This is a follow-up article based on the article I wrote: “No Excuses! Making Photos No Matter What.” The article talks about what went through my mind when we were shooting. This article simply focuses on how I got the shot to create the sports grit look using a cross-light setup with continuous light. The Technical Stuff Placed the subject in the middle of two continuous lights set diagonally across from each other on a 45-degree angle Used a black background to isolate the subject Shot on a low angle with a 15-30mm lens at 30mm … [Read more...] about Capturing the Sports Grit Look Using Cross Light with Continuous Light
photography
Using a Pegboard to Shoot Creative Portraits
Are you bored shooting on the same background? Here’s how to create a unique look using a combination of posing, lighting, a BLOWiT fan and a special pegboard as a background. Let’s Start with the Background The background is nothing more than a 4’ x 8’ brown pegboard from Lowe's. You can pick it up for about $15. I decided to paint it flat black after the shoot to compliment the blue gel I planned on using. Knowing now that I love the blue background, I'm considering painting it blue. BLOWiT Fan To give Sydney a windblown look and add … [Read more...] about Using a Pegboard to Shoot Creative Portraits
No Excuses! Making Photos No Matter What
After a long couple of days of teaching at Photoshop World, my good friends Ray and Kim insisted I join them for dinner and a quick shoot. Exhausted, I tried every excuse not to go but they are the type of friends you can't say no to—and I'm glad I didn't. Here's what went through my mind when we created the Sports Grit Look using a cross-light setup with continuous light. Not My Normal Lighting Gear Normally I use a 3-light setup using studio strobes or speedlights attached to strip boxes and a beauty dish. For this setup, I had one … [Read more...] about No Excuses! Making Photos No Matter What
How to Make Light Painting Spirals the Easy Way
As a mom of two wild little ones, I am always looking for creative ways to express myself with my photography. One of those ways is with light painting. Light painting for me is a stress reliever and something I can do after the little ones have gone to sleep. It's a technique used in long exposure photography where you can use artificial light to illuminate a scene or to create new elements within the image. Basically, you are running around in the dark, waving a light around to create cool effects. Sometimes during those moments, you feel … [Read more...] about How to Make Light Painting Spirals the Easy Way
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast with David Schonauer | Photofocus Podcast June 8, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-david-schonauer-photofocus-podcast-june-8-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please post a review on iTunes. In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young chat with Pro Photo Daily Editor and Motion Arts Pro David Schonauer about getting your photographs published! We discuss in detail: The art of getting your work published The criteria he used to pick certain images as an editor The value of authentic networking and relationship building … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast with David Schonauer | Photofocus Podcast June 8, 2018
The InFocus Interview Show with Lou Freeman | Photofocus Podcast June 1, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/infocus-interview-show-june-1-2018-with-lou-freeman/s-L39kn In this episode: Sophisticated Wedding Portrait and Glamour Photographer Lou Freeman shares her insight on portrait photography. Topics: How her commercial and portrait work has influence one another Photographing people, it’s all about finding their essence How to purposefully find specific types of clients How People are attracted by what they see How to build a portfolio The power of printed pictures over digital a … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show with Lou Freeman | Photofocus Podcast June 1, 2018
How to Give Advice on Buying a Camera
Elizabeth Kite posted in Photoshop and Photography — looking for recommendations. She asked. "Can someone recommend a good digital camera that is reasonably priced??? Under $500." My reply. Wait.. has anyone asked Elizabeth what she needs the camera for (other than automatic exposure and the like?) Imagine if she said she needs a reasonably priced car under $1500.00. If it's a second car for her child, that's reasonable. But if she said she wants it to be a daily drive or– let’s take this to an extreme--she wants to enter it into a race, now … [Read more...] about How to Give Advice on Buying a Camera
The Art of Being “Photogenic”
I can't tell you how many times I've had someone say 'I am not 'photogenic'. To be honest, I hate that statement. I mean who isn't 'photogenic'? To me everyone, I don't care who you are, is or at least can be 'photogenic.' I love the saying, ‘photogenic’ doesn't have to do with the way people look, but instead how they feel and behave in front of the camera. Lindsay Adler said this, “a lot of the time people who don't feel photogenic are already afraid of having their photograph taken, which then shows in their expression. Our job is to break … [Read more...] about The Art of Being “Photogenic”
