This bag is simply called Udee, and the simplicity carries through the entire design and delivers a fine bag that will be very good for many photographers. It Looks Good The outer appearance of the Udee is pretty good. It's minimal and the fabric is very nice. Everyone who sees it asks me if it's a Peak Design bag: it has a similar kind of fabric and the slim design is reminiscent. The bottom of the bag is a little blunt, but overall it's a good looking bag. The gray fabric is highlighted with the orange grab handle and one orange … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Udee Backpack–Surprisingly Good
camera
Does Size Matter? Upgrading Your Gear For The Wrong Reasons
Let’s face it, many photographers believe that "bigger is better." I know I initially did years ago. Large is in charge, and it's easy to assume that success is a reflection of how impressive or expensive our camera body or lens is. However, I personally believe that this is less and less true these days. In many cases, advancements in current technology have made high quality equipment very affordable at a relatively low price point. Manufacturing companies have found ways to make smaller and more compact cameras, and these cameras are … [Read more...] about Does Size Matter? Upgrading Your Gear For The Wrong Reasons
Fall Back! Update Your Camera’s Time Today
Daylight savings time is over. We are back on standard time. While all of us go through home and office changing the hands and digits so they read one hour earlier, most photographers forget to change the time on their camera. Fall back time for cameras too Twice a year it's time to check the date and time settings on our cameras. This is super simple on most cameras. Go the the Date/Time tab on the camera's menu, choose it and turn Daylight Savings to read "Off." While you are in the menu, check to see the date and time are actually … [Read more...] about Fall Back! Update Your Camera’s Time Today
Are You Using the Right Camera?
October 24 marks my second anniversary. It is the day I put away all of my Nikon gear and became a Fuji “shooter”. No one was more surprised than me. I had initially bought the Fuji X-T1 with a standard kit lens as a backup for my Nikon D800. I wanted a camera I could easily carry around when I needed something lighter and smaller, and that I could fit in my purse. Then something mind-changing happened nearly four months later. I went on a photography trip to the Oregon coast with my Nikon and my Fuji cameras. I preferred using the Fuji … [Read more...] about Are You Using the Right Camera?
Ten Reasons Why I Love My New Fuji X-T2
I am star-struck. My Fuji X-T2 just arrived, it was released September 8. I am reading through the manual and looking at the camera’s features. It is definitely an exciting upgrade from the Fuji X-T1 and in some regards even the Fuji X-Pro2. Here are my ten favorite Fuji X-T2 camera features, in no particular order: A focus stick on the back of the camera. I can move the focus stick with my right thumb, in a tilting or pressing motion, and change my focus point. So if I am focusing on the eyes of the person to the far left of my … [Read more...] about Ten Reasons Why I Love My New Fuji X-T2
Photography Activities for Kids — Point of View
Exploring photography with your kids? This is my second in a series of posts offering ideas you can use to help your young photographer get comfortable with fundamental concepts. Last time we walked through the very basics of photographic composition: reduce and simplify. With just those two words in mind, you and your child will both be taking better pictures. Today’s activity expands the concept of composition a bit further. The goal is to play with the idea that there’s more than one way to see an object. Equipment Keep it … [Read more...] about Photography Activities for Kids — Point of View
Photography Activities for Kids — Composition 101
EDITOR'S NOTE: We would like to welcome Scott Lawrence to our team of talented writers. I have vivid memories of my dad sharing his love of photography with me. The weight of this strange object in my hand the first time he brought out his old SLR is something I’ll never forget. It’s impossible to shake the smell of the chemicals when we set up a darkroom in a guest bathroom. Unfortunately, the bathroom was sorely lacking in ventilation. All great memories, if not flawless plans. Photography is amazingly complex. You can spend a lifetime … [Read more...] about Photography Activities for Kids — Composition 101
The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast July 7th, 2016
The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast July 7th, 2016 https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-q-a-show-photofocus-podcast-july-7th-2016 This months Q & A Podcast Scott Bourne brings on special guest Rick Sammon to answer your questions. 1. From Dave in Tempe, AZ I have heard Scott talk about searching for a clean background. What does he mean by that and how does he get the background to be blurry? 2. From Ashley in Indianapolis, IN How can I keep from making the light so harsh when I use my flash? 3. From Bill in Ketchum, ID Since … [Read more...] about The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast July 7th, 2016
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
Using 2 Cameras? Make It Easy: Sync the Time
