SYNC was proud to be a part of a very classy portrait shoot of Usher, done by the hands of the very talented Jim Wright. Usher was featured in the newest issue of Cigar Aficionado, which is available on newsstands today. These images are smoking!
Author Archives: T.J. Crume
New at SYNC: Profoto B1 500 AirTTL
Profoto B1
SYNC is proud to carry the Profoto B1 500 AirTTL, a sleek and savvy monolight, that is quickly becoming the go-to light for photographers with a professional edge. Without the need for cables or cords, the B1 is easily transportable and can be mounted to a variety of surfaces. The B1’s ability to process TTL creates an ease and comfort for setting up the shot, which translates into quicker set ups, quicker strikes, and quicker productions. Contact SYNC to reserve B1’s for your shoot today.
- Patent pending AirTTL technology takes the concept of “point and shoot” to the next level.
- Exchangeable, integrated battery provides up to 220 full-power flashes per charge.
- Cordless design and wireless Air technology allows you to shoot without cords and restraints.
- Quick burst capability eliminates the risk of missing that perfect shot waiting for the flash.
- 500Ws adjustable in 1/10 f-stop increments over a 9 f-stop power range give you precise control.
- Compatible with a wide range of Profoto Light Shaping Tools.
SPECIFICATIONS
Max energy: 500Ws
Energy range: 9 f-stops (2-500Ws)
Energy control increments: 1/10 or full f-stops
Recycling time: 0.1-1.9 (Quick burst up to 20 flashes/second)
Max modeling light (W): 20W LED (Output equivalent to 70W Halogen)
Modeling light control: Off, Proportional, Free (5-100%)
Mode control: Freeze (shortest flash duration) or Normal (color balanced) mode
Flash duration Normal mode (t0.5): 1/11,000s (2Ws) – 1/1,000 (500Ws)
Flash duration Freeze mode (t0.5): 1/19,000s (2Ws) – 1/1,000 (500Ws)
Energy stability Normal mode: +-1/20 f-stop flash to flash
Energy stability Freeze mode: +-1/20 f-stop flash to flash
Color stability Normal mode: +-150K over range; +-20K flash to flash
Color stability Freeze mode: +-800K over range; +-50K flash to flash
Guide number @ 2m, 100 ISO with Magnum Reflector: 45 2/10
Input power supply: Exchangable Lithium-Ion-Battery 14.4V/3Ah
Battery capacity: Up to 220 full power flashes
SYNCHRONIZATION AND CONTROL
Sync socket(s): 1
Wire sync voltage:Compliant to ISO 10330 standard
Wire sync connector: 3.5mm Mini-Phono
Photocell/IR-slave and switch: Yes
Radio sync & control: Yes, built in Air TTL supporting wireless sync, control and TTL. (Requires Air Remote TTL. Sold separately.)
Radio sync range: Up to 300m (1000ft)
MAC/PC control: Yes, via optional Profoto Air USB transceiver and Profoto Studio software
MISCELLANEOUS
Function display: Multifunction LCD display
Fan cooling: Yes, thermally controlled fan speed for low noise level
Ready signaling: Yes, ready lamp, dim and/or switchable beep sound
Auto dumping: Yes
USB interface: Yes, USB Mini port for FW upgrading
Quick burst: Quick burst capability of up to 20 flashes per second
New at SYNC: OctaPlus 3 and OctaPlus 57 Hi Heat Lightbanks
Everyone loves using Chimera’s OctaPlus Lightbanks—especially the patented OctaPlus 57! It’s an amazing 7 ft. octagonally-shaped Lightbank that converts to a 5 ft. version!
It’s like getting two Lightbanks in one!
OctaPlus 57 Lightbanks have soft silver interiors, which create a highly efficient and even light spread with rounded highlights. The New Hi Heat versions are available for continuous lights and higher temperatures and they are compatible with continuous source lights up to 3,200 watts.
SYNC also has the 3 ft. OctaPlus OctaPlus which is compatible with continuous source lights up to 1,200 watts. If you need more directional control with your OctaPlus Lightbank, take advantage of SYNC’s Chimera Accessories like Fabric Grids!
SYNC also has the CHIMERA model #3770 speedring stand adapter so that the weight is not supported by the lighting instrument. Very savvy, indeed.
SYNC Spotlight with Photographer, R.J. Muna!
SYNC was very proud to collaborate with R.J. Muna and Mark Hofmann Productions recently on a week long shoot for Mazda’s 2014 full lineup of vehicles in Inyokern, CA.
