It’s been around a year ago that I first got my hands on a cool little gadget called the Platypod. It’s an extremely portable camera support that can usually take the place of a traditional tripod. The device requires you to add your own ballhead (I use a cheap $39 ballhead I bought on Amazon for the Platypod Pro) and it all fits nicely in a carrying case that fits easily in your camera bag or can be worn on your belt. Time after time I’ve been in situations where security won’t let me set up a tripod or where it would be unsafe to do … [Read more...] about A Year With The Platypod Pro
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Change Perspective to Make Better Photos
If something is worth photographing, it's probably worth photographing from multiple angles. It's easy to start high, at eye-level, because that's how you see the world. Most photographers arrive on location and immediately extend their tripod legs to bring the camera to eye-level. This is the most comfortable place to shoot and you should definitely make a picture at eye-level. But you should also get down and see how low you can go. Get Down Low Lowering your tripod will give you a whole new photograph. If you told me I had to shoot … [Read more...] about Change Perspective to Make Better Photos
Breaking Down the Different Types of Tripod Heads
There are so many different types of tripod heads and it can get confusing on which one to use depending on what you’re shooting. I like it when my gear complements my photography, rather than getting in the way or making my job harder. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of tripod heads. Ball Heads Ball heads are the most popular tripod head for photography. The rotating ball lets you position the camera in almost any way imaginable, with a locking screw letting you lock the ball in position. It gives you the most flexibility in … [Read more...] about Breaking Down the Different Types of Tripod Heads
Go Make A Panorama
You should make a lot more panoramic photographs. It's a great way to capture a larger view of the world, and you don't need to buy a new lens. In fact, you'll find that a panorama gives a better view than simply using a wide angle lens because the objects far away are not diminished as much as they are with a wide angle lens. There are many options for stitching the pieces of the panorama together. For my work, I've found Lightroom is usually adequate, and Photoshop does it a little better. Those who make a living selling panoramas often … [Read more...] about Go Make A Panorama
How to Compensate for a Lightweight Tripod
Maybe you're on a trip and you only brought a lightweight tripod, or maybe you were seduced into buying that cheap tripod that came in a package with your camera. Either way, you'll find that using a lightweight tripod often ruins the pictures you're trying to make. A tripod is supposed to be a steady platform for shooting, but if it's too light then a breeze can make the whole thing shake during an exposure and ruin the picture with movement blur. The following techniques will help you get the most from your lightweight tripod even in less … [Read more...] about How to Compensate for a Lightweight Tripod
Essential Gear for HDR Photography
To capture great HDR images, you need some essential equipment. Most of it you probably already own, but may not aways bring with you on a shoot. It’s important to think of HDR photography as a tool, not a subject. Here’s what I mean…when you’re a portrait photographer, you go out and shoot photos of a model. A wedding photographer goes out and shoots photos of a wedding. A travel photographer shoots photos while traveling. You don’t go out to shoot HDR photography. Rather, HDR is a tool you can use to create images with more dynamic range than … [Read more...] about Essential Gear for HDR Photography
Looking for a Hiking Tripod? Platypod Max is It
I hike every week with my family, and I travel by air and shoot in other cities every month. You and I both know that using a tripod unlocks picture opportunities that just can't be made without one. I can use it for super long exposures to blur the sea and clouds, or reduce traffic to trails of light down the road, and make waterfalls that pour smoothly into eternity. However, carrying a tripod can be wearisome. Just thinking about carrying it on a seven-mile hike makes my shoulders and legs hurt. I know I need a tripod, and I know my … [Read more...] about Looking for a Hiking Tripod? Platypod Max is It
Platypod Pro Max – How to Make Any Camera Rock Solid (Without a Tripod)
