My friends at Mindshift Gear sent over one of their newest bag: the Backlight 26L for me to review. This bag is perfect for anyone looking to fit a bunch of gear for a basic day shoot or even a 2-3 day shoot. Lots of space and superb build quality. Check out the video review for more details! You can order your own Backlight 26L from Amazon using the links below: Backlight 26L (Greenfield) Backlight 26L (Charcoal) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr0PQHFWK98&feature=youtu.be Questions about this column? Just leave them in the Comments … [Read more...] about A Closer Look: Mindshift Gear Backlight 26L Camera Bag
News
Adobe releases Lightroom 6.2.1 Maintenance Patch + An Author’s Rant
If you're one of the more wide-eyed people who updated to Adobe Lightroom 6.2 right after it was launched a few days ago, you have likely come to rue that decision. Between the "Fisher Price"-ification of the Import flow to the ridiculous crashes caused due to bugs in the software, this update left much to be desired. Fortunately, Adobe has made good and released a critical maintenance update that supposedly fixes some of the issues. I still take umbrage with their decision to regress the Import workflow functionality by removing key features … [Read more...] about Adobe releases Lightroom 6.2.1 Maintenance Patch + An Author’s Rant
A First Look: The Apple iPhone 6s Plus
On Friday, September 25th, Apple released the next addition to their industry-shaking smartphone, the iPhone. Customers who were fast enough to preorder either the iPhone 6s and/or the iPhone 6s Plus either queued up in front of their local Apple Store or had a courier deliver their unit(s) to their doors. For the past year, I've used an unlocked 128Gb Silver iPhone 6 Plus and have been exceptionally pleased with it. So, when preorders for this next generation of smartphones went live, I stuck with what I knew and ordered an unlocked 128Gb … [Read more...] about A First Look: The Apple iPhone 6s Plus
Photowalk: Models & Lighting in Milwaukee
Were using Photowalk to mean a gathering of photographers. Rather than just walking the streets, well meet in the lobby of The Intercontental Hotel located at 139 East Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202. From there we will walk across the street to a park and practice making portraits with various lighting techniques. Joining us will be Kevin Stohlmeyer and Photofocus contributor David Crewe! Together we have created thousands of portraits lit with speedlights and studio strobes. Were really pleased to team up with the PAC for this … [Read more...] about Photowalk: Models & Lighting in Milwaukee
Join Photofocus On Our National Photo Walk Tour
Photofocus is approaching its 17 year anniversary. During most of that time, youve known us primarily as an online resource. But were upping our game. Were going to be making more inroads into the community through live events such as photo walks and workshops. In conjunction with Perfectly Clear, were going to be holding photo walks in the cities that appear below. The photo walks are free and there are great prizes like free Perfectly Clear plugins, free KelbyOne Road Show tickets and free Platypod Pros to give away. Were going to provide … [Read more...] about Join Photofocus On Our National Photo Walk Tour
Perfectly Clear Is Giving Away Free 3-day Show-floor Passes To Photo Plus Expo
Photofocus partner Perfectly Clear is giving away free 3-day show-floor passes to PPE in New York! Photoplus Expo is the biggest trade show of its kind this year. More than 20,000 photographers are expected to attend. The show is in New York City October 22-24, 2015 at Javits Convention Center and several of the team here at Photofocus will be there. You can pay a fee and register for tons of cool classes and we would recommend that if you have interest and the finances. If you just want to visit the show floor, we have great news for … [Read more...] about Perfectly Clear Is Giving Away Free 3-day Show-floor Passes To Photo Plus Expo
Apple’s New iPad Pro – Laptop Killer or Just a Bigger iPad?
Apple took the lid off their long-anticipated large-format iPad this week and as people line up for and against the new tablet I sat down with Jeff Carlson to discuss what the new technology means to photographers. Carlson is the author of the book, The iPad for Photographers, which is currently in its third edition with Peachpit Press. Key Features of the iPad Pro The iPad Pro is due to arrive in November, but at Wednesdays event, Apple gave us a long look at the new member of the incredibly popular iPad line. With its 12.9-inch screen … [Read more...] about Apple’s New iPad Pro – Laptop Killer or Just a Bigger iPad?
What’s New with the iPhone 6s and Why Does it Matter to a Photographer?
