Photofocus

Education and inspiration for visual storytellers

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)

The Traveling Photographer: Photography from a moving train

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Is it possible to make good photographs from the window of a moving train? If you asked me last month I would have said absolutely not. The windows are blotchy with dirt and watermarks. Reflections abound. And what about the speed you are traveling at? I have since realized I was wrong. I actually got some decent pictures on a moving train. Amtrak Coast Starlight A couple of weeks ago I traveled on the Coast Starlight, an Amtrak train that journeys from Los Angeles to Seattle, with many stops in-between. Photography was the last thing on my … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photography from a moving train

Why are there so many lens choices?

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Why are there so many lens choices for your camera? The simple answer is that every photographer sees the world differently requiring the use of different focal length lenses. Different photographers, different lens choice For example, landscape photographers typically use wide-angle lenses, in the 10mm to 24mm range. This allows the photographer to create expansive images that are sharp from the foreground to the background. Wildlife photographers typically shoot with super telephoto lenses, 400mm and longer, as they are unable to get … [Read more...] about Why are there so many lens choices?

Exposure beyond the camera manual

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You reviewed the camera manual and completed an online tutorial. You did everything you thought you were supposed to do. And yet, your photographs aren't exposed the way you want them to be. When I was a new photographer, shooting transparency film, I was always frustrated by exposure. I kept asking myself why some exposures worked and why others didn't. What exposures worked The exposures that worked for me usually depended on the brightness of my subject and the size of the subject in the frame. If my subject contained the brightest … [Read more...] about Exposure beyond the camera manual

Ten reasons why I love my Fuji X-T3

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My new Fuji X-T3 just arrived. I am so excited. The camera was only just released last week. I have barely used it and I am already "in love." Of course I am a tried and true Fuji fan, having walked away from my Nikon D800 a few years back. So I am probably biased. Time will tell if the camera truly lives up to its hype. 1. A newly developed fourth generation sensor — the X-Trans CMOS 4 I am clueless what the upgrade to the sensor actually means in technical terms. The sensor is now back-illuminated — I read that a back-illuminated sensor … [Read more...] about Ten reasons why I love my Fuji X-T3

The Traveling Photographer — Route 66 meets Aurora 2019

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Create amazing HDR photographs with Skylum’s Aurora HDR 2019. Purchase today and save plus get a free bundle of training, LUTs and Looks too! What do Route 66 and Aurora 2019 have in common? Both provide countless opportunities for enthusiastic photographers to explore the realms of High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography. Why? Because high contrast subjects, such as vintage buildings shot under a mid-day sun, night scenes with neon signs, and magical landscapes photographed during the golden hour are the heart and soul of Route 66 and of … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer — Route 66 meets Aurora 2019

The Traveling Photographer: Photographing Route 66

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I just returned from my dream trip — driving and photographing Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. The trip was not a photography trip, per se. I traveled with two non-photographers. Except for the Grand Canyon, we did not organize our day for sunrises and sunsets. We also did not plan ahead for photographic opportunities. Of course, I still took a ton of photographs. If you haven't been following the saga of my Route 66 adventure, check out my first two articles. The first was on pre-trip planning and the second was about the trip … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photographing Route 66

The Traveling Photographer: Driving Route 66, part 2

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This summer my two friends and I did it. We drove Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. It took us about two weeks, which isn't much time since we made a detour to the south rim of the Grand Canyon and spent an entire day at the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert. Due to our limited time, we found it very important to pre-plan our days and set priorities, leaving room for some flexibility. Preparation for the trip While planning the trip I accumulated a small duffel bag filled with guidebooks and maps. The bag came with me … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Driving Route 66, part 2

The Traveling Photographer: Finishing Touches

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Once you return home from your travels, with lots of images to review and process, there is a good chance you will do whatever you can to quickly complete editing your images. You will be excited to show your pictures off to friends, family, or clients. My suggestion, no matter what your workflow may be, don't move too fast. Take the time to carefully consider your finishing touches--subtle enhancements you can make to your photographs once you have more or less completed processing them. As slight as these enhancements may be, they may make … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Finishing Touches

The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Using Flash

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This is the third and last post in a series on Photographing People while you are traveling. The first article provided general guidelines on setting up the shot and the second provided guidelines on working with the light. This post discusses tips on using a flash. Know the Difference Between Fill Flash and Main Light As photographer’s we all have “ah-ha” moments when the lightbulb goes off in our head. I still remember mine when I realized how I used my flash depended on whether I was using it as a fill light, filing in shadows on a … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Using Flash

The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Taking Control of the Light

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This is my second post of three on photographing people during your travels. My first article provided basic guidelines…paying attention to the background, camera settings, composition, and waiting to capture that special moment when everything comes together. This post will cover making the light work for you, the last of my guidelines mentioned in my first post. Make A List And Plan Your Day Decisions regarding lighting begin before you leave on your trip. It is important to do some research and to make a list, even if it is just in … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Taking Control of the Light

