Video is a multi-headed beast that’s constantly screaming to be fed and nourished. You’ve got people in front of the lens, people behind the cameras, and even more behind the scenes. Video projects are complex with multiple stages of approval along the way. You need to control things and have a plan (and even another plan for when that one fails). Project Management is not unique to video, but it is a critical skill due to the complex interconnected nature of video projects. Chances are that you may have some project management skills… but … [Read more...] about When it Comes to Video, It’s All About Project Management
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TetherTools Case Relay Review and Tips for Lengthy Exposures
A few years ago, I had this crazy idea to shoot a five-hour exposure while I was camping near the Tetons in Wyoming. The major obstacle to making a picture like this is battery power. The whole time a long exposure is recording, the sensor is activated, the shutter is held open, and a DSLR's mirror is held up, all of which require power. What’s more, if you use the built-in 'long exposure noise reduction' setting, the camera will process the photo for the same amount of time that the shutter was open. That means if I started the picture before … [Read more...] about TetherTools Case Relay Review and Tips for Lengthy Exposures
Using Camera RAW to Color Correct Video
Previously Photoshop had two strands, Photoshop and Photoshop Extended. The Extended version had added 3D and video capabilities. Photoshop CC however, by default, comes with video editing capabilities and 3D. As most new DSLRs come with video video capturing more and more photographers are looking to the tools they know to edit their footage, step in Photoshop CC! The video in this tutorial from Fotolia / Adobe Stock The Workspace When you open video in Photoshop a panel called Timeline opens at the bottom of the screen. This is where we … [Read more...] about Using Camera RAW to Color Correct Video
DJI’s Phantom 4: A Photographer’s Take
At least as much as anyone, I'm intrigued by drones. I've always wanted to be a pilot, I'm reading a book on the Wright Brothers right now, I fly every chance I get, and if I ever have a first born son, I'm torn between naming him Bernoulli or Orville. I'm crazy about flying, but I don't own a drone. However, the newest announcement from DJI certainly has me considering it more than I ever. I have three concerns that have kept me back from buying a drone, but the Phantom 4 seems to address them pretty well. 1. The Camera As much as I like … [Read more...] about DJI’s Phantom 4: A Photographer’s Take
Sony A6300 – Pocket Monster
This is an exciting week for photographers who love shooting fast-moving subjects. Canon dropped the details of their new flagship camera with up to 16 frames per second, 4K video and screaming-fast processing power. At $6,000 US for the hulking body many speed shooters will drool over the EOS-1 D X Mark II, but only the financially flush will be scooping them up. As if on cue, Sony pulled the covers off their tiny speed demon this morning and it brings some of the rapid-fire prowess of the big professional DSLRs and it does it for 1/6th the … [Read more...] about Sony A6300 – Pocket Monster
4K. What’s all the Hubub, Bub?
A while back, I was chatting with Scott Bourne about the emerging 4K acquisition standard and the video camera "arms race" originally started by Red Digital Cinema. At the time, he said "Rich Harrington is always talking about 4K as well. I get it. It's a bigger frame, but I am not sure how that will impact still photographers." Over the last eighteen months, a lot has changed. Panasonic, Sony, GoPro and, most recently, Canon have brought new 4K capable cameras to market. Even our smartphones now capture 4K video. With this in mind, you may … [Read more...] about 4K. What’s all the Hubub, Bub?
