Posted by Foto Care Editor | Posted in Business and Marketing Tips | Posted on 23-08-2010

I recently spotted this post on Mashable.com and thought it was an interesting one to share:

Five Essential Web Sites for Professional Photographers

The world of professional photography has come a long way since the days of the darkroom and Ektachrome film. Although there are traditionalists who still swear by film photography, advances in technology have brought photography to a whole new level, both in process and product. In addition to innovation in photography equipment, there are many valuable resources online that are becoming essential tools for professional photographers.

Everything in a photographer’s world can now be managed online, including content, rights, business processes and client relations, to name a few. Aside from shooting the actual photographs, the Internet (Internet) has made it possible for the rest of the business to be handled from the comforts of the studio with a few clicks of the mouse.

The following are five essential web sites for pros:

1. LiveBooks.com

LiveBooks provides professional photographers (and other creatives) a powerful platform for establishing their web presence. By providing a wide array of beautifully custom-designed or pre-designed web sites, liveBooks offers the ability to easily manage content and a business online. LiveBooks also comes with a powerful SEO engine for maximizing web traffic, as well as the ability to analyze the click-through behavior of visitors.

Pricing: $39 per month

2. ShootQ.com

ShootQ is the Internet equivalent of a studio manager. As a completely web-based studio management solution for photographers, ShootQ is an online repository for client/vendor information, invoicing, contracts and more. Photographers can also take advantage of the automated reminder function for requesting payment from clients.

Pricing: Starts at $39.95 per month

3. Animoto.com

Animoto is an award-winning web application that enables photographers to seamlessly turn a series of photographs into a dynamic video presentation. Created by TV and film producers, Animoto utilizes state-of-the-art technology to mimic the same quality you would expect from the silver screen. The service also offers a music library of more than 500+ commercially licensed songs to accompany videos.

Pricing: $249 for 1 year, or $99 for a 3-month trial

4. LicenseStream.com

For any photographer who intends to use his/her work for stock photography purposes, LicenseStream is a site to consider. By keeping tabs on all licensed content, photographers can rest assured that their work is appropriately credited and paid for whenever it is used. LicenseStream also provides photographers with more autonomy over their own work, rather than relying upon stock agency representation.

Pricing: Starts at $49.99 per year for a standard account

5. LabPrints.com

There’s a saying in the business that a photographer is only as good as his or her lab. If that’s the case, LabPrints should be in every photographer’s bookmarks because it links them to professional labs around the country. The software also enables photographers to organize images, design layouts and albums and upload orders directly to the lab of their choosing through its LP Digital Studio software.

Pricing: This software is free, but additional services are fee-base

Posted by Foto Care Editor | Posted in Announcements | Posted on 20-08-2010

Coming soon to Foto Care Rentals and Sales, the first hands free follow-focus system for DSLR’s!

The Intuitfocus HF-IF1 is a hands-free system built with a motorized belt-drive that attaches around the lens.  A scroll wheel remotely controls the focusing of the lens. Aimed at photographers/videographers who shoot movies with HD enabled DSLRs, this system is designed to offer smooth and shake-free focus or zooming. It can be used to control focus, zoom or aperture so the cameraman can do it all.

Below you can see the Press Release and a short demonstration video of the system.  Make sure to check back to see our availability in September.

Press Release:

The Intuitfocus HF-IF1 follow focus system was developed by professionals for professionals! The problems associated with focusing a DSLR camera in manual mode, especially in outdoor situations or at wide-open apertures, has not been solved by any FF systems…until now!

The difficulty in achieving a sharp, accurate image, without the need for an assistant or “focus puller” is the reason for the development of the Intuitfocus system. The aim of the IF is to assist the camera operator to focus or zoom the objective in manual mode, in on a tripod, dolly, crane, rig or a Steadicam without touching the camera’s lens! A close collaboration between the IF team and highly skilled professional cameramen, each with many years of experience in the film and television industry, developed the IF system to work to the exacting requirements needed when shooting film/videos with a DSLR camera.

Now cameramen alone can have total control over their image composition. Intuitfocus is proud to have developed and produced the IF follow focus system to the high quality standards associated with a “Made in Germany” product. The HF-IF1 is unique as the ONLY “hands-free” Follow Focus system that is compatible with all video and DSLR Cameras, and can be operated by the cameraman alone. ‘Hands-free’ follow focus system using only one finger.

The first electro-mechanical follow focus system that operates intuitively and “hands-free“. Focus is really quick and easy’ using a finger or thumb, and without the need to put your hand on the tripod, dolly, crane, rig or Steadicam to set your lens focus! Universally adaptable and not just for film or video. Also ideal for copy stand, macro and nature work with still cameras and for use with broadcast video cameras for zoom or focus or aperture control!

