Social Documentary Photography and Film
Posted in Production Notes on Sep 1st, 2011
I shoot my documentaries with both the Sony EX1 and the Canon Mark II 5D. I love the 5D for the shallow depth of field I can achieve with a variety of lenses. It has some very definite ergonomic issues so I mainly use it on a Tripod. I often set it up as a [...]
Posted in Production Notes on May 11th, 2011
I have 3 cameras that I use to shoot video for my social documentary work in the developing world. My main camera is a Sony EX1, however, since I’m carrying a Canon Mark II 5D I often use it as a second camera in my interviews. Also when I want a short depth of field [...]
Posted in Production Notes on Feb 11th, 2010
As I have mentioned the digital revolution in photography has made my work easier in many ways. One of the greatest benefits is being able to capture images in low light. With the release of the new cameras like the Nikon D3s and the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV this is just getting better. However, the [...]
Posted in Production Notes on Jan 21st, 2010
Now that the web is nudging all of us photographers to create more than just stills to deliver our message we who work on location in remote areas are faced with the prospect of adding more equipment to the heavy packs we have been carrying for years! Last year I traveled to Malawi, Zambia, Sri [...]
Posted in Production Notes on Sep 30th, 2009
Because most of my work is now done in very remote areas without the help of a trained assistant, I have learned how to simplify my on-location lighting substantially. Now I choose lighting equipment based on its reliability, simplicity and weight. When I first started making portraits of indigenous and tribal people in the field, I [...]