Editor’s Note: We welcome Michael Muraz, an international award-winning architecture photographer, bringing technical precision and creative passion to his fine art and commercial work. Based in Toronto, Michael travels extensively, photographing buildings and leading workshops all over the world. Join Michael for a workshop at photographyunfolded.com. In my last post, I wrote about the different genres of architectural photography. Today, let’s explore architectural abstracts. First, what exactly is an architectural abstract? The Tate … [Read more...] about Getting Started with Architectural Abstracts
Latest posts by Photofocus Team (see all)
- Getting Started with Architectural Abstracts - July 18, 2018
- Luminar Gets a Big Update (Especially for Windows Users) - July 11, 2018
- Exploring Different Ways to Photograph Architecture - July 9, 2018
Luminar Gets a Big Update (Especially for Windows Users)
The team over at Skylum have been hard at work on Luminar (their photo editor and plugin combination). They just dropped a big update for Windows users and a smaller update for Mac users. The update is free if you own the current version of the product (if you want to try it out click here). How to Get the Update The next time you launch Luminar, it should prompt you to update the software. You can also manually check for the update. Mac – Please choose Luminar 2018 > Check for updates. Windows – Please choose Help … [Read more...] about Luminar Gets a Big Update (Especially for Windows Users)
Exploring Different Ways to Photograph Architecture
Editor's Note: We welcome Michael Muraz, an international award-winning architecture photographer, bringing technical precision and creative passion to his fine art and commercial work. Based in Toronto, Michael travels extensively, photographing buildings and leading workshops all over the world. Join Michael for a workshop at photographyunfolded.com. Architectural photography is a pretty wide genre, and while you may know some ways to photograph architecture, I bet that you don't know all of them. Let's dive into the architectural world … [Read more...] about Exploring Different Ways to Photograph Architecture
Creating One-of-a-Kind Fireworks with Olympus Live Composite
Editor's Note: We welcome Jamie MacDonald, an Olympus Visionary and Vanguard Pro living in Michigan. With a focus on nature and wildlife, Jamie says his motivations are to connect viewers to the emotional state he was in when his images were created. Learn more about Jamie and follow his adventures at jmacdonaldphoto.com or on Instagram. One of the most under-promoted features of the Olympus brand of cameras is the Live Composite function. It has many uses, but especially during fireworks season. But before you dive headlong into using … [Read more...] about Creating One-of-a-Kind Fireworks with Olympus Live Composite
What Subjects to Shoot for Stock Video and Photography?
Let's continue our look at achieving success as a stock contributor for photo and video. Photofocus publisher Rich Harrington sits down with Dennis Radeke of Adobe to learn what subjects sell best as stock video and stock photography. This is an inside look at the trends and topics that can help you reach a broader audience and monetize your photos and videos. https://youtu.be/VGNiRbsQffU If you missed the first video in our series, be sure to check out: How to Become an Adobe Stock Contributor … [Read more...] about What Subjects to Shoot for Stock Video and Photography?
