Photofocus

Education and inspiration for visual storytellers

Photofocus Team

Latest posts by Photofocus Team (see all)

Free Preset of the Week – Wicked Game

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We're introducing a COOL new feature for Photofocus readers.  A free preset and LUT each week.  Normally these will be newsletter exclusives (be sure to sign up for our newsletter below). But for the month of June, we'll post them on our site for free. Starting July 1 though, you must subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get them. Wicked Game This week's preset is the perfect boost for shadowy images. Add warm light and a gentle lift. What's in the pack Adobe Camera Raw Creative Profile – Works in Lightroom, Photoshop, and Camera … [Read more...] about Free Preset of the Week – Wicked Game

Finding creativity

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(Editor's Note: This is a guest post from Frank Doorhof, who introduces himself.) "I think this is one of the most heard problems in my workshops, 'How do I find creativity?'" -Frank Doorhof But before we get into this, let me introduce myself. My name is Frank Doorhof, a fashion/celebrity photographer based in the Netherlands and specialized in teaching workshops. I was brought up with a passion for photography/video and movies. I still remember being glued to the TV at my grandparents home because MTV would be coming, and my grandparents … [Read more...] about Finding creativity

Get started with nighttime time-lapses with a free Viewbug membership

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With summer upon us, now's the perfect time to hone in some of your outdoor photography skills. Viewbug has an amazing community of photographers, and allows you to compete in photo challenges, communicate in the forum and stay engaged with other photographers and their work. In addition, there are also several online courses, like "Nighttime Time-Lapse" from Photofocus publisher Rich Harrington. About the course Shooting time-lapse video is a fun activity that can yield fantastic results — if you have the right gear and skills. Rich … [Read more...] about Get started with nighttime time-lapses with a free Viewbug membership

The Enthusiast’s Guide to Composition: Make you photos pop with contrast

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Thanks to our partner, Rocky Nook, for this chapter on leading lines from "The Enthusiast's Guide to Composition". This title and many and more books for photographers are right here. Contrast is instinctive If you have ever watched a newborn baby closely, you may have noticed how intensely their eyes are drawn to contrast. Even before their vision is fully developed, they gravitate toward high-contrast scenes and objects. Tones and colors You can compose scenes that contrast all kinds of things, including tones (highlights vs. shadows) and … [Read more...] about The Enthusiast’s Guide to Composition: Make you photos pop with contrast

PhotoPlus Expo registration is now open

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Are you thinking of going to Photo Plus Expo 2019? It's one of the biggest photo trade shows and a great chance to learn about gear, network with others, and go on the Photofocus photowalk. October 24-26, 2019 Javits Convention Center, New York City You can register for a free show pass here. Use the code – EM4R Why PhotoPlus? It’s not easy standing out in the vast world of photography and imaging. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a novice trying to break into the business or simply have a passion for visual arts, PhotoPlus is where … [Read more...] about PhotoPlus Expo registration is now open

Free Preset of the Week – Matte Look

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We're introducing a COOL new feature for Photofocus readers.  A free preset and LUT each week.  Normally these will be newsletter exclusives (be sure to sign up for our newsletter below). But for the month of June, we'll post them on our site for free. Starting July 1 though, you must subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get them. Matte Look This week's preset is the perfect boost for shadowy images. Add warm light and a gentle lift. What's in the pack Adobe Camera Raw Creative Profile – Works in Lightroom, Photoshop, and Camera … [Read more...] about Free Preset of the Week – Matte Look

Question of the Week: Where do you like to photograph in the summer?

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With school out and summer officially upon us, where do you like to photograph in the summer months? … [Read more...] about Question of the Week: Where do you like to photograph in the summer?

The Enthusiast’s Guide to Composition: Leading lines

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Thanks to our partner, Rocky Nook, for this chapter on leading lines from "The Enthusiast's Guide to Composition". This title and many and more books for photographers are right here. Leading lines As the name implies, “leading lines” guide the viewer’s eyes around the image. The “lines” can be literal (like the double yellow stripes down the middle of a road) or a loose interpretation (tall grass swaying to one side in the breeze). Like repeating patterns, once you know what to look for, you’ll find leading lines everywhere in both nature … [Read more...] about The Enthusiast’s Guide to Composition: Leading lines

Free Preset of the Week – Warm Sunset

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We're introducing a COOL new feature for Photofocus readers. A free preset and LUT each week. Normally these will be newsletter exclusives (be sure to sign up for our newsletter below). But for the month of June, we'll post them on our site for free. Starting July 1 though, you must subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get them. Warm Sunset This week's preset is the perfect boost for shadowy images. Add warm light and a gentle lift. What's in the pack Adobe Camera Raw Creative Profile – Works in Lightroom, Photoshop and Camera Raw … [Read more...] about Free Preset of the Week – Warm Sunset

