Photofocus

Education and inspiration for visual storytellers

Lauri Novak

Lauri Novak is an international award-winning fine art photographer, mentor, traveler, wonderer and wanderer: inspiring and challenging you to see the world in a new and unique way. You can find her on social media at those listed under her profile pic and also at LauriNovak.com

Latest posts by Lauri Novak (see all)

Celebrating Earth Month through photography

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Since April 2019 is the 49th anniversary of Earth Month, it seemed like a good time to share some information from Adobe Stock’s 2019 Visual Trend Blog. Adobe Stock’s latest 2019 Visual Trend, Brand Stand, explores the explosive consumer demand for companies that align with their own values and how brands can seize the moment with high-impact creative that resonates. This widespread trend has made its way into stock photography as well. In the past year, Adobe Stock has seen queries for “recycling” grow by 53 percent, “sustainability” by 50 … [Read more...] about Celebrating Earth Month through photography

Photographer of the Day: Davide Gabino

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Category: Outdoor Photographer: Davide Gabinol Photo: "Un piede nella natura" This image stopped me in my tracks. It grabbed my inner child and took me right back to laying in the grass in the summer. I can feel the warmth of the sun and smell the fresh summer air just by looking at this shot. It's a simple shot, but the emotion, warmth and sense of place is just pouring from it, well done. Thank you for sharing your image with us. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Davide Gabino

Photographer of the Day: Allan Jones

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Category: Outdoor Photographer: Allan Jones Photographer Photo: "Pelican" What timing! Captured at just the right moment with not only the fish in the air but the wings spread and the push through the water are all spot on. I love the details in the feathers and also in the wave of water. What a great moment. Thank you Allan for sharing this wonderful image with us. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Allan Jones

Photographer of the Day: Phil Campbell

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Category: Outdoor Photographer: Phil Campbell Photo: "Frosty Bur" What a fantastic 3-dimensional image. The frost just pops on this plant and the soft blue background is the perfect wintery setting. Just a beautiful image. Thank you for sharing this with us, Phil. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Phil Campbell

Sticking with old tech

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My fellow Photofocus author Michèle Grenier has been writing about her experience of deciding to switch to mirrorless. During this time my trusty old Canon 6D decided it needed a break so the LCD screen stopped working. I thought I’d offer another take on the mirrorless vs. DSLR debate. Let me preface this by saying I am not a tech head/gear hound. I do not get all excited about the newest, latest and greatest cameras and/or gear. Not to say I don’t watch and pay attention to what’s out there, but I’ve never been one to go out and upgrade gear … [Read more...] about Sticking with old tech

Photographer of the Day: Stefano Cerchiaro

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Category: Outdoor Photographer: Stefano Cerchiaro Photo: "Minimal" I love the simplicity of this, the tones, the space left around the tree within the image and the contrast. A gorgeous example of using a long exposure to smooth out the water in just the right amount. Thank you Stefano for sharing your image with us. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Stefano Cerchiaro

Photographer of the Day: iLOVEnature Photography

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Category: Outdoor Photographer: iLOVEnature Photography Photo: "Winter Sunset Silhouettes Nature's Inspiration" Such beautiful details in this foxtail at sunset. It's really amazing to see the shapes within the stalk. I also love the gradation of warm to cool from corner to corner in this. A wonderful reminder to pay attention to the smaller picture, it's not always about the epic sunset. Thank you iLOVEnature Photography for sharing your image with us. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: iLOVEnature Photography

Photographer of the Day: Andre vd Meulen

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Category: Outdoor Photographer: Andre vd Meulen Photo: "Line to Infinity" I love the mystery in this. Where do those trees disappear to? Some mystical land. Beautifully composed with soft tones to lead us into the image and create a sense of wonder. Thank you Andre for sharing your image with us. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Andre vd Meulen

Be prepared to be spontaneous

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Are you ready to go at any moment? Whether it’s a photoshoot or an epic trip that somehow falls in your lap, can you honestly say you’d be able to just pick up and go? Being ready can mean many things. Photoshoot If it’s a photoshoot here is a list of things that can always be ready so you’re able to be spontaneous. Charged batteries: Always make sure your batteries are charged and ready to go. Memory cards in your camera bag: If you’re like me there seems to be a memory card hanging out in my card reader on my desk many times. Get … [Read more...] about Be prepared to be spontaneous

Kickflip laptop stand offers a better angle when working on-the-go

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Recently at our Photofocus author’s retreat, this little gadget — the Kickflip laptop stand — caught the attention of my fellow authors. I thought I’d share a quick bit of information about it. A few years ago I was traveling with a friend and she had this on her laptop. After I saw hers, I had to get one of my own. It’s just a hinged strip of hard plastic that allows you to prop up the back of your laptop. It offers much better ergonomics and also allows for airflow underneath which prevents your laptop from getting warm. Features and … [Read more...] about Kickflip laptop stand offers a better angle when working on-the-go

