Spring is in the air and depending upon where you are the bloom has begun or will be coming your way soon with the April showers. (or snow in some cases!!) I’m going to share my kit for getting out and capturing the botanical blooms. And show you a couple of results. Camera and lens choices My camera of choice is the Lumix G9, a micro four-thirds camera. The quality, feature set and very important to me, lightweight, make it a great tool for hiking photography. Just for kicks I also carry a Lumix GX85 with an f/3.5 8mm fisheye lens. It’s … [Read more...] about Hiking gear for wildflower photography, part one
Gear
New software bricked my iMac — how my data backup system allowed me to recover
My iMac (Retina 5K 27”) completely crashed after installing DJI Pro Assistant software. Here’s how I recovered from the crash along with three important lessons everyone should take away from my experience. The cause I own a DJI Ronin S gimbal and use it with a variety of cameras for video work. One of my favorite DSLR video bodies is the Nikon D850. As many of you know, when you are shooting video with DSLR cameras, you generally focus manually by rotating the focus ring on the lens barrel. Trying to manually pull focus while on a gimbal … [Read more...] about New software bricked my iMac — how my data backup system allowed me to recover
Getting Samsung’s 860 QVO solid state hard drive is a no brainer
Samsung had released the 860 QVO SSD line in the end of 2018 as their entry level and most affordable SSD. Samsung has been a leader of solid state storage for almost a decade and has brought much of that technology down to a price range that everyone should jump on. I've got my hands on the 1TB model, the lowest capacity that Samsung makes alongside a 2TB and 4TB model. The QVO is currently only available with the SATA III interface, and I haven't heard of any plans to make it available in other interfaces, but I'd imagine that there would be … [Read more...] about Getting Samsung’s 860 QVO solid state hard drive is a no brainer
Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? My first photoshoot experience with the Olympus OM-D E-M1X
As I already mentioned in my very first article, that I am looking at upgrading my photography gear (my two Nikon D750 cameras). As this is a pretty expensive move, I am currently trying both the Sony a9 and Olympus OM-D E-M1X to see which one would best fit my sports photography needs. Now's the time to experiment with the new top-of-the-line micro four-thirds camera — the E-M1X. What I am looking for in my new partner I have specific needs regarding my sports photography. Above all, I need high ISO capabilities and great autofocus. Good … [Read more...] about Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? My first photoshoot experience with the Olympus OM-D E-M1X
What resolution monitor should you buy as a photographer — 1080p or 4K?
When it comes to monitor resolutions, there are really two monikers that are being thrown around today — 1080p and 4K. While 1080p screens look good for monitors that are smaller than 27", 4K tends to be what is recommended by the local Best Buy salesperson if you want a high resolution screen that is 27" or larger. I can't explain exactly why, but if I were to take a guess, I'd say it's because the marketing hype is all about 4K or they don't know any better. Dang marketing schemes. If you're looking to buy a monitor, I'd throw another option … [Read more...] about What resolution monitor should you buy as a photographer — 1080p or 4K?
Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? My first photoshoot experience with the Sony a9
As you might already know, I am seriously thinking about changing my DSLR gear in favor of mirrorless. Because it would require a very important investment — perhaps one of the biggest I could make as a photographer — I want to feel 100% confident about my decision. For review purposes, I've been loaned two camera bodies: The new micro four-thirds Olympus OM-D E-M1X and the full-frame Sony a9. This article reviews my first photoshoot experience with the latter. Our first date Cloudy sky, soft light coming through the window, this was the … [Read more...] about Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? My first photoshoot experience with the Sony a9
Sticking with old tech
My fellow Photofocus author Michèle Grenier has been writing about her experience of deciding to switch to mirrorless. During this time my trusty old Canon 6D decided it needed a break so the LCD screen stopped working. I thought I’d offer another take on the mirrorless vs. DSLR debate. Let me preface this by saying I am not a tech head/gear hound. I do not get all excited about the newest, latest and greatest cameras and/or gear. Not to say I don’t watch and pay attention to what’s out there, but I’ve never been one to go out and upgrade gear … [Read more...] about Sticking with old tech
Any occasion unique gift ideas for photographers
I've been looking for some great, yet inexpensive gift ideas for my photography-loving friends. But buying them equipment or gear is a little over my spending allowance. So if your camera lover has a fun sense of humor or loves all things photography, I've found some fun things that are bound to make any image capturer happy without breaking your budget. Floating Hand Grip for GoPro HERO cameras Fellow Photofocus writer Doug Dalton let me borrow one of these babies when I took an adventure to the island of Tonga. Your adventure junkie … [Read more...] about Any occasion unique gift ideas for photographers
Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? First hands-on with the Sony a9 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1X
This article follows "Are you considering switching your DSLR to mirrorless? I am." I just got two mirrorless bodies a couple of days ago. One from Sony and the other from Olympus. It's my first true mirrorless experience — I've been a Nikon user since the day I started doing photography. All the equipment that has been sent is loaned and I am not being paid for this review — it's important for me to mention that. My goal is to share my thoughts on my personal experience and highlight the strengths of both systems. I know conversations can get … [Read more...] about Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? First hands-on with the Sony a9 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1X
The Nikon Z6 for headshot photography
The mirrorless bug finally bit me. As a long time Nikon shooter, I was patiently waiting for the Z series. With a D4S and D850, I was interested to see how the Nikon Z6 could fit into my professional (and personal) workflow. As a corporate headshot photographer, I’m typically on location, in a conference room for the day or in my studio for individual sessions. Headshots on location For the volume corporate headshot jobs, the D4S is still my favorite tool. It will sit there all day, ready for action in a fraction of a second. I love that it … [Read more...] about The Nikon Z6 for headshot photography
First Look: Alter Rapid Filter System
As someone who really enjoys photographing landscapes, I often use Neutral Density (ND) filters. And as much as I love using those filters, it's a pain to have to screw them on and off, over and over again. Enter the Alter Rapid Filter System, an upcoming product that I was able to check out during WPPI. While the company didn't exhibit at the expo, co-founder Joshua Kasumovic and content creator & marketing specialist Kyle Broxterman met with me and fellow Photofocus author Levi Sim for a quick demo of their product. What it is Think … [Read more...] about First Look: Alter Rapid Filter System
Keeping your photography equipment safe around sand and salt water
Beaches and coastal waters provide some of the best opportunities for nature photography, from wildlife to scenery, but sand and salt are probably two of the worst substances for your photography gear. Sand can scratch lenses, jam up tripods and focusing rings, and find its way into every nook and cranny in your gear. Saltwater can be death for electronics. While the extreme way to handle sand and salt is to avoid shooting in areas where they occur, doing this limits you from shooting in some great locations. Carry a paint brush In sandy … [Read more...] about Keeping your photography equipment safe around sand and salt water
Portrait Tips: Utilize graduated filters to finish your portraits
There I was, in a ghost town in the desert in Arizona, or Nevada — it was so remote it's hard to be sure — with a super-telephoto zoom lens, a model in a flowy dress and an empty highway. I just got so excited to lay down in the middle of the road that I forgot that the sky was totally bland. Now, a bland sky doesn't ruin a portrait, but it would have been nice if there were some huge monsoon thunderheads up there. I could use Luminar to combine this with another photo of puffy clouds and combine the two images (and maybe I will later), but I … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Utilize graduated filters to finish your portraits
