(Editor's note: Marie Tartar continues her series of guest posts regarding her and her husband's preparations for the upcoming total solar eclipse. The photograph above is of from the area they will be during the eclipse. This installment covers the critical steps for viewers of the event to protect their vision.) Location In our last post, Part 1 of Eclipse 2017 preparation, we addressed the ‘where’ of our plans for the Great American Eclipse of 2017: We will be in the path of totality, along the centerline, in Grand Teton National … [Read more...] about Total Solar Eclipse: Eye Protection part 2
Latest posts by Photofocus Team (see all)
- Total Solar Eclipse: Eye Protection part 2 - July 24, 2017
- Total Solar Eclipse Preparation – part 1 - July 20, 2017
- Datacolor Offers Aggressive Upgrade Pricing to Get You to Switch - July 18, 2017
Total Solar Eclipse Preparation – part 1
(Editor's note: Marie Tartar's photography, above and below the waterline, is compelling. In the first part of her series of guest posts, she describes the origins of her love of the eclipse. Here, she chronicles her preparations for the up coming total eclipse of the sun; the first time in North America since 1979.) A month from now, on August 21, 2017, North America will play host to a total solar eclipse, for the first time in many years. My personal experience with total solar eclipses is limited and to say I am intimidated would be an … [Read more...] about Total Solar Eclipse Preparation – part 1
Datacolor Offers Aggressive Upgrade Pricing to Get You to Switch
Photofocus would like to welcome Datacolor as a partner to our site. They may a great lineup of tools to help you ensure accurate color on your monitor and when printing. They have a special promotion Datacolor is offering a great promotion for July and August only that lets you switch from any brand calibrator to their top of the line Spyder5ELITE+. Whether you're using an older calibrator of theirs or anyone else's you can upgrade and save. What's in the Bundle The special upgrade includes Spyder5ELITE — Expert color accuracy … [Read more...] about Datacolor Offers Aggressive Upgrade Pricing to Get You to Switch
ACDSee for Mac Beta is a Free Download
ACDSee is a robust photo editor as well as a blazing fast image organizer. Newer versions of the product have been for Windows machines, but now the company is just about ready to roll out a major update for Mac users. For a limited time, you can try out ACDSee Photo Studio for Mac as a Public Beta. This is your chance to test the software out before it ships and to offer input on the product. Try the Beta ACDSee Photo Studio for Mac Beta now supports: • powerful database improvements • a better, more stable browsing experience (no … [Read more...] about ACDSee for Mac Beta is a Free Download
Sunday Comics: All the Gear
Thanks to the Shoppe for today's laugh... … [Read more...] about Sunday Comics: All the Gear
Luminar Beta for Windows is Out (And Free for Now)
You might have read our reviews of Luminar and felt a little left out. While Luminar is a great photo editor, it was Mac only. That’s right… emphasis on was. As of today, Macphun is shipping a free public beta of Luminar for Windows. To download the beta, visit here. What Do You Mean at Beta? Beta software means a test version, One that a software company feels comfortable sharing with others, but that they’d like feedback on and users to try out. The app is very stable and fully-featured, but still, has more things to finish before … [Read more...] about Luminar Beta for Windows is Out (And Free for Now)
Portrait Retouch Tutorial with ACDSee Ultimate 10
Editor's Note: For Window's users looking for an all-in-one digital asset manager, RAW photo editor with layers, ACDSee Ultimate 10 offers a solution. We invite you to check out a free trial of their application https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Pbyqx93Ymc&feature=youtu.be In this tutorial you'll learn strategies to retouch portraits for a natural look. The software used is ACDSee Ultimate, be sure to give the trial a test for Windows or the beta for Mac. … [Read more...] about Portrait Retouch Tutorial with ACDSee Ultimate 10
Sunday Comics: You Paid for That Photo?
School pictures were meant as memories not nightmares. Take five (minutes and 31 seconds) and watch the reveal in this clip from "Ellen." https://youtu.be/6ltS3q7jXAc … [Read more...] about Sunday Comics: You Paid for That Photo?
