Yup, this webinar is a doubleheader. Levi Sim will be joined by two of our other authors, Erin Holmstead and Mike Hagen to help you learn how to make the most of your portraits and your travel photography. They'll teach techniques to make the most of your time shooting and then they'll demonstrate Perfectly Clear Complete to help make the most of your time finishing your photographs, too. There's something for everyone, so be sure to join us right here. We'll have some giveaways for live viewers, so be sure to join us live on … [Read more...] about Webinar: Perfecting portraits & travel photos with Erin Holmstead & Mike Hagen, December 17
travel
Photographing landscapes with the Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark II
This is the second article in a four-part series discussing the Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark II. Click here to read my first article, discussing the use of the camera for events. In future articles, I'll discuss using the camera for portraiture and advertising. While my bread and butter might be event photography, in my spare time I photograph landscapes and travel imagery. Everything from long exposures to walking the streets, I love to photograph it. Landscapes (and some cityscapes) When I started out doing nighttime long exposures with my … [Read more...] about Photographing landscapes with the Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark II
Book Review: “Steve McCurry: A Life In Pictures,” by Bonnie McCurry
Normally, I'd read the entire book before writing a review, but this can't wait. I've skipped around and read several sections and the writing is good and engaging — almost as engaging as the photographs. This is a book you should buy for every photographer you know and probably everyone else, too. But you should have it dropped shipped to the recipient because if you get your hands on it, you won't be able to put it down. An actually famous photographer There are almost no famous photographers, especially this century when photographs come … [Read more...] about Book Review: “Steve McCurry: A Life In Pictures,” by Bonnie McCurry
Test Drive: Perfectly Clear Complete
Editor’s Note: Perfectly Clear is offering Photofocus readers a special $99 bundle, including Perfectly Clear Complete and SharkPixel presets. A $163 value! In theory, a skillful user of Lightroom or Photoshop can massage a photo to shine, highlighting the best features of a scene, minimizing distracting elements and directing the viewer’s eye to whatever it was that first attracted the photographer to the scene. In practice, optimizing images can take a LOT of time and effort, even for a photographer who is relatively comfortable with … [Read more...] about Test Drive: Perfectly Clear Complete
Gear Review: Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack
Peak Design has done it again: The company has broken Kickstarter with its new product. I think these people get together and say, "What can we make that will cause people to lose their minds and buy it with wild abandon?" The company makes quality stuff and designs it very well. The latest offering is the Travel Line, and it I think it'll meet the expectations of all the people who funded the Kickstarter with $5,206,611. Yeah, five-point-two million dollars. The Travel Backpack There's no doubt that this is a well-made backpack. It's got … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack
Weekly Wrap-Up: November 18-24, 2018
Welcome to a brand new feature — the Weekly Wrap-Up — a compendium of some of the articles published this week on Photofocus. This week, we got you ready for the holidays with plenty of Black Friday deals as well as our favorite gifts for photographers in our Holiday Gift Guide. Still looking for some savings and ideas? Check it out! … [Read more...] about Weekly Wrap-Up: November 18-24, 2018
Photography Marketing: Know your platform
As photographers, we spend a lot of time sharing our images and trying to market ourselves on social media. It's no secret that we spend about 20% of our time actually photographing, while the other 80% is spent on our business. In order to be effective on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, however, you have to know the platform. And you have to know your audience for those platforms. Facebook When Facebook was initially launched in February 2004, its audience was clear. It catered specifically to college students. But two years … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Know your platform
Traveling with non-photographers
Whether you’re a serious hobbyist, semi-pro or pro, traveling and going on outings is part of our lives with our friends and loved ones. As a photographer, this can sometimes hinder our efforts to getting the shots we want while we are out but it doesn’t have to. Here are some things you can do to ensure you all have a successful trip. Plan One of the easiest ways to alleviate the stress that sometimes happens when traveling with non-photographers is to plan. While you are planning out your trip itinerary sit down with your fellow … [Read more...] about Traveling with non-photographers
Found at PhotoPlus: GNARBOX 2.0
When you're on-the-go, storage and protection of your photographs are of the utmost importance. While hooking up your laptop to an external hard drive works, it's a bit of a pain and can really add some weight to your pack. Imagine being able to hike the mountains without having to pack a bunch of backup gear. Well, now you can, with GNARBOX 2.0. In its update slated for December 2018, the rugged SSD portable hard drive takes the next step forward to help you manage your workflow and keep your images safe while you are in the … [Read more...] about Found at PhotoPlus: GNARBOX 2.0
First impressions of a landscape photographer: Aurora HDR 2019 and single image adjustment
(Editor's note: Aurora HDR 2019 is now available. The links in this article offer savings and free training videos, Looks and LUTs as well.) The release of Aurora HDR 2019, coupled with a backlog of unprocessed landscape images generated in the past year, allowed me to put a pre-release version of the program through its paces in a frenzy of processing. I should preface my comments by pointing out that I have no prior experience with earlier versions of Aurora. Even my experience with HDR is limited to Lightroom. After 3 evenings of … [Read more...] about First impressions of a landscape photographer: Aurora HDR 2019 and single image adjustment
Beyond Technique Podcast with Jeremy Horner | Photofocus Podcast October 17, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-with-jeremy-horner-photofocus-podcast-october-17-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level. Today we chat with travel photographer Jeremy Horner. We discuss in detail: Relationship building and interacting with people The role of books and publishing in his business Advice to new photographers The importance of … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast with Jeremy Horner | Photofocus Podcast October 17, 2018
The Traveling Photographer: Photographing Route 66
I just returned from my dream trip — driving and photographing Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. The trip was not a photography trip, per se. I traveled with two non-photographers. Except for the Grand Canyon, we did not organize our day for sunrises and sunsets. We also did not plan ahead for photographic opportunities. Of course, I still took a ton of photographs. If you haven't been following the saga of my Route 66 adventure, check out my first two articles. The first was on pre-trip planning and the second was about the trip … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photographing Route 66
The Traveling Photographer: Driving Route 66, part 2
This summer my two friends and I did it. We drove Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. It took us about two weeks, which isn't much time since we made a detour to the south rim of the Grand Canyon and spent an entire day at the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert. Due to our limited time, we found it very important to pre-plan our days and set priorities, leaving room for some flexibility. Preparation for the trip While planning the trip I accumulated a small duffel bag filled with guidebooks and maps. The bag came with me … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Driving Route 66, part 2
How to travel light AND have your camera gear too!