The InFocus Interview Show with Scott Kelby | Photofocus Podcast May 25, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/infocus-interview-show-may-25-2018-with-scott-kelby In this episode: Photographer and Photoshop Guru Scott Kelby shares his insight on the value of formal education verses self taught. Topics: YouTube as a great resource for reference material How he learned about lighting The value of online education courses: Kelby One, Creative Live, LinkedIn Learning / Lyndia.com and ThinkTapLearn Conferences such as Photoshop World, Shutterfest, WPPI, PPE Hands on workshops and … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show with Scott Kelby | Photofocus Podcast May 25, 2018
5 Reasons You’re Feeling Burnt Out
Editor's Note: Tracie Maglosky is a portrait photographer specializing in weddings, maternity & newborn photography. She loves teaching and inspiring other photographers in lighting, posing, business techniques and balanced living. Tracie is an Olympus Visionary, MagMod Ambassador and a part of the Miller's Speaker Team. Follow Tracie's work at http://www.traciejeanphoto.com. Let’s face it, as much as we like to put our best moments on social media highlighting our perfect plates, children, sunsets and outfits, the reality is that most … [Read more...] about 5 Reasons You’re Feeling Burnt Out
The Untouchable Photographer
Photographers all over the world seem to have a complex about how they can gain more clients and interact with people. Sure, there are shows or conventions that you could attend, but they are always about someone else. You want to show off what you can do, right? Photography is one of the particular career paths that thrive on interaction and connection. When you photograph for someone, you are now ingrained into a moment of their lives. Every time they see that photo or relive that memory, your name comes up. How can we be more … [Read more...] about The Untouchable Photographer
4 Reasons Why You Should Consider Getting An Office Out From Your Home
When we are at the beginning of our photographer career, we try to spend as little as possible on everything that doesn't seem necessary. By "necessary" of course, we mean our photography gear, camera body, lenses, bag, tripod, laptop. We don't necessarily think that renting an office is part of those basics expenses. Well, after reading this post, you might think about it twice! I have to admit it, I was more than a little scared when I signed my first lease contract a few months ago. I was barely out of school. I had no regular income. I … [Read more...] about 4 Reasons Why You Should Consider Getting An Office Out From Your Home
Becoming a Better Drone Photographer: Setting up your DJI Drone Camera in Aperture Priority Mode
In this article, I am going to show you how to setup your DJI drone camera, using the Go 4 app, in Aperture Priority Mode for shooting photographs. I will be using my Inspire 2. Your screen may look a little different, but the basics are the same. Also, note that some drones don’t allow you to change the aperture. What is Aperture Priority Mode? Aperture Priority Mode is where you tell the camera to use a particular aperture or f-stop and then it adjusts ISO and shutter speed to maintain that aperture. Why would I want to use that? With … [Read more...] about Becoming a Better Drone Photographer: Setting up your DJI Drone Camera in Aperture Priority Mode
SmugMug Just Purchased Flickr
On the heels of Yahoo's purchase by Verizon, SmugMug has bought former Yahoo property Flickr. SmugMug has promised that neither product is going anywhere, but has yet to offer any specific details about the future of Flickr. According to an FAQ page about the acquisition, "Flickr and SmugMug will continue to operate separately, just as both have been. Your SmugMug and Flickr accounts will remain separate and independent for the foreseeable future." "Flickr is an amazing community, full of some of the world's most passionate photographers. … [Read more...] about SmugMug Just Purchased Flickr
Improve Your Photography Skills For $0 – $5 with these Essential Tools
As a beginner photographer, we don't always have a killer budget to invest in education. I found some very useful tools over the years that helped me along the way without breaking the bank. Here are 5 totally FREE options to improve your photography skills! 1) YouTube This is such a powerful one. We have access to thousands of hours of free content right at our fingertips. Everything is in there. I can't tell you how many times I looked for video tutorials and how many times I found the answers in a matter of seconds. There are … [Read more...] about Improve Your Photography Skills For $0 – $5 with these Essential Tools
Searching for a Lightroom Alternative: Is it Time to Switch?
