image by dusanpetkovic1 and Adobe Stock It's that time... where we get to know our Photofocus readers a bit better. This helps us create better content for you. When it comes time to work on a photo that you intend to print or share, how much time do you spend adjusting it on your computer? … [Read more...] about QOTW: How Much Time Editing?
Latest posts by Photofocus Team (see all)
- QOTW: How Much Time Editing? - September 17, 2017
- QOTW: Which Brand Camera Will You Buy Next? - September 10, 2017
- Perfectly Clear Adds Two More Free Preset Packs for Landscape and Lifestyle - September 5, 2017
QOTW: Which Brand Camera Will You Buy Next?
image by ARTYuSTUDIO and Adobe Stock It's time for our Question of the Week. We'd like to know which camera manufacturer has caught your eye or kept your loyalty. … [Read more...] about QOTW: Which Brand Camera Will You Buy Next?
Perfectly Clear Adds Two More Free Preset Packs for Landscape and Lifestyle
We've had a long partnership with the folks over at Athentech... helping design presets for their Perfectly Clear products. Now, if you pick up Perfectly Clear Complete or Perfectly Clear Essentials, you'll find new presets designed for Landscape, Nature, and Lifestyle photographers. These are bundled with each plugin at no extra cost. Already own the plugin? Just be sure to run the free update via Apps Manager to get the new presets at no cost.The Apps Manager will launch automatically when the update is ready, and you’re online. Perfect … [Read more...] about Perfectly Clear Adds Two More Free Preset Packs for Landscape and Lifestyle
Total Solar Eclipse: Dress Rehearsal part 4
(Editor's note: Marie Tartar and her husband Steve Eilenberg have been getting ready to photograph the eclipse on August 21st. In this concluding installment, she chronicles their dress rehearsal for the event. Practice makes perfect. Read her first three posts here: Preparation, Eye Protection & Photographic Considerations.) Preparation meets practice Over the preceding weeks, I’ve been reading everything I can find to prepare myself for the upcoming total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. My eclipse glasses and solar filter have … [Read more...] about Total Solar Eclipse: Dress Rehearsal part 4
Tech Corner: Photographing the 2017 Total Eclipse
(Editor's note: Photofocus author Steve Inglima premieres his Tech Corner column by explaining how to choose the right focal length lens to photograph this month's eclipse along with a great set of tips on how to do it. Read Steve's story of his first total eclipse of the sun experience in July of 1991.) Focal length by the numbers I’ve been asked what focal length or lengths would be appropriate for imaging the upcoming eclipse. In part, it depends on the camera and format size. Most of us will be shooting on a digital sensor rather than … [Read more...] about Tech Corner: Photographing the 2017 Total Eclipse
Tales of my First Complete and Total Eclipse!
(Editor's note: Soon to be Photofocus author, Steve Inglima presents a post on his experiences photographing the solar eclipse of 1991.) Back in the days when I was the technical manager for GMI Photographic, which marketed among other things Bronica Medium Format and Sea & Sea Underwater cameras, on my way back from a DEMA (diving industry) show in Las Vegas our fight was oversold; and I took a bump to earn a free ticket. My first impulse was to use that ticket to travel with friends and dive at Grand Cayman Island. But then I read … [Read more...] about Tales of my First Complete and Total Eclipse!
Total Solar Eclipse: Photographic Considerations part 3
(Editor's note: Marie Tartar continues her series of preparations she and her husband, Steve Eilenberg, are making for their trip to the Grand Tetons later this month to photograph the total solar eclipse. Here she shares their preparations regarding photography.) Location In part 1 of this series, we discussed the where of preparing for what is being billed as the Great North American Solar Eclipse of 2017. This is an event not to be missed if you can swing it. The next time a total solar eclipse will occur over the Tetons will be in the … [Read more...] about Total Solar Eclipse: Photographic Considerations part 3
Total Solar Eclipse: Eye Protection part 2
(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
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
