I'm moving

Thanks everyone for coming over and taking a journey with me.

I am moving to my new and improved blog site, I hope you'll tag along.

http://blog.sachivillareal.com/

See you there!

Sachi

NYC Basic Photography Workshop

Please join me for an afternoon of photography as we walk around NYC and some of my favorite haunts to shoot in Manhattan. This is a great opportunity to learn the basics of photography and to spend the afternoon in the city with friends and people that have the same passion for creating beautiful images.

I will discuss topics such as

- The camera and the eye
- The lens
- Real world photography techniques
- Aperture priority
- Shutter speed
- Mixing them both for accurate exposure
- Composition and developing creativity.

and much more

I believe the best way to learn is to take more photos rather than talk about it. I will be your personal coach instead of your professor, we will as a group, critique and share ideas. This would make the afternoon more spontaneous and fun, and will unleash your creative eye.

I will only accept a maximum of 10 people, so please let me know as soon as you can.

Date : July 25 at 2:00 PM with a rain date of Aug 1.
Meeting place: TBD
Fee: $40 for four to five hours
Equipment needed: Digital Camera with the ability to control Aperture and Exposure. (Digital SLR and Point and shoot welcome. This is about photography not just the camera)
For more info and to reserve a spot: contact me at 201 647 9533 or email me at: sachiweddings@gmail.com



Hope to see you there!
Sachi

Wedding Photography - The Ceremony: Part 1

This is it, the most critical and important part of a wedding day. The mantra here is "be prepared". The ceremony is a test of a good photographer, you have to be both technical and creative. You have to work fast but remain calm and focused.

Do your homework

Scout the venue (If you have time you can even scout the area days or months before)

Know what the rules of the church or venue ahead of time, there are some that won't allow flash or even let you near the altar.

Check your equipment

Make sure your memory cards are formatted. If you use dual bodies, check to see that the time and dates are synchronized on both (This would help out a great deal in post processing later). Always have a backup! I have two flashes, Two or three camera bodies a lot of memory cards and dual flashes as well. On one of my camera I have the Canon 17-55 2.8 IS lens, this takes care of my wide to moderate telephoto and on my other camera the Canon 70-200 2.8 IS lens for a longer reach and great bokeh to isolate my subject from the background. So with this two, I can cover a good range of photos. I have left in my bag a fisheye lens, if I want to go really wide with a different twist and the Canon 35 1.4 if I want to do natural light without flash.

Check your Setttings

When you are at the venue ahead of time, meter the ambient light inside the church or the venue, so you have a good idea of what settings you need to use on your camera. Measure for exposure and white balance, so you already have a mental note of your settings before the ceremony begins.

Observe the light

If shooting inside a church, observe the light patterns inside. Are there light from windows, doors or mostly incandescent artificial light. This would guide you if you can shoot with or without a flash. If you decide to use a flash, do you have high ceilings or neutral colored walls in order to bounce your flash from? I usually have a flash on my camera at this point, you never know when you'll need it (again be prepared). I usually tone it down a stop or two and just use it as a bit of fill light or catch lights for the eyes.

Wedding shot list

Although I shoot "photojournalistic" style, it's good to have a mental guide of some shots for the wedding, but always put your personal vision into your photos.

- The processional.
- Father giving away the bride.
- Bride and groom exchanging vows.
- Ring ceremony.
- The kiss.
- Bride and groom coming up aisle.

Emotions...emotions...emotions

Let's face it, most of the time ceremonies are solemn formal occasions. There is not a lot of action and you can't interrupt the flow of the ceremony to pose or direct your clients. There is something that you can find a lot of in the ceremony though and that is the abundance of emotions, from the look of the groom when he first saw the bride coming down the aisle, tears from the mother, the dad giving away her daughter or smiles and sniffs from friends. Observe and anticipate these fleeting moments, this is the mark of a photojournalist at work.

Wedding Photography: The Preparation

Tell a story

I like to tell a story when I shoot a wedding. In that way, my photos flow like a romantic novel or a movie as the day goes on. It has a bit of drama, lots of action, laughter, comedy and the occasional horror stories :). It is up to the photographer to tighten up the script.










Details... details

The preparation phase is a good opportunity to take photos of details that you might not have the time to shoot later and will add a supporting role to your story.


