There is nothing worse than doing an extended shoot and suddenly running out of power in your camera battery. Inevitably, it'll happen right when the mood is perfect and things are finally going exactly as you wanted. In a recent example from my life, I ran out of power while making a timelapse of the complete solar eclipse. I was shooting over the Tetons in Idaho at the very center of the eclipse...and I've got nothing to show for it. Had I been using the Case Relay from TetherTools, that never would have happened. Simple utility The Case … [Read more...] about Gear Review: TetherTool’s Case Relay
tripod
Vanguard Alta Pro 2 263AGH provides ultimate flexibility and control in a tripod
I've always been a fan of pistol grip heads on tripods. While somewhat bulky, they provide a great sense of control and are very easy to use. The Vanguard Alta Pro 2 263AGH is Vanguard's latest offering into the pistol grip market, and I must say I'm quite impressed. I received the 263AGH for review by Vanguard, and have been using it for a few weeks now. And out of any tripod I've tested out, this is the one that's going to consistently stay with me. I find it to be the most secure and easy-to-use tripod I've tested. Pistol grip ball … [Read more...] about Vanguard Alta Pro 2 263AGH provides ultimate flexibility and control in a tripod
Creating Dynamic Portraits with Sparklers
Happy Independence Day! You've got a terrific opportunity to make some fun portraits with fireworks. Kids love sparklers, and when you show them what you can do with sparklers, flash and a couple of seconds, they will get excited and start creating incredible pictures with you. And if you don't have sparklers handy, try using a flashlight instead like I did below. Here's what you need to do to get started. Second Curtain/Rear Sync Flash You need to go into your camera's flash settings and switch the flash from First Curtain or Front Sync to … [Read more...] about Creating Dynamic Portraits with Sparklers
Fast & Easy Tips for Photographing Fireworks this Fourth of July
The fourth of July is my favorite holiday because of fireworks! I grew up in Lousiville, Kentucky and they have this event called Thunder Over Lousiville. It's the kick-off event for the Kentucky Derby Festival. It is one of the nation’s largest annual fireworks extravaganzas. Since the first time seeing it, I have been obsessed with fireworks so learning to photograph them was a must for me. Here are are some easy tips to get you started before the big holiday arrives. Set your camera on a tripod. Turn your camera to manual. Set … [Read more...] about Fast & Easy Tips for Photographing Fireworks this Fourth of July
In Depth Video Gear Review: Vanguard Alta GH300T Tripod Grip Head
The right tripod head makes using a tripod a joy, and the Vanguard Alta GH300T is just such a head. It's a grip head, which means you can make adjustments with a single hand, but unlike other grip heads, it doesn't require you to squeeze a handle. A single lock at the thumb loosens and tightens. It is Arca-Swiss compatible. It also has a trigger built-in which can trigger your shutter with an included cord (includes cords for Canon and Nikon). I like this head very much, and I think you'll enjoy it, too. I'm showing it in this video attached to … [Read more...] about In Depth Video Gear Review: Vanguard Alta GH300T Tripod Grip Head
Using the Angler Circo LED Ring Light with Macro Food Photography
I recently reviewed the Angler Circo LED Ring Light but was disappointed in its results for portraiture. I thought maybe using it in an environment would hit the mark — and I was right. I paired the ring light with my Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens to photograph some food. This experiment proved that you don't need to have a fancy lighting setup with strobes all over your studio in order to get some well-lit shots. With a little work and some cheaper gear, you can make satisfying results that will be good enough to represent what's on the … [Read more...] about Using the Angler Circo LED Ring Light with Macro Food Photography
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: How To Make Super-High-Res Photos with MFT Cameras
When it comes to the micro four-thirds system, one of the biggest complaints I hear is that you're limited by the sensor. And while you can certainly make that argument, for me it's more about my needs and usage. But for the times when you do need a larger photograph, both Olympus and Panasonic now offer high-resolution shooting modes in their top-of-the-line cameras, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 MkII, E-M5 MkII and the Lumix DC-G9, which create an 80-megapixel photo. How it Works Both cameras work the same way in terms of how high-resolution photos … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: How To Make Super-High-Res Photos with MFT Cameras
Veo 2 204AB Tripod a Perfect Lightweight Option
