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Vanelli

Robert Vanelli (Vanelli to his friends) is a working photographer, educator and author living in Florida. After a successful career as a three-time, Triple Crown Karate champion, Vanelli turned his attention to teaching the visual arts. As an experienced educator, Vanelli has created several photography and digital workflow programs including Click for Kids.

Currently he is teaching workshops, writing for Photofocus and creating tutorials for various plug-in companies and for the Vanelli and Friends series.

You can find out more about Vanelli at www.VanelliandFriends.com

Latest posts by Vanelli (see all)

Stories from the Set-CB Friedland’s Sea Caves

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Vanelli travels across the country, talking to some of the top photographers in the field as they share their experiences while shooting on set. You'll soon learn that even season professionals encounter roadblocks during photo shoots. By staying calm under pressure, they rely on their skills to overcome these obstacles to capture an amazing shot. Sit back, relax and enjoy a Story from the Set. Travel, Landscape and Sea Cave photographer C.B. Friedland shares a story on how he first learned how to capture unique Sea Cave images. In this … [Read more...] about Stories from the Set-CB Friedland’s Sea Caves

Create a Gallery Print Template

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Figuring out the proper dimensions of a gallery print can get a little tricky. Here’s how to create a Photoshop  20x16-inch template that will help you understand how to start with an image and build the final dimensions from there. Step 1: Start with a 15x10, 300ppi black canvas From the File menu select New. You can name the document here or at the end of the tutorial. Set the canvas size to 15 inches for the width, 10 inches for the height at 300ppi. Click Create. Step 2: Create the “Place photo here” layer Double click … [Read more...] about Create a Gallery Print Template

How to Construct the Most Versatile Studio Gear: V-Flats

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Flats are large rectangles of lightweight foam core. Theater set designers use them to create background scenery. Their lightweight design makes them easy to move around sets to be used as backgrounds, flagging light and as reflectors. Hinging two flats together—creating a letter V—creates what is know as a V-flat. Here’s how to construct your own V-flat. Different Size V-Flats You can build any size V-flat to meet your needs. A product photographer may not need an eight foot tall V-flat as much as a portrait photographer would. Building a … [Read more...] about How to Construct the Most Versatile Studio Gear: V-Flats

Take Control of Your Intelligent DSLR

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DSLR Cameras are very intelligent. Sometimes they think they are smarter than the photographer. In most cases, they are—but there are times when their intelligence is compromised with incorrect settings. This causes the camera to produce undesirable results. Using autofocusing as an example, here’s how to reclaim some control. Autofocusing Problem   The Nikon D810 is billed as the most “Close to medium format” portrait camera you can get. I will admit, when shooting with a lot of ambient light on set, it rivals the quality of medium format. … [Read more...] about Take Control of Your Intelligent DSLR

Create Killer Catchlights

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Experimenting with different lighting setups can transform a simple image into a creative portrait. It’s not hard to experiment. If you don’t like the look, keep experimenting until you find one you love. Here’re two examples on how to add killer catchlights to a portrait that will help jumpstart your creativity. Ring Light A ring light adds unique lighting to a portrait. You place the lens through the middle of the light, causing the light to come from the same plane as the lens. This produces very few shadows and a unique catch light. … [Read more...] about Create Killer Catchlights

Stories from the Set-How Jamie MacDonald uses Olympus Technology

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Vanelli travels across the country, talking to some of the top photographers in the field as they share their experiences while shooting on set. You'll soon learn that even season professionals encounter roadblocks during photo shoots. By staying calm under pressure, they rely on their skills to overcome these obstacles to capture an amazing shot. Sit back, relax and enjoy a Story from the Set. Olympus Visionary and educator Jamie MacDonald shares a story on how the newest technology from Olympus has influenced his photography. In this … [Read more...] about Stories from the Set-How Jamie MacDonald uses Olympus Technology

Stories from the Set: Rick Sammon Route 66 HDR

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Vanelli travels across the country, talking to some of the top photographers in the field as they share their experiences while shooting on set. You'll soon learn that even season professionals encounter roadblocks during photo shoots. By staying calm under pressure, they rely on their skills to overcome these obstacles to capture an amazing shot. Sit back, relax and enjoy a Story from the Set. Accomplished photographer, author and educator Rick Sammon shares a story on how he and his wife traveled along Route 66 to capture some amazing … [Read more...] about Stories from the Set: Rick Sammon Route 66 HDR

Photographer of the Day: Patrick Lawless

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Category: Street Photography Photograph: “Enjoying the Fresh Hair" by Patrick Lawless While Patrick was walking back to Victoria Station in London, he stumbled upon a kindly hairdresser giving a free haircut to one of the homeless who can be found sleeping rough in and around the area. An unusual sight and a good act in tandem seemed too good a photo opportunity for him to pass up. A great example why it's always good to have your camera ready. Originally shared with Photofocus through an email. To learn how your work can be featured … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Patrick Lawless

