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
professional
Using 2 Cameras? Make It Easy: Sync the Time
It is a tragedy to not make a picture because you don't want to deal with post production. Yet, many photographers have exactly this feeling--that photography has become a burden. Here's an idea to help make using two or more cameras less burdensome. Why Two Cameras? Just the other day I had a shoot that would take a full 9 hours, but I wasn’t sure that was enough time, so I was seeking ways to save time and maximize my efficiency. One thing I know about myself is that if I have to change a lens to make a wide angle picture or a telephoto, … [Read more...] about Using 2 Cameras? Make It Easy: Sync the Time
How I Got the Shot
I'm often asked... "How I got the shot?" I answered the phone. Nothing frustrates me more than when I ask someone "Why didn't you call back?", and the response is "My battery was dead" or "I left my phone in the car". My next comment is "If you were the captain of the plane, we'd all be dead!" My point is this, you might be a great photographer, but if you don't have professional phone skills, the odds are not in your favor. Good Etiquette When I get called to shoot on a TV show or movie and I can't answer the phone because I'm shooting, or … [Read more...] about How I Got the Shot
There’s Only One Prerequisite to Be a Photographer
I feel so fortunate. I get to travel all over and meet thousands of photographers each year. Each of them is different with a unique view of the world, and it's a privilege to be inspired and shoot with them. Some of the people I meet are full timers, like me, and some make a portion of their income with photography, while the majority are hobbyists. I hope they are all amateurs, because that's all that's required to be successful in photography. Amateur means they love making pictures so much that they spend all the time and money they can … [Read more...] about There’s Only One Prerequisite to Be a Photographer
Professional Photography Rant
OK. This is my first and as far as I am concerned, only rant. The genesis for this rant began in 1888 with the introduction by George Eastman of a disruptive technologyblack and white roll film. Not only did he provide roll film holders for practically every plate camera in existence at the time; he also introduced the box camera. The Kodak Box Camera a.k.a. Brownie was promoted with the words: You press the button, we do the rest. The camera cost $25.00. It came preloaded with enough film for one hundred exposures. When the last picture was … [Read more...] about Professional Photography Rant
Age Doesn’t Matter
This is an opinion piece that's directed to all ages. Stop looking at your driver's license or a calendar. Rather start looking to each other to learn and grow. Age is Just a Number I have seen myself go from being an upstart kid to a balding professional. But I have learned this... age is just a number. I have worked with wonderfully talented kids throughout my career. I have also chosen to surround myself with those who are more experienced than me. Both parties have added to my understanding of this medium and its creative … [Read more...] about Age Doesn’t Matter
How to Become a Professional Photographer – Guest Post
Guest posts, don't we all love them? Think of how refreshing it is to hear a new voice from the crowd! This is one of the ways that photographers can give back something inspirational, educational, or otherwise neat or fun. In her spare time she enjoys DIY projects, playing guitar and mandolin, obsessing over Apple products, and driving her Mini Cooper. She's an awesome and fun goofball and I've found that she gets addicted to starting and voting for photos on some websites. … [Read more...] about How to Become a Professional Photographer – Guest Post
Professional Color with Lightroom’s Camera Calibration
I started photography by shooting film in high school just before the turn of the century, and I don't miss film one bit. Its so wonderful to see a photograph on the back of the camera and see how the composition and the highlights are working, and then make changes. I don't know what I learned in school, but I learned it all again the first day I shot with a DSLR by looking at the LCD and making a change and trying again. Its powerful, but if you shoot RAW it may be frustrating, too. The camera shows a JPEG preview, and that just doesn't often … [Read more...] about Professional Color with Lightroom’s Camera Calibration
Are You Losing Photography Clients?
Recently at Adobe MAX, I was speaking to some other professionals. They wanted to know what they could due to attract more clients and retain existing ones. I shared a simple piece of wisdom I try to teach to all of my employees and partners. When given a choice, people will work with those they like and respect. I know... not that deep and profound on the surface... but let's break it down a bit. Choice. Ultimately, our clients choose us. Sure, you can fire a client... but no matter how much you want to work with someone, it's ultimately … [Read more...] about Are You Losing Photography Clients?