At Photoshop World? Come See Us
Are you in Orlando this week for Photoshop World? The Photofocus team is here and would love to chat or have a drink. You can catch up with several team members including: Vanelli Levi Sim Kevin Ames Jason Hahn Rich Harrington Scott Bourne Where to find us? Meet Our Editor Kevin Ames, our Managing Editor is at the show. He's got several free slots to meet. Just email him at [email protected] Share your ideas Request articles Sign up to write for Photofocus Learn about our upcoming … [Read more...] about At Photoshop World? Come See Us
Questions of the Week – Copyright & Metadata
It's that time... we need your votes to settle an argument. Just how important are metadata, copyright info, and EXIF camera data to you? Do you add this info to your pics? Do you sort by it? Please vote below. Everyone who takes the survey gets a free eBook You can also take the survey here – https://photofocus.polldaddy.com/s/metadata … [Read more...] about Questions of the Week – Copyright & Metadata
Want to Avoid HDR Issues? Check Out this Free Webinar
Are you looking to take your photography to the next level? Join Photofocus publisher Rich Harrington for a free webinar as he helps you unlock HDR photography. This session is all about getting natural looking photos with expanded details, tone, and color. FREE WEBINAR How to Fix HDR problems In-camera & Aurora HDR May 21, 2018. 10.00 AM Pacific Time (PST) Discover how to create better HDR images from start to finish with photographer and Photofocus publisher Richard Harrington. Event … [Read more...] about Want to Avoid HDR Issues? Check Out this Free Webinar
How to Become an Adobe Stock Contributor
Making money as a creative professional can often be a challenge. Recently Adobe unveiled a new program that helps creative folks sell their photos and videos to a much broader audience as stock footage. In fact, the ability to reach people is built right into Adobe apps and is even available inside other tools like Microsoft office. In this first video in our series, Photofocus publisher Rich Harrington sits down with Dennis Radeke of Adobe to learn how to sign up as a stock contributor. This is a great way to earn more from your … [Read more...] about How to Become an Adobe Stock Contributor
Flickr is Bought by SmugMug
(Editor's note: For more information see Bryan Esler's post on this consolidation in the photo-sharing website industry.) Big news just crossed our desk. The popular photo sharing site Flickr has been bought by SmugMug. Previously Flickr was owned by Yahoo. Below are some details about the changes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4B_qlaN8C4 Why did SmugMug buy Flickr? An opportunity to join together two communities and businesses that share the same values was one we couldn’t pass up. Is SmugMug simply acquiring … [Read more...] about Flickr is Bought by SmugMug
Inspiration Can Strike Anywhere (Or How I Made the Most Viewed Photos of My Career)
Editor's Note: This is a Guest Post by pet photographer, Darcy Evans. See more of his photography here. As a working professional photographer, one thing I can say for sure is that photoshoots rarely go exactly as planned. If something can go wrong, it likely will. The focus of my photography business is pets, so you can guess that when live animals are involved, this is even more true. I find that it is super important to remain adaptable during shoots and to always keep an open mind to new ideas. Bring the Outdoors In Recently I was … [Read more...] about Inspiration Can Strike Anywhere (Or How I Made the Most Viewed Photos of My Career)
Skylum Software Offers Free Hands-On Shooting Lab at Shutterfest
Are you headed to Shutterfest? A bunch of folks from the Photofocus team will be there including Vanelli, Jason Hahn, Levi Sim, and Rich Harrington. SHOOT. LEARN. PARTY. ST. LOUIS, MO. | APRIL 3-4, 2018 Our site partners, Skylum software makers of Luminar will also be there with a cool hands-on photo shoot. Join Vanelli, Abba Shapiro, and Levi Sim for a fun class (absolutely free). Location Shutterfest Midway Suite #2 Hours of Operation Day 1 | 10am–6pm Day 2 | 10am–6pm Description Join Skylum Software, … [Read more...] about Skylum Software Offers Free Hands-On Shooting Lab at Shutterfest
Creating LUTs in Photoshop
LUTs are Look Up Tables. They are really easy to create in Photoshop for use in other programs like Premiere Pro for motion and Luminar 2018 for still photographs. This video from Rich Harrington shows you how. Building a LUT in Photoshop from Premiere Pro Guru: LUTs and Look Files by Richard Harrington Photo: Adobe Stock … [Read more...] about Creating LUTs in Photoshop
Skylum at WPPI with Luminar and Aurora 2018
Macphun has changed its name. Welcome, Skylum! The same great products, both stand-alone and plugins formerly only for Mac are now for Windows, too. If you are coming to WPPI be sure to visit the Skylum booth in the Expo to meet Photofocus authors like Levi Sim, Vanelli, publisher Rich Harrington and more. They will be doing live demos of Aurora 2018 HDR and Skylum's new stand-alone answer to Lightroom CC Classic Luminar. Luminar has features previously found only in Photoshop. Free passes to WPPI expo If you are coming to Las Vegas for WPPI … [Read more...] about Skylum at WPPI with Luminar and Aurora 2018
Creativity in Motion
(Editor's note: This guest post is from Adobe Stock Video expert Dennis Radeke. The photograph above was created with Adobe Stock.) Last year, we launched a brand new content type on Adobe Stock: Motion Graphics templates. These templates, made in After Effects, are easily accessed in Adobe Premiere Pro to create animated transitions, titles, and lower thirds, enabling video creators to add a polished, finishing touch to their video projects. https://youtu.be/P2vlCeW8RoI We’ve sourced our collection from the world’s leading motion … [Read more...] about Creativity in Motion
Join The Photofocus Staff For Breakfast At WPPI!
