An Antiques Roadshow guest disagreed with an expert’s enormous five-figure valuation of a 100-year-old item, labelling the item as ‘priceless’.
Antiques Roadshow guest disagrees with expert’s eye-watering valuation
Fractals Filters Classic – a three-pack of prisms for pro portrait photographers
The story of Fractal Filters begins with Nikk Wong, a portrait and wedding photographer from the USA who became obsessed with prism photography and after experimenting with cutting glass in a local glass studio and playing with pieces from a fallen glass chandelier which gave him the inspiration to set up his Kickstarter.
Fractals Filters Classic 3-Pack: Specifications
Softcase: Yes
Filters: Julia, Penrose, and Pascal
Julia weight: 225g
Penrose weight: 138g
Pascal weight: 255g
Combined weight with softcase: 745g
Diameter: 97mm
Back in 2014, Nikk launched a successful Kickstarter campaign with over 1,000 backers pledging $55,293 to get his idea off the ground. Nearly a decade later and Nikk has turned his dream into a full-time career with the Fractal Filters Classic Kit his flagship product that has seen a few subtle improvements over the years and is now his definitive collection of prisms, as well as working on new products such as the Fractal Filters Fibonacci which Nikk says is launching soon.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Fractal Filters Classic Kit, which consists of three premium glass filters, the Penrose, Pascal, and Julia, as well as a soft case with a carry strap and a basic user guide to help you get started.
Nikk said the genesis of his prism photography business started when he “found that filter manufacturers had neglected the amazing reflective properties of glass… creatively I was limited”. While triangular prisms can be picked up relatively cheaply online such as sites like eBay and Amazon, Nikk’s filters are much more versatile and have a premium build quality. They can be great for adding a unique look to both stills photography and video, so in this review, we’ll look at how they perform and if they’re worth the asking price over your standard cheap and cheerful $10 prism.
Fractals filters Creative 3 pack: Design & Handling
In the box you’ll find the Penrose, Pascal and Julia Fractal Filters as well as a padded carry case with a shoulder strap. One notable omission is that there’s no microfiber cloth included, which would be handy for wiping off dirt or greasy fingerprints from the filters, though this isn’t the end of the world as most photographers already own one or two of these. Even still, a dedicated pocket for a cloth in the carry case would have been a nice addition.
The set also comes with some camera setting suggestions to get you started: shoot with a 50mm prime lens set to f/2 with single-point AF with shutter release focus priority and remove your lens hood so that the filter can get as close to the front element as possible. This in turn will also make it easier to defocus the filter with a wide aperture and shallow depth of field.
While this is a set of filters, they aren’t your conventional screw-in type, as they require the flexibility to be moved from side to side, or to be tilted at angle to get the prismal reflection appearing exactly where you need in your frame. Rather than screw into the front filter thread of your lens, you’ll hold them by the three large loops on the each filter’s handle.
The trio of filters offer some great versatility and creative options. The ‘Julia’ has a sort of segmented appearance, with a clear circular sweet spot in the centre which you can place your subject inside of for a repeating kaleidoscopic effect around them.
The ‘Penrose’ has a checkerboard pattern on it which breaks the surrounding image up into a diffused and glitchy pattern. It also has a small section of the glass cut away from it – leaving you a clean zone for you to position your subject so that it is sharp and unaffected by the filter.
Lastly, the Pascal is the heaviest of the three at 255g and 30mm thick trapezoid design. It’s undoubtedly a little more unwieldy to use and can be more difficult to get good results with, though once mastered it will allow you to shoot fantastic subject-isolating images and create impossible images, such as reflecting a tree from behind your head into the frame, or light sources that are normally outside of your camera’s field of view.
One of Nikk’s early inventions on Kickstarter which accompanied his filters was an articulating arm that connected to camera hotshot and held the filters in place in front of the lens, handy for freeing up your hands or keeping the filter in the same spot when recording video. Nikk says this product has since been discontinued, so there’s currently no way to fix the filters in place in front of the lens, unlike a product such as the LensBaby Omni. Though he did go onto say that new products will be launching soon that will have a 1/4 20″ mount that you can attach the handle to solve this problem so we’ll watch out for those in the future.
Fractals filters Creative 3-Pack: Performance
All three of the Fractals Filters are made from quality glass specifically made with photography in mind, and unlike the cheap triangular prisms you can find online for about ten bucks, Fractals Filters filters have lead oxide in the glass for better optical resolution which Nikk claims will give the filters a light transmission of between 95-100% for minimal light loss. They also boast a refractive index of 1.6x which help make images and videos shot with the filters look more vivid.
