As someone who really enjoys photographing landscapes, I often use Neutral Density (ND) filters. And as much as I love using those filters, it's a pain to have to screw them on and off, over and over again. Enter the Alter Rapid Filter System, an upcoming product that I was able to check out during WPPI. While the company didn't exhibit at the expo, co-founder Joshua Kasumovic and content creator & marketing specialist Kyle Broxterman met with me and fellow Photofocus author Levi Sim for a quick demo of their product. What it is Think … [Read more...] about First Look: Alter Rapid Filter System
wppi 2019
Talking the Travel Backpack 45L and Tech Pouch with Peak Design
My very first purchase of Peak Design gear was in 2011 when I came across its Capture Clip system on Kickstarter. I actually contacted the president of the company, Peter Dering, and asked him if I could take a prototype of the new product up a mountain I was climbing that same week. He said yes and overnighted me a prototype so I could test it out in the field. That started my long affiliation with their products. Since then, I’ve purchased quite a bit of their equipment including the Leash, Cuff, Slide, Pro Pad and newer versions of the … [Read more...] about Talking the Travel Backpack 45L and Tech Pouch with Peak Design
First Look: Tenba Axis and Fulton camera bags
Like most photographers, I have a closet full of camera bags. My wife often asks me why I need so many and my simple answer is because each one serves a different purpose. I purchased a Tenba messenger bag quite a number of years ago because it specifically had two pockets on the front flap that held my wallet and my mobile phone. Since I frequently travel domestically and internationally, I wanted a camera bag that allowed my wallet and phone to be quickly accessible. Since then, I’ve closely followed Tenba’s products and recently talked to … [Read more...] about First Look: Tenba Axis and Fulton camera bags
A preview of what’s to come for Saramonic Pro Audio Equipment
Over the last two years, I’ve been using my mobile phones to produce an increasing amount of video content. Using my iPhone or Samsung Galaxy to make quick videos has proven to be very convenient, but one of my struggles has been finding reliable ways to collect quality audio while still keeping a small-sized kit. Currently, I’m using a wired lavalier microphone and/or a small RODE VideoMic Me-L. Both setups work fairly well, but what I’ve really wanted was a reliable wireless microphone setup that is portable enough to work with a small … [Read more...] about A preview of what’s to come for Saramonic Pro Audio Equipment
First Look: Tether Tools Onsite Power and Case Air Wireless Tethering System
Tether Tools is always working on creating new products aimed at making our photography more efficient. I met up with my Tether Tool friends at the 2019 WPPI show in Las Vegas and asked them show off two of their newest products. Check out our quick video interview below, then read on to learn a bit more about the ONsite Power System and the Case Air Wireless Tethering System. ONsite Power System This ingenious tool allows you to power your devices such as laptops, cameras, LED lights, tablets and phones in locations where there's no A/C … [Read more...] about First Look: Tether Tools Onsite Power and Case Air Wireless Tethering System
Weekly Wrap-Up: March 3-9, 2019
The Weekly Wrap-up compiles interesting articles published during the last seven days on Photofocus. This week we posted articles on why non-wedding and portrait photogs would go to WPPI, a first look of the Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera, lighting with the Spiffy Specklur Core kit, Blackmagic RAW for Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and learning the basics for flying UAVs. Good reading! … [Read more...] about Weekly Wrap-Up: March 3-9, 2019
Photoshoot at Black Velvet Canyon with Photofocus
As part of our 2019 Photofocus Writers Retreat, we visited Black Velvet Canyon in Nevada about 30 minutes from where we were staying for a sunrise shoot. This group consisted of many of the amazing and talented people from the Photofocus team. As we arrived, the sky looked like the image below. The fun for me was to see so many talented and skilled photographs shoot the same area. We had gotten there just before the sunrise and so as soon as we parked, people grabbed their gear and headed out. Some headed out alone and others in small groups … [Read more...] about Photoshoot at Black Velvet Canyon with Photofocus
Portrait Tips: You need to get out more
I just attended WPPI in Las Vegas along with thousands of other photographers. The great thing about this conference is that it's focused on portraiture. There are all kinds of classes, but even if you only attend with a free expo pass, you can learn from speaker after speaker about tips for making the best portraits of your career and how to help your business grow. I've attended this conference for the last 10 years, as well as many other conferences. And you should, too. See new gear New gear won't make you a better photographer, but it … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: You need to get out more
BenQ impresses with professional monitors for wide array of budgets
As I begin to plan my next computer move later this year, I was excited to check out the BenQ booth at WPPI to see what they could offer. In addition to the SW271 monitor we've reviewed previously, BenQ offers several monitors geared toward professionals that can fit into any budget. BenQ debuted two new professional-grade monitors at the show — the 32-inch PD3220U and 27-inch PD2720U. Both monitors come with an upgrade color gamut that is compatible with DCI-P3 and Display P3. They also feature Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for Mac … [Read more...] about BenQ impresses with professional monitors for wide array of budgets