The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Guidelines

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As traveling photographers, we all wear many hats—landscape photographer, bird photographer, portrait photographer, food photographer, etc. We may feel comfortable in some of the hats we wear, and some hats just don’t seem to fit well at all. I had my roots in landscape and nature photography then moved on to cityscapes. Photographing people on the streets in the places I visited always seemed a tough fit. So I pushed hard--taking a class, watching videos, reading some books, and making lots of pictures--to figure out how to get good shots … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Guidelines

The Traveling Photographer: Driving Route 66

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Route 66 cut through the heartland of the US, from Chicago to Los Angeles. Known as the "Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road," it was established in 1926 and became popularized by the Route 66 television show which aired in the 1960s  and the song “Get your Kicks on Route 66" by American songwriter Bobby Troup. Although the original Route 66 was removed from the highway system in 1985, stretches of the route remain accessible off of the interstate. Along these stretches are bits and pieces of Americana, weathered buildings … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Driving Route 66

The Traveling Photographer: Understanding Health Risks and Taking Precautions, Even Close to Home

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How many of you research health risks or check with a doctor before leaving on a photo adventure? To my surprise, I have found that many people do not. Getting sick can ruin any travel plans. Getting really sick can significantly impact your life. Some of you may only worry about health risks when traveling to more remote locations, being concerned about diseases such as malaria in the tropics or typhoid fever from contaminated food. However were you aware that there is a measles and mumps outbreak currently in popular destinations in … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Understanding Health Risks and Taking Precautions, Even Close to Home

How to Create a Shot List for Stock

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A shot list is exactly what it sounds like….a list of shots. Seems pretty basic? But how many of you actually make a list of the shots you would like to take, before you leave for your photo shoot or go on a photo vacation? Sure, you want to be spontaneous and react to special moments--but with a shot list in hand from the moment you take your camera out of the bag you can use your time more efficiently. It is the basis from which you develop your photography game plan for the day. Also, you don't run the risk of returning from a photo outing … [Read more...] about How to Create a Shot List for Stock

Tips For Using A Monopod

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Think of the monopod as one leg of a tripod, and your legs as the other two. Your hands and arms provide additional support, keeping the monopod steady. Using the monopod sounds easy, right? But it does take some practice. Here are a few tips to help you get good results: Positioning The Monopod 1.) Stand with legs about shoulder width apart, placing the monopod centered in front of your legs. Lean the top of the monopod towards you. This position works well on grass or other soft surfaces, however, the monopod might slip on smooth … [Read more...] about Tips For Using A Monopod

Lightroom Brushes and Presets by Sleeklens

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There are many photo-editing products available for processing images in conjunction with Lightroom. Many of these products are third-party plugins which can be used directly from Lightroom or as stand-alone applications. Other products provide presets or brushes used within Lightroom. Presets actually move the Lightroom sliders, creating enhancements that affect the entire image. Brushes are used to selectively brush in adjustments through the Lightroom adjustment brush or the gradient tool. Recently I began incorporating Sleeklens presets … [Read more...] about Lightroom Brushes and Presets by Sleeklens

The Oben CTM-2500 Carbon Fiber Monopod

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I don’t use a monopod often, but when I do I want it to feel good in my hands. It should provide stability no matter what size lens is attached to my camera, and be convenient to use—easy to open and close. I have tried several monopods through the years. Some unscrewed from a leg of a tripod, some were free standing. I never felt terribly satisfied. A couple of the monopods seemed flimsy. One did not twist open easily. Another was too heavy to carry around for a full day. I sold them all. Finally, I recently found a monopod that works for me, … [Read more...] about The Oben CTM-2500 Carbon Fiber Monopod

Photographing The Scottish Highlands

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I just returned from a photo tour of the Highlands of Scotland. The scenery did not disappoint. As we drove past and photographed heather-covered mountains, raging waterfalls and cascades, rugged, steep cliffs, and rocky coastlines, “oooo’s” and “aaaah’s” reverberated throughout our van among the tour participants. Scotland was dazzling. But the Highlands are also a fickle travel destination. The weather can literally change in a minute. We went from calm, sunny days to extreme winds, fog, and rain blowing sideways, with the ground becoming … [Read more...] about Photographing The Scottish Highlands

The Traveling Photographer: Platypod, An Essential Tool

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I like to travel light. I have a mirrorless camera, the Fuji X-T2, and very small prime lenses. My preference is to keep the camera strap around my shoulder and to put an extra lens and some batteries in my purse or fanny-pack as I leave my hotel for a day of sightseeing. When the need arises, depending on what I plan to photograph, I will carry a tripod and possibly a backpack filled with camera gear. When I carry a backpack I think about ways to lessen the load. On The Road Like many of you, I have read the Platypod Reviews on Photofocus. … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Platypod, An Essential Tool

Using A Very Small Flash

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Many of you only have the little pop-up flash built into your camera or a very tiny flash that can be attached to the camera hot-shoe (such as the flash that comes with the Fuji X-T2). Some of you prefer not to carry a big flash around because you want to be less conspicuous or because you don't want the extra weight. Don't feel disadvantaged because you only have a little flash for your camera. These little flashes can be used effectively with very creative results. For those inexperienced with using the little flash, here are some tips … [Read more...] about Using A Very Small Flash

Photographing a Full Moon

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Many of you are probably wondering how I photographed this image. My friends have all asked me, several of them photographers. The simple answer--this isn’t one image. It is two images. In one image I exposed and focused for the moon. In the other image I exposed for everything else. If I had taken only one image, depending on how I had set my exposure, either the details of the moon would have been blown out or the surrounding scene would have been extremely underexposed. But the complete answer to the question is complicated, because there … [Read more...] about Photographing a Full Moon

The Traveling Photographer: Powering Up!

