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'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday 5/16 at 6:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Central, 4:00 pm Mountain, and 3:00 am Pacific. 7:30 pm in Newfoundland. RSVP here and it'll show your local time. This Month: Crafting … [Read more...] about Lightroom Hangout: Crafting Fine Art Black and White Portraits with Mykii Liu
fine art
3 Easy Ways to Use the Rule of Thirds
You’ve probably heard of the Rule of Thirds—I learned about it in middle school art classes, and art history in college. It’s a terrific tool for guiding composition in your pictures. Formulaic use of the Rule of Thirds can take you a long way toward making better pictures, and will help you discover better compositions on your own. It’s so universal that Lightroom and most other photo editors include an overlay in the cropping tool. But how do we use the Rule of Thirds when we're shooting? Following are some ideas for how I use it to help me … [Read more...] about 3 Easy Ways to Use the Rule of Thirds
Instant Replay: Lightroom’s Print Module with Kevin Ames
You may have noticed that there's more to Lightroom than the Library and Develop Modules--there's also a Print Module, and it's incredibly awesome. Special guest Kevin Ames is going to reveal the secret powers of the Print Module and you'll find that it's really great for much more than making prints. Hosted by: Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim Produced by: Rich Harrington and Photofocus.com https://youtu.be/IsmIa1KXTPk?t=5m12s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Lightroom’s Print Module with Kevin Ames
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
Offbeat with Joel Robison
It's not every day that a person's work transports one to another time or place. Rarer still is the photo that makes one feel like they are peeking in on another, magical world; so it is with the photography of Joel Robison. I discovered Joel's work a few years ago on Instagram and I've been an avid fan ever since. Let's get to know him a bit better. Aside from the mechanics of photography (e.g. the exposure triangle, framing and composition), what one piece of advice would you give a person picking up the camera for the first time to … [Read more...] about Offbeat with Joel Robison
Being Prepared Makes all the Difference
I love the Boy Scout motto of Be Prepared. As a photographer that often means carrying extra batteries, a spare camera, and an extra memory card. But also knowing the location, and what conditions you'll be working under. Practice Ahead of Time We just recently moved into a house with a pool, and I have been eager to shoot in it. I was asked if we could hold a baptism celebration in our pool. It is winter here in San Diego, and the pool temperature has been hovering around 55 degrees. Too cold for daily practice. Underwater photography has a … [Read more...] about Being Prepared Makes all the Difference
Photo of the Day: VitraHaus
Category: Architecture Photograph: VitraHaus, by Kay Gaensler. Originally shared on the Photofocus Flickr community, right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: VitraHaus
Shooting Personal Projects
A great way to challenge yourself and enhance your skills is to shoot some personal projects. Here is an opportunity to stretch your imagination. Building sets, buying props, coordinating wardrobe, scouting locations and casting talent are all part of the process of shooting your personal projects. When you apply all these things, your ideas will come to life. I'll get an idea visually, and then I need to make it happen. Like this 30's Hollywood glamour shot:Once I cast the beautiful actress, Sarah Deakins, I needed to get hair and make-up. … [Read more...] about Shooting Personal Projects
Photo of the Day: Chicago Sunset
Category: Architecture Photograph: 3/365 Chicago Sunset, by Jeremy VanderMeer. Originally shared on the Photofocus Flickr community, right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: Chicago Sunset
Five Tips on Photographing a Model in a Hotel Room (NSFW)
I've been following former Sports Illustrated / HBO photographer Anthony Nestes' transition from sports and entertainment to fashion and glamour photography. He has a unique way of adding simple elements to a scene to help bring the image to life. I took a day trip to Anthony's home in Flagler Beach, Florida, and spent the day asking him questions that resulted in this article "Five tips on photographing a model in a hotel room." Shooting this type of location has its challenges; but with Anthony's basic tips, you can achieve some very … [Read more...] about Five Tips on Photographing a Model in a Hotel Room (NSFW)
Photo of the Day: Brisbane by Night
Category: Architecture Photograph: Brisbane by Night - Brisbane, Australia by Murray Fox Originally shared on the Photofocus Google+ community, right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: Brisbane by Night
