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?
Opinion
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?
Photography Marketing: Studio Management and CRM Tools are Key to Success
As photographers, we're responsible for a lot of things beyond just showing up and photographing. There's editing, setting up meetings, bookkeeping, scheduling our time...the list is endless. Needless to say, it was long overdue earlier this year when I finally decided to investigate studio management and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. What is a CRM? Simply put, a CRM is an application that allows you to keep track of all your clients' information. You can create contacts, companies, notes and record deals. For photography, … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Studio Management and CRM Tools are Key to Success
Question of the Week: What Parts of Photography Do You find Hard?
It's that time... time to vote. We ask a question of you the reader so we know what sort of content to produce more of. Your input helps us make Photofocus better. … [Read more...] about Question of the Week: What Parts of Photography Do You find Hard?
Your Photos Become Their Memories
I've been a photographer since college. First, as a hobbyist, taking photos of my friends on my point-and-shoot Canon camera, to remember the memories we were making. It wasn't until about seven years later that I bought my first DSLR. And this opened up a whole new world for me, leading to my first professional DSLR, photographing for clients part-time, and eventually making the jump full-time as a professional photographer. It's important to realize your purpose as a photographer. I've written about the importance of looking back, and … [Read more...] about Your Photos Become Their Memories
Question of the Week: Why Haven’t You Turned Professional?
We're looking to write some business articles to help you, but we need to know what's holding you back. Please take this one question survey. If you can't see the poll, click here. Comments welcome for other reasons. http://polldaddy.com/poll/9669127/ … [Read more...] about Question of the Week: Why Haven’t You Turned Professional?
My WPPI 2017 Experience
You may have heard there’s a little photography convention in Vegas every year. Over ten thousand photographers (mostly of the wedding and portrait variety) gather along with every possible associated vendor for the annual WPPI convention. Just the scale alone of the event is impressive. If you want some new inspiration or to further your understanding of the industry and it’s latest trends, WPPI is where you want to be. This was my second year attending the conference and I thought I’d share my personal take on the event. Previously held in … [Read more...] about My WPPI 2017 Experience
Good Riddance, Flickr
It's no surprise that over the past couple years, Flickr has had lots of ups and downs. Back in the day, Flickr was the social site to use to view and interact with photographs. But since its sale to Yahoo!, things have gone downhill. With its drastic relaunch in 2013, shutdown of the Flickr marketplace, it's CEO proclaiming there's no need for "pro" photographers and continuous tweaking interface and other features, lately Flickr seems to always have one step on the wrong side of death's door. With Yahoo!'s impending sale to Verizon, Flickr … [Read more...] about Good Riddance, Flickr
A Portrait Photographer’s Highest Responsibility
Weddings. Engagements. Pregnancies. Graduations. Professional portrait photographers are often invited into people’s lives at very special moments. Memorable moments. Moments of transition and transformation. As a headshot photographer, often my clients are involved in career transitions. Some are getting new headshots to mark a promotion. Others are launching a solo practice. It’s an honor to be part of these major turning points in a client’s life and career. Most of these occasions are happy. Sure, they can also be a bit stressful — … [Read more...] about A Portrait Photographer’s Highest Responsibility
How Much Speed Does a Photographer Need
It's the age old question since we've started to shoot digital. How can I make my workflow faster? More efficient? Or more importantly, how can I get more free time and peace of mind? Well, here's where I hopefully can help out a little. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the DROBO 5D with a couple of Seagate 2TB SATA HDD's to do some long term testing for my photo and video production workflow...and the short answer to the question? As much as we can get our hands on! The Nitty Gritty / Tech Details The Drobo 5D is a USB3 and Dual … [Read more...] about How Much Speed Does a Photographer Need
The Power and Importance of Looking Back
Some of you may have seen earlier this week the previously-censored photos taken by Dorthea Lange, who photographed the Japanese concentration camps run by the United States during World War II. This got me to thinking, so I started to look back on some of my past photographs. I usually go back and look at the photos I’ve taken at the end of every year, for evaluation purposes. I learn a lot, and it helps me plan what I need to work on for the next year. It also helps me re-live my favorite moments of the year. But seeing Lange’s photo … [Read more...] about The Power and Importance of Looking Back
JPEGmini – Secret Weapon of The Photographer on the Move!
Pretty much everyone reading this is all too familiar with JPEG's and the creation of large, small, printable, social media sized, etc images for clients. If you're like me and tend to shoot a fair number of weddings and events with LARGE, (sometimes obscenely so), catalogs of images, the delivery of these files to your clients can often be an absolute nightmare. Sharing online takes forever to upload and download....sometimes they want them on a Hard Drive or Thumb Drives and you just can't fit everything. Compile that with YOUR personal … [Read more...] about JPEGmini – Secret Weapon of The Photographer on the Move!
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast December 1, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-december-1-2016 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. In this renewed, reinvigorated episode of The Mind Your Own Business Podcast, Scott Bourne and guest co-host Chamira Young discuss the most common myths about running a photography business. Specific topics of discussion include the following MYTHS: When you decide to go pro, all you'll be doing is taking photos. You have to be cheaper than … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast December 1, 2016
Reason Number 172,360 Why Photographers Should Make Prints
Over and over throughout my time here at Photofocus, in various forms, and in various ways, I’ve expressed my deeply held opinion that photographers should print. Making a print is the final leg of a photographic journey that may start with nothing more than an idea or even a dream. This journey includes time spent acquiring gear and more importantly, learning how to use it. Then a subject comes to mind or a scene or a setting. Travel may be involved along with planning and strategy. The moment of capture may require multiple tries (as it did … [Read more...] about Reason Number 172,360 Why Photographers Should Make Prints
Your Brand: How Do You Attract the High-End Client?
This is a guest post by wedding cinematographer Ray Roman, but it applies to all photographers. If you could make the same income, or more than youre making now, working two events a month, would you? I don't know any photographers or cinematographers who would say no to that offer. Yet across the industry, our colleagues are selling themselves short every time they fail to book high-end, big-budget events. By shifting your focus to high-end branding, you can land more exclusive clients and raise both your revenue and your … [Read more...] about Your Brand: How Do You Attract the High-End Client?
How Cameras With Articulating Touch Screens Are Like Microwave Ovens & Fax Machines
WARNING: As an old guy I will be referencing ancient technologies like microwaves and faxes - proceed at your own risk. Believe it or not I just had an epiphany. I came to realize that I love touch screens. I also love flip out screens. Why is this a big deal? Well for years I looked at cameras with flip screens and touch screens as unnecessary. I couldn’t understand the appeal of either. Then I did something radical. I purchased a camera that had not only a flip out screen, but a touch screen. I am now totally hooked on using both those … [Read more...] about How Cameras With Articulating Touch Screens Are Like Microwave Ovens & Fax Machines
PEOPLE! Stop Fearing the New iPhone!
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!
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