The View Camera Aesthetic in the Digital Realm part 3
(Editor's note: Guest contributor Steve Inglima continues his discussion of the view camera and how its aesthetic informs digital photography. This installment explains the circle of coverage in relations to the shift movement in the view camera and the DSLR equivalent, the tilt / shift lens. Here are links to part 1 and part 2.) Shift & rise movements Shift and rise are the other movement opportunities. Shift is varying the relative position left/right of the lens from the sensitize material, while rise is the up/down movement. Both are … [Read more...] about The View Camera Aesthetic in the Digital Realm part 3
Mastering Contracts for Creatives
Contracting for Creative Pros with Seth Polansky This course is free until 7/1/17 In this course—specifically designed for creatives—professor, contract attorney, indie film producer, and musician Seth Polansky explains how to protect yourself when presented with an industry contract. Media and entertainment companies spend billions of dollars every year on creative talent. Get an overview of the types of contracts that you can expect to see, the situations in which a particular type is used, and the specific red flags inherent in each. … [Read more...] about Mastering Contracts for Creatives
Layers, Dehaze, and Light EQ Tutorial with ACDSee Ultimate 10
Editor's Note: For Window's users looking for an all-in-one digital asset manager, RAW photo editor with layers, ACDSee Ultimate 10 offers a solution. We invite you to check out a free trial of their application. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgA40QITw8E&feature=youtu.be In this video we're going to fix an underexposed photo, illustrate how to create a composition image in edit mode using layers, and apply a dehaze effect to foggy image. … [Read more...] about Layers, Dehaze, and Light EQ Tutorial with ACDSee Ultimate 10
The View Camera Aesthetic in the Digital Realm part 2
(Editor's note: Steve Inglima continues his thorough explanation of the view camera. The first post in this series introduces the view camera. This installment shows how tilting the lens results in more being in focus than is possible with only a small aperture set on the lens.) The plain truth about focus in a single plane By tilting either stage relative to the other, it is possible to redirect the principal plane of focus to intentionally deviate from what was parallel to the lens, or match another plane of interest. This allows the … [Read more...] about The View Camera Aesthetic in the Digital Realm part 2
Get Started in Sports Photography for Free
Sports Portraits: Essentials with Vanelli This course is free until 7/1/17. How do you create sports portraits that capture the prowess and competitive spirits of athletes, young and old? Robert Vanelli shows how to light, shoot, and edit sports portraits with an "edgy" look. You'll learn to use a portable studio setup that produces dramatic harsh lighting that can go right to the practice field. You'll also learn to stylize a shoot, integrating props like gear and team uniforms. He also shares tips for eliciting emotion from the athlete, … [Read more...] about Get Started in Sports Photography for Free
The View Camera Aesthetic in the Digital Realm part 1
(Editor's note: This post and the others in the series are a tour de force of technical photography using a view camera. Guest Contributor Steve Inglima is a life long participant in the photographic industry serving technical and management positions with, most notably, EPOI, Bronica medium format cameras and Canon where he managed the renowned Explorers of Light program. He is qualified with both film and digital cameras. Over the years I have had the privilege of experiencing his wisdom, his love of music and photography. His understanding … [Read more...] about The View Camera Aesthetic in the Digital Realm part 1
Pet Photography Tips
Editor's Note: This is a guest post from Adam Price from ACD Systems. They are the makers of ACDSee Ultimate 10 for Windows. Getting great shots of pets just requires thinking a little bit differently. Natural Light Try to avoid using the flash. Not only can it cause red-eye, but it may also startle your pet and make them nervous. Using a flash can wash out a pet with light-colored fur or feathers, and create glare with glass tanks. It’s best to use natural light whenever possible. Capture Their Character Some of the best … [Read more...] about Pet Photography Tips
