Monthly Archives: June 2012

My Style – Lee Llamas Workshop delights photographers to new height

Lee Llamas is one of the most successful and popular wedding photographer in the Philippines. In spite of his popularity, Lee Llamas is quite a modest and sincere person, an ardent listener a serious humorist. To his “Golden Boy” reputation Lee Llamas created wonders at his 1^st Kuwait Leg- My Style Wedding Photography workshop, which was held at the Safir Hotel- Fintas on the 15^th & 16^th June 2012.

Day 1 started with the formal introduction of Lee Lamas, his photography works, his approach and workflow while shooting models and his style of creating magic with dynamic dimension when it comes to wedding photography. The day continued with photo shoots covering every aspect of wedding photography including the E Session, Lighting details and Outdoor shoots. Lee Llamas took personal attention in composing couple of bridal shoots, attendees were given first-hand information on such composition and advised to be creative. He also took personal interests to observe each attendees (photographers) shot and end up either advising or complimenting the photo. To give a real feel of the wedding, 2 expensive bridal gowns were arranged along with 4 couple models (2 couples for Pre-Nuptial ceremony & 2 couples for Wedding ceremony), make-up as well as floral artist. The models were pampered with glory by the photographers who were trying to capture them with their best camera, available lens, light and creative angles.

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Events & Activities 2

Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR DX Announced

Nikon-18-300mm-f3_5-5_6G-ED-VR Nikon Inc. today announced the AF-S NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR DX lens. This lens is a versatile and compact 16.7X all-in-one super zoom DX-format lens. The lens is an Ultra high-power approx. 16.7x zoom lens covering 18-300mm focal range. Just as the Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G VR is equipped with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) II image stabilization system which provides the equivalent of a shutter speed approximately four stops faster. The built-in Vibration Reduction will help photographers create blur-free images and video while shooting handheld and in challenging lighting conditions. Two focus modes, manual-priority autofocus (M/A) and manual focus (M), are easily selected in both lenses as well. When in manual-priority autofocus (M/A) mode, users will be able to instantly switch from autofocus to manual focus operation by simply rotating the focus ring, even during AF servo operation. Additionally, these lenses feature an internal focusing system, providing fast focus without changing the length of the lens while retaining working distance through the focus range. Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology designed to deliver fast, accurate and quiet AF performance. The lens also boast Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating (SIC) which provides superb color reproduction, color consistency and reduced flaring.

The AF-S NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR also has a dedicated zoom lock switch which secures the lens barrel at its minimum length and will prevent the lens from sliding when not in use and during transportation. This lens is ideal for capturing close-ups with great detail, as it offers a 1.48 ft. minimum focusing distance at 300mm, as well as a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.2x.

Price and Availability:

The AF-S NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens will be available at the end of June 2012 and is available on pre-order for $999.95

Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G VR Announced

Nikon-24-85mm-f3_5-4_5G-ED-VR Nikon Inc. today announced the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR full-frame lens. This lens replaces the older 24-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G AF-S lens, which went out of production in 2006. The lens is a 3.5x standard zoom lens covering frequently used focal-length range from 24 to 85 mm. It’s also equiped with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) II image stabilization system which provides the equivalent of a shutter speed approximately four stops faster. The lens construction consists of 16 optical elements in 11 groups with one Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element, three aspherical lens elements and a seven rounded blade diaphragm. It is a good quality affordable full-frame lens which is suitable for various shooting scenarios, from stunning landscapes to intimate portraits. This lens is lightweight and portable for regular use.

Price and Availability:

The AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens will be available at the end of June 2012 and is available on pre-order for $599.95

News 0

Photo shoot at Mutla Ridge, Kuwait

Mutla Ridge is the highest point in Kuwait, even though it’s almost around 500 feet in elevation. It is located just north and west of Kuwait city and is part of Al Jahra Governorate. The Ridge has an historical reference during the 1991 war, when Kuwait was invaded by Iraq. In February 1991, during operation Desert Storm, U.S. forces managed to capture Mutla Ridge in a lopsided battle and cut off Iraqi forces fleeing to Iraq. A massive convoy of Iraqi vehicle was trapped on the highway leading to Mutla Ridge and was devastated by coalition aircraft, as well as by U.S. ground forces. The scene of the destruction became known as the “Highway of Death.” (historical reference as documented by award winning editor Spencer C. Tucker in his book “The Encyclopedia of Middle East Wars”)

ShutterXpose members had an early Friday morning (08th June,2012) trip to explore Mutla Ridge. The team was well in time for Sunrise (04:48 am), the weather was not good for photography as there was still a layer of dust in the air, but it wasn’t quite bad either. Generally any drastic change in wind current is good enough to blow enough sand in the desert and make the visibility bad. Mutla Ridge definitely gave us a breathtaking relief from the usual crowd and concrete jungles, the utter silence and freshness in the air, ripple sand pattern along with the mild sand blowing on to our face welcomed us in its rather unusual pleasant way.