Would you like to take a trip? In our new series on travel photography we'll explore the beautiful country of Costa Rica. We'll use this scenic Central American country to illustrate many types of photography as well as share lessons learned. This full course is also available on lynda.com and you can subscribe to watch the entire thing on their site. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOBSVitX6L0&feature=youtu.be A lot of photographers I know get nervous about traveling, particularly if they're traveling with their family. My family … [Read more...] about Exploring Travel Photography: Health& Safety (CR04)
Shooting
Start documenting daily life as inspiration
I know many photographers (pros and amateurs alike) who need a special occasion like a vacation, a wedding or a sports event to take their camera out in their free time. When I ask them "why only for big occasions?", I often get the reply that every day life is not interesting enough… This is where photography meets psychology. It is in our nature to not be aware of our daily routine as it appears that it’ll always be there and that it is not important enough for us. The funny thing is that i.e. in 10 or 20 years time those few ordinary … [Read more...] about Start documenting daily life as inspiration
Do you love photography more than good food?
This morning I woke up and had to share this with you right away. If you love photography more than you love good food then you're going to love this. There's a FREE 3-part photography training series that starts today, May24th, 2016 and ends the day after Labor Day. It's not every day we get to learn something valuable and free without putting in a lot of time and effort. I've personally been to five different seminars and workshops this year already and for each one, I had to fly, stay in a hotel, and eat out for every meal. The FREE … [Read more...] about Do you love photography more than good food?
Exploring Travel Photography: Mixing Photographic Styles (CR03)
Would you like to take a trip? In our new series on travel photography we'll explore the beautiful country of Costa Rica. We'll use this scenic Central American country to illustrate many types of photography as well as share lessons learned. This full course is also available on lynda.com and you can subscribe to watch the entire thing on their site. https://youtu.be/bHQWXe-7BOA Because you're going to be traveling from very low points, all the way down to ocean level. To very high points where you're up in the mountains. This is … [Read more...] about Exploring Travel Photography: Mixing Photographic Styles (CR03)
Blurred Las Vegas Cityscape – Slight HDR Effect with Photomatix Pro
This past March, I found myself in Las Vegas for WPPI. On Monday night, the Photofocus crew led a photo walk. It was a perfect opportunity to practice blurring the vehicle lights as they drove past us. Setting Up the Shot When I spot a vantage point that interests me, I tend to have trouble staying with the group. Such was the case that evening when I crossed an overpass bridge, and found a lovely location that allowed me a clear view of the traffic flowing along the street below me, surrounded by lit buildings. The angle and height seemed … [Read more...] about Blurred Las Vegas Cityscape – Slight HDR Effect with Photomatix Pro
Exploring Travel Photography: Essential Items to Pack for Costa Rica (CR02)
Would you like to take a trip? In our new series on travel photography we'll explore the beautiful country of Costa Rica. We'll use this scenic Central American country to illustrate many types of photography as well as share lessons learned. This full course is also available on lynda.com and you can subscribe to watch the entire thing on their site. https://youtu.be/tl-U-vdxpbU We've established that Costa Rica is a tropical and a sub-tropical environment. This means you need to be prepared for a lot of different types of … [Read more...] about Exploring Travel Photography: Essential Items to Pack for Costa Rica (CR02)
With Portraits, It’s Not About You
I consider portraits my main photography genre. One thing I’ve come to notice is that no matter how great a photo I technically produce, the client will only be pleased if I’m able to authentically create their image in a way that is personally pleasing to them. It’s the human condition: most of us are dealing with decades of complex, personal “issues”. I believe it’s our job to take that into account when we are creating portraits for our clients. This can be as simple as a gentleman not liking the wrinkles around his eyes, or as complex as … [Read more...] about With Portraits, It’s Not About You
Exploring Travel Photography: Planning for a Photo Trip in Costa Rica (CR01)
Would you like to take a trip? In our new series on travel photography we'll explore the beautiful country of Costa Rica. We'll use this scenic Central American country to illustrate many types of photography as well as share lessons learned. This full course is also available on lynda.com and you can subscribe to watch the entire thing on their site. https://youtu.be/gLKfm3rzB88 We're gonna take a photographic safari and explore the country, but it's not just about seeing the country, it's gonna be a chance to learn tons of techniques … [Read more...] about Exploring Travel Photography: Planning for a Photo Trip in Costa Rica (CR01)
Instant Replay: Creating Awesome Panoramic Photography (with Rich Harrington)
In this free webinar, you'll learn the essential skills to create awesome looking panoramic photos. Join Photofocus editor Rich Harrington as he shows you how to shoot Panoramic images the right way. Rich demonstrates how to shoot panos without a tripod, how to use a tripod for panos, and what tools you might want to invest in. Rich will also demonstrate the most streamlined post production. You'll learn how to assemble panoramic photos with either Lightroom or Photoshop. We'll cover how to straighten your horizon and clone out gaps and … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Creating Awesome Panoramic Photography (with Rich Harrington)
