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  • Ikelite Announces “Deluxe Version” Fixed Port Housings for Sony a6700 with Power Zoom 16–50mm Lens

    Ikelite Announces “Deluxe Version” Fixed Port Housings for Sony a6700 with Power Zoom 16–50mm Lens


    Ikelite Announces “Deluxe Version” Fixed Port Housings for Sony a6700 with Power Zoom 16–50mm Lens

    Ikelite has released two “deluxe versions” of its housing for the Sony a6700 featuring a fixed flat port with standard 67mm threads. The housings, which specifically accommodate the camera with the Sony E PZ 16–50mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS lens attached, are designed for use with macro and wide-angle wet lenses with 67mm threads—in much the same way as you would shoot with a compact camera underwater. To make it easier to attach heavier wide-angle lenses, Ikelite recommends using a compatible 67mm-to-bayonet adapter.

    The two housing configurations are as follows: The 200FP/T housing bundles the Sony a6700 housing with the Dual Tray with Dual Handles, Trigger Extensions, Vacuum System, a spare O-ring, and TTL circuitry. The built-in TTL electronics mean that you just need to add a single sync cord or a dual sync cord and one or two compatible Ikelite DS strobes, respectively.

    By contrast, the 200FP/F housing bundles the Sony a6700 housing with the Dual Tray with Dual Handles, Trigger Extensions, Vacuum System, a spare O-ring, and a built-in Fiber Optic Transmitter. The transmitter attaches to the camera’s hotshoe and translates its flash signals to LED pulses that can be read by compatible strobes by manufacturers such as Inon, Sea&Sea, Retra, Weefine, Kraken, AOI, and Backscatter. Strobes can only be used in manual mode.

    Available now from retailers such as Backscatter, the 200FP/T housing is priced at $1,690, while the 200FP/F housing costs $1,715.



     



    When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.

     





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  • Ikelite Announces Housing for the Nikon Z5 II

    Ikelite Announces Housing for the Nikon Z5 II


    Ikelite has announced its housing for the Nikon Z5 II. The second-generation entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera is a significant step up from its predecessor. The 24MP backside-illuminated sensor is paired with Nikon’s latest EXPEED 7 processing engine, promising excellent low-light performance and doubling the burst shooting speed with the manual shutter—11fps with full AF/AE compared to the 4.5fps of the Z5. In addition, unlike its predecessor, the Z5 II can shoot 4K/30p video with no crop.

    With its housing, Ikelite aims to get the most out of the new camera. As well as the company’s signature ABS-PC body with transparent back, Dry Lock (DL) port system, and oversized control levers for shutter release and autofocus, the housing can accommodate Ikelite’s USB Charging and Data Transfer Bulkhead, meaning you never have to take the camera out of the housing. Needless to say, if you want to be able to switch between TTL and manual strobe exposure on the fly, you have the option of adding the DL1 DS Link TTL Converter—and a couple of DS strobes.

    Available from retailers such as Backscatter, Ikelite’s Nikon Z5 II housing is priced at $1,895.

     



    When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.



    PRODUCT INFORMATION

    SKU: 71075

    200DL Underwater Housing for Nikon Z5 II Mirrorless Digital Cameras

    A full featured and durable waterproof housing for Nikon Z5 II mirrorless digital cameras. Suitable for scuba, snorkel, surf, pool, and any application in or around the water.

    $ 1,895.00

    View Port Chart (PDF)

    • Controls: Controls are provided for everything except Joystick up/down/left/right, Fn1, Fn2, Diopter adjustment dial, or DOF button
    • Strobe Connector: Ikelite Bulkhead with Manual Hotshoe
    • Port Mount: DL (Dry Lock)
    • Accessory Port: M16 Thread
    • Depth Rating: 200 feet (60 meters)
    • Weight: 4.7 lb
    • Dimensions: 8.75 x 6.875 x 6.5″ (220 x 175 x 165 mm)
    • Rear O-Ring: 0132.59
    • Front O-Ring: 0132.45

    Pre-Dive Checks

    There is no greater assurance than being able to see your camera and o-ring seal through the back of the housing. Our signature open-groove design suspends the rear o-ring in a natural position that is easier to maintain and more reliable than forcing the o-ring into a channel. Once the housing is closed you can see the o-ring form a solid, waterproof seal.

