When a photographer works with a model for the first time, what should you do? What expectations does the model have from you as the photographer? What can the photographer do to ensure a successful shoot? Rather than speculate and come up with answers that I thought might be appropriate, I put these questions to three models with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working: Julana, Stevie and Zan. What are the 2 or 3 most important things a photographer can do ahead of time to ensure a successful shoot? [Julana] Scout the location to find … [Read more...] about Advice To Photographers From Models
photography
Personalizing Powerful Plugins with Serge Ramelli
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, October 3rd at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2:30 pm in Newfoundland. Check out the YouTube event here and it'll show your … [Read more...] about Personalizing Powerful Plugins with Serge Ramelli
Fixing Three Common Workflow Problems with the Drobo 5N
Well… It’s a pretty exciting day here at SharkPixel and Washington DC Headshots. I am finally upgrading my storage “situation” thanks to the amazing people over at Drobo. John Harrington once told me, there are two types of photographers in this world; people who have had a drive fail and people that will. So when I was asked to review the set-up process as a person who was completely unfamiliar with any of Drobo’s products previously in exchange for a Drobo 5N unit, I jumped at the opportunity. In this article, you’ll see how the Drobo 5N … [Read more...] about Fixing Three Common Workflow Problems with the Drobo 5N
The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast September 21th, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-infocus-interview-show-photofocus-podcast-september-21th-2016 The PhotoFocus InFocus Interview Show FOR Sept 21ST, 2016, with your Host Rod Harlan. As always we have 3 Powerful Interviews with well-known movers and shakers in the industry. We’ll start with Robert Vanelli interviewing Frank Doorhof about the importance of using story telling in his photography and his use of Adobe Photoshop as well. Then we’ll move to Scott Bourne interviewing Troy Plota about his many decades of work as … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast September 21th, 2016
How to Get the Windswept Hair Look without a Fan
The windswept-hair look has been a favorite for many portrait photographers over the years. Using a high-power fan ensures the look; but when power is not an option on a location shoot, it’s useless. Here’re a few “no-power-needed” tips and tricks to help get the windswept hair look without a fan. Movement with the subject Have the subject strike a pose. Take a few test shots to ensure proper exposure and lighting. Now have the subject take a step off their mark and when you yell action, they quickly move into position. This accomplishes two … [Read more...] about How to Get the Windswept Hair Look without a Fan
Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is traditionally a Mexican holiday to remember and honor the dead. I traveled to San Miguel de Allende to join in the celebrations and to work on my street photography skills. San Miguel de Allende is considered by some to be one of the prettiest cities in Mexico. Located in the central highlands, the streets are hilly and cobblestoned, with colonial architecture and charming plazas and parks. An art center known for high-end galleries and boutiques, the city attracts a large number of tourists, and … [Read more...] about Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende
Photographing San Miguel de Allende
Nestled in the highlands of central Mexico and steeped in history, San Miguel de Allende is a charming city to visit and to photograph at any time. During the Day of the Dead celebration, beginning the end of October, it is transformed from charming to effervescent. My holiday memories in the city are filled with images of bold colors and designs, people participating in holiday spirit, and nighttime festivities. As you first arrive into the city center of San Miguel your eyes will pop with photographic possibilities. The colonial … [Read more...] about Photographing San Miguel de Allende
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
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast September 1, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-september-1-2016 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. In this renewed, reinvigorated episode of The Mind Your Own Business Podcast, Scott Bourne and guest host Chamira Young discuss actionable ways to improve your photography business. Specific topics of discussion include the following: Don't base your pricing solely on what other photographers are charging. Be confident in your price and say it with … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast September 1, 2016
Is White the New Green Screen for Portrait Photographers?
Green screen backgrounds are used on movie sets to remove the background and add special computer-generated imagery (CGI) effects. The idea is simple. Shoot on a single color backdrop (blue or green is often used) and make that color transparent—replacing it with other video clips, graphics or a still image. This is great for video, but it can be nightmare for photographers. The main reason: some color will “spill” onto the subject, especially around the edges. This can create a thin line around the person, or make areas like their hairline … [Read more...] about Is White the New Green Screen for Portrait Photographers?
