Platypod is the top name in the flat tripod genre and for good reason; they make excellent gear. I wanted to see how their competition stacked up so I purchased a competitor’s product made by a company called Decade. The Decade Mini Tripod Base (Universal Mounting Plate) retails for about $38 on Amazon and is made out of 6061 aircraft grade aluminum. It ships with four removable spike screws and a Velcro belt strap. It is closest in size and design to the Platypod Max ($99), which is the larger mounting plate from Platypod. Check out the … [Read more...] about Decade mini tripod base – how does it compare to the Platypod?
travel
Photographer of the Day: martijnvdnat
Category: Travel Photographer: martijnvdnat Photo: "Rotterdam Railings" For those who know me, I'm a huge fan of cityscapes. But this one, by martijnvdnat, is a bit different, instead focusing on a single point in the scene. It really elevates the image, and creates a sense of awe and wonder as you look at it. It makes the peak of the bridge stand out, as well as the building behind. And with the leading line coming from the railing, it continues to draw you in to the focus point. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: martijnvdnat
Photographer of the Day: Artem Bali
Category: Travel Photographer: Artem Bali Photo: "stocks-1726" I have to say I laughed when I first saw this photograph by Artem Bali. But it really is the perfect travel photograph. It encompasses our thoughts as photographers when we see that photo perfect moment. Sure, the landscape could have been in focus and it probably would have been gorgeous. But by giving the A-OK gesture, it presents a little laughter and shows the enjoyment behind photography. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Artem Bali
Photographer of the Day: Peter Skaugvold
Category: Travel Photographer: Peter Skaugvold Photo: "s181207PS261" With Spring Break in full swing, this is a bit of a "different" travel photograph. Here, a young boy is seen in Thailand with his hearts set on the deep sea. What his thoughts are you don't know. What he's anticipating doing, again you don't know. It leaves so many questions, but really lets you imagine and explore with your own creative story. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Peter Skaugvold
Show us your favorite places to travel for Photographer of the Day!
The Photofocus team has been traveling a lot lately, and we'd love to see where you're going, too! For April, we're looking for photos related to traveling the world. Whether it's a trip to Disney World or exploring Antarctica, show us your favorite photographs as you explore new places and see new things! To get started and submit your photos, click here, or share them on our Flickr, 500px or Facebook communities. We can’t wait to see your photos! … [Read more...] about Show us your favorite places to travel for Photographer of the Day!
Be prepared to be spontaneous
Are you ready to go at any moment? Whether it’s a photoshoot or an epic trip that somehow falls in your lap, can you honestly say you’d be able to just pick up and go? Being ready can mean many things. Photoshoot If it’s a photoshoot here is a list of things that can always be ready so you’re able to be spontaneous. Charged batteries: Always make sure your batteries are charged and ready to go. Memory cards in your camera bag: If you’re like me there seems to be a memory card hanging out in my card reader on my desk many times. Get … [Read more...] about Be prepared to be spontaneous
Photographing in falling snow
In a recent video from LinkedIn Learning, photographer Justin Resnick addressed exposure issues which photographers can encounter when shooting snow. In this post, I’m going to address a related issue I’ve grappled with the last two winters, namely shooting while it is ACTIVELY snowing. Living in Southern California, this isn’t a situation I’ve dealt with much. Last winter, we finally made it to snowy Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, where we encountered heavy, constant snow during our one morning shooting Japanese cranes. A … [Read more...] about Photographing in falling snow
The Traveling Photographer: Choosing a trip to Antarctica, part 3
In our last two posts, Off to Antarctica and Choosing a trip to Antarctica, part 2, we’ve discussed the many moving parts involved in deciding on a trip to the White Continent. The biggest decision after deciding to go to Antarctica is whether to also include South Georgia. Comparing Antarctic photo expeditions We’ve traveled with all of these outfits before (though not necessarily on a polar expedition). To varying degrees, they all cater to photographers. All 3 trips we’ve done were fantastic, well run and I wouldn’t hesitate to travel … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Choosing a trip to Antarctica, part 3