Here is a suggested list of what you can shoot:

- Rings
- Coins
- The Wedding Gown
- Shoes
- Invitation
- A Watch and suit for the groom
- Flowers
- Whatever else tickles your fancy and has a special meaning to the person: cuff links, earrings, bracelets, cellphone etc.

A lens with a good macro capability would be excellent for these shots so you can let the viewer see the details of say, a beautiful shiny ring.

Tip: Don't just shoot the details by themselves, shoot them with the person too, like the groom donning his suit. Pictures of the bride with the bouquet. A hand holding an invitation etc. The pictures would appear personal and interesting.

Add creative lighting. Sometimes I use a small flashlight to create dramatic lighting for detail shots.


Be Candid...

This is a good time to shoot candids as well. The preparation can be busy and hectic, especially if the bride has her makeup done in the hotel room with the rest of the entourage. So get out of the way!

Grab your favorite wide to mid-range zoom and be a reporter, just let things happen and keep your eye on the viewfinder. My favorite would be the Canon 17-55 2.8 lens. I like to shoot wide angle for situations like these where the room is cramped and at the same time, a wide angle forces you to get close to your subject, making your pictures feel intimate.


Be Stylish

Portraits and Editorial shots

If you have time and the Bride is all dressed up with makeup on, grab her for a couple of minutes and take pictures. This is the best time to take portraits and editorial (fashion) shots since her makeup is fresh and the mascara is still on :)

Use available light as much as possible. The pictures would appear more natural and dramatic than using a flash. Window light is the best or whatever light is available (an overhead ceiling light, a lamp or a candle). Use a reflector to balance the shadow and if you need to use your flash, use it as a fill light.


Find the light and you will find your picture.

Once you are satisfied with your shots, leave early to get ready for the main event... The Ceremony.

Next topic: The Ceremony

Wedding Photography: The Engagement Session

I love Engagement sessions, this is the part where you get to know your clients and just have a fun day at a park or their favorite venue. For me, the engagement shoot is more about relationship than the photography itself. This is the first time that the couple will get to be photographed by you.

Have you ever noticed that when a camera is pointed at you, either you stiffen up, get your usual smile from your bag or do crazy things in front of the camera? The reason being, a lot of people are camera shy and they don't feel comfortable being photographed.

A goal of the photographer is to ease this tension and let them relax and get to know you. So what I do during the first half hour is just to take candid shots, I go further back, becoming almost invisible and just let the couples talk and have fun. This would break the ice and slowly I ease them into a more portrait or editorial session (posed but un-posed photos, I know its confusing. It's basically posing the couple so that it looks natural in the photo, as if it's candid). So go have fun and be creative.

As Bambi Cantrell said "Emotion Instead of Perfection".

Tips: For the Photographer

- I usually schedule the engagement shoot, if possible, two months before the wedding, since I create a slideshow for them to view at their reception. This is great for both the bride and the photographer. The couple gets to see their images for the first time and for the photographer, this is a good marketing opportunity as well to the future brides that might be in the audience. So it really is a win-win situation.

- Don't rush to take photos before you meet the couple, talk to them a bit, get to know them more. They will respond better if they feel comfortable with you and trust you.

- This is a good opportunity to study their angles, what pose works for them and study how lighting affects it. You don't have the pressure of time unlike the ceremony, so do your mental notes now and the wedding day would be so much easier.

- Bring a telephoto lens with you, this would let you be far away from the couple and be invisible to them. Telephotos are great portraits lenses as well. My favorite is Canon 70-200 2.8 IS and the Canon 135 2.0 f2.


Tips: For the Bride

- If you can, flow with your photographer and let him pose you or set you up in an environment for a good picture. Your photographer needs to have his creative juice going, so go with it (unless he wants you to dangle off a cliff or something :) ).

- Wear plain clothes with light colors and if you can with no pattern. This makes you the center of attention and not your yellow polka dot blouse :)

- Set up an appointment later in the day if possible to get the best quality of light available if shooting outdoors.

- Pick a venue where there would be a lot of different environments to shoot. A lake with a bridge for example or a place where there is a lot of nice architecture or even a graffiti wall.

- and most important HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE DAY!!!

