Holiday lights are so cool. If the tree didn't dry out and start dropping needles, I think I'd petition my wife to leave them set up all year. They just give such a terrific mood. It's because they have a warm tone and because they are so spread out they make a very soft light. Plus, when they are in the background of the photo, they make really cool bokeh bobbles. I wanted to utilize these lights in the background, so I needed to build the light in the foreground so that it wouldn't overpower the twinkle in the back. Here's how to do it. Use … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Build a scene with Lume Cubes & holiday lights
Lensbaby
Capturing Wildlife Photos At Tampa Bay Beach
Guest post by Larry Tiefenbrunn, Inventor and CEO of Platypod. See more at the Platypod Blog. December 6, 2017 is a day I will never forget. I had just flown down to Tampa on my way to appear on Scott Kelby’s “The Grid” together with portrait photographer and Photofocus editor, Levi Sim. Before I even landed, Levi messaged me that he and his buddy Jason Hahn, professional wildlife and nature photographer, would pick me up from the airport and take me out to an alligator park. As it turns out, our schedule did not allow us to go that far … [Read more...] about Capturing Wildlife Photos At Tampa Bay Beach
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Focus Peaking
I started photography with a K1000 camera which required manual focus and had a cat's eye style focusing screen. It was very apparent when I was focused at the wrong distance because the top and bottom halves of the image were misaligned and fuzzy looking. Digital SLR's, however, don't have this kind of screen and manually focusing them is difficult. Mirrorless cameras have something better: Focus Peaking. I love using Lensbaby lenses, which are all manual focus, and I love that focus peaking lets me get super sharp images even when manually … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Focus Peaking
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Sony a9 First Impressions & Lumix GH5 Firmware Released
I got a chance to spend two days shooting with the new Sony a9 last week and I used it under all manner of conditions from shooting landscapes to portraits to macro to street photography. Let me share with you a bunch of pictures and my first impressions, and then links for the GH5 firmware update that dropped this week. I was using exclusively Lensbaby lenses, and especially the brand new Velvet 85, Sweet 80, and Twist 60. Any of the focus effects are a result of those lenses, not the a9. Overall It's a pretty good camera. The last time I … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Sony a9 First Impressions & Lumix GH5 Firmware Released
Portrait Tips: Run Away & Zoom-In
You've got to try this technique for your portraits and you'll find a great impact on your compositions. Zooming-in makes stuff appear closer, and so we usually use it for things that are far away that we can't get closer to, like football players playing a game, or far-off wildlife. But in this case, you should put your subjects far away on purpose and then zoom in. Zooming-In Makes the Background Smaller and Closer Not only does zooming-in make your subject appear closer, it also makes the background appear larger. That means that a small … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Run Away & Zoom-In
Portrait Tips: Practice the 3 Be’s
I’ve heard Joe McNally say, “If you want more interesting pictures, stand in front of more interesting stuff.” I’ve also heard it said, “If you want to make better pictures, become a better person.” I find that is true whether I’m photographing my neighbor, a long time client, my own family, or a complete stranger. And I’ve got three Be’s for how you can implement it. 1. Be Interested Being interested doesn’t mean acting interested so you can take a picture. It means changing your mind so that you’re interested in what your subject is … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Practice the 3 Be’s
Photofocus Products of the Year – Levi Sim
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 – Levi Sim
Get creative with this lens — My quick Lensbaby Composer Pro review
There are very few additions that you can make to your camera bag that spur your creativity as much as a Lensbaby lens does. I’ve bought my first Lensbaby for my full frame DSLR in 2006. Today, 10 years later I still enjoy using my (latest version for APS-C Fuji X-Mount) Lensbaby Composer Pro Sweet 35 lens. But the lens has really grown up compared to the early version from 2006. Instead of the flexible rubber tube that you had to manually turn and hold in place with your fingers, the new versions come with a flexible stepless locking … [Read more...] about Get creative with this lens — My quick Lensbaby Composer Pro review
How to Manually Focus a Lens
In this video, Photofocus Publisher Rich Harrington and Author Levi Sim show you multiple strategies for manually focussing a camera. They'll walk you through options like zooming on live view, focus peaking, and more. Plus you'll learn how to get proper exposure when shooting in manual mode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWVlvAAsPs0&feature=youtu.be Want to win a Lensbaby Velvet 56? Check out our latest contest. … [Read more...] about How to Manually Focus a Lens
Time is Running Out to Win a Fujifilm X-T10 and Lensbaby Velvet 56
Have you entered our latest contest? Time is running out to win a great hand strap and a new camera. Enter before July 1. We've got a new camera contest thanks to our friends over at Lensbaby. You can win a new Fujifilm X-T10 and a great Lensbaby Velvet 56 to put on it. This is the perfect combination for street photography or travel. Details Welcome to the next Photofocus contest. This contest starts May 1, 2016 and ends July 1, 2016. The winner gets: Fujifilm X-T10 Lensbaby Velvet 56 Enter Here Enter the contest here. a … [Read more...] about Time is Running Out to Win a Fujifilm X-T10 and Lensbaby Velvet 56
How to Use Manual Focus Lenses