    We recommend using a pump with gauge to pull a vacuum on the housing and check for leaks prior to entering the water.

    Construction

    Our specially formulated ABS-PC blend housing is highly durable yet significantly lighter than aluminum. The light color keeps your camera cooler when shooting in warm, sunny environments.

    Lens Support

    Ikelite lens ports are the lightest on the market, yet robust and capable of standing up to rough surf.

    We support a wide variety of lenses. Most popular zoom lenses and select focus rings can be engaged using simple gearing that puts adjustment right at your fingertips. Zoom and focus gears differ depending on which lens you are using.

    Lens ports and zoom gears sold separately. Refer to the appropriate port chart for compatibility information.

    Wi-Fi Transfer

    Use the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi feature to download photos to another device without removing the camera from the housing. The Wi-Fi feature is only usable above water within close proximity to the connected device.

    Compatibility

    Unless otherwise noted, this housing does not accommodate the use of add-on grips, battery grips, eyepieces, LCD covers, or other accessories.

    Differences in lens and control placement prevent other camera models from being used in or adapted to this housing. We are not aware of any other models which may be used in or adapted to this housing.

    In the Box

    • Housing
    • Rear O-ring # 0132.59 (installed)
    • Front O-ring # 0132.45 (installed)
    • Zoom Gear Retainer # 75900 (installed)
    • Port Hole Cover # 0200.92 (installed)
    • Waterproof Bulkhead Cap # 9104.7 (installed)
    • Base with Left-Hand Quick Release Handle # 4077.67 (installed)
    • Tool for Zoom Gear Retainer # 0945.06
    • .050″ Hex Key # 0945.11
    • 1/16″ Hex Key # 0945.16
    • Silicone Lubricant 1cc tube





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  • Scientists Find New Evidence That South Korea’s Female Freedivers Evolved for a Life Underwater

    Scientists Find New Evidence That South Korea’s Female Freedivers Evolved for a Life Underwater


    Scientists Find New Evidence That South Korea’s Female Freedivers Evolved for a Life Underwater

    By Ian Bongso-Seldrup, May 8, 2025 @ 10:00 AM (EST)
    Source: CNN

    Haenyeo sing traditional songs before heading out to sea to harvest abalone, sea urchins, seaweed, and other seafood from the waters around Jeju Island, South Korea


    Scientists studying the DNA of the famous female freedivers of Jeju Island—the haenyeo—have discovered there are unique genetic differences that the women have evolved to cope with the physiological stress of freediving. Published in the scientific journal Cell Reports on May 2, 2025, the research was led by Melissa Ann Ilardo, a geneticist and assistant professor in biomedical informatics at the University of Utah.

    Ilardo and her colleagues recruited 30 haenyeo divers, 30 non-diving women from Jeju Island, and 31 women from the South Korean mainland for the study. The participants’ average age was 65. As well as sequencing their genomes from blood samples, the researchers compared their heart rates, blood pressure and spleen sizes. In order to simulate dives, participants held their breath while submerging their faces in cold water, stimulating the mammalian dive reflex. As a result, the heart rate slows, blood pressure increases and the spleen contracts.

    The analysis showed that the participants from Jeju—divers as well as non-divers—were more than four times more likely than the participants from the mainland to have a genetic variant associated with lower blood pressure. “Your blood pressure increases as you dive,” explains Ilardo. “Their [Jeju residents’] blood pressure increases less.” The scientists suggest that the genetic trait may have evolved to keep unborn babies safe—since the haenyeo dive throughout pregnancy, when high blood pressure can be dangerous.

    Previous research has linked cold and pain tolerance to another genetic variation, and this study revealed that the participants from Jeju were more likely to have this genetic variant. However, the researchers weren’t able to say with certainty whether the variant may be important for the haenyeo’s ability to dive throughout the year, since the participants’ ability to withstand low temperatures was not measured in the study.

