On many social media sites, for various reasons, we are seeing a high degree of censorship and banning for anything considered "Mature".* Regardless of your personal feelings on the matter, for those of us producing fine art nude or boudoir photography, it's becoming increasingly difficult to share our uncensored work over the internet. Here is a quick tip on how to create a frosted glass effect that nondestructively blurs only the parts of your image you choose, to satisfy the interweb censors and people parts police. In the interest of … [Read more...] about How to Censor Your Photos For Social Media, Non-Destructively in Photoshop
Opinion
Quick Tip: Photographers, Choose the Sync Option When Backing Up a Hard Drive
When choosing a backup method, select the Sync option, here's why. We want two identical drives to be the same bit-for-bit. If the main drive fails, we simply swap and use the synced drive until we rebuild a new one. No downtime. To achieve this, choose the Sync option. Syncing creates two identical copies that are updated when either file changes. If a file or change is detected on drive A, drive B is updated. If a file or change is detected on drive B, drive A is updated. If a file is deleted on one drive, both are deleted immediately, so be … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Photographers, Choose the Sync Option When Backing Up a Hard Drive
5 Tips for Printing Your Photos
We Live in the Most Photographed Century Thanks to point-and-shoot cameras, lower prices on professional DSLRs, and cell phones, of course, we live in the most photographed century ever. This is exciting—but for some reason, people are not printing as much. It can’t be price, prints are cheaper now than they have ever been. It can’t be lack of print labs, there are lots of local and online print labs. This leads me to believe people may not realize how easy it is to print their cherished photos. Let’s take the mystery out of printing and get … [Read more...] about 5 Tips for Printing Your Photos
Is this Job Worth Doing? How to Decide to Take It or Leave It
Have you ever wondered if a job is worth accepting? Here’s a quick way to determine if a job is right for you by seeing if you would answer “yes” to at least two of these three simple questions. Do I like the person commissioning the project? Is this project good for my portfolio? Is this project good for my business financially? Answering yes or no to all three questions is an easy choice. The decision gets a little harder when you're mixing yeses and nos. Do I like the person (or company) commissioning the … [Read more...] about Is this Job Worth Doing? How to Decide to Take It or Leave It
How to Apply a Little LUCK to Your Photography
A good friend of mine — but a huge pain in my butt — kind of gave me a backhanded compliment the other day. You know the kind..."I'm a fan of your earlier work" or "Your presentation will be inspiring if people are listening." Hers was in the form of a sentence that basically said she would be great at photography or video editing if she had the network of friends I have. I could hear my mother say, "Robert, keep it positive, I mean it,” so I just smiled. I offered her resources to learn from but, nope, she said she doesn't learn like that, … [Read more...] about How to Apply a Little LUCK to Your Photography
How to Give Advice on Buying a Camera
Elizabeth Kite posted in Photoshop and Photography — looking for recommendations. She asked. "Can someone recommend a good digital camera that is reasonably priced??? Under $500." My reply. Wait.. has anyone asked Elizabeth what she needs the camera for (other than automatic exposure and the like?) Imagine if she said she needs a reasonably priced car under $1500.00. If it's a second car for her child, that's reasonable. But if she said she wants it to be a daily drive or– let’s take this to an extreme--she wants to enter it into a race, now … [Read more...] about How to Give Advice on Buying a Camera
Why BAD Photographers Think They are GOOD
How good a photographer do you think you are? Awful? OK? Good? REALLY Good? Astonishingly Good? Or are you an imposter? Photographer and YouTube contributor Jamie Windsor explains the thinking that makes people think they are better at something than they really are. Avoid that psychological trap. It's all in this video... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmSYI6AjFUg As Jamie said, "Don't be too precious. Precious will hold you back." … [Read more...] about Why BAD Photographers Think They are GOOD
The Photoshop Action That Will Bring Your Sports Shots to Another Level
A few months ago, I discovered an amazing action to edit my sports shots in Photoshop. Everytime I use it, I get great feedback from my followers and athletes. Let me show you how you can, in one simple click, turn out a good picture into a massive impact work of art. What is a Photoshop action? An action, simply put, is a series of modifications that are recorded to obtain a precise result over and over again. An action can be as simple as a single saturation layer but can also be a very complex algorithm with hundreds of interrelated … [Read more...] about The Photoshop Action That Will Bring Your Sports Shots to Another Level
It’s Not About the Camera — It’s About Evolving as an Artist
When I first ventured into photography, I started out with a Nikon D5100. From there I upgraded to a D800 (thanks to winning a Photofocus contest on Twitter) and later a D750. Last year I made the tough decision to go mirrorless, ultimately purchasing a Panasonic Lumix GH5 and eventually, a G9. Now I've made another switch. And it's not because I was dissatisfied with my Lumix gear — quite the contrary, in fact. My Lumix system was awesome, and one of the best decisions I've made to switch to them. But after a week of tough thinking, I've … [Read more...] about It’s Not About the Camera — It’s About Evolving as an Artist
Knowing the Camera Settings for a Photo Isn’t Really Important
I'm a part of several photography groups on Facebook, and some provide a suggestion to provide your camera settings for any photos you uploaded. Things like aperture, shutter speed and ISO, for instance. And while it can certainly be interesting to see these settings and see what they can do in certain situations, they don't matter in the long run. Settings Won't Help to Recreate a Photograph Unless you're shooting in a studio with no windows and can control the environment completely, settings won't be the end-all to recreating a … [Read more...] about Knowing the Camera Settings for a Photo Isn’t Really Important