The Camera of the Moment | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com talk with commercial photographer Joe McNally about shooting Nikon cameras since 1973 and what his favorite camera has been. https://youtu.be/iUNJPbdakDA Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joe McNally Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in over 50 countries. He has shot cover stories for … [Read more...] about The Camera of the Moment | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Overkill Cameras and the Right Camera for the Job | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com talk with commercial photographer Joe McNally about what he would consider an overkill camera, even if it's the right camera for the job. https://youtu.be/HXqh0IjHSLg Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joe McNally Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in over 50 countries. He has shot … [Read more...] about Overkill Cameras and the Right Camera for the Job | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Photographers – Want To Be An Artist? Have A Point Of View
Ive been studying this for a long time and Ive finally figured something out. The reason that so many photographers simply copy the style of the day (how many more wedding shots will I have to look at where the photographer is shooting into the sun so he can get the background to flare? How many?) is that being an artist is dangerous. Being an artist is hard. Being an artist is risky. Being an artist will open you up to merciless ridicule and online attacks. Its a fact. This is the lay of the land. Being an artist requires you to do the one … [Read more...] about Photographers – Want To Be An Artist? Have A Point Of View
Repairing an Old Lens | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com talk with commercial photographer Joe McNally about one of his most-favorite lenses being added back into his camera bag. https://youtu.be/PSSJreLYQgU Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joe McNally Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in over 50 countries. He has shot cover stories for … [Read more...] about Repairing an Old Lens | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Photofocus Podcast October 5, 2015 — Robert Hall & Corey Barker
This week we catch up with two photo experts. First up is Robert Hall who is a talented fine art and landscape photographer. Then we check in with Photoshop guru Corey Barker. [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/227017689" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="175" iframe="true" /] Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Robert Hall Robert Hall is a Utah native who's been shooting photography for more than forty years. His work has … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast October 5, 2015 — Robert Hall & Corey Barker
The Essential Kit | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com talk with commercial photographer Joe McNally about his essential camera kit built out with Nikon gear. https://youtu.be/XzV1NFmBAT8 Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joe McNally Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in over 50 countries. He has shot cover stories for TIME, Newsweek, … [Read more...] about The Essential Kit | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Nikon D810 vs D800 | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com talk with commercial photographer Joe McNally about his decision to upgrade from the Nikon D800 to the D810 and how the D810 benefits flash shooters. https://youtu.be/7QrVxWnuz-8 Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joe McNally Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in over 50 countries. He … [Read more...] about Nikon D810 vs D800 | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Work vs Personal Cameras | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com talk with commercial photographer Joe McNally about his choice of camera for both commercial jobs and personal work. https://youtu.be/TfZuXRW_kZQ Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joe McNally Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in over 50 countries. He has shot cover stories for TIME, … [Read more...] about Work vs Personal Cameras | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Photoshop Luminance Masks
Editor's Note: Don't miss this week's free event on when to jump from Lightroom to Photoshop. Photoshop Luminance Masks are a great way to edit an image targeting just the areas you want. These masks aren't solid black and whites but mirror the luminance values of a channel or channels. Lets jump into Photoshop and see how its done; For this post Im using the image The Bride by anastasiyaand at Fotolia. Accessing Channels Using the Photoshop Workspace of Essentials or Photography you'll find Channels grouped with the Layers and Paths panels. … [Read more...] about Photoshop Luminance Masks
How to Improve an Incredible Camera | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com talk with commercial photographer Joe McNally about what he'd like to see in the next Nikon professional camera. https://youtu.be/RLMEbdsJL-I Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joe McNally Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in over 50 countries. He has shot cover stories for TIME, … [Read more...] about How to Improve an Incredible Camera | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Joel Grimes – The Story Behind the Photo