    Genetics wasn’t the only factor to explain the haenyeo’s impressive diving capabilities. During the tests, the researchers also found a dramatic difference between the heart rates of the divers versus the non-divers. A reduced heart rate would help the haenyeo conserve oxygen during their dives. “Actually, their heart rate dropped about 50% more over the course of the dive than the control (participants),” says Ilardo. “We know that it’s because of training, because it’s something that we only saw in the haenyeo.”

    While much more work needs to be done, the research could potentially lead to the development of new drugs for lowering blood pressure.

    Read more here.





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  • Leadership Headshots And Environmental Portraits For A Grocery Retailer – A Photo Editor


    Andrew Souders. Wonderful Machine

    Each month, we explain a recent cost estimate, contract, or purchase order in the form of a Pricing & Negotiating article. By redacting the names of the photographer and the client, we can share useful information that would otherwise be confidential. You can read more about our Building Estimates service on the Consulting Services page of our website.

    Concept: Executive Headshots and Environmental Portraits
    Licensing: Perpetual Publicity and Collateral use of 7 images
    Photographer: Portrait and Lifestyle Specialist
    Client: National Grocery Store Chain

    Summary

    I recently collaborated with a photographer to develop an estimate for a corporate portraiture photoshoot for a US-based grocery retailer. The project’s goal was to capture the authenticity, approachability, and leadership of the company’s Chairman/CEO and President/Vice-CEO.

    We planned for the shoot to take place in a single day at a store location in the Southwestern US. The client would plan to coordinate the schedule to minimize disruption to store operations and, at the same time, allow the photographer to accomplish everything they needed to.

    Deliverables included 4 high-resolution headshots and 3 environmental portraits, all licensed for perpetual publicity and collateral use. They intended for these visuals to enhance the company’s marketing materials, reinforce its brand ethos, and connect with its customer base on a more personal level.

    Fees

    The client’s brief outlined a need for Publicity and Collateral use for the imagery, which informed the pricing structure. We determined that perpetual usage rights were appropriate for this particular project.

    • Perpetual usage relates to the duration the client can use the images. Perpetual usage means the client can use the images indefinitely. But, the usage is still confined to the agreed-upon media (in this case, publicity and collateral).
    • Unlimited usage, on the other hand, implies no restrictions on the type of media placement, often making it broader usage for things like paid advertising.

    Why Perpetual Usage?

    • Leadership portraits don’t stay relevant forever. Executives update their photos every few years, so setting a time limit on usage would likely expire after the images are already outdated.
    • It simplifies things for both the client and the photographer. No need to track expiration dates or negotiate renewals for images that won’t be used long-term anyway.
    • It encourages repeat business. Even with perpetual rights, occasional leadership changes (just in the age and look of the person, or who’s in the actual role itself) mean new photos will be needed. Making the process easy builds goodwill and increases the chance they’ll return to the same photographer.
    • The intended use is long-term but not commercial. Since these images are for PR and internal branding (not paid advertising), perpetual licensing makes sense — it’s a one-time cost for the client, with not much downside for the photographer.

    The creative and licensing fee was set at $3,500, a rate reflecting the project’s somewhat smaller scope balanced with the longevity of the usage rights. We also included a tech/scout day, priced at $500, to allow the photographer to familiarize themselves with the location and refine logistical details.

    Crew

    We included a first assistant at $500/day, with an added 25% payroll fee, bringing the total to $625 for the shoot day. Given the shoot needs, the inclusion of the photographer’s trusted first assistant to handle equipment setup, lighting adjustments, and management of digital workflows was of great importance.

    Styling

    We allocated $875 for a men’s groomer/hair and makeup stylist to be present on shoot day. This role would also include light wardrobe adjustments, providing the professional polish necessary for high-quality headshots and portraits.

    Equipment

    We allocated a conservative budget of $250 to cover any supplemental equipment needs. The photographer owned most of the required equipment, but additional backdrops were necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic for the headshots.