Rediscovering a lens that I already owned
When packing for trips, I find myself seesawing between my Fuji X system and Nikon DSLRs. We do underwater, street, nature and landscape photography. Do I pack the Fuji X-Pro2, the crop sensor Nikon D500 and my old D800 or complicate things and buy the new Nikon D850? Earlier this winter, we were packing for street and winter nature and landscape photography in Japan. My wife and partner in Aperture Photo Arts is a die-hard Fuji shooter and between us, we have most of the Fuji X lenses and spare camera bodies. This was the logical … [Read more...] about Rediscovering a lens that I already owned
First Time Attendee? Getting the Most Out of the WPPI Experience
The time has finally come — the WPPI Conference + Expo is here! It's my first time attending the show, and I couldn't be more excited to check out the expo floor, some classes and to network with other photographers. As a first-time attendee, here's what I wanted to do to get the best out of my conference experience. Three Types of Classes There are loads of classes at WPPI. They're broken into three groups — platform classes, PLUS classes and master classes. Platform classes These are 90-minute sessions that don't require any … [Read more...] about First Time Attendee? Getting the Most Out of the WPPI Experience
A Lesson I Learned About Seeing Opportunities
(Vanelli's note: Michèle Grenier, a talented sports photographer based out of Quebec City, Canada, needed 75 hours of mentoring before she could complete her degree in photography. After meeting her at Photoshop World a year earlier, she called to ask me if I could be her mentor—I’m based out of the East Coast of Florida. Honored, I said yes and, when she arrived, we dove into a 13-hour day of learning and shooting. To help reinforce her learning, I asked her to gather her thoughts and write a few “How I Got the Shot:" articles. Here’s what she … [Read more...] about A Lesson I Learned About Seeing Opportunities
4 Good Reasons You Should Attend WPPI
The chances are that you haven't ever attended a photography tradeshow, and I think you're missing out on several good opportunities. I think this is my 9th WPPI, and I wouldn't even consider not going. Not only do you get to go to Las Vegas, which is a terrific break from winter weather and a marvelous place to explore the mountainous desert (not to mention the sites and flavors the Strip has to offer), but you'll also get a multi-faceted education that can't be replicated. Here's some of what you get by attending this sort of thing in-person … [Read more...] about 4 Good Reasons You Should Attend WPPI
The Infocus Interview Podcast | Photofocus Podcast January 19th 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-infocus-interview-podcast-photofocus-podcast-january-19th-2018 Remember to check out our great sponsors including TruLife acrylic face mounted prints. Today's episode, Levi sits down with Sharky James. They talk about their photographer heroes, the industry and more including how he got started in the industry. Then a fun round table with Pamela Berry, Levi Sim, Bobbi Lane and Kevin Ames as they discuss 2018 trends, goals and tradeshows for the upcoming year. Get the show … [Read more...] about The Infocus Interview Podcast | Photofocus Podcast January 19th 2018
Is Baiting Wild Birds For Photography Ethical?
Editor's Note: This is a guest post from Cathy Seaver, a commercial photographer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She works primarily for Cull Group shooting product, corporate headshots, and other client needs. In her off time, Cathy enjoys getting out into nature to shoot what she sees around her. She is also an avid horseback rider, enjoying her time in the saddle on trails and playing around with a bit of dressage. Check out her work on Instagram. In November I came across an activity I hadn’t encountered before. While I wasn’t entirely … [Read more...] about Is Baiting Wild Birds For Photography Ethical?
Be honest and upfront on your work
If you don’t know how to shoot something, don’t do it and expect to be paid. Be honest and upfront. Okay, there’s more to it of course. If you want to learn how to do something, absolutely learn it. However, if you take a paying job and you are in WAY over your head, it's probably not the smartest thing to do. I was inspired by a post that commercial photographer had vented about on social media. Someone had contacted him and wanted a step by step detailed guide on shooting a commissioned piece that this photographer had no business accepting … [Read more...] about Be honest and upfront on your work
Choosing the Right Paper for the Right Photo
Having more options when selecting photo paper is great, but it can also get confusing. Here’s how to select the right paper based on the photo you plan to print and display. E-surface paper E-surface paper—also called luster, satin, pearl, and sometimes semi-gloss—is a premium finish on a heavier paper. It’s normally the number one choice for photographers. It boasts accurate color, realistic saturation, excellent neutral flesh reproduction, and great intensity. It offers brighter blues, cyans, purples, and reds with the finger-resistant … [Read more...] about Choosing the Right Paper for the Right Photo
Wedding and Portrait Editing Survey (Plus Free eBook)
We'd like to better understand your needs when editing portraits and wedding images. We're helping to design some new presets as well as software features and we'd like to know what you want. The survey can be taken here — https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/weddingphoto All folks who take the survey get a free copy of Scott Bourne's 72 Essays on Photography eBook (worth $9.99). You'll find the link at the top of the survey right below the title. You can also enter to win a $50 B&H Gift Card. Please take 3 minutes and share your … [Read more...] about Wedding and Portrait Editing Survey (Plus Free eBook)
Should You Update to Adobe Lightroom “Classic”?
