The Photofocus InFocus Interview Show for May 26, 2017. I’m your host, Vanelli. On today's show, Levi Sim interviews travel photographer and Panasonic Rep, Mark Toal followed by Platypod inventor, Larry Tiefenbrunn. Mark talks about how he got into photography and how micro 4/3 cameras allow him to always have a camera with him. He shares his insights on what makes his photos compositionally intriguing and how living in different locations has influenced his photography. Larry talks about finding inspiration, some excellent resources for … [Read more...] about InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast May 26, 2017
Lumix
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: There’s An App For That
Most mirrorless cameras include wifi and the ability to work with a smartphone app, and most mirrorless photographers I talk to aren’t maximizing that connectivity and the included functions. The cameras themselves create the wifi, so you don’t need to connect to wifi wherever you are. I highly recommend you get used to using your app and let it help you work better. Here are some of the things I do regularly with my Lumix cameras and the Panasonic Image App. Transfer Photos Whether I’m sending pictures I just took of my kids to my wife or … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: There’s An App For That
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Debunking the Sensor Cleaning Myth
The idea of cleaning your camera's sensor scares most photographers half to death. The thing is, if you don't clean the sensor, you'll end up with spots in your pictures anytime you stop down the aperture a little bit, and it just gets worse over time. I know many photographers who are so nervous about cleaning their sensors that they won't even change lenses in the field for fear of getting some dust on the sensor. Don't Be Scared Well, it's time to get over the fear and get your sensor cleaned up. The first thing you need to understand is … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Debunking the Sensor Cleaning Myth
Mirrorless Camera Guru: How To See The World Like A Photograph
Mirrorless cameras' greatest advantage is the fact that there is no separation between what the sensor records and what you see in the viewfinder. Seeing exactly what your picture will look like before you even press the shutter button is an incredibly powerful way to shoot. Personally, I now shoot far fewer pictures because I know that I've already nailed the exposure. When I look in the viewfinder, I see the world like a photograph. DSLR's require you to focus a lot of brain power on your camera's light meter. The skill to interpret what … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Guru: How To See The World Like A Photograph
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Amazing Speedlight Solution for All Cameras
Once I realized that mirrorless cameras were more than capable of replacing my DSLR, I dove in head first and sold my Nikons. Ever since then, I've been saying that the only thing I miss from my Nikons is the excellent Creative Lighting System. Nikon's CLS allowed me to make pictures with excellent light in all kinds of situations without using additional radio triggers or sync cords. From broad daylight to pitch black night, from manual mode to TTL, Nikon's speedlights never failed me. when I switched to Lumix, I continued using my Nikon … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Amazing Speedlight Solution for All Cameras
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: You Need One Before 8/21/17
If you live in the United States, I can unequivocally say that you need to buy a mirrorless camera before August 21st, 2017. Just trust me. Ok, I'll tell you more. Why Before Aug. 21st? You’ve probably heard about the Total Solar Eclipse happening this year, and it’s on the 21st of August. If you haven’t made plan to be in place to view it, you’d better get going on that because hotels and campgrounds are filling fast. Here’s another article with the details. But Why Do I Need A Mirrorless Camera? A solar eclipse means the moon will … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: You Need One Before 8/21/17
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
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: The #1 Problem With Mirrorless
I'm an evangelist for mirrorless. The mirrorless cameras are driving innovation and bringing the best changes to the way we make photographs. I tell everyone I meet that they should consider a mirrorless camera, and while they are amazed by the features and intrigued by the possibilities, they all say the same thing: "But I have all these lenses for my current camera--I'm too invested to change!" I understand that feeling, but I've had a different experience. Did you know that I've owned 27 Interchangeable Lens Cameras (ILC's) in the last 7 … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: The #1 Problem With Mirrorless
Live Webinar: Lumix GH5 Launch Event
Lumix's new flagship camera is the Panasonic Lumix GH5, and it begins shipping to customers this Wednesday, March 29th. The waiting list began earlier this year, and photographers and cinematographers alike are anxiously waiting. Don't Miss this Free Webinar B&H Photo is celebrating the shipping launch with this live webinar featuring pros like Jacki Huntington, Griffin Hammond, David Flores, Lok Cheung, and Lumix's own Sean Robinson who will be demonstrating features and showing off the new tools. Here's a link to all the details of the … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: Lumix GH5 Launch Event
First Impressions and Hands-On with Lumix GH5