It is a tragedy to not make a picture because you don't want to deal with post production. Yet, many photographers have exactly this feeling--that photography has become a burden. Here's an idea to help make using two or more cameras less burdensome. Why Two Cameras? Just the other day I had a shoot that would take a full 9 hours, but I wasn’t sure that was enough time, so I was seeking ways to save time and maximize my efficiency. One thing I know about myself is that if I have to change a lens to make a wide angle picture or a telephoto, … [Read more...] about Using 2 Cameras? Make It Easy: Sync the Time
The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast June 7th, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-q-a-show-photofocus-podcast-june-7th-2016 Several of your questions get answered on this months Q&A with Scott Bourne and Richard Harrington. Q&A Podcast Questions 1. From Brian in Alberta, Canada What is a stepping motor lens (Canon) and how is one of these different from Canon’s USM lenses? 2. From Ann in Seattle, WA What are some of your favorite photography books? 3. From Mike in Tampa, FL I know that this is easy for some people but I am new at photography and am … [Read more...] about The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast June 7th, 2016
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
The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast April 7, 2016
This weeks Photofocus Podcast you get to hear Richard Harrington and Scott Bourne answer your questions in the Q & A show. Once a month Rich and Scott take your questions and dive into discussions that help you learn and grow as a photographer. Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don’t forget to post a review on iTunes. Q&A PODCAST 1. I hear the terms Global and Local Adjustments discussed by photographers. Could you give examples of each? Ross 2. I have an Epson printer that I use to make 8x10” prints … [Read more...] about The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast April 7, 2016
Photofocus Podcast March 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mirrorless-show-photofocus-podcast-march-28-2016 On this episode of the Photofocus #Mirrorless Show Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: Marco takes a closer look at the partially overlooked Fujifilm X70 compact camera. Does it offer more camera than you may think? Scott shares his first hand experiences from WPPI camera show in Las Vegas. He played with the new Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f4-6.3 lens, the new Sigma sd Quattro H, the Leica SL with the … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast March 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
Camera Trends – 2015 And Beyond
NOTE: All data based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association reports.) Will the dedicated camera go the way of the eight-track tape? Some people think so. Camera phones are now sold on every continent except for the North and South Polls. Billions of people have access to a camera in their phones and the immediate impact has been on compact, non-interchangeable lens cameras - what we used to call point and shoot cameras. In 2010 there were 108 million of such cameras sold. In 2015 that number dropped to 22 million. Thats a … [Read more...] about Camera Trends – 2015 And Beyond
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
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
MindShift Gear’s UltraLight Dual 36L
If youve read my reviews of Think Tank Photo bags you know I am a fan. So when I heard that some of the people from Think Tank started another brand called MindShift Gear, I decided to take a look. With the same attention to quality and detail, MindShift Gear is tackling a different segment of the photo industry. Think Tank is primarily designed with working pros in mind - people who often work out of their camera bag (photo journalists, wedding shooters, etc.) MindShift Gear is a group of committed professional photographers and product … [Read more...] about MindShift Gear’s UltraLight Dual 36L
Sony A6300 – Pocket Monster
This is an exciting week for photographers who love shooting fast-moving subjects. Canon dropped the details of their new flagship camera with up to 16 frames per second, 4K video and screaming-fast processing power. At $6,000 US for the hulking body many speed shooters will drool over the EOS-1 D X Mark II, but only the financially flush will be scooping them up. As if on cue, Sony pulled the covers off their tiny speed demon this morning and it brings some of the rapid-fire prowess of the big professional DSLRs and it does it for 1/6th the … [Read more...] about Sony A6300 – Pocket Monster
Photofocus Podcast February 7th, 2016— Questions & Answers with Rich Harrington & Scott Bourne
Photofocus Podcast February 7th, 2016 Questions & Answers with Rich Harrington & Scott Bourne Thanks for all the great questions youve been sending in to the Photofocus podcast. This week Rich Harrington and Scott Bourne tackle some great topics to help photographers. Remember, you can post those questions by sending us a note here at Photofocus. Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. The Question and Answer Podcast New podcast updates and changes What is responsible for autofocus speed? … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast February 7th, 2016— Questions & Answers with Rich Harrington & Scott Bourne
Canon’s New EOS-1 D X Mark II Brings Some Surprises
When Nikon showed off the D5 at CES last month, Canon devotees muttered, "Just wait!" Now the wait is over and Canon has announced their forthcoming flagship DSLR, the EOS-1 D X Mark II. While the blazing 14 FPS frame rate and shiny new autofocus technology will deservedly garner much of the attention over the next few days, there are a few things about the new beefy camera that are truly surprising to me. For the record, I have been a Canon EOS user for over 20 years and I have a battered old EOS-1 to prove it. I sold my EOS 5D Mark III and 7D … [Read more...] about Canon’s New EOS-1 D X Mark II Brings Some Surprises
