Though I spent two decades working in the photo trade, as a freelancer and with large commercial studios, I hesitate to call myself a professional these days. However, I do try to create most of the illustrations for VeloWeb(Log), including the parts and accessory shots, when I have access to the products. Otherwise, sources are acknowledged.
In the case of photos on the Readers’ Rando Bikes and Commuter Bikes pages, all photos except the studio shots are submitted by owners.
My personal projects are represented in public, private and corporate collections, including the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Air Canada and Ford Motor Company. See an example here.
These days, the studio doubles as office, framing shop and VeloGarage. It’s a bit cramped, but adequate working space, as long as—note to self—I keep it tidy.
For those who have expressed interest in the technical details, I use the following hardware and software:
In the studio
- Main camera: Nikon D7000 (16.2MP)
- Backup (on which many of the existing photos were shot): Fuji Finepix S2 Pro (6 MP)
- Lenses: AF-S Nikkor 12-24mm 1:4 G ED, Tamron SP AF Aspherical Di 17-35mm 1:2.8-4, AF Nikkor 35-105mm 1.35-4.5 D, Nikkor 24mm 1:2.8D, Nikkor 105 1:2.5 (non-AF)
- Lights: Elinchrom monoblock studio strobes (1X500WS, 2X 250WS)
- Lighting Accessories: 13X16½” Chimera light box, 40″ Larson Reflectasol,  2X white umbrellas, and various DIY contraptions, including reflectors, light box, sail cloth, mirrors, clamps and gaffer tape … lots of gaffer tape.
On the road
- If I’m covering—rather than riding—an event and have freedom to carry the “big guns,” I use theD-7000 with lenses including AF Nikkor 300mm 1:4, AF Nikkor 35-105mm 1.35-4.5 D, the Nikkor 12-24, and the Tamron 17-35.
- On the now rare occasion that I shoot colour transparency or B&W negative film, I use a Nikon F90-X. I like to use the Tamron or the excellent AF Nikkor 24mm fixed lens with that sadly neglected (not to mention discontinued) body.
- On location, I try to use a (Manfrotto) tripod or monopod in most situations, except on the bike, when I go freehand, or should I say no-hands?
On the bike
- For the most part, stills are recorded on an Olympus Camedia C-560 Wide Zoom (5.1 MP), which boasts a wide array of professional-level controls. I mostly use “program.”
Video
I’m just beginning to dabble in the movie industry. Early (circa 2007) video was recorded on the Olympus Camedia, mounted on an old flash bracket zip-tied to the front rack of my Nishiki “camera dolly.” I’m fond of the low point of view. Example here. Fill footage was/is hand-held.
All pre-2011 technical tutorials for VeloGarage were made with the Camedia. The most recent addition to on-bike shooting comes from a GoPro HD HERO2, which is likely to eclipse the Olympus Camedia.
- Most recent HD video was recorded on the Nikon D7000, using a jury-rigged mast (see above) for the on-bike shots.
Editing
- Stills: Photoshop Elements 9 for Mac
- Video: IMovie 11
I’d be happy to try to answer any other questions you might have on the VeloPix.
