If you subscribe to the Photofocus newsletter, then you just got an announcement about a huge pack of looks for Luminar that add all the looks from Skylum's wonderful Tonality plugin to Luminar. Tonality is a tool made especially for black and white finishing and it used to be my favorite black and white tool — now I use it in Luminar. This pack of looks gives you a whole bunch of options to instantly create various looks in your black and white photos. But why should you use looks? My question is, why would you want to use a look that makes … [Read more...] about How to use Luminar’s looks to be creative differently
Levi Sim
Levi Sim is passionate about making photographs and helping others make their pictures better, too. He's a full-time photographer making business portraits and marketing and branding pictures for a living. He spends the rest of his time practicing all other kinds of photography. Read more of his articles here. And you can see more of Levi's portfolio here.
Levi is honored to be an ambassador for Lumix cameras, Vanguard tripods and bags and Spider Holster carry systems.
Levi is honored to be an ambassador for Lumix cameras, Vanguard tripods and bags and Spider Holster carry systems.
Latest posts by Levi Sim (see all)
- Perfecting the tones in your landscapes, or step #1 in finishing landscapes - February 14, 2019
- Portrait Tips: Headshot factory - February 13, 2019
- LUMIX releases specs of full-frame S series cameras - February 1, 2019
Portrait Tips: Have fun with Halloween
Happy Halloween! In the U.S., Halloween is one of the most fun holidays. Kids dress up in crazy costumes and consume more sugar than is good for them, and people all over decorate their houses to welcome the madness of trick-or-treating. And you should be ready to make portraits. Bring the good camera When you look back at pictures of Halloween, you're in for a treat — unless you got tricked in bringing only your smartphone along to make pictures. I know your camera is much bigger and heavier than your phone, but it can really perform much … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Have fun with Halloween
How to post to Instagram from your computer — Easy as A, B, C
I hope this technique is as helpful for you as it has been for me. It's well known that you can only post to Instagram from your phone app. Which means you've probably done all kinds of digital gymnastics in order to get your best photos onto your phone to share. Many people upload them to Dropbox or another file-sharing site, then download to their phones. I thought I had a good system, which was to use Lightroom mobile to sync photos between my desktop and phone. But this is better. Soooooo much better. The Lr Mobile and Dropbox … [Read more...] about How to post to Instagram from your computer — Easy as A, B, C
Webinar Replay: Perfecting Portrait Retouching with Kristina Sherk
Editor's Note: Perfectly Clear is offering Photofocus readers a special $99 bundle, including Perfectly Clear Complete and SharkPixel presets. A $163 value! In this episode, Kristina Sherk teaches some of the principles of retouching and how to use Lightroom and Perfectly Clear Complete to make your photos look their best. Not only do her techniques make individual photos look great, but she shows how to automate your retouching to save you hours on every shoot. https://youtu.be/NEK3tXs2btw?rel=0 For a limited time, there's a special … [Read more...] about Webinar Replay: Perfecting Portrait Retouching with Kristina Sherk
How to make real estate interiors with HDR in 9 steps
Making real estate pictures can be a lot of fun and even profitable. The thing is, you can easily spend way too much shooting and finishing them to make it worth your time or worth the realtor's time to hire you. Or maybe you're a realtor and you need to make these kinds of pictures for your client. Either way, using HDR is the fastest way to get great looking real estate photos. Here are ten tips to shoot them fast and finish them fast so you don't turn real estate photography into a money pit. 1. Shoot on a tripod You need to use a tripod … [Read more...] about How to make real estate interiors with HDR in 9 steps
October 26: Join Photofocus and Lume Cube for a New York City photowalk
We're photowalking in New York City! Come join us for this FREE event, as we help one another make great pictures and have a fun time. We'll start in Times Square and see some of the iconic places within walking distance. Plus, we'll have trial units from Lume Cube along to help us make pictures like never before. Their lights are compact in size but huge in illumination. We'll photograph buildings and people and cops and all kinds of city stuff. Several of our Photofocus authors and publisher, Richard Harrington, will be there. It's going … [Read more...] about October 26: Join Photofocus and Lume Cube for a New York City photowalk
Portrait Tips: Retouching must be invisible