    Misc.

    To cover incidental costs such as meals, parking, and mileage, we included a budget of $200. We noted these expenses were to be billed at cost to provide flexibility while maintaining transparency.

    Post-Production

    We budgeted $300 for the initial edit and client review, hosted on a web gallery. We allocated an additional $700 for retouching seven selected images, priced at $100 per image to include up to one hour of retouching work each. This process ensured each image met the client’s expectations and upheld the brand’s standards.

    Results

    The photographer was awarded the project, and the shoot was scheduled to take place within the following weeks!

    Follow our Consultants @wonderful_at_work.





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  • David Attenborough Turns 99 and He Wants You to Fight for It

    David Attenborough Turns 99 and He Wants You to Fight for It



    May 8th is David Attenborough’s 99th birthday, and in his new documentary, Ocean, he’s marking the occasion with a veritable call to arms. “If we save the sea, we save our world,” says Sir David.

    Over the last seven decades, the beloved English presenter has made many films focused on our marine world, but this latest one is something different. Of course, there’s awe-inspiring cinematography aplenty, as you’d expect, but this time, the camera shows us the full extent of the tragedy occurring on the high seas today: The colorful reefs teeming with fish abruptly give way to vast deserts of broken, gray, lifeless coral—the aftermath of dragging huge nets along the ocean floor, killing everything in their path.

    “When I first saw the sea as a young boy, it was thought of as a vast wilderness to be tamed and mastered for the benefit of humanity,” says Attenborough in Ocean. “But now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true.” Elsewhere, he admits: “After living for nearly 100 years on this planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.”

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5J7aP2FYH4


    While Sir David may have been criticized in the past for not doing enough to sound the alarm regarding the destruction of the natural world, in this documentary he doesn’t mince his words as he explains all the shocking ways we are harming our seas—with a particular emphasis on the blanket destruction caused by bottom trawling. Not only is he enraged that this practice is legal, but he’s also incensed by the fact that it is actively encouraged by governments through subsidies. “Three billion people rely on our ocean for food,” he points out in Ocean. “But ships sent by a few wealthy nations are starving coastal communities of the food source they have relied on for millennia. This is modern colonialism at sea.”

    Ultimately, though, Sir David is still hopeful. What he calls the “most remarkable discovery of all”—that the ocean can “recover faster than we had ever imagined”—has kept him from despair. He remembers a time, as a young man, when large-scale commercial whaling had all but wiped out our ocean’s largest inhabitants, but how—against all odds—a global powers bowed to public pressure and worked together to save the whales by enacting a moratorium on commercial whaling. In Ocean, he shows us places where conservation measures have been effective and marine life is thriving, and he’s optimistic about the global commitment to protect 30 percent of the world’s ocean by 2030, established at the 2022 UN Ocean Conference.

    At 99, Attenborough’s mellifluous voice is still strong: “It is my great hope that we all come to see the ocean, not as a dark and distant place with little relevance to our lives on land, but as the lifeblood of our home,” he says.

    Ocean is in cinemas from May 8th, and will stream on Disney+ on June 8th—UN World Oceans Day.

     

     





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  • SeaLife Shipping Red, Magenta and Yellow Filters for SportDiver Smartphone Housings

    SeaLife Shipping Red, Magenta and Yellow Filters for SportDiver Smartphone Housings


    SeaLife Shipping Red, Magenta and Yellow Filters for SportDiver Smartphone Housings

    Alongside the release of the SportDiver S, SeaLife has announced a trio of color filters that can be used with all models of the underwater smartphone housing, including the original model and the “Ultra” model as well as the new “S” model. The original red filter—which ships with the SportDiver Ultra but not with the SportDiver S—is joined by a new magenta color-correcting filter for green water applications and a yellow barrier filter for fluorescence imaging. Each filter comes with a lanyard.

    Priced at $20 each, the red, magenta and yellow are available from Backscatter and other good retailers.

     



    When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.