Changing Your POV/Position Makes Photos More Interesting
SUBTITLE - The 15 Minute Rule This is a short post aimed at getting you to consider something few photographers do these days - changing up your shooting position when you’re in the field, and doing it on a regular basis. Changing your position gives you different compositions to choose from when you are selecting your favorites. While I developed this policy while photographing birds, it may apply to all sorts of photographic genres so give it a look and see if it makes sense for the kind of photography you do. When I am out … [Read more...] about Changing Your POV/Position Makes Photos More Interesting
InFocus Interview Show April 21st, 2016
This weeks Photofocus Podcast for the Photofocus InFocus Interview Series. This show Pamela sits down with Commercial Photographer Clay Cook as he discusses his path to photography and how working non profit has changed both his professional personal life. Then we find Chamira who interviews Ryan Grove from 17hats with inspiration on how creative professionals can find a balance in doing the business side while still having that passion and love for what brought you in the world of creativity in the first … [Read more...] about InFocus Interview Show April 21st, 2016
A Simple Lesson In How Light Direction & Background Can Make Or Break A Photograph
I was at one of the most beautiful places of its kind in America - Green Cay Wetlands last week. Green Cay is in Delray Beach, FL, and it’s open nearly every day from sun up to sun down and it’s free! Green Cay’s absolutely one of my favorite places to visit with or without a camera. It’s very peaceful and on any given day you will see not only 25 species of birds, but also snakes, alligators, insects, flowers, butterflies, rabbits, raccoons and more. Of course for me the attraction would be the birds. The wetlands are a water reclamation … [Read more...] about A Simple Lesson In How Light Direction & Background Can Make Or Break A Photograph
Proper Long Lens Technique with Scott Bourne
I met up with Photofocus founder and wildlife photography expert Scott Bourne this past week at the Viera Wetlands in Melbourne, Florida to photograph birds in flight. The weather was absolutely gorgeous (even at 6:30am in the morning). But getting up early was really worth it to photograph the birds at first light. Hey - Vanelli came too. While we were there, Scott wanted to share a video about the proper long lens technique when shooting a long lens on a tripod. Believe it or not, properly supporting the lens practically guarantees … [Read more...] about Proper Long Lens Technique with Scott Bourne
The Alligator Farm – The Easiest Place To Practice Bird Photography In The USA
(NOTE: All photos accompanying this post were made the first week of April at the Alligator Farm) I just finished three days of photography at the Alligator Farm. It is located on Anastasia Island near St. Augustine, Florida. I have been here several times, but this was the earliest in the season I have visited. While not yet prime time, there were still many great chances to make killer bird shots and it remains one of my favorite avian photo locations in the country. Anywhere from the first week of April to the last week of May you will … [Read more...] about The Alligator Farm – The Easiest Place To Practice Bird Photography In The USA
Tips for Using Telephoto Lenses
Birding is one of the most popular hobbies in the world (almost as popular as photography), and when I was a park ranger I learned two tips from birders which help me be more efficient using my telephoto lenses. I use these tips every time I use a long lens, whether I’m photographing birds, sports, or flowers. Look then Lift Birders use this technique to help them find a subject with binoculars. The trouble is, it's easy to lose the bird's position when switching from the wide view of your eyes to the much tighter view in binoculars--which … [Read more...] about Tips for Using Telephoto Lenses
One Must Have Lighting Tool: Diffuser
I’m a snob about lighting, which means I won’t make a picture if the light isn’t good enough. When I have the opportunity to influence the light on my subjects, the one tool I use most frequently is the diffuser, or scrim, from my 5-in-1 reflector kit. It’s extremely inexpensive, and does a fine job of softening and redirecting the light on my subjects. What’s It Do? A diffuser makes a small light into a big light and that makes it softer and more flattering for every subject. The sun is a tiny little light in the sky, but when it shines … [Read more...] about One Must Have Lighting Tool: Diffuser
Instant Replay: Making Compelling Wildlife Photographs with Scott Bourne
In this webinar, Scott Bourne will share secrets and practical advice that went into the making of some of his favorite and best-known images. He'll discuss both shooting and postproduction techniques that make his images stand out above the rest. Scott will also show how he's using Perfectly Clear to enhance his images to improve contrast and clarity while removing noise. Click here to download Scott's entire slide presentation. https://youtu.be/xwDjxmhzIgI?t=2m56s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Making Compelling Wildlife Photographs with Scott Bourne
3 Tips for Great Pet Photography
After a long week at WPPI in Las Vegas, I joined fellow Photofocus author Mykii Liu, David Crewe and my new friend, Hair and Makeup artist, Dinah Raphaelle, for Korean Barbecue. I was exhausted from the week, plus we had just finished a 4-hour shoot. I wanted to go back to the hotel and rest; but they insisted I join them. I sat down to a full table of Mykii’s friends. We made our introductions and began to eat. During small talk, I found out the man sitting next to me, Darcy Evans, was a pet photographer. I have to admit, I found it odd a pet … [Read more...] about 3 Tips for Great Pet Photography
