Sunday, September 23, 2012

Miami Hurricanes rally to defeat Georgia Tech in Overtime.

University of Miami's James Gains loses his helmet as he tackles Georgia Tech quarterback Vad Lee during the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field in Atlanta on Saturday, September 22, 2012. Photo Gallery
BY SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
SDEGNAN@MIAMIHERALD.COM
ATLANTA -- In a wildly intense game that made them look like champions for the first quarter and chumps for the next couple, the Miami Hurricanes proved in the end they have a fighter’s heart.

Miami rallied from a 17-point deficit — after blowing a 19-0 lead — to defeat Georgia Tech 42-36 in overtime Saturday and take first place by itself in the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Coastal Division.

Senior running back Mike James scored four touchdowns. His 10-yard catch with 27 seconds left in regulation tied the score, and his 25-yard game-winning run contributed to a stunning offensive performance by the Canes — 609 yards, a career-high 436 of them thrown by quarterback Stephen Morris.

Read more here: 


Miami's Mike James celebrates one of his four touchdowns with Clive Walford in the end zone. Photo Gallery
Miami wide receiver Malcolm Lewis is injured on the play as Georgia Tech's outside linebacker Brandon Watts falls on his leg. Photo Gallery

Saturday, September 22, 2012

The Legal Lens: Photographers and the Written Contract

Photos by Sam Lewis
By Al Diaz 
aldiaz@aol.com 

As a Miami Herald staff photographer I've had a limited need to learn about the legal aspects of the business of photography; contracts, copyright, sales and marketing. Bottom line, the Herald owns everything. 
    
Until recently the only legal concerns I’ve had is knowing my civil rights while photographing in public places, or how to avoid arrest while doing my job covering a fire, riot, armed conflict or a simple traffic accident. 
    
With the state of the newspaper industry I have job insecurity. Hoping for the best but preparing for the worst I spend my spare time building my webpage, tweeting, blogging, branding and basically getting ready for the future. 

Now that my social media is up a running I need to educate myself on the legal side of running a photography business. 

It’s time to ask my friend Sam Lewis a few legal questions and how to protect myself while pursuing our profession.  In addition to being an attorney, Lewis is a professional photographer who interned at the Herald a few years after I joined the staff there.


The Legal Lens will be a monthly Q&A with Lewis on all legal aspects of photography. 

If you have questions or suggestions for this feature, please e-mail them to AlDiaz305@aol.com or SLewis@ImageReflex.com.


Sam Lewis
The Legal Lens 
With Sam Lewis
SLewis@FeldmanGale.com

Q. Let’s take a few minutes to talk about contracts.  Why should photographers use written contracts?

A. I encourage all clients, especially photographers, to use written contracts.  When it comes to creative endeavors such as photography, written contracts can play a vital role in managing client expectations, which in turn protects photographers from the sort of claims that a dissatisfied client may assert. Click here for an example 

Even where a photographer has a good working relationship with a client, a written contract can be a useful and effective tool for clarifying the scope of a job to be done, 
and ensuring that everyone knows where they stand if for some reason things go wrong.

Q. Are there certain concepts that should be covered in a photographer’s contract?

A. The concept with which most photographers will no doubt be familiar is that of usage and compensation.  The agreement should clearly detail any usage terms, and where appropriate, who will own the copyrights to the images; the compensation should also be detailed. Where possible, the contract should include any details of the job that are known, and who will be responsible for various tasks that may go along with the job.  For example, who will be responsible for engaging any models or makeup artists, obtaining model and property releases, securing permits, etc.?  Addressing these sorts of issues up front goes a long way towards avoiding a problem on the day of the shoot.

The contract shouldn’t stop there.  It should also detail how disputes will be resolved, whether there are any limitations on the photographer’s liability, etc.  For a further discussion of what should be included, see my article published in the November 2009 Digital Photo Pro magazine, “Get It In Writing:  A lawyer’s secrets to better contracts”

Q. Some organizations like ASMP or PPA offer form contracts for their members.  What are your thoughts on those contracts?

A. Using a form contract is probably better than nothing, but you’re far better off using a contract that is tailored to your business and where you work, and has been prepared or reviewed by an attorney familiar with the laws of the state in which your business is based.  Since contracts are typically governed by state law, and issues such as limitations on claims can vary from state to state, it is a good idea to spend some time with a local lawyer who is knowledgeable about such issues.

It is also important to understand the legal ramifications of what is contained in the agreement, and this applies equally to form agreements and customized agreement.  Some of the form contracts include provisions that may have unintended consequences.  In an upcoming article slated to appear in Digital Photo Pro, I discuss some of the potential consequences of including an arbitration provision in a contract.