    PRESS RELEASE

    SeaLife Offers Color-Correcting Filters for Popular SportDiver Smartphone Housings

    MOORESTOWN, NJ – SeaLife, the maker of the SportDiver Underwater Smartphone Housings for iPhone and Android smartphones, has added color correcting filters to their accessory assortment including the original Red color filter for most diving applications; a new Magenta color-correcting filter for green water; and a Yellow filter is available for Fluorescence and UV Imaging, and certain blue water applications.

    The filters are designed to restore and correct for color-loss underwater, especially in the red color spectrum. They’re made of an optical acrylic that uses proprietary color pigments. The filters are most effective at depths of 10ft/3m to 60ft/18m and are easily attachable and removeable to the SportDiver optical lens frame while underwater. The filters fit all SeaLife SportDiver models, including the original SportDiver, SportDiver Ultra and the new SportDiver S.

    The color filters may be used with or without external underwater lights, depending on the shooting distance and water conditions. The filter also serves as a protective cover for the SportDiver’s optical glass port.

    A lanyard is included for attaching the filter to the housing to prevent loss.







    Item Description US Retail
    SL40007 SportDiver Red Color Filter – for most Blue water applications $20
    SL40003 SportDiver Magenta Color Filter – for Green water $20
    SL40005 SportDiver Yellow Color Filter – for UV, Fluoro Lights, Blue water $20

    SeaLife SportDiver S with red filter





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  • SeaLife Announces SportDiver S Underwater Housing for Smartphones

    SeaLife Announces SportDiver S Underwater Housing for Smartphones


    After the runaway success of their SportDiver Ultra housing, SeaLife Cameras has unveiled the SportDiver S, which offers a more-compact form factor along the lines of the original SportDiver. According to SeaLife, the new version of the housing offers compatibility with all current iPhone models, as well as all but the very largest Android smartphones.

    Depth-rated to 100 feet (30 meters)—a little less than the 130-feet (40-meter) rating of the Ultra version—the SportDiver S has similar controls and functionality to its bigger sibling. The housing features the same rectangular port used on the original SportDiver and the SportDiver Ultra, ensuring compatibility with accessories such as their six-inch Wide Angle Dome Lens and 52mm Wide-Angle Dome Lens (via their 67mm-52mm Lens Adapter)

    Like the Ultra, the “S” model boasts the Leak Avoidance System, which features a pre-dive pressure test to ensure the housing is properly sealed before entering the water. Should your waterproof seal be compromised, the system also includes a moisture sensor that activates an on-screen warning. Unlike the Ultra, the new model does not ship with a red color-correction filter. Filters—red, magenta, and yellow—must be purchased separately.

    Available now from retailers such as Backscatter, the SportDiver S costs $300—a full $100 less than the price of the Ultra model.

     



    When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.



    PRESS RELEASE

    SeaLife Unveils New SportDiver S Underwater Smartphone Housing

    MOORESTOWN, NJ – SeaLife has introduced the all-new SportDiver S, an underwater smartphone housing designed for divers & snorklers of all abilities. The new compact housing dives to a depth of 100 feet (30 meters) and offers several updates over the original SportDiver model, the new “S” version offers compatibility with all iPhone models including Max sizes, as well as many Android smartphones.

    Engineered for absolute reliability and ease of use, the SportDiver S allows divers and snorkelers to capture stunning photos and videos with their smartphones down to depths of 100 feet (30 meters). Constructed from premium polycarbonate, stainless steel, hard-anodized aluminum, and optical-grade glass, the housing weighs just 22.6 ounces pounds (641 grams) on land while offering almost neutral buoyancy in water, depending on the smartphone used.

    Ergonomically designed for comfortable handling and ease of use, the SportDiver S features a large shutter lever and rear control buttons, enabling effortless operation even while wearing dive gloves. Photographers can expand their creativity by utilizing advanced camera settings such as zoom control, exposure adjustment, auto/manual focus, white balance, lens selection, RAW+JPEG mode, and much more, depending on the phone model.