Apple just announced the new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus with a redesigned 12 megapixel camera. For those of us who rely on their phones as a behind the scenes camera or use this as our backup camera, this is a good thing. Processor and Physical Improvements Sure, many will pay attention to the megapixels, but it's what you do with them that matters. Apple promises that the new phone has a new image signal processor that works with iOS 9 to provide better temporal and spatial noise reduction. They also utilize an improved local tone mapping option … [Read more...] about What’s New with the iPhone 6s and Why Does it Matter to a Photographer?
ON1 Announces Version 10 — Coming October 2015
ON1 just announced their brand-new "ON1 Photo 10", scheduled to be released late October. I've had a chance to see this version up-close, and they have made some really great updates. The most noticeable is a brand-new graphics interface, along with some rearrangement of the panels and some behavior changes. It's a really great update and I am very excited to start working with it! They are taking pre-orders today, and have some pretty good offers to go along with it. Click here to take a look at some of their promotions. Here are some of the … [Read more...] about ON1 Announces Version 10 — Coming October 2015
Pictage is Closing their Doors. What are Your Options?
If you're a photo studio or photographer who uses Pictage to host and sell your photos, you likely have quite a shock this week. On August 24th, Pictage posted the following message to their users: The Closing of Pictagehttps://discover.pictage.com/pictage-update-20150824 Please accept my sincere apologies for the Pictage web site being down since Thursday. The Pictage web site is currently recovering, but it is an extremely slow process due to the high number of images we store. We are doing everything we can to bring the web site online as … [Read more...] about Pictage is Closing their Doors. What are Your Options?
Elinchrom, Photix & Seckonic Band Together
Swiss pro electronic flash manufacturer Elinchrom, Phottix whose control systems currently work with Canon, Nikon & Sony DSLR cameras TTL for flash and Sekonic, world class creators of hand held light meters have teamed toghether to focus these areas of expertise on light measurement and control. What does this mean for photographers? A big change for how electronic flash systems are controlled is one important consideration. Remote controlled flashes are not new by any means. Putting together these three companies can mean some … [Read more...] about Elinchrom, Photix & Seckonic Band Together
Today is World Photo Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdWwqAI6x9A Today, August 19 is World Photo Day. The date behind World Photo Day originates from the invention of the Daguerreotype, a photographic processes developed by Joseph Nicphore Nipce and Louis Daguerre in 1837. On January 9, 1839, The French Academy of Sciences announced the daguerreotype process. A few months later, on August 19, 1839, the French government purchased the patent and announced the invention as a gift "Free to the World". The goal of World Photo Day is to unite local and global … [Read more...] about Today is World Photo Day
Flickr Brings Back “Pro” Badge/Service
I received an interesting email yesterday. Flickr gave me a heads up that they would be offering a new upgraded "pro" service. The email reads: "Tomorrow, 7/23, Flickr will be announcing news specifically for pro photographers." I seem to remember Yahoo's CEO (Yahoo owns Flickr) saying there was no need for "professional" photographers anymore. Well maybe Ms. Mayer has seen the light. For all of you who used to have a Flickr "Pro" account - they are back. Albeit in a more expensive version. Flickr says the new Flickr Pro includes: New and … [Read more...] about Flickr Brings Back “Pro” Badge/Service
Win Two Tickets to Photoshop World + A Panasonic Lumix LX100
At Photofocus we love giving away prizes. Especially when those prizes can change your photographic life. We've partnered up with KelbyOne and we've got a great prize to give away. The Grand Prize GRAND PRIZE: A Brand New Panasonic Lumix LX100 and Two Passes to Photoshop World. SECOND PRIZE: One Pass to Photoshop World What's Photoshop World? Only the best training conference on the planet (and I don't just say that since I've attended for the last 11 years). The Three-day event covers the best in photography, lighting and … [Read more...] about Win Two Tickets to Photoshop World + A Panasonic Lumix LX100
Just Announced Thunderbolt 3 with USB-C Connector