Samuel Lewis is a Board Certified Intellectual Property law specialist and partner at Feldman Gale, P.A. in Miami, Florida, and a professional photographer who has covered sporting events for more than twenty-five years.  He can be reached at SLewis@FeldmanGale.com or SLewis@ImageReflex.com.

Note:  The information appearing in this blog entry is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice, and should not be construed as such.  Rather, the information is provided solely for educational purposes by providing general information about the law.  This blog is not a substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed to practice in the state where your business is based or where you live.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Think Tank Photo Launches New Products!

Think Tank Photo to Release Soft, Lightweight 
 CityWalker™  Premium Messenger Camera Bags

Think Tank Photo announces that in November it will release the CityWalker messenger bag series.  Designed with the urban photographer in mind, the new bags will come in three models – CityWalker 10, CityWalker 20, and CityWalker 30 – and in two colorways:  Black and Blue Slate.
The CityWalkers’ design emphasizes fit and comfort, premium quality, and functional flexibility.  Extremely lightweight, the bags feature a high quality silver-toned nylon liner, RC Fuse External/YKK zippers, and antique nickel plated metal hardware.  They have a sound silencer on the main flap, extra flaps for smaller lenses with a fully lined velex insert for maximum customization, internal pockets that fit a pro-size flash, and a removable padded insert.
The CityWalker 10 fits one standard size body with a 24-70 attached, plus one to two small extra lenses, a flash, and a tablet.  The CityWalker 20 holds one standard size body with a 24-70 attached or a 70-200 detached, plus extra lenses, a flash, and a tablet.  The CityWalker 30 holds one standard size body with a 24-70 attached or a 70-200 detached, plus two to four extra lenses, a flash, and a 15” laptop.
“The CityWalkers are a classic ‘walk around’ bag,” said Doug Murdoch, ThinkTank Photo CEO and Lead Designer.   “Built around the same design aesthetic as our popular StreetWalker®backpacks, their style is targeted toward casual urban environments while still focused on an active lifestyle.”     
Additional features include:
·      15” Laptop compartment (CityWalker 30)
·      iPad pocket [front internal] (CityWalker 10 and CityWalker 20)
·      Double security on front flap closure with silence-able Hook/Loop and Dual Cross™ Buckle
·      Removable padded insert
·      Seam-sealed rain cover included
·      Customizable divider layout
·      Two internal side pockets to accommodate flash
·      Deluxe organizer on front panel
·      Water bottle pockets on each side
·      Large zippered pocket on front flap for accessories
·      Rear document pocket
·      Business card holder inside main flap
·      Top carry handle
All CityWalker fabric exterior is treated with a DWR coating while fabric underside is coated with PU for superior water resistance.  They utilize YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion resistant) zippers, 420D velocity nylon, 420D high-density nylon, 600D brushed polyester, 250D shadow rip-stop polyester, Derrington™ mesh pockets, antique nickel plated metal hardware, Dual Cross™ Buckle, 3D air mesh, mono mesh, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Specifications
CityWalker 10
External Dimensions: 12.4” W x 9” H x 6.7” D (31.5 × 23 × 17cm)
Internal Dimensions: 10” W x 7.5” H x 5.3” D (25.5 × 19 × 13.5cm)
Tablet: 10.3” W x 8” H x 0.8” D (26.2 × 20.3 × 2cm)
Weight: 1.9-2.2 lbs (0.8-1.0 kg)

CityWalker 20
External Dimensions: 13.8” W x 9.8” H x 6.7” D (35 × 25 × 17cm)
Internal Dimensions: 13” W x 8.7” H x 5.3” D (33 × 22 × 13.5cm)
Tablet: 10.3” W x 8” H x 0.8” D (26.2 × 20.3 × 2cm)
Weight: 2.0-2.5 lbs (0.9-1.1 kg)

CityWalker 30
External Dimensions: 16.3” W x 11.4” H x 8.3” D (41.5 × 29 × 21cm)
Internal Dimensions: 13.4” W x 9.6” H x 6.7” D(34 × 24.5 × 17cm)
Laptop: 15" W x 11" H x 1.4" D (38 x 28 x 3.6cm)
Weight: 2.8-3.1 lbs (1.3-1.4 kg)

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Think Tank Photo to Release Airport Navigator™
Top- and Front-accessible Photographer Rolling Pilot’s Case