    The new housing works with the free SportDiver camera app, available for both Android and iOS platforms. The app when combined with the housing, turns a smartphone into a highly capable underwater camera, and easily switches between photo and video modes, harnessing the native camera technology of the smartphone to deliver the high-quality images and videos users have come to expect. Additionally, the app’s power-save mode temporarily turns off the camera and dims the display, conserving battery life while keeping instant accessibility with a single touch.

    The SportDiver S housing uses Bluetooth® Low Energy wireless technology, which automatically connects to the user’s smartphone when opening the SportDiver app. The free SportDiver app is compatible with iPhones and Android smartphones, which are available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store under the name “SportDiver”.  Unlike most other apps, the SportDiver app does not request your email address or personal information, ensuring your complete privacy.  The SportDiver housing features ultra-low power consumption, powered by two AAA batteries that last over 50 hours of continuous use.

    For enhanced imaging results, three optional removable underwater color-correction filters are available for purchase; Red for restoring natural underwater colors, Magenta for color correction of green water, or Yellow for deep blue water and fluorescent lights. The filters can be attached or removed while submerged and include a safety tether to prevent loss.

    SeaLife also offers optional lenses and a 52mm/67mm lens mount to further expand divers imaging creativity.

    Designed for added lights and versatility, the SportDiver S housing features three 1/4-20 tripod mount options, which allows it to be seamlessly mounted with any standard tripod-threaded light or light tray, such as SeaLife’s own Sea Dragon underwater photo/video lights. For best results, SeaLife recommends using an attached light source when diving with the SportDiver S.

    SportDiver S with Sea Dragon 3000F Color Boost Photo-Video Light

     

    Ensuring maximum protection for the user’s smartphone, the SportDiver S incorporates a sturdy holding spring and rubber grip tabs that securely holds the smartphone in place, providing shock-protection for small and larger phone models.

    Protecting your valuable smartphone remains a top priority. A Leak Avoidance System features a pre-dive pressure test to ensure the housing is airtight and waterproof before entering the water. In addition to the pre-dive pressure test, an internal moisture sensor activates an on-screen warning in the unlikely event the waterproof seal is compromised.

    The SportDiver S features a new interior design that protects sensitive components and electronics from damage in the event water drops accidentally enter the housing when opening the door after diving. The anti-fogging “Moisture Muncher” capsule prevents fogging and internal condensation.

    The housing is sealed with a high-temperature resistant silicone O-ring seal and a robust cam-lock sealing latch, ensuring a secure, waterproof seal.  Extra O-rings and O-ring lubricant are included.

    To ensure compatibility, users should consult SeaLife’s “fit-guide” on the website (www.sealife-cameras.com/sportdiver-compatibility/) or simply scan the QR code provided to determine if their phone model will fit seamlessly into the SportDiver S housing.





    Item Description US Retail
    SL408 SportDiver S Underwater Smartphone Housing $299.95

     




    Included with SeaLife SportDiver S, Model SL408:


    • SportDiver S Underwater Smartphone Housing
    • Three ¼-20 Accessory mounts (for lights, trays & grips)
    • Vacuum pump
    • Rubber Grip Tabs (12x Small, 12x Medium and 12x Large)
    • Spare O-rings (1x Main Seal and Vacuum Check Port O-ring)

     


     


    • O-ring lubricant
    • O-ring removal tool
    • Anti-Glare Strips (3)
    • Moisture Muncher sample pack (1 capsule)
    • AAA alkaline batteries (2)
    • SportDiver EVA Carry Case
    • Wrist lanyard


    For larger smartphones, including Samsung’s range of Galaxy Ultra models and Google’s Pixel range, users can select the deeper diving (130’/40m) SeaLife SportDiver Ultra, which includes a red color-correction filter, seven ¼-20 accessory mounts, and a custom-fit EVA travel case.  All SeaLife SportDiver models function with the same SportDiver app, and adapt to all SportDiver accessories.

    SeaLife’s SportDiver S phone housing will be available worldwide in late April 2025.