B&H Photo provided Photofocus the Pelican MPD40 40L Duffel bag in return for a review. I was one of the first authors to volunteer — thinking it was a camera backpack. Imagine my surprise when I learned it was, well, er... a backpack. My views changed after a visit from my cousin Mary Ann. Here are my thoughts on how a photographer can use this backpack to travel light and have their camera gear too. Her overseas trip to Paris meant packing light As I mentioned to my cousin Mary Ann — who happen to stop by to borrow a camera bag for her … [Read more...] about How to travel light AND have your camera gear too!
Photographer of the Day: Brandon Kopp
Category: Architecture Photographer: Brandon Kopp Photo: “Cable Grist Mill, Great Smoky Mountains National Park HDR” While this image may not be a traditional architectural photograph, it is everything a good architectural image should be. It displays the timeless feel of the building, the utility of its purpose, and vertical lines are plumb. Adding to the elegance is a slow shutter to illustrate water movement, and highlights and tonal range add drama and impact. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Brandon Kopp
Traveling abroad? Things U.S. photographers need to know
Things that U.S. photographers who travel internationally need to know... If you're in the USA and are planning to go make photographs in another country, you may, no make that really, want to know about Form 4457 — Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad. This document allows you to get a record proving that you owned the camera gear before you left the U.S. That way when you return, some over-zealous customs agent doesn't try to ding you for a duty when you re-enter the country. I have friends who have been forced … [Read more...] about Traveling abroad? Things U.S. photographers need to know
Summertime photography: ¡Fiesta!
I was recently on a family trip to San Miguel de Allende (SMA) in central Mexico. This colonial town is known for a seemingly endless succession of festivals throughout the year. Even the hot pinks, oranges and ochers favored for the architecture make it seem as if the town is perpetually decorated for a party. Our only prior trip to SMA was during a multi-day annual celebration for which it is rightfully famous: Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. If you’ve never experienced this, it may seem odd to hear it referred to as a … [Read more...] about Summertime photography: ¡Fiesta!
“The Enthusiast’s Guide to Travel Photography” gets you geared up for your next trip
(Editor's note: Photofocus is pleased to announce a partnership with Rocky Nook. Rocky Nook publishes great books about photography by photographers. Coming soon we'll be featuring excerpts from "The Enthusiast's Guide to Multi-Shot Photography" by Alan Hess. Stay tuned!) After my trip to Ireland last summer, I didn't want to stop traveling. Since then, I've been traveling to places like Las Vegas and Toronto. And I wish I would have read Jordana Wright's book, "The Enthusiast's Guide to Travel Photography" before then. There's a lot that … [Read more...] about “The Enthusiast’s Guide to Travel Photography” gets you geared up for your next trip
Gear Review: iForway PowerElf Portable Power Station
If you ever leave your house and spend time away, then this battery may be a good option for you. The PowerElf from iForway is sleek and compact but offers a significant amount of electricity and several good options for charging. I've been using it on a three-week trip. I charged it before I left and used it for phone charges, camera battery charges, and even topping off my laptop and it's still got juice in it. PowerElf features The PowerElf has two USB ports for phones and tablets and whatever else charges off USB. Many cameras' battery … [Read more...] about Gear Review: iForway PowerElf Portable Power Station
The Traveling Photographer: Shooting wildlife in wintry Japan (Part 1: Choosing a trip)
Our most recent trip to Japan was completely different from its predecessors: We went in the winter, on a trip dedicated to wildlife photography. Seeing the best of Japanese wildlife took us to the far reaches of Japan’s northernmost main island, Hokkaido, far enough to see the off-shore islands claimed by both Russia and Japan. We had a chance to see and shoot the marquee nature stars of Japan: Snow monkeys relaxing in steaming onsen hot springs, whooper swans in an idyllic snowy scene straight out of Swan Lake, soaring Steller’s Sea Eagles … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Shooting wildlife in wintry Japan (Part 1: Choosing a trip)
Photographer of the Day: Anna Savino
Category: Travel Photographer: Anna Savino - "Vulci" I love the softness of the light in this and the way the wooden railing leads me into the image to the castle and across the bridge. The colors in the railing also reflected in the bridge and the rocks along the water complete the trip through this lovely scene. Originally shared in the Photofocus Community on Google+ here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Anna Savino
Photographer of the Day: Michael Berg