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
Find Great Light on the Edge
Tony Corbel, a true master of lighting, taught me to practice seeing great light everywhere I go, and the more I look the more I find it. One place I always find a good patch of portrait light is right at the edge of bright sunlight. In this first picture, Brad is facing a large floor to ceiling window with bright sunlight shining directly in. If he stands in the full sunlight, there will be too much contrast in the light and dark sides of his face. He’ll have deep shadows under his brow, and the dark side of his face will be far darker than … [Read more...] about Find Great Light on the Edge
Timelapsing Car Streaks at Night
Timelapses are really cool ways to show time progression and I love to create one or two in every city I travel to. Over the summer, I had a short stay at the Westin Buckhead in Atlanta and shot a really cool timelapse of car streaks outside the hotel. It didn't take long and was a lot of fun to produce. https://youtu.be/N7NwnYawroQ What You'll Need Camera with a wide-angle lens Intervalometer (Unless your camera has one built in. I like TriggerTrap) Tripod Extra batteries Step One - Find a great location Just like with an … [Read more...] about Timelapsing Car Streaks at Night
Preparing For That Next Big Photo Trip – Constraints
I’m heading out to the east coast of Florida to photograph wading birds and if I am lucky a few raptors. It’s a fairly long trip with lots of things on my to-do list. I could write a post about gear checklists, and travel arrangements, but I’d rather cover something else. When I am about to go on a big photo trip I try to develop what I call a constraints checklist. What are my goals for the trip? What photographs do I hope to bring back? What subjects or locations or conditions am I in search of? What places or gear or subjects can I skip … [Read more...] about Preparing For That Next Big Photo Trip – Constraints
The 411 on Lens Hoods
I often see photographers misusing an important piece of gear, and it's one of the simplest tools in your bag. Many lenses come with a lens hood, and right now I'll show you why you have it and why you should be using it. What's It Do? The lens hood is intended to keep the sun from shining into the front of your lens, and ruining your pictures. Not that it'll keep the sun from shining in if you point it at the sun, but it keeps the sun from shining across the front of the lens and reducing contrast. These two pictures are taken straight … [Read more...] about The 411 on Lens Hoods
Light Stand Basics Part 2
In my previous post, Light Stand Basics Part 1, I gave you some safety tips and jargon to get you started working with light stands. A light stand is one of the only things you can buy that will actually make your photography better. Getting consistent results from your light requires keeping it the same distance from your subject from shot to shot, and even my best assistants can't keep the light in place for more than a few minutes without tiring. Use a light stand to make better pictures. There are many stands to choose from and they vary … [Read more...] about Light Stand Basics Part 2
Light Stand Basics Part 1
After a camera and a tripod, a light stand is the one piece of equipment I use more than anything else. For a long time (too long) I used assistants (like my wife) to hold lights and reflectors for portraits and product photography. Once I started using light stands, I had much better results because the light wouldn't change from shot to shot. I was able to work with my subjects to acheive more subtlety because I could trust that there face was the only variable, as in the photograph above. I highly recommend you use light stands, so I'll show … [Read more...] about Light Stand Basics Part 1
Focus On Your Subject By Using Layers
There are many ways that we, as photographers, bring focus to the subjects of our photos. We use light and shadow, composition, and focal points. One of my favorite ways of bringing focus to my subjects that isn't one of those options is to layer found elements of the environment. Layers can be created from all sorts of things. An easy layer in the spring and summer are flowers. In the photo on the right, I lowered the height of the couple by asking them to sit. What this does is immerse them in the flowers and the beautiful yellow hue … [Read more...] about Focus On Your Subject By Using Layers
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
Modifying Speedlights & Magmod
Making great light is essential to making great portraits. And I mean that: you've got to make great light. You can find a good source of available light, but I've rarely seen any available light that couldn't be made better, either with reflectors and flags or by adding light somewhere with a flash. When you need to use a flash, you also need to modify the light coming out of it, and my favorite new modifier for small flash is the Magmod system. Let me share a few ideas about modifying light, and why I like Magmod. Why Modify? Modifying … [Read more...] about Modifying Speedlights & Magmod
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
Close-Up with a Tilt Lens: Lensbaby Edge 50 Mini Review
I really enjoy close-up photography, so when my daughter had a dance recital recently, I had ulterior motives for buying her a bouquet of flowers. Right after she was in bed, I set about photographing her flowers. In this case, I wanted to put a new lens through its paces, and this lens is uniquely qualified to photograph closeups of tulips. The Lensbaby Edge 50 is both marvelous as a closeup lens, and its tilt feature makes it ideal for focussing on long things and maintaining sharp focus. The Edge 50 Optic Firstly, the lens is a marvel. It's … [Read more...] about Close-Up with a Tilt Lens: Lensbaby Edge 50 Mini Review