As the desert treated us to spectacular skies, wind, high temps and the glorious light it is known for, R.J. crafted a series of gorgeous images for Art Director, Diana Phillips. The crew enjoyed our new found desert home and really came together as friends along the way!
Here are a few behind the scenes shots from the shoot:
NEW at SYNC: Kino Flo Diva Lite 401
This Kino Flo Diva Lite 401 is especially designed for digital video capture. The Diva-Lite 401 boasts Kino Flo’s True Match fluorescent tubes complete with both 3200ºK and 5500ºK fixtures and 100 – 0% dimming with minimal color shift and super-low electrical draw.
Ideal for Location Work
Lightweight for ENG, EFP and documentary style field work
Slim profile ideal for shooting in small offices, hallways, or cramped quarters
Efficient
Low amperage draw
On location, lamps get to full color temperature in three minutes
When finished, no need for cool down period
The (optional) lamps can stay in the fixture for quick transport
Dimmable
Built-in Dimming Ballast
Additional dimming switches
Remote dimmer capability
Light Control
Built-in Barndoors
Silver Louver
Optional floziers provide more softening
Honeycomb louvers (sold separately) 90°, 60°, and 45° give more light control
Ball and Socket Mount
Center Mount has a ball and socket design with a lock down handle
At the other end of the Center Mount is a baby receiver (16mm) that can go directly onto a light stand
Note:All fluorescent tubes require 100 hours run-time to reach optimum color output
From the Newsstand: Lars Borges Photographs for Beeline!
SYNC had the pleasure of working with German Photographer, Lars Borges and his crew on a long shoot this Spring for Beeline – a cellular and telecommunications company in Russia. (To learn more about Beeline, click here.) As you will see, Beeline’s branding includes just about anything that has black and yellow stripes!
The Production team led by Ola Litkova, Sophia Pashikova, Phil Lee and Konstantin Lavysh and an Art Department led by Christina Brenton and Matilda Gertrude. SYNC provided grip, lighting, additional crew and digital support.
Traveling along the coast from Venice up to Malibu and throughout Los Angeles, this multi-national cast and crew capturing one incredible image after another. Here are some of the images that have been released as well as some killer behind-the-scenes image taken by Lars’ crew!
From The Grip Room: Carl Zeiss Prime Manual Focus ZE Lenses for Canon!
SYNC is proud to offer a series of Carl Zeiss ZE T* manual focus lenses available now in our rental department. From the 18mm f/3.5 Distagon to the 135mm f/1.4 Apo Sonnar, this series of compact, razor sharp lenses will be sure to amaze!
Fully compatible with Canon EOS cameras with both audible and visual focus confirmation as well as full use of AV, TV and Program modes.
Nowadays, almost all manufacturers only offer AF interchangeable lenses. Anyone who has used an AF lens knows that sometimes the auto focus, although fast, can be inaccurate. This slight defocusing can have a major impact on the overall quality of the image. Learn more about the advantages of manual focusing here.
The current series of Carl Zeiss SLR ZE lenses incorporates the expertise acquired from our professional cine lenses. With optimal color consistency and large rotation angles for extremely accurate focusing and none of the constraints caused by the need to turn a focus motor, these lenses achieve a level of focusing accuracy that is far superior to any conventional AF lenses.
Thanks to the popular range of lens mounts comprising the ZE (Canon EF bayonet mount), the lenses can be directly employed on suitable cameras at high levels of functionality without requiring an adapter. Some of the benefits of Carl Zeiss Optics below are:
- T* Anti-Reflective CoatingLarge Rotation Angles, great for cinematic applications
- 9 Blade Circular Aperture for beautiful bokeh in out-of-focus areas
- Optimum reflection absorption for brilliant pictures even under difficult lighting conditions
- Optimal color correction for consistency along the entire range of lenses and for extremely contrasting edges without color fringes
- Optimized with higher-performing and eco-friendly glassIncorporates a floating lens element design to optimize image quality across the entire focusing range
SYNC Spotlight with Photographer, Sophie Ebrard
SYNC had the great pleasure to be introduced to London-based photographer, Sophie Ebrard in 2013. She has been making quit a splash in the advertising community, especially with her work on the Addidas miCoach campaign.
Adidas created miCoach, the interactive personal coaching and training system and launched the “Get Explosive” campaign recently – featuring Sophie’s images.
With amazing, explosive special effects support from West Efx and digital tech and compositing services from Digital Giant – this extremely challenging project was in very good hands from the beginning stages.
