David Arnold Photographic Training: PARK STUDIO LIGHTING - PART 2 SHOOTING PEOPLE PORTRAITS WITH JOHN CLEMENTS

Exploring Senses photographer David Arnold has just booked some training at Park Cameras to learn about off camera flash, which will be used in the field to take photographs of participants and artefacts made during Exploring Senses workshops.

The workshop will take place on;

Saturday 29th March 2014 Saturday 24th May 2014 Studio Lighting - Shooting People Portraits with John Clements

http://www.parkcameras.com/25540/Park-Studio-Lighting---Part-2-Shooting-People-Portraits-with-John-Clements.html

DETAILS

Saturday 29th March 2014

On this intermediate level workshop we explain and show a wide range lighting techniques, plus the accompanying technical skills, that enable repeatable and enjoyable results to be achieved when photographing people.

It is ideal both for those starting out with studio lighting, or those simply wanting a recap, refresh and some new ideas.

Some key areas covered include:

• Understanding studio flash
• Camera settings for studio lighting
• How to meter for studio lighting
• A practical guide to using reflectors, umbrellas, soft-boxes and other common accessories for people photography
• Practical lighting arrangements for repeatability
• Working in and around a home environment.Capturing the head shot to full length images.
• Solutions to common people lighting needs, such as photographing people wearing glasses, dealing with various body and face shapes
• Posing & composition tips
• Creating clean white backgrounds
• Numerous 'genre' styles including:
  • Lighting for portraits
  • Lighting for groups
  • Lighting for boudoir

Please bring your camera with you on the day.

This is a full day course running between 10.30am - 4.30pm .

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About John Clements

John Clements has an impressive photographic pedigree spanning the last three decades. As a pro photographer, his clients include those from the corporate world, many household names, well known people, and the Great British Public. And he has photographed across a wide genre of people and non people photography. In addition, he was formerly Nikon UK’s ‘Advisor Of Photography’ for a number of years, a respected and privileged position, and has worked in a consultancy capacity with many other leading imaging companies. Author of over a dozen books, sold in numerous languages, John has also widely written and road tested equipment for a significant number of photo magazines through the years. But increasingly, it is his workshop and seminar presentations that excite people. Delivered with a clear, concise, motivational, and very approachable style that delegates simply warm too. A highly respected presenter, combining vast technical knowledge, an eye for the creative image and clear explanations. Been there, seen it, and still doing it with an enthusiasm and a passion.

Bespoke CommuniToys

IdentiToy

Robotic CommuniToy

CommuniToy animations

CommuniToy Kits

CommuniToy Performances

Alexander Osterwalder: The Business Modal Canvas

Useful aid to visualising the Exploring Senses business modal.
http://www.businessmodelgeneration.com/canvas

Bespoke CommuniToys
IdentiToy
Robotic CommuniToy
CommuniToy animations
CommuniToy Kits
CommuniToy Performances

Lego Mindstorms 31313: EV3 and BrickPi

Getting started with the BrickPi;

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/getting-started-with-the-brickpi

If you’re familiar with Lego Mindstorms, then you are probably aware of all the cool projects that you can make and the educational value of such an easy-to-use robotics platform. Enter the BrickPi.

Bare BrickPi board

The BrickPi is a RasbperryPi add-on that lets you control Lego Mindstorm parts. The BrickPi stacks on top of the Raspberry Pi and accepts Lego Mindstorms motors and sensors.

BrickPi on top of a Raspberry Pi

The BrickPi allows you to control Mindstorms parts using any number of languages including C, Python, and Scratch.

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CommuniToy R&D


Large soft toy hacks with recycled wooden super hero arm/gloves feet/boots, connected by an internal metal/wooden frame/skeleton; hidden art /hidden toys, might look simple from the outside, but highly complex/functional inside.

Use combination of RFID chip to provide data of the Lego brick and a webcam to create computer vision pinpoint location.

Robotic CommuniToy

Roland Stika SV-8

Exploring Senses have just purchased a Roland Stika SV-8 to use within our CommuniToy R&D project. We are very excited about the applications of use for this machine to make bespoke textile Toy Hacks, Printed Circuit Boards, Stickers, Decoration decals for plastic toy hacks and complicated graphics for 2D and 3D objects!

Roland Introduces STIKA SV-15/12/8 Portable Vinyl Cutter

Hamamatsu, Japan. June 12, 2006. Celebrating 25 years of leadership, innovation and vision for the sign making industry, Roland DG Corporation today introduced the new STIKA Series SV-15/12/8, a complete portable sign making package including easy-to-use vinyl cutter and design software. Based on Roland's industry-leading vinyl cutting technology, STIKA is the ideal compact sign making solution for offices, schools, organizations, small businesses, shops and homes. With STIKA, even novices can quickly and easily create signs, labels, decals, retail displays, vehicle graphics and more right from a Windows or Macintosh computer. When used in combination with a standard desktop printer, STIKA contour cuts printed images for colorful, professional results. "With STIKA, a wide range of individuals, organizations and businesses can take advantage of Roland's innovative sign making technology to create colorful vinyl signs and graphics," said Toshi Yahiro, Roland DG marketing manager. "STIKA is as easy to use as a desktop printer, yet it delivers much more professional results. STIKA produces precision cut vinyl lettering and images that significantly enhance any graphics project."

