From the Front Row - the Final Edition

Over the last couple of weeks in my From the Front Row feature, I've shared snapshots of bloggers, radio/tv hosts and photographers with their high-tech cameras. Typically I rely on my trusty iPhone 4G to capture photos for my blog. In fact, each of my subjects was shot with my iPhone. But this fashion week, Samsung let me test drive their new Galaxy Camera. Allow me to share my own experience in the final post of this feature.

Fashion week day 5 - could someone fix my hair?

What are you shooting with?

I'm using the Samsung GALAXY Camera. Their tagline pretty well sums it up - "Shoots like a pro. Shares like a Smartphone."

Do you share the photos? How?

I use the photos for my blog (this one!) as well as on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  Beyond the runway and fashion week, I have been using it to shoot client events or random scenes that I use as inspiration for future events.

What’s your favourite feature of this device?

I cannot name just one.  First, the touch screen is HUGE and the colour is truly fantastic.  Even though I've dabbled with photography for nearly 20 years, I consider myself an amateur. The GALAXY's Smart Mode lets me choose the scene so I have the perfect camera settings.  

So, for instance, the Action Freeze setting is great for those fast walking models at Joe Fresh, but with the Macro setting I can get up close with fabric detail.  However, if I want to play professional, there's also an Expert setting where I can change the aperture, F-stop and all those other finite camera details.

 

I love the connectivity of the GALAXY.  It's wi-fi enabled, so I can share instantly via email or Instagram. It comes with Dropbox installed so I have the option of backing up there or on the Cloud. It runs on the latest version of Android OS, Android 4.1 JellyBean, giving me access to a slew of apps.  And for someone who appreciates good design, I have to say I adore its sleek, white, minimalist design.  If wearable technology is the next big thing, I foresee it being a huge success with Samsung driving it. This camera rocks.

The colour-rich Bustle runway

Joe Fresh models create wind, you must shoot fast

The details on Dreamboat Lucy's collection don't get missed

From the Front Row: World MasterCard Fashion Week Edition

Now that Toronto's official fashion week has kicked into full gear, the number of shooters sitting in the seats - as opposed to the media pit - has multiplied to extremes.  Beyond the iPhones and Androids, there are serious cameras in play.  I check in with those sitting front row and ask, what are you shooting with?

JR Bernstein | Fashion Photographer

What are you shooting with?

I change cameras all the time. As an official Fujifilm X-Photographer, I have access to all the professional Fuji cameras. Right now, I'm trying out one of their latest offerings, the Fujifilm X100S. This camera is sold out everywhere, so I'm really lucky to have it.

Do you share the photos? How?

I use the photos in a number of ways.  For one, I'm writing a review of the camera itself, so some of the photos will make it into my review.  Other photos are for publications I shoot for, and some are just for my own enjoyment. As a photographer, I'm constantly shooting.

What’s your favourite feature of this device?

I'm seriously loving this camera!  It's hard to choose just one feature I like best -- its cool retro look and feel, tactile manual controls, fast auto-focus, compact size or great image quality.  But I think my favourite feature has to be the hybrid optical-electronic viewfinder.  It has the best of both worlds.  It really is a camera-geek's dream.  You get all the advantages of using a real optical viewfinder (so you're not looking at a screen) with as much, or as little, digital information as you want superimposed on top.

Check out JR's photography at jrbernstein.com.

Sarah Francis | Blogger

I ran into Sarah at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards announcement on Monday, just before the tents opened.  This new awards show debuts in February 2014 to bring recognition to established and emerging designers across the country.  For more information and a list of confirmed CAFA nominees, click here. 

What are you shooting with?

I'm old school-ish. I use Canon Rebel XSi Digital.

Do you share the photos? How?

The photos go on my blog but are mainly for inspiration. I'm more of a writer and stylist than photographer, so my goal in the next year is to hone my pic-taking skills.  

What’s your favourite feature of this device?

I have a feeling this camera can do much more than I'm capable of at this point. However, I do love my zoom lens - it makes me feel powerful.  Until I run into someone like George Pimentel, that is.