A few years ago, I had this crazy idea to shoot a five-hour exposure while I was camping near the Tetons in Wyoming. The major obstacle to making a picture like this is battery power. The whole time a long exposure is recording, the sensor is activated, the shutter is held open, and a DSLR's mirror is held up, all of which require power. What’s more, if you use the built-in 'long exposure noise reduction' setting, the camera will process the photo for the same amount of time that the shutter was open. That means if I started the picture before … [Read more...] about TetherTools Case Relay Review and Tips for Lengthy Exposures
photography
InFocus Interview Show April 21st, 2016
This weeks Photofocus Podcast for the Photofocus InFocus Interview Series. This show Pamela sits down with Commercial Photographer Clay Cook as he discusses his path to photography and how working non profit has changed both his professional personal life. Then we find Chamira who interviews Ryan Grove from 17hats with inspiration on how creative professionals can find a balance in doing the business side while still having that passion and love for what brought you in the world of creativity in the first … [Read more...] about InFocus Interview Show April 21st, 2016
7 Tips for Dad-tographers
We’ve all heard about ‘mom-tographers’ or ‘momtogs’ who are taking over the photo industry and putting professional photographers out of work. They are credited with making pictures of their own families, and then making pictures for their friends and extended families, and often starting a business and flooding the market with adorable, highly desirable photographs with creativity and fresh perspectives bursting out of each frame. And good for them. The industry needed a kick in the pants, anyway. But this article isn’t for momtogs. No, this … [Read more...] about 7 Tips for Dad-tographers
How To Take Better Sunset Pictures
The other day I went to the beach with the idea of taking pictures at sunset. When I arrived at the beach the sky was covered with clouds that seemed to grow larger and darker by the second. At first, I started to grab all my marbles, turn around and head home to wait for another day but something told me to stay and wait a while. I pulled out my camera and tripod and began to set up when a guy walked up to me and said, "I don't think we are going to get a sunset today." He was also planning on taking pictures of the sunset that evening but had … [Read more...] about How To Take Better Sunset Pictures
Lightroom Hangout: Lightning Fast Workflow with David Crewe
You gotta join us live for our next Google+ Hangout, 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 4/18 at 2:00 pm Eastern, 1:00 pm Central, 12:00 pm Mountain, and 11:00 am Pacific. 3:30 pm in Newfoundland. RSVP here and it'll show your local time. This Month: Lightning … [Read more...] about Lightroom Hangout: Lightning Fast Workflow with David Crewe
Instant Replay: Lightroom and Powerful Plugins
Plugins are external software tools that work with Lightroom to give you extra power for finishing your photographs. This episode of the Lightroom Hangout will show you how to use plugins with Lightroom and explore some of our favorites plugins. Nicolesy joins Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim. Hosted by: Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim Produced by: Rich Harrington and Photofocus.com https://youtu.be/okMBmpYYLdk … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Lightroom and Powerful Plugins
Lightroom Hangout: Lightning Fast Workflow with David Crewe
You gotta join us live for our next Google+ Hangout, 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 4/18 at 2:00 pm Eastern, 1:00 pm Central, 12:00 pm Mountain, and 11:00 am Pacific. 3:30 pm in Newfoundland. RSVP here and it'll show your local time. This Month: Lightning … [Read more...] about Lightroom Hangout: Lightning Fast Workflow with David Crewe
Backing Up Your Lightroom Catalog
Nothing gives me a thrill of terror up my spine like the nonchalant messages a computer gives when something has gone terribly wrong. Launching Lightroom and seeing a message like, “This catalog is corrupted and you’re totally out of luck” is one of the worst things that could happen to my professional life. Fortunately, the engineers at Lightroom understand this, and they’ve given us a simple way to prepare for just such an instance: automatic backups. (This article is adapted from a chapter in a useful book by Photofocus authors, Get … [Read more...] about Backing Up Your Lightroom Catalog
The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast April 7, 2016
