Here is a short video to show you the difference between a tripod and a light stand, and to show you which one is right for you.
Tag: Calgary
Listening to and Maintaining your Community and Following
Having a community and following is something that most companies and people desire. It can be hard to maintain and expand that community but there are steps that can be taken to ensure the community is happy and lasts for a long time. The three simple steps listed will be targeting the right audience, maintaining and focusing on the needs of the community and growth & expansion. The examples listed will include big name companies to small groups. No matter how big your community is, there is always room for expansion and things that will bring everyone together.
Having a community and following means you need to treat the people who are in the community with some respect and carefulness. Many people join these communities and followings because they all share a common interest or belief. Keeping your focus on these core beliefs and values can ensure the community stays together and focused on goals and tasks. It is also important to listen to feedback and general comments. They can provide a lot of ways to improve and grow communities and followings.
A good example comes from an online video game. Overwatch is an online video game where changes happen a lot in their game. Characters and new things being added to the game influences a lot inside. The game has a player base of over 35 million players monthly and many of these players have their own opinions to changes in the game and the overall state of the game. The developers at Blizzard Entertainment do a great job of listening to the community and fitting their needs. The development team and support team are always active on forums and social media to inform and assist others. They also release monthly update videos to give the player base an update on what they are doing with the game and what they want to know from the community about these changes etc. Blizzard shows a great example on how to create and maintain a large community and keep them active and happy in where they are.
Having a community and following shouldn’t be focused on profit and general gain for yourself or your company. A lot of people can rely on these communities and believe it progresses people’s lives and other aspects. A community’s voice can even have a large impact on companies and other products. For example if you are making a change to your website that many members of the community dislike, you may want to change the plan or ask the community how they would like it. It seems like a simple concept except many large companies can sometimes fail to suit their community’s needs.
This is an example of a game publisher focusing on economical gain and not listening to their community. Electronic Arts (EA) published the video game Star Wars Battlefront 2 which was hit hard with negative reviews and feedback from the community. A lot of the issues were profit orientated and didn’t work well with the large player base. Issues included loot boxes which you have to pay for, paying for in game bonuses which is unfair and other features that made the game almost unplayable. EA’s response is the current most down voted (disliked) comment on Reddit with over 600,000 down votes. Their response to the situation and lack of care for their community resulted in negative sales for the game and a stock decline in an already declining company. EA’s response was listed as one of the worst company decisions of 2017. EA has also been nominated as the worst company in the U.S of 2017 and almost won that award as a result of this backlash. All they had to do was listen to the community and make the appropriate changes and maybe they wouldn’t have lost millions of dollars and decreases in stock prices.
Growing and expanding your community is a future goal that most people look forward to. It allows the community to grow even more and allows for a wider range of ideas from going outside the target interest to even creating live events to becoming a company. There are many success stories of companies and communities doing these things.
For example, many universities across North America have been creating varsity level Esports teams and clubs across campuses. Scholarships and other programs are now being offered for playing video games at a high level. This started as a simple idea. For example, the University of Toronto had a Facebook page for all of their students who enjoyed playing video games. It slowly kept on growing and other universities did the same. As popularity of these groups became more popular, they expanded and reached out to other universities about hosting friendly tournaments etc. Eventually over 30 universities signed up for the first tournament and this started what is now known as the University Esports League. Now there are over hundreds of universities, colleges and even high schools doing the same thing in North America. This all started as a small Facebook group talking about video games to a multi-million dollar investment.
All the examples listed showcase the large impact that a community can have and ways a company or leader can turn things around. Some of the most important steps are to keep a maintained focus on what the community enjoys and what they want out of being in a community. Making changes or doing things that will upset the community will lead to problems occurring and can go downhill. The most important step is making sure everyone in your community is doing well and truly caring for them.
– Benson Lam
100w LED Studio Flood Light with 18x Fresnel Spot Lens
The 100w LED studio flood light with 18x fresnel spot lens is an effective tool in providing both film and photographic solutions. This light gives you full control over its brightness level, flood and spot focus through its digital control panel and adjustable (rotating) lens. This light also comes with a diffusion dome to produce a broader flood light effect. It is power efficient, with a power consumption rate of a 100 watt, and it emits a colour temperature of 56ook daylight. This Light can be mount on any Bowens’ mount and works with Bowen’s accessories. You also get free shipping on this item anywhere in Canada.
