Fractals, people, are the new must-haves in my camera bag. I was introduced to Fractals at WPPI. My friend and fellow photographer, Kathy Mukhopadhyay, bought a set and mentioned that they were doing live demos throughout the trade show if I wanted to check them out. I snuck over briefly to see what all the fuss was about and let me just tell you, their booth was packed! People were jammed into their little area just to see what all the talk was about. Sadly by the time I had gotten up front they were already sold out. That's how hot this item … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Fractals (Your New Must-Have)
creativity
Portrait Tips: Zoom To Remove Background Problems
Zooming in, using a longer focal length to make a picture, makes your subject look bigger and closer. But you should remember that when you zoom in on your subject, you zoom in on the whole world. That means that the background becomes closer, too. Your whole field of view becomes smaller. So what does that mean for your portraits? Just yesterday I was making portraits in the park. The trouble was that just as I was about to make the portraits, a couple of kids wandered into the frame in the background. I had only a few minutes to make these … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Zoom To Remove Background Problems
How to Create a Photo Series: Learn How Live at ShutterFest 2018
(Editor's note: The following article is part of a class Photofocus authors will be teaching--sponsored by Skylum, makers of Luminar--at ShutterFest April 3-4, 2018. Each day we will post helpful tips and tricks plus share some of our behind the scenes videos. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or check back here. Remember to also follow Skylum!) Creating a photo series isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Norman Rockwell—an American author, painter, and illustrator—is famous for creating a series of paintings reflecting American … [Read more...] about How to Create a Photo Series: Learn How Live at ShutterFest 2018
Quick Tip: Shooting On A Grey Day – Black and White
A comment on one of my recent articles got me to thinking that I need to write some tips on how to make good looking photos on a grey day. This is the second in a series of challenges to get out and shoot even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Think In Black and White Even on the best of days, it can be difficult to find the time or motivation to get out and shoot, compound that feeling with grey skies and the gloom can seem palpable. So, here’s my next assignment for you: The next grey day, go out thinking in black and white. You … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Shooting On A Grey Day – Black and White
Striving For Your “You-Ness”
We are completely bombarded with images every single day. From social media to blogs, to advertisements and billboards, we are constantly flooded with images that are aggressively jostling for our attention. As a fledgling portrait photographer myself years ago, this presented me with quite the challenge as I sought to catch the attention of my would-be clients. So how do we separate ourselves from the mediocrity and give the world beautiful quality images? So glad you asked. Standing Out: A Few Suggestions Here are a few tips to … [Read more...] about Striving For Your “You-Ness”
Knowing the Camera Settings for a Photo Isn’t Really Important
I'm a part of several photography groups on Facebook, and some provide a suggestion to provide your camera settings for any photos you uploaded. Things like aperture, shutter speed and ISO, for instance. And while it can certainly be interesting to see these settings and see what they can do in certain situations, they don't matter in the long run. Settings Won't Help to Recreate a Photograph Unless you're shooting in a studio with no windows and can control the environment completely, settings won't be the end-all to recreating a … [Read more...] about Knowing the Camera Settings for a Photo Isn’t Really Important
Quick Tip: Shooting On A Grey Day – Color
A comment on one of my recent articles got me to thinking that I need to write some tips on how to make good looking photos on a grey day. This is the first in a series of challenges to get out and shoot even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Think In Color Assignment number 1 - On the next grey day, when you think there couldn’t possibly be anything pretty or compelling to make photographs of, go out and find color in your world. Muted colors can be nice, but I’m thinking big, bold and beautiful colors like Calder Red, Blue Bridge Blue … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Shooting On A Grey Day – Color
Getting Creative with Event Photography
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to photograph a local event with entrepreneurs from Detroit, who had traveled to Grand Rapids to visit with other "makers" in the area. There were talks and hands-on interaction; a lot of which I'm used to with corporate events. But there was also a lot of time for me to get creative. The client didn't have a need for hundreds of photos of each speaker or the crowd. So I went exploring. Focusing on the Details The event was held in two shops downtown. One was more of a workspace than a store, while the … [Read more...] about Getting Creative with Event Photography
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Take–Make–Shoot
I suspect that you need to shoot more pictures. I was recently teaching at a dude ranch in Montana (it was a marvelous week--I hope to see you next year) and the one thing each of my students needed to do was to shoot more pictures. People often notice that when I'm talking about the act of recording images with a camera I always say "Let's make a picture." This is 100% intentional. I do my best not to take pictures, but to make them together with the people I'm photographing, or to be intentional and contemplative when photographing … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Take–Make–Shoot
