Over the years, Perfectly Clear has become one of my favorite tools. While it can be used for a vast array of photographs, I typically use it for professional portraits and headshots. However, recently I wanted to enhance some of my candid portraits more. While I photograph events, I've also gotten more and more into street photography, and capturing those powerful street scenes. Integrating Perfectly Clear into this workflow seemed like a natural step, allowing me to up the ante, so to speak. Getting started Just like my posed, professional … [Read more...] about Using Perfectly Clear to enhance candids
street photography
Weekly Wrap-Up: January 13-19, 2019
The Weekly Wrap-up compiles interesting articles published this week on Photofocus. This week, we learned about beauty standards, creating a snow scene, using Lume Cubes with holiday lights, selling photography online, people in architecture and mobile sync with ACDSee. … [Read more...] about Weekly Wrap-Up: January 13-19, 2019
What is street photography, really?
Editor's Note: We welcome James Maher to Photofocus. James is a street, documentary and portrait photographer based in New York. He runs frequent street photography group workshops and private daily photography tours in the city. Street photography is one of the most difficult forms of photography to do well. We could talk for hours about tips and techniques to improve your street photography, but before we go there, I think it is very important to start off with the conceptual question of what actually is street photography? What does it … [Read more...] about What is street photography, really?
Japan for the Traveling Photographer: Part 4: Tackling Tokyo
Tokyo is to Japan as New York City is to the US: modern, frenetic, a mélange of sub-cultures; in short, a blast! You can’t do it all, don't even try, there’s just too much going on. But it’s great fun to explore and most corners are interesting. We covered aspects of the transportation system two posts ago: it is comprehensive and user-friendly, clean and safe. (If you missed it, here's a link). Should you find yourself lost, no worries: it’s doubtful you could find yourself in an unsavory situation. Most Japanese will go out of their way … [Read more...] about Japan for the Traveling Photographer: Part 4: Tackling Tokyo
The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Guidelines
As traveling photographers, we all wear many hats—landscape photographer, bird photographer, portrait photographer, food photographer, etc. We may feel comfortable in some of the hats we wear, and some hats just don’t seem to fit well at all. I had my roots in landscape and nature photography then moved on to cityscapes. Photographing people on the streets in the places I visited always seemed a tough fit. So I pushed hard--taking a class, watching videos, reading some books, and making lots of pictures--to figure out how to get good shots … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Guidelines
See Like a Camera – Part-2
Shoot Mode Tone Control Picking up where I left off last time. Besides the Film Simulations themselves, The Fuji-X cameras offer additional controls for customizing the look of the in-camera jpegs! The Fuji-X cameras have what they call "shoot modes" that can be used to alter the way the in-camera jpegs are processed. These can add significant value to your creative options, and pre-visualization during capture. The available options are: Image size & quality Film simulation Grain Effect Dynamic Range White Balance … [Read more...] about See Like a Camera – Part-2
See Like a Camera – Part-1
Don't just pre-visualize—see the shot! My "Re-Thinking the Raw File Workflow" post stirred up quite a storm of protest from photographers so thoroughly invested in a raw-file workflow that they missed the point of the whole post! So... consider this a clarifying post—I will be examining how using the Fuji Film Simulations in-camera helps the photographer see creatively whether they insist on shooting raw or take advantage of the high-quality jpegs offered by the Fuji camera! Make no mistake, there is a revolution brewing in photographic … [Read more...] about See Like a Camera – Part-1
Fujifilm GFX – Medium Format Gets Real
An Adventure in Venice, Italy for Carnival Bobbi Lane and I had the great fortune to shoot with a prototype GFX 50S on our tour of Venice Carnival 2017 this past February. Needless to say, we were extremely excited to put the camera to use in the incredible magical dreamlike environment that is Venice during Carnival. Certainly, the whole internet is a buzz with interest for the coming release of the camera, which Imaging Resource said has "The best lab images we've ever seen." The Fujifilm GFX pairs a mirrorless design with a high-res … [Read more...] about Fujifilm GFX – Medium Format Gets Real
The Magic of Venice with Fuji-X
Photographing Venice during Carnival with Fuji-X cameras I recently had the opportunity to attend Chromasia's Venice Carnival photo tour led by my wife Bobbi Lane and our friend David Nightingale. All three of us are part of the Fuji-X team, and we're very passionate about our Fuji cameras! The 2016 tour was a perfect opportunity to put the Fuji-X system to the test! Venice is an amazing city—evermore so during the period of time, just before Lent, known the world over as Carnival. This magical time, in a magical environment, offers splendid … [Read more...] about The Magic of Venice with Fuji-X
