outstanding news from the largest camera maker on the planet + something that huge numbers of us out in the field have been pulling for. canon is introducing the first ever full frame DSLR with manual exposure video control in june. this includes aperture, shutter + ISO. absolutely fantastic. and making the deal even sweeter it’s a simple firmware update for the 5D mark II.

if you’ve had the pleasure of shooting with this beast then you know the frustration that video provided in terms of manual control. there were of course workarounds but there’s nothing, regardless of the field, like manual control. in it’s current state it’s a bit like working with handcuffs on – really nice handcuffs but limiting nonetheless. can’t wait to kick out new work with this new package.

it comes from everywhere and anywhere. the beauty (usually) is not knowing when it’s going to hit. having been on the road for the past two weeks i’ve really noticed it. maybe it’s stepping outside any schedule you have, or simply being in a new place or a combination of the two.

whatever it is, make it happen and replicate the catalyst it as often as possible.

having beers in pdx a 10 days ago with a friend from w+k he pulled out his pre iphone smarttool – it was refreshing to take in the blurbs, sketches and conceptuals all penciled out in the pocket moleskine notebook – love those things. since then i’ve been lucky to catch a few other inspirations and am excited about the ideas they have brought about.

one of the best was a chance encounter with mark van s. a talented brooklyn photographer himself he has recently become known as the brains behind digital photobooth. he’s put together an amazing idea and one of only a few i’ve seen that truly capitalize on the best parts of digital photography. for anyone that’s familiar with japanese purikura and the ‘photo booth’ craze that’s been there for years, this takes it to a whole new level. it’s a portable photo system that can be transported anywhere, doesn’t have a hard booth and not only spits out a perfectly lit print in less than 10 seconds but also projects a version onto as many screens as you’d like. i’ve always wondered about ways to shoot individual portraits for large events and this is phenomenal.

and people not only get it, they absolutely love it – they relax, have fun and don’t stop. mark even told me he’s turned down celebrity offers to purchase one of his units (there are seven right now). the inspiring thing was not only the ingenuity that he’s put into this work he obvious loves but from the very subjects themselves. the scope and variety of portrait ideas that people come up with is astounding. here’s my first of many attempts:

so whether it’s the farmer’s market, the latest stuff the dj’s spinning or the next place you’re heading keep the mind open and a camera ready. you can bet i’ll be doing that today at jfk.

Ever since I came back from Japan the first time with 30+ rolls of Fuji film and went through each image on screen with friends watching (or sleeping) I have really had it bad for slideshows. I’m not talking about the slick productions with matching tunes and wine or the current video laced clips but the old school E6 in a loud projector. It’s always kind of held a fascination for me similar to records (which I collect).

Here’s everyone’s chance to relive that style of show. I haven’t personally been to one of these yet but I’m looking forward to when I can make it. Slideluck Potshow is a non-profit potluck series for members of the arts and media built around an open community exhibiting images and sharing food. More on their website but the next show’s coming up in Portland.

Sounds like a great gig and it’s open to all willing to take risks regardless of experience. Everyone is treated equal with no more than 5 minutes for a show and ranges from those who have never publicly shown work to the likes of Chris Buck, Alec Soth & Martin Schoeller among others.

So grab a sixpack of brown bottles and settle in for a real show.