Three new bags from Think Tank Photo at WPPI 2019
Think Tank Photo is one of my favorite companies in the photo industry. They produce some of the best gear for carrying your photo equipment and I've been using their products since 2005 or 2006. Personally, I own the Airport Security, the Pro Modulus System (AKA Modular Components System) and a bunch of their organizer equipment. I met up with the Think Tank crew at this year's WPPI show in Las Vegas and asked them to show off their three newest products. Here's a video overview of the Retrospective V2, Vision series and the Stand Manager … [Read more...] about Three new bags from Think Tank Photo at WPPI 2019
WPPI for non-wedding and non-portrait photographers
Having just returned from attending the WPPI show in Las Vegas I wanted to give you a non-wedding/non-portrait photographer’s perspective on the show. While WPPI — known as the Wedding & Portrait Photographer’s Conference — is geared toward wedding and portrait photographers, there are several options for those of us who do not fit into those categories. On the show floor Wandering the show floor offers plenty of opportunities to learn about new products from software to gear that can be used in any genre of photography. Are you in the … [Read more...] about WPPI for non-wedding and non-portrait photographers
2019 WPPI trade show interview: Fujifilm
https://youtu.be/01rTHDT8550?rel=0 The Photofocus team attended the 2019 WPPI Conference and had a chance to walk the trade show floor, attend classes and join in on photowalks. During a break, I met up with Fujifilm representative Michael Bulbenko and Hollywood photographer Mike Kubeisy to talk about how the super quiet mirrorless cameras are used on a production set. … [Read more...] about 2019 WPPI trade show interview: Fujifilm
Wandrd offers modular solutions to a common problem
Every photographer needs a bag to carry their gear. Whether you choose to use a messenger bag, roller bag or backpack, carrying solutions are oftentimes uninspiring and more of a hassle than anything else. One of my goals at WPPI this year was to find a new backpack. I was happy with my messenger bag and roller bag, but my backpacks left something to be desired. Mind you, I’ve tried several backpacks, ranging from Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack to LowePro’s Flipside Trek. And while these all have their strengths, none of what I’ve used is … [Read more...] about Wandrd offers modular solutions to a common problem
Get your camera body’s sensor cleaned and checked for free at WPPI
Dust. It's annoying to clean off the shelves you have, but it's even more annoying to clean your own sensor. There are kits and tools to make it easier, although there isn't anything easier than handing your camera over to someone who works for your camera manufacturer — better yet, it is free if you're attending WPPI. I'd check with your manufacturer to see if they've got a presence at WPPI first and then see if they've got their cleaning booth up. I know for a fact that FujiFilm has their Check and Clean station that will gladly accept your … [Read more...] about Get your camera body’s sensor cleaned and checked for free at WPPI
Last chance to save $50 on Perfectly Clear Complete!
Now's the perfect time to get Perfectly Clear Complete on sale! The software is available for $50 off through March 1 as a part of its WPPI show special. Many of the world's best wedding and portrait photographers rely on Perfectly Clear to enhance client proofs and for adding the finishing touches as they prepare their work for clients. Take advantage of your savings today with the promo code PHOTO50. … [Read more...] about Last chance to save $50 on Perfectly Clear Complete!
How to make room in your bag for a roll of Gaff tape
As I was preparing for my trip to WPPI, I realized I didn't have room in my camera bag for a roll of Gaffers tape. Using a 12-inch piece of cardboard, I wrapped 20 feet of Gaff tape around it. It's only about a quarter of an inch and fits perfect in my bag! Gaffers tape — also known as Gaff tape — is a heavy cotton cloth, pressure-sensitive tape with strong adhesive properties. Unlike duct tape, Gaff tape is designed to be removable — especially important when you can’t damage the surface beneath the tape. It's that piece of gear every … [Read more...] about How to make room in your bag for a roll of Gaff tape
WPPI: What to know before you go
With WPPI officially under way, it can be challenging for first-time attendees to know where to go, what to do and what to expect. Here's a quick guide to get you started. Types of classes WPPI breaks its classes down into three main groups. Platform classes don't require any preregistration and are offered on a first-come, first served basis. You can come and go as you choose, making it easy to go next door if you aren't happy with the first one you walked into. PLUS classes are full-day workshop-type classes that require preregistration. … [Read more...] about WPPI: What to know before you go
Join Levi Sim and Bryan Esler for a WPPI photowalk!
The Photofocus team can't wait to land in Las Vegas for WPPI, in just a few short weeks! We hope you can join us, and we have an awesome opportunity for you if you're planning on attending the conference. WPPI is hosting a photowalk with Levi Sim and Bryan Esler on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 4 p.m., titled "PW45: Unforgettable Moving Portraits with Flash." Join Levi and Bryan for this hands-on photowalk where you'll learn to make portraits that will spice up your quiver of skills in an impactful way. We'll utilize your camera's shutter … [Read more...] about Join Levi Sim and Bryan Esler for a WPPI photowalk!