Toy photography: Dealing with dust
One of the main issues with photographing toys is that everything gets magnified in scale. The smaller the toy, the bigger the world around the toy look. Small things become huge, and microscopic things become large. As you can imagine this makes small things like dust a big problem. A LEGO minifigure is 1:48 scale. This means that if you fill your frame with a minifig, everything else in that frame becomes 48 times bigger in comparison. A small spec of dust that would likely not even be noticed on a human model becomes massive at LEGO … [Read more...] about Toy photography: Dealing with dust
Talking the Travel Backpack 45L and Tech Pouch with Peak Design
My very first purchase of Peak Design gear was in 2011 when I came across its Capture Clip system on Kickstarter. I actually contacted the president of the company, Peter Dering, and asked him if I could take a prototype of the new product up a mountain I was climbing that same week. He said yes and overnighted me a prototype so I could test it out in the field. That started my long affiliation with their products. Since then, I’ve purchased quite a bit of their equipment including the Leash, Cuff, Slide, Pro Pad and newer versions of the … [Read more...] about Talking the Travel Backpack 45L and Tech Pouch with Peak Design
Elevate your light painting with Light Paint Brushes
I was first introduced to light painting about 10 years ago by my colleague and fellow author Levi Sim and I instantly became hooked! We were at an event for the local photographers club that he ran and it was getting dark. All of a sudden he just shouted out "let's light paint." He then proceeded to yell out these settings to put into our cameras. Now to give you an idea of how naive I was about the whole photography world, let alone light painting at the time, I had to borrow his tripod and have him change all my settings. But that's beside … [Read more...] about Elevate your light painting with Light Paint Brushes
First Look: Tenba Axis and Fulton camera bags
Like most photographers, I have a closet full of camera bags. My wife often asks me why I need so many and my simple answer is because each one serves a different purpose. I purchased a Tenba messenger bag quite a number of years ago because it specifically had two pockets on the front flap that held my wallet and my mobile phone. Since I frequently travel domestically and internationally, I wanted a camera bag that allowed my wallet and phone to be quickly accessible. Since then, I’ve closely followed Tenba’s products and recently talked to … [Read more...] about First Look: Tenba Axis and Fulton camera bags
Using v-flats to boost shadows for a promotional photoshoot
I recently was tasked with scheduling two photoshoots with our local public school district, where the photos would be used in the Student Advancement Association's annual gala (which I also photograph). The goal was simple. Show students, ages 5 to 18, doing things they would normally do throughout the school day. But the client wanted the photographs on a white background, for a clean and crisp look. This would also allow them to send the photos to a college design class, which wanted them cut out for the flyers, posters and brochures they … [Read more...] about Using v-flats to boost shadows for a promotional photoshoot
First Look: Tether Tools Onsite Power and Case Air Wireless Tethering System
Tether Tools is always working on creating new products aimed at making our photography more efficient. I met up with my Tether Tool friends at the 2019 WPPI show in Las Vegas and asked them show off two of their newest products. Check out our quick video interview below, then read on to learn a bit more about the ONsite Power System and the Case Air Wireless Tethering System. ONsite Power System This ingenious tool allows you to power your devices such as laptops, cameras, LED lights, tablets and phones in locations where there's no A/C … [Read more...] about First Look: Tether Tools Onsite Power and Case Air Wireless Tethering System
My move to mirrorless
Ever since Sony released their first full-frame mirrorless camera in 2013, I have been wanting to make the switch from DSLR to mirrorless. But I did not want to switch to Sony, for a handful of reasons. Some of which are: The camera is built on the Minolta system, which to me is a turnoff. (Here come the hater comments). You see, I used to work at a large camera warranty company and could see first hand how poorly made Minolta cameras were, how poorly made Sony cameras were. Yes, Sony has evolved over the years, and they’re much (much) … [Read more...] about My move to mirrorless
Daylight saving time: You changed your clocks, how about your camera?
Cameras have clocks in them. Today is the first day of Daylight Saving Time for 2019. I know you've already changed your clocks, so now is the time to pull out all of your cameras and set their date/time to Daylight Saving Time too. This only takes a minute to do. It saves a lot of confusion later especially if you are shooting an event with a second shooter. If you don't know how to do this check your camera's manual. Lost it? No problem. Google the manufacturer, model and include the word manual and you'll get a link to view it right in your … [Read more...] about Daylight saving time: You changed your clocks, how about your camera?
