A storyboard is a great way to plan your next photo or video shoot. It creates a roadmap that helps everyone on the crew, as well as the client, know what you’re trying to accomplish. Often time these take the form of a comic book like drawings that convey the look of the shot. But if you’re anything like me, drawing stick figures just doesn’t cut it (hey if I could draw comic books I certainly would)! To Make Things Easier Rather than spend a lot of time telling you how to make a storyboard template, I'll just share mine. You can … [Read more...] about How to Create a Storyboard for a Video or Photo Shoot
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Gear Review: TetherTool’s Case Relay
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
Adweek Webinar: Video storytelling the impact of motion
Video is a force in advertising. From television to social media, motion impacts the message for products and services. Adweek, the voice of the advertising industry is presenting a webinar featuring Adobe Stock Content Development Manager Dennis Radeke and Photofocus publisher Richard Harrington. Dennis and Rich will present insights and practical advice on being a better storyteller by using the impact of motion. July 24, 2018, 1:00 PM EDT Register Now Video expectations are reaching new heights as audiences become more sophisticated. … [Read more...] about Adweek Webinar: Video storytelling the impact of motion
Google Clips: I don’t hate it, but I’m not sure I love it — yet!
I recently had the chance to try out the Google Clips camera. To be honest, I hadn't heard anything about it. However, I am not all that techie and don't stay up on all of the latest gadgets. I quickly jumped online to do some research and read some reviews to see what it was all about. It turned out to be a little camera that is supposed to take pictures of people it recognizes. Which sounds super, super creepy now that I am saying it out loud...in my head. :) It works by linking to your Google photos and a technology called "machine … [Read more...] about Google Clips: I don’t hate it, but I’m not sure I love it — yet!
Steve Glynn’s tintype portrait project
Steve Glynn makes portraits using the tintype process (learn more about tintypes in this article) and a large format camera. This combination is striking — it yields a very shallow depth of field and a unique and irreplicable photograph. The picture is recorded directly onto a metal sheet, and I'm struck by the finiteness. This picture cannot be shared instantly on Facebook, but it is a long-lasting medium and the photos will surely outlast Facebook itself. I think you'll enjoy this short film about Glynn's continuing … [Read more...] about Steve Glynn’s tintype portrait project
Contribute to Adobe Stock and get a year of Creative Cloud Photogs Plan free
Adobe Stock announced that the first twenty thousand (that's 20,000) contributors that have 300 approved files online this year will receive a code good for one year of the Creative Cloud Photographer's Plan for free. This is a great value. The code will extend existing plans for Creative Cloud subscribers. Contributing video clips and still photos to Adobe Stock is easy. Here's a detailed article to get you started. There is also more information on the Adobe Stock section of Adobe.com. You can also watch a video. The Adobe … [Read more...] about Contribute to Adobe Stock and get a year of Creative Cloud Photogs Plan free
Photography Marketing: Is IGTV the Next Big Thing?
I shouldn't have been surprised on Wednesday, when Instagram announced its latest product — IGTV. Focused on taking the vertical video format a step further, IGTV is a new app that could be YouTube's biggest competition yet. As photographers, is IGTV something we should embrace? Is it worthwhile to try out yet another social network? The last time I talked about a new option was with Vero. And while I was big on it at first, I've not used it in the last month. Will IGTV suffer the same fate, or will it be in it for the long haul? What is … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Is IGTV the Next Big Thing?