This weeks Photofocus Podcast you get to hear Richard Harrington and Scott Bourne answer your questions in the Q & A show. Once a month Rich and Scott take your questions and dive into discussions that help you learn and grow as a photographer. Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don’t forget to post a review on iTunes. Q&A PODCAST 1. I hear the terms Global and Local Adjustments discussed by photographers. Could you give examples of each? Ross 2. I have an Epson printer that I use to make 8x10” prints … [Read more...] about The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast April 7, 2016
The Alligator Farm – The Easiest Place To Practice Bird Photography In The USA
(NOTE: All photos accompanying this post were made the first week of April at the Alligator Farm) I just finished three days of photography at the Alligator Farm. It is located on Anastasia Island near St. Augustine, Florida. I have been here several times, but this was the earliest in the season I have visited. While not yet prime time, there were still many great chances to make killer bird shots and it remains one of my favorite avian photo locations in the country. Anywhere from the first week of April to the last week of May you will … [Read more...] about The Alligator Farm – The Easiest Place To Practice Bird Photography In The USA
3 Tips for Great Pet Photography
After a long week at WPPI in Las Vegas, I joined fellow Photofocus author Mykii Liu, David Crewe and my new friend, Hair and Makeup artist, Dinah Raphaelle, for Korean Barbecue. I was exhausted from the week, plus we had just finished a 4-hour shoot. I wanted to go back to the hotel and rest; but they insisted I join them. I sat down to a full table of Mykii’s friends. We made our introductions and began to eat. During small talk, I found out the man sitting next to me, Darcy Evans, was a pet photographer. I have to admit, I found it odd a pet … [Read more...] about 3 Tips for Great Pet Photography
How To Pre-Visualize A Photograph: Interpret – Envision – Plan – Execute
I’ve written before on pre-visualization. It’s an important tool for photographers who are trying to make the jump from good to great images. I am not really sure when I figured out how valuable pre-visualization can be, but I do know that photos of mine like “Cranes in the Fire Mist” couldn’t have happened without it. Every time I write about this I get plenty of email from photographers who want more details. They want a roadmap to pre-visualization. Unfortunately, it’s an etherial thing that is very hard to put into words, but I do … [Read more...] about How To Pre-Visualize A Photograph: Interpret – Envision – Plan – Execute
The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast March 21, 2016
This weeks Photofocus Podcast for the Photofocus InFocus Interview Series. This show Pamela sits down with Brad Moore, former assistant to both Scott Kelby and Joe McNally we we dive into his growth and advice to other photographers trying to navigate the road of building a career. Then we tap into Chamira Young who speaks with Collages.net on how we as photographers can improve how we present ourselves online to our clients and potential clients. Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Pamela … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast March 21, 2016
The Fuji X-Pro 2 – First Impressions
It was a long time coming but Fuji is finally shipping the successor to the X-Pro1 - the Fuji X-Pro2 is a stunning update that most Fuji shooters are at least interested in. There was a lot of hype about this camera from the Fuji ambassadors so I wanted to give the camera a once-over in order to see for myself what all the fuss was about. Let me start by saying this is NOT a review. I haven’t had nearly enough time with the camera to fully test it. But my first blush reaction concurs with much of what you read. Fuji certainly got a lot … [Read more...] about The Fuji X-Pro 2 – First Impressions
DJI’s Phantom 4: A Photographer’s Take
At least as much as anyone, I'm intrigued by drones. I've always wanted to be a pilot, I'm reading a book on the Wright Brothers right now, I fly every chance I get, and if I ever have a first born son, I'm torn between naming him Bernoulli or Orville. I'm crazy about flying, but I don't own a drone. However, the newest announcement from DJI certainly has me considering it more than I ever. I have three concerns that have kept me back from buying a drone, but the Phantom 4 seems to address them pretty well. 1. The Camera As much as I like … [Read more...] about DJI’s Phantom 4: A Photographer’s Take
Photo of the Day: Ogwen Valley
Category: Architecture/Landscape Photography by Nic Taylor Originally shared on the Photofocus Flickr page. With a leaden sky clamping down on the valley, Nic Taylor captured a wonderful panorama which uses the mountains on each side to cradle the composition. From the lichen-dappled boulder in the foreground to the road and eventually the river, the viewers' eyes have a clear path to follow in this wonderful composition. Nic used restrained processing to retain the cool charm of the scene and the obvious connection between earth and … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: Ogwen Valley
Announcing “Americana Photography” A New E-Book By Scott Bourne
Join Scott Bourne on a trip down memory lane. Americana photography is one of the fastest-growing segments of the photo industry. Learn why this photography style is so popular, what gear you need to be successful while photographing Americana, how to get the right shots, what to shoot and where to shoot it... If you talk to photographers, they often discuss their use of cameras and their love of photography by describing WHAT they photograph. “I’m a wildlife photographer,” or “I’m a landscape photographer,” etc. More and more the phrase … [Read more...] about Announcing “Americana Photography” A New E-Book By Scott Bourne
Sony a6000 with Neewer Underwater Case
I use Sony a6000 as my primary underwater camera. It is 24.3MP so I can easily compose in editing. The kit lens is sharp and shoots wide. The Sony shoots in RAW, necessary for white balance and editing after the fact. It has very fast autofocus which can keep up with my subjects as well as three continuous shooting speeds. But, the primary reason I went with the a6000 over any other model was because I was able to purchase an underwater hard case for the camera for around $200. I selected the Neewer 40m/130ft Underwater Housing. Amazon also … [Read more...] about Sony a6000 with Neewer Underwater Case
Photographing La Jolla Cove’s Brown Pelican Colony
I was lucky enough recently to get another opportunity to photograph California Brown Pelicans, a subspecies of P. occidentalis, - the smallest member of the pelican family at LaJolla Cove near San Diego. On and off over the last 20 years Ive visited this location during the second/third week of January when the pelicans are reliably in the peak of their breeding plumage and at no time have I been disappointed. You may see the birds here in breeding plumage anytime between December and February. The pelican colony lives along the craggy … [Read more...] about Photographing La Jolla Cove’s Brown Pelican Colony
Photographing Birds – What NOT To Do
Most bird photographers will post their best images and let you know how cool it is to photograph birds - me included. But most bird photographers will NOT post the images that they screw up and I guess I didn't get that memo because I will. Sometimes you can learn more from mistakes than successes. In this short post Ill give you some ideas of what NOT to do when you photograph birds - or anything else most of the time. Mistake Number One | Composition Don't frame so tightly that you cut off part of the bird. Mistake Number Two | … [Read more...] about Photographing Birds – What NOT To Do
Adjusting To Your Clients During Portrait Sessions
Our job as photographers is to capture the essence of our subjects. This involves adjusting to our clients and any given situation on a moments notice. A challenge is simply an opportunity. Recently, fellow photographer Toni Shaw shared her experience of working with an antsy client. Confined to the walls of her studio, her young subject a dancer was having trouble sitting still and taking directions during the shoot. This, in turn, was causing her to miss crucial shots. Behind the camera that day, Toni wracked her brain as to how she could … [Read more...] about Adjusting To Your Clients During Portrait Sessions
How to Photograph Anywhere
"My four-year-old daughter is making her first journey on an airplane later this week. I'm making a slideshow of pictures to show her how the process of flying works so that she won't be nervous when we go to the airport and board the plane. May I make a picture of you to include and show her how nice people are at the airport?" That's been my opening line as I run into people doing their jobs at airports around the country for the last few weeks, and as I share some of the pictures from my travels on social media (search #AirportPhotowalk) I … [Read more...] about How to Photograph Anywhere
How I Made The Shot – Eagle & Boat At Sunset
On my last trip to Alaska we had some great sunsets and on the day I made this image we had a beautiful orange glow in the sky. I saw this Coast Guard supply ship in the distance and I realized that it was going to pass right under the sun. I also saw a flock of eagles fishing nearby, so I asked the captain of our small boat to position us so that I could shoot directly into the sun in an attempt to line up the boat with the reflection from the sun. Because there were lots of eagles in the vicinity, I also knew there was a slight chance that … [Read more...] about How I Made The Shot – Eagle & Boat At Sunset
Testing The Sigma 150-600 Sports Lens
(Please note - my gear reviews aren't based on pixel peeping or measurebeating. I simply use a piece of gear in real-world shooting situations the way I would use any piece of gear and then write down my impressions. There are plenty of places to do all the side-by-side image comparisons. This post will simply be a mini-review based on my tests. All the photos in this post were made with the Sigma 150-600 Sports Lens.) Shooting Environment I took my annual bird photo trip to New Mexico recently and thanks to the kind folks at lensrentals.com I … [Read more...] about Testing The Sigma 150-600 Sports Lens
About Bird Photography – Finding The Birds
While birds are everywhere, they are also hard to photograph because they are small, fast, nervous and oh yeah - because they can fly. If you can't find them, you can't photograph them. So I thought I'd write a post explaining how you might go about finding avian subjects. Great bird subjects inspire great bird images. Pretty much anywhere in the world you can find birds. Since I live in the USA Ill limit this post to that geographic area. But thats still a lot of ground to cover. The great thing about photographing birds is that you can … [Read more...] about About Bird Photography – Finding The Birds
Photo of the Day: Mushing Sled Dog
Category: Portraits Photograph: by Joan Manel Zamora Muoz Originally shared on the Photofocus Google+ community. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: Mushing Sled Dog
Five High-End Holiday Gifts Guaranteed To Make Your Photographer Happy
There are lots of sites publishing lists of inexpensive gifts for photographers. But what about those of you who had a good year and who want to share the love with your favorite photographer? Heres your list These five items are high-end gifts that just about any photographer would enjoy. They are priced between $120 and $1100 and no matter what kind of gear your photographer has now, theyre going to want one or all of these. In no particular order: Here my top five recommended high-end holiday gifts for photographers. 1. The Lensbaby … [Read more...] about Five High-End Holiday Gifts Guaranteed To Make Your Photographer Happy
Galactic Warfighters: Much More Than Toys
A little over year ago, I stumbled across an amazing image on Facebook that someone was passing off as a production still from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens". Knowing how closely J.J. Abrams protects his mystery box, I was dubious and started digging. That search lead me to Matthew Callahan and the toy photography project that would come to be known as Galactic Warfighters. I have been a huge fan ever since. Not long after, I reached out to Matthew, who, as Marine Corps Combat Correspondent, was stationed in Okinawa at the time. This fact … [Read more...] about Galactic Warfighters: Much More Than Toys
Photographing Wildlife/Birds From Your Car
Animals are skittish around other creatures with legs, but not so skittish with cars. Ive been in situations where approaching certain birds for instance, I can't get within 200 feet before they flush. But if I drive into the middle of the flock in a car, none of them moves an inch. For whatever reason, most animals are not wary of cars. By using a window mount with a ball head or a bean bag to support your lens, your car can easily become a comfortable and portable blind. Not only does this make it easier to photograph the wildlife without … [Read more...] about Photographing Wildlife/Birds From Your Car
The Story of “Family of Cranes” – You Indeed Can Feel Your Way To A Photograph
Subtitle 1 - You Can't Pixel Peep Your Way To A Perfect Image Subtitle 2 - You Can Feel Your Way To A Photograph This post is long, and may seem to be all over the place, but stick with me - theres a point to be made in here somewhere :) Lately, I have been studying street photography. I have looked at both historical and current work from old and new masters. One thing that immediately jumped out at me was this. Many of the most famous, successful, compelling street images wouldn't survive the camera forums of today because they are not … [Read more...] about The Story of “Family of Cranes” – You Indeed Can Feel Your Way To A Photograph
