For those of you that are unaware, a couple of weeks ago, U.K. online photography retailer WEX photographic, quietly announced that Bowens was coming back. And to many, myself included, this was a huge surprise.
Bowens is back from the dead, and they’ve brought a 500Ws Lithium Ion powered TTL strobe with them
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When we first heard that Bowens was going into liquidation, and then the official announcement that came a few days later, it was the end of an era. After 94 years in business, one of the oldest flash manufacturers out there was closing for good. Or were they? At the time, it seemed so. But now, it looks like no, they’re back.
Bowens was bought out by the AURELIUS investment company along with Calumet back in 2016. AURELIUS also owns WEX Photo Video, who has now pretty much entirely consumed Calumet in the UK. And the Bowens name now looks set to be the WEX “own brand” lighting system. Today they’ve announced that Bowens is back, and they’re kicking off the relaunch with the XMT500 strobe.
Here are the first hands-on impressions about Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras
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The entire day of 23 August has been marked by the Nikon’s new mirrorless cameras and lenses. My teammate John and I call it “Nikon Mirrorless Day” and I must admit I feel a little festive. As the Nikon mirrorless system has been announced, the hands-on videos have started to emerge as well. We bring you a round-up of hands-on videos that have been published so far, so you can get an impression of the new Nikon Z system.
This photographer uses the camera to fight depression, anxiety and make a difference
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The short series from Wex, More than an image, is an insightful look at the lives of some very inspirational photographers. It’s also a look at how powerful the act photography can be. The simple task of making an image, can be the thing that brings people back from the brink of death.
This video, covering the story of documentary photographer, Jim Mortram. The video isn’t officially due for release until Monday, but Wex have given DIYP special permission to show it here early. It’s an inspiring story. One that really makes you think about what photography can mean to us as individuals. What makes it our own, and how much of a difference it means our lives.
The Blind Photographer uses his camera to overcome the isolation of his condition
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Ian Treherne is a photographer based in Essex, England. He was born profoundly deaf. At 15 he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. A degenerative condition that causes severe visual impairment, eventually leading to complete blindness.
This video from Wex showcases the truly inspiring story of Ian and his work. Voiced by Ian himself, we get some insight into what it means to be a deaf and blind photographer. Why he does it at all. And how he uses photographer to overcome the isolation and anxiety he experiences daily.
UK Photography retail giant Calumet swallowed up by Wex Photographic
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The whole epic Aurelius/Bowens/Calumet saga now seems to be drawing to a conclusion. And what a journey it’s been. Calumet USA goes bankrupt, Calumet UK and Bowens are bought out by Aurelius. Recently, Bowens winds down and is sent into liquidation. Now it seems the Calumet is going to disappear, too. At least in name.
Calumet just sent out an email blast to all of their customers to let them know that from tomorrow, things are changing. Calumet and Wex are merging into one giant retailer. Sometime later this week, the Calumet Photo website will be closing down, and moved to the Wex website. Presumably Calumet’s 8 stores around the UK will also be rebranded to match.
How to get over your fear of approaching and photographing strangers in the street
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Street photography is a scary enough prospect on its own for many people. But to actually approach random strangers on the street and ask if you can shoot their portrait? That fills many with a fear akin to walking the plan over shark infested seas. You have to really push yourself to get outside of your comfort zone and do something you’re not happy with.
And it can be a very difficult fear to get over. But photographer Matt Higgs from WEX is here to help with some advice. His challenge is to photograph 30 random people in the streets in 2 hours. For those counting, that’s a new person every 4 minutes. A lot of pressure, especially if it can take you 10-15 minutes just to work up enough courage to ask the first,
The Canon 6D Mark II gets put through its paces in this festival photography field test
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Normally, when we use the phrase “field test”, it’s not meant quite so literally. It just means putting the camera to work in its typical usage environment. Camera use is quite broad, though. In this video from music photographer Matt Higgs for WEX Photographic, though, the 6D Mark II is taken to task in a field at the 2000 Trees festival in the UK.
Music festivals can be great places to really test a camera’s limits. You’ve got such a wide variety of potential subjects. Fast moving, slow moving, brightly lit, low light, individual people, groups, close ups, and more. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is the long awaited update to 2012’s EOS 6D. But how well does it handle in the real world?
How to shoot great travel photography with limited time and budget
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As “everybody’s a photographer” these days, it stands to reason that everybody is also a travel photographer. Even if we don’t go on trips with a specific intent of creating images. We still go on holiday with our friends and family, and usually we’ll take a camera long with us. Hey, look, you’re travelling and shooting photographs. Sometimes shooting those holiday photos leads to taking trips just for photography.
But how can you do it inexpensively? British photography retailer WEX Photographic recently challenged travel photographer Matt Parry in order to find out. He was tasked with travelling to three countries to shoot photographs. But he has only three days to cover all three countries, and a budget of a only £500 (~$650). This video details the first day of his challenging quest.
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