Kickflip laptop stand offers a better angle when working on-the-go
Recently at our Photofocus author’s retreat, this little gadget — the Kickflip laptop stand — caught the attention of my fellow authors. I thought I’d share a quick bit of information about it. A few years ago I was traveling with a friend and she had this on her laptop. After I saw hers, I had to get one of my own. It’s just a hinged strip of hard plastic that allows you to prop up the back of your laptop. It offers much better ergonomics and also allows for airflow underneath which prevents your laptop from getting warm. Features and … [Read more...] about Kickflip laptop stand offers a better angle when working on-the-go
Nikon Z6 first impressions
Before picking up the Nikon Z6, I had some doubts about the new Z system Nikon created. First and foremost is the elephant so obviously in the room. The single card slot that only accepts an XQD card, and soon a CFexpress card. Fortunately, CFexpress will make memory cards less expensive for the Z system. The new camera bodies also have a new lens mount to go with it. Which means you cannot use Nikon’s classic lens collection on the new bodies natively. Sure, they’ll work. But you have to use the Nikon FTZ adapter. That converts the F mount … [Read more...] about Nikon Z6 first impressions
BenQ impresses with professional monitors for wide array of budgets
As I begin to plan my next computer move later this year, I was excited to check out the BenQ booth at WPPI to see what they could offer. In addition to the SW271 monitor we've reviewed previously, BenQ offers several monitors geared toward professionals that can fit into any budget. BenQ debuted two new professional-grade monitors at the show — the 32-inch PD3220U and 27-inch PD2720U. Both monitors come with an upgrade color gamut that is compatible with DCI-P3 and Display P3. They also feature Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for Mac … [Read more...] about BenQ impresses with professional monitors for wide array of budgets
Three new bags from Think Tank Photo at WPPI 2019
Think Tank Photo is one of my favorite companies in the photo industry. They produce some of the best gear for carrying your photo equipment and I've been using their products since 2005 or 2006. Personally, I own the Airport Security, the Pro Modulus System (AKA Modular Components System) and a bunch of their organizer equipment. I met up with the Think Tank crew at this year's WPPI show in Las Vegas and asked them to show off their three newest products. Here's a video overview of the Retrospective V2, Vision series and the Stand Manager … [Read more...] about Three new bags from Think Tank Photo at WPPI 2019
2019 WPPI trade show interview: Fujifilm
https://youtu.be/01rTHDT8550?rel=0 The Photofocus team attended the 2019 WPPI Conference and had a chance to walk the trade show floor, attend classes and join in on photowalks. During a break, I met up with Fujifilm representative Michael Bulbenko and Hollywood photographer Mike Kubeisy to talk about how the super quiet mirrorless cameras are used on a production set. … [Read more...] about 2019 WPPI trade show interview: Fujifilm
2019 WPPI live trade show interview: Olympus
https://youtu.be/oDZ5EWGZDhk?rel=0 The Photofocus team attended the 2019 WPPI Conference and had a chance to walk the trade show floor, attend classes and join in on photowalks. During a break, I met up with both Olympus Associate Manager Technical, Public Relations Eric Gensel and Olympus Visionary Joe Edelman. We talked about the Visionary program and the benefits of going mirrorless. … [Read more...] about 2019 WPPI live trade show interview: Olympus
Wandrd offers modular solutions to a common problem
Every photographer needs a bag to carry their gear. Whether you choose to use a messenger bag, roller bag or backpack, carrying solutions are oftentimes uninspiring and more of a hassle than anything else. One of my goals at WPPI this year was to find a new backpack. I was happy with my messenger bag and roller bag, but my backpacks left something to be desired. Mind you, I’ve tried several backpacks, ranging from Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack to LowePro’s Flipside Trek. And while these all have their strengths, none of what I’ve used is … [Read more...] about Wandrd offers modular solutions to a common problem
Get your camera body’s sensor cleaned and checked for free at WPPI
Dust. It's annoying to clean off the shelves you have, but it's even more annoying to clean your own sensor. There are kits and tools to make it easier, although there isn't anything easier than handing your camera over to someone who works for your camera manufacturer — better yet, it is free if you're attending WPPI. I'd check with your manufacturer to see if they've got a presence at WPPI first and then see if they've got their cleaning booth up. I know for a fact that FujiFilm has their Check and Clean station that will gladly accept your … [Read more...] about Get your camera body’s sensor cleaned and checked for free at WPPI
2019 WPPI live trade show interview: Aircam
https://youtu.be/-QwPoeXuh_Q?rel=0 The Photofocus team has been attending the 2019 WPPI Conference and had a chance to walk the trade show floor, attend classes and join in on photo walks. In this video, I had a chance to talk with Aircam co-founder Evan Rufkin about a unique tool for event photographers. Imagine photographing an event and every image is accessible for the guest INSTANTLY on their smartphone. Watch the video to learn more. … [Read more...] about 2019 WPPI live trade show interview: Aircam
