeshift wrench for removing filters from lenses and from each other (for those of you who stack them).  Even the author recognized the dangers of the method when he pointed out that if not done properly the filter(s) in question could accidentally fly across the room like Japanese throwing stars (my analogy, not his).  Obviously, any method that puts your lenses, filters, pets, windows, kids, or the coffee maker in harm’s way if not done precisely right should have you asking, “Isn’t there a better way?”

Funny you should ask.  The main thing to remember when removing stuck filters is that they can be bent or damaged pretty easily if you don’t apply even pressure around the ring.  That’s why you don’t want to grip it like you’re opening a jar of pickles.  Instead, use that rubber thing that you DO use for opening the pickle jar, but start by laying it on a flat, firm surface.  Holding the lens as shown, place the filter ring against the rubber, push down, and turn.  You shouldn’t have to press that hard– the firm surface below the rubber mat helps apply even pressure from both directions, removing any chance of bending or otherwise damaging the filter ring.  If this problem presents itself in the field while out on assignment, you can achieve the same result using the bottom of a rubber-soled shoe.

I know, I know– “What about Variable ND filters?”  Since these filters are adjustable via a freely turning outer ring, this method isn’t a good idea.  You would be putting pressure on the part of the filter that is not actually stuck.  For this dilemma your best bet is going to be wrapping a rubber band around the threaded ring so you can actually get a grip on the filter.  As mentioned, though, be careful of applying uneven pressure– good filters and lenses are not cheap.  You don’t want to find yourself having to replace or repair either of them.

I hope this is usefull ,

Don P

Costellophoto.com

702 459 3121

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Last couple of weeks we’ve been busy in Las Vegas lots of people asking for our Corporate Head shots , it’s interesting what some clients expect, mostly pretty low expectations coupled with a low price, so it goes that you get what you pay for. well in most cases that may b e true but as a Photographer in Las vegas we do strive to hit a higher level, it’s part of our work ethic.

The biggest challenge is camera shy people, I get it I personally hate having my picture taken, as did my Father before me, he by the way was a Camera man  for the BBC  way back in the ’60’s  so maybe it”s an inherited  phobia ?

But  I always find away to make my subject  comfortable, in the days of film  I would shoot dummy rolls , basically empty  canisters of 35 mm film, the theory being that few people are at ease for the first 50 or so shots so why waste the film? Well as technology has done away with film that’s no longer an issue but it still takes a little time for our client feel comfortable, even the smallest line  an make a difference or the angle of the head can send a completely different message and when it comes to head-shots , it’s the massage in that first second  that  can leave that lasting impression making you the next movie star or not , not an easy task .

Then you can get a subject that is incredibly diverse, from city slicker to  pro boxer , these are the kind of shoots I like, sure they are more challenging lighting wise and on occasion location wise , not every one has a studio or can afford the extra cost, it is very worth while in my opinion.

But when the challenge arises great things can be done.

This image of Boxer Anthony Cox was just one of those events , very nice nice young man with a lot of talent, he knew pretty much what he wanted and needed for his Zed card  and in the same session we shot some promotional images for his act and his Boxing career, not the easiest of shoots, limited in just about every aspect but the end result was well worth the effort photographically.

Point being  I suppose that you don’t necessarily need a huge set up to get great shots , it helps sure but if you have an aspiring  actor , or artist who needs help in this way, why not go out of your way to help make their dreams come true, good Karma on all levels .

Artistically speaking there are times when you have a vision and it just wont work, at least this

might be how you feel during the shoot, may be your subject  just isn’t comfortable in front of the camera, yet you struggle through go back to the office load the images and get a little discouraged.  I find by putting images away for a while and with less stress going back to re-evaluate you might find  with a little cutting and cropping you really have a good looking picture , in this case the  very image I was hoping for , or at least very close , for all kinds of reasons this shot was important and perhaps  that’s why i found it more of a challenge than most, I hadn’t figured on the size of the Lion head and I particularly wanted a black  back ground , that was fine un-till we bought out the black lions heads , Canon 5d .3 or not this just was not going to work, even the 10 ft back drop wasn’t enough  in this case a real studio  would have been so much easier , but that’s just not in the budget  so we have to be inventive photographically and that is good exercise  for your imagination and skill as a master photographer to get it to work regardless of the situations you find your self in.

By Costellophoto

Costellophoto.com

702 459 3121

5.27.2013

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Mother Tattoos Baby !

New Craze worries Doctors.

Young Woman disfiguring bodies worries parents !

Californian Photographer causes outrage.

Not recommended for Mothers Day gift.

When you see this picture how does it make you feel??

Outrage over this beautiful picture of a loving Mother with  her Baby… Tattooed to her chest, with so much out rage and condemnation over a women rights to do to her body as she chooses , and yet some see this as a wonderful piece of art .

Others have asked why? And is she covering up scars from perhaps Cancer surgery, or some other tragic accident? A lot of questions , a lot of  speculation and media criticism.

When I first saw this image I really didn’t know what to think, Immediately I thought how ridiculous , then the thought that may be there is a reason for this  a sad tragic reason, what a shame a beautiful woman feeling she has to make such a dramatic statement I really start to feel badly for her and wanted to know more.

I don’t think in all my years in photography and entertainment had I ever  seen anything quite like this tattoo, the headline  made me think that perhaps the Woman has actually tattooed her baby, that I thought was plausible yet only somewhat unlikely but I live in Las Vegas and anything is possible here, surely there is a line even the most unhinged person would draw, I mean the pain inflicted on an infant, no,  no one would do that would they? But then what explains Honey boo boo . Thank fully it appears just to be some sad lonely childless,crazed Tattoo junkie. So what do you think? Comments welcome and as it’s Mothers day this coming weekend I expect some highly charged  emails !

Some reaction :

Now for the reality of this image, a brilliant piece of art and deception. The following link to L.A photographer Noel Bass will explain all, this was genius !!

http://noelbass.com/the-controversy-over-tattoo-baby/

Enjoy the page and the story, especially if your reading this on Mothers Day !

By Costellophoto

Photo and Genius Idea : Noel Bass

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