Bluetooth Speaker with Touch Lamp
The bluetooth speaker with touch lamp is one of our smart home products in Big City Lights. It’s a multi-colour led lamp with built-in speaker. You can play music from the lamp either through bluetooth, auxiliary or a micro SD card. It’s a lovely bedside and study companion. It’s also a pretty light, and can fit right in your bag, so you can take it along with you when you go travelling or camping.
Watch the video below to see it in action.
You can buy it HERE
Different Modes of Your Camera
Using a camera for the first time can be a little bit tricky. Especially if you’re using a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflect) with a numerous amount of buttons.
Let’s start with the basics:
This is the dial of most cameras, here you can find the different modes you can set your camera to.
First, we have “AUTO” which stands for Automatic. For this mode, the camera works like a point and shoot, where all it’s settings automatically change themselves for the scenario that it is currently in. For example: when it’s too dark, the flash will come up, or the ISO might change, as well as the focus of the camera. Automatic mode is one of the simplest modes you can use, because it gets your camera ready for you. (however, if you desire to change these settings for your own liking, take better looking photos and use your camera to it’s full potential, you might want to consider the different Manual modes which are the modes represented with the other letters).
Second, we have the “P” which stands for Program Mode / Programmable Mode. For this mode, the camera works similar to Automatic mode, where the Aperture and Shutter are on automatic, but you have more control over the other settings such as: ISO and Auto Focus (things that the automatic mode wouldn’t allow you to do)
Third, we have the “S” which stands for Shutter Priority. For this mode, you have control over the Shutter speed. The Shutter speed is how long the shutter will stay open, which allows you to take a variety of pictures at certain speeds. For example: at a slow shutter speed(1/15); a spinning wheel will look blurry with a lot of movement. At a high shutter speed (1/1000); the spinning wheel will look like a still.
Fourth, we have the “A” which stands for Aperture Priority. For this mode, you will have control over the how large the Aperture will be. The Aperture will control how much light will enter the camera and how blurry or sharp the background will be. The lower (wider) the aperture is (ƒ 1,4) , the more light will enter, and the more blurry the background will be. The higher (smaller) the aperture is (ƒ 32) the less light will enter, and the more clear the background will be.
Lastly, but certainly not the least, we have the “M” which stands for Manual mode. For this mode, the camera will be on full manual which means you have total control over your camera’s settings. This mode is what we’d recommend you to start practicing on, because from that, you can learn from your mistakes. On Manual mode, you have complete control over the ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture (which we have touched upon earlier, but I will explain much more now). ISO is the sensitivity of your camera towards light, which means you would normally want to have your ISO at the lowest possible setting, because the higher the ISO, the more grainy your image will look. There will be cases where you would also have to increase it, depending on the conditions of where your shooting. Typically, when you’re indoors and there is not much natural light, or if you’re shooting with low light conditions, raising your ISO would be beneficial towards your image. ISO would usually start at 100 – 200, and would double. So from 200, the next will be 400, then 800, then 1,600 then, 3,200. These numbers mean how sensitive the sensor is to light, the higher the number the more sensitive it is. Next, we have Shutter Speed, the Shutter Speed is how long the shutter of your camera will stay open and let in light, this helps when taking images that have a lot of motion, with a high Shutter speed (1/1000) the shutter will not be open for too long, and a moving car would look still. With a slow Shutter speed (1/15) the shutter will stay open longer, and will make the moving car look blurry, as it is moving. Also what people use this feature for is light drawing. Have you seen those photos of people in the dark writing their names with light? Well a slow shutter speed is how that works. Next, we have Aperture, the Aperture is the how much light will enter your lens, thus creating various effects. Aperture is measured by ƒ stop. So having a low aperture ( ƒ 2 ) will give you a large opening, and let in more light, but will have a less depth of field, and will make the background of your photo more blurry. Having a high aperture ( ƒ 22 ) will give you a small opening, which gives you less light, but will have a greater depth of field, and will make the background more sharp.
Next, we have the different Automatic modes that are most commonly found on consumer level cameras:
First, we have Portrait mode, which on the dial would look like a person with a hat. This mode is meant for photos with one main subject, because of this, the camera will mainly focus on that one subject, and usually make the background out of focus.