Rick Ray, Documentarian & Adobe Stock Contributor
Rick Ray is a documentary filmmaker who has traveled all around the world making video stories. His work ranges from "The Soul of India" and "Raise the Bamboo Curtain: Vietnam, Cambodia, & Burma" to his 2006 "10 Questions for the Dali Lama." Learn why he contributes footage to Adobe Stock. https://youtu.be/ohH6A00lvC0 … [Read more...] about Rick Ray, Documentarian & Adobe Stock Contributor
Being a Jack of All Trades
Photography has changed, there’s no doubt about that. But why? Why have things evolved so quickly and so drastically? Photographers used to be famous by mailing printed images in a big manila envelope to magazine editors then crossing their fingers, hoping for a good reception. Now, it takes 1,000 likes, 1,000 Instagram followers, and 200 retweets to even get noticed. Photography is just like any art form. It’s constantly changing and adapting to the climate and environment of the times. There are tens of thousands of images we see everyday … [Read more...] about Being a Jack of All Trades
The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast March 30, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/infocus-interview-show-photofocus-podcast-march-30-2018/s-uuin1 Remember to check out our great sponsors including TruLife acrylic, MPB.com, ThinkTapLearn In this episode: Eddie Tapp I had a chance to sit down with Commercial Photographer Eddie Tapp while he was in Florida giving a lecture to The Camera Club of Brevard Florida. Eddie talks about Learning to see the delicacy of light, The 4 Qualities of light--Spectacular Highlights, Diffused Highlights, Diffused Shadows, and Hard Shadows– and he gives a … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast March 30, 2018
How to D.I.Y. a Snoot & Grid
What is a snoot? A snoot is just a funny name for a piece of equipment, generally a tube or similar objects such as a conical, cylindrical, or rectangular shape, that fits over a studio light or portable flash. It allows you to control the direction or area of coverage of the light. Basically, it makes the light more focused and concentrated by directing your light and focusing it. This makes the coverage very narrow and the light falls-off very sharply giving you a harsher or harder light. Adding a Grid Personally, I like the snoot and grid … [Read more...] about How to D.I.Y. a Snoot & Grid
Photography Marketing: Marketing Videos that Don’t Suck
One of the things I've been playing around with lately is looking at different ways to market myself using my existing imagery. At WPPI, I happened to find a great way to do this with Animoto, a company that lets you create both marketing and slideshow videos for your business. You can customize them to your liking, using your own images and text, and then share on social media and elsewhere on the web. The videos that Animoto produces are not only easy to produce but engaging. The platform comes with a wide array of customizable templates … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Marketing Videos that Don’t Suck
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Fuji’s New X-H1
Fujifilm have announced a new camera which should be the flagship of the line. The X-H1 seems to build on the incredibly popular X-T2 by adding more pro-level features, most notably, In-Body-Image-Stabilization (IBIS). Here's a short list of features: 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III Sensor X-Processor Pro Engine 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization Internal DCI 4K Video and F-Log Gamma 0.75x 3.69m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder 3" 1.04m-Dot 3-Way Tilt LCD Touchscreen 325-Point Intelligent Hybrid AF System 1080p at 120 fps; … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Fuji’s New X-H1
How to Make Money with Videography & Photography Webinar Today!
Learn how to make money with your videography and still photography by watching this live New Year's Resolution Webinar Today, Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Photofocus hosts Rich Harrington and Kevin Ames are joined by Adobe Stock experts Dennis Radeke (video) and Mat Hayward (still) to share ways of making money with your library of videos and photos. We welcome questions from those watching live at 3:30 pm EST/12:30 pm PST. https://youtu.be/LTMUIvqUx5E … [Read more...] about How to Make Money with Videography & Photography Webinar Today!
Free Webinar: Make Money with Video & Stills Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018
Learn how to make money with your videography and still photography by watching this live New Year's Resolution Webinar Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Photofocus host Kevin Ames is joined by Director/Producer Abba Shapiro and Adobe Stock experts Dennis Radeke (video) and Mat Hayward (still) to share ways of making money with your library of videos and photos. We welcome questions from those watching live at 3:30 pm EST/12:30 pm PST. https://youtu.be/LTMUIvqUx5E … [Read more...] about Free Webinar: Make Money with Video & Stills Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Mirrorless Cameras Lead the Way in Innovation
When I switched from Nikon to the Panasonic Lumix system last spring, I was nervous. I had used Nikon for more than three years. It was my bread and butter — I knew it inside and out. And it worked great. But one thing it wasn't was innovating. I started to feel like it was holding me back — specifically with its video capabilities. As the demand for video from my clients started to grow, I knew that I needed to think about making a change. Fast forward nine months later, and I couldn't be happier. With my new Lumix G9 in tow, along with … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Mirrorless Cameras Lead the Way in Innovation
Free Webinar: Make Online Portfolios
Photography has to be seen to be valuable for the photographer. Photofocus publisher, Rich Harrington, and managing editor, Kevin Ames host this tip-packed webinar on how to build a photographic portfolio and get it online. We'll talk about options for online portfolios including myportfolio.com also known as Adobe Portfolio. Learn how to make your photographs seen so they can bring in work. Having work online is key to generating new business. Sponsored by Adobe Stock. Join the live webinar January 24, 2018, @ 3:30 pm EST / 12:30 pm … [Read more...] about Free Webinar: Make Online Portfolios
New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Make Online Portfolios!