Camera Bags: A Rant of Frustration from a Woman’s Perspective
I'm a woman, and I like purses and bags. I am also a photographer, and so with that I tend to collect lots of cool bags. Yay, bags! I have more than I will use, some come and go with my photography style or locations I travel to, and some have stuck around and have been used for a very long time. Yet I am always on the hunt for a bag that fits my needs in many different ways. The are so many different types of camera bags: backpacks, purses, messenger bags, sling bags, and more. For the purposes of this article, I am lumping all bags into one … [Read more...] about Camera Bags: A Rant of Frustration from a Woman’s Perspective
Work Life Balance & Professional Photography
I am probably the last person who should write about this. I have proven to suck at it. But I am writing this post because I at least recognize the problem and maybe I can get someone else to think about it before it's too late for them. I have spent decades working 80 hours a week. I spent decades not even taking Christmas off. I didn't do it because I wanted money (although that never hurts) I did it because I have always felt the need to make the most of every hour productivity wise. I am not good at resting or relaxing. It takes me weeks … [Read more...] about Work Life Balance & Professional Photography
Don’t Become A Professional Photographer If Your Motivation Is Money
Leave it to me to want a job that is not only stressful - but also doesn't pay well. That's what CNNMoney says about commercial photography. While I don't know what CNN consider's "commercial" photography, I do know that the median pay of $43,600 seems high compared to surveys I've seen by Kodak for the entire industry. In any event, the point is that if you're interested in becoming a professional photographer, don't do it for the money. There are of course exceptions to this rule. I've done quite a bit better than $43,600 a year thank you - … [Read more...] about Don’t Become A Professional Photographer If Your Motivation Is Money
Photofocus Podcast May 25 Edition
NOTE NOTE NOTE NOTE NOTE: The Photofocus Podcast Feed HAS CHANGED! Here is the new feed: feed://feeds.feedburner.com/photofocuspodcast PLEASE BE PATIENT - OUR SERVERS SEE LARGE LOADS ON PUBLISHING DAYS. THE DOWNLOADS MAY GO SLOWLY BUT THEY WILL FINISH. Download episode here... Sorry we're no longer providing show notes. __________________________ … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast May 25 Edition
Macro Photography – Guest Post by Robert O’Toole
Guest post by My Honey bee hovering over a Calandrinia flower. The 180mm macro's small angle of view makes it my favorite lens for clean smooth backgrounds. Nikon D800E, Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX APO Macro HSM lens, single Nikon SB-R200 flash with diffuser 1:8 power, handheld, Manual mode 1/250th sec, f8, ISO 500. Geranium flower close up. Tech details same as above. Daisy full frame close up. Focus was critical since depth of field at this magnification ratio is paper thin. Tech details same as above except for f5.6 and ISO 100. Daisy … [Read more...] about Macro Photography – Guest Post by Robert O’Toole
My Opinion On What Constitutes A Professional Photographer
According to the dictionary, a professional is: "A person who belongs to one of the professions, esp. one of the learned professions." "A person who earns a living in a sport or other occupation frequently engaged in by amateurs: a golf professional." "A person who is expert at his or her work: You can tell by her comments that this editor is a real professional. " It's the last definition that most closely fits for me. Being an "expert" or at least an ASPIRING expert, makes you professional. Most of this conversation won't center around the … [Read more...] about My Opinion On What Constitutes A Professional Photographer
Content Aware Crop in Photoshop
Guest Post by Rich Harrington shows you how to use content-aware cropping in Photoshop. DISCLAIMER: This post isn't intended to be definitive - we're not claiming this is the ONLY way or even the BEST way to accomplish this task in Photoshop, Aperture, iPhoto or any other post-prodcessing program. We're merely offering it as A way you might accomplish this task. These tips are free, offered only because they might be helpful to someone. __________________________________ … [Read more...] about Content Aware Crop in Photoshop
Run Your Photo Business (or take pictures) Like Steve Jobs Ran Apple
Since Apple has more cash on hand than most countries, I figure they might not be a bad company to use as a model. While this is very simplified, it shows you the path that you might want to consider if you want the kind of success Mr. Jobs enjoyed at Apple. I've distilled the following ideas from a series of articles I read about Mr. Jobs and then converted them to something that should be relevant to most professional photographers. 1. Try to look at your business as a way to solve other people's problems not just a place that sells 8x10" … [Read more...] about Run Your Photo Business (or take pictures) Like Steve Jobs Ran Apple
Are You More Interested In The D800 or 5DMKIII?
[polldaddy poll=5957020] ____________________ … [Read more...] about Are You More Interested In The D800 or 5DMKIII?
How To Use The Synchronize Command in Adobe Camera RAW
Guest Post by Rich Harrington shows you how to use the Synchronize command in ACR. DISCLAIMER: This post isn't intended to be definitive - we're not claiming this is the ONLY way or even the BEST way to accomplish this task in Photoshop, Aperture, iPhoto or any other post-prodcessing program. We're merely offering it as A way you might accomplish this task. These tips are free, offered only because they might be helpful to someone. ____________________ … [Read more...] about How To Use The Synchronize Command in Adobe Camera RAW
10 Signs You Might Be A Bad Photographer
(With a hat tip to Jeff Foxworthy!) You might be a bad photographer if: 1. You think that merely owning a Leica means your images will hang in a museum. 2. You know nothing about and care nothing about your subject. 3. You need to get drunk or stoned before you think making pictures is fun. 4. You think that paying extra for the "PRO" account on Flickr makes you a professional photographer. 5. You spend more time explaining your photographs than you do making them. 6. You think that picking up your camera once a year during a national … [Read more...] about 10 Signs You Might Be A Bad Photographer
Have You Ever Given Serious Consideration To Publishing A Photo-related Book?
