At Photokina 2016, Sigma announced two new additions to their globally renowned ART series of DSLR lenses. 12-24mm f/4.0 DG HSM | A ultra1wide angle zoom lens for Canon, Nikon & Sigma full frame DSLR 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A short telephoto portrait lens for Canon, Nikon & Sigma full frame DSLR 12-24mm f/4.0 DG HSM | Art Architectural, interior, landscape and nature photographers will love this Art version of Sigmas venerable 12-24mm ultra-wide zoom lens. This beauty promises a significant update to the previous … [Read more...] about Two New Sigma Art Lenses
News
Lynda.com joined with LinkedIn Learning: What does this mean for Photographers?
LinkedIn purchased Lynda.com; an online learning company, on April 7, 2015 for $1.5 billion. In June of this year--according to Forbes--Microsoft announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which they will acquire LinkedIn for $196 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $26.2 billion, inclusive of LinkedIn’s net cash. Sounds impressive, but what does this mean for Photographers and those wanting to learn on their own? What does this mean for those of us who create content for Lynda.com? What is Lynda.com and why … [Read more...] about Lynda.com joined with LinkedIn Learning: What does this mean for Photographers?
Plotagraph Pro News
You may remember that Photofocus was one of the first sites to tell you about Plotagraph Pro. This amazing software offers photographers the chance to easily animate still images. This works with ANY still photo, you can animate a photo you shoot today or one from a hundred years ago. Absolutely no video is required. Since we first told you about it, they've added a bunch of new features. It's also even easier to use (here's a quick tutorial). The big news is this... because so many have asked... there's now a trial version. This … [Read more...] about Plotagraph Pro News
New Cameras in the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
Apple held it’s annual fall keynote in San Francisco and launched the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. While mostly an understated launch, Apple spent a lot of time hyping the new photography features, including introducing a brand-new dual camera on the iPhone 7 Plus. Let’s take a look at some of the new features from the keynote: Having sold over 1 billion devices, Apple’s iPhone has essentially become the most popular point-and-shoot camera in the world. It’s the camera that’s always with you and the most accessible. Whether you’re a hobbyist or … [Read more...] about New Cameras in the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
Want to Get Your Hands on a Canon 5D Mark IV Early?
For many... it's the camera they've been waiting years for. The new 5D Mark IV has a lot to be excited about (see Levi Sim's rundown). With an expected release date of late September... waiting can be hard. But here's a few things to do to speed things up. Order Early Those who get in line first, tend to get their cameras first. If this is important to your workflow, then put the order in. You can always return the camera if it doesn't meet your needs. Here's the direct links to order Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera (Body … [Read more...] about Want to Get Your Hands on a Canon 5D Mark IV Early?
DroboPix PNG Bug Fixed!
All is now well with DroboPIx! The app that was released on July 19th automatically downloads iPhone and iPad photos to Drobo network connected devices--the five bay 5N or the 8bay B810n. Briefly, the problem was that screenshots made by pressing the home and power buttons together appeared to be corrupt. As you can see these screenshot I made from the just released September 2016 issue of Vanity Fair, DroboPix is working properly. With the release of DroboPix 1.0.19, the issue is resolved. If your iPhone or iPad has auto update turned on the … [Read more...] about DroboPix PNG Bug Fixed!