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How many times have you pushed the shutter release on your camera, to take that perfect photograph, only to find your battery is dead and you don’t have another. Let’s face it, as photographers we are only as good as the battery power on hand. Battery power can be challenging at times, when traveling. Lots of batteries mean lots of extra weight. Battery chargers take up precious space in your suitcase. Many hotel rooms don't provide enough working electrical outlets to charge all of your devices at the same time. If you are in the wilderness … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Powering Up!

Tips For Photographing Old Cars

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Every now and again I find myself photographing lots of old cars, like during my trip to Cuba or at a classic car event. Vintage vehicles are so much fun to look at, colorful and nostalgic with interesting details, but tricky to photograph. Reflective, shiny surfaces are everywhere and backgrounds and foregrounds tend to be cluttered. Here are a few tips of things to consider that have worked for me: The Frame Carefully frame and simplify your composition. Always look at the background first. If it is cluttered with lots of people, … [Read more...] about Tips For Photographing Old Cars

The Traveling Photographer: Seeing Things

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Before leaving on a photography trip I always read a photography book that gets my creative juices flowing and my eyes and mind ready for new and exciting challenges. Joel Meyerowitz’s book “Seeing Things” is such a book. The book is labeled “A Kid’s Guide to Looking at Photographs”. I guess I am still a kid then, because it sure opened my eyes a bit bigger. For those who are not familiar with Joel Meyerowitz, he is an award-winning photographer whose work has appeared in over 350 exhibitions in galleries and museums around the world. He is … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Seeing Things

Stock Photography Insights

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Yesterday was a milestone day for me. I hit 10,000 sales of stock images. Yes, some of us are still selling and making money through stock photography. Of course, I will never get rich from my proceeds, but the sales do help to pay for my equipment. Stock Photography takes patience and perseverance. It is not an easy road. But it is fun seeing my images on book covers and in travel books and websites. Recently, I even made the CBS online news with two of my images being used in one story. Helpful Tips So, what is the big secret, to … [Read more...] about Stock Photography Insights

Flowers Made Easy

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Here is an easy way to photograph flowers indoors, without using fancy lighting techniques requiring studio lights or off camera flash with modifiers. All you need is indirect light through a window, a shooting table, and a silver or white reflector. Impact Desktop Shooting Table Shooting tables are great for photographing products, food, and small objects. I recently used my Impact Desktop Shooting Table to photograph flowers. The table is convenient and easy to use (and affordable).  When photographing the flowers I actually placed the … [Read more...] about Flowers Made Easy

Impact Desktop Shooting Table

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If you have followed my posts then you probably know I am not a product photographer, nor do I typically photograph still life images, art objects or food. There are times, however, I have wanted to have some fun shooting flowers or other objects on a solid white background. That is how I came upon the Impact Desktop Shooting Table. Affordable Convenience The aluminum table with a plexiglass top provides a convenient and affordable solution for photographing smaller objects on a white background. It folds up relatively small and thin, with … [Read more...] about Impact Desktop Shooting Table

The Traveling Photographer: Returning to the U.S. After Traveling Abroad

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If you are returning home to the US after a trip abroad, take notice! Under certain circumstances, you may be charged a duty on your photography gear if you are unable to prove that you were in possession of the gear before leaving the US. You are thinking that sounds crazy. With the price of camera equipment today it could happen to any of us, particularly if your equipment looks or is new. US Customs and Border Protection When you re-enter the U.S.you are allowed a duty-free exemption for the total value of merchandise purchased abroad, … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Returning to the U.S. After Traveling Abroad

Photographer of the Day: Carlos Manchego

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Category: Travel Photographer: Carlos Manchego "Sunset at the Lighthouse" Photographer of the Day Carlos Manchego has artistically captured this colorful sunset at the Arecibo Lighthouse in Puerto Rico. It appears that Mr. Manchego has used a neutral density filter to slow the shutter speed of his camera, which resulted in a softening of the water and the clouds. I like the intensity of his colors and the fact he has maintained details in the shadows while keeping the sky dark and deep. Very nice Originally shared on the Photofocus … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Carlos Manchego

Photographer of the Day: Joan Manel Zamora Muñoz

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Category: Travel Photographer: Joan Manel Zamora Muñoz "Climbing Aqulles d’engolasters Andorra-Pyrenees-Europe" Photographer of the Day Joan Manel Zamora Muñoz has created a striking black and white photo of a climber silhouetted against the sky. There is symmetry, a feeling of balance, between the different elements of the scene, and the climbing robe pulls us from top to bottom. A triangle is formed between the climber, the bush, and the rock face. The pose of the climber is perfect, with the bent knees and head, all forming triangular … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Joan Manel Zamora Muñoz