Understanding different paper types for printing

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There's a lot to keep in mind when it comes to printing. Whether you order from a print lab or have an at-home printer like the Epson SureColor P800, selecting the right type of paper is important depending on the look you want to achieve. In this video from LinkedIn Learning, Ben Long walks us through the different types of paper you should consider, and the differences you'll see. Paper choice for prints from The Practicing Photographer by Ben Long Transcript Photo printing is a complex subject. Fortunately, I have an entire course on … [Read more...] about Understanding different paper types for printing

Question of the Week: What focal length do you use most?

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This week, we want to know what focal length you photograph with the most. Let us know below and tell us why in the comments! … [Read more...] about Question of the Week: What focal length do you use most?

Photoshop World 2019 captured then shared with aircam

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Photoshop World is underway in Orlando. We invite our readers attending this event to stop by the Skylum tables in the Partner Pavilion and say "Hi" to Levi, Vanelli, Dave DeBaermaeker and others.  Get the aircam app on your smartphone or tablet and join in sharing photographs. These are some of the photos shared on the Photoshop World 2019 aircam. … [Read more...] about Photoshop World 2019 captured then shared with aircam

Quick Tip: Flash sale! Save on v-flats

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V-Flat World has a flash sale running through Saturday, June 1, 2019. Save $20.00 on single v-flats or $25.00 on a two pack. Free shipping in the U.S. Use these promo codes at the checkout screen: V-flat single promo code: SINGLE20 V-flat two pack promo code: DOUBLE25 Learn how to use a v-flat to create the group portrait shown above. … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Flash sale! Save on v-flats

How to get the most detail in a wildlife portrait

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-k83SZd8zs Learn how to bring out the most detail in wildlife or portraits. Check out Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear and how they can help Photoshop or Lightroom users. Save on both here – https://photofocus.tips/2EmahkX … [Read more...] about How to get the most detail in a wildlife portrait

Using Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear for better street photography

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNT16gTY7VY Learn how to capture better street photographs using bracketed images for the best image in Aurora HDR. Then hand off to Perfectly Clear for fantastic finishing touches. Both tools work as standalone applications and plugins for tools like Photoshop and Lightroom. Save on both here – https://photofocus.tips/2EmahkX … [Read more...] about Using Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear for better street photography

The Enthusiast’s Guide to Composition: Repeat, repeat, repeat

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Thanks to our partner, Rocky Nook, for this chapter on composition. The Enthusiast's Guides and more books for photographers are right here. Few things are as tantalizing to the human brain as patterns. We’re hard-wired to seek them out, which makes them an especially appealing element to add to your photographic compositions. When you start looking for patterns, you quickly realize that you can find them everywhere (especially if peering through a macro lens). Nature and architecture provide endless opportunities to practice using repetition … [Read more...] about The Enthusiast’s Guide to Composition: Repeat, repeat, repeat

Great landscape photos with Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear

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Join photographer Rich Harrington as he shows you how to bring out the most detail in a landscape scene. He'll walk you through the Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear workflows. Both work as standalone applications and plugins for tools like Photoshop and Lightroom. Save on both here – https://photofocus.tips/2EmahkX … [Read more...] about Great landscape photos with Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear

The Enthusiast’s Guide to Composition: Consider the rule of thirds

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Thanks to our partner Rocky Nook for this chapter on composition. The rule of thirds is easily the most well-known concept pertaining to composition. In fact, even if you’ve never knowingly bumped into it before, chances are it’s long been quietly nudging you toward better photos—from right inside your camera. It isn’t a random quirk of your camera’s manufacturer; it’s your camera’s way of helping you improve your compositions by dividing the frame into thirds, both vertically and horizontally. Many cameras overlay this grid onto your … [Read more...] about The Enthusiast’s Guide to Composition: Consider the rule of thirds

Get started with animal photography in the wild

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(Editor's Note: We'd like to welcome this guest post from Matt Fey of PrintingCenterUSA. Matt writes for PrintingCenterUSA's blog and social channels. In his free time, he enjoys taking photos while out and about in the backcountry of Montana. Whether fishing or camping, he enjoys being outdoors as much as possible.) Nothing beats the excitement of photographing animals in the wild — it’s unpredictable and extremely rewarding. But with so much uncertainty is it possible to take stunning animal photographs in the wild? It absolutely … [Read more...] about Get started with animal photography in the wild

Question of the Week: How do you mount your camera to your tripod?