The filters have a diameter of 100mm, which may sound large it ensures that the filters will work with even the largest of lenses in your collection and makes it more cost effective than buying different filters at different sizes to cater for different optics.
All three filters come with a built-in solid metal handle with a chrome finish for three of your fingers to grip onto. This does make it slightly awkward if you want to hold the filter in your right hand, as you can’t fire your camera left handed – unless you set up on a tripod.
We were impressed with the image quality of all three filters, especially the Julia and Pascal which require you to shoot through the glass filters and these were tack-sharp which just goes to show the high quality of the glass used. We also saw minimal fringing, which is a negative effect we’ve found from using the cheaper prisms online too.
One downside we found is that to get the best results it helps to use a lens with quite a large front element so that you can hold the filter closer to the lens to squeeze in more of the effects and also holding it closer helps diffuse it with a shallow depth of field. On lenses with a smaller front element, such as the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM which has a front element diameter of just 43mm, you’ll need to hold the filters further away from the lens to see the effects, and this makes it harder to blur the filter with a shallow depth of field.
Fractals filters Creative 3-Pack: Final Verdict
Glass prisms can be found online for a fraction of the price of the Fractals Filters offering, and these remain a great starting point for anyone looking to experiment with abstract prism effects in their portraits and photography.
However, if you find yourself needing extra options and wanting to take your prism portraiture to the next level then the Classic 3-Pack from Fractal Filters is a fantastic upgrade.
All three filters are incredibly well engineered and feel great to use and open up the door to some amazing abstract results that are sure to turn heads. At $119 it works out at just under $40 per filter, though you do also get the soft carry case. Considering we wouldn’t bat an eyelid spending much more on a new lens to open up more creative possibilities then we think these filters are a steal!
Should you buy the Fractals filters Creative 3-Pack?
✅ Buy this if…
- You’re looking for premium prisms
- You need extra prism options
- You’ve experimented with a cheap prism and would like more creative options
🚫 Don’t buy this if…
- You only have a very tight budget
- You need a way of fixing the prisms in place for hands-free stills and video
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5 Questions for Art Dealer Amanda Hon About the Future of Hong Kong’s Art Market
This article is part of the Artnet Intelligence Report Year Ahead 2024. Through in-depth analysis of last year’s market performance, the new edition paints a data-driven picture of the art world today, from the latest auction results to the artists and artworks leading the conversation.
What three words describe the state of Hong Kong’s art market?
Discerning. Since the inauguration of Art Basel Hong Kong 10 years ago, collectors have learned more about the nuances of collecting Western art and handling relationships with Western galleries. The days of capitalizing on the naivete of Hong Kong collectors to peddle leftover stock are over. They will not pay top dollar for second-rate material.
Involved. Collectors, galleries, and artists in the region have really involved themselves in the globalization, promotion, and expansion of the Asian cultural capital.
Collaborative. I’ve worked in the world’s three major art centers: New York, London, and Hong Kong. Nowhere have I experienced a city that is as collaborative as Hong Kong. Perhaps it is because we were all stuck in this tiny city for the past three years due to Covid, but collectors, galleries, and artists all work together to aid each other in whatever is needed.
What was the most surprising development in the Hong Kong art scene in 2023?
The number of new galleries that have popped up. Despite three years of heavy lockdowns, Hong Kong has still maintained a steady rise in galleries outside of the city wanting to open here.
We’ve heard a lot about speculators leaving the market, which has led the art market in Asia to take a hit. What is the outlook for 2024?
Fewer speculators means more collectors. When you weed out those who just take an interest in art for investment’s sake, there will be a slight decline on the commercial side, but fewer speculators will also lead to better-quality artworks on the market. Thus, quality will determine the sustainability of the galleries in the region.
Guests gathered at Art Basel Hong Kong in 2023. It was the fair’s largest edition since 2019. Courtesy Art Basel.
Many have questioned if Hong Kong can retain its crown as Asia’s art hub in recent years. What is your take?
Hong Kong has proven time and time again that it is not going anywhere. All the major auction houses, galleries, and museums are in Hong Kong and the city’s financial system is structured for trade of goods to be as simple as possible (multicurrency accounts, Hong Kong dollar pegged to U.S. dollar, all major flagship bank locations). The city is also designed to be as easy for visitors to navigate as possible: English is spoken, Google, Uber, etc. all exist, the MTR underground train system is easy and reliable. Hong Kong is also within four hours of any major collecting city [in Asia]. That being said, why must there be one hub? The West has many hubs, so why are we constantly forcing Asian cities to compete against each other?