Photofocus Podcast February 7th, 2016— Questions & Answers with Rich Harrington & Scott Bourne
Photofocus Podcast February 7th, 2016 Questions & Answers with Rich Harrington & Scott Bourne Thanks for all the great questions youve been sending in to the Photofocus podcast. This week Rich Harrington and Scott Bourne tackle some great topics to help photographers. Remember, you can post those questions by sending us a note here at Photofocus. Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. The Question and Answer Podcast New podcast updates and changes What is responsible for autofocus speed? … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast February 7th, 2016— Questions & Answers with Rich Harrington & Scott Bourne
Adding Video Background to Keynote Presentations
I recently attended an Adobe event and saw Rufus Deuchler presenting about mobile apps. As interesting as this talk was I was transfixed by the presentation he was giving because it has a moving background. I pondered the fact that Adobe might be releasing some new presentation software where this was a feature, but when he switched from the presentation to an iPad I caught a glimpse of the presentation software, to my surprise it was nothing more than Keynote. As a Keynote lover I thought Id explore this more fully. Heres my conclusion and … [Read more...] about Adding Video Background to Keynote Presentations
GoPro 3-Way: A Unique Camera Accessory
GoPro cameras have become incredibly popular for capturing point-of-view and action shots (both photo and video). They'e also an excellent way for a photographer to get behind the scenes footage or time lapses of a project while working. The camera itself is a little awkward to hold though due to its small size. Hence the need for something to mount it to. Enter the GoPro 3-Way (yes they trademarked it, and I am sure they giggled as they asked their lawyers to do so). What Is It? The GoPro 3-Way offers three ways of holding or supporting a … [Read more...] about GoPro 3-Way: A Unique Camera Accessory
36 Hours in Pittsburgh | Tips for Packing Essential Gear
What started out as a quick 36-hour trip to Pittsburgh turned into a full-scale video production to help out a friend of mine with a shoot. Luckily for me I was traveling as a one-man band and because Im flexible, I was able to gain a new client. Originally I was headed to pick up a production van for one of my main clients when I saw a Facebook post looking for somebody to shoot a testimonial video of a lawyer. At first, the idea was to just take a backpack to Pittsburgh and drive the vehicle back to Connecticut, but then things got a little … [Read more...] about 36 Hours in Pittsburgh | Tips for Packing Essential Gear
Photofocus Podcast December 25, 2015 — Chris Hershman and Bryan O’Neil Hughes
This week we catch up with a photographer and a Lightroom expert. First Pamela Berry talks with photographer and music video producer Chris Horseman. Then Robert Vanelli talks with Bryan O'Neil Highes from Adobe about his photography, Lightroom, and Lightroom Mobile. Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Chris Hershman Chris Hershman is a Chicago-based filmmaker, photographer and musician. At a young age he began photographing bands throughout the Midwest, with his work evolving into video … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast December 25, 2015 — Chris Hershman and Bryan O’Neil Hughes
iPhone Photography/Videography Giftlist!
Hopefully you've started on your holiday shopping and aren't waiting till the last minute to get things out for people. If you're short on ideas, here's a list of main gifts that an Apple iPhone photographer or videographer techie would enjoy. I say that these are main gifts, because well... they're not cheap :D Polaroid ZIP printer This little printer is a nice portable printer that allows you to print out 2x3 prints instantly without any smudging! It connects through Bluetooth 4.0 to an app for iOS and Android and utilizes Polaroid's ZINK … [Read more...] about iPhone Photography/Videography Giftlist!
Preparing for a Long Production Day
Media professionals can all relate to the long production day. Whether youre a landscape photographer waking up at zero dark thirty to capture the first light or a wedding photographer shooting from bridal prep straight through to the reception, weve all had those days. In the video world, Ive had my share of long production days, especially when theyre back to back. While Im not one to jump out of bed ready to go, there are a few routine things I do to make dealing with long production days easier. Get Yourself Organized Have the location … [Read more...] about Preparing for a Long Production Day
The Perfect Tool for Sharing Stories During the Holidays
Photographers always say they like to make pictures that tell a story, and I feel the same way. During my last formal photography class (in high school!) I had an assignment to do a photo essay and I was supposed to compose a story with photographs. I bombed it. My essay was so boring, I fall asleep just thinking about it. I didn't have a visual storyat best I had some loosely related pictures. And really, I could classify many of my picture sets as loosely related. For instance, when I get together with my family, I enjoy making pictures with … [Read more...] about The Perfect Tool for Sharing Stories During the Holidays
The Search for a Perfect Camera
Im in the market for a new camera and its been a struggle to decide which one I want. Being a techie, Ive analyzed every spec and feature from all the cameras, weighed cost and portability, and compared it to the gear I already have. And still no answer. But since Ive done the research, I figured Id share my thoughts with you and maybe it will help me make a decision. Before I decide, the best thing to do is rent each camera from LensRentals.com and test it out myself. While Ive considered it, I don't have any trips or shoots scheduled for the … [Read more...] about The Search for a Perfect Camera
ColorChecker Now for Video!
