Why I love Instagram & Hipstamatic Like every photographer nowadays, I have been shooting with my iPhone more—it has virtually replaced the pocket point & shoot! The one camera that is always with me, it has come to represent the future of photography technology, and it cannot be ignored. More often than not, my go-to photo app is Hipstamatic. Why? The funky, old fashioned, snapshot camera simulator has an interesting effect on my vision, simplifying my approach to picture making by virtually removing the post-processing part of image … [Read more...] about Its All About the Square
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Mirrorless Camera Maniac: There’s An App For That
Most mirrorless cameras include wifi and the ability to work with a smartphone app, and most mirrorless photographers I talk to aren’t maximizing that connectivity and the included functions. The cameras themselves create the wifi, so you don’t need to connect to wifi wherever you are. I highly recommend you get used to using your app and let it help you work better. Here are some of the things I do regularly with my Lumix cameras and the Panasonic Image App. Transfer Photos Whether I’m sending pictures I just took of my kids to my wife or … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: There’s An App For That
Installing & Using DroboPix Tutorial
DroboPix is a brand new app for iOS that makes uploading iPhone and iPad photos automatically when either device comes inside a preset location. If you have a Drobo 5N or B810n attached to your network, you have everything you'll need to take control of the immense library of photos stored on your iPhone or iPad. While those devices now sport storage up to 128 gigabytes for iPhone or 256 gigabytes on iPad, photos and videos can quickly eat up a huge amount of space on our devices. Having a system that seamlessly uploads copy to protected … [Read more...] about Installing & Using DroboPix Tutorial
Macphun’s Aurora HDR Pro Update Has Me Impressed!
By now most of you have heard of Aurora HDR from Trey Ratcliff and the team at Macphun, and if you haven't, well it's a joint project by Trey and Macphun to create an application tailored to exactly what the most prolific HDR photographer in the world would want out of software. Over the course of an entire year they worked together to create an app for photographers of all skill levels that would produce incredible images. You can run it as a plug-in for Photoshop, Lightroom, Aperture, and Photoshop Elements, OR you can run it as a complete … [Read more...] about Macphun’s Aurora HDR Pro Update Has Me Impressed!
GoPro + Periscope = DroneCast
Well, this moves the needle. Lately, GoPro has been taking a bit of a beating as more players like Sony, Nikon and, if rumors are to be believed, Olympus have entered the fray. Yesterday, GoPro and Periscope announced a new integration that allows GoPro owners to connect their cameras to the Periscope app. On the surface, this might seem a bit frivolous; it is anything but. At NAB 2015, GoPro, in partnership with Vislink, announced the HEROCast. At $7,500, the HEROCast turns the GoPro into a compact, wireless remote head for integration … [Read more...] about GoPro + Periscope = DroneCast
FujiFilm X-T1 Wireless Camera Control
While it isn't very often for my family to ask me to make our family pictures, I typically have fun with it. This go around, which is the first time in my family's history, I decided to play with a feature on my camera that allows my phone, the iPhone 6S, to work with FujiFilm X-T1 as a wireless remote. I was able to effortlessly get myself into the shot and still have the control I wanted over the camera settings-- and see what those changes did in real time! This specific app works with the X-T1, X-T10, X-E2, X100T, X30, FinePix S9900W, … [Read more...] about FujiFilm X-T1 Wireless Camera Control
Google Hangout Instant Replay: “Mastering Mobile Workflows with Creative Cloud Apps”
Earlier this week we held a fun hangout with Bryan O'Neil Hughes from Adobe to talk about mobile workflow and the new Adobe apps. A ton of interesting things were covered and a bunch of secrets came out on how to really unlock power inside the apps. There were even a few big hints dropped that you might find interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVbGsTDxsS4 We're going to explore a bunch of the Adobe mobile apps and get some practical tips and some insider secrets. Learn about Adobe Photoshop Fix Photoshop retouching for … [Read more...] about Google Hangout Instant Replay: “Mastering Mobile Workflows with Creative Cloud Apps”