Lumix's new GH5 is the most talked-about new camera this season, and for good reason. It's a complete redesign of the popular GH4 and it offers loads of new features. Since I'm an ambassador for Lumix, I've had some time with a pre-production unit and I'd like to share with you some first impressions. Now, I'm an ambassador but not an employee of Lumix. They are not paying for this article, and I am not representing their views in any way. I'll tell you my honest impressions. (Spoilers: it's awesome). Excellent for Photographers and … [Read more...] about First Impressions and Hands-On with Lumix GH5
Everything You Need To Know About Micro 4/3 Lenses
Mirrorless cameras are wonderful tools, and I'm going to be writing regularly about their attributes. Quick intro to Micro Four Thirds, a.k.a. MFT, M43, Micro 4/3. The key characteristics are that they have interchangeable lenses, they are almost always smaller than DSLR's, they generally cost less than DSLR's for similar features, and they have a sensor that is smaller than DSLR's. The sensor is shaped in a 4x3 ratio, not a 2x3 ratio like DSLR's, which makes a picture that is less wide. One thing that makes Micro 4/3 cameras significantly … [Read more...] about Everything You Need To Know About Micro 4/3 Lenses
“I Like This Picture Because…”
I think the Snake River Plain in southern Idaho is one of the prettiest places in the world and one of the hardest places to photograph. It’s expansive and grand and as you drive you’ll see heavenly light and subtle color and texture changes that make it seem like you’re driving through a painting. But when you stop to make a photograph, you’ll see that it’s difficult to make a picture that expresses the beauty you see with your eyes. Idaho isn’t the only place that offers this obstacle. Most beautiful places can stymie even experienced … [Read more...] about “I Like This Picture Because…”
Photofocus Products Of The Year – Scott Bourne
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 – Scott Bourne
Don’t Bring a Wide-Angle Lens, Just Make Panos
Making pictures on a photowalk or hike should be enjoyable and relatively stress-free. One way to reduce your stress is to carry less equipment. A small kit makes your body lighter and helps you keep going longer. Bring a prime lens and stretch your vision by framing with your feet instead of lazily zooming in and out to frame a shot. This go-light method is terrific until you see a wonderful picture that just doesn't fit in the lens you brought. Fortunately, you've got tools available to help you make the most of even that tough … [Read more...] about Don’t Bring a Wide-Angle Lens, Just Make Panos
Panasonic 12mm f/1.4 ASPH Leica DG SUMMILUX First Look
The Panasonic/Leica partnership is one of the most interesting pairings in photography. And it continues to bear fruit. There are several stellar lenses in the Panasonic lineup to prove it. And let’s face it - Panasonic was smart to team up with the Germans. Let's also just get this out of the way. When Leica is involved, you can immediately assume that this is going to be something fantastic. I have owned a few Leica cameras and lenses during my lifetime and every single time I touch Leica glass I feel lucky. It’s just special. When I found … [Read more...] about Panasonic 12mm f/1.4 ASPH Leica DG SUMMILUX First Look
How to Compensate for a Lightweight Tripod
Maybe you're on a trip and you only brought a lightweight tripod, or maybe you were seduced into buying that cheap tripod that came in a package with your camera. Either way, you'll find that using a lightweight tripod often ruins the pictures you're trying to make. A tripod is supposed to be a steady platform for shooting, but if it's too light then a breeze can make the whole thing shake during an exposure and ruin the picture with movement blur. The following techniques will help you get the most from your lightweight tripod even in less … [Read more...] about How to Compensate for a Lightweight Tripod
SpiderLight Hand Strap Mini Review
Spider Holster has been innovating the way photographers carry cameras for years. Their line of holsters takes the burden of a heavy camera off your neck and puts it on your hips, where the largest bones and muscles in your body carry all the weight. Last year, they added the SpiderPro Hand Strap to the lineup. It takes the weight of the camera off your fingers and allows your whole arm to lend support. I've been using the hand strap for more than a year, and the holsters for more than three years and my body appreciates the way they shift the … [Read more...] about SpiderLight Hand Strap Mini Review
Using 2 Cameras? Make It Easy: Sync the Time
It is a tragedy to not make a picture because you don't want to deal with post production. Yet, many photographers have exactly this feeling--that photography has become a burden. Here's an idea to help make using two or more cameras less burdensome. Why Two Cameras? Just the other day I had a shoot that would take a full 9 hours, but I wasn’t sure that was enough time, so I was seeking ways to save time and maximize my efficiency. One thing I know about myself is that if I have to change a lens to make a wide angle picture or a telephoto, … [Read more...] about Using 2 Cameras? Make It Easy: Sync the Time
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
Looking for a Hiking Tripod? Platypod Max is It
I hike every week with my family, and I travel by air and shoot in other cities every month. You and I both know that using a tripod unlocks picture opportunities that just can't be made without one. I can use it for super long exposures to blur the sea and clouds, or reduce traffic to trails of light down the road, and make waterfalls that pour smoothly into eternity. However, carrying a tripod can be wearisome. Just thinking about carrying it on a seven-mile hike makes my shoulders and legs hurt. I know I need a tripod, and I know my … [Read more...] about Looking for a Hiking Tripod? Platypod Max is It
