The Vello Universal White Balance Handheld Disc is a hand-held disc placed in front of a camera lens to manually set white balance. It is very simple to use. Just hold the disc up to the lens, pointing your camera to the light source, and take a custom white balance measurement per the instructions in your camera's user manual. Why Use It Light can be tricky. It can be made of light from different sources, such as the sun, a light bulb, or your camera flash. Skin tones can also be very tricky. The skin reflects colors around it. If the … [Read more...] about Vello White Balance Disc
Susan Kanfer
A San Diego-based travel photographer, Susan loves to share the world with others, bringing subject matter from far-away places to life. Her images have been seen in numerous publications, both print and web-based, and have been exhibited in several galleries. To learn more about Susan's work visit her website at www.kanferphotography.com.
Latest posts by Susan Kanfer (see all)
- Vello White Balance Disc - June 26, 2017
- Custom White Balance - June 20, 2017
- Photographer of the Day:Andrian Bonnington - June 19, 2017
Custom White Balance
Light has color. The low angle of the sun at sunset creates warm tones. A cloudy day, with the lack of sun, creates cool tones. The color of light is also affected by objects reflecting the light. So, if you are photographing a little girl standing under a tree in the forest the girl’s skin tone may have a green cast due to the light filtering through the leaves of the tree. When you adjust your camera for white balance you are compensating for the color of light that is affecting your photograph. White Balance Options If your camera has a … [Read more...] about Custom White Balance
Photographer of the Day: Andrian Bonnington
Category: Travel Photographer: adrian bonnington "Women in hat montage" Just the right tip of the hat and the amount of face showing underneath can make all the difference in a photograph. Even the bright red lipstick. Small details can be so important. Photographer of the Day adrian bonnington is taking us back in time. We know because of the woman in the foreground and by the signs on the building in the background—a perfect juxtaposition. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on 500px here. To learn how your work can be … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Andrian Bonnington
Photographer of the Day: Manol Z. Manolov
Category: Travel Photographer: Manol Z. Manolov "The Odd Couple" Photographer of the Day Manol Z. Manolov describes his photo as a meeting of generations, at the Kambanite Monument in Vitosha, Sofia, Bulgaria. What a fun interplay between the two men. The “generations” are not just about age, but clothing, hairstyle, body language, and expressions. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Manol Z. Manolov
Visiting the National Parks | The Traveling Photographer
The National Parks in the United States provide excellent opportunities for stunning landscape, wildlife, nature photography, and Americana. Here are a few travel tips for those unfamiliar with our parks, and those in need of a refresher. Where and When Try to plan as far ahead as you can. Inside the parks accommodations and campgrounds typically book quickly and early, particularly for the popular parks in the busy seasons. I booked Grand Canyon nearly 13 months out, prior to my last visit, to get the room I wanted in October. If the … [Read more...] about Visiting the National Parks | The Traveling Photographer
Photographer of the Day: Paul Krippler
Category: Travel Photographer: Paul Krippler "Thiên Hậu Temple, Ho Chi Minh City" Photographer of the Day Paul Krippler has captured the pots of burning incense in a temple in Ho Chi Minh City. Travel photography is all about photographing the smaller details, such as the incense sticks which are so important to the temple, as well as larger details. Mr. Krippler has nicely composed the image, using vertical lines throughout to add balance and to take our eyes up and down through the scene. The yellow and red incense sticks contrast with … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Paul Krippler
Photographer of the Day: Naf Selmani
Category: Travel Photographer: Naf Selmani "Life Me Up" This image by Photographer of the Day Naf Selmani does not look real to me. The man flying in the air with outstretched arms; the yellow sunglasses; the interaction with the crowd. But the crowd certainly is reacting to the man seemingly tossed in the air. And the color is also real. Bright dye was tossed in the air as part of the celebration. What fun! Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Naf Selmani
Photographer of the Day: Ilja Vostrikov
Category: Travel Photographer: Ilja Vostrikov "Ancient Amphitheater" What a fun perspective Photographer of the Day Ilja Vostrikov has used for photographing these ancient ruins. The fish-eye lens view gives us a good feel for what it is like sitting on top looking out and down. I like the placement of the woman in the center. The hat with the circular motif mimics the seats of the amphitheater, and adds a nice touch. It forms a triangle with the woman and her shadow. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Ilja Vostrikov
Headshots on Location
Headshots can be tricky when shooting on location, near home or when you are traveling. The light can be all wrong. Lighting equipment can be bulky or heavy to carry. An “assistant” may be needed to help hold reflectors. There may not be a lot of time to “set up the shot”. Using a Ringbox A ringbox flash adapter similar to the Vello Ringbox is a convenient, easy to use lighting alternative to traditional soft boxes, reflectors, and umbrellas. It is also a good choice for photographers inexperienced with the nuances of photographic lighting … [Read more...] about Headshots on Location