I've long been a user of Vanguard tripods, and am always curious what their new offerings will bring to the table. The Veo 2 204AB tripod is a perfect lightweight, portable option when you're traveling or on-the-go. I previously tested out the Veo 2 235AB tripod, and it's since become a staple in my bag. But the Veo 2 204AB is even more lightweight, making it ideal for smaller camera bodies. Portable and Secure In terms of portability, the Veo 2 204AB is by far my favorite to use. It's quick to setup and I felt secure with it holding my … [Read more...] about Veo 2 204AB Tripod a Perfect Lightweight Option
When to Use a Tripod for Portraits
From the course: Portrait Photography: Business Portraits on LinkedIn Learning Shooting on a tripod or off from Portrait Photography: Business Portraits by Robert Vanelli Course transcript Shooting with a tripod has many benefits, especially if you're new to photography. What it does is help you minimize camera shake. Now camera shake is when you take that photo and the eyes look blurry. But you know you're focused right on the eyes, you're at the dead center. But for some reason, it looks too blurry. Usually, that's because you're … [Read more...] about When to Use a Tripod for Portraits
Photofocus Photowalk: Tampa 12/6
A few of the Photofocus authors will be together in Tampa, Florida next week, and we're photowalking, and we thought you might like to join us. Come on down before you go to work and we'll have a fun time making pictures and exploring the University of Tampa with our cameras, and maybe grab a bite to eat afterword. Jason Hahn, Vanelli, and Levi Sim will all be there. We're going to be on campus for sunrise, so this is an early meetup. We'll get together at 6:40am (who's idea was that???). Let's meet at the Glazer Children's Museum, and we'll … [Read more...] about Photofocus Photowalk: Tampa 12/6
Photofocus Photowalk: Tampa, 12/6/17
A few of the Photofocus authors will be together in Tampa, Florida next week, and we're photowalking, and we thought you might like to join us. Come on down before you go to work and we'll have a fun time making pictures and exploring the University of Tampa with our cameras, and maybe grab a bite to eat afterword. Jason Hahn, Vanelli, and Levi Sim will all be there. We're going to be on campus for sunrise, so this is an early meetup. We'll get together at 6:40am (who's idea was that???). Let's meet at the Glazer Children's Museum, and we'll … [Read more...] about Photofocus Photowalk: Tampa, 12/6/17
Remember the Platypod!
You know we love Platypod, and right now is the best time to buy one and try it for yourself. The Black Friday deal is a free Multi Accessory Kit, which I use every time I go out shooting. It’s good for a few days, but hurry and order for quick delivery. You’re going to love it. I love the 36” strap—it’s perfect for most applications like strapping to a tree or telephone pole or bridge railing. The spigot adapter is great for using a light on the Platypod. I use the silicone pad to keep Platypod in place on delicate surfaces (and I use … [Read more...] about Remember the Platypod!
Get Eye Level to Make More Powerful Animal Photos
Whether it’s of a bird or a person, eye contact in a photo engages and draws the viewer into the photo, creating a connection between them and the subject. As easy as it sounds to just shoot when the critter is looking at you, rarely in the great outdoors are we lucky enough to just walk up to our subject and grab an instant masterpiece image of it. Getting eye level and capturing the right type of eye contact for your composition requires thought, a careful approach, and attention not just to the subject, but everything going on around … [Read more...] about Get Eye Level to Make More Powerful Animal Photos
Gear Review: Vanguard Veo 2 235AB Tripod
On first glance, the Vanguard Veo 2 235AB Tripod is what you'd expect — a lightweight, aluminum tripod. But once you get down to the details, it's much more than that, providing a secure connection that can keep your camera stable even in the windiest of conditions. Travel Tripod, & So Much More I'd call the 235AB version of the Veo 2 a travel tripod(there are larger, heavier versions, like the 265AB), but it has some great features that will make this your primary tripod, too. It has five leg sections, each available through a … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Vanguard Veo 2 235AB Tripod
4 Tips For Long Exposure Cityscapes
Autumn and Spring are great seasons for making cityscapes. The weather is cool but not cold, and the sun sets early so you can make nighttime pictures at a reasonable hour and there will still be plenty of traffic on the roads for making light trails. Shooting long exposure cityscapes is enjoyable and it's a great way to see your own city with fresh eyes. Let me share a few ideas that will help you have a better experience as you practice nighttime cityscapes. 1. Don't Get Hangry Not surprisingly, long exposures take a lot of time. Bring … [Read more...] about 4 Tips For Long Exposure Cityscapes
Would You Really Buy A Platypod?