STIKA Features: Compact, easy-to-use vinyl cutter for schools, shops, businesses or homes Ideal for a wide variety of applications including signs, labels, decals, stickers, vehicle graphics, retail displays, heat transfers for apparel and etching material A complete solution packaged with everything required to get started Includes Roland CutStudio design software Able to connect to a standard desktop printer for contour cutting of printed images without additional equipment Tiling feature allows STIKA to produce larger signs of up to 64 tiles (8 tiles horizontally and 8 tiles vertically) Media guidelines help ensure correct media positioning for quality production USB interface for easy connection to PCs Available in three sizes: SV-15 - 15" cutter, SV-12 - 12" cutter, and SV-8 - extra-wide 8" cutter

Roland CutStudio Software Every STIKA comes with the latest version of Roland CutStudio, easy-to-use design software packed with features. With CutStudio, users can draw or edit circles and curves, add text along an arc, and import photos and graphics in jpg or bmp. In addition, CutStudio allows users to combine rectangles, circles, polygons, lines and curves for more sophisticated graphics. CutStudio is compatible with Windows 98 SE/Me/2000/XP and includes plug-in software for Adobe® Illustrator® 9/10/CS/CS2 and CorelDRAW® 10/11/12 for Windows, and Adobe® Illustrator® 9/10/CS for Mac. As a result, users of these programs can send data directly to STIKA. Roland STIKA Navi On-Screen Operation Panel STIKA comes equipped with the STIKA Navi on-screen operation panel, a unique feature that makes vinyl cutting even easier and helps maximize media usage. Using the STIKA Navi panel and a mouse, users can move the cutting blade into the optimum start position for precision results every time. The STIKA Navi menu can be accessed from either the "Cutting Setup" or "Set up the printer" menu. Five Simple Steps To Creating Labels With a Desktop Printer When paired with a desktop printer, STIKA allows users to precision cut printed images quickly and easily. No complicated techniques or additional equipment is required. 1. Choose the media size and select "Print&Cut" to add crop marks to the printed image. 2. Import the design inside the crop marks and add contour-cutting lines. 3. Using your printer, print the graphics and crop marks on your media. 4. Load the printed media in your STIKA and send the file to STIKA. 5. STIKA contour cuts the graphics. Roland DG Corporation Celebrating 25 years of innovation, Roland DG Corporation is a leading worldwide manufacturer of inkjet devices, milling and engraving machines, vinyl cutters, 3D scanners, a jewelry wax model maker and photo impact printers. In addition, the company markets software and other components that provide professionals with complete solutions. Roland DG's "Digital Value Engineering" (DVE) employs the latest digital technology to improve the company's business workflow processes. Integral to DVE, Roland DG has replaced its conventional production lines with a digitally-controlled manufacturing system entitled Digital Yatai. Roland's Digital Yatai production technology features guided on-screen instructions and other automated systems that enable individuals to produce Roland inkjet printers and other products in an unassisted manner while eliminating human errors. Roland DG is ISO-9001:2000 and 14001 certified. The company strives to preserve environmental protection while maintaining the highest quality standards. Roland DG Corporation (TSE symbol 6789) - First Section, Tokyo Stock Exchange URL: www.rolanddg.com Phone: +81 (0)53-484-1201 Fax: +81 (0)53-484-1216 *1 This function is included in the expansion of STIKA Driver. *2 Plug-in software is compatible with Adobe Illustrator for Windows 9/10/CS/CS2, CorelDRAW for  Windows 10/11/12, and Adobe Illustrator for Macintosh 9/10/CS. Bespoke CommuniToys

Vinyl Cutting and Heat Press

Bespoke CommuniToys

Low Tech Screen Printing and DIY Colour Printer Fabric Printing

Instructions can be found here

Bespoke CommuniToys

Make your own 3D Delta printer for ceramic and chocolate!!: )

A few hours research on the internet always provides fruit of joy. We are so lucky to have the internet, and even more so that a vast amount of its users are open minded and open source.

Today I discovered Jonathan Keep a ceramic artist who is researching 3D Printing ceramics. His website http://www.keep-art.co.uk provides awesome research into a low cost DIY method to achieving this process. His journal provides instructions on how to build a 3D Delta printer for ceramic (and chocolate) use, including a parts list, cutting list, eBay links to purchase electronics, and web links to further online resource for technical information. 

The thought of making chocolate toy hacks, and eventually ceramic artefacts via 3D printing is incredible!!: )

Check out his website and films on youtube;

http://www.keep-art.co.uk/Self_build.html
http://www.keep-art.co.uk/journal_14.html




http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/content/rapman-32-3d-printer-kit

Bespoke CommuniToys

3D Printing Ceramics

David learnt how to make ceramic forms, moulds, slip cast, fire and glaze (small batch production) during his degree during the University of Brighton 3D Design and Craft course. Whilst at University david experimented with the fusion of ceramics and digital technologies (Arduino and Processing).