Make It Work With The Tools You Have
(Editior's note: From time to time we welcome guests to contribute to Photofocus. Lauri Novak, like many of us, began making photographs at a young age. Words she lives by are; play, seeing, live and love. Welcome to Photofocus! Lauri Novak. So many of us feel like we need to have the latest and greatest gear to get the images we want when in fact a lot can be done with what we have. I was given this shoot as an assignment four years ago and it taught me a lot. This was shot with my first DSLR and a used lens I purchased from a friend. I did … [Read more...] about Make It Work With The Tools You Have
Getting Out of Your Photography Comfort Zone: A Nature Photographer Wanders into a Studio
I made it a goal this year to learn something way outside of my photography comfort zone of the great outdoors. After my first plan for a project exploring "underwater fine art nude food photography" fell through (apparently, Thanksgiving dinner was not the place to jump-start this idea), I decided to take a workshop on studio model photography. Yes, that is correct. Me. Indoors. In a studio. With models. Gasp... Let's face it, I am a lot more comfortable waist deep in a swamp filled with ‘gators than in a studio! Fortunately, a few weeks … [Read more...] about Getting Out of Your Photography Comfort Zone: A Nature Photographer Wanders into a Studio
Book Review: Black and White Artistry, by Chuck Kimmerle
Black and white photography is a passion for me which I actively pursue. I've just read a good book on the subject by Chuck Kimmerle called, Black and White Artistry, The Creative Photographer's Guide to Interpreting Places and Spaces. Kimmerle's made a living in pictures first as a photojournalist at several papers and then as a staff photographer at a college and always as an artist. This book emphasizes that art and creativity are subjective. He doesn't try to teach elementary principles like form and pattern and texture by describing them … [Read more...] about Book Review: Black and White Artistry, by Chuck Kimmerle
10 Quotes about Creativity
Here are some of my favorite quotes about creativity - and we can all use a little help being creative, right? “The chief enemy of creativity is good sense.” ― Pablo Picasso “Creativity takes courage.” ― Henri Matisse “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” ― Scott Adams “If you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original.” ― Ken Robinson “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” ― Pablo Picasso “You can't use up … [Read more...] about 10 Quotes about Creativity
My Favorite Photoshop Add-on
People often ask me what is my most frequently used Photoshop add-on or plug-in. They are usually surprised to hear that my favorite Photoshop add-on is my camera. When I have my camera in hand I often use it as an extension to Photoshop, taking photos with the intension of working with them in Photoshop. As I set up my shots, from the camera settings to the framing, I’m thinking ahead to how I’ll use the images in Photoshop. In this example I wanted to create a superhero look, with the subject gradually becoming the superhero. After … [Read more...] about My Favorite Photoshop Add-on
“Street Photography: First Steps and Beyond” by Valerie Jardin
Valerie Jardin's latest book is exactly what you need to get started with the wonderful genre of street photography, and it's a perfect refresher course for those with experience. Jardin is an energetic and passionate teacher who leads workshops for street photography in places like Paris and Chicago and when you read her book you'll feel that passion and it'll excite you to get out and shoot. The book is well organized and it is simple to read, yet it maintains an intelligent voice. Jardin's photography fills the book and the examples are … [Read more...] about “Street Photography: First Steps and Beyond” by Valerie Jardin
20 Lessons For Photographers From Stephen King
This post was adapted from a story I read by Stephen King. It was intended for writers but I changed it up to make it work for photographers. There are plenty of similarities and in fact, I often teach that becoming a better writer will make you a better photographer. You may not agree with all of it but use what you can. _______________________________________________ 1. First shoot for yourself, and then worry about the audience. “When you tell a story with your camera, you’re telling yourself that story first. When you look at through … [Read more...] about 20 Lessons For Photographers From Stephen King
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
Travel Photography: Tips and Tricks for a Photogenic Trip
You don’t want to miss this free webinar. Ron Martinsen and Levi Sim, who both travel way too much, will help you get ready for your next trip. They’ll help you consider the best gear combinations and at least three things you should always photograph when you’re on the road. Consider, too, that right now there are tourists visiting your hometown, so Ron and Levi will help you see you own town as an interesting place to photograph and practice your travel photo skills. Lastly, they’ll show you tips for finishing your photos in Lightroom and … [Read more...] about Travel Photography: Tips and Tricks for a Photogenic Trip
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
Preparing For That Next Big Photo Trip – Constraints
I’m heading out to the east coast of Florida to photograph wading birds and if I am lucky a few raptors. It’s a fairly long trip with lots of things on my to-do list. I could write a post about gear checklists, and travel arrangements, but I’d rather cover something else. When I am about to go on a big photo trip I try to develop what I call a constraints checklist. What are my goals for the trip? What photographs do I hope to bring back? What subjects or locations or conditions am I in search of? What places or gear or subjects can I skip … [Read more...] about Preparing For That Next Big Photo Trip – Constraints