Next Topic: Wedding Preparation

Wedding Photography: A Personal Guide

People ask me why I ventured into wedding photography. I guess for me, it all boiled down to an interest and love of portraiture and people. In one day of wedding photography, you get to be a Photojournalist, Landscape photographer and a Portrait photographer, couple that with a high adrenaline environment and it can be very challenging and fun. It is a culmination of all that I love about photography wrapped into a neat package.


Tips for the Photographer:

This is the only time where you will change your hat and be a businessman instead of a photographer. Have a portfolio ready or a sampler album to show your clients. Be clear what you are offering to them.

For me, my photography is about Quality. I only shoot 12-15 weddings a year to really spend time with my client's wedding day and photographs to process later.

My brides are those that appreciate art, beauty and quality of work. They deserve only the best from me.

Tips for the bride:
The Meeting

It is very important for the couple to meet with their photographer in person before signing the contract. Wedding photography is people photography. An effective photographer has to have excellent people skills and a good rapport with the couple. The couple needs to be confident in the skills of their photographer and to feel at ease with him.

Read the contract carefully make sure you are protected and that everything is covered. Don't hesitate to pose questions to the photographer not only regarding the contract or the package, but also on how he feels about his photography and his vision for your wedding as well.
Photography is an art and it needs a lot of creativity and passion to drive it.

















The Package

Here is a breakdown of the package that I offer to my clients. I wanted a package that is affordable and customizable.

- Free consultation

- Six to Eight Hour Coverage (This would cover 2 hours of preparation, 3 hours of ceremony and 2 to 3 hours of the reception. )

- Photographer and assistant photographer (A second photographer is a big plus since it will allow different perspectives on the wedding and also a greater range of photos you can choose from. It also protects the client from shots that could be missed by one photographer)

- Ownership of original high resolution images on DVD of all shots taken (This is a great value to the clients, as they do not have to pay extra to the photographer for prints and they could see the whole selections of images from their wedding. Print all you want :) )

- Ownership of 50 edited photographers choice images on DVD (One of the reasons why my clients choose me is my approach to photo editing. I apply different styles to my favorite images, be it black and white, editorial, bold fashion or subdued and romantic)

- 50 4 x 6 prints of edited images (There is nothing like seeing a photo on paper and touching it, rather than on a computer screen. I also give my clients prints of my favorite edited pictures in lovely lustre paper)

- 1 - 11 x 14 Metallic Print (I love metallic paper, it adds a nice pop to the image. I offer this to my clients for them to frame and hang on their wall)

- Online album of 50 Photographers choice images (Two to three weeks after the wedding, I post my favorite images on my website so the couple can share their pictures to their friends and family as soon as possible)


CUSTOMIZE IT WITH ADD-ONS

- Premium Coffee Table style photo album
- Canvas Gallery Prints
- Thank You Cards
- Engagement session with slideshow cd to present on your wedding reception
- Trash the Dress session (for the daring and funky bride)
- Budoir Session (a more private sexy photo shoot, high fashion)
- Additional Photography Hour(s) (if six hours of coverage is not enough for you, you could always add more)


I will be writing this article in four parts, the engagement session and the three parts of the wedding day: the preparation, the ceremony and the reception. This will act as a primer not only for other up and coming wedding photographers but also to the bride, so she knows what to expect from her photographer on that special day.


next topic... The Engagement Session

A Child At Heart

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
- Pablo Picasso

Last October I was fortunate to shoot with my friend Brad for his child's school fund raising. This time the subject was kids!

I was a bit apprehensive at first, since I haven't taken photos of kids professionally before, just for friends and family, but I was excited at the prospect of this new aspect of photography that will open up to me. So I did as much research as I could regarding my subject and absorbed photos, tips and inspiration before the shoot. One can say that fear can only be tempered by understanding.

It was a two day shoot, an hour for each family at Riverside park in New York on a chilly October morning, and slowly they came... one by one, shy and leery at you at first. I was like, ok how do I get them to like me? I did not know what to do. I had to adapt fast and the best way is to be like them, to see the world through their eyes.

I had to be six again and still keep my wits about me, and you know what, it worked. In a couple of minutes we were running along the park, laughing and tossing leaves at each other. It was fun and they were full of energy and joy. I did not have to pose them, I just let them play, and I acting as a photojournalist just sat back and captured the moment. Here are some of the pics that day.

Enjoy!