The Future of Lens Technology
I'm always interested in improvements in camera technology. Just as devices, batteries, screens, and camera sensors keep getting smaller... so will lenses. To date, lens technology hasn't changed much, but that might not be for long. A group of scientists have created tiny meta-material lenses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETx_fjM5pms To learn more: Read the research: http://scim.ag/1XkkseL … [Read more...] about The Future of Lens Technology
Microsoft Creates a Better iPhone Camera
You've got to admire Microsoft. The company certainly has no shortage of tech and engineers and they just threw a bunch of really cool things together into a new camera app. It's called Microsoft Pix and it seeks to replace your iPhone's built-in camera app. Key Features The goal of Microsoft Pix is to make it easier to capture better photos and to not miss the moment. Here's a breakdown on how it works. The fact that it automatically syncs with your camera roll is very appealing. People-First – Photos with people are … [Read more...] about Microsoft Creates a Better iPhone Camera
DroboPix “Corrupt” JPGs Bug
I recently posted a tutorial about installing and using the wonderful new free DroboPix app for Drobo N devices. You might have noticed JPG files that won't draw a preview in Bridge. The "bug" Double click on one of the files will open it correctly in the default Mac program Preview. If you have changed the double click to use Photoshop in the Get Info box, the file will open with this message. The files are not corrupt. They have been improperly named during import. These are screenshots I made with my iPad. Screenshots … [Read more...] about DroboPix “Corrupt” JPGs Bug
Announcing Plotagraph – A Whole New Way Of Creating Dynamic Images
(NOTE: This post is best viewed on a laptop or desktop computer. We're experimenting with the plugin that allows these images to display and performance on a mobile device has yet to be optimized. Thank you.) If you’ve been paying attention at all during the last five years, you've seen the expansion (and popularity) of digital video, Many photographers have felt the need to add video to their services if they want to remain relevant (and especially if they want to get paid). The Problem With many photographers now adding “director” to … [Read more...] about Announcing Plotagraph – A Whole New Way Of Creating Dynamic Images
Photofocus Team Participates in the Big Deal
We wanted to let you know about a special deal that’s running that features a bunch of the Photofocus team. It’s called the Big Deal and you get a lot of awesome stuff including training and software.You’ll find four contributors from the Photofocus team 3 Scott Bourne ebooks DSLR Video training with Rich Harrington Photoshop training with Dave Cross Lighting training video with Joe McNally Plus great software like Perfect Eyes Macphun Tonality Photo Mechanic Particle Shop Topaz Clarity A lot of great other … [Read more...] about Photofocus Team Participates in the Big Deal
FAA Releases Drone Rule
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released the "Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems" final rule for non-hobby and non-recreational purposes today. Read on for a brief summary. The whole summary of part 107 is here. The rules take effect in 60 days. Highlights of part 107 The rule includes UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) that weigh less than 55 pounds (25kg.) These aircraft may not be used over crowds of people not involved in its operation. Drones my not be operated inside a covered structure or stationary … [Read more...] about FAA Releases Drone Rule
Photo focus Team Participating In “The Big Deal”
The largest online photography bundle is back- bringing you the best in education, presets and resources from top trainers like Joe McNally, Scott Bourne, Richard Harrington, Peter Hurley, Matt Kloskowski, Renee Robyn, Corey Barker, Kristi Sherk and many many more. This year, we’re adding powerful software like Photo Mechanic 5, Particle Shop, Topaz Clarity, and Perfectly Clear to your toolbox. Hours and hours of training and software that would cost thousands of dollars if you purchased them all separately, are now part of the The Big Deal … [Read more...] about Photo focus Team Participating In “The Big Deal”
“Guided Upright” New in Lightroom
The latest release of Lightroom CC 2015 includes a new more controllable version of Upright and a new Transform panel in the Develop module. Here's a Photofocus first look Upright has moved Upright, formerly found in the Lens Correction panel, has moved to the new Transform panel. All of the Upright modes you have grown to love-Auto, Level, Vertical and Full-are still there along with a new addition: Guided. My photograph of work being done to the town hall in Brussels' Grand Place is a great one to show how Guided Upright … [Read more...] about “Guided Upright” New in Lightroom
Join The Photofocus Staff For Breakfast At PSW!
Are you planning to come to this year’s Photoshop World? Come join our team for breakfast July 20, 2016 at 7 a.m. ! For the past few years, we have hosted a special Photoshop World 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 of … [Read more...] about Join The Photofocus Staff For Breakfast At PSW!
