Many agree that one of the most vexing things about photography is getting your exposure and white balance correct in camera. Sure, you can fix it in the post-processing phase if you shoot in RAW (and I generally recommend that you shoot in RAW. It makes all the difference in the world). Still, if you could make your life easier, cut down on your workload, and make sure your photos look consistently great, then wouldn’t you go that route? Seems like a no-brainer to me. That’s why I’m going to review the Impact Quikbalance 12" Gray Panel. … [Read more...] about Review: The Impact Quikbalance 12″ Gray Panel for Correct White Balance in Camera
Canon
Breaking Away From Auto White Balance: Setting Custom White Balance in Mixed Lighting
Breaking away from the standard white balance settings in your camera can be intimidating, but so worth it. Once you learn how to set your own custom white balance, you will wonder why you never tried it before. It’s an effective way to streamline your workflow and ensure consistency with a given batch of photos. Today's tutorial will focus on doing just that. Setting Your Custom White Balance In order to get our white balance correct, we'll be using a handy compact tool called The Impact Quikbalance 12" Grey Panel. It's all of 12 inches, … [Read more...] about Breaking Away From Auto White Balance: Setting Custom White Balance in Mixed Lighting
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: The Wrong ( Or Right) Reason to Buy Mirrorless
I was out making pictures with three other photographers, yesterday--just a random assortment of friends--and all of us were using mirrorless cameras and that's the first time I've been out with a group and no one had a DSLR. We took a short hike to a waterfall and as we walked everyone remarked once that they loved how much lighter their mirrorless systems are, which is always a big selling point. But I think getting into mirrorless because it's lighter would be a mistake. It's Not About Weight We're photographers, not adventure racers … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: The Wrong ( Or Right) Reason to Buy Mirrorless
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Does Form Follow Function?
When it comes to Mirrorless cameras, you've got two basic styles to choose from. The traditional SLR-shaped camera with a viewfinder in the center of the body, and the rangefinder style, with the viewfinder mounted at the top left corner of the body. Interestingly, you can't divide the styles up by brand because most of the manufacturers make bodies in both styles. I'm interested in this because with mirrorless cameras there's the opportunity to start over completely in regards to design. Film cameras required a lens mounted to the camera in … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Does Form Follow Function?
Mirorrless Camera Maniac: Dealing with Flickering Lights
Why are there colored lines of bright and dark in your indoor and nighttime pictures? How do you get rid of them? Don't worry, it's not a problem with your camera. It's a problem with electricity and LED lights and fluorescent lights. Fortunately, there are a couple of things you can do to mitigate the problem. What's the Situation? The power that comes from the wall is called AC power, which stands for alternating current. Alternating means the power is literally cycling on and off continuously. In countries using about 110V in the wall, it … [Read more...] about Mirorrless Camera Maniac: Dealing with Flickering Lights
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: 5 Ways to Maximize Your Battery Life
One complaint about mirrorless cameras is that their battery life is poor compared to DSLR's. Considering all that the battery does in mirrorless cameras, I'm actually amazed at how great the battery life is. The viewfinder, LCD, shutter, autofocus, and image stabilization are all driven by the one battery, plus the wifi and GPS functions you can activate. Nevertheless, here are some ways to maximize the battery life and keep shooting and these will help DSLR users, too. 1. Use the Viewfinder The large LCD on the back of your camera uses much … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: 5 Ways to Maximize Your Battery Life
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
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Amazing Speedlight Solution for All Cameras
Once I realized that mirrorless cameras were more than capable of replacing my DSLR, I dove in head first and sold my Nikons. Ever since then, I've been saying that the only thing I miss from my Nikons is the excellent Creative Lighting System. Nikon's CLS allowed me to make pictures with excellent light in all kinds of situations without using additional radio triggers or sync cords. From broad daylight to pitch black night, from manual mode to TTL, Nikon's speedlights never failed me. when I switched to Lumix, I continued using my Nikon … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Amazing Speedlight Solution for All Cameras
The Problem Solving Show | Photofocus Podcast January 11th, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-problem-solving-show-photofocus-podcast-january-11th-2017 BEST OF SHOW! This is a replay from July 11, 2016. New episode next month. In this episode of The Problem Solving show, Scott Bourne and Pepper discuss the problems photographers face. They then offer solutions to help solve these problems. In today's episode, they discuss the importance of having the right tool for the job. Specific topics of discussion include the following: -The concept of being "polycamerous" -Working with various … [Read more...] about The Problem Solving Show | Photofocus Podcast January 11th, 2017
Photofocus Products Of The Year – Kevin Ames
Editor’s Note: It’s time for something new. In the past, Photofocus has made it a practice of acknowledging a specific camera and/or lens as the “camera/lens” of the year. This year several of us are putting together a list including camera and lens choices along with a few other pieces of gear that we think you’ll like. While it’s not designed specifically as a holiday gift guide, this list does happen to be a resource for photographers (and their friends/family) who want to get the ball rolling on their holiday shopping. A few things … [Read more...] about Photofocus Products Of The Year – Kevin Ames
Want to Get Your Hands on a Canon 5D Mark IV Early?