Contracts Confusing You? Check Out this Free Class
Contracting for Creative Pros with Seth Polansky This course is free until 7/1/17 In this course—specifically designed for creatives—professor, contract attorney, indie film producer, and musician Seth Polansky explains how to protect yourself when presented with an industry contract. Media and entertainment companies spend billions of dollars every year on creative talent. Get an overview of the types of contracts that you can expect to see, the situations in which a particular type is used, and the specific red flags inherent in each. … [Read more...] about Contracts Confusing You? Check Out this Free Class
Selective Coloring Tutorial with ACDSee Ultimate 10
Editor's Note: For Window's users looking for an all-in-one digital asset manager, RAW photo editor with layers, ACDSee Ultimate 10 offers a solution. We invite you to check out a free trial of their application https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyhFiN2M66I&feature=youtu.be In this Ultimate 10 tutorial, we'll learn an easy way to create a popular selective coloring effect, converting a photo to black and white while leaving the main subject in full color. … [Read more...] about Selective Coloring Tutorial with ACDSee Ultimate 10
8 Tips for Better Candid Photos
Editor's Note: This is a guest post from Adam Price from ACD Systems. They are the makers of ACDSee Ultimate 10 for Windows. Some of the best photos are candid. People are more relaxed and photos have more context. Despite what you might think, candid photos do take some planning. Here are a few tips to get you started: 1. Take Your Camera Everywhere First and foremost, if you want to capture spontaneous shots, you have to always be ready with your camera. It may feel weird bringing your camera with you everywhere, and your friends may be … [Read more...] about 8 Tips for Better Candid Photos
A 100% Free Course on Sports Photography
Sports Portraits: Essentials with Vanelli This course is free until 7/1/17. How do you create sports portraits that capture the prowess and competitive spirits of athletes, young and old? Robert Vanelli shows how to light, shoot, and edit sports portraits with an "edgy" look. You'll learn to use a portable studio setup that produces dramatic harsh lighting that can go right to the practice field. You'll also learn to stylize a shoot, integrating props like gear and team uniforms. He also shares tips for eliciting emotion from the athlete, … [Read more...] about A 100% Free Course on Sports Photography
Master Photomatix Pro Version 6 — Free HDR Hangout Today
Don't miss today's free event! Join us for an in-depth look at all the new features in Photomatix Pro version 6. Photofocus publisher Rich Harrington is joined by professional photographer Ron Pepper. Both have used Photomatix Pro for years, and Ron is an expert who regularly provides support to other photographers. When: TODAY, June 8 @ 2 pm ET Where: Watch it right here in this blog post or on YouTube https://youtu.be/Y2cIz5tV2hM We'll tackle all the new features including: More style choice for realistic results. A new … [Read more...] about Master Photomatix Pro Version 6 — Free HDR Hangout Today
Join Us for Our Next HDR Hangout and Learn What’s New in Photomatix Pro Version 6
Join us for an in-depth look at all the new features in Photomatix Pro version 6. Photofocus publisher Rich Harrington is joined by professional photographer Ron Pepper. Both have used Photomatix Pro for years, and Ron is an expert who regularly provides support to other photographers. When: Thursday, June 8 @ 2 pm ET Where: Watch it right here in this blog post or on YouTube https://youtu.be/Y2cIz5tV2hM We'll tackle all the new features including: More style choice for realistic results. A new HDR rendering method called Tone … [Read more...] about Join Us for Our Next HDR Hangout and Learn What’s New in Photomatix Pro Version 6
An Intro to ACDSee – Edit Mode
Editor's Note: For Window's users looking for an all-in-one digital asset manager, RAW photo editor with layers, ACDSee Ultimate 10 offers a solution. We invite you to check out a free trial of their application https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFzb9etoqx8 Welcome to Edit mode in ACDSee Ultimate 10. In this video you'll learn about the UI, how to navigate through edit mode, a variety of adjustment tools, layers, pixel targeting, and so much more. … [Read more...] about An Intro to ACDSee – Edit Mode