The color management mavens extraordinaire at X-Rite have just announced two new products for photographers who shoot video with video cameras or with DSLRs... ColorChecker Video and ColorChecker Passport Video. Color management comes to video Frequent Photofocus readers know I am a huge proponent of using X-Rite's ColorCheckers to ensure my still photographs are color accurate. I have used the standard 24-patch target since 1981 when I purchased my first one (still have it.) Then, I used it to determine the filter pack for a given emulsion of … [Read more...] about ColorChecker Now for Video!
A Deeper Look: The Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag
You may have heard the story of a San Francisco-based company that focuses on making amazing accessories for us photographers. In case you haven't, I'm talking about Peak Design. Now, I'm going to come right out and say itI absolutely love everything that Peak Design makes. The attention to detail that they pour into their products, as well as their amazing customer support, makes recommending them an easy decision. Recently, Peak Design teamed up with photographer, Trey Ratcliff, to design a messenger bag that offers features, functionality, … [Read more...] about A Deeper Look: The Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag
A Closer Look: Mindshift Gear Backlight 26L Camera Bag
My friends at Mindshift Gear sent over one of their newest bag: the Backlight 26L for me to review. This bag is perfect for anyone looking to fit a bunch of gear for a basic day shoot or even a 2-3 day shoot. Lots of space and superb build quality. Check out the video review for more details! You can order your own Backlight 26L from Amazon using the links below: Backlight 26L (Greenfield) Backlight 26L (Charcoal) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr0PQHFWK98&feature=youtu.be Questions about this column? Just leave them in the Comments … [Read more...] about A Closer Look: Mindshift Gear Backlight 26L Camera Bag
An In-Depth Look at Selling, Budgeting, and Planning Video Projects
I recently spoke at an ASMP event in Michigan on how photographers could increase their business opportunities as well as expand into video. The goal was to offer practical advice. This class is unedited, so you hear the occasional things that go wrong in a live presentation (like people coughing in the audience). But the content is good and I hope super helpful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKOUvc9msWI Please share if you know a photographer or video professional who would benefit. … [Read more...] about An In-Depth Look at Selling, Budgeting, and Planning Video Projects
A First Look: The Apple iPhone 6s Plus
On Friday, September 25th, Apple released the next addition to their industry-shaking smartphone, the iPhone. Customers who were fast enough to preorder either the iPhone 6s and/or the iPhone 6s Plus either queued up in front of their local Apple Store or had a courier deliver their unit(s) to their doors. For the past year, I've used an unlocked 128Gb Silver iPhone 6 Plus and have been exceptionally pleased with it. So, when preorders for this next generation of smartphones went live, I stuck with what I knew and ordered an unlocked 128Gb … [Read more...] about A First Look: The Apple iPhone 6s Plus
Preview Time-Lapse Footage with Ease in Bridge CC
We've all been there.. That feeling after long days and nights of shooting hundreds (if not thousands) of time-lapse or stop-motion frames and wanting desperately to preview the fruits of our labors, only to do so by holding down the arrow key and watching as droves of blurred images race mercilessly before our eyes. While some cameras on the market today do thoughtfully accommodate this new and popular feature, the folks at Adobe have embedded a useful approach to easily preview footage of all kinds in Photoshop Bridge CC without the need of … [Read more...] about Preview Time-Lapse Footage with Ease in Bridge CC
A Quick Look at the Samsung’s NX1
Mirrorless has come a long way since its introduction into the market. With technology advancing and improving so quickly, it is to no surprise that a technology companies, like Samsung, are able to produce amazing photography equipment alongside the other devices they make. Those in the industry aren't radically surprised by the great mirrorless cameras that other other technology companies has been producing (Sony, Panasonic), but when Samsung steps up to the plate with their flagship NX1 and its pretty awesome feature set, there's bound to … [Read more...] about A Quick Look at the Samsung’s NX1
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