Photography has to be seen to be valuable for the photographer. Photofocus publisher, Rich Harrington, and managing editor, Kevin Ames host this tip-packed webinar on how to build a photographic portfolio and get it online. Learn how to make your photographs seen so they can bring in work. Sponsored by Adobe Stock. Join the live webinar January 24, 2018, @ 3:30 pm EST / 12:30 pm PST https://youtu.be/fzmeYG-rSfs … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Make Online Portfolios!
Free Webinar: I Will Get Model/Property Releases: Join In Tomorrow!
While editorial uses don't require model and property releases, commercial uses, like selling stock, do. It's always a good idea to keep release forms with you either electronically on your phone or tablet or paper versions. (Adobe Scan and Acrobat Reader make e-releases easy!) Moderator Kevin Ames and Adobe Stock expert Mat Hayward discuss the ins and outs of getting and managing model and property releases. During the live webinar, you can ask questions. The webinar airs on January 16, 2018, at 3:00 pm Eastern and Noon Pacific live from … [Read more...] about Free Webinar: I Will Get Model/Property Releases: Join In Tomorrow!
New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Get Model Releases!
While editorial uses don't require releases, commercial uses, like selling stock--especially if it is to be used to sell things and services, do. Moderator Kevin Ames and Adobe Stock expert Mat Hayward discuss the ins and outs of getting and managing model and property releases. Join them live from Nashville and Imaging USA. The webinar airs on January 16, 2018, at 3:00 pm Eastern and Noon Pacific. https://youtu.be/qKgRb2i2-CY View or attend the full schedule of New Year's Resolution Webinars for videographers & … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Get Model Releases!
Free Webinar: I Will Register My Copyrights: Join In Tomorrow!
Photofocus and Adobe Stock are starting your photographic year off with an exclusive series of webinars to help your business. Resolution 2018 Webinar #2 I will register my copyrights - Thursday, January 11th, 2018 at 3:00 pm EST / 12:00 pm PST While your photographs are copyrighted when the shutter button is pressed they don't count legally until they are registered. Kevin Ames hosts this webinar on copyright registration. His guests are ASMP Atlanta board member John Slemp and intellectual property attorney Jeff Veal. Together, Jeff and … [Read more...] about Free Webinar: I Will Register My Copyrights: Join In Tomorrow!
Panasonic’s New Camera: Lumix GH5S
The GH5S is the latest camera from Panasonic, and it's carving out an interesting niche. It's not a replacement for the GH5 (which was made available only one year ago), and it's got a very interesting feature set. I haven't had one of these in my hands, yet, so this isn't a review--it's simply my impressions. Let me show you what stands out to me and I'll let you know whether I'll be buying one. The Body The GH5S is the same as the original GH5 on the outside. It looks like it could be the same chassis, and I don't notice any different … [Read more...] about Panasonic’s New Camera: Lumix GH5S
New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Register My Copyrights!
Photofocus and Adobe Stock are starting your photographic year off with an exclusive series of webinars to help your business. Resolution 2018 Webinar #2 I will register my copyrights - Thursday, January 11th, 2018 at 3:00 pm EST / 12:00 pm PST While your photographs are copyrighted when the shutter button is pressed they don't count legally until they are registered. Kevin Ames hosts this webinar on copyright registration. His guests are ASMP Atlanta board member John Slemp and intellectual property attorney Jeff Veal. Together, Jeff and … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Register My Copyrights!
