A Day With Hasselblad XCD 35-75mm in NYC.

A SUPERB LENS

A week ago I had a chance to test one of the New Hasselblad lenses in X series family. This is the lens that every Hasselblad user was waiting for as it is the first zoom lens in X series and I believe Hasselblad did a great job to make this lens an exceptional quality and performance.

So, let’s see some photographs as I explain how was my experience with this compact zoom lens.

I have to admit from the moment that I attached the lens into my X1D Mark II mount, I felt, this is a MUST lens that every Hasselblad owner should put it on their bag, it was versatile, handy with a reasonable weight. It provides you a superb sharp image which you can use it on your Fine Art, Street, Landscape or even Portrait photography.

The image above is just a snapshot to show how the color, light, texture, shadows, highlights and the tone is equal to what we see with our own eyes. Now imagine with the quality of this lens and the sensor of X1D Mark II in terms of making a superb high quality images, you can unleash your creativity in any form and enjoy watching it with the highest details.

As shown here the image below is zoom to 1:1 to show the actual pixels and it is a result of a standard post processing in Camera Raw such as lens correction and crop. As you notice the details are extremely sharp with outstanding quality.

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One of the other reasons that I enjoyed shooting with XCD 35-75mm was its ability to produce the same quality equal to a prime lens. With its fast focus and multiple focal lengths from wide angle to a normal zoom, Now it can expand your options in different locations without carrying extra lenses. This might look very normal and nothing special about other camera brands or even the Hasselblad H series but in X systems, this is what we needed and now you don’t want to miss it, Specially when you experience such quality.

I have to say I was a little skeptical about how this lens can perform when you need a fast autofocus. I am not sure what type of photographer you are but this lens didn’t disappoint me every time I needed it. The XCD 35-75mm delivered quick autofocus in different situations and I was absolutely happy with the result.

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As a photographer when you want to invest on a lens or a camera you always try to explore different aspect of that equipment, So taking pictures at dark was one of the other reasons that I wanted to do to make sure this lens performs superbly and quick as well.

I decided to not use the tripod, instead I shot at three different ISO settings 1600, 3200 and 25600 to see how the results will be. Also, I tried to shoot at the spots that was mixed with different lights, colors and harsh shadows.

ISO 1600 - Shutter Speed 1/60 @F:4.8 - Handheld.

The image above is zoom to 1:1 to show the actual pixels.

ISO 3200 - Shutter Speed 1/125 @F:4.5 - Handheld.

The image above is zoom to 1:1 to show the actual pixels.

ISO 25600 - Shutter Speed 1/500 @F:3.5 - Handheld.

The image above is zoom to 1:1 to show the actual pixels.

As a photographer it is crucial to have trust in the tools you invest because they are the bridge to bring your creativity and imagination into life and I can say both Hasselblad X1D Mark II and XCD 35-75mm Lens did a phenomenon job to produce a brilliant image.

Finally, The last thing that I want to discuss is the price of this lens which might seem a very expensive equipment and you might ask is it worth to invest on it ? Honestly, I can admit it might be an out of budget equipment and I am completely aware there are different aspects to answer this concern, but let me keep it simple and answer it in a simple form, Although I know you might have your own reasons to reject mine.

When you want to make a bold move and go to the next level of your career, you need to pay for it and invest in it. It can be an investment on your education, equipments, your business or even moving to a different location for the next chapter of your professional career.

I believe the most crucial question that you should ask can be like this,

" Is it the right moment for me to move to the NEXT LEVEL?" The honest answer to this question based on the situation you are is the key to put your mind at ease and remember a risk at the right moment with knowledge, consistency, hard work and being smart on any matter can help you to move in a place that you deserve.

I am sure when you find out, You will decide what is best for you.

STAY SAFE EVERYONE.

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MAKE YOUR OWN CHANCE

The Business In Photography | Live talk with Top-Notch Agent/Rep in New York, Frank Meo

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Frank is the founder of thephotocloser.com and he advises and consulates with photographers from around the globe. He is a curator and for 25 years, has represented fine art, commercial photographers as well as Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalists in securing highly valued commercial assignments. He has worked on hundreds of company photo libraries and campaigns for clients such as Verizon, American Express, Acura Motor Sports, US Coast Guard, Xerox, ESPN, Citibank, Nike and others.