Sure, most of us know that we’re supposed to use a tripod when making great photos. A stable camera means sharper photos and the ability to shoot in lower lighting levels without camera shake. Why Use a Tripod In my own photography, I often find that stability is essential. Of course it’s a must in my timelapse and video work, but it also comes in handy when shooting in lowlight. I also love long exposure photography, to drag the shutter and slow down motion. I also use HDR for my black and white as well as product photography, so … [Read more...] about Platypod Pro Max – How to Make Any Camera Rock Solid (Without a Tripod)
Zen and the Art of Tripod Maintenance
I often say that a tripod is the only bit of kit you can buy that will actually make your pictures better. Well, I spent some time maintaining mine, today and thought you might benefit from my experience. Let's talk about why your tripod needs maintenance, some tools you'll probably need, and we'll get to the Zen part at the bottom. Maintenance...? Like cars, or bicycles, or doors in your house, tripods just need some tender loving care every now and again. There are moving parts that need lubrication, and if you use your tripod half as … [Read more...] about Zen and the Art of Tripod Maintenance
More Affordable Camera Stabilizers/Tripods from Adorama
I think nearly every photographer needs at least some way to stabilize his/her camera at one point in time or another. The problem with most tripods, ballheads, etc., is that they are very expensive. Regular readers will note that I find many of the house brands from Adorama to be good quality at a very fair price. One of their newest house brands - 3Pod really impresses. I received and initially tested the 3Pod Orbit 4 Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Pistol Grip Ballhead. This kit gives you everything you need to go out and shoot … [Read more...] about More Affordable Camera Stabilizers/Tripods from Adorama
Close-Up with a Tilt Lens: Lensbaby Edge 50 Mini Review
I really enjoy close-up photography, so when my daughter had a dance recital recently, I had ulterior motives for buying her a bouquet of flowers. Right after she was in bed, I set about photographing her flowers. In this case, I wanted to put a new lens through its paces, and this lens is uniquely qualified to photograph closeups of tulips. The Lensbaby Edge 50 is both marvelous as a closeup lens, and its tilt feature makes it ideal for focussing on long things and maintaining sharp focus. The Edge 50 Optic Firstly, the lens is a marvel. It's … [Read more...] about Close-Up with a Tilt Lens: Lensbaby Edge 50 Mini Review
Quick Tip: Turn Off Stabilization When Using a Tripod
Many lenses these days, especially zoom lenses, have some type of stabilization on them. It is usually labeled as IS, OS, OIS, or VR, and it can be turned on or off with a switch on the side of the lens. This feature is beneficial for hand-held photography, and will oftentimes give you an extra stop or two of light (for example, with stabilization turned on, you might be able to get away with hand-holding a 200mm lens at only 1/60th of a second). However, when using a tripod, the stabilization feature works against you. In order to get sharp, … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Turn Off Stabilization When Using a Tripod
Three Tips for Using a Tripod in Portraiture
I know, I know: you can't possibly use a tripod in portraiture because you're moving around too much, and reframing, and chasing kids, and it'll just get in the way and slow you down. I've heard all the reasons before, and I used to say the same things. Until I made a real effort to use a tripod in every shoot, I couldn't believe I really needed it. Now I can't shoot without it and my pictures are better, the expressions are more genuine, and my keeper rate is far higher. Getting that black box of metal and glass out from in front of your face … [Read more...] about Three Tips for Using a Tripod in Portraiture
Pinball Heroes: How I Previsualized and Realized a Photograph
When I heard that Photofocus was renting the Pinball Hall of Fame for a party, my mind started going crazy with ideas. The plan was to host a party during Photoshop World in Las Vegas and invite Photofocus readers to join us for a live shoot with models and borrowable cameras from LensRentals.com. The party was a blast, and you've already seen some of the pictures posted here on the blog. I had a particular plan in mind, however, and I'll show you how I made it come to life, and maybe my method will help you realize a vision you've had in … [Read more...] about Pinball Heroes: How I Previsualized and Realized a Photograph
Question of the Week: Do You Use a Tripod?
We'd like to better understand our audience so we can create useful tutorials and articles. This week we'd like to understand how (and if) you use a tripod. We're big fans of tack sharp shooting, but many choose to simply bump up their ISO or use image stabilization. [polldaddy poll=9079815] … [Read more...] about Question of the Week: Do You Use a Tripod?