My First Impressions of the New Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
As a working professional who relies on Canon gear to run my business, I get excited when I wake up to news that there's a new flagship camera on the market. This morning, Canon dropped the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. While I am a self professed non-techie, I still felt obligated to check out the specs to see what they could mean for me: Price Point: Gulp. Let's face it. This camera is $6 grand ($5,999) and that's a lot of money for most of us. That's twice the price point of what (I would argue) are Canon's most popular pro cameras in the 5D … [Read more...] about My First Impressions of the New Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
The Best Camera You Can Buy
I will be the first person to admit it: I am NOT a techie. Despite my history growing up with an amazing IT coding father, using both PCs and Macs, and being employed as a Mac Genius for Apple, I could not care less about the nitty gritty stats of this gear vs. that gear. How this lens is better that that lens, or how this new camera blows every other camera out of the water. Why? Because when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter! The best camera you can buy is just that--the one you can buy! Back in college, we were regularly asked to buy … [Read more...] about The Best Camera You Can Buy
Got a New Camera? Take Control of Autofocus
If youre like me, you got a new camera and dove in, shooting like a madman and making all kinds of pictures of all kinds of things. After a few gazillion pictures, I was starting to figure out a few things about my camera and how it worked. I remember that my world really changed when I learned how to use control the autofocus. I stopped having soft focus pictures and pictures with the background sharp and started getting the tack-sharp focus I saw in others work. Focus is one of our most creative tools in photography. Its the power to draw … [Read more...] about Got a New Camera? Take Control of Autofocus
3 Mountaineering Tips for Your Camera Bag
mountaineer noun mountaineer \?mau?n-t?-?nir\ 1: a native or inhabitant of a mountainous region 2: a person who climbs mountains for sport When I was a kid, I was a mountaineer, and I spent all my time studying mountaineering. You'd be surprised how much thought has gone into mountaineering. I learned techniques for everything from how to walk down a hill to how correctly use Velcro. Mountaineers are manic about their equipment, and some of those skills have served me well in Photography, too. Here are three essential habits surrounding bags … [Read more...] about 3 Mountaineering Tips for Your Camera Bag
Nikon Introduces the new Flagship D5 and D500 Cameras at CES
Nikon had a big day earlier this week at CES 2016 in Las Vegas. In addition to launching a totally-new 360 camera, Nikon also launched a new flagship D5 FX camera, as well as a D500 DX camera. D5 The D5 has a long list of impressive specs: 20.83mp CMOS full-frame sensor Unprecedented native ISO range, from 100 to 102,400 [expandable from 50 (Lo-1) to a staggering ISO 3,280,000 (Hi-5)] 4K UHD video (3840x2160 at 30p) only 3 minutes record time at high quality uncompressed 4k HDMI output capability to record 4K UHD … [Read more...] about Nikon Introduces the new Flagship D5 and D500 Cameras at CES
Nikon Challenges GoPro With 360/VR Capture
GoPro created the action camera segment. Many others followed but, with the exception of Sony, all have met with limited success. With today's announcement at CES, Nikon enters the fray and brings something entirely new to the table … 360 degree video. Named the "Key Mission" (KM), Nikon's first action cam is scheduled to deliver 360 degree, 4K video, the backbone of Virtual Reality (VR) capture. Technical details of the new camera remain vague, including battery life, price, recording codecs/formats and a delivery date. Slightly … [Read more...] about Nikon Challenges GoPro With 360/VR Capture
It’s a New Year! Don’t Forget to Update Your Copyright Info
It's a new year, and that means updating your copyright information! For photographers, this oftentimes means making updates in more than one place, like your Camera, post-processing software, and possibly your website. On Your Camera All camera models will be a little different, but they should each have a place to enter your info. For this example, I'll show how to set your info using a Canon 6D. (If you have utility software for your camera, then you may be able to edit your information on your computer. Then, connect your camera for it to … [Read more...] about It’s a New Year! Don’t Forget to Update Your Copyright Info
Lens Distortion in Portraits
As a portrait photographer, I love getting a close, tight shot that really captures the personality of my subject. Understanding the limitations and effects your gear has on the final image is vital. Close up portraits are typically shot using a focal length of 85mm or longer, but when starting out, these lenses may not be an option. It is common for photographers to start out using a 50mm lens and grow their arsenal from there. I love my "Nifty 50." When shooting in a small space, the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G is my go-to lens most of the time. I … [Read more...] about Lens Distortion in Portraits