Produced by the incredible Jill Roy at 3Star Productions, this shoot was a tour de force of talented individuals such as Keith Sherins who was in charge of synchronizing multiple cameras as well as figuring out how to freeze exploding powder to capture the signature look of the Adidas campaign.
London based Andrew Howe worked closely with Sophie and SYNC’s own James Abke to define the look of the lighting that would allow her to freeze extreme movement at 12 frames per second. (It was decided that four Arri M40 4K HMI’s would do nicely.)
Together with the talented team over at Sid Lee Agency, lead by Creative Director, Simon Schmitt, the entire crew came together to create one of the most exciting new series of ads of 2013!
Here’s a behind the scenes look at how it all came together!
Explosions were done at each location as well as in the studio . . .
The explosions were plastic pouches filled with powder that a squib ignited . . .
Safety first . . .
The Broncolor Scoro pack provided and incredible 1/8000 of a second flash duration, but it was not fast enough to freeze the ridiculously fast explosion of powder.
The Profoto B4 battery operated pack came to the rescue with it’s 1/25,000 of a second flash duration!
Covered in organic green powder from head to toe, but happy at the end of an amazing shoot!
From the Newsstand with Photographer, David Zaitz
SYNC connected with Photographer, David Zaitz recently to shoot a very important recruiting book for The Bishop’s School in La Jolla . . .
The Bishop’s School is a renowned and respected 100-year old private school that was faced with the following challenge: How do we create a breakthrough, eye-catching centennial recruiting book that isn’t rooted in historic, sepia-toned photos of the past?
The solution??
The school hired super-creative Boston marketing firm Holland-Mark to bring a fresh new look to their brand book with a bold new layout. The Design Director at Holland-Mark in turn selected the striking, iconic photography of Mr. Zaitz . . .
This was an instance of all parties literally being on the same page from day 1 and it proved to be a perfect match that resulted in the gorgeous images below!
Thanks to the staff, students and faculty at The Bishop’s School for their overwhelming support in the photography of this project. This was a real team effort and SYNC could not be more proud of its involvement in this project!
New at SYNC: EIZO ColorEdge CG246!
SYNC is very pleased to add the EIZO ColorEdge CG246 to our Digital Department! It’s a self-calibrating 24″ display with plenty of bells and whistles. Here are just a few:
Built-In SelfCalibration Sensor
Automate your calibration with the built-in SelfCalibration sensor that is housed within the monitor’s bottom bezel and swings up onto the screen only when calibrating. This sensor eliminates the need for a third-party calibration device and even operates in portrait mode.
Correlation with External Sensors
The monitor can be correlated to the measurement results of an external calibration sensor. After correlating, the built-in sensor will automatically recalibrate to the settings. This is convenient if the monitor is used in a work environment with other monitors and one measurement device must be used as a standard for all calibration.
Reproduces Almost the Entire Adobe RGB Color Space
A wide color gamut reproduces 97% of the Adobe RGB color space so images shot in RAW can be converted to Adobe RGB or images shot in Adobe RGB will be displayed correctly. The colors seen in photos of vibrant blue skies and lush green forests will be reproduced faithfully in a way that cannot be on monitors with an sRGB color space. The wide color gamut also ensures that the monitor reproduces almost the entire ISO-coated and US web-coated CMYK color spaces used in printing.
10-Bit Simultaneous Display
Using the DisplayPort input, the monitor offers 10-bit simultaneous color display* from a 16-bit look-up table which means it can show more than one billion colors simultaneously. This is 64 times as many colors as you get with 8-bit display which results in even smoother color gradations and reduced Delta-E between two adjacent colors.
*A graphics board and software which support 10-bit output are also necessary for 10-bit display.
Multiple Inputs
DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI-D inputs are included for connecting to various types of graphics boards, The HDMI input also offers direct connection with digital cameras. Two USB upstream ports allow two computers to be connected at once so it’s not necessary to reconnect the USB cable when using the ColorNavigator software and switching between the two computers.
Smooth Display of Video
For video editing or post production work, an overdrive circuit is included to reduce gray-to-gray response time to 7.7 ms and ensure that moving images look clean and sharp with a minimum of ghosting.
Shading Hood for Portrait and Landscape Modes
Most shading hoods can only be used in landscape mode, but this monitor comes bundled with a unique hood that is designed for portrait mode as well. Now you can keep the glare off your screen no matter which mode you work in.