How I Got the Shot: Great Reflections with Platypod Ultra

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Editor's Note: Vanelli has used a preproduction model of the Platypod Ultra that we were sent for test shooting.  The units are on Kickstarter now, but only until Sunday, July 25, 2017.  Consider ordering one if you want to get the product first. Tripods are a great tool to steady a shot and keep the subject in focus.  Sometimes their size prevents them from being placed in exact position you need to capture a shot. This is where a Platypod fits in. Here’s how I used the new Platypod Ultra to keep the camera low to capture … [Read more...] about How I Got the Shot: Great Reflections with Platypod Ultra

ACDSee — An Affordable and Powerful Digital Asset Manager

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Note: ACDSee is avaiable in two versions.  Ultimate supports a layered file worklflow and Pro is for photos only. If you own a digital camera (smartphones included) you need some way of organizing, editing and viewing your images. Just importing them into your pictures folders is a recipe for disaster. You need a Digital Asset Manager--DAM for short. DAM’s help organize your images at a glance, have tools for quick edits and provide a way to share your image through email or social media sites. Sounds complicated and expensive? It’s not. … [Read more...] about ACDSee — An Affordable and Powerful Digital Asset Manager

Photographer of the Day: Ivan Rigamonti

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Category: Street Photography Photograph: “A Scene At The Stairs" by Ivan Rigamonti Leading lines that guide the viewer to the subject is what makes this a nice capture. Ivan took his time, framed his shot and waited for the decisive moment to release the shutter. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Ivan Rigamonti

Studio Tip: Use A Shoulder Support Rig For Video

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I had a chance to sit down with director and producer Ty Hunt as he reviews the inexpensive Revo SR-1000 Shoulder Support Rig. Ty is used to working on high-budget sets that supply expensive steady cams. The self-produced video project I'm working on doesn't have a budget for such a costly piece of gear so Ty used the Revo. After working with it, I asked Ty his professional opinion. Overall, he feels it's great for: Wedding Photographers that want to add quick video clips. DSLR users, especially those just starting out. Those that … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: Use A Shoulder Support Rig For Video

Photographer of the Day: Isengardt

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Category: Street Photography Photograph: “A Scene At The Stairs" by Isengardt Isengardt captured a scene that keeps our view in the frame. We focus on a woman who has tuned out the busy world around her. A father and daughter shares a moment as friends laugh. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Isengardt

Photographer of the Day: Robertino Radovix

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Category: Street Photography Photograph: “Untitled" by Robertino Radovix Robertino was very observant when he captured this image. The incidences of a little kitten in a street scene along with the man's battered shoes, allows the viewer to create several stories of this scene. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Robertino Radovix

InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast May 26, 2017

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The Photofocus InFocus Interview Show for May 26, 2017. I’m your host, Vanelli. On today's show, Levi Sim interviews travel photographer and Panasonic Rep, Mark Toal followed by Platypod inventor, Larry Tiefenbrunn. Mark talks about how he got into photography and how micro 4/3 cameras allow him to always have a camera with him. He shares his insights on what makes his photos compositionally intriguing and how living in different locations has influenced his photography. Larry talks about finding inspiration, some excellent resources for … [Read more...] about InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast May 26, 2017

Stories from the Set-Learn What the Model is Thinking

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Vanelli travels across the country, talking to some of the top photographers in the field as they share their experiences while shooting on set. You'll soon learn that even seasoned professionals encounter roadblocks during photo shoots. By staying calm under pressure, they rely on their skills to overcome these obstacles to capture an amazing shot. Sit back, relax and enjoy a Story From The Set. This special edition takes us on the other side of the camera as Florida-based model/actress Ashley BeLoat shares her story on what a model is … [Read more...] about Stories from the Set-Learn What the Model is Thinking

Photographer of the Day: Paul Henni

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Category: Street Photography Photograph: “T-Shirt Or Jacket?" by Paul Henni Paul's use of shadow play makes this an excellent capture. The shadows make the subjects appear larger than life and keeps our attention in the scene. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Paul Henni

Stories from the Set: Building a Wedding Shot List

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Vanelli travels across the country, talking to some of the top photographers in the field as they share their experiences while shooting on set. You'll soon learn that even season professionals encounter roadblocks during photo shoots. By staying calm under pressure, they rely on their skills to overcome these obstacles to capture an amazing shot. Sit back, relax and enjoy a Story from the Set. Florida-based wedding photographer Richie Acevedo shares a story on how he and his wife first struggled to photograph weddings until they developed a … [Read more...] about Stories from the Set: Building a Wedding Shot List