In this one hour live talk, Frank shares his vision and stories about business in photography. Hope You Enjoy.

Live talk with Frank Meo.

Please feel free to share this video with others.

MAKE YOUR OWN CHANCE

A Certain Amount Of Quiet

Back in April, At the highest pick of Covid-19 in New York, I had to come to the city to buy some groceries that I couldn’t buy anywhere else. When I passed the Midtown Tunnel I already knew, this is not the city that I was expected to see with full of people, noisy streets and energetic atmosphere. It was so calm, quiet and peaceful but sad. So many people lost their loved ones and everything stopped. The city was exhausted after all these years and only a power greater than human could give it this type of rest I think. Anyway, this is not a professional video or a project, I just captured the mood. I am sure humankind will start consuming again, even worser than before but one thing is obvious, Don’t mess with nature.

MAKE YOUR OWN CHANCE

The Creative Process | Live talk with Artist/Photographer, John Paul Caponigro

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A live talk with renowned artist and photographer, John Paul Caponigro which he talks about his thoughts and way of thinking about creativity, process and the world of art and photography.

Hope You Enjoy

Live talk with Artist/Photographer, John Paul Caponigro

Thank You John for sharing your precious time with me.

Make Your Own Chance.

The Creative Process

Everybody who know me since the past 15 to 20 years, is completely aware that there is always a name in my classes, workshops and talks that I keep mentioning him, The one and only John Paul Caponigro. He is not just an artist but also a great teacher, speaker and researcher. On those beginning years of my journey in the world of photography as an independent photographer which the path was not that clear, his guidance through his books, DVD’s, and his website played a crucial role on my works as an artist. More importantly watching his photographs and the way he contemplate to make his pictures gave me an unbelievable confident to express what I was carrying in my soul and thoughts. His guidance on how to think out of the box, how to express yourself in your art works and how to think as a creative person has always a huge impact on so many photographers out there. Also, watching and listening to his talks on how light, forms and colors are undeniable elements in our pictures always fascinates me.

John’s attitude and his method was always amongst those very few people who gave me courage to continue my path as a photographer, even when I felt alone in this trajectory.

Now I am honored to say after all these years I have the opportunity to talk with John. And now he is one of guests on my weekly live talks. So, join me for an exciting discussion on my Instagram’s live about the creative process with renowned Artist/Photographer , John Paul Caponigro.

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, May 20th at 12:30 PM. The talk will be on my Instagram personal page (nightblueman).

See you soon.

MAKE YOUR OWN CHANCE

Moving Towards A New Normal

As a freelance Artist/Photographer, Covid-19 had a huge impact in my life and turned my living and career into a very tough position. I am sure the other freelancers in so many fields have the same state with different experiences. But in this tough time while everyone struggles to find a sustainability in their everyday life … I am hearing that people say:

" WHEN WE GET BACK TO NORMAL LIFE ? "

We dont get back to normal life, We dont get back to an ordinary life that we once knew. WE WILL MOVE TOWARDS A NEW NORMAL, A NEW ORDINARY, A NEW WAY OF CONNECTION, THOUGHTS, RESPONSIBILITY, MAKING, LIVING and etc. We need to change our life style, we should be more responsible. Covid-19 showed us how the world is so small. A one person can get sick in this part of the world and in just 10 hours of flight a new community will be in danger in just a day.

 And believe me I am writing this with heavy heart , Covid is an alarm to tell us what is the possible decision to thinking about spending our money?, Who we should look up to?, Who is important to follow and how you should support them. How we treat Mother EARTH, The Nature, The Animals, The Lands.

LOOK and look carefully, The people all around the world in these past years, supported so many garbage celebrities, undeserved and licentious athletes, actors, singers and … The list can go on and on.