Photographer of the Day: Hani Bader

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Category: Outdoor Photographer: Hani Bader Photo: "Underwater" The first thing that made me stop and look at this image was the color. The bright blue with the red/orange plant just pop. Secondly, the shape of the plant makes me feel and see the motion of the water moving it around and waving toward the divers. The silhouettes of the divers add just a little bit more interest and make this image something different. It would be beautiful without as well but the divers give the whole image context. Thank you Hani for sharing your image with … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Hani Bader

WPPI for non-wedding and non-portrait photographers

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Having just returned from attending the WPPI show in Las Vegas I wanted to give you a non-wedding/non-portrait photographer’s perspective on the show. While WPPI — known as the Wedding & Portrait Photographer’s Conference — is geared toward wedding and portrait photographers, there are several options for those of us who do not fit into those categories. On the show floor Wandering the show floor offers plenty of opportunities to learn about new products from software to gear that can be used in any genre of photography. Are you in the … [Read more...] about WPPI for non-wedding and non-portrait photographers

Spending time with fellow creatives

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How often do you get together with other photographers or even other artists? Spending time with those who share our passions can be helpful in several ways. Be inspired or inspire someone Everyone is at a different point on their path. Spending time with someone who is further down the path is a great way to learn about what you want to do or learn and it can also help you to figure out what you don’t want to do. Ask questions, ask for help with what you’re struggling with. Most photographers are more than willing to help. The same holds … [Read more...] about Spending time with fellow creatives

Photographer of the Day: Wade Brooks

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Category: Outdoor Photographer: Wade Brooks Photo: "Taking Time Just For Me" I love the light and shadows in this image. I can hear the peace and quiet of the leaves rustling. I can feel the gentle breeze and breathe in the fresh air in this place. The path invites us to wander further, explore more and to take some time for ourselves. Thanks for the reminder, Wade and for sharing with our group! Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Wade Brooks

Photographer of the Day: Jim Denham

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Category: Outdoor Photographer: Jim Denham Photo: "Fog in the Trees" What a magical moment captured. I love the warmth through the trees created by the mixture of the sun and fog. If you read Jim's description on Flickr it's a reminder to us all to always take one more look before you leave. Thank you for sharing with our group! Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Jim Denham

Tours in your local area

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Need a change of scenery? Can’t get away or afford to go on some amazing vacation? Have you ever taken any of the tours in your local area? A few years ago I went downtown Chicago (an hour from me) to go on one of the free Pedway Tours offered by Chicago Elevated. I’d been in parts of the pedway and heard about it from time to time but I never really explored it. By taking this tour it just made me realize there are so many places to see and photograph in our own immediate (OK, an hour drive) areas. Nothing new I hear photographers say all … [Read more...] about Tours in your local area

The nontechnical photographer

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Help! I’m not technical, I hate math and all those dials, numbers and settings really confuse me. Can I still be a photographer? Of course you can. You can be anything you want to be. Right? Now, before people go all crazy on me, let me explain. Photography is technical at its core. You do need to learn what those dials, numbers and settings are and what they do in order to create the image you want. The same as a painter needs to learn which brushes work to create the look they want, or a sculptor learns the different tools he needs to … [Read more...] about The nontechnical photographer

Back to nature trends

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There's a great piece by Adobe on their blog about visual trends, "Natural Instincts: Finding Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Wellness on Planet Earth." Unless you’re living under a rock (which may actually be a good thing) you’re aware of the back to nature, connecting with earth trend that is making an appearance in just about every aspect of our lives lately. Consumerism and commercialism have taken us away from some of the most basic joys of life, nature and the world around us. What does this have to do with photography? As stated … [Read more...] about Back to nature trends

Photographer of the Day: Joe

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Category: Outdoor Photographer: Joe Photo: "Trees Through the Mist" Oh so moody. The symmetry created by the reflection makes this even more mysterious as if you can't tell up from down. Images like this remind us that there is no bad light, no bad weather and that it's always good to get out and shoot no matter what. Thank you for sharing with our group. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Joe

Photographer of the Day: Kurt Kramer

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Editor's Note: We'd like to welcome Lauri Novak back to Photographer of the Day, who will be curating the Outdoor category. Thank you to Rob Sylvan for all your hard work! Category: Outdoor Photographer: Kurt Kramer Photo: "South from Montrose Harbor to Chicago Skyline" One of my favorite, not seen enough views of Chicago and early morning is the best time for this as you can see in this image. The light makes the city so soft and I love the ice in the water creating lines to lead us into the light and color of the sunrise. Good morning … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Kurt Kramer