Photographing Waterfalls and Cascades
There is no shortage of waterfalls and cascades in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. So when the days were dull, foggy and rainy on my recent trip to the U.P we photographed waterfalls and nearby cascades. Not only did I come home with lots of images, but new insights on how to improve my images. Every waterfall should be photographed for its unique qualities. I prefer flowing water soft and silky. The slower the shutter speed, the silkier the water. But sometimes the sheer power of the water is best portrayed with its motion stopped, drop … [Read more...] about Photographing Waterfalls and Cascades
Photographer of the Day: Shailendra Tawade
Category: Children Photograph: “Nakhra” by Shailendra Tawade A beautifully captured series showing a child being a child. You can't help but smile when viewing the images. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Shailendra Tawade
Northern Michigan, A Best Kept Secret
I just returned from the North Woods--the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on the shores of Lake Superior. My visit focused on Hiawatha National Forest and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The Lakeshore has been called Michigan’s “Best Kept Secret," and a hidden treasure. The UP of Michigan is a perfect destination for a nature photographer. It offers rugged landscapes with carved, colorful cliffs along Lake Superior; northern hardwood and mixed forests vibrant in fall colors; wildflowers in the spring and summer; abundant waterfalls and … [Read more...] about Northern Michigan, A Best Kept Secret
New Canon 5D Mark IV: Canon Announces New Features
Canon has announced the new 5D Mark IV, and it's got some terrific new features. Let's first take a look at the official launch video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z9089048wk What New Gear Was Announced Here's a list of all the new gear that was announced (it's already on sale too). Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera (Body Only) Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera with 24-105mm f/4L II Lens Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera with 24-70mm f/4L Lens Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip for EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM … [Read more...] about New Canon 5D Mark IV: Canon Announces New Features
Tips for Photographing Bugs and Butterflies Close-Up
Like many of you, I am new at photographing close-up images of bugs and butterflies. Here are some simple tips I rely on, to keep in mind the next time you are out shooting these little critters: Time of day is important. Early morning, when the air is cooler, is a good time to photograph bugs and butterflies. They can be very still, as they are cold-blooded and they require the heat of the day to start moving around. Once the day heats up, be prepared for a lot more movement. Research your location, to learn where the bugs and … [Read more...] about Tips for Photographing Bugs and Butterflies Close-Up
The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast August 21st, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/infocus-show-8212016 With your new host Rod Harlan. In this episode Scott Bourne interviews Trey Radcliff about a new line of camera bags, some new AuroraHDR News, and a bit about the History of Art. Then Levi Sim interviews Matt Kloskowski about HDR and bracketing, combined with using the power of modern cameras to help you be more creative. Finally, we have Kevin Ames interviewing Drobo CTO Rod Harrison about the new line of Drobo models, the history of the company, and the difference between … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast August 21st, 2016
Double Up–Packing Extras When You Travel
Seeing double? I see double every time I pack for a trip. Like two remote shutter releases, two tripod plates, and the list continues, including two cameras or camera bodies. Sometimes I also see triple, quadruple, and beyond. It has never failed. Just when everything is going great I seem to misplace or lose something when I am out shooting for the day, away from my hotel room. Or my equipment stops working or breaks. Now I try to second guess my future travails, and plan head with multiples. I recommend the same for any traveling … [Read more...] about Double Up–Packing Extras When You Travel
Photographer of the Day: Oliver Ivory-Bray
Category: Children Photograph: “Untitled” by Oliver Ivory-Bray A low angle of view puts the viewer on the ground with the child. Using a telephoto lens helped compressed the image keeping the focus on the subject. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Oliver Ivory-Bray
The Problem Solving Show | Photofocus Podcast August 11th, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-problem-solving-show-photofocus-podcast-august-11th-2016 Ron Pepper and Scott Bourne tackle the problem of WHEN to remove people from your shot and HOW to achieve that successfully. Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don’t forget to post a review on iTunes. … [Read more...] about The Problem Solving Show | Photofocus Podcast August 11th, 2016
Camera Bag Review: Borealis Backpack, from Mountainsmith
Let's cut straight to it: the Mountainsmith Borealis is a very fine backpack, and it's a very fine camera bag. It's exceptionally well made, logically designed by people who clearly know what photographers need, and I think it'll last a lifetime. I've got just a few caveats, but this is a good backpack. Lifetime Construction I've owned Mountainsmith bags since I was a young mountaineer in Colorado, which is where Mountainsmith are headquartered. I've been using one of their bags for 20 years, and it's still going strong. The reason these … [Read more...] about Camera Bag Review: Borealis Backpack, from Mountainsmith
The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast August 7th, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-q-a-show-photofocus-podcast-august-7th-2016 Rich Harrington and Scott Bourne answer listener questions. Q&A Podcast Questions 1. From Jason via the Web I have 16MP photos from a Fuji XT1 that I want to print 30” and that I will display in my home. Do I need to “up-res” them? 2. From Andy in Cle Elum, WA I am deciding between a 16 and a 20mp camera. All other things being equal should I pick the one with the most megapixels? 3. From Michele in Rochester, MN I want to build a photo … [Read more...] about The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast August 7th, 2016