As I was relaxing, enjoying a nice meal with a friend, out of the blue he asked: “Would you really buy a Platypod?” Nipping any chances of a debate, I gave him five examples of times when I needed my Platypod but didn’t have it with me. Here’s why I answered “Yes!” What Is a Platypod? A Platypod is a versatile and compact base ideal for supporting cameras to capture below-angle shots and for situations where traditional tripods are cumbersome or impractical. It's also a great tool for studio use. You can use it to hang a hair light or hide a … [Read more...] about Would You Really Buy A Platypod?
Learn To Love Lemonade
The thing is, there are stellar celestial events every month and wherever you live you're sure to be able to make a great picture. I've just moved to Nampa, Idaho, and I'm invigorated by a new place and new things to photograph. However, I bet there are plenty of interesting things to see right where you live, too. Most Importantly: Just Do It I know how it is: you're rushing to get your work done on Friday so you can go out and make a picture in the evening or head out on a trip with your family for the weekend, but no matter how focused you … [Read more...] about Learn To Love Lemonade
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Three Tips For Making Videos
Video clips are one of the best ways to both record memories and bring a little extra cash. Mirrorless cameras are ideal for making videos, but shooting video is very different from shooting still photographs. If you haven't read Richard Harrington's articles about making videos, then it's time you started doing that (here're a bunch to get you started). But there are three simple things you can do to start making better quality video clips, and good quality video clips can be monetized with Adobe Stock, which is pretty cool. Shutter Speed is … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Three Tips For Making Videos
Gear Review: Atlas Packs ‘Athlete’
Atlas Packs is a new company and they have created a good product. They've created backpacks that are extremely comfortable to wear and that carry a lot of weight without leaving you feeling fatigued. What's more, they truly don't look like technology backpacks that are full of expensive tools--they just look like a regular hiking backpack. Who's This Camera Bag For? Atlas Packs would be perfect for anyone who needs to carry their camera equipment as well as other stuff because they are well designed and have plenty of room for coats and … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Atlas Packs ‘Athlete’
Total Solar Eclipse: Photographic Considerations part 3
(Editor's note: Marie Tartar continues her series of preparations she and her husband, Steve Eilenberg, are making for their trip to the Grand Tetons later this month to photograph the total solar eclipse. Here she shares their preparations regarding photography.) Location In part 1 of this series, we discussed the where of preparing for what is being billed as the Great North American Solar Eclipse of 2017. This is an event not to be missed if you can swing it. The next time a total solar eclipse will occur over the Tetons will be in the … [Read more...] about Total Solar Eclipse: Photographic Considerations part 3
Oben TT-100 Table Top Tripod
There some times when even a travel tripod is just too much to lug around, and sometimes you need to get really low, or switch quickly between tripod steady, and hand held without leaving a valuable full-size tripod unattended. Thats where a good table top tripod can come in handy—a table top tripod can also be easily stuffed into a camera bag for emergencies without jeopardizing the carry-on status of your gear. I submit for your approval, the Oben TT-100 Table Top Tripod: This little gem is a great addition to any photographers kit—it … [Read more...] about Oben TT-100 Table Top Tripod
Gear Review: Oben Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
Just Enough Tripod & Then Some At some point every photographer needs a tripod. How much tripod depends on the specific needs of the photographer—are you a landscape photographer, portrait photographer, still life, nature, or street photographer? Maybe you're all of these at one time or another. What kind of camera do you use? Do you favor big DSLRs, medium format, or are you old school, with a big-ass view camera? If you shoot with a giant , heavy camera, you probably already know you should have a big tripod—if you are in full-on Ansel … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Oben Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
Shoot Anywhere With Platypod Ultra
I've become a fan of Platypod Ultra. It's got all the best features of the original Pro and the larger Max, and it fits in my back pocket. It goes everywhere I go from road trips to long hikes. I use it in airports, cities, and other places tripods just aren't safe to use. Let me show you some of the ways I've been employing Ultra in my photography and you'll see that you should have one, too. Group Portraits This is an easy way to use Ultra, and since it's small and light you can have a solid platform for your camera with you all the time. … [Read more...] about Shoot Anywhere With Platypod Ultra