The IF system can be used on all DSLR cameras with lenses from 14mm to 600mm, including shooting with Zeiss still or compact prime lenses. The IF system is easy to mount and is compatible with most lenses, and enables one to focus or to zoom precisely and quickly without any camera shake. Intuitfocus is designed, developed and manufactured in Germany!

Conceived and developed by professionals for professionals whose requirements for focusing and sharpness of image are of paramount importance. Focus or zooming is now possible without the operator using a hand to adjust the focus or zoom ring of the objective and all movements are virtually shake free. No more camera “shake” to blur the image or shot!

The Intuitfocus HF-F1 is controlled by a thumb/finger operated wheel, it is progressive and gives feedback so the operator can intuitively “feel” the adjustment, unlike the majority of existing follow focusing systems available.

The input signal between the components is over a cable, so it eliminates the risk of radio interference, time lapse or external signal disturbance that can occur with wireless systems. The Intuitfocus system can be controlled at distance remotely, with an optional 19’ cable to connect the IF focus control unit and the IF electric motor belt drive lens unit, especially useful with an extending camera cranejib rig. The progressive control wheel enables quick focus from zero and extremely precise, fine sensitive lens adjustment movement.

The Intuitfocus toothed rubber belt drive has these important advantages:

• 4 different rubber belt sizes are supplied for various lens diameters, for “Fisheye” to 600mm lenses
• No additional geared drive rings for individual lenses required.
• Quick easy changes between different lens setups.
• Precision focus due to the relatively large surface contacts in respect to the lens focusing or zoom ring.
• The least forces applied to the lens and camera-body bayonet
• Practically friction-free movement with low noise level.

Discover and further develop your technique in the amazing world of film. We welcome any queries our customers may have concerning the setup or use of their Intuitfocus follow focus system.

Posted by Foto Care Editor | Posted in Foto Care Interviews | Posted on 14-08-2010

We are excited to share this Foto Care interview published by David Harry Stewart  at http://blog1.dhstewart.com. We hope you enjoy hearing about Jeff’s experience in the photography industry.

Jeff Hirsch owns and runs Fotocare in NYC. Since 1968 they have been taking care of professional photographers. The word “care” is what runs through the organization. They not only rent gear, or sell cameras, they take care of their customers. I could relate a dozen stories of them going to bat for me with the camera manufacturers, over-nighting a piece of gear, or going the last mile to research some obscure question I may have.

As someone who has for decades been supplying photographers, and now film makers, with the gear they need, Jeff has a great vantage point.

1. You wrote some fascinating comments last week about the DSLR video craze. Could you go into that a bit more?

Ten years ago, the transition to digital from analog had been in full swing. Within two years there was no turning back. Now, we are in the midst of another transition that requires new skills and investment. This is another fresh chance to be seen and recognized. Our business is growing again and I trust so are our customers. With the drive to produce video content we will experience greater bottlenecks in speed, throughput and connectivity. We’ll get frustrated and there will be the threat’s to return to the days past of analog capture. A lot of video content may have no where to go because it’s being made without a buyer or viewer or the producer has not figured out how to get their message to buyers.
You might say that you had better get out of the way because the freight train is coming down the track but the change the train is bringing offers opportunity for those that want to be photographers or videographers.

2. Over the years, you have also been in a unique position to see the careers of photographers come and go. What do you think are the characteristics of the people who make it, and then manage to stay on top for decades?

Be best at what you do with and develop an inquisitive eye. Look for interest in the mundane and show your clients and friends the world that they overlook. Make people smile not just in your images but in the way you relate to them. Every day presents new opportunities that unlike before.

3. Foto Care now has a web site, a blog, a Facebook page, Twitter. How do you see Foto Care in that universe?

We look for the chance each day to make a difference by helping photographers solve problems big or small. Our use of social marketing now lets us reach a wider user group than in-print media permitted given the associated costs. We’ve undergone tremendous physical changes related to moving and opening two new facilities during an economic downturn. The initial downturn gave us a breather to take stock and re-organize. Our incorporation of social media helped us inform and publicize an active series of seminars that continues to grow

4. What is your background? How is it that you came to run Foto Care?
I grew up in a small town and learned about customer service from my Family who owned and operated a small chain of retail clothing stores. I discovered the magic of photography early. I found my Mom’s box camera and Kodak book that described the Darkroom. That was nearly 40 years ago. College experience gave me a greater desire to be a Professional Photographer. I assisted Photographers from LIFE . I shot professionally until I discovered I enjoyed serving customers more than Art Directors. In 1990, Foto Care found me rather than the other way around. Foto Care had been purchased by a group of investors who needed someone to take over the store. They found me and offered me the ability to manage and buy out their investment. That was exactly twenty years ago. For the past twenty years I’ve had the chance to be part of something much bigger and better than me. I have the greatest respect for our customers who so sacrifice everything to photograph. With so little business acumen, our customers start a business, have kids and put them through College all the while keeping alive their wide-eyed enthusiasm for image-making. I hear too often that we make so little any more in the US. One think that we never stopped making is creativity and entrepreneurs. Our business is built on thousands of them, all home grown.