If youre a business professional, content creator, gamer, or just want to simplify your 4K workspace, your world is about to get faster and simpler. - Thunderbolt Technology Intel just announced Thunderbolt 3 with a USB-C connector supporting single-cable support for dual 4K displays. Thunderbolt was developed to simultaneously support the fastest data and most video bandwidth available on a single cable, while also supplying power. USB-C is the new industry-standard connector and cable used for connectivity and power. It was developed by the … [Read more...] about Just Announced Thunderbolt 3 with USB-C Connector
Photoshop World Is The Conference For Photographers
You may be tempted to think that Photoshop World is just about Adobe software. While theres no doubt that its THE place to learn Photoshop, its also the place to learn Lightroom but beyond that it's a great place to learn photography. Over the last 10 years, I have spoken at PSW three times, live-blogged it once, and visited as an attendee twice. In each case, I completely enjoyed myself, but more importantly, Ive learned a whole bunch. The Kelby staff are some of the friendliest people you'll ever want to meet. And everyone from Scott Kelby … [Read more...] about Photoshop World Is The Conference For Photographers
A Closer Look at Sony’s New “Touchless Shutter” app
We've all been there. Out in the middle of who knows where, setting up for a shot that absolutely requires the camera to be perfectly still. You reach into your camera bag to grab your remote cable release only to realize that it is sitting all comfy on your desk at home. Or worse, you don't even own a remote cable release. Now, you're playing into the risk of introducing micro shakes with your camera as you reach for and press the shutter button. If you're a Sony photographer, though, you're in luck thanks to the release of a new free app in … [Read more...] about A Closer Look at Sony’s New “Touchless Shutter” app
Lightroom CC’s New Brush Feature For The Graduated Filter
Adobe released Lightroom CC/6 this week much to the delight of its loyal users. I put together a tutorial video that walks through a few of the new features, notably the new Brush tools with the Graduated Filter, auto pano stitching, and some other smaller odds and ends that you may have overlooked. If you have any questions about Lightroom, let me know in the comments section! … [Read more...] about Lightroom CC’s New Brush Feature For The Graduated Filter
When It Comes To The Photography Business, Things Change
I recently found out that Photoflex has closed its doors (https://photoflex.com.) While I never had a close relationship with Photoflex, and they weren't ever sponsors here at Photofocus, I used many of their products over the years and even often referred new photographers to the Photoflex lineup of affordable, high-quality products. They consistently offered good value. For three decades, Photoflex filled photography studios around North America (and the world) with gear. I am sure I am not alone in my sadness over this sudden news. For … [Read more...] about When It Comes To The Photography Business, Things Change
Photofocus Podcast April 15, 2015 — NAB Show and Arizona Highways Magazine
This week's podcast takes a pass through Las Vegas. You'll hear from three members of the Photofocus team on their thoughts about new gear announced at the show. Then Levi Sim catches up Arizona Highways Magazine and Jeff Kida. Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. NAB Show New Gear The staff of Photofocus descended upon the National Association of Broadcasters Convention in Las Vegas. Every major camera and lens manufacturer was there showing off a lot of gear that photographers will love. … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast April 15, 2015 — NAB Show and Arizona Highways Magazine
Photofocus Podcast April 5, 2015 — Scott Bourne and Jennifer Rozenbaum
This week's podcast offers a special treat. We talk Scott Bourne out of retirement to come on to one show as a guest. Rich and Scott catch up about Fuji cameras and cloud photo editing. Then Levi Sim sites down with boudoir photographer Jennifer Rozenbaum to learn about her approach. Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Scott Bourne Longtime readers will of course recognize Scott as the founder of Photofocus. We wanted to catch up with him and learn about what he's been up to. … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast April 5, 2015 — Scott Bourne and Jennifer Rozenbaum
I’m a Drone Hobbyist … Really!
Note: Im not a lawyer and anything I say should not be taken as legal advice. Drones are a hot-topic right now, since the FAA released proposed regulations on commercial UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle). Fellow Photofocus author Kevin Ames already went over all of the restrictions and licensing. For most people, these rules won't apply. Were hobbyists, using these drones for personal use. The lines are a little grey between hobbyist flights and commercial flights. An easy way to think about it is this If youre getting paid for aerial work, then … [Read more...] about I’m a Drone Hobbyist … Really!