Photographer of the Day: Nic Taylor
Category: Travel Photographer: Nic Taylor "81 LTD Cocktail Launch Party" Photographer of the Day Nic Taylor has certainly captured the spirit of the vocalist in this image. I can almost hear her belt out the song. I love the fact she is wearing a red dress, adding a splash of color to the left edge. There is good balance in the composition, with the bass player almost parallel to the singer. I always find it a challenge to take a good picture of musicians in a small, cramped space , with difficult lighting, and to get all the facial … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Nic Taylor
Gear Review: Vellos Ringbox Flash Adapter
I am slowly getting hooked on my new Vellos Ringbox Flash Adapter. Not only do I get beautiful on-location headshots and portraits with my flash when using the Ringbox, but it makes my life a lot easier, and I like things easy. I use to carry around a light stand and softbox when I knew I needed more than natural light. Not anymore--I just take the Ringbox. I am also looking forward to trying it out on my next trip. It is very light and will not take much room in my suitcase. What is a Ringbox Flash Adapter A Ringbox Flash Adapter is a … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Vellos Ringbox Flash Adapter
Photographer of the Day: Peter Meretsky
Category: Travel Photographer: peter meretsky "mermaid parade_DSF2313" I look at this gritty black and white image by Photographer of the Day peter meretsky, specifically the facial expressions and body language of the three women, and I want to know more. More about the women, their costumes, their relationship, and about the mermaid parade. Kudos to Mr. p for clicking his shutter release at a perfect moment, and creating an intriguing photograph. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Peter Meretsky
The Traveling Photographer: Photographing the Unknown
Travel photography, by its nature, is full of unknowns and new experiences. It crosses many genres of photography such as street, portrait, landscape, nature, wildlife, food, and architecture. Differing skills and equipment may be necessary to get the photos you envision taking while on your trip, depending on circumstances. It can be overwhelming to someone just getting started in photography, and even at times for those of us who have done it for a while. Recently I found myself embarking on such a new adventure, to photograph … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photographing the Unknown
Photographer of the Day: Arvind Balaraman
Category: Travel Photographer: Arvind Balaraman "Bharathanatam" Photographer of the Day Arvind Balaraman’s photograph of the Bharathanatam performer is elegantly executed, mixing the use of color and black and white. The curvature of the woman’s body, the expression on her face, and the repetition of the image of the dancer, give us a sense of the beauty and symmetry of this dance. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Arvind Balaraman
Photographer of the Day: Paul Krippler
Category: Travel Photographer: Paul Krippler "Carrière de lumières" I love the bold, abstract, painterly quality of this image by Photographer of the Day Paul Krippler. To me, it is as much about the Carrière de Lumières as it is about lines, shape and color. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on 500px here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Paul Krippler
Photographer of the Day: Mark
Category: Travel Photographer: Mark "Yellowstone" Photographer of Day Mark’s photo of men fishing in Yellowstone National Park brought back memories of one of my past trips to Yellowstone. The silhouette’s of the men in the mist and the quality of the orange light make for a lovely image. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Mark
Photographer of the Day: Lauri Novak
Category: Travel Photographer: Lauri Novak "The Modern Wing Art Institute Chicago" Photographer of the Day Lauri Novak has a great eye for architecture. I love the symmetry of the lines, the unusual perspective, the reflections, and even the softness of the color tones. Thanks for sharing, Lauri! Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Lauri Novak
Gear Tips for the Traveling Photographer
I am always looking for new ways to save space or weight in my baggage, or to ease the challenges I face with my camera gear. I am sure many of you are just like me, so I put together this list of "Gear Tips," in hopes that some of these tips may prove helpful. None of the photos accompanying this post would have been possible without one or more of the items listed below. Gear Tips I travel with camera battery chargers that are smaller and lighter than the chargers that came with my cameras. I bought my chargers on Amazon, and … [Read more...] about Gear Tips for the Traveling Photographer
Photographer of the Day: Christophe Brutel
Category: Travel Photographer: Christophe Brutel "travel" Photographer of the Day Christophe Brutel has created a serene, subtle image of a wintery day on the water. The photograph is carefully composed with ice framing the subject, symmetry formed by the circles in the foreground together with the rock in the background, and the soft glow of the sun low in the sky yet high in the image. Nicely done! Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Christophe Brutel
Photographer of the Day: Mary Hulett
Category: Travel Photographer: Mary Hulett "Grand Teton sunrise" Photographer of the Day Mary Hulett ‘s image of the Grand Tetons has captured a picture perfect sunrise in the national park. This image contains every landscape photographer's dream..interesting clouds, good color, and a great reflection. I feel like planning a trip to experience it for myself. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on 500px here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Mary Hulett