Canon Adds 7 New Online Classes
Canon has announced 7 new online classes priced between $19.99 and $59.99 are available on their online learning page. This marks a departure from Canon’s free Digital Learning Center or DLC. These courses contain multiple learning elements including: Video lessons, PDF guides, a user forum, quizzes, and photo assignments. Offerings Here’s a list of the first classes in the new online learning area of Canon. Understanding EOS Camera Operations Photo 101: How to Take Great Pictures Printing Basics & Beyond Great Landscapes … [Read more...] about Canon Adds 7 New Online Classes
Photographer David Gilkey Killed on Assignment in Afghanistan
Photojournalist David Gilkey and his translator (also a photographer), Zabihullah Tamanna, were killed Sunday, June 5, 2016 in Afghanistan. He was on assignment for National Public Radio (NPR), a major news network in the United States. Here are some relevant links: David Gilkey Bio on NPR NPR's initial article on Gilkey's death From what I've seen of his work, it was remarkable. Gilkey has garnered many of photojournalism's most prestigious awards over the years. Gilkey is not the first journalist killed in war recently, and we owe a … [Read more...] about Photographer David Gilkey Killed on Assignment in Afghanistan
A First look at DroboAccess
If you’ve got a network-attached Drobo like a 5N or a B810n, one of the biggest problems was accessing your data outside of your local network. Unless you run a separate server like I do, remote access wasn’t possible. Knowing that this has been an issue, Drobo is proud to announce DroboAccess which aims to simplify remote file access and file sharing. It’s essentially letting you create your own personal “cloud” with end-to-end encryption. To be fair, for years Synology has offered a Quick Connect website to log in and remotely access your … [Read more...] about A First look at DroboAccess
Google NIK Collection: Good News & Bad News
Did you see the NIK software announcement from Google? Truth be told, I’ve always wanted to play with and use NIK software but it was never an expense I was willing to part with. Like many of us, funds are limited and I couldn’t justify buying something when I need a new camera body first. When a friend shared with me the news from Google that NIK software was released for free, I was excited. I downloaded it right away and then came across some negative aspects of the free download. Good news, yes the software is indeed free. It’s the same … [Read more...] about Google NIK Collection: Good News & Bad News
DroboAccess: Encrypted Connection to Remote NAS Drobos
Drobo has launched DroboAccess, an app that's part of the myDrobo applications available on its networked attached storage (NAS) devices. The 5 drive bay Drobo 5N and its big brother the 8 bay Drobo B810n using DroboAccess allows users to share files and folders by means of links. They can be read only or read / write and have password protection. Best of all it's a browser based solution that lets users get their files from anywhere on desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets. It is available now. Getting to DroboAccess Check for updates … [Read more...] about DroboAccess: Encrypted Connection to Remote NAS Drobos
PRVKE Bag by WANDRD – A Stylish and Functional Adventurer Bag!
Back in October during PhotoPlus Expo I had the pleasure of meeting the founders of a new Bag Company that had just been funded on Kickstarter, WANDRD. The two adventurous brothers were displaying a prototype bag called the PRVKE (Provoke), and it caught my interest pretty freaking quick. At the time I had been coming from several months on the road traveling and shooting, and getting pretty frustrated with my bag selection. Albeit huge, I was still lacking in that perfect travel kit bag that fit all my gear, felt comfortable, and looked better … [Read more...] about PRVKE Bag by WANDRD – A Stylish and Functional Adventurer Bag!
Drobo 5D Volumes Upped to 64TB
Drobo volumes on the 5D have been limited to a maximum of 16 terabytes. Once the capacity exceeded 16 terabytes, a new volume had to be created. Until now. Updating the Drobo 5D Update Drobo Dashboard The update for your Drobo 5D is available on their website. Drobo 5D update will take you to the update page. Update the Drobo Dashboard software to version 2.8.1. It's a free download on the page featured on the link. The installer walks you through updating the dashboard software. Once the update has finished Installing the Drobo Dashboard … [Read more...] about Drobo 5D Volumes Upped to 64TB
Think Tank Has Released The Largest Rolling Photography Case Ever!
Think Tank Photo has just announced the release of their latest product, the Production Manager 50, a gigantic roller case designed to hold an immense amount of gear, including lighting equipment and large light modifiers. This case will allow a single photographer to transport what it used to take up to two assistants to move! Its size, in case you were wondering, is impressive; Exterior Dimensions: 17.3” W x 53.1” H x 12.6” D (44 x 135 x 32 cm), Interior Dimensions: 15.6” W x 49.2” H x 10” D (39.5 x 125 x 25 cm), and its Weight: 20.7 – 29.8 … [Read more...] about Think Tank Has Released The Largest Rolling Photography Case Ever!