5. Do you take pictures yourself?

Not as much as I would like. I still find myself wishing I had more resolution when I like an image I made.

Posted by Foto Care Editor | Posted in Foto Care Interviews | Posted on 11-08-2010

Foto Care is pleased to present an exclusive interview with photographer Odessy Barbu.  He has been commissioned to shoot some of the most sought after celebrities including Jessica Alba, Marilyn Manson, Vanessa Hudgens and Dita Von Teese, and has shot advertising campaigns for Levi’s, Chinese Laundry, Topless, French Kitty and ABS.  Join us for a “photographic odessy” with the talented, passionate and creative Odessy Barbu.

Fill me in on your childhood. Where did you grow up? I was raised in Venice California and loved it! As a kid I grew up surfing and skating on the boardwalk. With so many different arts and culture I believe it helped form my passion for photography and eventually brought me to capture the images I enjoy taking with high color and textures in them.

When did you decide to become a photographer and what inspired that decision?
I decided to become a photographer in France. I moved there after high school in hopes of learning to become a master chef as were my parents. After a few years of cooking in restaurants in Paris and St. Tropez I became fond of taking photos of my girlfriend at the time whom was a bikini beach model on the beach’s of Tahiti and Voile Rouge. Between being an aspiring photographer by day and sous chef by night I had an amazing tour in France for 4 years.

Given your culinary skills, are you known for outstanding studio lunches? If only I had enough time during the shoot to be able to prep lunches for everyone… I think I would be considered Superman if I could pull of that feat.

Are there any artists or photographers that inspired your along the way?
I’ve always really enjoyed the work of David La Chapel and Steven Meisel. If I could merge their out of the box ideas with amazing subjects and high fashion it would be total bliss for me.

What has been your favorite assignment to date? My favorite assignment to date was traveling to back to Paris after I got my career going and shooting there and Milan. I love the old word  feel in my images and having international models and wardrobes that makes every international shoot amazing and so creative.

Currently what equipment are you using to produce your work?
I work with mainly Profoto equipment, D4’s for studio and 7B’s on location. I just depends on the job and how big of a set or crew I need to light. I could use anywhere from 1 flash head to 15 depending on the mood and feel I want to produce.

What equipment would you most like to own but don’t yet have?
I pretty much have everything at my finger tips at the moment, the only thing I’d like to buy these days is an underwater casing for my camera and some underwater strobes; that would be fun to experiment with.

Where are you drawing your inspiration from these days?
Locations inspire me at the moment, as I drive around California for work and play I try to log in as many cool venues I run into. When I see something along the road or a building, empty lot or run down church or house;  I make it a point to scout. Then ideas come to me and I get excited about shooting them.

Where is your work heading next? Where do you see yourself in the future?
I have plans to travel back to Europe this winter and I’m putting together locations and story’s for each local I plan to shoot in. I’m thinking of visiting different countries for a month at a time to keep my scenes keen. So hopping over to Paris for a month, come back to LA for a check in and off to Sydney for another month and so on.. That’s the plan for the future at the moment.

Now that video is working its way into our market, do you see yourself stepping into the Hybrid Video market in the near future?
Yes, this past year Ive noticed that more and more, the future of still photography will possibly be less in demand .  The option of an all video format, where your files are so big, you can just pull a still frame from your reel.  Lighting is a factor though, controlling such a big environment for motion picture can be very tedious.

What advice would you give to anyone that wants to become a professional photographer today?
Go to school, learn the fundamentals and start assisting a few photographers you like. Merge all the skills you’ve learned into your own. Make sure to capture good original images for your portfolio, work with the best crew and subjects possible. You want utter beauty for your book, people will pass up C or B grade models photos in your book so persist to shooting the best when possible. Be social– there’s to much competition out there and if you cant talk the talk your clients will not believe you can walk the walk.  Give 110% in everything you do. Don’t turn down any photo assignment that comes your way. Everything come from taking chances and shooting anything will open doors down the line.  Trust. The rest you have to learn as you go. Be patient and if you really want it, it shall be yours.

Posted by Foto Care Editor | Posted in Announcements | Posted on 03-08-2010

We have them when others don’t!  We have received the Leica M9 along with a variety of lenses this week.  They will not last long so make sure to contact us today for more details!

Currently Available

Leica M9 Camera

Leica Super-Elmar-M 18 mm f/3.8 ASPH

Leica Summilux-M 21 mm f/1.4 ASPH

Leica Elmar-M 21 mm f/2.8 ASPH

Leica Summilux-M 24 mm f/1.4 ASPH

Leica Elmar-M 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH

Leica Elmar-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH

Leica Elmar-M 28 mm f/2.8 ASPH

Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH