Photography

What camera and lenses do you use and why?

Nikon's Z Mount: The Key to Amazing Low-Light Photography

Hi mister, thanks for the question. What a camera and lenses do I use and why? Well, I'm an econ boy. I've been shooting Nick on professionally since September 22 1981. I've never used any other system professionally, I've, you know, obviously picked up other people's cameras and done my own research and stuff like that. But for me of I've always found Nick on is just amazing, you know especially low light which on a film set is one of the most important things for me because my life If is governed by shutter speed, you know, trying to pull up the action so Nichols can see in the dark like a cat full of carrots. Actually. And, you know, I'm happy to shoot 6400 ISO all day long. I'm all on Z 9s. Now and my crash cameras, as Ed 62s. And and the I've nearly got all only Z Mount lenses. Now the S-Class the one exception is the one 22300 2.8. And that that I'm going to keep until Nick on bring out as Ed Mount one for that. Now honestly there's so many great systems out there, the cannon, they have a they have a great Mount as well. There's a good reason why a Nikon and Canon of made the new Mount I wouldn't be going with any other system that doesn't have, that have a large amount. Now it means that At basically the in actual basically the rear element is closer to the sensor so that that means that there's less light to bend. So when I first used the 70 to 200 2.8 it was delivered to me on set. I pulled off my f-mount one and I put on the S Mount one and I could instantly see the difference. It's richer. It's grandia, it's blacker, it's denser. The, the quality of the S-Class on the Nikon and the Zed Mount is just blows me away and makes me speechless. So, yeah, I've thoroughly recommend it. And that's the reason why is it? And it's never let me down. So, I'm doing okay. I think thanks for the question. Cheers me by.

I use Nikon cameras and lenses because they are great for low light situations and the S-Class lenses offer high quality images. The Zeiss Mount offers a closer rear element to the sensor, resulting in less light to bend, making images richer and denser.

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I use Nikon cameras and lenses because I have been shooting with them professionally since September 22, 1981. I find Nikon cameras to be amazing, especially in low-light situations which are crucial for me on film sets. The ability to shoot at high ISOs like 6400 is important for capturing action in low light. Currently, I use the Nikon Z 9 as my primary camera and the D850 as my backup. I have mostly transitioned to using Z mount lenses, except for the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, which I will keep until Nikon releases an equivalent in the Z mount.

The Nikon and Canon systems have made the new mount for a good reason. The larger mount allows for a closer distance between the rear element of the lens and the sensor, resulting in less light bending. When I switched from the F-mount to the S-mount lens, I instantly noticed a difference in the richness, grandeur, darkness, and density of the images. The quality of the S-class lenses on the Nikon Z mount consistently blows me away.

While there are many great camera systems out there, I personally recommend Nikon because it has never let me down. I am happy with my choice and it has served me well throughout my career. Thank you for the question!

Inside the Film Industry: The Role of Assistants in Capturing Iconic Movie Posters

I lived a I'm Jason be on the motion picture still photographer in obviously, the film industry. Now, good question about assistance. Now, on a film set, when I'm doing unit coverage, I never use an assistant, it's all up to me. I like to be in control of everything. If there's a problem or someone's in an eye line or a distraction, any way whatsoever, I want it to be my fault, not someone elses, you know? You can be asked to move on and, you know, you don't get to see The coverage that you want to do for the day. But when I'm doing the big posters, or what we call in the film industry, the one sheets, they special shoots, we call them as well that dumb for the posters and billboards and character images. I have a team, then, you know, I have a couple of assistants and a Digi Tech and I really rely on those guys to help me with the pre light and and, you know, just making me feel good on the day, you know, run things by them. It's like, what do you think is it too? Edgy, the backlight, you know? His two sons. You know, I've shot the posters for so many movies and you can see them on my Instagram, actually, but you know most recently for Ragnarok and shang-chi, you know that were really big, really big shoots over several days and sometimes to like, you know, when I did the Guardians of the Galaxy character shots for Ragnarok, I literally had 10 to 15 minutes with each character and we had so much fun though. And we rocked out. So, so, yeah. I do use assistance, but only for the special sheets. Okay. Thanks for the question. I know it wasn't directly for me, but I couldn't help myself. It was a good one to answer. Thanks cheese.

I am a still photographer in the film industry and I never use an assistant when doing unit coverage. However, for special shoots like posters and character images, I use a team of assistants and a Digi Tech to help me with pre light and other tasks.

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As a motion picture still photographer in the film industry, I often work without an assistant when doing unit coverage on a film set. I prefer to have full control over everything and take responsibility for any issues that may arise. However, for special shoots like creating posters, billboards, and character images, I do have a team of assistants and a Digi Tech to support me. I rely on them for pre-lighting and to provide input on the creative aspects of the shoot. These shoots can span several days and involve capturing images for major movies like Ragnarok and Shang-Chi. While I typically work independently, I do utilize assistance for these special projects.

What is the coolest gadget in your camera bag, that is not a lense or body?

Camera rig secrets: Discover the ingenious gadget that protects your gear like no other!

I'll arrange. Thanks for the question. What's the coolest Gadget in my camera case or camera bag? That is not a lens or camera? Well, that's actually pretty easy because I make up a lot of rigs because I don't know. I'm a motion picture still photographer and I'll work on some pretty big films. And I do I set camera rigs up when I'm shooting, you know, stuff on like, James Bond and things like that. And, you know, I'll shoot with a practical camera and Same time, I'll fire off a remote but one of the best things that I've got in my bag which I only found recently is a little like a sled pod by platy pod. And the reason why I use that is because it is it's a metal sled. Got a ball head on top of it. I can put a and it's only as big as my hand. I can put a, a z9 and a 70-200 on it and it is Incredibly stable. But the reason why I like to use it, I actually use my Z 62s as crash cams, so I put them on on this, on the ball head on the sled and I don't I don't put anything on it to keep it. I don't, what do you call it? I don't mount it. I just leave it flat so that if a car hits a or some debris hits, that it will hit the front of the camera and it will slide backwards. So I'll The amount of damage. In fact, I had one an explosion and a big truck hitting a wall, just a while back and part of the wall, hit the camera and it just slid my Z6 to back and it was fine. So there you go. I had a little bit of dirt on the front of the element and I had a tiny little scratch on the lens hood and no damage to anything else. So yeah, that's right. I tip platy pod go and check them out. They make great stuff and tell them. Jason sent you. I get nothing from him for it. So, you know, feel free, they probably won't even know who I am when you say, say Jason sent. Yeah. But they'll know. Moose moose is good mates with them. So say moose hit you. Okay cheers. I hope that answered your question but I might

The coolest gadget in my camera case or bag is a Platy Pod sled. It's a metal sled with a ball head on top, and it fits a Z9 and 70-200 lens. Its small size and stability make it great for using as a crash cam. It can take a lot of damage without damaging the camera and lens.

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The coolest gadget in my camera bag, excluding lenses and camera bodies, is a sled pod by Platypod. It's a small metal sled with a ball head on top. I use it for setting up camera rigs on film sets. It provides incredible stability, allowing me to mount a camera and lens combination like the Z9 and a 70-200mm. 

What makes it even cooler is that I use it as a crash cam. I attach my Z6 to the ball head without securing it, so if any impact occurs, the camera slides backward, minimizing damage. I've had instances where debris or even a truck hitting a wall caused the camera to slide back, resulting in minimal damage. It's a reliable and protective tool.

I highly recommend checking out Platypod for their great products. Let them know that Jason or Moose sent you, although they might not know who I am. But Moose is good friends with them. So, give it a try and enjoy capturing amazing shots with added protection.

Have you ever risked the safety of photo gear in order to get an image?

Photographer reveals risky tricks to save gear for that perfect shot!

Hmm, have I ever risked the safety of photo gear in order to get an image? Guilty as charged. Like nearly every day I stuff cameras in spots where they should never go but I have a few little tricks to help save them like I use a platypod which is like a sled and the cameras on top of that and if the camera gets hit it slides out of the way sometimes it gets crushed I try not to put cameras in front of walls or any heavy structures if a camera is mounted on a vehicle I have to have a hard mount so that's solid if a vehicle crashes well then I'm probably going to lose a camera but if I've just got it in a singular spot you know a rig set up you know with the platypod like I said or a tripod I'll have the tripod set so that the legs split if it gets hit so it falls backwards nice soft landing and even if I have to use a hard mount I'll do it so that again if it gets hit it'll just swing out of the way I also use ceramic filters and the cameras I use for all my rigs now Nikon Z 6 2's they are awesome here you go

I often put cameras in risky situations to get the shot, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help save them. I use platy pods and tripods with split legs for soft landings, and I use ceramic filters on my rigs to prevent damage. The Nikon Z6 is a great camera for these types of shots.

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Yes, I have indeed risked the safety of my photo gear in order to capture an image. It's a guilty admission, but it happens nearly every day in my line of work. I often find myself squeezing cameras into tight spots where they probably shouldn't go.

However, I do have a few tricks up my sleeve to help protect my gear. One of my go-to tools is a platypod, which acts like a sled. I place the camera on top of it, and if the camera gets hit, it slides out of harm's way. Of course, there are times when cameras do get crushed, but I try my best to avoid placing them in front of walls or heavy structures.

When mounting a camera on a vehicle, I make sure to use a hard mount that provides a solid and secure attachment. If, unfortunately, a vehicle crashes, I may end up losing a camera. But when using a singular rig setup with a platypod or tripod, I position the legs in a way that they split upon impact, allowing the camera to fall backward for a soft landing. Even with a hard mount, I ensure that it can swing out of the way if hit.

To further protect my gear, I utilize ceramic filters, and my camera of choice for all my rigs is the Nikon Z 6 II, which has proven to be reliable and excellent in performance.

So, while I do take risks with my gear, I employ various techniques and equipment to minimize potential damage and ensure the safety of my cameras.