Book Review: Rick Sammon’s Creative Visualization for Photographers
Rick Sammon has a super power: he makes any photographic technique or concept simple to understand. It's really an incredible talent he has cultivated, and he turns it loose to help photographers. He's been teaching a long time, and his latest book is a culmination of a lifetime of learning, shooting, and teaching. Rick Sammon's Creative Visualization for Photographers teaches us how to view the world with photographic eyes. This is a book everyone can learn from, and I'd highly recommend it for beginners and intermediate photographers, but … [Read more...] about Book Review: Rick Sammon’s Creative Visualization for Photographers
Dealing with that Creative Rut
I don't know if there's a term for the photographer's equivalent for writer's block, but l had it for the majority of last year. I remember that I couldn't feel the vibe, I couldn't find the energy to shoot and I couldn't find the motivation. I took a double dose of it all when I started feeling self conscious about my work. Now, if you were to pile on some of the issues that could exist in life-- relationship issues (or perhaps a lack thereof), financial burdens, moving, school and a slew of other things-- it can be more than enough for many … [Read more...] about Dealing with that Creative Rut
Why Your Pictures Are Better Than You Think They Are
Tens of millions of cameras are sold every year. More than one billion people around the world own a camera or a smart phone with a camera. Billions of photographs are made weekly. How are your photos any different or better than those made by everyone else? Why would anyone want to look at YOUR images? What is about your work that stands out from the millions pictures made by people around the country who also have cameras? I know the answer even without seeing your work. I know there are two very distinct reasons your photographs stand … [Read more...] about Why Your Pictures Are Better Than You Think They Are
Sanibel Island Skim Boarding
Passion fuels creativity In between jobs, a few friends and I took a trip to the beach for a little rest and relaxation. Teddy, Alec, Vanelli and myself trekked out to the Sanibel Island Lighthouse just outside Fort Myers, Florida. Some of us, Vanelli, couldn't sit still long enough and decided to come up with a challenge. Armed with just a few beach chairs, a skim board, and our phones, we set out to create something unique - just for fun. After all, thats where you get your best ideas. Alec is an athlete. He's a great lacrosse player, … [Read more...] about Sanibel Island Skim Boarding
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
The Real Student Struggle
I'm a formal student of photography and probably will be a life-long student of it, and I'm faced with constant struggles in class. Although fighting through the completion of degree (that doesn't necessarily help you to not become a starving artist) is a very real, hefty and common problem that students face, there are deeper and more dampening issues for those photography protgs--especially for those who have been fueled by their passion and took it upon themselves to study and experiment, which includes me. While every student's education … [Read more...] about The Real Student Struggle
Using Panning to Add Motion To Your Photos
If you're like me, you're constantly trying to think of different ways to infuse creativity within your photos. This is especially true if I'm returning to a place that I've photography at many times before. Your goal is to be able to engage your viewers and a great way to do so is to try and set yourself, and your photos, apart. An easy and fun photo tip I want to share is to introduce panning into your repertoire of photo tricks. I first started giving panning a shot during my 14,000,001st visit to Times Square in New York City. I set a goal … [Read more...] about Using Panning to Add Motion To Your Photos
Your Slice of the Pie
When I started doing stock photography, one thing I struggled with was whether or not to photograph something that had already been covered. With food photography, theres a good chance that a certain dish or food item has been photographed by at least one person, and there is a part of me that feels like I should find another dish to prepare and photograph, something that may not be on the site. The same goes for creating images of people on white backgrounds, something that could arguably be over-done on stock sites. Of course, original and … [Read more...] about Your Slice of the Pie
How We Can All Learn from the Creativity of a Child
She's my 7-year-old and her world is a fascinating place. Her daily needs are simple; food, sleep and adventure. Her notebook is full of friendly monster doodles and has a clockwork morning report of her nightly dreams. In one particular instance, she woke to tell me that she dreamt that she could fly. And she had a simple request. She wanted to do a photoshoot of her dream. Now, you can guess what I did next. I looked down on my abilities to fulfill her photoshoot request. I told her that I didn't know how to do that, that I hadn't … [Read more...] about How We Can All Learn from the Creativity of a Child
Creatives: Are You Your Own Worst Enemy?
This is a photography-centric web site, photography is a creative endeavor for most. I try to post things here that will inspire all creatives, no matter how they express themselves. Today is no exception. But today's post may be one of the most translatable I've written. It's about self-doubt. I speak or teach at most photo conferences (although I have scaled back to rest and relax and give others a chance to share their views) and the thing I find most common is that photographers are often their own worst enemy. They are filled with angst … [Read more...] about Creatives: Are You Your Own Worst Enemy?
