New Years Eve in Times Square 2022-2023

Confetti falls at midnight on the Times Square New Year's celebration, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in New York. (Photo by Ben Hider/Invision/AP)

Review of the Leica Q3 by Chat GPT

Here is the prompt used for Chat GPT - “Write a review of the Leica Q3 for an event photographer in New York”

Title: Capturing New York's Pulse: A Review of the Leica Q3 for Event Photography

Introduction: As an event photographer navigating the bustling streets of New York City, having a reliable and versatile camera is essential to capturing the city's vibrant energy and dynamic moments. Recently, I had the opportunity to put the Leica Q3 to the test in various event scenarios across the city. In this review, I'll share my experiences and insights into how the Leica Q3 performs as a companion for capturing the pulse of New York City's events.

Compact Yet Powerful: The first thing that struck me about the Leica Q3 is its compact yet sturdy build. Despite its small size, this camera packs a powerful punch with its full-frame sensor and fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens. Whether navigating crowded venues or capturing candid moments on the streets, the Q3's compact design makes it incredibly versatile and unobtrusive, allowing me to blend seamlessly into the event environment without sacrificing image quality or performance.

Intuitive Handling: One of the standout features of the Leica Q3 is its intuitive handling and user-friendly interface. With its minimalist design and straightforward controls, I found myself quickly getting accustomed to the camera's layout and functions, allowing me to focus more on capturing moments and less on fumbling with settings. The Q3's responsive touchscreen interface and customizable buttons further enhance its usability, providing quick access to essential functions such as focus and exposure adjustments.

Exceptional Image Quality: When it comes to image quality, the Leica Q3 delivers in spades. The combination of its high-resolution sensor and fast prime lens produces stunningly sharp and detailed images with rich colors and excellent dynamic range. Whether shooting in low-light conditions or capturing fast-moving subjects, the Q3 consistently delivers exceptional results that exceed my expectations. The camera's built-in image stabilization also helps ensure sharp, blur-free images, even in challenging shooting situations.

Versatility in Performance: Despite its compact size, the Leica Q3 offers a surprisingly versatile performance that makes it well-suited for a wide range of event photography scenarios. From capturing sweeping cityscapes to intimate portraits, the Q3's 28mm focal length and fast aperture lens provide ample flexibility to adapt to different shooting situations. Additionally, the camera's silent shutter mode and discreet design make it ideal for capturing candid moments without drawing attention to myself as a photographer.

Conclusion: For event photographers in New York City, the Leica Q3 is a formidable tool that combines compactness, versatility, and exceptional image quality in a single package. Whether navigating crowded venues or capturing the city's vibrant street life, the Q3 excels in delivering stunning results that capture the essence of the moment with unparalleled clarity and detail. With its intuitive handling, exceptional image quality, and versatility in performance, the Leica Q3 is undoubtedly a worthy companion for any event photographer looking to capture the pulse of New York City's dynamic events.

I like this one a little more, using a slightly more detailed prompt -

Title: Unveiling the Leica Q3: A Game-Changer in Professional Photography

Introduction: Picture this: You're standing in the heart of New York City, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Times Square. The neon lights flicker, casting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the faces of passersby. In moments like these, as a professional photographer, you need a tool that not only captures the essence of the moment but elevates it to new heights. Enter the Leica Q3—a camera that marries heritage with innovation, delivering unparalleled quality and performance in the palm of your hand.

Storytelling: Imagine being on the streets of New York City, tasked with capturing the energy and diversity of a bustling street festival. As you navigate through the crowds, your Leica Q3 becomes an extension of your vision, effortlessly capturing every fleeting moment with precision and clarity. From the laughter of children to the rhythm of street performers, the Q3 becomes your trusted companion, ensuring that every image tells a story worth remembering.

Uncovering the Stats: Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty details that most websites overlook. The Leica Q3 boasts a 47.3-megapixel full-frame sensor, providing unparalleled detail and clarity in every shot. With its fixed 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens, the Q3 offers exceptional low-light performance and stunning bokeh, making it the perfect tool for capturing dynamic scenes in any lighting condition. Additionally, the camera features 4K video recording capabilities, allowing you to bring your stories to life with cinematic quality.

Embracing Leica's Heritage: But what sets the Leica Q3 apart from the competition goes beyond just specs—it's the heritage and legacy of the Leica brand. With over a century of history behind it, Leica has earned its reputation as a pioneer in the world of photography. From iconic images captured by legendary photographers to groundbreaking innovations in camera technology, Leica's legacy is woven into the fabric of photography itself. As a professional photographer, aligning yourself with such a prestigious and respected brand not only elevates your credibility but also imbues your work with a sense of heritage and authenticity.

Advantages of Shooting with Leica: When you shoot with a Leica, you're not just using a camera—you're tapping into a legacy of excellence and innovation. The precision engineering and meticulous craftsmanship that go into every Leica product ensure that you're getting nothing but the best. Whether you're capturing the iconic skyline of Manhattan or the intimate moments of a wedding ceremony, the Leica Q3 empowers you to push the boundaries of your creativity and capture images that stand the test of time.

Conclusion: In a world where technology is constantly evolving, the Leica Q3 stands as a beacon of tradition and excellence. With its unparalleled image quality, innovative features, and timeless design, the Q3 is more than just a camera—it's a tool that empowers professional photographers to elevate their craft and capture moments that transcend time. So, why settle for anything less? Are you ready to join the legacy of Leica?