Based on it's cost or how you've used it, what’s your most ridiculous purchase? 

Photographer's Pricey Lens: A Ridiculous Purchase or Hidden Gem?

Hey, mister another question from you. You coming out with some rippers today, okay? Based on the cost for how you've used it. What's your most ridiculous purchase? Well, I have to say, probably I bought a 120 to 300 2.8 that I got just so that I could photograph my kids hockey and I've used it about three times. I've had it for Two years now and I use it for work as well. But same thing, I pulled it out on him two or three times, but I got to tell you those two or three times that it has come out. It's been pretty amazing. So this is a 122 300 2.8, Nick or lens f-mount, but I use an F2 Z for my Nikon z9. Now, even funnier than that and more ridiculous is After the six times, the last hockey game that I used it on. I got hit straight down the barrel by a park and although it didn't do much damage, it looked like there was something a little bit off, so I sent it in for an icon to have a look at it for me and the repair was nearly two thousand dollars. So yes, that's a ridiculous purchase but at the same time it's a really good purchase that I love but 14k for it. Lens is a lot of money when you only use it six times in two years, I hope you got a good laugh out of that too.

I bought a 120 to 300 2.8 lens specifically for photographing my kids hockey, but have only used it about three times in two years. Even funnier, after the last game I used it on, I got hit by a puck and had to send it in for repairs, which ended up costing nearly two thousand dollars.

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Based on cost and usage, my most ridiculous purchase would probably be a 120-300mm f/2.8 lens that I bought specifically for photographing my kids' hockey games. I've only used it about three times in the two years that I've had it. However, those few times I did use it, the results were pretty amazing.

What makes it even more ridiculous is that after using it for the sixth time, I got hit by a puck straight down the barrel of the lens. Although it didn't cause much damage, there seemed to be something off, so I sent it to Nikon for repairs. The repair cost came out to nearly two thousand dollars.

So, while it may be a ridiculous purchase considering the cost and limited usage, I still love the lens and the results it produces. Paying $14,000 for a lens that I've only used six times in two years is quite a lot of money, but I hope you got a good laugh out of it too.

How great is the Nikon z9 for your purposes?

Nikon Z9: A Game-Changing Camera with Unmatched Performance

Okay, how great is the Nikon Z9 for me? Well, someone asked me the other day the best camera I've ever used and it's the Z9 by a long shot. You know, look, I'm a Nikon ambassador but I've been with Nikon since September 22, 1981, long before I had anything to do with them in a brand capacity. The Z9, okay, you've heard me say it a hundred times, the Z9 can see in the dark like a cat full of carrots and that 3D focus sticks like a fly to Thanksgiving leftovers. It's that true. It's amazing. I've shot with it through reeds and all sorts of stuff and it just zeroes in on the eye. You know, you have to help a camera out every now and again, especially the Z9. It will do what it's told. It's a tool that wants to work in conjunction with you. It's not something that's going to take over your photography. So if you put in the wrong information, you're not going to get the right result. So the Z9, oh my gosh, I can't believe no mirror, no shutter, the frame rates, the quality, everything about it I love. It just fits in my hand like a glove. And the firmware upgrades are like getting new cameras, so it's the only choice, Nikon Z9.

The Nikon Z9 is an amazing camera with great features. It has amazing low-light capabilities, 3D Focus and fast frame rates, making it a great choice for any level of photographer. The firmware upgrades make it feel like you are getting a new camera every time. It fits easily in your hand, making it comfortable to use.

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The Nikon Z9 is absolutely fantastic for my purposes. As a longtime Nikon user and ambassador, I can confidently say that the Z9 is the best camera I've ever used. It has incredible low-light capabilities, allowing it to see in the dark like a cat full of carrots. The 3D focus is outstanding and sticks to subjects like a fly to Thanksgiving leftovers. It's truly amazing. I've tested it in challenging conditions, shooting through reeds and such, and it consistently locks onto the eye with precision. However, it's important to note that the Z9 is a tool that works in conjunction with you as the photographer. It won't take over your photography but rather responds to your guidance. If you provide incorrect information, you won't get the desired result. The Z9's elimination of mirrors and shutters, along with its impressive frame rates and overall quality, make it a joy to use. It fits perfectly in my hand and the firmware upgrades feel like getting new cameras. In my opinion, the Nikon Z9 is simply unmatched and the only choice for me.

Jasin Boland answers your Photography questions. See all the advice Jasin Boland has and get answers to your own Photography questions.

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Jasin Boland is a renowned global motion picture still photographer whose work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, billboards and movie posters around the world. He has captured the raw emotion of action franchises such as The Matrix, James Bond and Jason Bourne. As a member of The Society of Motion Picture Still Photographers, Jasin has photographed the first three Matrix films and the last three 007 Bond films. As he reflects on his achievements, he sees many more highlights in his career yet to come. Jasin is an avid supporter of aspiring photographers, believing that the enthusiasm of the craft is the heart of photography. He owes much of his success to the mentors and professionals who nurtured his love of photography and helped to propel his career.