Mastering Mobile Workflows with Creative Cloud Apps (special guest Bryan O’Neil Hughes)
You gotta join us live for our next Google+ Hangout, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). Be sure to tune in: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 5pm Eastern | 2pm Pacific RSVP here and it'll show your local time. We're going to explore a bunch of the Adobe mobile apps and get some practical tips and some insider secrets. Learn about: Adobe Photoshop Fix Photoshop retouching for … [Read more...] about Mastering Mobile Workflows with Creative Cloud Apps (special guest Bryan O’Neil Hughes)
Apps For Photographers – The Photographer’s Ephemeris
Were all carrying around mini computers these days so it stands to reason that wed use them to help plan and run our day. One app that helps me a lot is The Photographer's Ephemeris, an app for desktop, iOS and Android. What Does The Ephemeris Do? In short, The Photographer's Ephemeris gives details of sun and moon positions at any given time and date. This allows some forward planning when wanting to capture in a certain light. Example For this example Im going to plan where the sun will be, and thus my perfect position, for shooting Tower … [Read more...] about Apps For Photographers – The Photographer’s Ephemeris
Organize On the Go with Lightroom Mobile
Traveling at least two weeks each month, I've amassed a library of over 4,500 images on my iPhone 6 Plus. It's my most-used camera when on the road because it's small(ish), has fantastic image quality, and is ready to capture in seconds. Looking for images in the default iOS photos application isn't very difficult thanks to Collections and Moments, but I organize them differently when I import them into my Lightroom catalog. All of my photos, both mobile and professional images, live in a Lightroom catalog on my computer in the studio. After … [Read more...] about Organize On the Go with Lightroom Mobile
Make 2015 Productive: Read what you want when you want
There has never been a better time to be a photographer than now! The abundance of educational photography content is just a click away on sites such as lynda.com, Photofocus, YouTube, Kelby One, Udemy and many more. We are blessed with photo hosting sites; Flickr, 500px, DeviantArt. Pinterest, Smugmug, who offer great resources for viewing photos that can spark our creativity. But with most blessings come a curse. The curse in our case is information overload. With all this information at our fingertips, how can we possibly have time to read … [Read more...] about Make 2015 Productive: Read what you want when you want
Going Mobile with Lightroom Mobile
I like being productive: fixing things, cleaning rooms, building up cities, conquering countries, culling pictures. I like comfy things: beds, couches, car seats, fluffy stuff, shoes, pillows. So, what if... one could be productive AND comfortable!? With Lightroom Mobile, you can cull, edit, and amaze yourself with the productivity that you've had on the comfort of your own couch (and it doesn't have to be on a couch... it could be on an airplane, or the toilet, or the dinner table; you can choose anywhere you really want to be) all while not … [Read more...] about Going Mobile with Lightroom Mobile
Organize your Mobile Photos with QuickPics
One of the things I struggle with is organizing my cell phone images. On my iPhone, I can set up galleries or streams but I don't always use them. QuickPics is offering a solution to tag and organize your mobile photos, and so far I love where theyre heading. With hundreds, if not thousands, of photos on my mobile phone, I don't have time to go back and tag everything. Some are family, some friends, and some are just for reference for projects Im currently working on. QuickPics offers a great way to select your photos to tag. Simply press … [Read more...] about Organize your Mobile Photos with QuickPics
Apple Watch | The Photographer’s New Best Friend?
Like many of you, I had the Apple product announcement playing in the background at the studio recently. I was excited by the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, but what I really wanted to see was the Apple Watch. There are so many possible applications for wearable computing devices and, until Apple, no manufacturer had come close to realizing that potential. Why Does Apple Watch Matter to Photographers? What makes the Apple Watch a potential game changer? A combination of form factor, Bluetooth, WiFi and apps that take advantage of all three. … [Read more...] about Apple Watch | The Photographer’s New Best Friend?