Tip:To take pictures of children, you need a camera that focuses fast and can do multiple shots. Keep your eye on the viewfinder and anticipate their reaction. It could be a fleeting smile or a serious look. Go low as much as possible and be at the same eye level as them. Shot with Canon 135 f2.

Hong Kong Day 2 and 3

Day two can be summed up in two words, eat and shop!

It is the main reason you go to Hong Kong anyway, the food is excellent and there are shops galore from really high end brand names to knock offs of Prada for $5.

I started day 2 by going for a bit of a walk at the wet market. This is always a good barometer of the culture and the food of the people of a country, it tells us where all that excellent food comes from. It was an eye opener, with fresh fish still swimming in their containers and a great selection of fruits and vegetables. I had to get some dried scallops and oysters to bring back home, these little widgets of dried seafood will add a profound flavor to soups and stews.

The highlight of day two was the birthday of my mom in law. We reserved dinner at the Japanese restaurant of the Hongkong Shangrila hotel, called Nadaman. We had really fresh sushi, the likes I haven't had before, Nobu was close, but this was more classic. I had eaten in a hotel in Japan once before and this was better. I ordred the Uni (sea urchin) sashimi to start and miso glazed black cod for my entree. The table ordered some more sashimi to share. My wife and mom ordered the Lobster and Scallop Teppanyaki. It was amazing, the lobster meat was so fresh a bit chewy and very flavorful. The nighttime view of the harbour was great as well. We ended the meal with a berry and pistachio cake for desert with a wee li'l candle for our mom to blow.

After the very sumptuous dinner, we had to walk it off. Off we go to Mongkok, shopping bargain central and brand knockoff haven. I wasn't a big fan of it, but it is part of the allure of Hong Kong and it is definitely worth the visit not just for the bargains but for a bit of the culture of the city itself.

Day 3


We started day three by riding the tram all the way to the top of the "peak", for the best views of the city's skyline and harbour. The tram takes you to an incline so steep going up, it felt a bit weird to see the world at an angle. There are shops and restaurants up top as well and lot of nice nooks to enjoy the views or to just walk along the path with covered with trees.

After having coffee at the peak we headed out to Kowloon Island via ferry for lunch. We had dimsum this time, fresh steaming little dumplings where Hong Kong and Cantonese cuisine really shine. This is definitely a must for anyone visiting the city.

After lunch we headed out ot Lantau Island to see the Giant Buddha. It is about a half hour drive to the island from Kowloon and we took the cable cars up the mountain, the ride itself is 25 minutes and the views are spectacular, with the mountains and the sea surrounding you. You could also take the bus to go up top, but this is the way to go.





At first I thought this was more of a pilgrimage site and a place for meditation, but no, not with the Chinese entrepreneurial spirit. The place was packed with shops and restaurant designed as little pagodas to blend with the scenery. More of a theme park than a serene setting, but I had to admit I like how they did it though. I mean how long can you really stare at a giant Buddha. It's nice to have a place to sit and have coffee or get souvenirs hehe. It is tastefully done though, no street hawkers of sorts, just a nice place to spend the day. There are also trails to the nearby mountains with incriptions of the Heart Sutra along the way, if you need to clear your mind and relax. We headed back around 6:00 pm just perfect for the sunset to light our path going down the mountain.

Hong Kong - Day 1

My wife and I arrived in Hongkong last night around 9:00 P.M. eastern, after a long but non-stop flight from NJ. I was beat, it made me remember how it feels to be in a cramped seat for 15 hours, and yes jet lag is pretty much true too, I am writing this at 3:00 this morning.

OK enough complaints, in a nutshell, Hongkong is awesome. I love the place! It totally blew my mind, this is one of those places that draws you in and spins you around.

Let's take a walk shall we...

I woke up yesterday at 6 a.m.still feeling a bit tired from the long trip, I just can't sleep anymore and got out of bed. We waited a bit for my wife's dad to start his daily ritual of jogging and we decided, why don't we join him. My mother in law also came with us too. I always loved mornings anyway, especially for traveling and photography. The light is nice has this lovely color tinge to it and the world is just starting to wake up. The park is beautiful and near, it also has a little zoo with exotic birds and monkeys. It really felt like a jungle in the heart of a metropolis.