Adding Light – The Difference Just One Light Can Make
When I first started out with photography, natural light was my best friend. I didn't have money for lights, so I learned to shoot using what was available to me. Shoot after shoot, I'd tuck a little money away into a gear fund to save up for lights. Natural light can get you pretty far, but adding just one light can really take you up to the next level. On a recent video shoot, I was able to snap a comparison frame between a shot lit naturally and a shot lit with a mix of natural and artificial light. The building I was in had massive … [Read more...] about Adding Light – The Difference Just One Light Can Make
The Process of Shooting a Music Video with a Canon…and Just One Lens
Editor's Note: This is a guest post from photographer and cinematographer, Anders Lnnfeldt. This was the second time I worked with the Finnish artist Jannike. I made her first music video in 2013 which we shot partly in Greece and partly in Helsinki. This time the plan was to find even more fantastic locations and make the video both bigger and better. Jannike's manager contacted me in the beginning of 2014 and told me about their plans about shooting a music video in Los Angeles and he asked me to come along. This was a deal I didn't want … [Read more...] about The Process of Shooting a Music Video with a Canon…and Just One Lens
Shooting Turntable Product Shots
A recent addition to my bag of tricks is a motorized turntable. This type of product is perfect for creating moving footage of products or detailed items. This works well for things like product demonstrations, award shows, and marketing videos. In my case the Turntable is from eMotimo and it attaches to the TB3 robotic head. Size: 7? x 7? x 2.5? Weight: 2 lbs. Supports: 75 lbs. Precision: Repeatable to less than 100th of a degree. Product Includes: 27:1 geared stepper motor with revolve motor mounts, four bracket X pieces, and 6.5? … [Read more...] about Shooting Turntable Product Shots
Finding Contractors for Video Projects
Many photographers are finding their clients asking for video projects. But video is often a team sport... it takes multiple people to get the job done. Finding other professionals to work with can seem quite daunting at first. This is especially true if you are changing markets or professional focus. Its important to realize that the film and video community is well established with its own professional groups and even unions. Finding qualified video crew is not difficult (if you know where to look). Craigslist is Not Your Friend Before we … [Read more...] about Finding Contractors for Video Projects
Super-Telephoto Killer: Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro Hands-on Review
The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro lens with its 1.4x teleconverter has helped me make a bunch of good pictures and allowed me to do a good job for my clients. Over the last few months, I've used it to shoot a variety of subjects from wild horses to aerial photos to portraits to college graduation. I'd like to show you how it performed for me, and make an argument for why you will never need to buy a $12,000 lens. Let's start with the horses. This Lens Will Tame Wild Horses The thing about these horses is they are fairly tame (people … [Read more...] about Super-Telephoto Killer: Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro Hands-on Review
What’s New in on1 Perfect Effects 9.5
In this video I show the new and updated features inside of on1's Perfect Effects version 9.5. Here's what is covered: Luminosity Mask Line Mask Tool Double-click Chisel and Blur Tools Feather In and Out with Blur Tool Mask Contextual Menu "O" key to toggle mask preview Updates to Borders filter options Improvement to Temperature slider (now yellow, not orange) If you would like to learn more about Perfect Effects, please take a look at my full video course by clicking here. … [Read more...] about What’s New in on1 Perfect Effects 9.5
The Essentials of Three-point Lighting
This article was cowritten with my friend James Ball Three-point lighting is the basic starting point for film and video. It can also be used well as a portrait lighting approach for photography. What's ideally happening is that the subject is light in a way that illuminates their face (with one side more dominant) and some separation from the background. This method utilizes three light sources focused on the subject from different angles. Mastering this technique is the foundation for more advanced lighting strategies. This approach is the … [Read more...] about The Essentials of Three-point Lighting