Second, we have Macro mode, which on the dial would look like a flower. This mode is usually used for close up photos of flowers, insects, or anything that you’d want to look closely at. (But, depending on your lens, you might not have Macro capabilities, check your lens for this feature.)
Third, we have Landscape mode, which on the dial would look like a mountain. This mode is used for landscape images; meaning mountains, rivers, trees, etc. (Wide angled images, a wide angled lens is preferred here, but not necessary.)
Fourth, we have Action mode, which on the dial looks like a person running. This mode is used for fast paced images, for example: a marathon, a race, anything where there is a lot of movement and you want to take a still image of what is happening.
– Carlos Jochico, Big City
The Big City Ring Light in Action!
The ring light in action, fashion photo by Clint Adam SmythHello everybody, today we here at Big City Lights are showing you an exceptional example of what you can produce using the Big City Ring Light. The image to the left was shot using the Big City Ring Light which only uses 65W of power yet puts out the tungsten equivalent of a 300W bulb, as you can see it can give you amazing visual effects starting with the even tone of light and appealing lack of shadows. When you look closely, you notice the reflection of the light shining off the models eyes which is also a great effect. The amazing power of this light and the way it’s used lets you show the viewers your subject in a very exciting and alluring manner. Besides the outstanding quality of our lighting equipment there’s something else we offer that might matter to you more than anything else… what’s that? An unbeatable price.
There are other lights out there such as Gekko Technologies George Light or Kino Flo’s Kamino Light which both admittedly have a dimmer on them, but they will charge you 5 – 10 times the price! We at Big City Lights understand your need for reliable, top class equipment and, we give you exactly that without burning a hole in your pocket.
The Big City Fluorescent Ring Light with a stand, and can be purchased HERE
We also carry a dimmable Bi-Colour LED model with a stand, and it can be purchased HERE
LED Fresnel Lights Now Available!
Big City is proud to announce 3 models of high power LED fresnel lights. Finally a high power focusable directional light that uses a fraction of the power, and generates almost no heat! The problem with most fresnel lights in the past has been the enormous amount of power needed to run them, so often film productions would have to rent noisy and expensive generators. Well no more, the Big City F-100, F200 and 100M Fresnel Lights use only 100W or 200W of power but they put out a amazing 750W or 1.5K worth of light respectively. To top this all off they also generate almost no heat unlike their incandescent predecessors that would get so hot that you couldn’t handle them without protective clothing. The F-100 and the F200 also come with a wireless remote so you can turn them on or off and adjust the brightness, while the DMX 100M can be controlled via DMX board. Selling at a reasonable $750 and $950 CDN what professional film production company not can afford to pick one up! You can PURCHASE THEM HERE.
BIG CITY LED FRESNEL 100 LIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
- Casing: Metal
- weight: 8KG
- Size: 8 x 12 x 8 inches
- Control either manual or with wireless remote (included)
- Input: 110AC – 100W
- Colour Temperature: 5500K
- Luminous Flux (LM): 10000
BIG CITY LED FRESNEL 200 LIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
- Casing: Metal
- weight: 10KG
- Size: 8 x 12 x 10 inches
- Control either manual or with wireless remote (included)
- Input: 110AC – 200W
- Colour Temperature: 5500K
- Luminous Flux (LM): 20000
BIG CITY DMX CONTROLLED LED FRESNEL 100M LIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
- Casing: Plastic
- Weight: 5KG
- Size: 8 x 10 x 8 inches
- Control either manual or DMX
- Input: 110AC – 100W
- Colour Temperature: 5500K
- Luminous Flux (LM): 10000
Top 5 ECO Home Gadgets
The 2000’s have been all about saving; saving energy to save our planet. This is what inspired me to create a list of the coolest high tech ways to save. My list is relatively basic but will make everyone who comes over envies. Now if saving the planet to you isn’t super important, then how about having the coolest home set up wale still keeping money in your pocket.