Using Shutter Speed Creatively To Blur Your Image
Using shutter speed to create a blur in your images is one of many tools in your photography toolbox. Here are some techniques to consider: 1. Panning. When panning, as you press down the shutter release button you follow the motion of your subject with your camera, from right to left, or left to right. The goal is to keep your subject as sharp as possible in your resulting image, with the background blurred. Panning is hard to get right. It requires practice and luck. The key is to move your camera at the same speed as your subject … [Read more...] about Using Shutter Speed Creatively To Blur Your Image
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast August 1, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-august-1-2016 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. In this renewed, reinvigorated episode of The Mind Your Own Business Podcast, Scott Bourne and Skip Cohen discuss actionable ways to improve your photography business. In this particular episode, they discuss how to distinguish yourself from the competition by providing excellent Customer Service to your clients. Specific topics of discussion include the … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast August 1, 2016
How to Get a Pure Black Background
Shooting on a black background doesn't guarantee it will photograph as true black. To achieve a true black background, we need to shield it from light. Here’s how a faster shutter speed combined with grids, flags and proper positioning of our subject ensures we have a true black background. Use a fast shutter speed Shutter speed controls the amount of ambient light when dealing with flash photography. Most speedlights and studio strobes sync at a maximum speed of 1/200 second. If you use a shutter speed of 1/250 or higher, you'll notice a … [Read more...] about How to Get a Pure Black Background
Installing & Using DroboPix Tutorial
DroboPix is a brand new app for iOS that makes uploading iPhone and iPad photos automatically when either device comes inside a preset location. If you have a Drobo 5N or B810n attached to your network, you have everything you'll need to take control of the immense library of photos stored on your iPhone or iPad. While those devices now sport storage up to 128 gigabytes for iPhone or 256 gigabytes on iPad, photos and videos can quickly eat up a huge amount of space on our devices. Having a system that seamlessly uploads copy to protected … [Read more...] about Installing & Using DroboPix Tutorial
Rocky Mountain National Park–A Picture Perfect Autumn Destination
Rocky Mountain National Park in the fall is a nature photographer's dream come true: tall, rugged mountains, landscapes saturated with the colors of changing leaves, and wildlife so close at times you barely need a telephoto lens. I last visited the park the first week of October. Colors were still bold across the mountainsides, although they probably had peaked a week or two before, depending on the location. The days were warm, the mornings and evenings cool to cold. The air definitely felt like the seasons were in transition. Longs Peak, … [Read more...] about Rocky Mountain National Park–A Picture Perfect Autumn Destination
A Look Inside Ansel Adams’ Darkroom Magic
A Look Inside Ansel Adams’ Darkroom Magic https://youtu.be/IoCtni-WWVs It’s hard to imagine a world without Photoshop or Lightroom. But there was a time. Instead of a computer mouse, iconic photographer Ansel Adams used a microwave and cardboard cut-outs to create his masterpieces. We kid you not. In “Advancing Your Photography Show’s” latest video, "An Inside Look into Ansel Adams' Darkroom Magic," Ansel's son Michael, gives us a tour of his father’s darkroom. At times the darkroom looks and feels more like an experimental science lab. … [Read more...] about A Look Inside Ansel Adams’ Darkroom Magic
Five Tips to Improve Your Beach Sunset Shots
It is summertime and you are off to the beach. Here are some tips to improve your sunset shots. 1. Bracket. Sunset exposures can be tricky. With bracketing you have a better chance of getting a properly exposed image. Or you may decide to merge images by blending layers or using HDR software such as Photomatix. Spot meter on the sky, not the sun. If you don't want to bracket, slightly underexpose your images to bring in richer colors. 2. Move around, get your feet wet. Don’t just stay on the dry part of the beach. Wear water … [Read more...] about Five Tips to Improve Your Beach Sunset Shots
“Street Photography: First Steps and Beyond” by Valerie Jardin
Valerie Jardin's latest book is exactly what you need to get started with the wonderful genre of street photography, and it's a perfect refresher course for those with experience. Jardin is an energetic and passionate teacher who leads workshops for street photography in places like Paris and Chicago and when you read her book you'll feel that passion and it'll excite you to get out and shoot. The book is well organized and it is simple to read, yet it maintains an intelligent voice. Jardin's photography fills the book and the examples are … [Read more...] about “Street Photography: First Steps and Beyond” by Valerie Jardin
First Impressions: Hasselblad’s Mirrorless X1D
Hasselblad has made some of the finest cameras since the 1950's, and their newest camera looks like it fits with their reputation for quality and simplicity. The recently announced X1D stands out from all other medium format cameras because it is mirrorless and includes all the latest technology treats I've come to rely upon. Today I got my hands on it at Pro Photo Supply in Portland, OR, and I'm ready to share my initial impressions. You can check out all the specs here, so I'll tell you about the stuff you don't get reading the brochures. To … [Read more...] about First Impressions: Hasselblad’s Mirrorless X1D