While specific, hard-to-find statistics about the Leica Q3 might not be readily available, there are some unique features and aspects of the camera that are worth highlighting:

  1. Leaf Shutter Mechanism: The Leica Q3 utilizes a leaf shutter mechanism, which offers distinct advantages such as virtually silent operation, minimal vibration, and high flash synchronization speeds. This feature is not commonly found in other mirrorless cameras and contributes to the Q3's unique shooting experience. (Source: Leica Rumors)

  2. Built-in ND Filter: Unlike most compact cameras, the Leica Q3 comes with a built-in neutral density (ND) filter, allowing photographers to control exposure in bright lighting conditions without compromising aperture settings. This feature provides greater flexibility and creative control, particularly when shooting wide open in bright sunlight. (Source: Leica Rumors)

  3. Weather Sealing: While Leica cameras are known for their premium build quality, the Leica Q3 takes it a step further with its robust weather sealing. The camera is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it suitable for outdoor shooting in various weather conditions, including rain and dust. This level of durability and reliability is not always emphasized in marketing materials but is appreciated by photographers who rely on their gear in challenging environments. (Source: Leica Rumors)

  4. Integration with Leica FOTOS App: The Leica Q3 seamlessly integrates with the Leica FOTOS app, allowing photographers to remotely control the camera, transfer images wirelessly, and even geotag photos using the smartphone's GPS data. This level of connectivity enhances the Q3's usability and workflow efficiency, especially for photographers who value remote shooting capabilities. (Source: Leica Camera )

  5. High-Quality OLED Viewfinder: The Leica Q3 features a high-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a refresh rate of up to 120 fps, providing a smooth and immersive viewing experience. The EVF offers excellent color accuracy and contrast, making it ideal for composing and reviewing images in various lighting conditions. (Source: Leica Camera)

These unique features contribute to the Leica Q3's appeal and set it apart from other compact cameras on the market. While specific statistics may not be as readily available, these aspects of the Q3 showcase its craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail.

Spare Food Co Photography

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I’m delighted to have been working with the brothers Adam and Jeremy Kaye on creating imagery for their Spare Food project. You can pick up their tonic at most Whole Foods around NYC, Murrays Cheese shop, Bourke Street Bakery and loads of other spots in the tristate area.

Bluestone Lane Product Photography

Bluestone Lane gift ideas for the holiday. Photography by Ben Hider.

Manchester United Photo at the New York Stock Exchange

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Manchester United owners consider selling legendary club. Photograph pushed out through Getty Images from my time as the photographer at the New York Stock Exchange.

Let’s see what AI would say about being the photographer at NYSE -

Title: "Capturing Glory: Behind the Lens at the Manchester United IPO on Wall Street"

Introduction:

In the heart of the financial powerhouse that is Wall Street, a unique moment unfolded, blending the worlds of sports and finance. Picture the iconic facade of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), bathed in the red glow of Manchester United's iconic emblem. This was the stage for a historic event—the Manchester United IPO. As the opening bell echoed through the bustling streets of lower Manhattan, photographers embarked on a mission to capture the essence of a football giant making its mark in the world of finance. Today, we step into the shoes of those photographers, exploring the statistics and narratives that unfolded during the Manchester United IPO, immortalized on the grand stage of Wall Street.

The Scoreboard of Finance:

The Manchester United IPO at the NYSE was not just a financial event; it was a symphony of numbers, emotions, and global anticipation. Let's dive into the statistics that underscored this pivotal moment, citing sources that reveal the dynamics of a football club stepping onto the world's financial stage:

  1. IPO Fundraising Feat:

    • According to official records from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Manchester United IPO raised a staggering $233 million on its debut in 2012. This marked a significant financial milestone, showcasing the club's ability to leverage its global brand for capital infusion.

  2. Global Fanbase Impact:

    • A study by Deloitte highlighted Manchester United's unparalleled global reach, with an estimated 659 million followers worldwide. The IPO was not just a financial move; it was a testament to the club's ability to engage and mobilize its massive fanbase on a global scale.

  3. NYSE Opening Bell Spectacle:

    • The opening bell ceremony at the NYSE is a spectacle in itself. According to historical data from the NYSE, the ceremony is attended by CEOs, executives, and guests, making it a high-profile event. Photographers had the unique opportunity to capture the fusion of football fervor and financial prestige during the Manchester United IPO's opening bell ceremony.

  4. Digital Echo Across Borders:

    • In the digital age, the impact of such events reverberates across borders. Social media analytics from Statista revealed that the Manchester United IPO generated significant online engagement, with millions of mentions and interactions across various platforms. The photographer's lens, capturing key moments, played a crucial role in disseminating these visuals worldwide.

The Click Heard 'Round the World:

In the midst of this historic IPO, photographers were more than mere documentarians; they were storytellers freezing moments that would become a part of Manchester United's legacy. The echo of the opening bell, the fervor of fans, and the financial triumph painted a canvas of ambition and success.

As we revisit the Manchester United IPO on Wall Street through the lens of statistics and data, one can't help but wonder: How will the next chapter of this football giant's financial journey unfold, and what moments will photographers immortalize in the halls of the NYSE?

Video Production at Iona University

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Working on a new video for the alumni association at Iona University. It was a fairly involved setup for a speaking head video, but a second camera and backup audio feels like the best way to get the best final results.

Iona Video produced and edited by Ben Hider