There are very few additions that you can make to your camera bag that spur your creativity as much as a Lensbaby lens does. I’ve bought my first Lensbaby for my full frame DSLR in 2006. Today, 10 years later I still enjoy using my (latest version for APS-C Fuji X-Mount) Lensbaby Composer Pro Sweet 35 lens. But the lens has really grown up compared to the early version from 2006. Instead of the flexible rubber tube that you had to manually turn and hold in place with your fingers, the new versions come with a flexible stepless locking … [Read more...] about Get creative with this lens – My quick Lensbaby Composer Pro review
Reviews
Black Magic Video Assist – First Look
Most cameras you can buy today are capable of good to great video recording. More and more photographers are branching into video - some because their clients demand it - and some because they just want to explore. I have shot my fair share of video using both dedicated video cameras and stills cameras capable of shooting HD video. One thing I have learned is that video is more complicated and you absolutely need more “stuff” to pull it off and pull it off well. Some of the “stuff” you buy ends up getting in the way but one thing I have … [Read more...] about Black Magic Video Assist – First Look
Platypod Pro Max – How to Make Any Camera Rock Solid (Without a Tripod)
Sure, most of us know that we’re supposed to use a tripod when making great photos. A stable camera means sharper photos and the ability to shoot in lower lighting levels without camera shake. Why Use a Tripod In my own photography, I often find that stability is essential. Of course it’s a must in my timelapse and video work, but it also comes in handy when shooting in lowlight. I also love long exposure photography, to drag the shutter and slow down motion. I also use HDR for my black and white as well as product photography, so … [Read more...] about Platypod Pro Max – How to Make Any Camera Rock Solid (Without a Tripod)
Photofocus Podcast May 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
On this episode of the Photofocus #Mirrorless Show Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: Marco returned from an assignment to Oslo and Copenhagen and instead of using train & plane, he traveled by cruise ship and shared a short photo essay that he captured with mirorless cameras. Leica launched the M-D (Type 262) digital rangefinder camera with no rear LCD screen. Scott and Marco discuss the pros and cons of the concept of this camera. Sony is one of the biggest image sensor manufacturers … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast May 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
Lens Review: Lensbaby Twist 60
This new Twist 60 lens from Lensbaby has my full attention right now. There are always new lenses boasting extreme sharpness or wide apertures or super telephoto, but Lensbaby steps aside from the sharper-faster-longer race and makes tools that actually help me be more creative. In short, it's a marvelous hunk of metal and glass, it's affordably priced, and I think you'll love it too. Keep reading for the reasons why. Petzval for the 21st Century Petzval was a scientist in the 1800's who created a new lens design, and it made big … [Read more...] about Lens Review: Lensbaby Twist 60
Canon 1DX MK II – First Hands On Look
This is NOT really a review. I have only had the Canon 1DX MK II for a few days and need to, as is my custom, try the camera out in my own real world shooting tests. So it will be a while before I do a full on review. But I have had enough time testing the camera to have a few first blush thoughts. First off, this is Canon’s flag-ship DSLR and it better be good. At roughly $6000 it’s one of the most expensive cameras on the market. As you would expect it is a heavy beast. Solidly built, it’s thick as a brick. Heck it is built like a tank. … [Read more...] about Canon 1DX MK II – First Hands On Look
TetherTools Case Relay Review and Tips for Lengthy Exposures
A few years ago, I had this crazy idea to shoot a five-hour exposure while I was camping near the Tetons in Wyoming. The major obstacle to making a picture like this is battery power. The whole time a long exposure is recording, the sensor is activated, the shutter is held open, and a DSLR's mirror is held up, all of which require power. What’s more, if you use the built-in 'long exposure noise reduction' setting, the camera will process the photo for the same amount of time that the shutter was open. That means if I started the picture before … [Read more...] about TetherTools Case Relay Review and Tips for Lengthy Exposures
Scott Bourne talks with Michael Tapes on how to get Sharper Images
A few weeks ago Photofocus founder Scott Bourne paid me a surprise visit. He made Viera Wetlands -- a popular site for birders, photographers, and eco-tourists-- one of his stops in Florida to capture some amazing bird photos. Not being a bird photographer, I wan't sure if I could keep up but Scott was a generous teacher and all of us on the shoot got good images. Not knowing much about the wetlands, I called my good friend Michael Tapes --inventor of LensAlign for advice. Michael is also a bird photographer. I asked him if he could take us … [Read more...] about Scott Bourne talks with Michael Tapes on how to get Sharper Images
