I'm going to try to tone this down a little bit, as I've willingly participated in absolutely ridiculous and brainless conversations regarding the iPhone 7 with people. Everything from conspiracy theories like, planned obsolescence, to thoughts like "my life as a professional photographer is now doomed" have been made known to me. C'mon people. Really? I don't think anything has been as dramatic in politics, recent news, The Bachelor and other random TV shows lately... except for … [Read more...] about PEOPLE! Stop Fearing the New iPhone!
Opinion
Consolidating and Organizing with the Drobo 5D
I am one of those photographers that has been slow to cross over to a larger, more accommodating external storage system. I did figure out long ago the value of not keeping the bulk of my work on my desktop or laptop. I started out with a simple rugged 250GB external drive that I would swap between my two stations. That quickly filled up and led to the purchase of some 500GB drives and eventually a 1TB drive. I bought as I could afford or at least I hadn’t yet decided to really invest in a better system. I started to read about drive … [Read more...] about Consolidating and Organizing with the Drobo 5D
New Canon 5D Mark IV: Canon Announces New Features
Canon has announced the new 5D Mark IV, and it's got some terrific new features. Let's first take a look at the official launch video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z9089048wk What New Gear Was Announced Here's a list of all the new gear that was announced (it's already on sale too). Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera (Body Only) Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera with 24-105mm f/4L II Lens Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera with 24-70mm f/4L Lens Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip for EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM … [Read more...] about New Canon 5D Mark IV: Canon Announces New Features
Maybe I Was Wrong About The iPhone – Maybe Not
(The impact of the iPhone on Photography) Apple most likely has recently sold its billionth iPhone. That’s quite a business accomplishment. The iPhone is easily one of the bestselling tech products of all time. To put it in perspective, Apple also makes the bestselling tablet and music player and the Mac is among the top selling computers. Yet Apple has sold more iPhones than Macs, iPads and iPods combined, dating all the way back to 1993. I was the original iPhone fanboy. I used to produce a podcast called the Apple Phone Show and … [Read more...] about Maybe I Was Wrong About The iPhone – Maybe Not
Should I say “HDR” anymore?
I find myself using the term ‘HDR’ less and less every day. When I started as a panoramic photographer in 2002, I was continually frustrated because almost every 360º scene would have blown-out bright highlights or ‘blocked up’ shadows. Often I would have both of those extremes in the same scene because a camera can only capture so much dynamic range. Imagine being outside of a hotel where the sun is behind the building. The shadows are dark on the building, but I still need to capture the complete scene at a pool -- of course before crowds … [Read more...] about Should I say “HDR” anymore?
Becoming Polycamerous
Special thanks to Mrs. Pepper who encouraged me to click-and-tell, and share just a bit of humor. Soon after becoming a professional photographer, I was very lucky that Nikon agreed to my proposal of sponsorship. For many years I chose to remain committed to Nikon and have always been very happy doing so. It didn't hurt that, during those years, there were fewer fish in the sea compared to today. And even though Canon users attempted to seduce me into using Canon's also-attractive equipment, the attraction wasn't strong enough to divide … [Read more...] about Becoming Polycamerous
My Week At The Out Of Chicago Photo Conference
There seems to be a major photo conference, seminar, trade show, etc. every month these days and there are lots of opportunities to spend your photo workshop dollars on training. As a veteran of these events, as an attendee, a vendor and a speaker, I’ve pretty much seen it all. As you might expect, some of these events are better than others. Often it boils down to personal preference. Sometimes, an event stands out because it is SO good that people from very diverse backgrounds, age groups and interests universally agree that it was … [Read more...] about My Week At The Out Of Chicago Photo Conference
More to a Silhouette than Exposure
There are a few key elements that create a successful silhouette. I'll say it loud and proud. It is MORE than exposure. Yes, you meter for the sky, yes, that brings the blacks black, but there is so much more to it than that. I used to say, angle, separation, and exposure. But it is even more than that. You can nail the angle, shooting from down low, you can nail the exposure, and you can even get the separation, but if you aren't telling a story, or conveying an emotion, you're not getting it. There needs to be a story. There needs to … [Read more...] about More to a Silhouette than Exposure
Solution: Photoshop 2015-5 Missing Plugins
Adobe’s flagship Photoshop received a full version update, which makes the current version, Photoshop CC 2015-5, packed with lots of great features and a performance boost. There’s a lot to be excited about—except their warning about 3rd party plug-ins. Adobe made it clear with a warning message: VERY IMPORTANT – Photoshop CC 2015.5 is a full version upgrade. As such, you will need to install your 3rd party plug-ins for them to work with CC 2015.5. Reinstalling numerous plugins is a very tedious task. Adobe did note they have been working … [Read more...] about Solution: Photoshop 2015-5 Missing Plugins
Backup Your Operating System – Create a USB Recovery Drive
Here’s the disaster scenario: A hard drive, with your operating system, fails and needs to be replaced. You run to the store, pick up a new hard drive, return home, install it, turn your computer on and you’re greeted with “Operating System Cannot be found.” You look for your Windows or Mac installation DVD; but then you remember, who uses DVD’s anymore. In fact, what company nowadays still sends out installation disk? This is where creating a USB recovery drive of your operating system before the disaster strikes pays off. Creating a Bootable … [Read more...] about Backup Your Operating System – Create a USB Recovery Drive
Instagram Grids– Hot or Not?