How has the international perception of artists from Hong Kong and the rest of Asia changed in recent years?
The local art scene has changed and brought the artists and institutions with it. The art world recognizes that Asia is part of it and that it cannot be ignored; Asian art is not just Ming dynasty furniture. Any true collection, public or private, cannot be complete without Asian contemporary art.
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The World of Medium Format Photography
Mastering the intricacies of medium format photography can significantly elevate the quality and impact of one’s work. This great video takes a look at the Fujifilm GFX 100 II, a 100-megapixel medium format digital camera, equipped with an ultra-sharp tilt-shift lens, showcasing not just the technical prowess of this setup but also its artistic potential.
Coming to you from Ben Harvey Photography, this insightful video captures a fresh perspective on medium format photography through a practical expedition to photograph seascapes and architectural features. Harvey and his colleague journey to Eastbourne for a sunrise shoot with the Fujifilm GFX 100 II and its tilt-shift lens. Their exploration is not just about the gear; it’s a demonstration of how such technology can transform an ordinary scene into a breathtaking visual experience, underscoring the importance of understanding technical capabilities in enhancing photographic artistry.
Harvey’s narrative weaves through the challenges and discoveries of shooting with the GFX 100 II, emphasizing the learning curve and adjustment required when transitioning from full frame to medium format photography. The video highlights how aperture, depth of field, and lens choices differ significantly between formats, requiring photographers to rethink their approach to composition and exposure. Moreover, the practical use of the tilt-shift lens for composing without altering the camera’s height offers valuable insights into achieving creative compositions. Harvey’s reflections on the camera’s performance, especially in terms of image detail and raw file quality, underscore tangible benefits of medium format photography for professional work. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Harvey.
Northfield seeks new track photographer
Northfield, OH — MGM Northfield Park has begun the search for a new track photographer.
The photographer will be responsible for photographing harness racing each night, providing photos for media releases, and developing photos for purchase.
Interested applicants can contact Michael Carter for more information about the position at mcarter@mgmnorthfieldpark.com.
by Michael Carter, for MGM Northfield Park
Rain Szeto’s Elaborate Ink and Watercolor Illustrations Illuminate the Pleasant Chaos of Daily Life
“Fruit Dude 2.” All images © Rain Szeto, shared with permission
From a bustling cafe to the comfort of a family meal to the morning quietude of a specialty shop, Rain Szeto’s illustrations (previously) capture inviting, everyday places in vibrant detail. The artist’s portraits of local places often radiate from a central vignette of a lone employee, a family interaction, or feline resident making its daily rounds. She treats every scene with with great attention to its unique characteristics, outlining stacks of merchandise, architectural details, and personal effects into chaotic yet appealing tableaux.
Szeto’s work is currently included in Giant Robot Biennale 5, on view through September 1, at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. Next month, the artist also has work in Giant Robot’s group exhibition, Multimatter, where risograph prints of “Taxipunk” will be available. Find more Szeto’s shop and on Instagram.
“Herb Shop 2”
“Izakaya”
“Postcard”
“Something Warm”
“Taxipunk”
“Traditions: Kitchen”
“Traditions: Mirror”
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Rain Szeto’s Elaborate Ink and Watercolor Illustrations Illuminate the Pleasant Chaos of Daily Life appeared first on Colossal.
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Follow Moderator, BoredPanda staff
As my position title states, I am one of the people (employed Pandas for bamboo) over here who work with the community side of things on this website to ensure all is well, and while at that, I also help various creators and artists get recognition for the incredible work they do by connecting them to a large worldwide audience.
Other than that, outside of work, you can find me brewing a nice cup of coffee, making a pizza from scratch, or baking brownies. I also love traveling, concerts, and cats (heavy on that, because I am a cat mom).
The Best Fashion Photographers of All Time
From Versace’s Medusa logo to its famed ’90s bondage collection, founding designer Gianni Versace’s lasting mark on the Italian fashion house lives on through public memory, the cyclical nature of fashion trends, and his sister, the iconic Donatella Versace.
Local photographer goes viral
One local photographer is linking his family connection to the NYPD with his love for photography. Nolan Regan has gone viral for his impromptu photoshoots – where he asked members of the NYPD, FDNY, DSNY, pilots, train conductors and more… “do mind if I take a few photos of you.” As Good Day NY’s Ryan Kristafer shows us – Regan is putting our heroes in focus.