Retouching portraits. This is an important subject and I'll tackle it with you in pieces. You've had a good session with your subject and now you can utilize your computer to finish off their pictures so they can present them to the world. When you show them their pictures, they should feel great about the way it looks. Their best friend should say, "Wow! That's a great shot of you." Their best friend should not say, "Wow! They did a great job retouching." As retoucher and photographer Kristina Sherk says, "The sign of a good retoucher is … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Retouching must be invisible
Live Webinar: Perfecting Portrait Retouching with Kristina Sherk, Friday, October 19, 2018
We're excited to have world-class photographer and retoucher Kristina Sherk in this webinar to help you step up your retouching. She'll help us understand the principles behind great retouching, tips for shooting to make retouching easier, and how she retouches using Perfectly Clear Complete. Check out Kristina's photography and her retouching portfolio. This webinar is free, so register now and invite your friends. Editor's Note: Perfectly Clear is offering Photofocus readers a special $99 bundle, including Perfectly Clear Complete … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: Perfecting Portrait Retouching with Kristina Sherk, Friday, October 19, 2018
Portrait Tips: Avoid creepy eyes
Anytime your subject is not facing directly into the camera you need to pay attention to where their eyes are looking and how they are framed in the eye sockets. Face over there, eyes over here Photographing a person's profile or making a no-look portrait adds variety to your shoot and can help your subject feel more comfortable in front of the camera. But, when you direct their face away, they usually turn their eyes more than their head. When the eyes are cranked way over to one side and you can mostly see only whites in the eyes, it … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Avoid creepy eyes
How to get perfect detail and tones in environmental portraits
Making pictures of people who are good at their craft while they are doing their craft is one of the best subjects you can ever find. They are passionate, you are passionate, and the pictures always turn out well. When I make environmental portraits, I do my best to control the light. However, since I'm invading someone's space and interrupting their day, it's best to be as quick as possible. That means that I never get to set up four lights with gels and grids to highlight and isolate the interesting stuff. Fortunately, you can use tone … [Read more...] about How to get perfect detail and tones in environmental portraits
Heartening statistics about photography use
I found this infographic heartening because I'm always hearing about the devaluation of photography. But, according to this, it sounds like photos and images are still the most important tool for reaching people with lasting impact. Think about that next time you trip the shutter. The infographic is provided by MDG Advertising. … [Read more...] about Heartening statistics about photography use
Get the most from your photo; use a single frame in Aurora HDR 2019
Create amazing HDR photographs with Skylum’s Aurora HDR 2019. Purchase today and save plus get a free bundle of training, LUTs and Looks too! Aurora HDR 2019 has a significant update: It's got artificial intelligence. Using the new Quantum HDR engine, it actually analyzes your photo to see what kind of picture it is and what sorts of adjustments it will need. It's amazing. Normally, we think of using HDR software on a bracket of images all made at different exposures. But Aurora HDR 2019 is able to make even your single photo look … [Read more...] about Get the most from your photo; use a single frame in Aurora HDR 2019
Portrait Tips: Try color to liven up a shoot
I know, I know, I'm always saying that the background is just in the back and the important thing is your subject. It kinda drives me crazy when photographers pull their hair trying to find backgrounds for their shoots. The most important thing in a picture is the person and their expression, the second is the light, and the background is way down the list. Nonetheless, the background needs to be there, and using a paper background gives you many options and can even add some energy to your shoot. Unlimited colors, unlimited fun Paper … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Try color to liven up a shoot
Portrait Tips: How to use a wide angle lens in portraits
Using a wide angle lens in portraiture is dangerous. Here's why and one way to use a wide lens safely. What is foreshortening? Foreshortening is the effect that happens when something near to a viewer appears larger than things that are far away from the viewer, even though they are not actually larger. For instance, if your subject extends her foot toward the camera, that foot looks larger than in relation to the rest of the body than it really is. In this photo, the foot closer to the camera looks four times larger than the other … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: How to use a wide angle lens in portraits