Thinking outside the box

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Feeling creatively stuck? Here’s one way you can get the creative juices flowing again. Choose a list of random words, or have someone give you a list. Six to eight words is usually a good challenge. Take those words and create an image for each one. The interpretation of each word is completely up to you and you can create the images in any manner you’d like. Any type of camera and/or post-processing is allowed. Here are six examples. Bully Create an image that tells the story of the word, that makes the viewer see beyond the first thing … [Read more...] about Thinking outside the box

Marketing fine art photography

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As a follow up to my last article on selling your work online, I wanted to share some ideas and ways to market your work once you have it online for sale. You’ve uploaded images for sale on a site or several sites that you decided worked for you. Now what? Well, this is not the "Field of Dreams." If you post it they will not come. You have to promote, market and get yourself, and in turn your work out there. Marketing 101: Get visitors to your site or your place of business. While the sites that are designed to sell fine art automatically … [Read more...] about Marketing fine art photography

A practical guide to selling your photography online

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Are you considering selling your photos online? At some point, we likely all consider ways to create income from this photography obsession of ours. I mean, why not right? We have the images, there are plenty of options and opportunities out there to sell our work but finding the right avenue to do this can be time-consuming, confusing and overwhelming. Type of work Are your images considered fine art (that’s a whole other discussion), are they stock-worthy, portraits, commercial or do you feel they don’t fit in any category in particular? … [Read more...] about A practical guide to selling your photography online

Why do you take photos?

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The subject of why we take photos comes up every so often and I’d like to share parts of a conversation I had with a fellow photographer the other day. The conversation got me thinking about the why of our photography. We all have a different why, but many of us have a difficult time describing that why. How would you describe your why? There are millions of images out in the world. From the beautiful, technically perfect, amazing location and gorgeous model shots to the family snapshots and oh look, here’s what I had for lunch shots. Why do … [Read more...] about Why do you take photos?

Limit yourself to learn

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We get caught up in the big picture, the gear, the "rules," the latest and greatest apps, plug-ins and software and it can all be quite overwhelming. How do you possibly learn all this stuff? How does this particular thing help me be a better photographer? Set limits One way to become a better photographer is to limit yourself. There are many ways to do this. Choose one area This can be your home, your backyard, a local park. The thing is to go there and look around. What do you notice, anything you’ve never noticed before? Slow down, … [Read more...] about Limit yourself to learn

Getting started with macro photography

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Since I recently wrote about capturing the details of the holidays with macro images, I thought I’d expand on the topic a bit more. How to get better macro shots One of the things I struggle the most with when shooting macro is getting my images tack sharp. I used to assume that since the DOF was so shallow that something has to be in focus, right? Not really a given, not very scientific and certainly not a guarantee for a tack sharp image. Here are a few things that will help you get your macro images sharp. Use your tripod This seems … [Read more...] about Getting started with macro photography

Ho ho ho macro holidays

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There are hundreds, probably thousands of images taken during the holidays. Family, friends, gift unwrapping, food, parties and so much more. Most of those images are wide shots, full scenes of the activities and decorations. Have you ever thought to step a little closer? Let's look at some ways you can get the details of your holidays as well to complete the story of your festivities. Decorations Try as we might to preserve the ornaments and decorations that have been handed down from our relatives over the years or those wonderful homemade … [Read more...] about Ho ho ho macro holidays

Using self portraits to learn

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You really dislike having your photo taken, don’t you? Most of us prefer to be on the other side of the camera taking the images. There is something to be said though for using ourselves as models and test subjects in learning how to shoot portraits and also learning general photography. Would you do that yourself? Think about images you see of models. Sometimes they are in precarious positions, scary locations or uncomfortable environments. By trying some of these things yourself you can better empathize with your subjects and help them to … [Read more...] about Using self portraits to learn

Pick up your camera and go

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Let’s face it — some days we don’t really feel like going out to take photos. Weather, kids, work, chores, projects...the list goes on. The list of excuses, because really that’s what they are. All of these things take us away from our passion, our hobby and even our photography work if it’s a job for us. Take action I came across a quote in a book I’m reading and this passage struck me as kind of perfect for all of us at times. "Creativity begins with an impulse, but it is the practice that hones the form. Having a creative practice makes … [Read more...] about Pick up your camera and go

Traveling with non-photographers

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Whether you’re a serious hobbyist, semi-pro or pro, traveling and going on outings is part of our lives with our friends and loved ones. As a photographer, this can sometimes hinder our efforts to getting the shots we want while we are out but it doesn’t have to. Here are some things you can do to ensure you all have a successful trip. Plan One of the easiest ways to alleviate the stress that sometimes happens when traveling with non-photographers is to plan. While you are planning out your trip itinerary sit down with your fellow … [Read more...] about Traveling with non-photographers