Lightroom Mobile for iPad and iPhone
Not long ago, Adobe released an app for the iPad. But with their most recent update to the Creative Cloud, Lightroom Mobile just got a whole lot better. Since the update, I have been playing with the apps on my iPad and iPhone, and wanted to share some of my findings. I downloaded Lightroom to my iPad as soon as it was announced a few months back. It was great! But I could only see myself using it as a portfolio to show off my images to others when not at home. Plus, I don't typically carry my iPad with me everywhere. But now, with some new … [Read more...] about Lightroom Mobile for iPad and iPhone
PhotoPills: Two Thumbs Up!
Editor's Note: PhotoPills is 50% off today only November 28, 2014 All I can say is that PhotoPills is the single most useful photography app on the planet, and I highly recommend it. Here's a link to their website, and the Apple app store. Want to hear more? Ok. I'll start with the only two downsides, and they are minor. First, it's only for iOS; they are making the Android version, but no release date, yet. Sorry, gang. Second, it's designed by Europeans, so as an American using it I feel it's not always as intuitive as it could be. … [Read more...] about PhotoPills: Two Thumbs Up!
Shooting Long Exposure — Put Your Smartphone to Use
Does your camera offer a smartphone app? Many do and you might be surprised by what they offer. Here are a few, but there are more out there (just check your owner's manual). Some cameras have Wi-Fi built-in, others require an adapter. Canon EOS Remote Nikon Mobile Utility Olympus Image Share Note: While this article is primarily about the Olympus, you can apply the technique to most cameras that offer Wi-Fi apps or even a tethered remote. I recently picked up the Olympus OM-D E-E-M1. One of my favorite things about it is the great mobile … [Read more...] about Shooting Long Exposure — Put Your Smartphone to Use
Calculating A Long Exposure with Your Smartphone
When using ND filters, you can't get away from doing a little bit of math to figure out what your exposure will be. Cameras cannot calculate exposure beyond 30 seconds, so you need to find other ways to figure out the time for longer exposures. I use the NDTimer app with my iPhone to calculate my long exposures https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ndtimer/id390568001?mt=8 If you use a device for Android, try ND Calc https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.briandorey.ndcalc&hl=en The main difference between the two apps is that … [Read more...] about Calculating A Long Exposure with Your Smartphone
Photo App Review: Flare for Texture and Style
There are a lot of image editing apps out there, from free to expensive you'll find a wealth of choices. Flare (from Iconfactory) repeats what a lot of tools can do, but has some standout features that really make it shine. The app is currently Mac-only. It can be set as an external editor for iPhoto, Aperture, and Lightroom. The app serves a role similar to Instagram and Snapseed. That is to say it is preset driven, but one layer beneath are precise controls. You stat by adding effects and textures to your photos There are 90+ built-in … [Read more...] about Photo App Review: Flare for Texture and Style
Great Photo Collages App (for 99¢)
I'm always on the lookout for affordable apps that do cool things. Well I've found another one, PicFrame that makes Photo Collages simple. The app sells for 99 and is available for Mac, iOS, Droid, and Blackberry (it seems the developer hasn't gotten around to Windows or Windows Phone). The app is very straightforward (although the mobile version offers a few more features). To start you choose a layout using frames. The app currently ships with 71 adjustable frames offering support for up to 9 photos in a single frame. You have a few … [Read more...] about Great Photo Collages App (for 99¢)
Nikon Shooters: How to Always Carry Your Camera Manual
You've probably heard Scott Bourne insist that all camera owners should read their camera manual from cover to cover. While I agree with his opinion that this is the best way to learn about your investment in gear, it isn't always practical. After all, the manual takes up space and adds weight in your camera bag. Well, just like airline pilots who are switching to electronic manuals, so can photographers. Sure you can of course search a manufacturers site and save a PDF to your device for viewing, but Nikon went several steps … [Read more...] about Nikon Shooters: How to Always Carry Your Camera Manual