WE SHOULD RECONSIDER THAT HOW WE CARE AND PAY A TEACHER, A WORKER, A JANITOR, A NURSE, A FARMER, DRIVER, ARTIST, ENGINEER, DOCTOR, JOURNALIST, CASHIER, RANGER, REPORTER, SCIENTIST AND THE LIST CONTINUES …

I am not here to tell you, how you should live, but I am here to warn you to be wise, to be responsible, to think twice about the world around you. We should wake up and ask again, WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO FOR NOW AND FUTURE ?

DO NOT MAKE FOOLS RICH … DO NOT ELECT UNDESERVED INDIVIDUALS, THEY WONT HELP YOU WHEN YOU NEED THEM , THEY JUST PRAY FOR YOU IN THEIR MANSIONS …

SOLIDARITY IS NOT SPONTANEOUS, IT NEEDS A NEW CHALLENGE, A NEW SACRIFICE, A NEW STRENTGH, AND TRUST ME WE CAN GAIN IT BY MOVING TO A NEW NORMAL,

A NORMAL THAT CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

STAY SAFE

MAKE YOUR OWN CHANCE

Free Wallpapers

To my dear readers and followers, Hope you are safe and well in these tough days.

One of my all time interests in photography is to make wallpapers for my cell phone. Sometimes I make these photographs just for this purpose and I enjoy it very much. Now that we are facing one of the tough times in the history of mankind I thought it might be good idea to share some of them with you. Please feel free to save these pictures from this page and use them on your phone, Share them with your friends and family and let them to use these photographs too. PLEASE RIGHT CLICK ON YOUR DESIRED IMAGE AND CHOOSE “OPEN IMAGE IN NEW TAB/WINDOW” then save it to your computer and use it on your cell phone.

Hope you enjoy.

PLEASE STAY POSITIVE, STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE.

MAKE YOUR OWN CHANCE. ALI

The Photographers I Admire

Hello Everyone

About Two weeks ago I just came up with this idea to ask my Instagram followers “Who is your favorite photographer?” As always they were so kind to respond my request and answered the question with a variety of names which it was interesting and at the same time surprising!!!. The list was so diverse, from unknown photographers which I couldn’t find them on the web to such a big and famous names.

I completely understand that everybody have their own taste in the world of photography and art but I thought it might be good idea to list my favorite photographers in the world of visual arts.

The photographers I admire the most, What does it mean ?

The answer is not that complicated. These are the photographers that I can live in their pictures. I dont get tired if I look at their images hundreds of times and I can always discover something new in their footsteps in the art world. These artists had this ability and opportunity to reach their level at the top of their long time career. Definitely, They are the game changer in the world of photography.

So without further aduo this is my list and some of their photographs :

- Gregory Crewdson

“My Pictures are concern with the coming together of beauty and sadness. There is a tension between some sense of stillness and some some sense of unease. Ultimatly these pictures are about a search. attempting to make a connection to something larger than yourself.”

Cathedral Of The Pines

Cathedral Of The Pines

Beneath The Roses

Beneath The Roses

Cathedral Of The Pines

Beneath The Roses

- Nick Brandt

"I want my images to achieve two things in this regard - to be an elegy to a world that is tragically vanishing, to make people see what beauty is disappearing. Also, to try and show that animals are sentient creatures equally as worthy of life as humans."

A Shadow Falls

Inherit The Dust

Inherit The Dust

A Shadow Falls

This Empty World

This Empty World

- Jeff Wall

"Just as in the cinema you wouldn't think that a realistic film is any less filmic than a musical fantasy. They're both part of the cinema. And I see that this is the same in my work, they are different genres that I am interested in and I move between them."

A Sudden Gust Of Wind

Dead Troops Talk

Mimic

Overpass

In Front Of The Nightclub

Boy Falls From Tree

But if you think the list is going to an end here you are completely wrong. There are so many other great photographers out there that inspired me in these past years, not just in the world of Fine Art but also in different genres of photography. I can assure you if you see other projects, discover the stories of their photographs and read about those photographer’s life, it will help you to move forward in the right direction.

Have a great time.

- Make Your Own Chance