Six things you need to start with professional photography

Want to start making money in photography but don’t know where to begin? It may initially seem that you’ll need a lot of professional gear to do this. In reality, all you need are six pieces of equipment to embark on a journey to professional photography. Actually, you most likely already have three out of […]

source https://photofocus.com/found/six-things-you-need-to-start-with-professional-photography/

Lensbaby Obscura 16mm: Incredibly frustrating yet incredibly fun

The Lensbaby Obscura 16mm. It’s a lens that will make you laugh. It will make you cry. The Lensbaby Obscura 16mm will make you question everything about photography and your skills. It’s absolutely brilliant. Lensbaby’s Obscura 16mm is one of the most unique lenses I have ever used. The Lensbaby Obscura 16mm is a pinhole […]

source https://photofocus.com/reviews/lensbaby-obscura-16mm-incredibly-frustrating-yet-incredibly-fun/

Five easy steps to better Milky Way images with the Pentax K-1 Astrotracer

The Pentax K-1’s Astrotracer is one of many features that makes the Pentax K-1 one of the greatest DSLRs made, and one of the best cameras for night photography. Here, we’ll discuss five easy steps to creating cleaner, more detailed images. What does the Pentax Astrotracer do? In a nutshell, the Astrotracer tracks stars using […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/five-easy-steps-to-better-milky-way-images-with-the-pentax-k-1-astrotracer/

How to take charge of color in your photography

If you do a lot of color photography, it follows that you need to have skillful control of colors. You must be able to use it to best present the story or message of your photos. Using presets and LUTs created by other photographers is a quick way to get the job done. They also […]

source https://photofocus.com/found/how-to-take-charge-of-color-in-your-photography/

Get your photo library organized and save big!

To help you kick off the weekend, our friends over at Excire have some great sizzlin’ summer savings to help you get your photo library organized! For a limited time, US-based customers can save 25% on the Excire Bundle. Get started keywording, searching and culling your photos with Excire Foto and the Excire Search 2 […]

source https://photofocus.com/deals/get-your-photo-library-organized-and-save-big/

Color coordinate your photoshoot with ColorReader EZ

Matching colors for a photoshoot has gotten a lot easier thanks to ColorReader EZ by Datacolor. This pocket-size device lets you scan colors from a flat surface and accurately matches the color. This helps take the guesswork out of choosing accessories and background papers to match your subject’s outfit or when building a set. Here’s […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/color-coordinate-your-photoshoot-with-colorreader-ez/

Five power tricks for panoramas in Lightroom Classic

Looking to make the most out of your panorama with Lightroom Classic? In this video, Serge Ramelli gives five tips on how that will change the way you shoot and process your panorama photos. Learn how to best overlap for a sharp, accurate photo, while using Fill Edge, the Transform tool and presets to retouch […]

source https://photofocus.com/software/five-power-tricks-for-panoramas-in-lightroom-classic/

Working with frozen berries

When it comes to working with food photography, there is a real trend with frozen berries. And why not? They look amazing — there is something special when they achieve that ‘frosty’ look. What fruit can you use? Pretty much any berry that is in season; strawberry, blackberry, loganberry, blueberry, raspberry, cranberry and even grapes […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/shooting-photography/working-with-frozen-berries/

How to use long exposure for stunning action photos

Have you ever dared to slow down the shutter speed to photograph sports? Here's how to use long exposure for stunning action photos!

source https://photofocus.com/photography/how-to-use-long-exposure-for-stunning-action-photos/

Five cameras that will help you bring your landscape photography to life

Landscape photography is a challenging genre of photography. However, there’s nothing better than heading outside to take in the natural wonders that surround us. Landscape photography is incredibly calming and relaxing, and capturing the beauty of the world is beyond rewarding. Fortunately, as photographers, we’re blessed with cameras that can help make landscape photography a […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/five-cameras-that-will-help-you-bring-your-landscape-photography-to-life/

Trials while traveling

It happens to the best of us. You’re out and about, possibly even a long way from home and suddenly the unthinkable happens. Absolute heartbreak. The trials while traveling … Let me tell you about my woes. I had spent an amazing day at Hartleys Crocodile Adventures, in Far North Queensland, Australia. I had taken […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/trials-while-traveling/

Why should you use vintage lenses today?

We’ve talked about using vintage lenses on digital cameras a number of times. You might also have heard some of your fellow photographers try it out a few times. But if you’re yet to try it yourself, you may still need some convincing. Why should you at a time when there are plenty of technologically […]

source https://photofocus.com/found/why-should-you-use-vintage-lenses-today/

Solving night photography problems: Six ways of reducing noise

Noise. Whether it’s random white, red or blue specks or grain, we all experience noise. It’s caused by various things, including heat, increasing light sensitivity of the camera, insufficient “information” or other factors. Here are six ways to reduce noise in your night photos. 1. Proper exposure The most basic way is creating a proper […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/solving-night-photography-problems-six-ways-of-reducing-noise/