Walking around New York City with the Platypod Pro
New York City is probably my favorite place in the world. I grew up outside the city in a small town in Connecticut, and love taking the train into New York to enjoy the hustle-and-bustle sights and sounds of a city that never sleeps. Recently, I met a friend of mine in New York City to walk around and make a stop to my new favorite restaurant in Little Italy. Hes not as into photography as I am so I opted for a smaller camera bag with less gear. I only took one body, one lens, a cell phone tripod, and 2 Platypod Pro portable tripods. … [Read more...] about Walking around New York City with the Platypod Pro
Blurry Pictures Feel More Genuine, and Photoshop Can Help
Editor's Note: Don't miss this week's free event on when to jump from Lightroom to Photoshop. For some reason, people laugh at me when I make a picture with them. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining: laughing makes a wonderful expression. My subjects crack a big smile, and usually also bend in half with the joy of it. They're moving, and my photograph allows us to enjoy that blissful movement forever. I love it when they laugh. The thing is, I also love a sharp picture. I'm usually using a tripod to make their portrait, and I'm also … [Read more...] about Blurry Pictures Feel More Genuine, and Photoshop Can Help
How to Beat the Tripod Police Without Sacrificing Stability
I'm six foot four and built like a pro wrestler. If it weren't for TSA Pre my camera bag would be dismantled every time I fly. It just seems that I attract attention from "authority figures" just about every single time. Toss in dark skin and my propensity for bringing a camera just about everywhere I go, and I am a magnet for the "tripod police." An Alternative to Tripods I've found the perfect solution... the Platypod Pro. This tripod alternative lets me use a full size ball-head without the need to carry a tripod. So let's break down … [Read more...] about How to Beat the Tripod Police Without Sacrificing Stability
No Tripod? No Problem… Try This Quick Tip
From time to time I find myself without a tripod. Perhaps I was traveling light... or maybe I just want to try a new angle. One of my favorite places to shoot is low to the ground... but I'm not crazy about laying in the dirt and making a human speed bump for passerbys to trip over. Take this shot of a carousel in Tokyo Disneyland. While the Japanese sure love their cameras, the No Tripod Movement has gone international. While I showed up at the park with a small tripod and a monopod, both had to be checked with security. In order to … [Read more...] about No Tripod? No Problem… Try This Quick Tip
There’s Just 1 Trick to Photographing Glasses
The trouble with photographing eyeglasses is that they're made of glass, which is generally pretty reflective and reflections of my flashes may obscure the eyes behind the glass, and if we can't see a person's eyes we might as well not make a picture. I was pretty intimidated by this when I was a new photographer. Tips I'd read for beating the problem included tipping the glasses on the face, removing the lenses, and taking a shot without the glasses and blending it with the glasses in Photoshop. As a guy who wore glasses, the idea of removing … [Read more...] about There’s Just 1 Trick to Photographing Glasses
Vanguard ABEO Pro 284 CT Carbon Fibre Tripod – Mini Review
I know that some of you never use a tripod. I used to use a tripod almost 100% of the time. I admit that sometimes, shooting mirror-less (especially the Fuji X100T) I don't ALWAYS use a tripod. I usually feel guilty if I don't. Why? Because theres simply nothing that will give you a rock-steady shot like a tripod. You can get very close without one, but the tripod is often the difference between sharp enough and really sharp. It also gives you the benefit of offering you a chance to slow down and be more deliberate and contemplative in your … [Read more...] about Vanguard ABEO Pro 284 CT Carbon Fibre Tripod – Mini Review
3 Keys to Adding Interest to Landscape Images
Far and away my favorite subject to photograph for relaxation and practice is in the Landscape venue. Having grown up in the Blue Ridge mountain region of Southwest Virginia, learning to make better landscape photographs has been a staple in my own learning curve over the years and an ever-present means of practice to this day in terms of shooting and processing. The Normal Approach In days gone by, when presented with a scenic landscape of any kind, being overwhelmed with the newness of the sight itself, I would likely frame the best overall … [Read more...] about 3 Keys to Adding Interest to Landscape Images
One Tool Every Mirrorless Video Shooter Needs