[polldaddy poll=5868370] ____________________________ … [Read more...] about Have You Ever Given Serious Consideration To Publishing A Photo-related Book?
Five Things You Can Do To Improve Your Photography In A Week
1. Learn to use your flash - Read the flash manual. Read the camera manual pages that talk about using flash. Practice making a photo of a person, place and a thing with the flash. Then get (or make) a 3'x3' white bounce card and practice making those same images by pointing the flash at the bounce card and the bounce card at the subject. Note the difference. 2. Get small! Well not small in size - small in details. Make pictures of your usual favorite subjects but instead of your usual approach, drill down on to details. If you usually shoot … [Read more...] about Five Things You Can Do To Improve Your Photography In A Week
Video Tutorial – How To Fix Photos That Are Too Dark Using Adobe Photoshop
Guest Post by Watch the video tutorial on how to fix dark photographs using Adobe Photoshop. DISCLAIMER: This post isn't intended to be definitive - we're not claiming this is the ONLY way or even the BEST way to accomplish this task in Photoshop. We're merely offering it as A way you might accomplish this task. These tips are free, offered only because they might be helpful to someone. __________________________________ … [Read more...] about Video Tutorial – How To Fix Photos That Are Too Dark Using Adobe Photoshop
Photofocus Podcast Episode #99
Make sure you don't miss a single Photofocus post - point your feed reader to the free Photofocus RSS Feed here and subscribe. PLEASE BE PATIENT - OUR SERVERS SEE LARGE LOADS ON PUBLISHING DAYS. THE DOWNLOADS MAY GO SLOWLY BUT THEY WILL FINISH. Download episode... Photofocus Episode 99 Special Guest: Rich Harrington () Show notes by Bruce Clarke () … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast Episode #99
Would You Buy A Serious Camera Because It Looks “Cool?”
[polldaddy poll=5833262] I have to admit I was surprised at how much press Fuji got when they announced they'd be producing a "limited edition" of 10,000 black X100s. Really? A black camera is all that special? And even if it were pink, still, a color? I understand this as a marketing technique. Creating artificial demand drives up sales. But I guess I never considered (as a serious photographer) buying a serious camera because it looked cool. Since not much about ME has ever been considered cool maybe I am missing the point. Would you buy a … [Read more...] about Would You Buy A Serious Camera Because It Looks “Cool?”
How To Develop Photographic Passion
If youre a regular at Photofocus youve heard the word passion on both this website and on the podcast. Its something we frequently talk about because it is the secret sauce for those who want to make great photographs. Unfortunately, passion is something you just can't fake. You either have it or you don't. But don't despair if youre not yet passionate about photography. You can BECOME a passionate photographer. I saw this quote about writing, and I firmly believe it applies to photography as well: The desire to write grows with writing. … [Read more...] about How To Develop Photographic Passion
Photofocus Podcast Episode #98
Make sure you don't miss a single Photofocus post - point your feed reader to the free Photofocus RSS Feed here and subscribe. PLEASE BE PATIENT - OUR SERVERS SEE LARGE LOADS ON PUBLISHING DAYS. THE DOWNLOADS MAY GO SLOWLY BUT THEY WILL FINISH. Download episode... Photofocus Episode 98 Special Guest: Tamara Lackey () Show notes by Bruce Clarke () Discussion - Portrait Trends for 2012 Scott and Tamara discuss portrait trends for 2012. Scott thinks that the big trend in 2011 was strongly backlit photos with blown-out hilites. Tamara … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast Episode #98
Photofocus Podcast Episode #97
Make sure you don't miss a single Photofocus post - point your feed reader to the free Photofocus RSS Feed here and subscribe. PLEASE BE PATIENT - OUR SERVERS SEE LARGE LOADS ON PUBLISHING DAYS. THE DOWNLOADS MAY GO SLOWLY BUT THEY WILL FINISH. Download episode... _________________________ … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast Episode #97
Would You Like to Sell or Publish Your Photographs?
You can already get access to this title without additional charge if you're a lynda.com subscriber. For as little as $25 a month, lynda.com offers a great value. But if you'd rather have the training available offline, lynda.com sells it for $49.95 plus shipping. … [Read more...] about Would You Like to Sell or Publish Your Photographs?
