Photography: Reducing the Risk of Tethered Shooting Using a HONL Speed Strap

I photograph food a lot and goes without saying, I tether my EOS 5D Mark II to a 17 inch Dell Studio laptop. There’s really no other way when critical review is key to decisive, quality results. Thing is, working with any sort of exposed cable comes with an inherent risk that requires no explanation. Last week, during a routine shoot, I accidentally stepped on the cable closest to the camera and there was no slack, resulted in a good tug that fortunately didn’t cause any damage to either connectors. I may not be so lucky next time.

Tripping hazard: working with exposed cable comes with inherent risk.

A quick search on the web revealed several kinds of brackets designed for HDSLR videographers to hold HDMI cables securely. This one in particular is designed to interface all 6 cables on EOS 5D Mark II/III and 7D bodies.

This CoolProtector is designed to protect the 6 cable interfaces of your DSLR CANON 7D 5D-2 5D-3(Super expensive to repair your DSLR’s cable interface such as HDMI Cable interfaces).

It’s not my style to buy gadgets online or spend time searching for stores that carry them. So I put on my thinking cap, looked around the studio room for ideas and came up with a perfect instantly available solution that does the same thing — using a HONL velcro Speed Strap. It’s rubber lining provides sufficient traction that when securely fastened around the tripod leg, it offers plenty of protection against a repeat accident.

Using a HONL Speed Strap I’m able to secure my 5M long USB cable to the tripod. This effectively stops the cable from being pulled out of its socket reducing the risk of damage to delicate pins.

A Round Trip on-board the Kaizen Sushi Train

I had this idea that’s floated in my head for several weeks now and it wasn’t until earlier this evening did I get the opportunity to execute it. There are dishes I particularly liked of Excapade Sushi for this project, the focus was “Chefs at work from the perspective of the sushi train” and in Seria, of the two, Kaizen is the only candidate where the chefs take center stage. So I brought the Canon PowerShot G11 along with the intention of it making a video while the sushi train makes a round trip around the kitchen. I also intended for the camera to return to its owner.

Here's a photo of the kitchenette where delicious sushi rolls and drinks are prepared. Also shown is the sushi train that ferries popular sushi dishes around including one item Canon Powershot G11.

No sooner had the G11 returned from its maiden voyage much to the amusement of diners our order came and it was time to enjoy dinner like the way the restaurant would have wanted us to.

Ogonori seaweed: A light and delicate seaweed, ogonori is sold preserved in salt and refrigerated. This seaweed is only ever eaten cold, either as a salad vegetable, or served with sashimi.

One of my wife's favourites: Steamed Salmon Fish Head a delicacy for many. Click on photo to read comments from friends on Facebook who also love this dish.

In an effort to reduce beef consumption, I ordered a grilled salmon zen which comes with fragrant garlic rice, Miso soup, pickles and salad as seen here.

All photographs: Canon PowerShot G11

Mounting An iPad On The Steering Wheel Using A Lanyard

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The Apple iPad is my preferred computing device when working away from home and when my photography assignment does not necessitate lugging my Dell 17″ Studio laptop on-site. With the long commutes and long hours, my car turns into a makeshift office (only thing missing is an espresso machine. Mind you, the idea of my Caffitaly machine tagging along has crossed my mind once or twice.). After months of failing to source for the right raw materials, I finally found what works well incredibly well and requires no expenditure — a lanyard. In my example, I use a Nokia OVI wide lanyard I have in my collection from ZoukOut 2009. The idea to mount the iPad (having an Apple Smart Cover helps big time) on the steering wheel is nothing more than simple ergonomics — my work and the commute alone is tiring enough, no need to throw neck pain from awkward posture to the mix.

Mounting the iPad on the steering wheel is most useful when you're parked waiting for kids to get off school or waiting for a friend to show up. Some steering wheels are particularly prone to excessive vibration due to worn out engine mounts, it may help to insert a piece of foam to reduce the effect.

Warning: It’s dangerous to place any object between the steering wheel and the passenger at any time you’re sitting in the driver’s seat. There’s an inherent risk of the airbag deploying when triggering conditions are met even when the vehicle isn’t moving. The idea here is that if you own an iPad, happen to have brought it with you and plan on using it in the car anyway, you may as well use it comfortably. The lanyard takes just seconds to mount and dismount.