Category: Street Photography Photograph: L'homme du canal by Edouard Ketterer Minimalist photos are some of the most difficult to execute, but when done well, are some of my favorites. In Edouard Ketterer’s “L'homme du canal” we see the beauty of simplicity and geometry. There are only two triangles, the simplest of shapes in geometry. One person, one texture, and only black and white. But, it's the way these few simple elements have been woven together which creates an exceptional composition. The perfect balance and symmetry of two … [Read more...] about Photograper of the Day: Edouard Ketterer
photography
The Traveling Photographer: Seeing Things
Before leaving on a photography trip I always read a photography book that gets my creative juices flowing and my eyes and mind ready for new and exciting challenges. Joel Meyerowitz’s book “Seeing Things” is such a book. The book is labeled “A Kid’s Guide to Looking at Photographs”. I guess I am still a kid then, because it sure opened my eyes a bit bigger. For those who are not familiar with Joel Meyerowitz, he is an award-winning photographer whose work has appeared in over 350 exhibitions in galleries and museums around the world. He is … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Seeing Things
Seeing the Final Shot While Shooting
Do you ever see an image and wonder how the photographer got so lucky as to be in the right place, at the right time, with just the right lighting and just the right moment to capture the perfect image? It's not luck, well maybe once in awhile it is, but usually, it's work, being prepared and ready for that perfect image to happen in front of them, whether it's there, to begin with, or needs a little post processing help. Here are a few tips to help you be lucky and get that shot. Be Aware of Everything It’s impossible to be aware of every … [Read more...] about Seeing the Final Shot While Shooting
Lightroom Live: Wildlife & Nature with Jason Hahn
You gotta join us live for our next Lightroom Live, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, September 18th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check out the YouTube event here and it'll show your … [Read more...] about Lightroom Live: Wildlife & Nature with Jason Hahn
A Photographer’s Take On iPhone X And iPhone 8
Apple has done it again: they've created new phones with significantly different features and some of the changes include new cameras and software cheats for "better" pictures. I've watched the Keynote and read the press releases, and here are my impressions of the new iPhone X and iPhone 8/8+. First of All... In the Keynote they said that these new camera phones will help you make better pictures, but I take issue with that statement. These new phones will provide better image quality than ever before from a super tiny camera that is really … [Read more...] about A Photographer’s Take On iPhone X And iPhone 8
Two Heads Are Better Than One – How to Deal with Bad Expressions
How to deal with the unfortunate facial expression in group portraits Ah... it's that time again! The time when we are challenged to capture the idealized family portrait to send out to friends and family. To help you along, I'd thought I'd share a technique for a common problem with group portraits. Most of the time, but especially with shots including babies, if you have more than one person in the shot, someone is not going to look as good as the others in the shot. The example below shows two images from a recent photo shoot I did of my … [Read more...] about Two Heads Are Better Than One – How to Deal with Bad Expressions
History of Photography: Oscar Rejlander
The battle for photography's place in the fine art world is a road that is long and seemingly never ending at times, even today. In the 1800's especially, photography struggled for a place at the table and one man, in particular, pushed the envelope: Oscar Gustave Rejlander. During the Victorian Era, photographic standards of art were mostly based on comparisons to painting. In other words, the photo had to look real, but not too real. Many photographers chose to use sub standard lenses, smudge the lenses or plates, and even introduce camera … [Read more...] about History of Photography: Oscar Rejlander
Lightroom Live: Wildlife & Nature with Jason Hahn
You gotta join us live for our next Lightroom Live, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, September 18th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check out the YouTube event here and it'll show your … [Read more...] about Lightroom Live: Wildlife & Nature with Jason Hahn
Stock Photography Insights
Yesterday was a milestone day for me. I hit 10,000 sales of stock images. Yes, some of us are still selling and making money through stock photography. Of course, I will never get rich from my proceeds, but the sales do help to pay for my equipment. Stock Photography takes patience and perseverance. It is not an easy road. But it is fun seeing my images on book covers and in travel books and websites. Recently, I even made the CBS online news with two of my images being used in one story. Helpful Tips So, what is the big secret, to … [Read more...] about Stock Photography Insights
How to Use a Digital Projector as a Glamour Spotlight
An Alternative to Focusing Fresnel Spot Light with the Benefit of Easy Custom Shapes I have been experimenting with digital projectors as a light source in my Glamour Photography Workshops. If you don't have access to large movie hot lights with focusing fresnel lens systems, a digital projector provides a wonderful simulation! You can create any imaginable shape to project in Photoshop and use the projector like a light source. The example below was created by strapping the projector to a platform attached to a light stand - this accessory … [Read more...] about How to Use a Digital Projector as a Glamour Spotlight
Lightroom Live: Wedding Workflow With Lisa Robinson 8/28
You gotta join us live for our next Lightroom Live, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, August 28th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check out the YouTube event here and it'll show your … [Read more...] about Lightroom Live: Wedding Workflow With Lisa Robinson 8/28
The Traveling Photographer: Returning to the U.S. After Traveling Abroad
If you are returning home to the US after a trip abroad, take notice! Under certain circumstances, you may be charged a duty on your photography gear if you are unable to prove that you were in possession of the gear before leaving the US. You are thinking that sounds crazy. With the price of camera equipment today it could happen to any of us, particularly if your equipment looks or is new. US Customs and Border Protection When you re-enter the U.S.you are allowed a duty-free exemption for the total value of merchandise purchased abroad, … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Returning to the U.S. After Traveling Abroad