Studio Tip: Add a Battery Grip to Your Camera

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Most high-end digital SLR cameras come with a built-in battery grip. If your camera doesn't have a grip, don't worry, 3rd party grips are inexpensive and easy to install. Here’s why you should consider adding a battery grip to your camera. Easy to install Installing a battery grip is as simple as removing a few rubber pieces on the bottom of your camera, line up the pins and tightening the knob. Some cameras are even easier. Just remove the battery door, slide the grip into place and tighten the knob. Extends Shooting Time A battery … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: Add a Battery Grip to Your Camera

Photographer of the Day: Emanuele UbOldi

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Category: Street Photography Photograph: “Hanoi - Vietnam" by Emanuele UbOldi Framing, shallow depth of field and timing makes Emanuele UbOldi's photo of a Vietnam lady a beautiful capture. He isolated the subject and caught her in the light. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article.   … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Emanuele UbOldi

Studio Tip: How to Manually Control the Zoom Head on a Speedlight.

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Controlling a speedlight's zoom head allows you to spread or focus a beam of light. Normally, this is automatic but sometimes you need to take control. Here's how to take control of a speedlight's zoom head. On Camera or TTL Mode Normally you don't need to worry about the zoom head. Placing the speedlight on the camera or using TTL will cause the zoom head to adjust based on the focal length of the lens. When you zoom your lens in, the speedlight's head narrows, allowing for light to travel a longer distance. When you zoom your lens out, the … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: How to Manually Control the Zoom Head on a Speedlight.

Stories From the Set: Killer Shots from Different Spots, with Mat Hayward

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Vanelli travels across the country, talking to some of the top photographers in the field as they share their experiences while shooting on set. You'll soon learn that even season professionals encounter roadblocks during photo shoots. By staying calm under pressure, they rely on their skills to overcome these obstacles to capture an amazing shot. Sit back, relax and enjoy a Story from the Set. Entertainment and stock photographer Mat Hayward shares a story on how--by moving away from other photographers--he nailed an amazing shot of … [Read more...] about Stories From the Set: Killer Shots from Different Spots, with Mat Hayward

Photographer of the Day: Sohail Karmani

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Category: Street Photography Photograph: “Brick worker checking a kiln" by Sohail Karmani Beautiful capture during blue hour. The colors make this image pop. Sohail made sure to photograph this image at a slow shutter speed to keep the ISO low and to capture the blue light. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Sohail Karmani

Where to Store Your Model Release Forms

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Recently I wrote about how Digital model or property release forms have made it easy for photographers to always have a release handy. Now the next step is where to store the forms. Here’s how to organize and store the forms to keep them safe and easily accessible. Storing Digital Release Forms Most digital release form applications have the ability to email both the photographer and model a PDF of the release. It’s tempting to keep this in your inbox or in the application. A better solution is to create a “Model Release” subfolder in the … [Read more...] about Where to Store Your Model Release Forms

Photographer of the Day: Steve Lavelle

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Category: Sports Photography Photograph: “Racing Car" by Steve Lavelle Dragging the shutter--slow shutter speed--and panning keeps the car in focus as the background appears to be racing by. Steve added a slight vignette to draw our attention on the race car. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Steve Lavelle

Studio Tip: Controlling Light Using Cinefoil

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Cinefoil, also known as black foil, black wrap, or shadow foils, is a sturdy, black aluminum foil. It can be molded into different reusable shapes. Controlling Direction of Light Imagine you want to light a certain part of a photograph. Using Cinefoil, you can wrap it around a speedlight to create a cylinder known as a snoot. This will control and direct the light and keep the focus on the area you want. Flagging the Light Flagging is a technique used to block and control the spill of light. Using Cinefoil, tape a piece to the side of … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: Controlling Light Using Cinefoil

Stories From The Set: Joel Grimes

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Vanelli travels across the country, talking to some of the top photographers in the field as they share their experiences while shooting on set. You'll soon learn that even seasoned professionals encounter roadblocks during photo shoots. By staying calm under pressure, they rely on their skills to overcome these obstacles to capture an amazing shot. Sit back, relax and enjoy a Story from the Set. Commercial and Advertising Photographer Joel Grimes shares his story on how consistency built his brand. Fall in Love with Your Look Once you … [Read more...] about Stories From The Set: Joel Grimes

Photographer of the Day: Ian Lewry

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Category: Street Photography Photograph: “Venice 2017" by Ian Lewry Sometimes in street photography you need to have the confidence to ask subjects to pose. Ian chose a great couple to photograph and framed them beautifully within the poles. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Ian Lewry

Photographer of the Day: Cecil Ramsey

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Category: Sports Photography Photograph: “College Softball" by Cecil Ramsey Cecil's cropping turned a standard photograph into a nice pano displaying key subjects--the player, catcher, umpire and the ball. An added touch are the players watching from the dugout. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Cecil Ramsey