Grids. Banners. Cubes. Whatever you call them. More and more companies and individuals have been jumping onto this trend since the Summer of 2015. The owners of these instagram accounts segment one photo into typically 3, 6, 9, 12+, square blocks and post them in a progressive order, typically by using some apps that make it pretty simple-- like Giant Square or Banner Pic. The result is a pretty interesting Instagram profile that can break down the feed into sections or just displays the photo in a unique way. Instagram has been changing a … [Read more...] about Instagram Grids– Hot or Not?
6 Reasons Not to Work Non-Destructively
I'm a big (huge) advocate of working non-destructively in Photoshop. To me it just makes sense to build Photoshop documents that take advantage of all the non-destructive methods that are available. But in case you're still not sure, here are my top reasons why you shouldn't work in a non-destructive manner. 1. You never change your mind If you always get things right the first time, and having a limited number of undos isn't a problem - then you should be fine. Just remember than once you close the document, the History panel won't help … [Read more...] about 6 Reasons Not to Work Non-Destructively
Look at this Instagram [Humor]
![Look at this Instagram [Humor]](https://photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/instagramhumor-384x216.jpg)
While many of you have figured out how to use Instagram effectively, not everyone is quite as sharp. Enjoy a little humor in the middle of your day. The pictures you want to remember. A song you want to forget. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn-dD-QKYN4 … [Read more...] about Look at this Instagram [Humor]
Question of the Week: Do you have an online portfolio?
It's that time of the week... we'd like to better understand how you showcase your photography. Please take our short survey about how you primarily shows your photos (the most important way to you). Survey can be taken here as well. http://polldaddy.com/poll/9418123/ … [Read more...] about Question of the Week: Do you have an online portfolio?
Using eBay to find deals on lenses
I found my copy of Canon's EF 20-35mm F/2.8 on eBay of all places, and while I don't typically sell on eBay, I'll buy like no other. People are worried about scams and not receiving items as described, but in my experience of buying upward towards 500 expensive items, I've only had issues with only about 5 items, all of which eBay's buyer protection had back. I've bought lenses, computers, cameras and all sorts of random things for photography (often finding that some stores like Adorama, Newegg and Best Buy, exist), as well as other household … [Read more...] about Using eBay to find deals on lenses
Always Elevate
In life, it’s always a struggle to find your “tribe”. The folks that you can count on, the ones you can share triumphs without being seen as gloating and the ones you can share failures without being judged. For whatever reason, creatives especially seem to have trouble with the concept of being open. Consequently, it makes finding that supportive tribe even more difficult. I’d like to call an end to this silliness and shout to the world the message that we are all stronger TOGETHER! It’s not a sign of weakness to talk about your latest … [Read more...] about Always Elevate
Need a Studio? Try a Rental First
I'm a full-time, year-round people photographer. That means that even on snowy and rainy days, I still need to make pictures for clients, which means I need a studio. I've owned three studio locations, and I loved having them. However, the downside is that even on the days I wasn't using the studio, I was still paying for it, and it's not a good idea to spend money on things you're not using. 3 Reasons to Rent Fortunately, most towns and cities have studio space available to rent. I highly recommend rental studios. Firstly, you can quickly … [Read more...] about Need a Studio? Try a Rental First
What to Look For At NAB 2016
It is that time of year again. NAB is just around the corner. My inbox and social media have already been flooded with official announcements and "unofficial" leaks. What am I excited to see on the show floor? There is a lot to cover, so let's dive in. Lytro Cinema — Lytro's light field cameras caused quite a stir in the photography community a while back. And, while the consumer market was not ready for the Illium, Lytro has not been idle. I knew they had VR projects in the pipeline, but I did not see Lytro Cinema coming. … [Read more...] about What to Look For At NAB 2016
Am I Making Art?
I grew up an “art kid.” I was always in love with art class. I took up drawing and painting at an early age. My parents always enrolled me in some sort of after school or summer art program. As I got older, I focused on every honors and advanced placement art class I could get. I was always fascinated with trying to capture my reality on paper. When I found photography in high school, it clicked as the best medium I had to capture what I was after. Shortly after discovering photography, I knew I wanted to be a photographer and so I sought out a … [Read more...] about Am I Making Art?