Product Review: Haida 150 Series Insert Filter and Holder System
Over the past couple of years, there has been a wave of super wide-angle telephoto lenses released on the market. Ideal for huge landscapes, vast night skies, or anything your wide-angle imagination conjures up. They offer big views, exceptional sharpness, and a whole realm of creative possibilities. My personal favorite is the Tamron 15-30mm, but, regardless of the brand, with super wides, their big beautiful front element projects out a distance from the lens body. This means that you can't use traditional threaded filters that screw on the … [Read more...] about Product Review: Haida 150 Series Insert Filter and Holder System
Seeing and Composition in Photography
Recently someone commented on one of my images: “I wish I had your eye for composition.” My reply: composition can be learned. Art classes in high school and college helped me learn the basics of composition, color, lines, shapes and the elements of design that go into creating good compositions in art, drawing, painting and yes, photography. There are plenty of online resources about art and learning basic composition. Normally my process is to get it as right as I can when I shoot it. Sometimes, though, I know what I want in my head but … [Read more...] about Seeing and Composition in Photography
Lightroom Live: Wedding Workflow With Lisa Robinson 8/28
You gotta join us live for our next Lightroom Live, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, August 28th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check out the YouTube event here and it'll show your … [Read more...] about Lightroom Live: Wedding Workflow With Lisa Robinson 8/28
Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | July 29th, 2017
Levi Sim and Ron Pepper discuss how location access can help make better photos, and ideas for access that anyone can try. First we'll follow up on last month's show about the eclipse. Find Levi: levisim.com Instagram: @photolevi Find Pepper: www.panoramanetwork.com instagram: @rpepper Have suggestions or questions to be used on the show? Email us here: -Levi Sim: [email protected] -Ron Pepper: [email protected] Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. … [Read more...] about Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | July 29th, 2017
Total Solar Eclipse: Dress Rehearsal part 4
(Editor's note: Marie Tartar and her husband Steve Eilenberg have been getting ready to photograph the eclipse on August 21st. In this concluding installment, she chronicles their dress rehearsal for the event. Practice makes perfect. Read her first three posts here: Preparation, Eye Protection & Photographic Considerations.) Preparation meets practice Over the preceding weeks, I’ve been reading everything I can find to prepare myself for the upcoming total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. My eclipse glasses and solar filter have … [Read more...] about Total Solar Eclipse: Dress Rehearsal part 4
Gear Review: Atlas Packs ‘Athlete’
Atlas Packs is a new company and they have created a good product. They've created backpacks that are extremely comfortable to wear and that carry a lot of weight without leaving you feeling fatigued. What's more, they truly don't look like technology backpacks that are full of expensive tools--they just look like a regular hiking backpack. Who's This Camera Bag For? Atlas Packs would be perfect for anyone who needs to carry their camera equipment as well as other stuff because they are well designed and have plenty of room for coats and … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Atlas Packs ‘Athlete’
Photographer of the Day: Jovan Jimenez
Category: Street Photography Photograph: “CTA Green Line to Harlem” by Jovan Jimenez (Jovan J) Jovan Jimenez's image is not only a beautiful example of street photography, but also an excellent demonstration of several composition concepts. Using selective focus and a very shallow depth of field, he pulls your attention directly to the front of the subway train, where you see the sign the image derives its title from. The shallow depth of field also allows a story to unfold, the out of focus subway cars and nameless figures help you to … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Jovan Jimenez
The Easy Way To Fold Reflectors & Backdrops
A collapsible reflector is a must-have tool for all kinds of photographers. I favor the 5-in-1 styles, and I favor a long oval style. The thing is, the toughest part about using a reflector has nothing to with lighting your subjects--the hardest thing is putting it away. This short video demonstrates how to fold several kinds of collapsible tools, including a circular reflector, a triangular reflector, an oval reflector, and an enormous collapsible backdrop. There's one simple way to do it: fold it in half, and tuck the ends together. Check … [Read more...] about The Easy Way To Fold Reflectors & Backdrops
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Hallelujah! Lr Update Includes Picture Styles For Lumix
Update: I've changed the title of this article for those who are jumping to conclusions without reading the body. Lightroom has always supported RAW files for Lumix cameras as well as lens profile corrections. That's not what this is about. Read on. Three years ago I dove into the mirrorless world and started shooting full-time with the Lumix GH4, leaving my full frame Nikons aside. Ever since then, I've been saying that the only things I miss from Nikon are the speedlight controls and the camera color profiles in Lightroom. Well, … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Hallelujah! Lr Update Includes Picture Styles For Lumix
Live Webinar: Perfectly Clear Q&A with Vanelli and Levi Sim
Perfectly Clear has become our go-to tool for finishing our photographs, and we are excited to show you how you can maximize its power. Vanelli and Levi will be doing live demonstrations and answering your questions. We'll get in-depth with Perfectly Clear Complete's marvelous system for retouching all kinds of photographs from portraits to landscapes to nightscapes. Tune in Live and you'll get answers to your questions, plus enter a drawing for complimentary licenses of Perfectly Clear Complete. Tune in Live: Perfectly Clear Q&A with … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: Perfectly Clear Q&A with Vanelli and Levi Sim
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!
