(Editor's note: Photofocus author Steve Inglima premieres his Tech Corner column by explaining how to choose the right focal length lens to photograph this month's eclipse along with a great set of tips on how to do it. Read Steve's story of his first total eclipse of the sun experience in July of 1991.) Focal length by the numbers I’ve been asked what focal length or lengths would be appropriate for imaging the upcoming eclipse. In part, it depends on the camera and format size. Most of us will be shooting on a digital sensor rather than … [Read more...] about Tech Corner: Photographing the 2017 Total Eclipse
filter
The Quick Tip: How to use a polarizer
Recently I wrote an in depth article on circular polarizers, where and how they come in handy. To use a polarizer, screw the filter onto the front of your lens (using the right filter size, of course!). Once it is on, the front part of the filter opposite the threads will still be able to rotate freely. This is what you use to adjust the effect of the polarizer on your image. The best way to judge where the filter should be rotated to is to eyeball it. Look through the viewfinder and slowly spin the filter until you see a change in your … [Read more...] about The Quick Tip: How to use a polarizer
Gear Review: Formatt Hitech Firecrest Patrick Di Fruscia Essentials Kit
The folks at B&H recently sent me a great filter kit to put through its paces. The Formatt Hitech Firecrest Patrick Di Fruscia 100mm Signature Edition Pro Essentials Kit was a perfect companion on my recent trip to photograph the Valley of Fire in Las Vegas. I used it to shoot stills, HDR photos, and time-lapse sequences. While I shot on a Sony A7RII and a ZEISS Batis 2.8/18, the filter is designed to work with almost any kit. What's in the Box This kit is a B&H exclusive, and its very well thought out. Everything I needed, plus … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Formatt Hitech Firecrest Patrick Di Fruscia Essentials Kit
Creating Long Exposure Photography with Expanded Dynamic Range
People are often mesmerized by long exposures. Smooth water, the movement in clouds...it creates an artistic look in photographs that many people desire. About a year ago, I started to take my long exposures to the next level, by using neutral-density (ND) filters during the day. It allowed me to create photographs that had significantly longer exposures than I would have otherwise been able to take. But sometimes, even using ND filters aren't enough. Recently, I started playing around with using bracketing alongside my ND filters, to create … [Read more...] about Creating Long Exposure Photography with Expanded Dynamic Range
Got A New Camera? Get Luminar Pluto, Too
Luminar, by Macphun, is a photo finishing tool for Mac computers, and I'm really impressed. It's simple and intuitive to use. I think if you're a new photographer that this is probably the best photo software for you. As a new photographer, it's important to remember that software doesn't make your pictures better, it can only put the finishing touches on them. Practicing composition and mastering all your camera's controls and their effects will make your pictures better, and then Luminar will help you refine your pictures so they convey the … [Read more...] about Got A New Camera? Get Luminar Pluto, Too
Instant Replay: Local Adjustment Tools with Glyn Dewis
Glyn Dewis joined Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim help you learn to master local adjustments. Global adjustments (changes that affect the entire photograph) in Lightroom are terrific, but learning the local tools will take your photography to the next level, and give you the polished look that master photographers have used for decades. If you've not learned from Glyn before, you're in for a real treat. He's a not only a masterful image maker, but also a joy to learn from. Hosted by: Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim Produced by: Rich Harrington and … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Local Adjustment Tools with Glyn Dewis
The 411 on Lens Hoods
I often see photographers misusing an important piece of gear, and it's one of the simplest tools in your bag. Many lenses come with a lens hood, and right now I'll show you why you have it and why you should be using it. What's It Do? The lens hood is intended to keep the sun from shining into the front of your lens, and ruining your pictures. Not that it'll keep the sun from shining in if you point it at the sun, but it keeps the sun from shining across the front of the lens and reducing contrast. These two pictures are taken straight … [Read more...] about The 411 on Lens Hoods
Easily Remove People from a Photo
While I was in London, Richard Harrington took me to the National Gallery. The art was amazing! I asked permission to take photos and was told I could, as long as I didn't use flash. I set up for my shot and waited for people to move. At first I thought I could take several shots over a period of time and let Photoshop analyze them and only keep what was consistent which, of course, was the painting. The only problem: we didn't have that much time. I thought for a moment as I watched Harrington set up his shot. 10-Stop Neutral Density Filter … [Read more...] about Easily Remove People from a Photo
The Oil Paint filter is back in Photoshop!
The Oil Paint filter is back in Photoshop! Why was it removed? Your guess is as good as mine, but it's back! In this tutorial, I take a look at two examples of how it can be used. … [Read more...] about The Oil Paint filter is back in Photoshop!
How to create snow in Photoshop
In today's Photoshop tip, learn how to create snow using a custom brush, filters, and an adjustment layer. Similar techniques can be used to create rain, as well! … [Read more...] about How to create snow in Photoshop
Why Christmas is the perfect time to take that protective filter off!
