Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time
On Friday, 10 November, the passengers at Orlando International Airport were in a panic after hearing what appeared to be a loud gunshot. As it turned out – it was actually a camera lithium ion battery that overheated and exploded in a passenger’s bag.
After an investigation, the Orlando Police Department announced there was no danger for the passengers and the airport staff. Still, the explosion caused panic and fear, as well as dozens of delayed flights.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently proposed that the laptop ban should expand to all international flights. This time, it won’t refer to the laptops, cameras and other devices in the carry-on, but in the checked luggage. Reportedly, the United Nations will consider the proposal in the upcoming weeks. If it gets accepted, you may not be able to put large electronic devices in your checked bags, no matter where from or where to you’re traveling.
Earlier this year, the U.S. banned electronics on flights from eight Muslim countries. Even though there was a word it could happen on all international flights, the U.S. government has decided to lift the electronics ban altogether. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the security measures have been enhanced, so there is no need to rely on electronics ban for the increase of safety.
On Saturday 1 July, £600 worth of cameras and equipment were stolen from inside my rucksack, itself packed into a larger suitcase, during a Tunisair flight from Tunis to London Heathrow whilst they were checked into the hold of the plane.
Like any discerning photographer, or indeed sensible human being, the idea of checking my cameras in rather than keeping them with me in hand luggage was unthinkable, but as it turns out, I didn’t have a choice.
Shortly after implementing electronics ban from eight Muslim countries, the ban may soon take effect on all international flights to and from the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly has recently announced that this decision might take place. The reason is continuous terrorist threats to bring down airplanes. Therefore, the expanded electronics ban could soon take place in order to increase the security of the passengers.
On March 21, 2017, the United States implemented a ban on bringing certain electronic items in your carry-on luggage from 10 airports based in the MENA region. This affects direct flights to the US from these airports.
Shortly after the US announced their ban, the UK followed up with a ban of their own, affecting airports in 14 carriers flying into the UK.
Passengers flying from eight Muslim-majority countries will no longer be allowed to bring almost any electronics in their carry-on. Everything but cellphones and medical devices will have to be in the checked luggage starting today. This means laptops, tablets, Kindles and of course – cameras, can no longer be in the carry-on.
GoPro action cameras are small enough that they can be placed almost anywhere. But the problem with choosing unconventional locations is that you still have to press the record button yourself.
Of course, you could use GoPro’s smartphone app to trigger the camera. But there are undoubtedly times when you don’t want to put your smartphone at risk, or want to worry about your smartphone’s battery dying.
For these times, it’s best to have a backup wireless remote.
Now, with a little know-how, you can create a very inexpensive and incredibly small DIY GoPro remote, saving you from the cost of GoPro’s $65 proprietary remote.
If you’re on the PhotoJoJo mails, you must have gotten that awesome time lapse bit. On that post they recommend the Cannon TC80N3 – a round 100 dollars device that give you the ability to take time lapse images. (It is called Intervalometer, but I can’t even say it, let alone write it and feel good about myself).
The good guys at the DIYP Instructables group have done it again. You may remember this group from the Minty Strobe, A Great Way to Build a Ringlight and many more.
Chris Thompson came up with a cheap and fun Time Lapse Photography project. If you build one of those please leave a comment here.
There is some great stuff going on at DIYPhotography.net instructables group. This fantastic group is a true demonstration of the DIY spirit that is behind this site. I have talked before on the subject of creating your own flash. In that article Avner Richard explained how to utilize xenon tubes to create some real Watts/Second power flashes. It is a great piece for the ones that are electrically capable.
If you are not an electrician and fear the high voltage involved, Martin (AKA PKM) has posted an Instructable just for you.[Read More…]
You can find out more about John on his website and follow his adventures on YouTube and Facebook.
can change a lens mid-rappel, swap a memory card while treading water, or use a camel as a light stand.
To see more of his work please visit his studio website blurMEDIAphotography, or follow him on Twitter, 500px, Google Plus or YouTube.
JP’s photography is available for licensing at Stocksy United.
Find my work on My website or follow me on Facebook or My page