Website Critiques
Want to know a really simple way to improve your website? Ask a stranger for a critique! I was at an event where we were asked to write our web & email addresses down on a piece of paper and then we shuffled them around the room. Whoever you got, you had to answer two questions: Where is this site the strongest? Where is this site the weakest? The big key to this is the stranger. Often times, we self edit what we’re going to say to our friends.. Also, our friends know us, know our businesses, and can therefore mentally fill in the … [Read more...] about Website Critiques
Photographer of The Day: Ryan Katsanes
Category: Wedding Photographer: Ryan Katsanes I chose this image for Wedding Photo of The Day because I thought it was a great example of getting to know your clients. Weddings are not one size fits all, so why should the photography be one size fits all? Ryan obviously found out that baseball was something important to this couple and found a cute an fun way to incorporate it into their day. I'm willing to bet these clients loved this image and ended up using it for their thank you cards and/or purchasing an enlargement later. Catering … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Ryan Katsanes
You Don’t Have To
“When clients demand something, it’s mediocre at best. You don’t have to shoot it the way they want you to shoot it.” Ewan and Brianna Phelan (out of this world amazing boudoir photographers you can read about here) said this once at a seminar I was lucky enough to be present for and the statement really resonated with me. In wedding photography, we often get wrapped up in client requests that make us groan. Not only for the simple reason that they “saw it on Pinterest” and it’s blatant plagiarism to be copying the exact image, but from the … [Read more...] about You Don’t Have To
DJI’s Phantom 4: A Photographer’s Take
At least as much as anyone, I'm intrigued by drones. I've always wanted to be a pilot, I'm reading a book on the Wright Brothers right now, I fly every chance I get, and if I ever have a first born son, I'm torn between naming him Bernoulli or Orville. I'm crazy about flying, but I don't own a drone. However, the newest announcement from DJI certainly has me considering it more than I ever. I have three concerns that have kept me back from buying a drone, but the Phantom 4 seems to address them pretty well. 1. The Camera As much as I like … [Read more...] about DJI’s Phantom 4: A Photographer’s Take
Sony a6000 with Neewer Underwater Case
I use Sony a6000 as my primary underwater camera. It is 24.3MP so I can easily compose in editing. The kit lens is sharp and shoots wide. The Sony shoots in RAW, necessary for white balance and editing after the fact. It has very fast autofocus which can keep up with my subjects as well as three continuous shooting speeds. But, the primary reason I went with the a6000 over any other model was because I was able to purchase an underwater hard case for the camera for around $200. I selected the Neewer 40m/130ft Underwater Housing. Amazon also … [Read more...] about Sony a6000 with Neewer Underwater Case
Handling Difficult Family Members on Wedding Day
Let's be real. Weddings can be beyond challenging. There are enough things to worry about as a photographer (timelines always running behind, crummy lighting conditions, weather issues, creativity blocks) without having to worry about family members throwing yet another wrench into you plan A, B, C, D, or even plan E. Yet, throw wrenches they do! The sister bridesmaid that says "Oooh! I saw this cute photo on Pinterest where all the girls lined up in their robes. Oh we have to do that!" "Yeah!" cheer the other bridesmaids in the room. "That … [Read more...] about Handling Difficult Family Members on Wedding Day
Write Speeds – Memory Cards Are Not Created Equal
Most consumers don't know that there are differences between memory cards besides the obvious capacities and different formats that are available. There are several identifiers to know to help you choose the right memory card for the type of shooting that you do and that can be crucial since not all cards are created equally. Before going out and buying new cards on sale... 1. Consider this What type of photography do you do? If you're an action and sports photographer or even a videographer, having a memory card with a fast minimum write speed … [Read more...] about Write Speeds – Memory Cards Are Not Created Equal
Increase Mouse Accuracy in OSX
If you've ever switched from a PC to a Mac, there's no doubt that you've realized that moving the mouse just isn't the same-- like something doesn't feel right. I really noticed it when I was younger and played video games that needed precision, and maybe you have experienced it too. That sensation is called mouse acceleration-- basically the faster you move the mouse the less distance your hand has to travel to get from point A on the screen to point B and the slower you move, the more distance you have to move the mouse to get from point A … [Read more...] about Increase Mouse Accuracy in OSX
How to turn a Personal Project into a Book
I taught a workshop at the Horizon Summit in Delaware. The founder, Steve Gottlieb, and his new bride, Anne graciously offered me to stay in their home. Im glad I accepted the invitation. What started out with a cup of coffee around the breakfast table, ended with a wealth of knowledge from a man who stepped down from being a lawyer to pursue his passion for photography. I learned from our chats that Steve has a successful career as a commercial photographer; but it is his ability to limit himself and focus on projects that gained him … [Read more...] about How to turn a Personal Project into a Book
Knitting Your Own Props for Newborns
One of the genres of photography that is experiencing massive growth and demand is newborn photography. I'm sure at some point, you have seen a tiny baby wrapped up tightly in a piece of cloth, laying in a basket, or propped up onto their tiny hands while they sleep. There is a huge advantage to photographing babies considering more are born everyday, creating endless opportunity for clientele. Mothers are emotionally tied to the images created of their newborn, and will cherish those photos of their little one for the rest of their … [Read more...] about Knitting Your Own Props for Newborns
My First Impressions of the New Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
As a working professional who relies on Canon gear to run my business, I get excited when I wake up to news that there's a new flagship camera on the market. This morning, Canon dropped the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. While I am a self professed non-techie, I still felt obligated to check out the specs to see what they could mean for me: Price Point: Gulp. Let's face it. This camera is $6 grand ($5,999) and that's a lot of money for most of us. That's twice the price point of what (I would argue) are Canon's most popular pro cameras in the 5D … [Read more...] about My First Impressions of the New Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