Stories from the Set-CB Friedland’s Sea Caves
Vanelli travels across the country, talking to some of the top photographers in the field as they share their experiences while shooting on set. You'll soon learn that even season professionals encounter roadblocks during photo shoots. By staying calm under pressure, they rely on their skills to overcome these obstacles to capture an amazing shot. Sit back, relax and enjoy a Story from the Set. Travel, Landscape and Sea Cave photographer C.B. Friedland shares a story on how he first learned how to capture unique Sea Cave images. In this … [Read more...] about Stories from the Set-CB Friedland’s Sea Caves
Shooting and Seeing Art in Automobiles
I thought I would build on (pun intended) my last article Seeing Art in Architecture. It’s car show season here in the Midwest and shooting them can be quite fun, yet they pose some unique challenges. Many of the techniques and principles used in photographing architecture can be applied to shooting vehicles. Put Your Camera Down It can be overwhelming when you first walk onto the grounds of a car show, so many cars, so many shiny objects, and so many people. Walk around first and get the lay of the land. Are there groups of certain … [Read more...] about Shooting and Seeing Art in Automobiles
Live Webinar: Perfectly Clear Q&A with Vanelli and Levi Sim
Perfectly Clear has become our go-to tool for finishing our photographs, and we are excited to show you how you can maximize its power. Vanelli and Levi will be doing live demonstrations and answering your questions. We'll get in-depth with Perfectly Clear Complete's marvelous system for retouching all kinds of photographs from portraits to landscapes to nightscapes. Tune in Live and you'll get answers to your questions, plus enter a drawing for complimentary licenses of Perfectly Clear Complete. Tune in Live: Perfectly Clear Q&A with … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: Perfectly Clear Q&A with Vanelli and Levi Sim
Live Webinar: Perfectly Clear Q&A with Vanelli and Levi Sim
Perfectly Clear has become our go-to tool for finishing our photographs, and we are excited to show you how you can maximize its power. Vanelli and Levi will be doing live demonstrations and answering your questions. We'll get in-depth with Perfectly Clear Complete's marvelous system for retouching all kinds of photographs from portraits to landscapes to nightscapes. Tune in Live and you'll get answers to your questions, plus enter a drawing for complimentary licenses of Perfectly Clear Complete. Tune in Live: Perfectly Clear Q&A with … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: Perfectly Clear Q&A with Vanelli and Levi Sim
Focusing on Birds
I do not consider myself a “bird photographer”. I just happen to photograph birds now and then. Usually the birds are relatively big shore or sea birds, and occasionally eagles. Usually they are fast-moving. My cameras, a Fuji X-T2 and Fuji X-Pro2, serve me well for most of my photographic pursuits, but not necessarily for fast-moving birds. Perhaps many of you have experienced similar frustrations with your camera. The focusing works well for most of what you photograph, but at times it doesn’t. Focus Tracking Problems The problem I have … [Read more...] about Focusing on Birds
Newfoundland: A “Bucket List” Destination
I just returned from a couple of weeks on the island of Newfoundland. What an exciting photographic destination! It seems to have a little of everything, depending on your interests. Diverse wildlife, inspiring landscapes, urban flair, historical landmarks, enchanting people, and of course the icebergs you have been recently hearing about in the news. Definitely consider adding the island to your travel photography "bucket list". Icebergs Let's start with the question many of my friends have asked me. Why icebergs? Due to its location, … [Read more...] about Newfoundland: A “Bucket List” Destination
How to Light Close-up Flower Photos with a Flashlight
Summer is Here - Time for Flower Photography I just thought I'd share a quick little lighting technique for your flower photography. Now that spring is past and summer is here, it is almost mandatory that, as photographers, we document the emergence of dormant life in the form of flower portraits. I have some lovely Amaryllis, just now blooming at my windows, and these make great subjects for close-up photography... It is very easy to get great close-up shots with limited depth of field, soft pastel colors, and gorgeous semi-abstract … [Read more...] about How to Light Close-up Flower Photos with a Flashlight