Weekly Wrap-Up: February 3-9, 2019
The Weekly Wrap-up compiles interesting articles published this week on Photofocus. This week, we learned about finishing studio portraits in Perfectly Clear, a camera's exposure, traveling to Antarctica, cropping in Lightroom Classic, and found out some quick tips for nature photographers. … [Read more...] about Weekly Wrap-Up: February 3-9, 2019
The Traveling Photographer: Choosing a trip to Antarctica, Part 2
In our last post, we discussed some of the important factors to consider when deciding whether to travel to Antarctica. In this post, we’ll discuss additional choices to consider. As we noted before, some trips go only to the Antarctic Peninsula, while others go to the Falklands and South Georgia, and still others (longer and correspondingly more expensive) go to all three destinations. Trips can be as short as one week, up to three weeks in length. When to go? When you go influences your experience. The season for visitors is the Antarctic … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Choosing a trip to Antarctica, Part 2
The great outdoors and Perfectly Clear Complete
Editor's note: Here is a great offer from Perfectly Clear. The holy grail of post-processing digital images would be a true single-click option, minimizing futzing with sliders, testing this possibility vs. that-wouldn’t that be wonderful? That day isn’t here, but with newer software programs, we’re getting closer. I recently spent a week in Little Cayman at a Lightroom Bootcamp, taught by Erin “Go Ask Erin” Quigley. This was aimed at intermediate-advanced users and directed specifically to the needs of underwater photographers. After … [Read more...] about The great outdoors and Perfectly Clear Complete
Live webinar on the hour: Perfecting portraits & travel photos
Welcome to the webinar. We'll be learning how to perfect your portraits and travel images using Perfectly Clear, and we've got some door prizes to share as well. If you'd like to comment, ask questions, and be eligible for prizes, please click here to join us live on YouTube. This webinar is recorded so you can tune in later. We'll be live Monday, December 17 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern, 11:00 a.m. Central, 10:00 a.m. Mountain, 9:00 a.m. Pacific, 12:30 p.m. in Newfoundland and 1:00 p.m. in the V.I. Thanks to Athentech, makers of the marvelous … [Read more...] about Live webinar on the hour: Perfecting portraits & travel photos
Webinar tomorrow, 12/17: Perfecting portraits & travel photos with Erin Holmstead & Mike Hagen
This episode has something for everyone. 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 tomorrow, 12/17: Perfecting portraits & travel photos with Erin Holmstead & Mike Hagen
Free Perfectly Clear Webinar Monday December 17, 2018
Join Levi Sim with guests Mike Hagen and Erin Holmstead as they show how they use Perfectly Clear Complete to streamline their post-production. Monday, December 17, 2018 Perfectly Clear webinar. It's free! Tune in live at 12:00 p.m. Eastern — 11:00 a.m. Central — 10:00 a.m. Mountain — 9:00 a.m. Pacific to win participate in giveaways and ask questions. The webinar will be recorded for those who can't join in live. We'll broadcast live right here on this page, but if you'd like to comment, ask questions, and be entered in our prize drawing … [Read more...] about Free Perfectly Clear Webinar Monday December 17, 2018
Webinar on Monday, 12/17: Perfecting portraits & travel photos with Erin Holmstead & Mike Hagen
That's right, portraits and travel all in one episode. 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 Monday. We'll have some giveaways for live viewers, so be sure to join us live on … [Read more...] about Webinar on Monday, 12/17: Perfecting portraits & travel photos with Erin Holmstead & Mike Hagen
Webinar: Perfecting portraits & travel photos with Erin Holmstead & Mike Hagen, December 17
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
Photographing landscapes with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
This is the second article in a four-part series discussing the Olympus OM-D E-M1 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 E-M1 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
