Sharpening helps your picture have a little more punch and can allow details to pop and draw attention. If you sharpen the entire image, however, you'll end up with visible details, called artifacts, in places where there aren't details, like a blue sky. To avoid creating these artifacts, you can sharpen only those areas that have interesting detail and those to which you want to draw attention. Let me show you how to selectively sharpen using Lightroom's Adjustment Brush on this photograph I made in San Antonio on a photowalk (we've got … [Read more...] about Selective Sharpening in Lightroom
photography
Adobe Launches New Creative Apps for ChromeBooks
Education is changing in big ways with new technology, and Google's Chromebooks have been helping it along. Many schools across the world are using Chromebooks--computers that run Google's Android operating system--which allow students to learn with an immediacy and intimacy I could only dream of as a kid. Oh, and there are computers available to purchase for less than most of us pay for our cell phones each month. Well, now Adobe has stepped up and adapted some of their most powerful mobile apps so they now function on Chromebook. Here are … [Read more...] about Adobe Launches New Creative Apps for ChromeBooks
Live Webinar: The Business of Wedding Photography with Lisa Robinson
You gotta join us live for our next Live Webinar, 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 Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, January 30th at 12 pm Eastern, 11 am Central, 10 am Mountain and 9 am Pacific. 1 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check here and it'll show your local time. This Month: The Business of … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: The Business of Wedding Photography with Lisa Robinson
The Photofocus InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast January 21, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-infocus-interview-show-photofocus-podcast-january-21-2017 This is the PhotoFocus InFocus Interview Show FOR JAN 21ST, 2017. I’m your Host Rod Harlan. We have an all new quick & condensed, all the stuff with none of the fluff format for 2017, so let’s get started. On today’s show we have: Peter Treadway & David Williams interviewed by Levi Sim - Wedding and Travel Photography - how competitive they are with each other - their disagreement about the value of getting your name attached to … [Read more...] about The Photofocus InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast January 21, 2017
Live Webinar: The Business of Wedding Photography with Lisa Robinson
You gotta join us live for our next Live Webinar, 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 Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, January 30th at 12 pm Eastern, 11 am Central, 10 am Mountain and 9 am Pacific. 1 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check here and it'll show your local time. This Month: The Business of … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: The Business of Wedding Photography with Lisa Robinson
The Central Coast of California: A Winter Wildlife Destination
The Central Coast of California offers diverse photographic opportunities: rugged cliffs, such as the Big Sur coastline; charming cities including Santa Barbara or Carmel; William Randolph Hearst’s estate, known as the Hearst Castle; picturesque vineyards stretching across the hillsides; and wildlife, particularly in late December and early January. My friends and I decided to travel to California’s central coast over the New Year’s weekend. Our main goals were to photograph monarch butterflies in Pismo Beach, sea otters in Morro Bay, and … [Read more...] about The Central Coast of California: A Winter Wildlife Destination
The Problem Solving Show | Photofocus Podcast January 11th, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-problem-solving-show-photofocus-podcast-january-11th-2017 BEST OF SHOW! This is a replay from July 11, 2016. New episode next month. In this episode of The Problem Solving show, Scott Bourne and Pepper discuss the problems photographers face. They then offer solutions to help solve these problems. In today's episode, they discuss the importance of having the right tool for the job. Specific topics of discussion include the following: -The concept of being "polycamerous" -Working with various … [Read more...] about The Problem Solving Show | Photofocus Podcast January 11th, 2017
Lightroom Live: Dive Into Adobe Stock with Terry White
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, January 9th 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: Dive Into Adobe Stock with Terry White
Create a Royal Look With a Stripbox, Reflector and Inexpensive Props
After binge watching Netflix’s “The Crown,” I was inspired to recreate the series poster. My goal was to keep the shoot simple, using minimal gear. Here’s how to consistently recreate this look using a stripbox, reflector and inexpensive props. Start with inexpensive props I constantly check Amazon for items I need for shoots. I found this crown and necklace and thought it would make a great prop. Thanks to Amazon Prime, the order came in two days. The necklace was perfect, however the crown was very small. I took a chance and cut the crown, … [Read more...] about Create a Royal Look With a Stripbox, Reflector and Inexpensive Props
Lightroom Live: Dive Into Adobe Stock with Terry White
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, January 9th 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: Dive Into Adobe Stock with Terry White
How Much Speed Does a Photographer Need
It's the age old question since we've started to shoot digital. How can I make my workflow faster? More efficient? Or more importantly, how can I get more free time and peace of mind? Well, here's where I hopefully can help out a little. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the DROBO 5D with a couple of Seagate 2TB SATA HDD's to do some long term testing for my photo and video production workflow...and the short answer to the question? As much as we can get our hands on! The Nitty Gritty / Tech Details The Drobo 5D is a USB3 and Dual … [Read more...] about How Much Speed Does a Photographer Need