Are you planning to come to this year’s Photoshop World? Come join our team for breakfast, Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at 7:30 am! For the past few years, we have hosted a special Las Vegas breakfast for our readers. We reserve a private section at Mandalay Bay's Bayside Buffet where our readers have the chance to socialize and get to know some of our staff. This is a perfect opportunity to give authors (and our publisher) suggestions for articles and tutorials you would like them to write! It's also a great chance to hang out with a bunch … [Read more...] about Join The Photofocus Staff For Breakfast At WPPI!
What Are The Most Popular Used Cameras and Lenses?
Our friends at MPB.com keep track of which cameras and lenses are the most purchased over the course of the year. This is pretty interesting to see. Perhaps you've got one or more of these collecting dust in your closet. If so, it's a good time to call MPB and see about trading them in. By buying and selling or trading different gear, you can experience a variety of equipment and refine your kit to what works best for you. I've owned over 30 changeable lens cameras in the last several years, and I don't know how many lenses, from multiple … [Read more...] about What Are The Most Popular Used Cameras and Lenses?
Want a Free Pass to WPPI?
Photofocus partners, Skylum software, have free passes to WPPI in Las Vegas. In fact, Photofocus writers Richard Harrington, Robert Vanelli, and Levi Sim will be speaking at their booth. Get a Free Pass This is 3-day expo for Wedding and Portrait Photographers is one of the biggest events of the year in Las Vegas. We hope to see you will at WPPI in Las Vegas, Feb. 26 - 28, 2018. Expo Hours Monday, Feb. 26, 10am-4pm Tuesday, Feb. 27, 10am-4pm Wednesday, Feb. 28 10am-3pm For free Expo Passes and discounts on Photo Walks, Plus … [Read more...] about Want a Free Pass to WPPI?
Do You Revisit Old Locations?
(Editor's Note: This is a guest post from our partner mpb.com a great place to use your old gear to acquire newer gear.) For many, the thought of revisiting an old location may seem like a step back rather than the potential for a step forward in terms of honing your skills. However, as you grow as a photographer and as your personal perceptions change, a location can develop a new meaning or open new opportunities. Locations don’t wait for you to photograph them, nor do they give you a heads up when conditions are ideal for you to realize … [Read more...] about Do You Revisit Old Locations?
Free Classes at WPPI
Coming to WPPI? Be sure to stop by the Skylum booth to learn about Luminar. You can learn from Photofocus authors Rich Harrington, Vanelli, and Levi Sim, as well as other top industry experts. Free Sessions All Day at Booth #462 We are very excited to share some of your favorite wedding and portrait photographers that will be speaking at our Skylum booth (#462) during WPPI's 3-day Expo. Plus, many of the speakers will be doing portfolio reviews! Jerry Ghionis Jerry Ghionis - How to Find Inspiration Speaking: Monday, Feb. 26 … [Read more...] about Free Classes at WPPI
How to Create a Logo with Adobe Stock
(Editor's Note: This post has been pulled from Photofocus to be certain the information it contains is accurate for our readership. Here's a link to the updated article.) … [Read more...] about How to Create a Logo with Adobe Stock
Gear Review: NiSi Medium GND 100x150mm Filter
Editor's note: This is a guest Post by Ugo Cei. See his work right here. In recent times I haven’t been making much use of filters in my photography. I would occasionally use a polarizer and that’s all. As a consequence, when faced with landscape scenes with a lot of contrast, like when the sky is bright, but the ground is in shade, I would normally resort to bracketing and then merging the resulting shots to HDR or doing some kind of blending. Graduated Neutral Density (GND) Filters When creating HDR photos, I always strive to produce … [Read more...] about Gear Review: NiSi Medium GND 100x150mm Filter
How to Choose & Use Reflectors
(Editor's note: Photographer and author Andrew Darlow returns with this guest post where he shares tips, techniques and gear suggestions for photo reflectors and accessories. In a 2011 Photofocus post, Andrew showed a collection of do-it-yourself unconventional reflector/fill card options, a topic that never goes out of style!) Photo reflectors can have a dramatic effect on your images and videos. They are generally very inexpensive. Choosing and using them effectively can be confusing, so I’ve organized this article by reflector type, with … [Read more...] about How to Choose & Use Reflectors