    SportDiver S with six-inch Wide Angle Dome Lens

    SportDiver S with Lens Adapter and 52mm Wide-Angle Dome Lens

     

    SportDiver S with Sea Dragon 6000 Color Boost Auto Photo/Video Light Kit





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  • Food/Drink Product Photography For A Holiday Campaign – A Photo Editor


    By Andrew Souders, Wonderful Machine

    Each month, we explain a recent cost estimate, contract, or purchase order in the form of a Pricing & Negotiating article. By redacting the names of the photographer and the client, we can share useful information that would otherwise be confidential. You can read more about our Pricing & Negotiating services on the Consulting Services page of our website.

    Concept: Product Photography for a Holiday Campaign in collaboration with a celebrity
    Licensing: Publicity and Collateral use of 4 still photos and 1 animated GIF for 1 year
    Photographer: Still Life/Product and Food/Drink specialist
    Client: Sparkling beverage brand

    Summary

    I recently worked with a photographer to develop an estimate for a holiday-themed product photoshoot for a well-known beverage brand’s collaboration with a high-profile celebrity. The project involved creating still life images of a holiday table centerpiece featuring the client’s product alongside the celebrity’s co-branded food item. We considered the various creative needs, including product shots and lifestyle setups where hands would interact with the product.

    The deliverables included up to four high-resolution still photos and one animated GIF intended for digital PR, social media, and the client’s website, with a one-year global license. The shots were primarily designed for web use, however, there was also the possibility of some print use.

    Fees

    The client provided a shot list outlining key visuals and requested Publicity and Collateral licensing for one year of global use. The creative and licensing fee was set at $5,500 for producing the still images and animated GIF, which we felt was in line with the single shoot day and somewhat limited use. Additionally, we added a pre-production day to help with coordination, studio setup, and creative planning, at a cost of $750.

    Crew

    Though the project’s production requirements were relatively simple, we decided to include the photographer’s preferred assistant to ensure everything ran smoothly. This covered the assistant’s day rates for both the prep/set build day and the shoot day, with a rate of $500 per day, bringing the total to $1,000 for two days.

    Styling

    The creative brief emphasized the importance of some festive styling for the tablescape, which would serve as the backdrop for the products. The photographer took on the basic prop styling, and we included $250 for 5 hours of prop sourcing and $800 to purchase props and décor items. We also brought in a food stylist for two days to ensure the products looked their best on camera. The food stylist was responsible for sourcing supplemental ingredients and food items to complement the products, so we budgeted $2,000 for two days of prep and styling work.

    Casting and Talent

    The brief called for a hand model to interact with the products in several shots, so we budgeted $360 for the hand model’s session, which included a $300 half-day rate and a 20% agency fee. The model’s usage fee for one year of global publicity and collateral use was budgeted at $1,200.

    Locations

    The photographer had a local studio they worked with regularly, so we included one rental day for the set build and one for the shoot. The studio rental was budgeted at $500 per day, bringing the total to $1,000 for both days.

    Equipment

    While the photographer was able to provide most of the necessary gear, we included a supplemental budget of $750 for any extra equipment rentals and their kit of cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, and a workstation.

    Meals

    We allocated $300 to provide light meals for the crew on the shoot day, ensuring everyone had breakfast and lunch.

    Miscellaneous

    We included a $250 budget for miscellaneous expenses to cover any potential additional costs, such as parking and mileage.

    Post-production

    For post-production, we allocated $600 for retouching four images, with each image receiving up to one hour of work at $150 per image. Additionally, we allocated $500 for editing a 15-30-second animated GIF to complement the still images.

    Results

    The photographer was awarded the project, and the shoot is slated to commence before the holidays!

    Follow our Consultants @wonderful_at_work.





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  • Aquarium Builds Retirement Community for Penguins

    Aquarium Builds Retirement Community for Penguins


    By Joe Tepper, March 19, 2025 @ 05:00 PM (EST)
    Source: Boston.com


    It’s easy to dream about retiring to a private island. But the New England Aquarium is making that a reality for its lucky elderly penguin population.  