City Life Creativity with Aurora HDR 2018
One of the things that's always intrigued me about HDR photography is the effects you're able to generate outside of your typical HDR imagery. In checking out the new Aurora HDR 2018, I discovered a new technique in order to showcase city life in a creative way, giving my image a stop-motion feel. The technique is super simple and quick, and it gives you something that most people will have to take a second glance at. Creating a Stop-Motion Look with Aurora HDR 2018 When you initially launch Aurora HDR 2018, you're presented with two … [Read more...] about City Life Creativity with Aurora HDR 2018
Photographer of the Day: Benjo Rulona
Category: Street Photography Photograph: Lanterns Everywhere by Benjo Rulona “Mesmerizing" is the first word that pops into my head when describing Benjo Rulona’s image “Lanterns Everywhere”. The number of lanterns could have become overwhelming, bordering on the abstract. Repeating shapes and patterns in artwork walk a fine line between interesting and confusing, but the photographer made some smart choices in creating this image to avoid that. The low angle of the image is probably the most important choice made, giving us a sense of … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Benjo Rulona
Photographer of the Day: Dean Holland
Category: Street Photography Photograph: Untitled by Dean Holland Dean Holland’s Untitled image is a great example of a “decisive moment”, as the man looks away from his phone to take in the scene before him. We all know how much technology affects our lives, so many of us seem glued to our smart phone screens instead of seeing the world around us. This ancient architecture had the power to pull him away from his phone for a moment, his engagement with the beauty of it makes you want to be there seeing it as well. The composition makes … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Dean Holland
Photographer of the Day: Well-Bred Kannan / WBK Photography
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "Devotee" by Well-Bred Kannan / WBK Photography This image is purely about light and timing as he captures the devotee in a splash of light in the temple corridor. This same side-lighting also gives the image depth and dimension. Everywhere you look in the image is rich detail, from the carvings on the columns, to the intricate art on the pathway, revealed through that light. The muted tones of the corridor are also broken up nicely by pops of color in the artwork on the ground and the banners … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Well-Bred Kannan / WBK Photography
Photographer of the Day: Johnny [Shakedown]
(Editor's note: Please welcome our new curator for the Street category of Photofocus' Photographer of the Day feature Jason Hahn. Jason is a super talented nature and wildlife photographer. His keen eye makes him perfect for choosing outstanding street photographs.) Category: Street Photography Photograph: Untitled by Johnny [Shakedown] What I love about this image is that it’s a study in contrasts and subtlety. There are five people in this shot, the model repeated four times in a clone like fashion, and one person who feels genuine, … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Johnny [Shakedown]
Photographer of the Day: SMMProdInc
Category: Street Photography Photograph:"Alestorm" by smmprodinc When Henri Cartier-Bresson coined the term "decisive moment", he may not have meant catching the lip curl of a pirate metal band's keyboardist, but then again maybe he did! This photo of Elliot Vernon with the band Alestorm just grabs my eye. It's a riot of color which captures the whole concert experience, from the "blood soaked" keyboard to the reflection of the crowd in his sunglasses. The shadowed background of the stage serves as the perfect backdrop to tell you where … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: SMMProdInc
Photographer of the Day: Pierre Pichot
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "Exit" by Pierre Pichot Pierre's image "Exit" is a great example of using lines, light, and shapes to draw your eye to the vanishing point in a photo. I confess, I am rarely a fan of the "off-kilter" look of purposely tilted composition, but in this case it works beautifully. The "Exit" sign creates a story, repeated by a second sign and an unknown figure in the distance. But, the story is left up to the viewer's imagination, whether you see the figure as leaving or coming toward you. Either way it … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Pierre Pichot
Photographer of the Day: Patrick Lawless
Category: Street Photography Photograph: “Enjoying the Fresh Hair" by Patrick Lawless While Patrick was walking back to Victoria Station in London, he stumbled upon a kindly hairdresser giving a free haircut to one of the homeless who can be found sleeping rough in and around the area. An unusual sight and a good act in tandem seemed too good a photo opportunity for him to pass up. A great example why it's always good to have your camera ready. Originally shared with Photofocus through an email. To learn how your work can be featured … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Patrick Lawless
Photographer of the Day: Ivan Rigamonti
Category: Street Photography Photograph: “A Scene At The Stairs" by Ivan Rigamonti Leading lines that guide the viewer to the subject is what makes this a nice capture. Ivan took his time, framed his shot and waited for the decisive moment to release the shutter. 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: Ivan Rigamonti