We all have been in that situation at the camera store where the salesman asked us if we want to add a protective filter to protect the front element of the expensive lens that we have just bought. And the argument of the salesperson sounds plausible at first. The front element is exposed the most to the elements and most at risk to be damaged. But here are a few points from my experience that should have you think twice about buying and adding one to your lens: Do you really want to put an inferior piece of glass in front of you top grade … [Read more...] about Why Christmas is the perfect time to take that protective filter off!
My Favorite New Photoshop CC Features (Late 2015 Release)
There are a ton of updates in the latest version of Photoshop CC. In this video, I show off a few of my favorites from artboard improvements, font filtering, the return of the Oil Paint filter, and more! … [Read more...] about My Favorite New Photoshop CC Features (Late 2015 Release)
Reverse Lens Macro – Exploring Life at Full-Scale
As with any specialized area of photography, the art of macro photography - that is, making images of objects at a very close range - is in a creative world unto it's own. This is true not only in terms of the specialized gear required to tell a story at a true 1:1 scale, but even more so in regard to the patience and practice needed to produce a clear and consistent result. In this article, we'll explore a technique known as reverse lens macro and consider one economical approach to producing amazing close-up images by using a simple reverse … [Read more...] about Reverse Lens Macro – Exploring Life at Full-Scale
The Wratten #90 Filter – B&W Photography
If you shoot color film, or work in RAW and don't have an easy way to see a B&W version of any scene in your viewfinder, then you may want to know about the Wratten #90 filter. Ansel Adams used one of these to help him recognize tonal relationships in scenes he wanted to capture in B&W without the bias of color seen by the naked eye. Wratten filters are still made and sold by Tiffen but a box of these costs more than $100. Another option is the Tiffen Black & White Viewing Filter, also made by Tiffen and easier to deal with as … [Read more...] about The Wratten #90 Filter – B&W Photography
Lightroom Hangout: Brushable Gradients and Other Local Magic with Colin Smith
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). We kick off Tuesday 6/23, 5:00pm Eastern, 4:00pm Central, 3:00pm Mountain, and 2:00pm Pacific. 5:30pm in Newfoundland. RSVP here and it'll show your local time. I've been so jealous of Photoshop for the last year: it got brushes added to the gradient tools in ACR, but since Lightroom wasn't … [Read more...] about Lightroom Hangout: Brushable Gradients and Other Local Magic with Colin Smith
Photoshop Elements’ Graphic Novel Filter
Theres a few times that Im using Photoshop Elements that I think I wish this was in Photoshop!. The Graphic Novel filter is one these. The Graphic Novel Filter With an image loaded head to the Filter menu. Under the Sketch menu theres a few filters, one of these is the Graphic Novel filter; Choose Your Starting Point When you first open the Graphic Novel filter it can be a little disappointing, a fuzzy monotone oddness, but its worth clicking on the four presets here to get an understanding of what its doing and to pick something that looks … [Read more...] about Photoshop Elements’ Graphic Novel Filter
Lightroom’s Hidden Gems: The Radial Filter
When I started digital photography, I thought Lightroom 2s Vignette tool was the greatest thing. It allowed me to darken the edges of my images and draw attention toward my subject in the center. Trouble was, my subject wasn't always in the center, and I wanted to be able to place the bright center of the vignette over my subject. Lightroom 5 came along, and finally enabled me to do this with the new Radial Filter. Lets do a vignette, and lets do some other tricks, too. This article is adapted from our book, Develop Great Images Adobe … [Read more...] about Lightroom’s Hidden Gems: The Radial Filter
A Few Reasons to Switch to Photoshop from Lightroom
Lightroom's task I imported the images in Lightroom and applied my usual enhancements. I cropped the photo, adjusted the highlights and shadows and applied sharpening. Basically the same edits I would have done in a traditional darkroom. Lightroom's task is to enhance my photos, not manipulate them. That's a job for Photoshop. Photoshop's task Once our image is inside Photoshop, we can start to create art and manipulate to our heart's content. Using the same composite techniques from the Color Matching: How I Got the Shot article I wrote, I … [Read more...] about A Few Reasons to Switch to Photoshop from Lightroom
Shooting with Clear and Haze Filters
Check out the benefits of using clear filters for shooting video footage, including protecting the lens, reducing the effects of haze, and more. Watch the follow-up movies within this series at http://youtu.be/k493_eYJY5U 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 video gear, from cameras like the Blackmagic 4K and GoPros to lighting, accessories, and … [Read more...] about Shooting with Clear and Haze Filters
Lightroom’s Killer Graduated and Radial Filters
Graduated & Radial Filters apply a graduation effect using your brush settings. The effect starts the strongest at the first point then is subtle the further you draw to the final point. These filters can have a strong impact on an average photo. Lighting the scene: Graduated Filter From inside the Develop Module, select the Graduated filter or press keyboard shortcut M. Apply a minus 0.30 for exposure and select red from the color's palette. Drag your mouse across the image, starting from the left side. This starting point will have the … [Read more...] about Lightroom’s Killer Graduated and Radial Filters
My “Top 10” Favorite Filters in onOne’s Perfect Effects 9