After our short stroll we decide to have breakfast, Hongkong style. We took the cab to the Causeway bay area for some... Congee! We went to this fast-foody kinda place that serves real food :) Of course I have to order the weirdest Congee (rice porridge) that I could find. Blood Jelly Congee with shredded pork with a side of Yiu Tiaw (it sounded like that anyway, its a sort of unsweetened donut that soaks up the broth and adds texture to the dish). It was great, simple but well done. Kellog's, eat your heart out, this is breakfast at it's finest, hehe.


After breakfast we head back home for a quick shower and to prepare for mass, and of course I'm looking forward to lunch again. One thing I noticed at the mass, a lot of Filipinos. It is a Sunday and it was a day off for a lot of my countrymen working here (OFW's). I'm like ok that's cool, Catholic as we are, there are always Filipinos in churches on sunday, nothing surprising about that. But after the mass, it was a totally different story, we took the tram to the restaurant and I kid you not, I thought there was a rally going on and I was in Edsa for People power 4, there was even a mini "sinulog" festival going on. There were literally hundreds of Filipinos in the streets, eating, talking and just plain hanging out. I thought before that on a Sunday they were you know, having a little picnic in the park, having fun with friends. But no you are talking, newspapers or table cloths to line the sidewalk and cardboard boxes as temporary walls. I was dumbfounded, I didn't know if I was to smile or cry. More to the latter I guess. I am an OFW too and I have read the plight of our country men overseas, but to be reduced to this. I don't know what to say. I am glad that they are with friends, But to be called "tsimay" and eating on the streets on cardboard boxes?! It is something else entirely. I do have an admiration for them though, It shows a lot of the Filipino heart and spirit to find joy in simple things and helping each other, the "bayanihan" lives on. This is not the image of the Filipino that I want to share to the world, I want the world to know my heroes: Rizal, Bonificio, Ninoy. Our Artists: Salonga, Macuja and Licad among others. We are a people proud and capable of excellence.

I am silently praying for the day that we could all go back home and enjoy our time with our families and live the rest of our lives in peace and dignity.

Anyway, for now "Carpe Diem", seize the day and move on.

For lunch we ate at the Peking House, and you know what that first word means. The legendary Peking Duck (3-ways)! We started off with appetizers of jellyfish salad and poached egg whites with dried scallops. Yummy. Subtle but executed perfectly. Then came the main course, the duck. It is carved near our table, served with freshly made thin pancakes, scallions and hoisin sauce. It was extraordinary, best duck I had so far. The skin was crispy but not greasy , well seasoned and just amazing. We had a side of tofu and some stir fry of celery roots to balance the richness of the duck.

This is my impression of real Chinese cooking. The flavors are subtle unlike their greasy American counterparts, but the ingredients fresh and the cooking techniques is superb . I mean if the ingredients are fresh no need to cover it up with a barrage of sauces right?

Still with me? After all that food, we had to burn it out with walking. So that's the signal to go shopping, another one of those things you go to Hongkong for. The stores have a great selection from name brands to the local fare.

After a couple of hours of walking and the jet lag rearing its ugly head. We needed to go home. So after getting food for dinner, we had for take out roasted goose, roasted bbq pork and suckling pig, I had to make a quick stop at a bizarre food stall I passed by where I picked up braised tripe, intestines and beef brisket. My cholesterol counter was probably arguing with me at that point hehe.

My day ended on the couch watching the finals of the Australian open tennis on TV where my idol Nadal won the trophy. It was a great day and the experience was fulfilling. I can't thank enough our parents Papa and Mommy, our gracious host my sister-in-law Pam, her husband Poch and their two darling kids Katrina and Xavier. This is the main reason actually that we went home more than anything, to spend time with our family. Hongkong is just a bonus.

Let's see what tomorrow brings, but I am raring for more!

Yousuf Karsh - The Power of the Portrait

Yousuf Karsh

Was a Canadian photographer of Armenian heritage and one of the most famous and accomplished portrait photographers of all time.

Probably one of my favorite portrait photographer and his work continues to inspire my own. It is hard to explain it in words but his subjects in a way speak out to you.