    The Boston-based aquarium has constructed a new “retirement island” dedicated to its geriatric African penguins. The birds, which range in age from 14 to 34, will receive more attention and care in the separate environment. Additionally, the newly built island boasts all the features the flippered friends may need as they age: flat areas for resting, mats for safety and ramps for mobility.

    “We think of this island like assisted living, where we’re helping the birds be more comfortable in a calmer environment,” Diana Major, the aquarium’s Manager of Penguins, told Boston.com.

    The New England Aquarium’s 150,000-gallon penguin exhibit is regarded as one of the best of its kind—spanning four stories as a centerpiece attraction in downtown Boston. Amazingly, more than half of the penguins have surpassed their expected life expectancy.

    Fortunately, it seems like these penguins have a nice nest egg.

     





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  • Restaurant and Retail Images for a Design Firm – A Photo Editor


    By Bryan Sheffield, Wonderful Machine

    Each month, we pick one of our recent estimates to write about in a Pricing & Negotiating article. Redacting the names of the photographer and client allows us to share valuable and educational information that would otherwise be confidential.

    Concept: Portfolio content photography of an architecture and interior design firm’s recently completed restaurant & retail spaces within an airport
    Licensing: Collateral and Publicity use of up to 15 images in perpetuity
    Photographer: Architecture & Interiors specialist
    Client: Large retail space architecture and interior design firm

    Summary

    I recently helped one of our NYC photographers build an estimate for a good-sized architecture and interior design firm. The firm requested an estimate for photography to document 4 of their soon-to-be-finished spaces within a NYC area airport terminal. The final use of the photography would primarily be web collateral within the firm’s website, publicity efforts, as well as submissions to a few notable design award competitions. When we first began speaking with the client, they let us know that the completion date was about 3 weeks out. Moreover, they informed us that the photographs needed to be taken at night because the restaurants and shops would be open the following day.

    The client was very specific with their shot list needs. They would, however, rely on the photographer to accomplish this list in an artistic manner. They also let us know that they would need the final images within 2 days of the shoot date in order to meet their award submission dates. The client would arrange all special permissions for the photographer, crew, and equipment access to the spaces due to our need to work after the airport terminal had closed. We also knew that although our client designed these 4 spaces, they would all be owned and operated by other brands. With this in mind, we attempted to upsell and inquired whether the brands or proprietors might be interested in use of the final work. These potential clients, however, were not interested.

    Here is the estimate:

    I added a “Client Provisions” note to describe what the client was to provide. For this project, the client would provide locations, all location access and coordination, all location styling and cleaning, all employee/staff coordination, crew meals and craft services.

    Fees

    I put the Photographer’s fees at $6,500 for the shoot, and licensing of up to 15 images. We understand that the NYC market is very competitive and there are many other photographers in the area that could accomplish this job. The saturated market (unfortunately) put downward pressure on the photographer’s fees. We felt that $6,500 was a fair and competitive fee based on the metropolitan area, client, and the use of up to 15 images. The client offered a budget of “between $10,000-13,000” for the project. Based on the rush retouching fees needed we felt comfortable coming in roughly $1,100 above that.

    Crew

    We added a First Assistant/Digital Tech at $650/day to help with lighting and camera equipment management, and computer/file management while the photographer was shooting. These fees were consistent with the crew rates on the photographer’s past projects of this nature.

    Equipment

    We included $750 for camera, lighting, and grip rentals. The photographer brought their own cameras, lenses, and simple lighting. We added $450 for the digital tech workstation rental laptop, cables, etc.

    Misc.

    We included $240 for insurance coverage. We then added $250 for the anticipated taxis/car services to get to and from the airport, additional meals, and other miscellaneous expenses.

    Post-Production

    We added $500 for the photographer to perform an initial edit of all the content and delivery to the client. We also included rush retouching rates of $225/hr for an estimated 2 hours per image.

    Results

    The photographer was awarded the project and the shoot was a success. During the shoot, there were quite a few issues as several of the locations were not totally finished. In order to accomplish some of the wider images, the photographer needed to have their camera placed in a location not closed to the public. Due to this factor, a good amount of additional retouching was needed on the images, which was approved by the client.

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