Professional digital compact camera

I have been through a number of compact cameras but have never felt comfortable with any of them.

I think its having to look at a lcd screen to compose which I have always struggled with. I'm a bit 'old school' as I prefer look through a good ole fashion optical viewfinder.

I have kept my ear to the ground on the compact market and have recently heard the release of the Rioch GR digital III.

Early feedback seems very promising and the reason I'm keen on maybe considering this as a carry with you at all times camera is, it has a really useful external optical viewfinder which I have tried and seems pretty good. The image quality from what I have seen on the web is pretty jaw dropping see examples here

Its low noise capabilities seem pretty awesome too. However need to sort out the big boss camera first... (D700)

Nikon Professional Digital SLR

I have been using Nikon Digital SLR cameras since 2005 when I purchased the D70 and managed to get my first commission with it. The results were amazing and this is where my philosophy of using natural and available light evolved.

I upgraded to the Nikon D200 in 2006 and shot some great images including a trip to India.

http://www.kantrathod.com/travel_photos.html

After a very happy two year relationship with the D200 I upgraded to the D300 in 2008.

I have many successful shoots with the D300 and its low light capability has been a real gem.

I am now considering a possible upgrade soon to the D700 full frame territory. I think this would be a justifiable upgrade as I am shooting indoors using natural and available light which this camera has excellent capabilities for.

Freelance music photography

I took the plunge and got into photographing music gigs last year.

My first was a real challenge, for cutting edge musician Shri in London.

My Nikon D300 served me well and handled the indifferent lighting with great effect. I used my trusted Nikon 18-200mm lens which has never let me down. I shot most of the gig with an iso rating of between 800 and 1250.

Here are some shots from that gig http://www.kantrathod.com/music_photos_11.html

Using natural and available light in freelance photography

I have been a strong believer in using natural or available light in my photography.

It provides a challenge when taking photographs and I pay particular attention to how light falls into the composition. I have never use flash and believe having the minimum amount of kit make people much more comfortable when having their picture taken instead of being blinded by light flashes or being intimidated by a tower of lights surrounding them.

I recently used this technique to great effect for a recent shoot for Friends of Brighton & Hove Hospitals. The brief was to document various staff and equipment in locations such as hospitals and clinics therefore is was a very quick in and out shoot. Here are some examples

http://www.kantrathod.com/people_photos_11.html

DXO Pro Optics RAW

I have been using this nifty bit of raw conversion software since its early days.

Its a wonderful bit of wizardry which really brings out that something extra from your RAW files. I started using it when I bought my first digital SLR the Nikon D70 and through to using the Nikon D200 and at present the D300.

I will post some examples of the difference between processed and unprocessed images soon.

kant rathod - digital photography
http://www.kantrathod.com

Microstock libraries

A friend recently sent me this article about microstock photo libraries which talks about how this type of market is affecting the photography professional.

http://www.photographersdirect.com/sellers/microstock_sites.asp

Its worth a read any views welcome.