My first digital camera was a Nikon D90, and, as with the other 23 changeable lens cameras I've owned since, it was intended for autofocus. You're just supposed to put the focus point where you want to focus and let the lens and the camera do the work. This usually works well, unless it's too dark or your lens is manual focus only. I used to be scared of soft focus when using manual focus lenses, and I was jealous of the marvelous options in manual focus lenses, like terrific wide angles from Rokinon/Samyang that are both sharp and … [Read more...] about How to Use Manual Focus Lenses
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
Always Photograph Flowers This Way
Flowers are magical. The first thing I photographed with my first camera was a flower in my yard. It was the perfect subject because it was beautiful, colorful, and it didn't move around. I sat there practicing on it every day, trying out all the camera's settings and learning how they affected the pictures. Today, I still love photographing flowers, and I've got one tip you should always use when photographing flowers. Find the Backlight Flowers are colorful, but they are also translucent. When light shines through a flower's petals, a … [Read more...] about Always Photograph Flowers This Way
Win a Fujifilm X-T10 and Lensbaby Velvet 56
We've got a new camera contest thanks to our friends over at Lensbaby. You can win a new Fujifilm X-T10 and a great Lensbaby Velvet 56 to put on it. This is the perfect combination for street photography or travel. Details Welcome to the next Photofocus contest. This contest starts May 1, 2016 and ends July 1, 2016. The winner gets: Fujifilm X-T10 Lensbaby Velvet 56 Enter Here Enter the contest here. a Rafflecopter giveaway Thanks for entering. More Details All general Photofocus contest rules apply. Photofocus Contest … [Read more...] about Win a Fujifilm X-T10 and Lensbaby Velvet 56
7 Tips for Dad-tographers
We’ve all heard about ‘mom-tographers’ or ‘momtogs’ who are taking over the photo industry and putting professional photographers out of work. They are credited with making pictures of their own families, and then making pictures for their friends and extended families, and often starting a business and flooding the market with adorable, highly desirable photographs with creativity and fresh perspectives bursting out of each frame. And good for them. The industry needed a kick in the pants, anyway. But this article isn’t for momtogs. No, this … [Read more...] about 7 Tips for Dad-tographers
Close-Up with a Tilt Lens: Lensbaby Edge 50 Mini Review
I really enjoy close-up photography, so when my daughter had a dance recital recently, I had ulterior motives for buying her a bouquet of flowers. Right after she was in bed, I set about photographing her flowers. In this case, I wanted to put a new lens through its paces, and this lens is uniquely qualified to photograph closeups of tulips. The Lensbaby Edge 50 is both marvelous as a closeup lens, and its tilt feature makes it ideal for focussing on long things and maintaining sharp focus. The Edge 50 Optic Firstly, the lens is a marvel. It's … [Read more...] about Close-Up with a Tilt Lens: Lensbaby Edge 50 Mini Review
Photofocus Podcast December 5, 2015 — Tim Grey & Lensbaby
This week we catch up with professional photographer Tim Grey to learn about conveying emotion and feeling within photos. Then we sit down with the inventors of the Lensbaby lenses to learn about their cool products. Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Tim Grey Tim Grey is regarded as one of the top educators in digital photography and imaging, offering clear guidance on complex subjects through his writing and speaking. Tim has written more than a dozen books on digital imaging for … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast December 5, 2015 — Tim Grey & Lensbaby
Using the Lensbaby Velvet 56 on a Fuji X-T1
I've been a fan of the Lensbaby line of lenses for quite some time. If you're unfamiliar with the brand, they have a wide collection of manual-focus lenses that introduce blur, distortion, and other elements into your photo. I would say that their main customer is a portrait photographer, but that should not stop any type of photographer from trying them out. They are definitely unique lenses, and worth looking into if you want to try something new. Recently, Lensbaby recently let me play around with their new Velvet 56mm lens on my Fuji … [Read more...] about Using the Lensbaby Velvet 56 on a Fuji X-T1
Photofocus Podcast April 25, 2015 — Kevin Weinstein, A New Lightroom, and A New Lens from Lensbaby
This week's podcast catches you up three different ways. First get inspired by photographer Kevin Weinstein as he shares practical advice about being a working photographer. Then get a quick update on the new Lightroom CC as well as discover what new lens was just released by Lensbaby. Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Kevin Weinstein Kevin graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute with a degree in photography and went on to earn a Masters degree in photojournalism from the … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast April 25, 2015 — Kevin Weinstein, A New Lightroom, and A New Lens from Lensbaby
Guaranteed Smiles: Lensbaby Composer Pro Review
There are very few things you can buy that will make your photography better. The truth is, you just have to practice more. The good news is, I can practice more--I've got a lifetime to do so, and so do you. But if I can buy a tool that will help me have fun while practicing, then that might just be worthwhile, and I'd say that the Lensbaby Composer Pro system is just such a tool. Lens-what? LensBABY. They've been making lenses for years, and they're made right here in Portland, Oregon, USA. The distinctive thing about Lensbaby lenses is that … [Read more...] about Guaranteed Smiles: Lensbaby Composer Pro Review
Lensbaby – Fisheye and Soft-Focus Optic Review
Guest Post by The Lensbaby Composer is a selective-focus lens available for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony and Olympus. It features an Optic Swap System, allowing you to change to options such as a pinhole, a Lomo/Holga-like plastic effect, single- or double-glass, wide-angle and telephoto without buying a new lens--you just pop the center of the lens out and switch. The Composer is small and portable--about the size of the average 50mm prime. Lensbaby's latest additions to their optic system are the Fisheye and Soft-Focus. For this review, I … [Read more...] about Lensbaby – Fisheye and Soft-Focus Optic Review