The Photofocus InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast December 21, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-photofocus-infocus-interview-show-photofocus-podcast-december-21-2016 Editor's Note In remembrance of Jim, we have decided to abandon our usual publication schedule. This podcast honoring Jim will be our only post today. The PhotoFocus InFocus Interview Show FOR DEC 21ST, 2016. I’m your Host Rod Harlan. This month we have a special show honoring the life and wisdom of Master Commercial Advertising and Fine Art Photographer and Abundant Educator Jim DiVitale. Jim sadly passed away … [Read more...] about The Photofocus InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast December 21, 2016
Photographer of the Day – KBT Images
Photographer: KBT Images - _DSC8448 It’s Monday again which means it’s time for another Portrait Photographer of the Day!! This week’s choice is a little more of a classic portrait, which is what I’m used to at my DC headshot studio. Kevin's whole photostream is filled with fashionable portraits, and I’m thrilled I came across this one in the Photofocus Flickr Community pool! The model in this image is beautiful, but what catches my eye the most is the soft quality of light he used. Also, being a professional retoucher myself, I love seeing … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day – KBT Images
Jim DiVitale, Photographer, Digital Pioneer 1957 – 2016
Portrait of Jim DiVitale ©Jack Reznicki Jim DiVitale, commercial photographer, educator, writer, mentor and artist died on December 13, 2016 at the Hospice Atlanta Center surrounded by is wife and friends. Jim or "Jimmy D" shared his knowledge of photography, Photoshop, digital capture and generous spirit with everyone he met. Jim's passion for photography led him to teach at the Art Institute of Atlanta, for the Professional Photographers of America, at Orvieto Fotographia, Fotofusion, and at thirty Photoshop World conventions starting in … [Read more...] about Jim DiVitale, Photographer, Digital Pioneer 1957 – 2016
Live Webinar: Personal Projects with Matthew Jordan Smith
You gotta join us live for our next Live Webinar, 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 Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, December 19th at 5:00 pm Eastern, 4:00 pm Central, 3:00 pm Mountain, and 2:00 pm Pacific. 6:30 pm in Newfoundland. Check here and it'll show your local time. This Month: Personal … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: Personal Projects with Matthew Jordan Smith
Photofocus Podcast December 14, 2016 — Inspiration with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
Scott and Marco discuss these topics on this #Inspiration episode of the Photofocus podcast: Get to know an inspirational photographer: This month Scott introduces you to Neil Leifer (born 1942). Neil is an American photographer and filmmaker mainly known for his work for Sports Illustrated and Time magazine. Neil has captured some of the most iconic sports photos of our time. Most of you will know his famous photo of Muhammad Ali after he poses over the knocked out Sonny Liston in 1965. Neil Leifer has 170 of his pictures published on the … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast December 14, 2016 — Inspiration with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
Using HDR To Augment Your Artistic Vision
Your artistic vision as a photographer is projected through the choices you make in creating your images. These choices include a subject or theme, focal length of lenses, camera settings, composition, framing of subject, adjustments in processing, time of day to shoot and type of lighting. Each of the choices you make have a direct impact on your photographs, and should be consistent with the image you visualize creating as you press the shutter release. HDR Photography, the blending together of bracketed images, augments your artistic … [Read more...] about Using HDR To Augment Your Artistic Vision
Mini Review: Tonality (Spoilers: It Makes Great Black and Whites)
So many of us started photography with black and white processing and the love of monochrome has stuck with us. Adams and Weston still haunt my dreams with black skies over Yosemite and pleated peppers. Digital black and white photography is even better because we have more control, far more options, and our fingers don't smell like Rodinol. There are several terrific ways to make your pictures black and white, but the most powerful and my personal favorite is by using Macphun's Tonality. Tonality has an intuitive interface, presets that make … [Read more...] about Mini Review: Tonality (Spoilers: It Makes Great Black and Whites)
Photographer of the Day – Xavier Guillaume
Photographer: Xavier Guillaume – Duality Hey everyone!! It’s time for another Photographer of the Day! As you may know by now, I am the retoucher behind Shark Pixel as well as a headshot photographer in DC. I love browsing through the PhotoFocus group for a little inspiration! This week’s choice is Xavier Guillaume. I love his creative portrait of this beautiful young girl. Her reflection in the window adds a very artistic element to the shot that takes it to another level, but it is soft enough to not take focus away from the actual … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day – Xavier Guillaume
The Problem Solving Show | Photofocus Podcast December 11th, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-problem-solving-show-photofocus-podcast-december-11th-2016 Ron Pepper and Scott Bourne discuss how to fix focusing problems with lenses, as well as autofocusing when you don’t expect too. They also cover a lens cleaning regimen as well as the benefits of joining a camera manufacturers Pro services. 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 December 11th, 2016
Live Webinar: Personal Projects with Matthew Jordan Smith
You gotta join us live for our next Live Webinar, 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 Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, December 19th at 5:00 pm Eastern, 4:00 pm Central, 3:00 pm Mountain, and 2:00 pm Pacific. 6:30 pm in Newfoundland. Check here and it'll show your local time. This Month: Personal … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: Personal Projects with Matthew Jordan Smith
Photographer of the Day – Fitz Crittle Photography
Photographer: Fitz Crittle Photography – No Timeouts Here we go again, Photographer of the Day time!! It’s Kristina from Shark Pixel and I must say, I am loving all of your submissions and I want to thank the members of the Photofocus Flickr Community for allowing me to browse and share their images! I love having the opportunity to pick out images that motivate me to be more creative with my portraits, and today’s image does a fantastic job of that. Check out this awesome shot by Fitz Crittle. I don’t know what I love more, the color or the … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day – Fitz Crittle Photography
Pro Tip: Make a Tripod into a Monopod
There are times I really wish i had a monopod. You know, those one legged camera stabilizers sports photogs use to steady their long lenses. Thing is I don't want to buy one. What to do? Convert your tripod into a monopod This is so simple. Extend one of the tripod's legs so the head is at the perfect height. Leave the other legs short. Ta-dah! Instant monopod. Finish the conversion by using either a Velcro cable strap or an elastic cord with a cord lock wrapped around all three legs Minuses & pluses The downside of making your tripod … [Read more...] about Pro Tip: Make a Tripod into a Monopod
Get Started With Photomatix
HDR photography is a gift of the digital age. To a one-time film photographer like me, it's magic. I never imagined that one day I would be blending together bracketed images to create a single photograph with an extended dynamic range. A photograph in which I was able to retain details in the shadows and not blow out highlights. Wanting to improve upon my magic, I recently found my way to Photomatix Pro, an HDR processing software. I like Photomatix. It is easy and painless to use, and provides different styles and presets to draw upon, … [Read more...] about Get Started With Photomatix
GoPro Update Eliminates Off-Brand Batteries & A Huge Surprise
A recent update for the GoPro Hero5 firmware (v01.55) makes the camera unable to use batteries made by other manufacturers. This is troublesome because 3rd party or off-brand batteries are typically much cheaper than a manufacturer's batteries. Of course, the off-brand batteries often don't last as long as the OEM units, but they are still cheaper per use than the OEM. On the other hand, many camera manufacturers include smart technology in their batteries that allow them to communicate status with the camera beyond how much power is left. … [Read more...] about GoPro Update Eliminates Off-Brand Batteries & A Huge Surprise
One Subject, Endless Possibilities
Zion National Park had its beginnings over 240 million years ago. The Virgin River carved out the canyon, and continues to do so. Hard to believe when you take a look at it meandering through the park. It is narrow with a brownish hue. Its cascades are mild and there are lots of rocks. Some people look at the river and see just a thread of brown water. I look and see endless possibilities of photographs. Before I arrived at Zion I had made a “mental” checklist of some of the shots I would like to take of the river. I wanted to capture … [Read more...] about One Subject, Endless Possibilities
Ten Tips to Improve Your Landscape Photography
Always think of the wind, even when it doesn't seem like a windy day. Anything affected by even the slightest amount of wind will look blurry. Unless you purposely want a blurred image, you might need to increase your shutter speed. The mightier the wind, the faster the shutter speed. Experiment to see what speed works best. Consider the dynamic range of your image. If you expose for the sky, your shadows may be too dark. If you expose for the shadows, your sky might become overexposed. If your sky is too bright, compared to the rest of your … [Read more...] about Ten Tips to Improve Your Landscape Photography
The Photofocus InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast November 21, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-photofocus-infocus-interview-show-photofocus-podcast-november-21-2016 The PhotoFocus InFocus Interview Show FOR NOV 21ST, 2016 with your Host Rod Harlan. This month we have a bit of a BRITISH INVASION with 2 Inspiring Interviews with well-known movers and shakers in the Photographic industry from the United Kingdom. We’ll start with Robert Vanelli interviewing Tim Wallace about the business of Photography including the licensing of your images and the importance of building a relationship with each … [Read more...] about The Photofocus InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast November 21, 2016
One Light Setup for Car Interiors
Whenever you photograph a still life or product, using soft backlight is a good place to start and car interiors are simply well composed still life arrangements. Try this technique for a simple one light setup that can kickstart your car interior shoot. This works with any camera and practically any lens (you'll need to consider your composition and distance from the subject depending on the lens you use). All you need additionally is a small softbox, like this indirect umbrella-style box from Phottix, and a speedlight you can trigger off … [Read more...] about One Light Setup for Car Interiors
Polaroid Zip Mobile Printer Mini Review
If you'd like to make a real impression next time you're out with friends and family, then the Polaroid Zip Mobile Printer may be just the thing for you. Polaroid has long been synonymous with immediately sharing memories with friends, and this Zip printer carries on the tradition. I recently brought one to my family reunion and it was a hit, and I used it at the Photofocus Party at Photoshop World with great success. Let me show you how it works and why you might like it. It's Handy This little printer makes a tangible, real life … [Read more...] about Polaroid Zip Mobile Printer Mini Review