For many... it's the camera they've been waiting years for. The new 5D Mark IV has a lot to be excited about (see Levi Sim's rundown). With an expected release date of late September... waiting can be hard. But here's a few things to do to speed things up. Order Early Those who get in line first, tend to get their cameras first. If this is important to your workflow, then put the order in. You can always return the camera if it doesn't meet your needs. Here's the direct links to order Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera (Body … [Read more...] about Want to Get Your Hands on a Canon 5D Mark IV Early?
New Canon 5D Mark IV: Canon Announces New Features
Canon has announced the new 5D Mark IV, and it's got some terrific new features. Let's first take a look at the official launch video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z9089048wk What New Gear Was Announced Here's a list of all the new gear that was announced (it's already on sale too). Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera (Body Only) Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera with 24-105mm f/4L II Lens Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera with 24-70mm f/4L Lens Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip for EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM … [Read more...] about New Canon 5D Mark IV: Canon Announces New Features
Canon Adds 7 New Online Classes
Canon has announced 7 new online classes priced between $19.99 and $59.99 are available on their online learning page. This marks a departure from Canon’s free Digital Learning Center or DLC. These courses contain multiple learning elements including: Video lessons, PDF guides, a user forum, quizzes, and photo assignments. Offerings Here’s a list of the first classes in the new online learning area of Canon. Understanding EOS Camera Operations Photo 101: How to Take Great Pictures Printing Basics & Beyond Great Landscapes … [Read more...] about Canon Adds 7 New Online Classes
Using eBay to find deals on lenses
I found my copy of Canon's EF 20-35mm F/2.8 on eBay of all places, and while I don't typically sell on eBay, I'll buy like no other. People are worried about scams and not receiving items as described, but in my experience of buying upward towards 500 expensive items, I've only had issues with only about 5 items, all of which eBay's buyer protection had back. I've bought lenses, computers, cameras and all sorts of random things for photography (often finding that some stores like Adorama, Newegg and Best Buy, exist), as well as other household … [Read more...] about Using eBay to find deals on lenses
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
4K. What’s all the Hubub, Bub?
A while back, I was chatting with Scott Bourne about the emerging 4K acquisition standard and the video camera "arms race" originally started by Red Digital Cinema. At the time, he said "Rich Harrington is always talking about 4K as well. I get it. It's a bigger frame, but I am not sure how that will impact still photographers." Over the last eighteen months, a lot has changed. Panasonic, Sony, GoPro and, most recently, Canon have brought new 4K capable cameras to market. Even our smartphones now capture 4K video. With this in mind, you may … [Read more...] about 4K. What’s all the Hubub, Bub?