Within every man and woman a secret is hidden, and as a photographer it is my task to reveal it if I can. The revelation, if it comes at all, will come in a small fraction of a second with an unconscious gesture, a gleam of the eye, a brief lifting of the mask that all humans wear to conceal their innermost selves from the world. In that fleeting interval of opportunity the photographer must act or lose his prize." - Y. Karsh


One of his more famous photographs was of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, as the story goes Churchill wasn't in the mood for a photo session and was chomping on his cigar. Karsh went on and tried to pose him, but the cigar bothered him for that solemn occasion. finally Karsh said "Forgive me sir" and plucked out the cigar from his mouth. At that time the churchillian frown deepened, leaned forward a bit put his hand on his waist in an attitude of anger and Karsh took the photograph.

In essence this is all we can aspire to be as portrait photographers, to be able to connect with our subject and have them reveal their spirit to you.

Tip: How do you go about it though? There is really no technique to this, you have to improve on your people skills if you want to be a portrait photographer, after all you are dealing with people. The secret is you have to be genuinely interested in the person. A person can detect if you are faking your relationship with them, but if you talk to them first get them to relax, let them be comfortable with you. That is then your cue to take your shot.

"My chief joy is to photograph the great in heart, in mind, and in spirit, whether they be famous or humble." - Y. Karsh

Here are some of his shots

My Gear

Gung hei fa choy! Happy chinese new year to all!

It's been a while since I wrote, I wanted to write something new for the new year. Well since I didn't make it for the regular gregorian new year. The chinese new year will do hehe.

I guess to start the year off, I want to show you what is in my camera bag and why I picked and use them for the work that I do.

Let's start off with the lenses, for me a great lens is the most important piece of my camera gear. I believe that the lens is your eye to the world and the camera, the brain. So no matter how intelligent your brain is, if your eyesight is bad. The pictures will come out blurry as well.

So as much as possible I invest on the Canon "L" lenses. the L designation in the canon line means it is their pro series, with a well constructed and weather sealed body and amazing optics. My pictures comes out sharp, saturated and contrasty.

They are expensive mind you, but It is also good to invest on a high quality lens since their value does not diminish even over time and the resale value is great at almost 80% of the original price. Here they are...

Canon 17-40 f4 L

This is my all around well used lens. It has great optics. It is fairly lightweight and compact which is good for traveling around. The range is good also ranging from landscapes to environmental portraiture, travel and street photography. It's aperture is f4 though, so it is more of an outdoor lens, but with cameras right now that can shoot clean images at iso 1600 to 3200 it can handle indoors now no problem. It is moderately priced and one of canon's bestselling lenses. Highly recommended for a first pro lens.


Canon 70-200 f2.8 L

Next up is my go to guy lens for my pro work. Weddings and portraiture. It is built like tank, a bit heavy and bulky. So I'm not that fond of traveling with it. But for low light work, like a dimly lit church it is amazing. It is also sharp for a zoom lens, with a great range from 70 to 200. It has a fast aperture at 2.8 and has Image Stabilization which is important to hand holding a lens this size. The bokeh is creamy and excellent for portraiture.




Canon 35 f1.4 L

I usually use this as my low light lens. It has the fastest aperture of the bunch at f1.4. I use it for indoor shots when I do not want to use flash. So I could grab shots of candlelit dinner tables so the mood would not be lost by the camera flash. It helps me also to be invisible and candid at events. It does have a very shallow depth of field when shooting at f1.4, great for taking the background out of focus. It is compact and and a fixed lens (non-zoom).





Canon 135 f2.0 L

Last but not the least, my favorite lens for portraiture. It is regarded as the sharpest lens in the canon line. It has a great bokeh and compression for portraits. It is great for indoor sports, if you want to shoot massive mountains in the distance. Street photography is a good use for it as well as you could shoot from the other side of the street without your subject noticing you. It is fast at f2.0 and a great walk around telephoto. It is a fixed lens and a bit long, so use those feet to zoom!






















Canon EOS 5D

For my main camera. I use the Canon 5D. It is canon's first prosumer full frame camera. I like full frame because it let's me use my lenses with it's original range. No conversion factor unlike the other camera bodies. It has clean images even at ISO 1600, which is a big plus on my photography which deals with low light situations. It produces excellent image quality in a more compact form factor, unlike it's big brother the Canon 1DS. There is a newer version that just came out with an HD video. I might check it out at some point.

So there you have it guys, these are my most used gear. the other stuff would be flashes, reflectors, tripods etc.

Thanks for the-digital-picture.com for the product images.