Collapsible backdrops are great for location shooting and small studios — even large studios use them for convenient and inexpensive options for backdrops. The video below shows the 5x7' chroma key backdrop. You can use chroma key backdrops to replace the background in your photo or videos, but Angler also has other colors with the same build quality. This is a well-made backdrop that should last a very long time. Even the carry bag is better made than most others that cost a lot more money. I use this kind of backdrop on location every week. … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Angler Collapsible Backdrop, 5×7′
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Lights, Colors, Fractals
I shot this photograph at WPPI in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago. I was at the ClickProps Studio Backdrops booth. This company makes over 500 backdrops in various designs and sizes, and we got to test out a number of them. This photograph was shot against the "Brick Natural" backdrop. Our shooting space that was only about 5 feet by 10 feet. A Collaboration Between Two Photographers The photograph was a collaboration between 2 photographers: the model, Kat Armendariz of Hush Hush Shoot Studio in Las Vegas and me. Kat is one of Las Vegas's … [Read more...] about Lights, Colors, Fractals
Do You Revisit Old Locations?
(Editor's Note: This is a guest post from our partner mpb.com a great place to use your old gear to acquire newer gear.) For many, the thought of revisiting an old location may seem like a step back rather than the potential for a step forward in terms of honing your skills. However, as you grow as a photographer and as your personal perceptions change, a location can develop a new meaning or open new opportunities. Locations don’t wait for you to photograph them, nor do they give you a heads up when conditions are ideal for you to realize … [Read more...] about Do You Revisit Old Locations?
Photographer of the Day: Dawna Moore
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "GMC Christmas" by Dawna Moore If you would like to experience a beautiful vision of a vintage holiday, look no further than this image, "GMC Christmas" by Dawna Moore. Part holiday cheer, part nostalgia, it's a warmly lit scene featuring Christmas decorations along with a nice slice of Americana. Beyond these elements, the composition and lighting are excellent, from the technical choices with aperture to create the starbursts on the Christmas lights, to the balance of complimentary colors with … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Dawna Moore
Photographer of the Day: Mark Meyer zur Heide
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "Oslo No. 1" by Mark Meyer zur Heide What is particularly compelling about this image, "Oslo No. 1" by Mark Meyer zur Heide, is it let's you imagine nearly endless stories for the scene, what this place is, and who the person is passing through it. The anonymous silhouette could be anyone, on their way to or from anything, passing through a seemingly futuristic place, where the light and patterns are almost hypnotic. The strong lines, reflections, and color gradients capture your eye, and lead you … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Mark Meyer zur Heide
Photographer of the Day: Jim Sollows
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "I’m sure there are many stories behind this old bike!" by Jim Sollows It is often easier to say that you like an image versus trying to explain why you like it. For me it usually comes down to a few simple tests. Does it make me feel something? Does it make me imagine the story of the scene? Jim Sollows' photo, "I’m sure there are many stories behind this old bike!" does both, and his title captures perfectly what we are all probably thinking when taking in this photo. His composition pulls you … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Jim Sollows
Photographer of the Day: Denis Malciu
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "1" by Denis Malciu The image "1" by Denis Malciu displays a perfect choice of composing in black and white, simplifying what could have otherwise been a very busy photo. As the crowd stands in rapt attention to the dancers' performance, they frame the dancers instead of competing with them. Imagine if instead this photo was presented in color. The dancers could have easily gotten lost against that sea of people and the variety of textures and colors they are wearing. Instead the photographer … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Denis Malciu
Photographer of the Day: in the streets of vienna
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "lost in white" by in the streets of vienna Simplicity and symmetry are the first two things that grab my attention in the image "lost in white". The moment of the women in mid-stride is perfectly framed by the columns, her black outfit in stark contrast to the white building she walks past. One of the smallest details that adds life to the image is the raised foot and slight bit of motion blur. This creates the sense of movement in the image, bringing her and it to life, a beautiful example of a … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: in the streets of vienna
Photographer of the Day: Pierre Pichot
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "Ghost_19" by Pierre Pichot One of the most powerful aspects of photography is its ability elicit emotions in us. But, our emotions can also change how we perceive an image. The first time I saw Pierre Pichot's photo "Ghost_19" I thought, "Cool, that has a great dark mood, it's kinda creepy". The next time, "It seems very melancholy, I wonder who that is and what they are thinking". The next time, "It feels like there is a sense of foreboding, like something bad is about to happen". Each time I … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Pierre Pichot
Photographer of the Day: Rafa Velazquez