Huge news from Lumix: New cameras, new lenses, new system
Panasonic has announced a new line of full-frame mirrorless cameras, a new lens mount, a new lens for micro four-thirds and the new Lumix Pro Services. Let's take a look at the new tools and the impact they could have. S1 and S1R, 24 megapixels and 47 megapixels The S1 and S1R area completely new, but they are the next evolution in mirrorless cameras from Lumix. Lumix has been building mirrorless cameras for 10 years and these cameras promise to build on that legacy. They are already refined and have the features photographers and … [Read more...] about Huge news from Lumix: New cameras, new lenses, new system
Portrait Tips: How do you develop a style? Play more
I'll keep this one quick. Each time you make pictures you are developing your own style. At first, this may be mimicking the look of other photographs you've seen — in fact, it should be mimicking because that's the best way to ensure you make some good pictures. That means that the photos you look at are a huge influence on your personal style. The only way to create your own style is to make more pictures. And I don't think you should be intentional about making your own style. As you shoot you'll find ways to make pictures that get you … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: How do you develop a style? Play more
Video: Preview of Photoshop’s updated Content Aware Fill
I'm glad to see that Adobe are actively improving a really useful feature in Photoshop. Content Aware Fill has been a really useful tool for me, and if you haven't tried it, you should check it out (here's a video from Rich Harrington to get you up to date on the basics). I use it to remove objects from a scene and to expand my scene when I need to create a different crop or aspect ratio. It looks like the upcoming new interface will offer important controls to help us use it better. It's coming 'soon' and I'll let you know as soon as we have a … [Read more...] about Video: Preview of Photoshop’s updated Content Aware Fill
Portrait Tips: Five keys for candids
Candid portraits are often the first type of portraits photographers learn to make, and they are probably the most often requested by clients. When you view a candid photograph, it feels like you truly see the subject being themselves. Here are five keys to help you consistently make great candid photographs. 1. Acclimatization You need to be known to always have your camera and always be making pictures. At first, it's obvious to anyone that sees you that you have a camera and they notice it everytime you lift it up. But after a short while, … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Five keys for candids
I like you; I just don’t ‘Like’ your page
A Facebook business page seems like business 101 for a photographer these days. You start making pictures for people, then immediately start a business page and load it with pictures and promotions. But there's one thing you must do in order for your page to be successful. Invite friends to Like 'Like' has become such a funny word in the era of Facebook. But you need people to like your business page so that they can see your promotions and know that you're the ideal photographer for their family or business. And just like everything in the … [Read more...] about I like you; I just don’t ‘Like’ your page
Portrait Tips: Four tips for photographing teenage boys
It's time for senior pictures and school portraits and that means facing one of the hardest subjects on the planet: Teenage boys. Now, brides are under stress, two-year-olds can't sit still and executives are in a hurry. Those all pose trouble for you when you're trying to make a portrait and elicit genuine expressions. But unless you do things right, your teenage boys are just going to look bored. I've photographed a ton of teenage boys, and these tips will help you have an easier time getting it done with genuine and engaged … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Four tips for photographing teenage boys
Are you ready to use your custom settings?
Many cameras have a button or menu item called Custom Settings (or something similar), but on the first 24 DSLRs I owned, I never used it. When I did try using it, I used it poorly and I’d bet most of you are like me. Let me show you how I use it now; maybe it’ll help you refine your technique, too. How’s it work? Custom Settings work by saving all the settings you currently have on your camera into a button or dial or menu selection. And I do mean all the settings. White balance, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus mode, focus area, color … [Read more...] about Are you ready to use your custom settings?