Photographer of the Day: Ivan Rigamonti
Category: Travel Photographer: Ivan Rigamonti "Last Minute" How many times when you travel do you run to catch a train or watch someone else try to catch one? Photographer of the Day Ivan Rigamonti stopped the moment in time this potential train passenger reached to push the button to hopefully open the train door. Shot at 1/10th of a second, all is sharp except for the person reaching for the door who is blurred, giving a nice sense of motion. This image was photographed using a Fuji X-T2 at ISO 500, F/8 with a 23mm lens. (Since the … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Ivan Rigamonti
HDR and the Traveling Photographer
Note: To learn more about HDR visit our HDR Learning Center produced in partnership with HDRsoft. I have learned, as a traveling photographer, that no matter how much planning I do to prepare myself for a trip, there will always be unknown factors and surprises, good and bad. Certain factors, such as light, clouds, weather, location, and the time of day may complicate the camera settings necessary to properly expose the subjects I am photographing. My camera may not be capable of capturing the range of light in just one image. Extreme … [Read more...] about HDR and the Traveling Photographer
Photographer of the Day: Wayne Stadler
Category: Travel Photographer: Wayne Stadler "Unicorn Eater" Photographer of the Day Wayne Stadler’s photograph of a metal monster in the Anza Borrego Desert, California, is bold, bright and fun. The strong front lighting reveals all the wonderful details of this sculpture by Ricardo Breceda . Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Wayne Stadler
Photographer of the Day: Ian Lewry
Category: Travel Photographer: Ian Lewry "A Sri Lankan tea picker" I love this portrait of a tea picker in Sri Lanka by Photographer of the Day Ian Lewry. The tea picker’s eyes, accentuated by a well placed catchlight, smile and grab hold of me. The soft green leaves provide a beautiful background. Very well done! Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr 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: Tiberio Frascari
Category: Travel Photographer: Tiberio Frascari "Mothia, Sicily, November 2016 25" What a lovely scenic Photographer of the Day Tiberio Frascari has captured. The silhouettes of windmills in the sunset are dwarfed against the landscape. The image is thoughtfully composed, with the sun’s reflection placed between the two windmills, and a square form in the foreground forming the point of a triangle with the windmills at the other ends. Triangles are also formed within the wetlands in the foreground. The image, taken with a Nikon D810 and … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Tiberio Frascari
Photographer of the Day: Jim
Category: Travel Photographer: Jim "We're a Destination...." The soft light of a winter’s day together with the glowing reflections of the structures on the nearby water as captured by Jim, Photographer of the Day, at first kept me wondering where in the world was Jim. And that is the point with travel photography, to take our viewers to a world they have never experienced. To open their eyes to new places and people. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Jim
Photographer of the Day: Irwin Scott
Category: Travel Photographer: Irwin Scott "Jama Masjid, Delhi, India" Photographer of the Day Irwin Scott uses symmetry and sculpted light to capture India in this beautiful architectural photograph from Delhi. The people in the building are dwarfed, giving us a sense of scale, and our eye follows the dead-center walkway through the building to the woman silhouetted at the back . The warm-toned walls glow as I fixate on the large chandelier, which adds balance to the photo. Very nicely done! Originally shared on the Photofocus … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Irwin Scott
Handholding your Camera for HDR Photography
With proper technique and the right camera, it is possible to get good HDR images even though you aren’t using a tripod or other camera support. Here are ten tips for handholding your camera: Use a camera that has an automatic bracket function, so that when you push the shutter release your camera automatically and quickly takes more than one photo of the same subject at different exposures. Use this function when you don’t have a tripod. Read about automatic bracketing in your camera manual, to be sure you are doing it the right way. … [Read more...] about Handholding your Camera for HDR Photography
Photographer of the Day: Mundl Photographie
Category: Travel Photographer: Mundl_Photographie "_DSC3525" Photographer of the Day Mundl_Photographie beautifully captures the peace and quiet of a winter’s day, focusing our attention on a lone tree. There is geometry in the composition, with the band of white snow in the background running perpendicular to the tree. Our eyes form a triangle as we look between the buildings and line of trees in the background and the lone tree in the foreground. The trees in the background to the right also provide balance with their height and form … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Mundl Photographie
Photographer of the Day: Don Komarechka
Category: Travel NOTE: This is the second time we picked a photo from this photographer. His work is that good! Photographer: Don Komarechka "Invisible Nature" Mr. Komarechka, Photographer of the Day, uses an infrared filter on an unmodified camera, to capture the quiet solitude of a waterfall highlighted by the light in Onaping Falls, Ontario. The surreal quality of the image takes us out of this world and into the realm of glowing blue-white trees and soft, stark very white water. The image was shot with a Canon EOS-1D-X at ISO … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Don Komarechka