Canon 5D: 12 Years & 5 Cameras
(Editor's note: This is a guest post from our friends at MPB.com a great place for photographers and videographers to buy quality used gear as well as to see thier old equipment.) Canon's 5D series Canon's 5D series of cameras has been revolutionary its inception. The original 5D was the one of the first full-frame digital cameras--one of the first to have a sensor the same size as 35mm film--and it was a relatively affordable price. Each iteration on from the Mark I, with the exception of maybe the Mark IV, there has been some aspect of the … [Read more...] about Canon 5D: 12 Years & 5 Cameras
Looking For Light from MPB.com
(Editor's Note: This is a guest post from our friends at MPB.com. MPB is a great place to sell gear that's no longer in use as well as where to buy quality used photo and video equipment at much lower cost than that of new.) Photography is completely centered around light: it not affects your photo's mood, but it also dictates what your settings must be in the camera to record a picture and represent that mood in the picture. Let's talk about how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO setting affect your image, and then we'll dive into the … [Read more...] about Looking For Light from MPB.com
Turning a Boring Shoot Into an Inspired Photo Session
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Cathy Seaver, a commercial photographer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She works primarily for Cull Group shooting product, corporate headshots, and other client needs. In her off time, Cathy enjoys getting out into nature to shoot what she sees around her. She is also an avid horseback rider, enjoying her time in the saddle on trails and playing around with a bit of dressage. Check out her work on Instagram. Shooting commercially, a photographer doesn’t necessarily get to choose what they are shooting, … [Read more...] about Turning a Boring Shoot Into an Inspired Photo Session
How To Find Work In Freelance Television
Guest Post by Jacob Swart. You want to work on a television set, but don’t know where to start. The world of freelancing is daunting and confusing. I have heard the question “How did you even get that job?” even from my film school friends. No need to worry though, it isn’t impossible. If you didn’t already know, Hollywood television shows are actually filmed in your backyard. Hundreds of crews fly around the globe with camera equipment and crash land in your neighborhood. I’ve worked on ABC, FOX, Discovery, and HGTV crews that were all … [Read more...] about How To Find Work In Freelance Television
New Year – Free Gifts
It's time for New Year's Resolutions... How about making better photos? We wanted to say thanks and send you an inbox full of free photo goodies (videos, presets, and eBooks). We appreciate you being a reader of Photofocus or a customer of one of our products. As such we wanted to offer you some useful tools for free. These classes and links will stay live through January 31, 2018. ENJOY! ▪ Free Class: Business: Pricing Your Photography by Skip Cohen ▪ Get 3 Months of Hands-On Education for Just 99¢ ▪ Free Presets for Photo Editing ▪ … [Read more...] about New Year – Free Gifts
The Ultimate Print Contest
We've got a great contest for you to enter. Your chance to win a bunch of cool prizes. One TruLife Face Mounted Acrylic Photographic Print produced by ArtisanHD, up to 32x40 inches (More than $500 value) A License for On1 Photo RAW ($99) A Year of ThinkTAP Learn ($99) Live Consultation with Levi Sim before printing Work Featured on Photofocus.com a Rafflecopter giveaway Official Rules No purchase necessary to enter or win. You must be 18 years or older to enter Contest runs from 12/29/17 to 2/28/18 You must … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Print Contest
Is Baiting Wild Birds For Photography Ethical?
Editor's Note: This is a guest post from Cathy Seaver, a commercial photographer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She works primarily for Cull Group shooting product, corporate headshots, and other client needs. In her off time, Cathy enjoys getting out into nature to shoot what she sees around her. She is also an avid horseback rider, enjoying her time in the saddle on trails and playing around with a bit of dressage. Check out her work on Instagram. In November I came across an activity I hadn’t encountered before. While I wasn’t entirely … [Read more...] about Is Baiting Wild Birds For Photography Ethical?