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "Amigos en Pedraza. Segovia. Spain" by Rafa Velazquez Even if you aren't fluent in Spanish, you probably know that "amigos" means friends. In this image by Rafa Velazquez, titled "Amigos en Pedraza", we see just that. Two young friends, hanging out, having fun together. The beauty of this image is it combines something we can all relate to, with a place we may not be familiar with. Framed in the archway, the light illuminates them just enough that we understand the scene, but leaves them in just … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Rafa Velazquez
Natural Light Studio in Your Backyard
It’s pretty easy to make your own natural light “studio” for just a little money and a little time for set up. “Portraits Unplugged” is what I call shooting with ambient light and it’s important to understand the direction, quality and depth of light in order to make a portrait that is effective. Learning to see the light is a process that requires practice. Controlling the light to create your mood is imperative. My favorite natural lighting is what we call Porch Light or Garage Door Light, which means there is no light coming from above … [Read more...] about Natural Light Studio in Your Backyard
Photographer of the Day: P Sterling Images
Category: Street Photography Photograph: Friday night in the City.... by P Sterling Images The two composition concepts that I find appealing and done well in this photo are the use of selective color and motion. In P Sterling's image "Friday night in the City…" the photographer has successfully captured a still photo that presents us with a lively scene full of motion and energy. It perfectly captures the street vibe of a busy Friday night. Selective color is one of those post-processing techniques that has become almost cliché, but when … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: P Sterling Images
Photographer of the Day: Emanuele UbOldi
Category: Street Photography Photograph: Untitled by Emanuele UbOldi You can’t help but be drawn to the face of the child in this untitled image by Emanuele UbOldi. Everything in the scene focuses your attention there, and although small in the frame, this little one becomes the center of attention. There are two subtle but strong concepts at play. First, the child is “sub framed”, with the steps acting as a frame, an effect repeated by the entryway and doors, creating a series of pictures within a picture. The other is color, the … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Emanuele UbOldi
Shooting on a Beach!
Happy Summer! It’s time to get away from the computer or out of the darkroom and enjoy the beautiful weather and shoot! Here are 3 tips on making great beach photographs. I shot these photographs at the end of the day, catching the very last bit of light, at the same location, yet achieving very different visual impacts. All of these photographs are shot without a tripod even though they are fairly long exposures. Exposing for the last light of the day. Start by using the in camera meter to read the light on the horizon. Make sure you are … [Read more...] about Shooting on a Beach!
Total Solar Eclipse Preparation – part 1
(Editor's note: Marie Tartar's photography, above and below the waterline, is compelling. In the first part of her series of guest posts, she describes the origins of her love of the eclipse. Here, she chronicles her preparations for the up coming total eclipse of the sun; the first time in North America since 1979.) A month from now, on August 21, 2017, North America will play host to a total solar eclipse, for the first time in many years. My personal experience with total solar eclipses is limited and to say I am intimidated would be an … [Read more...] about Total Solar Eclipse Preparation – part 1
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
Dragging the Shutter Part Two: Shake, Spin and Zoom
Dragging the Shutter, as we learned in Part One, is a tricky technique where you light the subject with your flash, and then use a slow shutter speed to pull in the background light. All the basic how-to information on how to balance light to make it “correct” is laid out in the previous article. Now we are going to break the rules and have fun! The Venice Carnival is the perfect place to play with this technique because of the extravagant and colorful costumes combined with gorgeous scenery. I love dragging the shutter, but I like to play … [Read more...] about Dragging the Shutter Part Two: Shake, Spin and Zoom
Food Photography in a Working Restaurant
Small restaurants just don't have the budgets that chains do. Creating a series of photographs for table tents while a restaurant is filed with customers is challenging. It's also a whole lot of fun. The job Mike, the manager of the Brookhaven Lucky's a local, very dog friendly restaurant asked me if I shot food while I was enjoying dinner at the bar. "Sure," I said. "What have you got in mind...?" "We need to make table tents." Mike replied. It was early April. Summer was on the way. Milkshakes, a desert burger and a breakfast burger … [Read more...] about Food Photography in a Working Restaurant
What Makes A Good Photograph? Series
This is the first in a series I am writing about what makes a good photograph. The answer to the question is complicated - it is nothing - everything - who knows? Good is in the eye of the beholder. Since I am writing this post, Ill mention something that in my mind helps create good a photograph. I think this is a wonderful exercise for every serious photographer. Ask yourself what you like about an image - any image and start keeping track of what resonates. Heres how I approached this task. I started looking at some of my own images … [Read more...] about What Makes A Good Photograph? Series
Instant Replay: Running a Professional Photoshoot with Matthew Jordan Smith