Using your Children as Models
I often use my children as subjects before I have a big shoot scheduled. I will bring my children to the location, and have them help scout, pick angles and model for me. This provides valuable feedback on how the light and environment responds to my gear and settings and gives me the opportunity to review my images before the make or break day. Practice with New Gear I am a Canon shooter and a member of Canons professional services program. It is free to borrow lenses through this program. Last year, I borrowed a Canon 200mm F/2.0 lens. I was … [Read more...] about Using your Children as Models
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
Canon 600 EX-RT Speedlites with Sony A7 Cameras? Yongnuo to the Rescue
When I sold my Canon 5D Mark III and 7D Mark II cameras and bought into Sonys A7 camera system one of the deciding factors was the Sony cameras ability to use Canon lenses via third-party adapters. As someone who has a long-standing love affair with Canons L-series glass, I was loathe to give them up. A have also been a fan of Canons underrated 600 EX-RT Speedlites and I am happy to report that they work wonderfully with my Sony A7R Mark II thanks to the Yongnuo YN-E3-RT commander module. Clone Wars When I invested in the 600 EX-RT system a … [Read more...] about Canon 600 EX-RT Speedlites with Sony A7 Cameras? Yongnuo to the Rescue
Moose Hates Tripods | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about using tripods for long lenses and how they restrict camera movement. https://youtu.be/qZn0DkhCjqc Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been … [Read more...] about Moose Hates Tripods | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Shooting with the Nikon DF | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about shooting undetected with the Nikon DF. https://youtu.be/PytG95xZXPM Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been fortunate to be recognized for his … [Read more...] about Shooting with the Nikon DF | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Understanding your Subject | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about understanding your subject. https://youtu.be/ep0nd8VPMI8 Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been fortunate to be recognized for his passion. One … [Read more...] about Understanding your Subject | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Reliability of the Nikon D4s | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about benefits to shooting the Nikon D4s. https://youtu.be/0u9rCeuKGB8 Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been fortunate to be recognized for his … [Read more...] about Reliability of the Nikon D4s | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Canon EOS Utility vs. Mac’s new OS El Capitan
It's OS upgrade time for Mac users. Yosemite bows out as El Capitan takes the stage. Last year at this time the move to Yosemite from Mavericks caused consternation among Canon photographers who relied on the EOS Utility as I reported last November first here on Photofocus. It took Canon a month to officially release the fix. Test... 2.0, 3.0 The notice came this morning in the form of a banner on my MacPro. Upgrade to El Capitan was its gist. Having learned from last year's snafu, I updated only the MacPro in the post production suite. A quick … [Read more...] about Canon EOS Utility vs. Mac’s new OS El Capitan
Hacking a Canon Camera with Magic Lantern Menus
Have you ever wished for more control on your Canon DSLR? In this tutorialfrom the series presented by lynda.com authors Rich Harrington and Robbie Carman dig deep into a hacked Canon camera. This option really enhances what you can do with a DSLR using Magic Lantern. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD6hGk2FGio This specific tutorial is from the Video Gear Weekly series presented by lynda.com authors Rich Harrington and Robbie Carman. The complete course is presented as a weekly lynda.com series and offers reviews and tips on the latest … [Read more...] about Hacking a Canon Camera with Magic Lantern Menus
Having Patience in Alaska | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about having patience on a recent trip he took to Alaska. https://youtu.be/ezbwCIO255w Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been fortunate to be … [Read more...] about Having Patience in Alaska | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Photofocus Podcast September 5, 2015 — Lindsay Adler and Ron Pepper
This week we catch up with two photographers to get a wealth of advice. First Robert Vanelli talks with fashion photographer Lindsay Adler about her career and advice to other photographers. Then Rich Harrington since down with panoramic photographer Ron Pepper for a free-wheeling discussion about gear, tech, and workflow. Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Lindsay Adler Lindsay Adler is a professional portrait and fashion photographer based in New York City. Her editorial work has … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast September 5, 2015 — Lindsay Adler and Ron Pepper
Does Camera Noise Bother Animals? | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about camera noise and interrupting animals. https://youtu.be/EfIhdsSnSL4 Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been fortunate to be recognized for his … [Read more...] about Does Camera Noise Bother Animals? | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Shooting the PhaseOne iQ250 | Peter Hurley – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus talks with headshot photographer Peter Hurley about choosing to shoot with the PhaseOne iQ250 over his Hasselblad and Canon gear. https://youtu.be/Dh8vivvouGs Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Peter Hurley Peter Hurley is a New York photographer who found his way behind a camera after starting his career in front of one as a model and actor. He first picked up a camera to photograph his work making the … [Read more...] about Shooting the PhaseOne iQ250 | Peter Hurley – What’s in Your Bag