Summer Fun — Photofocus Podcast with Scott Bourne and Rich Harrington
NOTE NOTE NOTE NOTE NOTE: The Photofocus Podcast Feed HAS CHANGED! Here is the new feed: feed://feeds.feedburner.com/photofocuspodcast Get the show here or get it on iTunes PLEASE BE PATIENT - OUR SERVERS SEE LARGE LOADS ON PUBLISHING DAYS. THE DOWNLOADS MAY GO SLOWLY BUT THEY WILL FINISH. Join Rich and Scott as they talk about a bunch of summer oriented photo topics. Get ready for shooting great pictures this summer with this potluck of photo wisdom. Rich and Scott discuss: Summer travel and photography season Favorite places to … [Read more...] about Summer Fun — Photofocus Podcast with Scott Bourne and Rich Harrington
A Cool Phone App for Panoramic Photos (Even 360˚ Shots)
I just wrapped up two days in the desert shooting panoramic and time-lapse shots (much more to come). It was a part of two projects (some new training for Lynda.com which will be out soon and my NAB workshop). While in the field I had a chance to try out some new phone apps. One of the one's I put through the paces is 360 Panorama by Occipital. The app is available for both iOS and Android for only 99. It behaves in a way similar to Microsoft's Photosynth, but works very fast with excellent automatic clean-up and blending. Once you press … [Read more...] about A Cool Phone App for Panoramic Photos (Even 360˚ Shots)
My Favorite App for Shooting Sunrises and Sunsets
I'm getting ready to go shoot time-lapse photography, and one of the most important things I need to know is where the sun will be (closely followed by where is it going). Even if you're just shooting sunrise and sunset its still useful to know where the sun will be coming and going. In fact, I find myself opening this app on just about any shoot that not happening in the middle of the day. I present to you, the essential and indispensable Sun Seeker: 3D Augmented Reality Viewer By ozPDA. It has saved my bacon time after time. This app can … [Read more...] about My Favorite App for Shooting Sunrises and Sunsets
My Five Favorite Android Phone Photo Apps
While I prefer the iPhone 5, I use a Samsung Galaxy S3 every day. The camera is on par with the iPhone 5 camera. There are tons of apps for each phone. But I decided to do a post just on the Android apps because I use them more often right now. I am not saying these are the five BEST Android apps for your camera phone. But they are MY favorites. Your mileage may vary. 1. GoPro App I use my GoPro Hero cameras every week and I find the App makes the use of these cameras very valuable. http://www.gopro.com 2. Snapseed I love the easy way this … [Read more...] about My Five Favorite Android Phone Photo Apps
My Favorite Android Phone Photo Gallery App
Two days ago, I posted a review of the Samsung Galaxy S3 from a photographer's point of view. I received more than 100 messages, tweets and emails from people calling me an idiot (or worse) saying I should be smart enough to know how to drag and drop files from the S3 to my desktop. Actually. It's them that are the - well I won't use the adjectives they used to describe me - I'll just say "incorrect individuals." The Samsung Galaxy S3 doesn't support USB drag and drop on Macs. Period. So I went looking for an easy way to get my photos on … [Read more...] about My Favorite Android Phone Photo Gallery App
My Five Favorite iPhone Photo Apps
I have lots and lots and lots of iPhone Photo Apps. But I've been thinking about streamlining EVERYTHING in my studio, and just trying to think about what I actually use. While I think there many cool apps, I don't find myself using that many of them. So with the idea that I'd report on what I actually USE, here is my current list of favorite iPhone Photo Apps - in no particular order 1. f/8 DOF Calculator from BitWerkz - Cool DOF that works for just about any camera model. 2. Photoshop Express from Adobe - While I don't use my iPhone to edit … [Read more...] about My Five Favorite iPhone Photo Apps