How to Shoot Greenscreen
This is our second post in a multipart series on greenscreen video and photography (check out part 1). Check out Adobe Stock if you need backgrounds or greenscreen elements. Cameras have gotten significantly more affordable in recent years. Consumer grade high-definition video cameras can be found at prices below $1,000 US. Unfortunately, these cameras may not do the best job for keying. The footage of many consumer-grade cameras is heavily compressed in order to save on the costs associated with storage of footage. Avoid Too Much … [Read more...] about How to Shoot Greenscreen
New Year’s Resolution Webinar Series for Photographers & Videographers
Photofocus and Adobe Stock are producing a series of webinar resolutions to help photographers and videographers boost their businesses in 2018. Here's the full schedule: Resolution #1: I Will Organize My Photo Library: January 5, 2018, 3:00 pm EST/12:00 pm PST New Year's Resolutions for Photographers from Photofocus • Sponsored by Adobe Stock This week's resolution is "I Will Organize My Photo Library!" Your hosts, Rich Harrington and Kevin Ames are joined by guests Peter Krough, author of the DAM* Book and Lightroom expert Tim Grey. … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolution Webinar Series for Photographers & Videographers
How to Create a Cinemagraph with Photoshop & Adobe Stock
Cinemagraphs are a loop of video saved as a GIF (Graphics Interchange Format.) Properly made, movement in a cinemagraph is seamless. The viewer is unable to tell where the action begins or where it ends. That is the trick to make a successful cinemagraph. Adobe Stock The first component of a successful cinemagraph is a piece of video with a strong foreground subject. While you can certainly shoot your own video for cinemagraphs, for this project I'll hop over to stock.adobe.com to find a suitable clip. At the landing page for video, select … [Read more...] about How to Create a Cinemagraph with Photoshop & Adobe Stock
Lighting Green Screen Video/Photography
This is our first post in a multipart series on greenscreen video and photography. Check out Adobe Stock if you need backgrounds or other greenscreen elements. The popularity of green screen (or chromakey) technology has grown immensely, bringing the technology and tools within reach of most content creators. By color keying (or removing) a colored background, an alpha channel can be created for the foreground footage layer. (Editor's note: More on alpha channels can be found in Rich's "The History of the Alpha Channel.") This allows … [Read more...] about Lighting Green Screen Video/Photography
Becoming A Better Drone Pilot, Part 2
(Editor's Note: This is a guest post by Chris Anson. See more of his work here) In Part 2 you're going to take the next step in refining your control of the drone. If you haven’t read and practiced Part 1 of this article, I recommend you do that before proceeding. You can find Part 1 here. **Warning** You could crash your drone when practicing these maneuvers. That being said, don’t go into this practice thinking you’ll crash. Go slowly. Take your time. Don’t push faster than you’re able. And don’t let others push you beyond what you … [Read more...] about Becoming A Better Drone Pilot, Part 2
Becoming A Better Drone Pilot – Part 1
I’m always looking for ways to improve my piloting skills. The approach I am going to share with you is what I use and also share with my friends and clients. Remember, an out of control drone can be a danger to you, other people and property. Learning to fly with precision and confidence is essential. You can find Part 2 here, Part 3 here, and Part 4 here. **Warning!** You could crash your drone when practicing these maneuvers. That being said, don’t go into this practice thinking you’ll crash. Go slowly. Take your time. Don’t push … [Read more...] about Becoming A Better Drone Pilot – Part 1
Knowing How To Fly In ATTI Mode Might Save Your Drone
Editor's Note: This is a guest post by Chris Anson. Check out his work right here. Here’s the challenge: Your drone can be flying along and all of a sudden you lose GPS signal or some other reason and your drone app tells you that it has changed to ATTI mode or it tells you that GPS mode is no longer working and tells you to switch to ATTI mode. What do you do? When this happens in an emergency situation and the pilot doesn’t have any experience in flying in ATTI mode, it often leads to crashes. What is ATTI Mode & Why is it … [Read more...] about Knowing How To Fly In ATTI Mode Might Save Your Drone