Sunday Comics: Lightbulbs
A little bit of humor about our habits. Q: How many photographers does it take to change a lightbulb? A: One. One to change the lightbulb and 9 to say "I could have done that" Q: How many photographers does it take to appreciate a photo of a lightbulb? A: Thousands. One to take the photo and the rest to say "I've got a better shot of a lightbulb than that...". … [Read more...] about Sunday Comics: Lightbulbs
Free Course on Sports Photography
Sports Portraits: Essentials with Vanelli This course is free until 7/1/17. How do you create sports portraits that capture the prowess and competitive spirits of athletes, young and old? Robert Vanelli shows how to light, shoot, and edit sports portraits with an "edgy" look. You'll learn to use a portable studio setup that produces dramatic harsh lighting that can go right to the practice field. You'll also learn to stylize a shoot, integrating props like gear and team uniforms. He also shares tips for eliciting emotion from the athlete, … [Read more...] about Free Course on Sports Photography
How to Book More of the Work You LOVE | Photography Business Tips
This is a guest post from Chelsea Nicole, a wedding photographer from Las Vegas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMx3usEboMQ Here are five tried-and-true tips I've used in my wedding photography business that will help you attract your ideal clients and book more of the kind of work that sets your creative soul on fire! … [Read more...] about How to Book More of the Work You LOVE | Photography Business Tips
A Day of Memories
Editor's Note: This is a guest post from Dave Moser, who normally works behind the scenes at Photofocus. Dave is a veteran, and we appreciate that he has chosen to share some thoughts on this special day.t We at Photofocus take a moment from our day to pause and thank those of you who have served, past and present and are serving our country in any capacity civilian or military. We especially remember and pray for those of you in harm's way! We encourage all of you as you go through your day to reflect on the sacrifice of so many who past … [Read more...] about A Day of Memories
What is the Golden Hour?
This is a guest post from Adam Price from ACD Systems. They are the makers of ACDSee Ultimate 10 for Windows. You may have heard the term 'golden hour' or 'magic hour'. These are figurative terms referring to the period of time just after sunrise or before sunset. These terms are interchangeable, and for the sake of keeping things simple, we’ll use the term 'golden hour'. The golden hour is a measurable time based on the sun’s angle to the horizon. The length of time varies since it depends on where you are, the season, and weather … [Read more...] about What is the Golden Hour?
New Lightroom Update Adds Cameras and Fixes Bugs
A new update just dropped for Adobe Lightroom. It adds support and fixes bugs (except for a big one for Windows users) Lightroom CC 2015.10.1 now available The new release supports two new cameras and one new lens. It also tackles several bugs. Adobe also released versions of Lr Mobile for iOS and Android that provide updated camera support. Check them out here. New Camera Support in Lightroom CC 2015.10.1 / 6.10.1 Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70 (DC-TZ90,DC-TZ91, DC-TZ92, DC-T93) Sony A9 (ILCE-9) New Lens Profile Support … [Read more...] about New Lightroom Update Adds Cameras and Fixes Bugs
Sunday Comics: Mugshot Photographer of the Stars
This is humor... and a bit crude. Be warned... but good if you can use a laugh. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5elBhSn2Pj4 When you're booking the biggest celebrity in the world, you need to bring in the mugshot photographer to the stars. … [Read more...] about Sunday Comics: Mugshot Photographer of the Stars
Free Portrait Photography Class Ends June 1, 2017
Learn Portrait Photography: The Basics with Levi Sim This course is free until 6/1/17. In this course, you'll learn simple techniques for creating great portraits. Join photographer Levi Sim as he shows you how to find and make great light with basic tools, and demonstrates the easiest methods for helping people look their best while remaining comfortable. You'll learn how to use reflectors, diffusers, and simple strobe setups to maximize existing light, and adjust your camera settings to get excellent raw results. Start watching and you'll … [Read more...] about Free Portrait Photography Class Ends June 1, 2017