Photofocus Podcast April 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
On this episode of the Photofocus #Mirrorless Show Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: Scott found some info that Canon may actually step up their game in the mirrorles segment. Marco gives a fairly thorough hands on review of the new Fujifilm X70 compact camera that he has been working with for a month now. He shares a lot of hands on experiences about what worked well and what does not work so well. And Marco gives some solid firmware improvement wishes that the Fujifilm marketing and product … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast April 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
Two Affordable, Small Camera Bags From Case Logic
(NOTE: See the product links below to find the actual product dimensions.) I’ve tried several bags from Case Logic and I am always surprised that more photographers aren’t familiar with this product line. While your experience with Case Logic might be confined to the small iPhone and other cases you see from them at places like Best Buy, they are actually quite serious about the camera market and their products are consistently of a much higher quality than the price would suggest. Take the new Reflexion DSLR Cross-Body Bags w/ … [Read more...] about Two Affordable, Small Camera Bags From Case Logic
A First look at DroboAccess
If you’ve got a network-attached Drobo like a 5N or a B810n, one of the biggest problems was accessing your data outside of your local network. Unless you run a separate server like I do, remote access wasn’t possible. Knowing that this has been an issue, Drobo is proud to announce DroboAccess which aims to simplify remote file access and file sharing. It’s essentially letting you create your own personal “cloud” with end-to-end encryption. To be fair, for years Synology has offered a Quick Connect website to log in and remotely access your … [Read more...] about A First look at DroboAccess
PRVKE Bag by WANDRD – A Stylish and Functional Adventurer Bag!
Back in October during PhotoPlus Expo I had the pleasure of meeting the founders of a new Bag Company that had just been funded on Kickstarter, WANDRD. The two adventurous brothers were displaying a prototype bag called the PRVKE (Provoke), and it caught my interest pretty freaking quick. At the time I had been coming from several months on the road traveling and shooting, and getting pretty frustrated with my bag selection. Albeit huge, I was still lacking in that perfect travel kit bag that fit all my gear, felt comfortable, and looked better … [Read more...] about PRVKE Bag by WANDRD – A Stylish and Functional Adventurer Bag!
Replacing A Sky with Adobe Photoshop Mix and Photoshop CC
Photoshop Mix is part of the Adobe CC mobile apps collection and allows you to make edits away from the desk. in this post I’ll be using Mix to replace a sky in an image; Opening an Image Because Photoshop Mix is part of the Creative Cloud I can access images from a variety of places. Tapping the + on the left opens up the image open choices; I’ve already Synchronised some collections from Lightroom, so I’ll head off and get an image from there by tapping on the Lightroom icon; There’s a collection called Demo Files, I’ll navigate … [Read more...] about Replacing A Sky with Adobe Photoshop Mix and Photoshop CC
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
Adobe Paint Can App Review
Richard Harrington recently shared a picture on social media that looked like a painting, and in the corner it read, "Created with Adobe Paint Can." I immediately downloaded this free app from the Apple App Store. Although it's only for iPad and iPhone, if you go buy an iPad for the sole purpose of using this app, it would be worth it. I've always wanted to learn to paint, and I've used many of the painting apps available. The Oil Paint Filter in Photoshop CS6 was a favorite, and I'm glad Adobe brought it back in CC2015. Topaz Lab's … [Read more...] about Adobe Paint Can App Review
Technology Preview: Search for Lightroom
Adobe announces technology previews for Lightroom on the web. Technology Previews These are a set of "test drives" for new features before they are released officially. Technology previews offer the opportunity to comment on a feature's functionality and to help "shape the feature." according to Josh Haftel of Adobe. Search Search is a technology preview announced today. It works with Adobe's image analysis algorithms with Lightroom for mobile, Lightroom on the web, or with Lightroom desktop via a synchronized collection. You can access … [Read more...] about Technology Preview: Search for Lightroom
More Affordable Camera Stabilizers/Tripods from Adorama