Portrait Tips: How to combine photos for the best expressions using layers in Luminar
Photographing large groups of people is the most challenging assignment you'll get as a portrait photographer. Each person expects you to make them look great in the final portrait, but there's always at least one person with a half blink or a nose tickle and there's definitely one person who is just looking off into space while everyone else has a winning smile. Sigh. The easiest thing way to manage this is to make many pictures and then combine them together into one with everyone's face look great. It's simple to use Luminar to make this … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: How to combine photos for the best expressions using layers in Luminar
Seven tips for killer hunting pictures
As a new hunter, I've been devouring so much information available out there about hunting and I realized that I can contribute back by sharing some simple ideas to help hunters make better pictures. There are so many traditions and beautiful landscapes surrounding hunting that you should really take advantage of the opportunity to make pictures and record memories. These tips will help you do it more effectively and more creatively, and they'll actually serve you well anytime you're traveling with others. Get ready You're likely hunting … [Read more...] about Seven tips for killer hunting pictures
How to balance flash with natural light to make pleasing portraits
If you're like most photographers, using a flash to make portraits is intimidating. Using available light is so simple that most photographers never dive into the world of using flash to light their portraits. Unfortunately, that severely limits the hours of the day when you can make pictures and leads to worrying too much about how well your camera performs at high ISO's. Making great balanced light pictures doesn't require the fanciest tools or a full-frame camera. I shot all the pictures here with a cropped micro four-thirds camera. You can … [Read more...] about How to balance flash with natural light to make pleasing portraits
Portrait Tips: The most important tip for street portraits
Making pictures while traveling is the best way to share your experience with others. But the best way to the have the best experience for yourself is to make pictures of the people in the places you visit. In fact, making street portraits in your own town can give you a fresh perspective on the place you live as well as a fun activity. And there's just one thing you need to do to get it done. "Can I make a picture of you?" The only key to making a picture of a complete stranger you meet on the street is to ask permission. It's simple, … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: The most important tip for street portraits
Portrait Tips: Family reunion posing time-lapse
Photographing large family groups is intimidating. There are so many people that you have to help look good and if you look at the big picture it can be overwhelming. This is a picture I made at my family reunion the other day. Every time I do this it makes me sweat, and it's tempting to simply have everyone line up and turn toward the center like a high school band picture. But, there's one thing you can do to make it simple to photograph an extended family. Chop it up Instead of thinking of this task of photographing one huge family, … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Family reunion posing time-lapse
Portrait Tips: Use a lint roller for a higher paycheck
If you're like me, you easily get caught up in the moment of making a picture and you may forget some simple things. Fortunately for me, I recently had photographer Carlos Zamora assisting me on a big headshot shoot and he was on top of those small things for me and made sure we didn't skip any important things. He was the perfect assistant and he saved me at least five hours of work retouching pictures — and he did it with a roll of packing tape. Little things x lots of people We had to make 70 headshots and we had fewer than five minutes … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Use a lint roller for a higher paycheck
Save the date: PhotoPlus Expo is coming up
I'm sure looking forward to PhotoPlus Expo, this fall. It's a singular event with educators and vendors from around the globe gathering in one spot. You'll be able to get your hands on all the great new cameras and lenses and tripods and Platypods and lights and software and who knows what else. The most important thing that happens at shows like this, however, is that you get to meet people like yourself who are passionate about photography and trying to learn more. I love getting together with old friends, making new friends, and seeing … [Read more...] about Save the date: PhotoPlus Expo is coming up
Portrait Tips: Go for the tilt
People standing right next to each other seem like they are close, but once you ask them to tilt their heads together you'll see that they were really miles apart. Anytime you photograph two people together, you'll make an infinitely better photo if you just ask them to tilt their heads together. Why tilt? You should do this with friends, coworkers, families, kids, couples, everybody. Now, of course, coworkers standing next to each other probably shouldn't be touching their temples together, but just tilting their heads toward each other … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Go for the tilt
Gear Review: TetherTool’s Case Relay
There is nothing worse than doing an extended shoot and suddenly running out of power in your camera battery. Inevitably, it'll happen right when the mood is perfect and things are finally going exactly as you wanted. In a recent example from my life, I ran out of power while making a timelapse of the complete solar eclipse. I was shooting over the Tetons in Idaho at the very center of the eclipse...and I've got nothing to show for it. Had I been using the Case Relay from TetherTools, that never would have happened. Simple utility The Case … [Read more...] about Gear Review: TetherTool’s Case Relay