Think Tank Photo announces that in November it will release the Airport Navigator™, the photography industry’s first rolling pilot’s case that allows photographers to access gear from the top and the front.  The new pilot’s case also includes a shoulder strap for easing past gate check attendants.
The AirportNavigator™ holds two pro-size bodies, plus three to six extra lenses and most 15.4” laptops, iPads and documents.  The two external side pockets can also accommodate pro-size flashes or water bottles.
The new roller’s lightweight design emphasizes fit and comfort, premium quality, and flexibility and function.  The custom handle extends to total of 40” for easy rolling.  The pilot’s case utilizes the highest quality YKK RC Fuse zippers, custom designed and replaceable in-line skate wheels, and antique nickel plated metal hardware.   It features a shoulder strap whose piggy-back function allows for easy attachment to other rollers.
            “This project dates back many years as our designers strived to create a dual access roller,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo CEO and Lead Designer.   “Through different revisions, we found that the most reasonable style for this case was a Pilot’s type bag.  This effort culminated in the creation of a rolling case that has top and front access for wedding, event and travel photographers. This is yet another unique first for the camera industry.”           
Additional features include:

·      15” Laptop compartment
·      iPad/document pocket
·      Top and front access panels to photo gear
·      Lockable zippers on both main zippered compartments
·      Retractable handle slides through top lid handle to hold lid open for quick access to gear while shooting
·      Removable shoulder strap includes piggy-back function for attaching Airport Navigator to other TTP rollers
·      Two external side pockets to accommodate flashes or water bottles
·      Releasable front panel straps hold the laptop compartment open for quick access to electronics when attached or full access to photo gear when released. Straps also tuck-away when not in use.
·      Custom designed and replaceable handle and wheels
·      Seam-sealed rain cover included

            The Airport Navigator’s all-fabric exterior is treated with a DWR coating while fabric underside is coated with PU for superior water resistance.  It utilizes YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion resistant) zippers, 420D velocity nylon, 420D high-density nylon, 600D brushed polyester, custom designed replaceable in-line skate wheels, Ultra Stretch pockets, antique nickel plated metal hardware, aluminum reinforcement, rubberized laminate, 3D air mesh, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Specifications
Airport Navigator
External Dimensions: 16” W x 15.5” H x 10” D (40.6 × 39.4 × 25.4cm)
Internal Dimensions: 15” W x 13” H x 6.8” D (38.1 × 33 × 17.3cm)
Laptop: 14.8” W x 11” H x 1.5” D (37.6 × 28 × 3.8cm)
Weight: 8.1-9.2 lbs (3.7-4.2 kg)



Saturday, September 15, 2012

New Photo Work Room at Miami’s Sun Life Stadium

Allen Eyestone works in the new photo workroom at Sun Life Stadium.


By Al Diaz
aldiaz305@aol.com 
The Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami Hurricanes have a new photo workroom at Miami’s Sun Life Stadium.

When the Miami Marlins baseball team decided to bug out of Sun Life for the new Marlins Park, photographers Allen Eyestone and Dave Cross went to work on lobbying for a better work space in the football stadium.

Working independently of each other, Eyestone staff photographer at The Palm Beach Post, produced a video showing the hazardous conditions working out of an old trailer outside the stadium and the obstacles photographers faced getting to and from the field. Eyestone then photographed the better facilities around the country. He submitted his research to Miami Dolphins
 Senior Vice President of Media Relations, Harvey Greene.  
The steps to the old trailer was always dangerous while carrying gear.
Miami Dolphins
 Senior Vice President of Media Relations, Harvey Greene. 



 At the same time, Cross the Miami Dolphins team photographer, lobbied for the upgrade as well.

The result is a spacious 1,750 square foot media work room at event level inside the stadium with a capacity for 175 people. The room is equipped with free Wi-Fi and about 40 locations in the room have hard wired Ethernet.

Greene is glad the room is being well received by photographers and says the current space used to house the former Marlins equipment room and players lounge.

He goes on to say that photogs are allowed to eat with everyone else in the main press box before the Dolphin game. At halftime hot dogs and chips are provided in the photo room for free.

If that’s not good enough, master technicians from SouthernPhoto Technical Service will be providing complimentary sensor cleaning, general camera maintenance and minor camera repairs on site.

SPTS is a Factory Authorized Service Center for all major brands of photographic equipment and has been in Miami since 1948.

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SPTS Master technician Wifredo Cruz and Annie Bone at the media center.
Owner Isaac Hadid says they will also be providing the same service at this years Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament on Key Biscayne and Florida Atlantic University Football games.
The Miami Herald's Charles Trainor Jr. inside the new work room.
The Miami Herald's Joe Rimkus Jr., at left, and The Palm Beach Post's Allen Eyestone at right.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Jim Rassol at work.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers team photographer Mike Carlson heads to the field.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Order an Urban Disguise® shoulder bag and get free gear!