The Panasonic GH4 has taken the cinema world by storm--it's a terrific video camera. One of it's greatest strengths has also caused me some real grief: it's so small, that lenses often interfere with the tripod mounting plate, and don't even think about adding filters to the front of the lens! This camera, and other Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras can be made to fit just about any lens ever made by any manufacturer, and the adapters are cheap. The trouble is, lenses made for DSLR's are often too tall and hit the mounting plate on the tripod. … [Read more...] about One Tool Every Mirrorless Video Shooter Needs
Five Must-Have Photo Accessories For Every Landscape Photographer
With all of the money that photographers spend on their cameras, lenses and tripods, it can be easy to overlook some of the smaller accessories that may truly have a material impact on your actual shooting experiences. The photo accessories industry is teeming with all sorts of goodies & gadgets that range from pure utility to chic fashion. Everything from camera straps to lens cloths to filter holders, there is a size and style to suit the taste of just about any photographer. And, for us landscape photographers, we've got another level … [Read more...] about Five Must-Have Photo Accessories For Every Landscape Photographer
Panorama Tips and Must Have Tripod Features
Nikon D7100, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @28mm, F/16, 1/13s, ISO 160, five frame panorama. It's simple to make several pictures into one panorama, and I really think you should try it. Panoramas are usually wider than your average picture, and this is good because our daily view of the world is also very wide (just stretch your arms out to the sides and compare where you can see them compared to above and below your face). Photoshop makes it easy to stitch pictures together, and there are many other excellent applications that do it, too; but … [Read more...] about Panorama Tips and Must Have Tripod Features
Move Over Induro – Hello Flashpoint – 1428 Tripod Mini Review
Years ago, if I was carrying a tripod, (and I was almost always carrying a tripod) it was a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod. Gitzo is top-of-the-line and expensive. Enter Induro. For about five years now Ive been using Induro tripods on all my stills photo projects. They are every bit the high quality product that Gitzo is, for a little less money. Enter Flashpoint. Adoramas house brand has been making big waves in the photo industry. The Flashpoint brand is indeed a bargain brand, but that doesn't mean you get sub-standard quality. The Flashpoint … [Read more...] about Move Over Induro – Hello Flashpoint – 1428 Tripod Mini Review
10 Quick Tripod Tips
To inspire you to get the most out of your tripod, I've collected 10 quick tips. Some of these belong to Scott Bourne while others are mine. I hope they help you make better photos. Make transitions easy. Invest in a system (such as an Arca-Swiss style plate) that makes it simple to get the camera on and off the tripod. This will speed up your transitions between both shooting styles. Check yourself consistently. If you use a tripod, get in the habit of tightening and checking all the tripod and head knobs in exactly the same order every … [Read more...] about 10 Quick Tripod Tips
No Tripod – No Problem – Improvise
There are lots of times a tripod comes in handy. Of course you might not have one on hand when you need it most. Here are three of my favorite techniques to overcome the lack of a tripod. Swaddle the Camera This technique works best for time-lapse. Take a sweatshirt or jacket and ball it into a nest of sorts. The camera literally sits inside the nest which absorbs vibration and keeps the body from falling over. Find a Bar This technique is best for HDR or low-light shooting. Find a railing, a park bench, a garbage can even. The key is to … [Read more...] about No Tripod – No Problem – Improvise
Advice for Security Guards
This is a guest post by Dave Wilson. Circle Dave on Google+. Dear security guard, Im delighted that you have a good job, a nice uniform and a sense of authority. When exercising this newfound power, especially in the context of terrorism prevention, you may find the following hints and tips helpful. Almost everyone walking past your building is carrying a cellphone camera capable of taking pictures that can be blown up to 10?x8? or larger. A very small number of these people (probably none at all) are terrorists. The likelihood of someone … [Read more...] about Advice for Security Guards
Experimenting with Long Exposure Photography
I found myself with the perfect opportunity to shoot some long exposure shots. Yesterday was the last night of a trip to Walt Disney World with my family. The Magic Kingdom is filled with beautiful lighting and nighttime scenes. For those of you who've never fully explored this style of photography... it can be A LOT of fun. It can open up some cool looks from simple scenes as the light in the picture can take on dramatic properties. Compare these two shots... First up the standard exposure. To get the shot in low light: I had to open the … [Read more...] about Experimenting with Long Exposure Photography