TetherTools Case Relay Review and Tips for Lengthy Exposures
A few years ago, I had this crazy idea to shoot a five-hour exposure while I was camping near the Tetons in Wyoming. The major obstacle to making a picture like this is battery power. The whole time a long exposure is recording, the sensor is activated, the shutter is held open, and a DSLR's mirror is held up, all of which require power. What’s more, if you use the built-in 'long exposure noise reduction' setting, the camera will process the photo for the same amount of time that the shutter was open. That means if I started the picture before … [Read more...] about TetherTools Case Relay Review and Tips for Lengthy Exposures
Photofocus Podcast April 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
On this episode of the Photofocus #Mirrorless Show Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: Scott found some info that Canon may actually step up their game in the mirrorles segment. Marco gives a fairly thorough hands on review of the new Fujifilm X70 compact camera that he has been working with for a month now. He shares a lot of hands on experiences about what worked well and what does not work so well. And Marco gives some solid firmware improvement wishes that the Fujifilm marketing and product … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast April 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
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
Tips for Using Telephoto Lenses
Birding is one of the most popular hobbies in the world (almost as popular as photography), and when I was a park ranger I learned two tips from birders which help me be more efficient using my telephoto lenses. I use these tips every time I use a long lens, whether I’m photographing birds, sports, or flowers. Look then Lift Birders use this technique to help them find a subject with binoculars. The trouble is, it's easy to lose the bird's position when switching from the wide view of your eyes to the much tighter view in binoculars--which … [Read more...] about Tips for Using Telephoto Lenses
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
Got a New Camera? Take Control of Autofocus
If youre like me, you got a new camera and dove in, shooting like a madman and making all kinds of pictures of all kinds of things. After a few gazillion pictures, I was starting to figure out a few things about my camera and how it worked. I remember that my world really changed when I learned how to use control the autofocus. I stopped having soft focus pictures and pictures with the background sharp and started getting the tack-sharp focus I saw in others work. Focus is one of our most creative tools in photography. Its the power to draw … [Read more...] about Got a New Camera? Take Control of Autofocus
Pinball Heroes: How I Previsualized and Realized a Photograph
When I heard that Photofocus was renting the Pinball Hall of Fame for a party, my mind started going crazy with ideas. The plan was to host a party during Photoshop World in Las Vegas and invite Photofocus readers to join us for a live shoot with models and borrowable cameras from LensRentals.com. The party was a blast, and you've already seen some of the pictures posted here on the blog. I had a particular plan in mind, however, and I'll show you how I made it come to life, and maybe my method will help you realize a vision you've had in … [Read more...] about Pinball Heroes: How I Previsualized and Realized a Photograph
Win Two Tickets to Photoshop World + A Panasonic Lumix LX100
At Photofocus we love giving away prizes. Especially when those prizes can change your photographic life. We've partnered up with KelbyOne and we've got a great prize to give away. The Grand Prize GRAND PRIZE: A Brand New Panasonic Lumix LX100 and Two Passes to Photoshop World. SECOND PRIZE: One Pass to Photoshop World What's Photoshop World? Only the best training conference on the planet (and I don't just say that since I've attended for the last 11 years). The Three-day event covers the best in photography, lighting and … [Read more...] about Win Two Tickets to Photoshop World + A Panasonic Lumix LX100
Super-Telephoto Killer: Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro Hands-on Review
The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro lens with its 1.4x teleconverter has helped me make a bunch of good pictures and allowed me to do a good job for my clients. Over the last few months, I've used it to shoot a variety of subjects from wild horses to aerial photos to portraits to college graduation. I'd like to show you how it performed for me, and make an argument for why you will never need to buy a $12,000 lens. Let's start with the horses. This Lens Will Tame Wild Horses The thing about these horses is they are fairly tame (people … [Read more...] about Super-Telephoto Killer: Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro Hands-on Review
Spider Pro Hand Strap
I don't use neck straps, and I generally advise everyone against them. I think they're a poor design and dangerous to your body--with as much shooting as I do, carrying a camera was damaging my neck. You may have read my review of the Joby wrist strap when I said it's the only strap I'll use. Well, I've got to take those words back: the new Spider Pro Hand Strap is now with me all the time and it's truly the only strap I'll ever use. It's perfect because it's secure, and well designed. Safety First Neck straps let you keep a camera handy, but … [Read more...] about Spider Pro Hand Strap