Our friends at Think Tank Photo have a special offer for September that might of interest.  Should you order one of their popular Urban Disguise® shoulder bags, you can receive one of their Urban Disguise® Attachment Straps or a Shoulder Harness V2.0 for free!

With Think Tank Photo’s completely upgraded and larger Urban Disguise shoulder bags, you can travel in style while still protecting your valuable equipment from prying eyes.

The Urban Disguise V2.0 Series is specifically designed for professional digital SLR equipment, with some models including special laptop compartments.  Each model features multiple pockets, YKK lockable zipper sliders, a comfortable, padded shoulder strap, and a seam-sealed rain cover.  Specifically:

·         Urban Disguise 35 V2.0 – Carries a 13.3” laptop with a regular size DSLR or a 10” netbook with a pro size DSLR.  Also carries a 70-200 f2.8 attached to a DSLR with two to three additional lenses.

·         Urban Disguise 40 V2.0 – Carries regular or pro size DSLR with a standard zoom lens attached and two to four additional lenses.

·         Urban Disguise 50 V2.0 – Carries up to a 15.4” laptop, a regular or pro size DSLR with a standard zoom attached, and two to four additional lenses.

·         Urban Disguise 60 V.20 – Carries up to a 17” laptop, a regular or pro size DSLR with a standard zoom attached, and three to five additional lenses.

·         Urban Disguise 70 V2.0 – Carries up to two pro size DSLRs with lenses attached in main compartment.  Can fit a 70-200 f2.8 attached to a pro size DSLR.

Receive one of these free with your order!  The Urban Disguise® Attachment Straps lets you attach Modular, Skin, or Multimedia components to the sides, and a tripod to the bottom, of an Urban Disguise V2.0 shoulder bag.  Or, receive a Shoulder Harness V2.0, which converts an Urban Disguise shoulder bag into a backpack.

Here is a VIDEO review by my friend Simon Pollock on the Urban Disguise 60 V2.0

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Duke of Canes Football

Miami Hurricanes Duke Johnson celebrates a 54 yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

By Greg Cote
gcote@miamiherald.com

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -- We have seen the face and the future of Miami Hurricanes football and need but a single syllable to say it:

Duke.

No. Wait.

Duke!

The exclamatory is necessary if you want that syllable to sound like what Duke Johnson looked like here Saturday afternoon in sparking and lifting UM to its season-opening 41-32 victory over Boston College. Read more here:

Duke Johnson on a 54 yard touchdown run in the second quarter
Duke Johnson runs for a 56 yard touchdown in his freshman debut in the third quarter.
The Canes quarterback Stephen Morris celebrates with freshman running back Duke Johnson after Johnson scores in the second quarter to put Miami in the lead.
Anthony Chickillo celebrates on the field after the Canes defeat the Eagles 31-42 in the season opener.






View The Miami Herald Photo Gallery Here, UM vs BC.

It's always great when the Canes travel to Boston. It gives me an excuse to say "leave the gun, take the canolli" at Mike's Pastry in the North End. The weather was beautiful at Alumni Stadium at Chestnut Hill. All the action was shot on a Canon Mark EOS 1D Mark IV hanging on a Black Rapid RS-7 camera strap, using the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM. The older version of the Canon EF EOS 400 f2.8L IS   is mounted to the second Canon camera body. 

Here is another game story by Miami Herald writer Susan Miller Degnan.


By SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
SDEGNAN@MIAMIHERALD.COM

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -- The Miami Hurricanes found their quarterback.

And thanks to a baby-faced freshman named Randy “Duke” Johnson, they found their way.

Johnson ran for 135 yards on seven carries — including touchdown sprints of 54 and 56 yards — to help the Canes bounce back from a 14-0 deficit Saturday and defeat Boston College 41-32 in the season opener at Alumni Stadium. Read more here:

Saturday, September 1, 2012

2012 Football Preview

Football at last, my favorite time of year! Here are some of the preview section fronts and portraits I photographed for The Miami Herald this season.
University of Miami running back Mike James
Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush and Booker T. Washington High's linebacker and top college prospect Matthew Thomas. Page design by Robert Cohn.
Florida International University's Wayne Times, (5), Tourek Williams, (97) and Johnathan Cyprien, (7)
For lights I used three Dynalite strobe heads for hair light, fill or background. The main light source is from a Norman pack with a Norman 5 X 22" Soft Light Beauty Dish Reflector and grid. It was all shot on a Canon Mark EOS 1D Mark IV using the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM.