The Camera that's Just Enough for Most Everything I had the great fortune to beta test the newest iteration of Fujifilm's X100, the X100F — the little camera that could! This camera occupies an odd niche in that its a fixed lens mirrorless, that is much more than just a point-and-shoot, but not an interchangeable-lens "system," with a cool, retro "old school" vibe reminiscent of the Leica rangefinders. The new X100F is pretty much the same size as the original, with the same 23mm ƒ2 lens. Most of the changes are under the … [Read more...] about Fujifilm X100F – Star of the Street
photography
Lightening Dark Skin with Luminosity Blending – part-2
This is part 2 of a detailed article. Be sure to also check out part 1. We saw how to lighten dark skin using the red channel luminosity in my last post. This post explores an additional technique to "Pop" the highlights for further lightening. The idea here is to emphasize just the highlight portion of the skin tones and add a bit of 3D pop! Start by selecting "Merge Visible" from the Layer options flyaway menu WHILE holding down the Option/Alt key (very important!) As long as you have the top layer selected when you do this, … [Read more...] about Lightening Dark Skin with Luminosity Blending – part-2
First Impressions and Hands-On with Lumix GH5
Lumix's new GH5 is the most talked-about new camera this season, and for good reason. It's a complete redesign of the popular GH4 and it offers loads of new features. Since I'm an ambassador for Lumix, I've had some time with a pre-production unit and I'd like to share with you some first impressions. Now, I'm an ambassador but not an employee of Lumix. They are not paying for this article, and I am not representing their views in any way. I'll tell you my honest impressions. (Spoilers: it's awesome). Excellent for Photographers and … [Read more...] about First Impressions and Hands-On with Lumix GH5
Adding Realistic Eyelashes in Photoshop
I try my best to have a hair and makeup artist on set but sometimes the shoot doesn’t have a budget for it. Here’s how Photoshop can help fill the gap and add realistic eyelashes in about 5 minutes. Download and Install Eyelash Brushes There are many online resources that offer eyelash brushes. A simple Google search--Eyelash Brush Photoshop--will return several great sites. I download the brushes from Obsidian Dawn’s website and paid a small $3.00 fee for commercial use. After downloading the brushes, double clicking on the brush name … [Read more...] about Adding Realistic Eyelashes in Photoshop
HDR and the Traveling Photographer
Note: To learn more about HDR visit our HDR Learning Center produced in partnership with HDRsoft. I have learned, as a traveling photographer, that no matter how much planning I do to prepare myself for a trip, there will always be unknown factors and surprises, good and bad. Certain factors, such as light, clouds, weather, location, and the time of day may complicate the camera settings necessary to properly expose the subjects I am photographing. My camera may not be capable of capturing the range of light in just one image. Extreme … [Read more...] about HDR and the Traveling Photographer
Lightroom Live: Photoshop for Lightroom Users with Dave Cross
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, March 13th 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: Photoshop for Lightroom Users with Dave Cross
Lightroom Live: Photoshop for Lightroom Users with Dave Cross
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, March 13th 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: Photoshop for Lightroom Users with Dave Cross
IFTTT for Photographers – Part 3: Managing Your Social Media
Are you new to IFTTT? Then check out this article For my two photography businesses, I have about 9 billion different social media services, profiles, portfolio sites, and websites. Well, maybe 9 billion is a slight exaggeration. But, just keeping up with your online presence can turn into a full-time job. I would rather be spending time with my family and going out to take a photo or two, than basking in the glow of my computer screen. Whether you are new to IFTTT.com (IF This, Then That), or have been using it for a while, these applets … [Read more...] about IFTTT for Photographers – Part 3: Managing Your Social Media
IFTTT for Photographers – Part 2: Stay on Top of Your Photography Business
Are you new to IFTTT? Then check out this article first! For many of us in photography, keeping up with the business side is probably not at the top of our list of fun things to do. Realistically, most of us would rather be crafting that perfect photo than itemizing our receipts. Using an automation tool like IFTTT.com can ease the burden of the business side. Think of it as your internet friend who doesn’t mind doing the stuff you don't want to do! How to use IFTTT Here are some ways I use IFTTT (IF This, Then That) to stay on top of my … [Read more...] about IFTTT for Photographers – Part 2: Stay on Top of Your Photography Business
IFTTT for Photographers – Part 1: Save Time and Get Organized
I love technology and innovation, and thanks to it, the amazing things we can do in photography. But, like many photographers, I confess to excessive grumbling about the amount of time spent in front of the computer and away from the camera. I am always looking for something that shifts the balance from computer time to camera time. I found IFTTT.com a few years ago and by using it, many of my online “chores” are now automated. It's a tool that saves time at the computer and helps keep me organized, all for the low, low cost of free (my … [Read more...] about IFTTT for Photographers – Part 1: Save Time and Get Organized
The Photofocus InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast February 21, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-photofocus-infocus-interview-show-photofocus-podcast-february-21-2017-mixdown On today’s show we have: Peter Hurley interviewed by Chamira Young - How he got started taking head shots - What the Head Shot Crew is and how it can benefit you - Developing your portfolio with diversity - How one bad shot in your portfolio can kill your job prospects Kaylee Greer interviewed by Levi Sim - Heroic Dog Photography - Applying Portrait photography techniques to dog photography - How Social … [Read more...] about The Photofocus InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast February 21, 2017
Book Review: The Moment It Clicks, by Joe McNally (Must Read)
The Moment It Clicks is not a new book, but I just read it again for the third time and realized that some of you may not have read it yet. And we need to fix that. This book is ideal for photographers of all skill levels. It teaches the beginner, inspires the amateur and reminisces with the seasoned pro. Every turn of the page is filled with a large photograph from McNally's career and is accompanied by a story and tips for making that kind of picture happen. You won't find too many camera settings, but you will find principles that will … [Read more...] about Book Review: The Moment It Clicks, by Joe McNally (Must Read)
Do’s and Don’ts to Build a Great Portfolio
For photographers, a great portfolio shows your work at its best. If you're a professional, it'll get you hired, and if you're a hobbyist, it'll let you share with more people. Either way, you need to know a few things about creating a portfolio people will enjoy viewing and a few things that will keep people from advancing to the next picture. A Few Don'ts Let's start with a few things that you should avoid doing. 1. Don't Show Others' Work I thought this goes without saying, but again and again I have friends who's work has been stolen … [Read more...] about Do’s and Don’ts to Build a Great Portfolio
Shooting Portraits on Location: Natural or Flash?
The Photographer’s best tool is light, and there are many choices. Light is used to mold, define, describe and set the mood of a portrait, so knowing how to recognize the light or control it, is of ultimate importance to the artist. I’m both a natural light, or “Portraits Unplugged” kind of photographer, and also have a lot of experience with using studio strobes or portable flash, which gives me huge control. Which kind of light to use? Knowing how and when to use artificial vs natural can be a challenge. I recently photographed Ceasar … [Read more...] about Shooting Portraits on Location: Natural or Flash?
Photographer Featured On New USPS Stamp
Each year the United States Postal Service receives tens of thousands of images to be considered as artwork for new stamps; last year they received more than 40,000 entries, but they chose fewer than 25 to publish. One of this year's new stamps, the Nebraska Sesquicentennial stamp, is a photograph made by Michael Forsberg. It's a stunning picture of sandhill cranes in flight (at the top of this post), and it's clear that Forsberg is a master of his craft. There're two things I'd like to point out about his success in being published in such a … [Read more...] about Photographer Featured On New USPS Stamp
Photofocus Podcast February 14, 2017 — 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 the American combat photographer Stacy Pearsall (born 1980 in Texas). Stacy is an award winning photographer and Scott has been fortunate to meet and talk to her in person. Find out more about the moving stories from Stacy in this NYT Lens article: https://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/15/still-shooting-after-the-end-of-war/. Please also take a look at Stacy's fantastic … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast February 14, 2017 — Inspiration with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
The Problem Solving Show | Photofocus Podcast February 11th, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-problem-solving-show-photofocus-podcast-february-11th-2017 Ron Pepper and Scott Bourne discuss the various types of distortion and how to fix them including barrel and pin cushion distortion along with chromatic aberration and rolling shutter. They also discuss the various lens and software choices that can fix all of these problems. 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 February 11th, 2017
Handholding your Camera for HDR Photography
With proper technique and the right camera, it is possible to get good HDR images even though you aren’t using a tripod or other camera support. Here are ten tips for handholding your camera: Use a camera that has an automatic bracket function, so that when you push the shutter release your camera automatically and quickly takes more than one photo of the same subject at different exposures. Use this function when you don’t have a tripod. Read about automatic bracketing in your camera manual, to be sure you are doing it the right way. … [Read more...] about Handholding your Camera for HDR Photography
The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast February 7th, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-q-a-show-photofocus-podcast-fevruary-7th-2017 Scott Bourne and Richard Harrington answer viewers photography questions. Q&A Podcast Questions 1. Michael in Cincinnati, OH I am a hobbyist photographer and recently decided to calibrate my monitor. I used a Spyder5Pro and after calibration the colors on my monitor have a very slight magenta look to them. I did multiple calibrations and even calibrated another computer in the same lighting conditions, yet I got the same result. Is this normal? … [Read more...] about The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast February 7th, 2017
Photography in the Fog
Fog can be one of the most beautiful weather phenomena, but it can be surprisingly difficult to photograph. The light levels are misleading and ever-changing, the lack of contrast can make your auto-focus next to useless, and you can end up getting yourself and your gear soaked if not careful. While fog can be very challenging to photograph, it can also produce some exceptional outdoor photography opportunities! Science Moment: Fog Facts and Flavors I’m a big believer that to be a better nature photographer, you have to be a better … [Read more...] about Photography in the Fog
Attending WPPI’s Annual 16×20 Live Print, Album, and Filmmaking Judging Might Be the Best Overall Education You Ever Receive
WPPI 2017 is literally just around the corner! And with that in mind, the team at over at WPPI has issued another bust of awesome information! If you're attending be sure to reach out to the Photofocus community and say hello. Maybe we'll see you at the events listed below! Access to Constructive Insight, Critique, and Knowledge from Renowned Judges Offers Unique Learning Opportunity; Represents the True Essence of WPPI and Its Community Amidst the abundance of seminars, workshops, photo walks, and other educational programming at the … [Read more...] about Attending WPPI’s Annual 16×20 Live Print, Album, and Filmmaking Judging Might Be the Best Overall Education You Ever Receive
Selective Sharpening in Lightroom
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
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