Toy hacking has created a wealth of creative artefacts, which would look amazing if fired and turned into digital ceramics. David is interested in the possibility of making 3D printed toy hack ceramic artefacts. Below are some web links to online research about this process. Watch this space!

http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/News-and-Events/Watch-and-Listen/Pages/3D-Printing-in-Ceramics.aspx

http://www.fablabnoordbrabant.nl

http://www.uwe.ac.uk/sca/research/cfpr/

http://www.uwe.ac.uk/sca/research/cfpr/research/3D/index.html

Bespoke CommuniToys

Crane Game / Arcade grabber machine for Toy hacks - always wanted to make one of these!

http://www.instructables.com/id/CRANE-GAME/

Bespoke CommuniToy
Robotic CommuniToy

Build Brighton R&D Day 3: Lego Matrix - how can lego be used to teach children aged 4 about dot matrix pixel coding

David, Hannah + Nic

We discussed the possibilities of integrating a 8x8 LED Matrix into CommuniToy toy hacks.

One idea is to make a Lego interface to be used to teach children aged 4+ how to turn on LED's on a LED Matrix. This playful interface could be used to teach how pixel graphics are generated. Above is a first stage example of how the system works.

It's possible to create more complex versions, which are colour specific (i.e. a red Lego brick will turn on a red LED, or a blue Lego brick a blue LED). 

The 8x8 LED Matrix would be a fun digital component to integrate into a toy hack. 

We could make a CommuniToy version of the classic three wise monkeys, which are digital interfaces;

See no evil = LED Matrix

Hear no evil = microphone recorder

Speak no evil = speaker

We also further discussed how a larger LED Matrix can work if installed into a portable flight case, also containing an Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PSU, and instructions. We turn the case project into a multi-group collaborative workshop by making 6 x cases containing the same equipment. Each case could be used by a group to design digital LED characters, and a maze to play in. All the case could be connected together to form a giant maze, and provide a multiplayer inter-connected maze game.

Check out the 8x8 RGB LED Matrix below;

Purchase from here in uk

We have purchased 4 x 8x8 RGB LED Martix from Hong Kong on ebay to test!

Bespoke CommuniToys
CommuniToy Kits

Build Brighton R&D Day 2 - Nic Seymour - Smith: Possible future collaborator: LED Matrix Panels

Hannah, David, Chris + Nic Seymour-Smith

Today was our second Build Brighton Maker Space day. We met Nic Seymour-Smith, awesome chap who is a technologist freelancer specialising in electronic hardware, and digital interfaces.

Nic's research, and work is very interesting, really into the PH6 LED display game (could be similar to above), it would be amazing to create a workshop for young people, who can design a game/animation to be installed in a pubic place during the Brighton Digital Festival. We have a venue for this and can provide established links with young people: )

LED matrix

Could also make a travelling portable flight case version of this idea using Arduino and Processing.
Nic is already working with Python, but could convert to processing.

Bespoke CommuniToy

Exploring Senses join local 'Build Brighton' hackspace: 5th Feb 2014

We are very excited to now be members of Build Brighton the local hackspace. We now have access to lots of ace equipment which we can use in our Arts Council R&D project.

Arts Council

R&D lab

IdentiToy
Robotic CommuniToy
Bespoke CommuniToy
CommuniToy Kits

Build Brighton R&D Day 1 - Yipee newbies first day hat the hack space!!: )

Chris and Dave visited the Build Brighton Hackspace. Took lots of photos of the equipment available to use (see below). Chris spent time calibrating the Vinyl cutter machine, and checking out the CNC machine. We will be using both of these machines to make bespoke Toy Hacks.

Bespoke CommuniToys
Robotic CommuniToys

Jason Freeny - an interesting artists who also recycles toys to make new creations using Epoxy Clay

Check theses links out;

http://www.moistproduction.com/Menu/index.html

http://abduzeedo.com/character-anatomy-sculptures-jason-freeny

http://designyoutrust.com/2012/01/toy-dissector-jason-freeny-in-rare-interview/

Great time lapse film in this blog post detailing Jason making a sculpture from start to finish;



http://www.dontpaniconline.com/magazine/arts/jason-freeny

Check out the making process in more detail with photos and text;

http://design.org/blog/anatomy-lego-man-toy-and-sculpture-hybrid-jason-freeny

In the past Jason has also made toys for Ron English; think might be made or inspired by him;

http://www.theoutsiders.net/item/8190,grin-limited-edition-toy

Making process, Jason uses Epoxy Clay and paints afterwards; possibly acrylic paint.

Facts about Epoxy Clay, Majic Sculpt

More facts from magicsculpt.com

Q I have some epoxy resin pigments...would I be able to use these to with magic
sculp? If so how much should be used?
thanks
-stevenA Should work ok depending on compatibility.  You will have to experiment with ratios, however, to find the best mix.  There are no formulas that I am aware of.

Chuck

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Today we purchase 1 x 400g White MagicSculpt the Uk website = £16.98 inc shipping (£3.99)

We will test the Magic Sculpt to make bespoke limbs for Toy Hack sculptures and add pigments for extra colour choices.

Bespoke CommuniToys