Articles from Rich Meade

Special Effects Film for a Digital World

The brain child of Michael Krebs and Hannah Pribitzer, Revolog is a unique company providing a unique service in what many consider a dying art: film. I still shoot film on occasion, just to mix things up creatively. I stumbled upon Revolog a few years ago, and fell in love with their product and their passion for film.  Revolog produces and sells "special effects" film.

A Fast and Efficient Workflow for the Traveling Photographer

I'm fortunate to get to do a lot of travel with my work. However it can also be a bit of a hassle because I can't really use the same workflow I do at home. I have a very specific and efficient way I handle, capture and deliver work when I am at home, but when I travel, things change quite a bit. Most out of necessity.

Review of Induro's CT-114 Carbon Fiber Tripod

Induro is one of those companies that had a really slow start, but has worked extremely hard to climb their way to being a household name. My first few experiences with Induro (although brief) were not great. The build quality of their products left a lot to be desired. Oh how things have changed!

Want to Know What it is Like to Shoot for W Magazine?

We've all seen behind-the-scenes videos before right? Most are quick little tidbits showing how much fun a shoot is and how amazing the life of a photographer is. Some of them even give you some amazing insight into the techniques used by some of the top pros working today. Well, this is NOT that kind of BTS video.

How to Make a High Fashion Specular Reflector

I've got a fun little DIY light modifier for you today. I call it the  High Fashion Specular Reflector  or "shiny board" for short. In my travels, I have to carry a LOT of gear.  Especially when the trip is on my own dime and I don't have a budget to rent the cool toys I want to have. I came up with the idea for this reflector through experimentation and just obnoxious luck.

Keep Your Mac in Tip-Top Shape With These Apps

If you are like me your work computer is one of your most prized possessions. It does the heavy lifting in post production, and it's also there in times of need, like "needing" to waste four hours on Facebook instead of finishing your retouching.

Why You Should Care About Apple's Quietly Released Powerful New iMacs

On Tuesday, Apple quietly (and I mean VERY quietly) released the newest update to the iMac line of personal computers. It's curious why they (Apple) didn't make any sort of major announcement, or even blend this into the September 10th announcement of the iPhone 5S.

A Peek Behind the Scenes with Peter Lindbergh and Amber Valletta

Peter Lindbergh is one of my all-time favorite photographers. I often refer to his work for inspiration not only for the technique but for the amazing beauty that exudes from his work. Not too long ago I found this little clip of Peter shooting Amber Valletta (a legend in her own right) for Vogue Italia.

Looking For a Sizzling Location to Shoot? ShotHotSpot Will Hook You Up

In my work, I do a lot of traveling for shoots and one of the most tedious and difficult parts of going to a new place to produce a shoot is the location scouting. There is a reason that people can turn location scouting into a lucrative profession. It is very time consuming, costs money (gas) and is constantly changing (because of season, construction, whatever).

The Anatomy of a Beauty Shoot: Step by Step

Since joining Fstoppers I had planned on doing a "behind the scenes" of one of my shoots, so today I've put together a lighting diagram courtesy of Kevin Kertz, and a detailed description of how the finished product was produced. Fair warning, I am a bit of a technique nerd and can get pretty detailed.

Customize Your Lightroom End Marks

Here is a great little video by the people over at SLR Lounge that really has nothing to do with productivity, speed, or even making you a better photographer. It's just cool feature that allows you to brand your Lightroom with your own logo, making the entire program appear custom to your own business. 

Do You Know How to Use Flags?

I'm one of those photographers that likes to take control, especially of my light. I use grids, snoots, barndoors, and every other contraption you can think of to maintain the maximum amount of control over my lighting.  One of the most important light modifiers for my work isn't a soft box or a beauty dish, it's actually a piece of fabric on a metal frame called, a flag. 

National Geographic Photographer on Assignment with Only His Cellphone

The Nokia Lumia 1020 was met with a lot of skepticism, and sparked yet another battle in the megapixel war.  But for a cell phone, it's hard to deny that the photos look pretty darn good.  Now when you think of National Geographic you think of incredible photographs of rarely seen places and people.

Let Me Throw You A Curve and Get You Away from Prepackaged Presets

The hottest trend nowadays is Photoshop presets. Presets to mimic the look of films past, to add a bit of editorial edge to those mundane studio shots, or to just expedite the editing process. Many companies have come out with pre-packaged presets, treatments, and plugins to help users reach a new level of creativity. 

A Guide to Working With Modeling Agencies: Part 2

Alright, So you've made it past the hard part, making contact and getting the ok from the agency to work with their talent (As discussed in Part 1).  Now what?  Well now you book your first model!

 

34 Ways to Stay Creative

A while back I was struggling with a creative impasse in my work.  I wasn't inspired by anything, and really wasn't motivated to do anything related to photography.  So I did what any self-respecting creative would do. I asked Google to help!

A Guide to Working With Modeling Agencies: Part 1

If you are into photographing people, the idea of working with professionals has probably been on the agenda at some point in your career. Whether an editorial photographer, fashion and beauty shooter, or just someone who likes creating awesome fantasy composites, the use of professional models will invariably improve your work.