Photoshop is 25 Years Old Today
Today makes 25 years with Adobe Photoshop.... quite a feat if you think about all the ways the tool has affected the media landscape. From photographers and designers to architects and doctors, Photoshop has become synonymous with digital imaging. I've been a Photoshop user since 1991... it's amazing how much has changed in that time. Let's take a look back at its history and some cool moments dug up from the archives. In the Beginning Photoshop began its life in 1987. Thomas Knoll developed a pixel imaging program called Display. This … [Read more...] about Photoshop is 25 Years Old Today
Apple is Trying to Tell You Something About Aperture
In case it wasn't clear... Aperture is about to die . "When Photos for OS X is available this spring, Aperture will no longer be available for purchase from the Mac App Store." This means You won't be able to buy Aperture new. There will be no further development or mechanism to get updates for Aperture. It probably means that if you did by it through the Mac App Store, you should be able to still download it for awhile after that. I can also tell you after getting hands-on with Apple Photos.... it is not Aperture. It doesn't do nearly as … [Read more...] about Apple is Trying to Tell You Something About Aperture
More Megapixels? Introducting the Canon 5DS and 5DS R
Canon just made headlines again this week with the release of the worlds highest resolution 35mm DSLR, the Canon EOS 5DS and the 5DS R. Designed for commercial, studio, portrait, landscape, and architectural photography, this camera is also being positioned as an alternative to medium-format. At roughly $20,000 less than traditional medium-format cameras like PhaseOne and Hasselblad, the ultra-high resolution of these new models allows for larger printing and extensive cropping capability, while maintaining fantastic image quality. 5DS … [Read more...] about More Megapixels? Introducting the Canon 5DS and 5DS R
New GoPro HERO 4 Firmware Updates
GoPro just released major new firmware updates for their popular HERO 4 camera, bringing a few different video frame rates and a new video time lapse mode. Firmware updates allow manufacturers to unlock features in their cameras that were undeveloped at the release and can add value to their customers. It's almost like getting a brand-new camera! HERO 4 Black and Silver Edition Upgrades Time Lapse Video Mode In a world of instant gratification, GoPro added a new Time Lapse Video mode. The HERO 4 will record a time lapse and convert it into a … [Read more...] about New GoPro HERO 4 Firmware Updates
Lightroom 6 Will Require Updated Operating Systems
Adobe just posted some information regarding the compatibility of the not-yet-released Lightroom 6, and operating systems for Mac and Windows. To read the update, go here. In summary, Lightroom 6 will require that your OS (Operating System) is up-to-date with a recent versions of Mac or Windows. Here's what you will need in order to run Lightroom 6 (when it is released): Mac: OS X 10.8 or above Windows: A 64 bit version of Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 For users with older software (Mac OS X 10.7, or a 32 bit version of Windows) they mention the … [Read more...] about Lightroom 6 Will Require Updated Operating Systems
Lightroom Mobile Released for Android Phones
Lightroom Mobile was just released today for Android phones. We're working up our review shortly, but here's some info for those of you who've been anxiously waiting. The release is specifically for Android phones (and won't work with all Android phones). You'll need Android 4.1 or up. Key Features Here's what you can expect to get. Access images in your Lightroom catalog Make selects, reject unworthy photos Apply a preset Fine tunes images using the Basic panel Import photos directly from the Gallery Tech Notes Lightroom Mobile … [Read more...] about Lightroom Mobile Released for Android Phones
In Asia? Then Don’t Miss Photo World Asia
I know... it's tradeshow season. And while you'll hear us talk a lot about US based trade shows, I wanted to turn my attention to another corner of the world. Photo World Asia 2015 Photo World Asia 2015 will be held January 29-February 3, 2015. The event is hosted in Manila in the Philippines. The event has been held yearly since 1987. There is a tradeshow which is open to the public for free. There is also a multi-day photo conference at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati. Speakers include: Malaysian travel photographer Arthur … [Read more...] about In Asia? Then Don’t Miss Photo World Asia
Go In-Depth with Matt Kloskowski
We've featured Matt Klowskowski on our podcast and website a bunch of times. He's a great photo educator and landscape photographer. Matt's also the new guru over at Photofocus partner onOne Software. Matt has a special program kicking off to help photographers... it's called 12 Months with Matt Kloskowski. His goal is to offer exclusive video training, presets, and a moderated Flickr group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Mrxrv2s5MA He's also thrown in an in-depth video sharing his approach to organizing photos in both Adobe Lightroom … [Read more...] about Go In-Depth with Matt Kloskowski