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and commercial photographer Joel Grimes as they explore the story behind one of Joel's favorite photo composites with soccer player, Bailey. https://youtu.be/0iDhvIGaA4U Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joel Grimes Joel is a commercial advertising photographer with a distinct style. His unique approach has earned him work from top advertising agencies and art buyers. View all of Joel Grimes's work … [Read more...] about Joel Grimes – The Story Behind the Photo
Printing is the Lost Art of Photography
Why are prints are so important? Printing is a part of many photographers business or workflow that can be improved. Most of us don't know how to print or even understand the basics of printing. Sure, the ease of going from one screen to another is often easy, while figuring out how to print at the right size and the right output can be daunting. Why Print? Printing can bring another level to your photography and client base. Prints obviously do not require hard drives, cloud storage, or a powered on device to view. A print is a tangible … [Read more...] about Printing is the Lost Art of Photography
Lightroom Hangout: Diving into Cinemagraphs with Rob Knight
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 Wednesday 5/27, 4:00pm Eastern, 3:00pm Central, 2:00pm Mountain, and 1:00pm Pacific. 4:30pm in Newfoundland. RSVP here and it'll show your local time. If you like shooting the same subjects in the same way that have been shot for a hundred years...then this hangout is not for … [Read more...] about Lightroom Hangout: Diving into Cinemagraphs with Rob Knight
A Profile of Maggie Taylor | Digital Artist
In this profile, learn about digital artist Maggie Taylor. She shares her process about creating digital collages. She began her career as a traditional artist who did everything in camera, but then embraced Photoshop for its felxibility. Thanks to lynda.com for this documentary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNBnvVfMBIY Breaking free of traditional notions of photography, Maggie Taylor creates haunting, layered dreamscapes that showcase the possibilities Photoshop offers. Explore her process in this movie. http://bit.ly/1FXTZKF … [Read more...] about A Profile of Maggie Taylor | Digital Artist
Photofocus Podcast March 15, 2015 — Cindy Harter Sims and Lou Freeman
This week's podcast interviews photographers Cindy Harter Sims about printmaking and competitions. Then we catch up with well-known glamour photographer Lou Freeman. Tune in and get inspired. [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/195966249" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="175" iframe="true" /] Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Cindy Harter Sims Cindy Harter is a portrait photographer located in Cartersville, GA. Her … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast March 15, 2015 — Cindy Harter Sims and Lou Freeman
Some Reflections On Photographer Leonard Nimoy
A thoughtful, talented photographer passed away on Friday. Mr. Leonard Nimoy was a well-known actor and director. He was also involved in other art forms such as music and poetry and yes photography. He was born in Boston, MA and in addition to his over 130 acting credits, Nimoy had a dozen directing credits, including the 1987 hit "3 Men and a Baby," starring Tom Selleck and Ted Danson and a couple "Star Trek" movies. Nimoy also starred as himself in hits like "Futurama," "Ancient Mysteries" and "In Search of..." as a host in the late 1970's … [Read more...] about Some Reflections On Photographer Leonard Nimoy
Last minute Gift Idea: Create a Painting
If you are stuck wondering what should you give someone special for the holidays, or any special occasion for that matter, transform one of your photographs into a painting. It's fast, easy and personal. Photoshop has a range of painting options under the Filter Gallery. These work great but if you want to take the painting look to another level try the new Topaz Impression or Simplify plugins. Simplify produces more graphical art results and Impression creates more realistic brush strokes.art results. Experiment and see which looks better for … [Read more...] about Last minute Gift Idea: Create a Painting
Secrets to Finding the Perfect Location
There are people who's sole job is to find great locations. If you're not on a commercial shoot and can't afford to hire a location scout, never fear! Let's go through a few places to find great locations. Instagram Instagram is one of the most popular photo sharing apps in the world. Users can upload photos and tag their location. Although this app is for mobile phones, there is a website that can show you a limited version of Instagram called Websta. When you visit http://websta.me/, you can type in the area or location you're looking for and … [Read more...] about Secrets to Finding the Perfect Location
Toby Harriman | Photographer of the Week
If you want to see images that make our world look it's best, you'll want to see Toby's magnificent portfolio. He doesn't stay confined to one genre, instead looking at making the best possible images of the world around him. "I don't think I have one particular style. And I don't think I ever want one. But only time will tell. I like to shoot a lot of things in a lot of different ways. For example, look at my Modern Series vs my vivid landscapes and sunsets. At the same time I feel I am adapting my landscape work into its own style which … [Read more...] about Toby Harriman | Photographer of the Week