Did you miss Matthew Jordan Smith revealing the secrets to running a successful photography business? Then watch below and Matthew will show you the techniques he's learned as one of the most prolific celebrity shooters in the world. Rich Harrington hosts this free webinar, and he and Matthew will help you learn everything from working with clients to mastering lighting to retouching for immediate turnaround. https://youtu.be/T4Xp5BDSYK4?t=53s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Running a Professional Photoshoot with Matthew Jordan Smith
One Must Have Lighting Tool: Diffuser
I’m a snob about lighting, which means I won’t make a picture if the light isn’t good enough. When I have the opportunity to influence the light on my subjects, the one tool I use most frequently is the diffuser, or scrim, from my 5-in-1 reflector kit. It’s extremely inexpensive and does a fine job of softening and redirecting the light on my subjects. What’s It Do? A diffuser makes a small light into a big light and that makes it softer and more flattering for every subject. The sun is a tiny little light in the sky, but when it shines … [Read more...] about One Must Have Lighting Tool: Diffuser
Timelapsing Car Streaks at Night
Timelapses are really cool ways to show time progression and I love to create one or two in every city I travel to. Over the summer, I had a short stay at the Westin Buckhead in Atlanta and shot a really cool timelapse of car streaks outside the hotel. It didn't take long and was a lot of fun to produce. https://youtu.be/N7NwnYawroQ What You'll Need Camera with a wide-angle lens Intervalometer (Unless your camera has one built in. I like TriggerTrap) Tripod Extra batteries Step One - Find a great location Just like with an … [Read more...] about Timelapsing Car Streaks at Night
Hate Shake? Then Find a Ledge
While I always remind myself that nothing beats a tripod... sometimes I find myself out and about without one. Sure, I'm a big fan of the Platypod Pro, but I don't always have it with me. In this case I just look for a flat surface. You see even the slightest movement can create camera shake... but I have an easy solution. Make sure your camera has a flat surface. I usually do this by attaching an Arca Swiss style plate to the bottom. Find a flat surface. It might be a garbage can, a railing, or a bench. Set the camera down on … [Read more...] about Hate Shake? Then Find a Ledge
Getting Taped Up
Here's a great tip I got from watching some grips quickly change gels on some frames. In the past, when you removed an old gel or diffusion material you always had the mess of the sticky material. Either the 2-sided tape, or the foam stuff from 3M double stick, which ever material was used it was a challenge. I was observing some grips used the following technique and it was fast. This is a standard 18"x24" frame. The first thing you want to do is apply Blue Painters Tape around the entire frame. Here you can see I'm using 1" … [Read more...] about Getting Taped Up
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
How I Got the Shot – Light Trails
Several years ago I was with a group of friends at Photoshop World in Las Vegas. After class, we decided to photograph the strip. We took the usual Vegas photos the Vegas sign, Luxor and surrounding hotels. As it got later, we focused on long exposures, capturing brake lights of cars passing by. This created beautiful light trails. Well, when the cars didn't stop they do! A buddy of mine showed us a cool trick. She held her hand in front of the lens to prevent light from passing through. I asked what she was doing. She said, Shhh. Im counting! … [Read more...] about How I Got the Shot – Light Trails
Cucoloris for Shadowed Texture
So often someone will take the time to light the talent to look great but forget to light the background and give the image some depth: One method is to use a Cucoloris. Some will refer to it a s a cookie cutter:The Cucoloris will create a shadowed texture onto your background depending on the distance the light source is from the Cucoloris. The general rule with light is that the closer the light the softer the light, the larger the light the softer the light. Allow me to show you this theory in practical application:As you can see in the … [Read more...] about Cucoloris for Shadowed Texture
A Short Survey On Lighting
At Photofocus, we work hard to keep you on the cutting edge. Now it's your turn to help shape the professional photography world. We were approached to help administer a survey about what lights and tools photographers need. A big research company reached out to us and wants to hear from professional, semiprofessional, and advanced enthusiasts about how you light your pictures. The survey is short (and we'd really appreciate it if you'd go vote). It should take less than 5 minutes to complete. If you want, they even have a contest at the … [Read more...] about A Short Survey On Lighting
C-Stands 101
One of the most used tools on a Hollywood set, oh heck on any set, is the C-Stand. C in Roman numerals representing the numeral 100 is how the C-Stand got its name, 100's of uses. When closed it's 53" high, it can be extended to 10'6", it usually is ordered with a 40" arm and Grip Head. The C-Stand is a very versatile tool in the photographer's arsenal. Allow me to show you how to take advantage of the C-Stand. One way is a reflector holder:You simply secure a piece of foamcore or any material that you're using to reflect light onto the talent. … [Read more...] about C-Stands 101
Don’t Waste Your Time: Light the Room
We all have times when were waiting for somethingmaybe the doctors office, or a meal at restaurant, or at the auto shopand many times we spend that time checking Instagram with our eyes glued to our phones. Id like to suggest a more productive use of your time that will exercise your mind and make you a better photographer. Light the Room When youre waiting around, engage your mind by lighting the room. Consider what it would take to make the room look good in a photograph, and then spice it up by adding the person youre waiting for to the … [Read more...] about Don’t Waste Your Time: Light the Room