The Platypod Party: Embracing Low-Angle Photography
Dan Bailey and Karen Hutton, Fujifilm X Team Photographers, jumping for joy in Florida Fuji XT 2, 10-24mm f 4 lens, ISO 800, f 4, 1/8000, Fuji X 500 flash on High Speed Sync. Platypod has just introduced a new model of their awesome camera support system, the Platypod Ultra. I recently had the opportunity to try it out while I was in Florida. Three “X” Team photographers; Dan Bailey, Karen Hutton, and I, were invited to the Fuji sales meeting to give some inspirational presentations and hands-on-seminars to the sales team. All the Fuji … [Read more...] about The Platypod Party: Embracing Low-Angle Photography
Make It Work With The Tools You Have
(Editior's note: From time to time we welcome guests to contribute to Photofocus. Lauri Novak, like many of us, began making photographs at a young age. Words she lives by are; play, seeing, live and love. Welcome to Photofocus! Lauri Novak. So many of us feel like we need to have the latest and greatest gear to get the images we want when in fact a lot can be done with what we have. I was given this shoot as an assignment four years ago and it taught me a lot. This was shot with my first DSLR and a used lens I purchased from a friend. I did … [Read more...] about Make It Work With The Tools You Have
Photowalk: Orlando, April 21st, 5:30 pm
We're at it again. We're getting together and practicing making pictures. This is a fun time to meet and make photographs and chat and have a fun time. Since we're visiting for Photoshop World, we'll meet at the Hyatt Regency Lobby where the conference is being held. We'll meet at 5:30 pm, head down International Drive and find some photos and maybe grab a bite before Stacy Pearsall's talk later in the evening. We can practice architecture, street portraiture, and even long exposure motion capture. We're looking forward to seeing you and having … [Read more...] about Photowalk: Orlando, April 21st, 5:30 pm
DSLR Video Weekly: A Stable Platform to Shoot From
This is article #8 in the DSLR Video Weekly series. If you'd like the whole thing in one shot, check out the book Creating DSLR Video: From Snapshots to Great Shots. Once you get the hang of video, be sure to monetize it by becoming a contributor to Adobe Stock. When you shoot photos with a DSLR, hand holding the camera is pretty easy. With each click of the shutter you’re essentially freezing motion. Unfortunately, this doesn’t translate well to video because the form factor of a DSLR camera is not designed well for handheld video … [Read more...] about DSLR Video Weekly: A Stable Platform to Shoot From
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Instantly Magnify Your Tripod
Here I go again, touting the advantages of mirrorless cameras. The thing is if you're into landscape and nature photography then you've always been encouraged to carry the biggest tripod you can carry. This is because big heavy cameras sitting atop spindly tripod legs are prone to wobbling and vibration making blurring pictures at long shutter speeds. Bigger diameter tripod legs offer more rigidity and stability, making not only sharper photographs without wiggle, but also a safer platform to keep your camera from tipping over. But here are two … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Instantly Magnify Your Tripod
Portrait Tip: Your Second Most Important Body Part
Obviously, a photographer's most important body part is her eye, right? How else will she compose impactful pictures? I want to show you two ways to free your second most important skeletal structure so you can make better portraits. Free Your Hands Your hands are essential in your portrait work. They convey trust and make people welcome and you can use them to place keys on your head to great effect. When you meet a subject, you should shake their hand. When you make a good picture together, you should give them a high five. When they … [Read more...] about Portrait Tip: Your Second Most Important Body Part
Portrait Tip: Eliciting Great Expressions With Kids (And Dads)
There's nothing sillier than expecting people to give you a great expression because you say, "Smile!" Especially children. If you want people to smile in your photograph then you need to do something worth smiling about. Here's a technique I learned from Drake Busath and refined to fit my own style. You can use this verbatim and adapt it to fit your personality, too. Discipline An Object Kids also get a thrill from seeing something ridiculous get into trouble. This one is also gold for getting dads and moms to smile. Parents are usually … [Read more...] about Portrait Tip: Eliciting Great Expressions With Kids (And Dads)
