Timothy Allen - Human Planet

[Chris Dodkin]

I've just found this incredible personal blog by photographer Timothy Allen.

For his last body of work, Timothy spent almost 2 years shadowing BBC film crews during the production of the landmark television series Human Planet.

Timothy Allen | Photography | Film

His BBC blog was excellent - a real tour-de force, but on this personal blog, Timothy starts to reveal some of his tricks and tips for better travel photography.

Such as...

When shooting people, stop using your long lens so much

Start using fast, prime lenses (no arguments from me on that one!)

Stop using auto exposure

Start shooting more photos outside of ‘office hours’

Switch to ‘back button focus’

Check out his extensive portfolio section - some simply stunning images.

Plus, here's the BBC blog link: Human Planet | Photos by Timothy Allen

Not sure about his abuse of 5D2s though!

 

[Pete Askew]

Thanks Chris, impressive stuff.

Re: 5D Mk2s I thought they always look like that!!

http://www.realphotographersforum.c...rlogged-camera-returned-owner-year-later.html

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Seems to be a trend at the moment Pete.

I'd guess a 1 series body would be ok, but the 5D2 is not weather sealed to the same level - so I'd be keeping mine away from water and sand!

 

[Hamish Gill]

I'm intrigued by this "switch to back button focus"
I didn't know it was a technique with a name!
It is a handy trick under a suprising amount of circumstances!

 

[Kev Pugh]

I'm intrigued by this "switch to back button focus"
I didn't know it was a technique with a name!
It is a handy trick under a suprising amount of circumstances!

Canon DLC: Article: Back-Button Auto Focus Explained

 

[Hamish Gill]

http://simplyknotphotography.com/blog/2010/02/back-button-focus-for-nikon/

This is basically exactly what I have done in the past ... Although I seem to have drifted away from it a little as my technique has changed a little ... But thinking again I might give it another go!
I've just never thought to look it up to find out what it's called or how it's used ... You just use the fetures a camera gives you don't you ...

Using the outer focus points is less effective for focusing anyway aparently as they are less capable for some reason ... Since I was told I have noticed a little difference ... But not a lot!

Centre spot is always easiest, then just recompose using the af-l/ae-l button ... That's what I do these days ... I guess that's basically the same technique anyway, just the other way round .... With the added advantage of it also locking exposure ... ...

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Hamish - first time I came across the technique was a write-up by a wedding photographer

Fitted her workflow for moving and stationary targets

F.A.Q. -- Back Button Focusing | Wedding Photography Blog | Melissa Jill Photography

 

[Pete Askew]

Interesting. I'll give it a go on the M9 and see how I get on!