I think nearly every photographer needs at least some way to stabilize his/her camera at one point in time or another. The problem with most tripods, ballheads, etc., is that they are very expensive. Regular readers will note that I find many of the house brands from Adorama to be good quality at a very fair price. One of their newest house brands - 3Pod really impresses. I received and initially tested the 3Pod Orbit 4 Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Pistol Grip Ballhead. This kit gives you everything you need to go out and shoot … [Read more...] about More Affordable Camera Stabilizers/Tripods from Adorama
Review: “The Mask” eBook and Video Tutorials for ON1 Photo 10
I recently had a chance to review a new ebook and video tutorials created by fellow Photofocus author, Nicole Young. "The Mask" is a 256 page eBook featuring in depth tutorials with step-by-step instructions on how to achieve perfect masking in ON1's Photo 10 software. The eBook is bundled with presets, full resolution practice files, and 18 video tutorials containing over 4 hours of in-depth masking demonstrations. The eBook: The Mask eBook comes in downloadable PDF format which can be uploaded to your tablet for reading on the go. It is … [Read more...] about Review: “The Mask” eBook and Video Tutorials for ON1 Photo 10
Book Review: Jay Maisel’s “Light Gesture & Color”
Picking bookmarks is a little adventure for me. My daughter is constantly creating pictures and doodles, so I usually use one of these as a bookmark for whatever book (or books) I'm reading. Unfortunately, I didn't get to pick a bookmark for Jay Maisel's Light Gesture & Color. In fact, I didn't use a bookmark at all. It's so engaging and so easy to read that I only put it down twice, and the distinctive photos on every page it simple to find my place. Light Gesture & Color is a must read for all photographers. Every genre and every … [Read more...] about Book Review: Jay Maisel’s “Light Gesture & Color”
First Impressions: FUJIFILM XF 100-400 LM OIS WR
(NOTE: This is NOT a review - just my first impressions - review will come later.) The long-awaited, Fuji super telephoto zoom is here. Wildlife, action and sports shooters had to wait five years to carefully consider Fuji because up until now, they couldn’t get enough focal length to make the switch. That’s all fixed now. Fuji can now claim to have one of the best lens selections of any mirrorless camera system and one that will compete with many DSLRs. The FUJIFILM XF 100-400 LM OIS WR Lens is a big, expensive, and specialized piece of … [Read more...] about First Impressions: FUJIFILM XF 100-400 LM OIS WR
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
Shell Rain Cover from Peak Design
I have moved back to the Seattle area which in turn means I am living with rain. It rains often in this part of the world - after all they call it the “Evergreen” state for a reason. While it’s not always fun from a comfort point of view, photographing in inclement weather can often lead to amazing opportunities. For those of you who don’t own a waterproof/weatherproof camera, you will need to consider a rain cover to protect your gear from the elements. While there are many solutions available, Peak Design has tackled this problem like … [Read more...] about Shell Rain Cover from Peak Design
The Fuji X-Pro 2 – First Impressions
It was a long time coming but Fuji is finally shipping the successor to the X-Pro1 - the Fuji X-Pro2 is a stunning update that most Fuji shooters are at least interested in. There was a lot of hype about this camera from the Fuji ambassadors so I wanted to give the camera a once-over in order to see for myself what all the fuss was about. Let me start by saying this is NOT a review. I haven’t had nearly enough time with the camera to fully test it. But my first blush reaction concurs with much of what you read. Fuji certainly got a lot … [Read more...] about The Fuji X-Pro 2 – First Impressions
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
Review: Photoboards from Sweet Pix
Recently, Sweet Pix reached out and requested a review of their 8 x 8 photo boards. These photo boards can be ordered directly from an iPhone through the Sweet Pix app, which is available on iTunes. After downloading the app, the process of creating the photo boards is fast and simple. The entire process took about 2 minutes and was completely painless. The toughest part was selecting images. I decided to go with the same photos I recently printed through Millers lab to compare the color quality. The price point is set at $25 for 2, $45 … [Read more...] about Review: Photoboards from Sweet Pix
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
Learn to Leverage Powerful Prints at WPPI
When I started photography in high school, I spent the majority of my time in the darkroom making prints from the few negatives I shot. It took a lot of time to finally see what I'd recorded on film. When I started digital photography I the complete opposite experience. I could now see my photographs immediately, but getting prints took much longer since I had to send out for them. However, when I got those prints from the lab, the impact was powerful for both me and my clients. The pictures I remember most are always those I have handled and … [Read more...] about Learn to Leverage Powerful Prints at WPPI