1 – Belkin: Conserve Socket
The conserve Socket by Belkin is first on my list because of its simplicity but effectiveness. This device goes into your outlet and will automatically shut off. There are three different time settings; 30 minutes, 3 hours; 6 hours. Once the device shuts off no power is used preventing from fantom power (when a dives is off but still uses a small amount of energy). As you can tell this would be great for; your daughter how seem to always leave on her straightener, or the dad that can’t fall asleep with out the T.V. on, or how about charing your electronics. We know that leaving them plug in when fully charged isn’t good for the battery. Just set your timer and the plug will do to rest. I can think of so many different uses for this relatively cheep product, coming to just 10 dollars
2 – Nest Smart Thermostat
This sleek looking and incredibly smart thermostat will be the prefaced addition to anyones home. Being one of the smartest thermostats on the market, its great for the forgetful or busy individual. The nest will start to learn your habits, yes LEARN. For example lets say that every night at 6 you turn up the tempetcher a few degrees, your nest will learn this habit and start doing it aromatically. Now if you get to hot and your already in bed, no problem because you can also control your Nest with your smart phone. This awesome addition to your home will also know when you leave for work and will shut off so that no extra energy is used when your not at home.
3 – E-Shower
This new shower head will let you save with out even knowing it. This Kickstarter product saves 70% of your water but still has the same power and feel of your old one. The shower head combines air into the water stream creating “nano bubbles”allowing you to use less but still have a full feeling shower. Not only did they improve on the water savaging showers, they also solved one of their biggest flaws calcium builds up. The E-Shower will never clog with calcium, and keeps your shower clean from buildup. This small but mighty piece of tech will save you on your power and water bill and will cost $144-$195, depending on if you need a shower arm or not.
Philips Hue white and color ambiance starter kit A19
4 – Smart Lighting
This Philips hue starter kit is the coolest when it comes to smart home lighting. Yes these fancy lights connected to your smart device and can be controlled. This not only means you can change brightness, and colour from your smart phone, you can sync then to your smart T.V. as well. This set of lights comes with a movie sync feature that changes the lighting in your room according to what your watching, bring your viewing experience to the next level. Now all of this doesn’t sound very ECO friendly but some other fetchers this supper cool gadget comes with are Away from home control and scheduled lighting. This is really helpful if your just as forgetful as me and come home from work to find you left half your lights on all day. Sadly its not so cheep, coming to Just under $200. There are cheeper versions but come with less fetchers.
Whirlpool® Smart Front Load Washer with 6th Sense Live™ Technology
5 -Smart Washing Machine
This Whirlpool Smart Washing machine allows you to control and monitor your machine from your smart phone. This gives you freedom to do the things you need to do through out your day but can still start your laundry during the lower energy cost times. It also comes with many Energy saving features like Smart assistant, that helps you monitor your energy levels. This is sure to be a great saver if your in the market for one.
– Stephanie Bradshaw
Watch 3D Movies Without Glasses?
I love 3D just as much as the next person. I can admit that I saw Avatar in 3D 4 times and it was a magical experience that changed my expectations of movie from that moment on, but why don’t I see every movie in 3D? Those over size “fit all” but fit no-one, headache giving glasses that comes with going 3D. I don’t know about you but I usually have to take them off half way through the movie for a couple minutes just to control the pain they give me, and for how much extra it is I’m not to happy about it. So when I found out about this new projector screen that will take away my biggest problem with 3D cinema movies I was very intrigued .
Left image using just Parallax Barriers, creating a different image for each viewer. Right image is Cinema 3D, giving each viewer the full image.
This new tech is called Cinema 3D allows a 3D experience with out glasses from anywhere in a theatre. Now this is big because we have glasses free 3D already but only on a small scale like TV screens. The way it works right now is using parallax barriers witch is a series of slits in front of the screen that allows the viewers eyes to each see a different set of pixels creating the illusion of depth. Unfortunately this can’t work in a theatre because your position to the screen has to be very specific for it to work. Cinema 3D however uses a series of mirrors and leases to give each viewer a parallax barrier. This lets the image to be the same anywhere in the theatre.
Cinema 3D screen with mirrors and lenses
Now don’t be expecting to go out next month to see 3D with out glasses. Researcher are only working with the concept in a small theatre with a screen thats not much bigger then a pad of paper and only 200 pixels. And if thats not a bummer enough they don’t even now how feasible it will be do to the fact that their small paper size screen needs about 50 sets of mirrors and lenses. This tech may not be coming out to soon but its defiantly a step in the right direction and makes me very excited for the future.
–Stephanie Bradshaw