Photographer of the Day: Isengardt
Category: Street Photography Photograph: “A Scene At The Stairs" by Isengardt Isengardt captured a scene that keeps our view in the frame. We focus on a woman who has tuned out the busy world around her. A father and daughter shares a moment as friends laugh. 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: Isengardt
Photographer of the Day: Robertino Radovix
Category: Street Photography Photograph: “Untitled" by Robertino Radovix Robertino was very observant when he captured this image. The incidences of a little kitten in a street scene along with the man's battered shoes, allows the viewer to create several stories of this scene. 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: Robertino Radovix
Photographer of the Day: Paul Henni
Category: Street Photography Photograph: “T-Shirt Or Jacket?" by Paul Henni Paul's use of shadow play makes this an excellent capture. The shadows make the subjects appear larger than life and keeps our attention in the scene. 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: Paul Henni
Photographer of the Day: Emanuele UbOldi
Category: Street Photography Photograph: “Hanoi - Vietnam" by Emanuele UbOldi Framing, shallow depth of field and timing makes Emanuele UbOldi's photo of a Vietnam lady a beautiful capture. He isolated the subject and caught her in the light. 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: Emanuele UbOldi
Photographer of the Day: Johnny
Category: Street Photography Photograph: “Lost in Thought" by Johnny Johnny captured a great image without disturbing the moment. After looking at the image, we can see the man is lost in thought as he's writing. 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: Johnny
Photographer of the Day: Thorpelyon
Category: Street Photography Photograph: “Listen" by thorpelyon A low angle of view makes this a great capture. It gives the viewer a different perspective and makes you feel like you are in the conversation with 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: Thorpelyon
Photographer of the day: Scott Johnston
Category: Street. Photograph: "Time out. Gran Canaria 2017" by Scott Johnston (username "Scott Johnston" on Flickr). Originally shared on the Photofocus Flickr community right here. Why I picked this image: Street photography images can be a contemporary mirror of society. If you look back at the work of some of the masters of this genre, you will find a lot of images that have a strong documentary character and allow us a small peek into the daily lives of people from that time. These images will generally become more relevant, … [Read more...] about Photographer of the day: Scott Johnston
Fujifilm X100F – Star of the Street
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
Photographer of the day: Pierre Pichot
Category: Street. Photograph: "Strangers in the Dark XXIII" by Pierre Pichot (username "Pierre Pichot" on Flickr). Originally shared on the Photofocus Flickr community right here. Why I picked this image: Tunnels make a nice stage for photography. The leading lines pull your eyes easily to the main subject. Yet lighting in tunnels is usually difficult if you don't want to bring your own light. And an external light is something that most street photographers chose not to use. Pierre overcame the lighting problem by facing … [Read more...] about Photographer of the day: Pierre Pichot
Photographer of the day: Ivan Rigamonti
Category: Street. Photograph: "Close Encounters" by Ivan Rigamonti (username "Ivan Rigamonti" on Flickr). Originally shared on the Photofocus Flickr community right here. Why I picked this image: I like images that tell a story or that animate me to make up a story to it - like thinking of a movie plot from just a single frame. In this image from a train platform in Switzerland, I can see different stories that could have happened between the man and the departing train. Did he miss the train and is upset about it? Did he escort … [Read more...] about Photographer of the day: Ivan Rigamonti
Photographer of the day: Ivan Rigamonti
Category: Street. Photograph: "Missed the Shot?" by Ivan Rigamonti (username "Ivan Rigamonti" on Flickr). Originally shared on the Photofocus Flickr community right here. Why I picked this image: One of the styles of street photography focuses on taking pictures in situations where unrelated parts of the frame on different layers seem to interact with each other to create a story. And this is what Ivan did in this photo. He waited for a person to walk by the splintered window which looks like someone has just fired a bullet and … [Read more...] about Photographer of the day: Ivan Rigamonti
Photographer of the day: thorpelyon
Category: Street. Photograph: "On The Run" by thorpelyon (username "thorpelyon" on Flickr). Originally shared on the Photofocus Flickr community right here. Why I picked this image: I enjoy street photos with subtle humor in them. You may be familiar with the famous image "Kiss, Me Stupid" from Joel Meyerowitz where he captured a couple kissing in front of a movie theater with the show title "Kiss Me, Stupid" on the billboard. I see a similar kind of humor in this analog film image by thorpelyon. The sign over the theater says … [Read more...] about Photographer of the day: thorpelyon
