Spring and summer is the perfect time to tune up some of your outdoor photography skills, and Viewbug has just what you need. In its course catalog are short flash courses, to whet your appetite for some photography education. Some are even free! It's a great glimpse at what a Viewbug PRO membership offers, which you can get FREE for a month if you're a Photofocus reader. Just click here to get started and subscribe. Check out some of the below free flash courses and be sure to check out all that Viewbug has to offer. Astrophotography Redone, … [Read more...] about Free Viewbug flash courses to get you started with outdoor photography
outdoors
Photographer of the Day: David Simon
Category: Outdoor Photographer: David Simon Photo: “Waterfall - Isle of Skye - Scotland” While I'm always a sucker for a good waterfall photo, it was the fantastic light that made me pause. Absolutely gorgeous! Technically perfect, wonderful colors, and razor sharp. Thanks for sharing with our group! Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: David Simon
Utilizing a Fill Flash During Bright, Sunny Conditions
Oftentimes we can't schedule our photoshoots around perfect sky conditions. Especially during the summer, the long days and high sun becomes challenging, leaving you guessing at having clouds in the sky, or praying that Golden Hour will work out. But there's a common solution to all of this, using just your speedlight and a diffuser. Balance the Light with a Fill Flash The past few weeks, we've been blessed with sunny skies in Michigan, along with super hot and humid days. Because the days are longer right now, it means your window for … [Read more...] about Utilizing a Fill Flash During Bright, Sunny Conditions
Photographer of the Day: Stéphane Hernandez
Category: Outdoors Photographer: Stéphane Hernandez "Cascade Moustier_1" I'm a sucker for waterfalls, but his beautiful photo caught my eye with its delicious painterly feel, and the hidden staircase winding up the bank on the right side of the frame. This gives my eye the freedom to travel down that silky flow of water, and then carefully rise up the steps, taking in all the lush details. This is a photograph I have enjoyed looking into for a long time. Thanks for sharing with our group! Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Stéphane Hernandez
Photographer of the Day: sfowlerphotos
Category: Outdoors Photographer: sfowlerphotos "textures of the edge of the world" This aptly named photo is all about textures. The black and white treatment serves to remove the distractions of color, and let the viewer bask in details. The leading lines of the weathered branch takes your eye out along the rocky shore, to where it meets the clouds racing back across the sky. The contrast of the dark stones against the brighter water and sky creates a powerful composition. Thanks for sharing with our group! Originally shared on the … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: sfowlerphotos
Photographing Wildlife Up Close… the Right Way
Usually, my articles have a lighthearted note, full of photography wit and wisdom (bite your tongue, let me cling to my illusion.) But, I’m going to get a little serious in this one. I am a firm believer that to be a better nature photographer, you have to be a better naturalist - a continuous student and passionate observer of the natural world and all its creatures. To do so requires a core code of ethics; there are lines that you just do not cross in pursuit of your nature pictures. With wildlife, it is very tempting to try to get closer … [Read more...] about Photographing Wildlife Up Close… the Right Way
Photographer of the Day: Tassanee
Category: Outdoors Photographer: Tassanee "Celestial" I think the key to a great Milky Way shot is having a strong foreground to provide a sense of scale and wonder. I think Tassanee picked an ideal location, and the Milky Way is a perfect backdrop for this scene. The curving road is a wonderful leading line and the colors are superb. Tassanee's Flickr portfolio is full of many more amazing examples of stellar night photography. Thanks for sharing with our group! Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Tassanee
Photographer of the Day: Martin Bishop
Category: Outdoors Photographer: Martin Bishop "Fishing Boat Anchored in Cullercoats Bay" There is beauty in simplicity, and our Photographer of the Day, Martin Bishop, has done a great job of creating a simply beautiful photograph. The silhouette of the fishing boat back-lit by the sun has a wonderful graphic quality to it, and is a pleasure to view. Thanks for sharing with our group! Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Martin Bishop
A Closer Look: Mindshift Gear Backlight 26L Camera Bag
My friends at Mindshift Gear sent over one of their newest bag: the Backlight 26L for me to review. This bag is perfect for anyone looking to fit a bunch of gear for a basic day shoot or even a 2-3 day shoot. Lots of space and superb build quality. Check out the video review for more details! You can order your own Backlight 26L from Amazon using the links below: Backlight 26L (Greenfield) Backlight 26L (Charcoal) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr0PQHFWK98&feature=youtu.be Questions about this column? Just leave them in the Comments … [Read more...] about A Closer Look: Mindshift Gear Backlight 26L Camera Bag
A Tip from Hollywood: Outdoor Portrait
The other day I received a photo attached with a text message from Hollywood shooter Mike Kubeisy. He was on the set of NCIS LA photographing what they call "Afghani" mugshots of the stuntmen for the show. The message read,Do you understand what I did?. We often send messages like these to challenge each other to think outside the box. This simple challenge intrigued me so much I stopped eating lunch and analyzed the image carefully. It was an outdoor set up for a portrait head shot, but what was Mike really trying to tell me? Camera "T" … [Read more...] about A Tip from Hollywood: Outdoor Portrait
Beat a Rainy Day With a Polarizer and One Tool That’s Practically Free
Today was rainy, and then it was rainy and windy, but what else can I expect in the winter in the Pacific Northwest? Trouble is, I still have to make a living even when it's raining. Fortunately, I had a willing client and two tools that helped me make the most of the situation. Twist to Enrich My client was going to meet me at my office where I had a decent background of greenery available and a covered porch to shoot under. However, things changed, and we ended up going to a different spot. Changing locations can be really terrifying. As you … [Read more...] about Beat a Rainy Day With a Polarizer and One Tool That’s Practically Free
Bill Fortney – Outdoor Photographer & Author
Editors Note: You can catch Bill Fortney at this year's Photoshop World in Las Vegas. Bill Fortney is one of America's premier photographers specializing in Landscape, close-up, nature, Americana, and travel. In his 44 year career, Bill has been a High School teacher and football coach, AP rep, Medical photographer, and Marketing Public Relations person. Bill was an official photographer for the Washington Redskins during his sports photography years. http://billfortney.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/glory_light_small.jpg In 1991 he and his … [Read more...] about Bill Fortney – Outdoor Photographer & Author