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This week, we want to know how you use your camera and tripod together. Specifically, what method do you use to mount your camera to your tripod? Vote in the poll below and tell us why in the comments! … [Read more...] about Question of the Week: How do you mount your camera to your tripod?

The Enthusiast’s Guide to Composition: Fill the frame

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(Editor's note: Rocky Nook publishes books on photography. Their books are written by photographers for photographers. Photofocus is publishing select chapters from the Rocky Nook Enthusiast's Guide series each week. First up: The Enthusiast's Guide to Composition) Fill the frame The concept is simple — when looking through the camera at the scene in front of you, do whatever you need to do to capture the scene without erroneous content on the periphery. Similar to the way that maintaining a healthy diet means regularly filling up on fruits … [Read more...] about The Enthusiast’s Guide to Composition: Fill the frame

B&H introduces Payboo card to cover your sales tax

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Overnight, B&H introduced the Payboo card. This new payment option from B&H will allow shoppers to save the equivalent to the sales tax paid on each purchase shipped to eligible states, crediting them the percentage in return. This offer is available for shoppers who pay for an entire B&H purchase with the Payboo card. B&H will issue a loyalty return in the form of a credit directly on your purchase order, invoice and/or receipt before you pay. To get started and sign up for your Payboo card, visit bhphotovideo.com … [Read more...] about B&H introduces Payboo card to cover your sales tax

Question of the Week: Do you subscribe to Creative Cloud?

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This week, we want to know if you subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud. If you didn't hear earlier this week, Adobe is in the midst of testing the removal of the $9.99 Photographers plan to some of its website visitors. Vote below and then sound off in the comments! … [Read more...] about Question of the Week: Do you subscribe to Creative Cloud?

The art of landscape editing

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(Editor's note: Author, educator and photographer Matt Kloskowski sent us some thoughts on vision, photography and what makes a good picture. It is really worth sharing. So we have.) For me, Vision is the main idea that separates a technically proficient photographer from someone who can truly communicate with their photos. How does a landscape scene “feel"? Does that matter? To me, it’s ALL that matters. I want to make photos that move people and elicit something from them. Photographs vs. technically right on You’ve all probably met (or … [Read more...] about The art of landscape editing

Live Webinar: Expanded dynamic range photography

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VP of Product Management for Skylum Software, Rich Harrington unlocks secrets for creating truly astounding results using Aurora HDR as a plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom. Join the webinar Wednesday, April 24, 2019 12:00 p.m. EDT/9:00 a.m. PDT Register now for the information-packed webinar. Aurora HDR: Hows and whys of extended dynamic range Rich takes participants in this webinar beyond shoving sliders and explores the hows and whys of Aurora HDR for improving photographs and extending the dynamic range of individual images or on HDR … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: Expanded dynamic range photography

When the weather outside is frightful: Photography rain or shine

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(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). When my friends at Photofocus reached out to see if I’d be interested in writing about shooting when it is raining or storming I just couldn’t resist! Having spent the last couple years shooting landscapes … [Read more...] about When the weather outside is frightful: Photography rain or shine

Free webinar on Luminar Flex

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We're partnering with the great folks in the Photoshop and Photography Facebook community to bring you a great event.  Join Richard Harrington, publisher of Photofocus as he unlocks new workflows for Photoshop and Lightroom users with Luminar Flex. Boosting Photoshop and Lightroom with AI and Luminar Flex Signup Here Live Video Event in the Photoshop and Photography Group on Saturday, April 20th at 10 AM Pacific In this workshop, you’ll learn how to supercharge your Photoshop and Lightroom workflow. Learn how to get the most out of every … [Read more...] about Free webinar on Luminar Flex

Lightroom Classic CC: How do I remove perspective issues?

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A lot of times when you take a picture, there could be unwanted distortion. Maybe you're higher or lower than the subject, and you'd like to make it really look even. This is super easy with the upright command. How do I remove perspective issues? from Lightroom Classic CC: Tips and Quick Fixes by Richard Harrington … [Read more...] about Lightroom Classic CC: How do I remove perspective issues?

Question of the Week: How often do you print?

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It’s time to vote. This week, we’d like to know how often you print your photographs. … [Read more...] about Question of the Week: How often do you print?

Lightroom Classic CC: How do I whiten teeth?

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If you have a picture of somebody who drinks a lot of coffee or smokes cigarettes, or just as they age, you might notice that the teeth take on a slight discoloration. It's possible in Lightroom to use its Brush engine to target the area and give them a better smile. How do I whiten teeth? from Lightroom Classic CC: Tips and Quick Fixes by Richard Harrington … [Read more...] about Lightroom Classic CC: How do I whiten teeth?