What’s New with Instagram
With over 400 million users, Instagram is one of the top social networks for images and short-form videos. Since it’s beginning, Instagram has always shown new posts chronologically. But Instagram is looking to change that and they’re currently testing a new algorithm that will filter your news feed to see only the best images when you launch the app. The content creators, brand, and celebrities using Instagram are verbally opposed to this change that would let Instagram choose what posts its users see and don’t see. Really though, this isn’t … [Read more...] about What’s New with Instagram
March 31st is World Backup Day
That’s right…March 31st is World Backup Day! The stories and memories we capture through images are priceless, but they may not last forever without a solid backup plan. On World Backup Day, make sure that you’re precious files are backed up safe and sound. What should I Check Make sure your backup drives are all booting up and spinning Check that there is enough space to continue backing up, or look into getting a larger hard drive If your system has an automated backup, check and make sure it's completing it's backup without … [Read more...] about March 31st is World Backup Day
There’s a New, Smaller iPad Pro. Should You Care?
In what certainly counts as the least surprising Apple keynote in recent years, the company teased two new products on Monday that shrink existing products: a new 4-inch iPhone and 9.7-inch iPad Pro. While the phone is aimed squarely at new customers, the iPad seems to answer many of the complaints existing Apple devotees had of their massive 12-inch iPad Pro which hit the streets six months ago. The new more svelte iPad Pro packs almost all of the processing punch of it's bigger sibling into the more hand-friendly 9.7-inch form factor 200 … [Read more...] about There’s a New, Smaller iPad Pro. Should You Care?
Adobe announces Lightoom 2015.5 and Camera Raw 9.5
Adobe has released a new update for Lightroom, bringing the current version to Lightroom CC 2015.5 and Lightroom 6.5. The new update fixes numerous bugs plus adds camera support and a host of new lens profiles. The update also fixes several sync errors and a couple of missing features. Camera Raw also received an update, bringing the current version to Camera Raw 9.5. This is great. But do you really need updates? An example why new updates are important While teaching a Lightroom essentials class on a cruise to Cozumel, an attendee voiced … [Read more...] about Adobe announces Lightoom 2015.5 and Camera Raw 9.5
Athentech announces Perfect Exposure and it’s FREE!
For the past several months I’ve been using Perfectly Clear in my workflow to edit my images. I love the product so much I became a Perfectly Clear Evangelist, touring across the US and London, teaching how to quickly process a single or multiple portraits (removing blemishes, smoothing skin, enhancing eyes and fixing exposure), enhancing landscapes and wildlife photos – all in a single click. I’ve become very proficient with the Photoshop and Lightroom plugin, I even created my own custom presets. In each of the presets I created, I noticed I … [Read more...] about Athentech announces Perfect Exposure and it’s FREE!
Camera Trends – 2015 And Beyond
NOTE: All data based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association reports.) Will the dedicated camera go the way of the eight-track tape? Some people think so. Camera phones are now sold on every continent except for the North and South Polls. Billions of people have access to a camera in their phones and the immediate impact has been on compact, non-interchangeable lens cameras - what we used to call point and shoot cameras. In 2010 there were 108 million of such cameras sold. In 2015 that number dropped to 22 million. Thats a … [Read more...] about Camera Trends – 2015 And Beyond
How To Optimize Your Facebook News Feed
Facebook, despite all its ups and downs, has become a part of our lives. It's become a source of education, advertising, entertainment, and social/family connection! So with that in mind, I thought it'd be great to share with you a way to help make your Facebook experience a little more manageable! The problem i'm sure we've all encountered, is the sheer volume of spammy, offensive, and incredibly bad fake-fact content posts that plague our news feed. That along with with the pay-to-see business model that Facebook uses to make actual … [Read more...] about How To Optimize Your Facebook News Feed