A few weeks ago during Adobe Max 2018 some major updates were announced for the Adobe CC plans. While all of them were pretty exciting and amazing, (in theory), photographers were left pretty confused. The big question most of us had, was "What's up with this CC vs Classic thing for Lightroom?" and the more important one, "Should I upgrade/replace my currently Lightroom with the updated "Classic" and CC versions?" Making Sense of it All Well, to answer the specifics about Lightroom CC and Classic, I'll refer you to a few articles. What's … [Read more...] about Should You Update to Adobe Lightroom “Classic”?
Will the New Adobe Lightroom CC Make it in My Workflow?
Adobe just launched two new versions of Lightroom: Lightroom Classic CC—the Lightroom we’ve all come to know—and a new product called Lightroom CC. Sound confusing? Well, yeah, it is; but here’s how you can decide if the new..errrr.. newer version Lightroom CC will make it in your workflow. Let’s get the names straight New Coke, Coke Classic... What??? Remember when Coca-Cola tried to introduce a reformulated Coca-Cola? Yeah, that firestorm ended with the return of the original formula—now called Coca-Cola classic—a few months later. I love … [Read more...] about Will the New Adobe Lightroom CC Make it in My Workflow?
QOTW: How Big Is Your Photo Library?
With Adobe's decision to make Lightroom CC cloud-based (and to require that ALL your photos go to the Cloud) we wanted to check how big your photo library is. Please choose from one of the answers below so we can better understand your storage needs. photo by ohsuriya & Adobe Stock. … [Read more...] about QOTW: How Big Is Your Photo Library?
5 Excuses for Not Buying a RAID Backup
Imagine losing every image you have ever taken of your child, your wife, a family member that has passed away, that beautiful sunset in Hawaii, all of your client’s images...you get the point. Are you feeling sick to your stomach, especially knowing it could have been prevented? The good news, it’s not too late. If you have more than 6TB of data, you need to invest in a RAID backup. Here are 5 common excuse people make for not buying a RAID Backup and 5 solutions to help you make the right choice. 1. I Don't Understand Why I Need a RAID … [Read more...] about 5 Excuses for Not Buying a RAID Backup
QOTW: What application do you use to organize your photos?
image by johnnychaos and Adobe Stock We'd like to better understand how you work. This helps us create more tutorials to help you out. The question this week is about digital asset management, also known as your photo library. … [Read more...] about QOTW: What application do you use to organize your photos?
QOTW: How many lenses do you shoot with?
image by monticellllo and Adobe Stock We'd like to know more about you and your photography habits. This helps us better create content to help you. We'd like to know how many lenses do you actually use on a regular basis (not how many are collecting dust on a shelf). What's your shooting style, travel light or be prepared? … [Read more...] about QOTW: How many lenses do you shoot with?
QOTW: How Much Time Editing?
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?
A Photographer’s Take On iPhone X And iPhone 8
Apple has done it again: they've created new phones with significantly different features and some of the changes include new cameras and software cheats for "better" pictures. I've watched the Keynote and read the press releases, and here are my impressions of the new iPhone X and iPhone 8/8+. First of All... In the Keynote they said that these new camera phones will help you make better pictures, but I take issue with that statement. These new phones will provide better image quality than ever before from a super tiny camera that is really … [Read more...] about A Photographer’s Take On iPhone X And iPhone 8
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?
Moving into 360-Degree Cameras
Camera technology is constantly changing and it's about to the point where we're wondering. . . What do we want next? We have ultra-high megapixel digital cameras like the Canon 5Ds R and the Pentax 645z medium format camera, amazing low light cameras like the Sony A7s Mark II, great action sports and underwater cameras with the GoPro Hero 5, high frame rate cameras like the Nikon D5 and Canon 1Dx Mark II... the list can go on and on. More of what we're seeing now comes in the form of one body, multiple functions. Stills cameras that shoot … [Read more...] about Moving into 360-Degree Cameras
New Gear, Need it? or Want it?
First, let me admit that I am a gear hoarder. I have whatever I could possibly want in cameras, lenses, grip and lighting. When an idea hits, the gear to make it into a photograph is right at hand. Here's the thing. I am beginning to believe that a simple kit is a better kit. I remember back to a time when I didn't have everything I wanted or needed to make a photograph. I made it anyway. How? I improvised. It made me a better problem solver. Do I still solve problems? Sure. Since I have every thing I need and more problem solving is quicker. … [Read more...] about New Gear, Need it? or Want it?