Since Adobe changed some of its Creative Cloud pricing on Monday (4/16/18; note the Photography plans were not impacted), there's been a lot of discussion surrounding alternatives to Lightroom. And while Lightroom continues to be the industry standard for photo editing and organization, there's a lot of tools out there that are great alternatives for people who don't want to be married to a subscription model. Luminar $59 for Photofocus readers; available for Mac and Windows I've been using Skylum's Luminar 2018 since it first came out, and … [Read more...] about Searching for a Lightroom Alternative: Is it Time to Switch?
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast April 13, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-april-13-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please post a review on iTunes. In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young chat with renowned photographer Anne Geddes. We discuss in detail: How storytelling relates to photography How to be authentic in your work Finding your personal creativity and style, and the importance of being able to control light How to find the photographic "bliss" that will drive your work … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast April 13, 2018
Beauty Photography Basics
If your goal is to shoot beauty portraits, you must understand that not only does the model want to feel flawless, but the hair and makeup artists want their work to look beautiful in the final image as well. You may know a lot of various lighting setups but when it comes to beauty the main goal is to avoid creating unflattering lighting that either expose the subject’s uneven skin and hair texture (acne problems, fine line or wrinkles, coarse or damaged hair) or visually age them. For that reason, your choice of light modifiers and main … [Read more...] about Beauty Photography Basics
The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast April 6, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-infocus-interview-show-photofocus-podcast-april-6-2018/s-FwwbO Remember to check out our great sponsors including TruLife acrylic, MPB.com, ThinkTapLearn In this episode: Rick Friedman Photojournalist Rick Friedman talks about: His career that involved photographing every US Presidential campaign since Jimmy Carter How his Photojournalist days influence his portrait sessions. How to nail your exposure. Pitfalls of “Chimping”. Tips to control overshooting How to expose for the … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast April 6, 2018
Coloring a Rockstar
Guitarist, singer, and photographer Ken Susi of the band, "Unearth", dropped by the Photographic Test Kitchen, for a portrait session. Our goal is how to create a different look by using colors. Creating the First Image In the first image, I used 2 Dynalite Baja B6 strobes, one on either side and slightly behind Ken, giving him the light on his face. Both strobes had a Dynalite 20 degree, 7” grid. The ends of both of the grids were wrapped in Rosco Cinefoil, black tin foil, that controls how the light is spread. On the left side I used a … [Read more...] about Coloring a Rockstar
The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast March 30, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/infocus-interview-show-photofocus-podcast-march-30-2018/s-uuin1 Remember to check out our great sponsors including TruLife acrylic, MPB.com, ThinkTapLearn In this episode: Eddie Tapp I had a chance to sit down with Commercial Photographer Eddie Tapp while he was in Florida giving a lecture to The Camera Club of Brevard Florida. Eddie talks about Learning to see the delicacy of light, The 4 Qualities of light--Spectacular Highlights, Diffused Highlights, Diffused Shadows, and Hard Shadows– and he gives a … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast March 30, 2018
Tips and Tricks for Using Layers
What is a Layer? Layers are a powerful way to “build up” your images. They allow you to add filters--or stack several filters together--to apply corrections or enhancements. Changing blending modes, adding a layer mask and adjusting the overall opacity (revealing or hiding the layer below) will give you the freedom to experiment until you achieve exactly the look you’d like for your image. Base Layer Luminar creates a base layer when an image is first opened. Think of this as the background layer. Since there isn’t a layer beneath it, you … [Read more...] about Tips and Tricks for Using Layers
How to Create a Photo Series: Learn How Live at ShutterFest 2018