Category: Travel Photographer: Michael Berg - "Corporativo Citibanamex" As I was scrolling through images looking for this week’s Travel photo of the day this one made me stop and look again. At first, I thought it was a looking up perspective, then I thought maybe it was a mirror image shot or even a created mirror image. I love images that make you stop and think. This is a great example of that and it’s pushed me to do some investigating to find out who the architect is. Please click on the link here to see the full image as … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Michael Berg
Gear Review: Ruggard Hunter Pro 65 DSLR Holster Bag
A holster bag is a terrific addition to your camera bag quiver. In fact, it's a very good choice as a first camera bag. You'll always find uses for it, even when your equipment needs outgrow its size. I have far more gear than will fit in this bag, but I use it as a convenient bag for keeping a camera and lens handy. It sits next to me in the car, it goes inside another duffle bag or backpack and I attach it to the belt of my backpack when hiking. In this video, I show you the 65, but it comes in various sizes, including a larger bag which … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Ruggard Hunter Pro 65 DSLR Holster Bag
Traveling Photographer in Japan: Eastern Kyoto
Any single article on Kyoto’s many splendors will necessarily be an overview. In our last post, I described a potential itinerary to see highlights on the western fringes of Kyoto. If you missed it, check it out here: https://photofocus.com/2018/05/20/traveling-photographer-in-japan-kyoto-and-arashiyama/ The eastern margin of Kyoto is a treasure trove as well, with much to reward the traveling photographer. As always when traveling, flexibility and portability are keys to maximizing your photographic opportunities. It is a balancing … [Read more...] about Traveling Photographer in Japan: Eastern Kyoto
Photographer of the Day: Bert de Bruin
Category: Travel Photographer: Bert de Bruin - "Business Plane in Fog" Though traveling has its share of hassles, it also has many beautiful moments, yes, even at the airport (or train/bus stations). Bert has captured a beautiful sunset while waiting for his flight. Want to see more fun and beautiful airport photos? Check out #airportphotowalk by our own Levi Sim on social media. Proof you can find beauty and something to shoot anywhere. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Bert de Bruin
Photographer of the Day: Michael Hoffman
Category: Travel Photographer: Michael Hoffman - "A. J. Meerwald" The light on the sails of this tall ship caught my eye. The black and white conversion is perfect for this to limit the distractions of all the buildings and activity on the shoreline and it also helps to make the shape of the sails and tall ship more distinct to separate it from the background. This is also a great reminder to travel in your own backyard. The A. J. Meerwald is the state ship of New Jersey where Michael is from. Originally shared on the Photofocus … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Michael Hoffman
Photographer of the Day: Justbecvz
Category: Travel Photographer: Justbecvz - "Lovers. Gion, Kyoto" This image caught my eye and made me laugh. I love that the photographer chose to leave the mannequin in the shot because she makes this what it is. Images like this are a great reminder to pay attention to not only your subject but also the background and what might be happening around the area where you are shooting. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Justbecvz
Photographer of the Week: May 21 ~ 25, 2018
Weekdays, Monday through Friday, Photofocus curators share a great photograph in the categories of Travel, Beauty, Outdoor, Sports, and Street, respectively. Each selected picture earns its maker the title "Photofocus Photographer of the Day." Their work has impressed us and we hope, it touches, inspires & invigorates you as well. Our curators explain what they love about the image they have chosen. These are quick thoughts to help each of us become more aware of what's in an image and why it works. Every Sunday, the Photofocus Photographer … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Week: May 21 ~ 25, 2018
Photographer of the Day: Kurt Kramer
Category: Travel Photographer: Kurt Kramer - "In the Church" The light and colors in this image remind me of a painting by one of the Old Masters. Images like this can sometimes be found by peeking in buildings, stepping through a doorway and actually going in a building that may not be a tourist attraction. If you do this though, remember to be respectful and if you are asked to leave, just smile and turn around. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Kurt Kramer
Traveling Photographer in Japan: Kyoto and Arashiyama
In our prior posts, I suggested starting points for exploring the sprawling metropolis that is Tokyo, modern Japan’s capital. If you missed those posts, here are links: Tokyo & Tsukiji and Tackling Tokyo Kyoto is another essential element in exploring Japan. Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for over a millennium, until the mid-19th century and is ringed by historic and beautiful temples and gardens, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Unlike Tokyo, which is served by a comprehensive subway network, the Kyoto subway … [Read more...] about Traveling Photographer in Japan: Kyoto and Arashiyama