One of the things I love about Perfect Effects inside of the new onOne Perfect Photo Suite 9 is the ability to stack more than one filter, blend them together, and ultimately create my very own unique combination of effects. Their new slogan says it all: Your Photo. Your Look. And it couldn't be more true. This software gives each of use the ability to completely customize the processing from start to finish. Because I've been using onOne's products for several years, I have found myself gravitating to some of the same filters over and over. … [Read more...] about My “Top 10” Favorite Filters in onOne’s Perfect Effects 9
Five Must-Have Photo Accessories For Every Landscape Photographer
With all of the money that photographers spend on their cameras, lenses and tripods, it can be easy to overlook some of the smaller accessories that may truly have a material impact on your actual shooting experiences. The photo accessories industry is teeming with all sorts of goodies & gadgets that range from pure utility to chic fashion. Everything from camera straps to lens cloths to filter holders, there is a size and style to suit the taste of just about any photographer. And, for us landscape photographers, we've got another level … [Read more...] about Five Must-Have Photo Accessories For Every Landscape Photographer
Photoshop’s Flame Generator
Here's a look at Photoshop's new Flame Filter, which can help you create flaming text or even people! Disclaimers: This is only one way to create flames. Flame generator only available in the latest update to Photoshop CC. This Post Sponsored by: LensRentals.com Be a kid in a camera store. Rent lenses, cameras, lighting and more from the original and best online photographic and video equipment rental company. Use PHOTOFOCUS10 in the checkout special instructions to receive 10% off your next rental. SongFreedom is about artists … [Read more...] about Photoshop’s Flame Generator
Calculating Exposure with Slower Shutter
I love long exposure photography because it has the power to make even the most mundane scenes a bit more interesting visually. When shooting daytime scenes I often turn to my Lee Big Stopper 10-stop ND filter. The Big Stopper is so dark you can't actually see through it, which means your cameras internal metering is off the table. Lee does include a small cheat sheet with the filter to help you determine the correct exposure with the ND filter based on the correct exposure without the filter. Unfortunately the cheat sheet doesn't cover all … [Read more...] about Calculating Exposure with Slower Shutter
Building Your Bag: Accessories | Part 1
Filters of all sorts, flashes, cards, readers, light-meters, remote triggers, straps, battery chargers, batteries, business cards, business card holders, lens bags, cases, cords, levels, tripods, lens cloths, blah, blah, blah. Do you need it all and does it have to be the best of the best? YES, GO BUY IT ALL RIGHT NOW (but only if you've got a limitless income!) Well, most of us can't go out and buy a car full of photography equipment, so I'd recommend that you start off slow and figure out what you need and want to use first. I always felt … [Read more...] about Building Your Bag: Accessories | Part 1
Getting Started with Long Exposure Photography and ND Filters
Ever since moving to the Pacific Northwest, I definitely have had my fair share of photographing waterfalls. In fact, I became infatuated with landscape photography after realizing that I could, in fact, photograph a "moving" landscape and make it amazingly beautiful! The main thing that pulled me in was blurring water; I was able to transform splashing, fast-moving water into a cotton-candy wonderland. Creating photographs like these is relatively simple, you just need a few pieces of basic equipment to make it happen. Basically, to create … [Read more...] about Getting Started with Long Exposure Photography and ND Filters
Filters: Easy On, Easy Off
There are all kinds of marvelous filters out there that can help you create photographs. In this case, I'm talking about the kind that you attach to the front of the lens. I've got several polarizing filters, neutral density filters, variable neutral density filters, graduated filters, and even UV filters. If you don't already have some of these, you probably will at some point in your photographic adventures, and these tips will help you get them on and off the camera with easewhich is often harder than you'd expect. Back Spin When you … [Read more...] about Filters: Easy On, Easy Off
Blur Your Background Elements in Photoshop
In this tutorial, learn how to easily blur the background behind your transparent elements in Photoshop. This is perfect when designing website mockups! Disclaimer: This is just one way to blur elements in Photoshop. For more tutorials go to . … [Read more...] about Blur Your Background Elements in Photoshop
Removing Glare with a Circular Polarizer Filter
When photographing water, it can oftentimes be a good idea to tame the reflections with a circular polarizer filter. A circular polarizer is a filter that rotates on the front of your lens, allowing you to cut through reflections in water and glass. These examples show how different rotations of the filter can have varying effects on a scene. For this sunrise photograph of Trillium Lake, I wasn't quite sure which version I would like better: the one with the full reflection showing in the water (left), or the one with a little bit of the … [Read more...] about Removing Glare with a Circular Polarizer Filter
Tips on Using Circular Polarizing Filters
One of the major challenges in landscape photography is managing reflected light, especially when working around water. The single best way to subdue reflection is to use a circular polarizing filter to control the amount of scattered light across the lens in full sun. Polarizing filters are ideal for contrasting clouds against a hazy blue sky, and removing unwanted glare across water and glass. I like to think of it as sunglasses for my lens. While many filters can be successfully emulated via software, horizontally polarized light can … [Read more...] about Tips on Using Circular Polarizing Filters