(Editor's note: The following article is part of a class Photofocus authors will be teaching--sponsored by Skylum, makers of Luminar--at ShutterFest April 3-4, 2018. Each day we will post helpful tips and tricks plus share some of our behind the scenes videos. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or check back here. Remember to also follow Skylum!) Creating a photo series isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Norman Rockwell—an American author, painter, and illustrator—is famous for creating a series of paintings reflecting American … [Read more...] about How to Create a Photo Series: Learn How Live at ShutterFest 2018
The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Guidelines
As traveling photographers, we all wear many hats—landscape photographer, bird photographer, portrait photographer, food photographer, etc. We may feel comfortable in some of the hats we wear, and some hats just don’t seem to fit well at all. I had my roots in landscape and nature photography then moved on to cityscapes. Photographing people on the streets in the places I visited always seemed a tough fit. So I pushed hard--taking a class, watching videos, reading some books, and making lots of pictures--to figure out how to get good shots … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Guidelines
What’s In the Bag: Gear I Use to Photograph President Trump
Last week I was assigned to photograph President Trump during his visit to Manchester, NH. I try to bring all gear I might need on the first trip to the site. Quite often it is a very long walk from the parking lot to the press entrance. Once you are inside you don't want to go back out, or you may not be allowed to go back out through security. After you go through the press entrance, you proceed to press check-in, where you are issued your press pass for the day. Often there are long lines to wait in as credentials are … [Read more...] about What’s In the Bag: Gear I Use to Photograph President Trump
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
How to Use Luminar’s Brushes, Filters and Masks – Part 2
Welcome to part two of this series. You can find Part 1 here. In this article, I'll show you two ways to use the Brush and Masking to apply the Dehaze Filter. These techniques can be applied to the other Filters as well. To follow along you will need Luminar 2018. Using the Brush with the Dehaze Filter This video is about one way you can use the Brush with the Dehaze filter. In this example, we are going to enhance a sky. Using the Brush by Painting on the Mask a Little at a Time This video is about another way to use the Brush with … [Read more...] about How to Use Luminar’s Brushes, Filters and Masks – Part 2
Go from Drab to Fab by Replacing Skies
In Michigan, we get a lot of gray days. But as photographers, we can't let the weather hold us back. Let me show you how I used Luminar 2018 to replace the sky and make my image more engaging. Preparing Your Image In my case, I had already had an image that I processed in Luminar. I did some clone stamping and really played around with the tones, making for a blue-ish, cool tone. But the sky was completely flat, despite using the blue tone present. Choosing a Sky While I loved how my photograph turned out, I knew I wasn't getting any … [Read more...] about Go from Drab to Fab by Replacing Skies
Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast March 21, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-photofocus-podcast-march-21-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level! In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young dive deep into a discussion with editorial, corporate, and advertising photographer Todd Spoth. We discuss in detail: how paying attention to details about your client can help facilitate trust the role … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast March 21, 2018
How to Use Luminar’s Brushes, Filters and Masks – Part 1
Filter masks in Luminar 2018 give you the ability to use the filters beyond just applying them to the entire image. This gives you flexibility and adds to your creativity. I have written a series of three articles. In Part 1 of the series, I talk about the basics of filter masks and brush and mask basics. In Part 2, I show you two ways to apply a mask using the Brush with the Dehaze Filter. In Part 3, I show you the basics of using the Gradient mask with the Dehaze Filter to enhance the sky, the basics of using the Luminosity mask with the … [Read more...] about How to Use Luminar’s Brushes, Filters and Masks – Part 1