Polish your composition with these leading lines tips

When we speak of photography composition, leading lines are surely among the first that come to mind. These are primarily known for drawing attention to the most important part/s in the frame. However, they are also instrumental to telling a story in a photo. So, it pays to be able to use leading lines well […]

source https://photofocus.com/found/polish-your-composition-with-these-leading-lines-tips/

Portrait Tips: It’s summer! Just have some fun

Take all the lighting tips, all the posing tips, all the retouching tips, all the business tips and put them away in a file folder in your brain. It’s summertime. Just go have some fun, and maybe even make a picture while you do it. No directing! Have you ever been to one of those […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/portrait-tips-its-summer-just-have-some-fun/

Quick tips for keeping your photo gear safe at the beach

As we enter the heart of summer, you might find yourself spending more time at the beach. As photographers, we love to bring our gear with us everywhere we go. If you’re not careful, the beach can be a deadly place for your expensive camera and lenses. Below are a few quick tips for keeping […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/quick-tips-for-keeping-your-photo-gear-safe-at-the-beach/

Christina Shirley: General photography enthusiast

This week we’re getting to know community member, Christina Shirley. Christina enjoys being able to capture whatever it is that catches her eye. Haven’t joined the Photofocus Community yet? Sign up for free today! How did you get started in photography? “I started in photography when I had my first child. Her image went onto […]

source https://photofocus.com/inspiration/community-spotlight/christina-shirley-general-photography-enthusiast/

Out-of-the-box ideas for senior photos

With senior photos starting to fill out shooting calendars, how do you capture something unique for your clients? Here’s some simple ideas to add variety to their gallery . These ideas work well as ice-breakers and to help a shy teen warm up to their session with you. Take the spotlight off posing, and start […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/shooting-photography/out-of-the-box-ideas-for-senior-photos/

How to photograph silky smooth waterfalls

When I first picked up a digital SLR back in 2014, all I wanted to learn was how to photograph waterfalls. You know the ones, where the water is all smooth and milky. Soft, beautiful slightly dark and gorgeous details. It was one of the first things I learned, after how to shoot in Manual […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/shooting-photography/how-to-photograph-silky-smooth-waterfalls/

Discovering tours in your local area

Need a change of scenery? Can’t get away or afford to go on some amazing vacation? Have you ever taken any of the tours in your local area? A few years ago I went downtown Chicago (an hour from me) to go on one of the free Pedway Tours offered by Chicago Elevated. I’d been […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/tours-in-your-local-area/

Tips for scanning and editing film negatives

Are you a film photographer thinking of getting into home developing? It’s only one part of the equation. You’ll also need to do the scanning and editing of your film negatives yourself. It can be challenging and even overwhelming even for today’s long-time film photographers. Thankfully, there are also a lot of photographers out there […]

source https://photofocus.com/found/tips-for-scanning-and-editing-film-negatives/

Negative space: The key to minimalist photography

Since the 20th Century, artists have used components like color and shapes to create a simple, minimalist pieces of work. As photographers, we can extend this idea to our own photographs, creating a unique view of an everyday subject with a minimalistic feel. When preparing to shoot minimalist images, there are multiple things to consider. […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/the-key-to-minimalist-photography/

Using a kit lens on a panorama? You bet, part two

By now you’ve probably seen the uproar over a professor banning the use of 18-55mm kit lenses in a college photography class. I wanted to see just how far I could push using a kit lens, too. For this experiment, I used a kit lens with an older micro four-thirds camera. Here’s the kit lens processing […]

source https://photofocus.com/software/using-a-kit-lens-on-a-panorama-you-bet-part-two/

Light painting 101: Illuminating a piano in a creepy abandoned mental hospital

We had just arrived at a creepy abandoned mental hospital on the East Coast. We walked through dystopian rooms with trees growing through the walls and windows. When we entered the large auditorium, I saw the piano on the stage. I knew instantly that I wanted to photograph it. When we shined our flashlights around, […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/light-painting-101-illuminating-a-piano-in-a-creepy-abandoned-mental-hospital/

Fixing background problems with the new Portrait BokehAI tool in LuminarAI

Portrait BokehAI is officially available to current LuminarAI users. This addition is a quick way to correct backgrounds, hiding unwanted junk or applying selective edits. Just like the other AI tools in the LuminarAI toolbox, the new Portrait BokehAI tool grabs the subject successfully with minimal tweaks. Using the Portrait BokehAI tool to hide an […]

source https://photofocus.com/software/skylum/fixing-background-problems-with-the-new-portrait-bokehai-tool-in-luminarai/

Sony announces new ZV-E10 for bloggers and video creators

Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the first Alpha series interchangeable lens vlog camera, the new ZV-E10. Designed from the ground up for vlogging and vloggers, the new camera combines Sony’s advanced imaging technology with extensive usability and a custom-built feature set that is optimized for video creators. At its core, the ZV-E10 features a 24.2-megapixel […]

source https://photofocus.com/news/sony-announces-new-zv-e10-for-bloggers-and-video-creators/

Get beautiful bokeh in seconds with this new LuminarAI update

Today, Skylum released LuminarAI Update 4, which delivers the much-anticipated Portrait BokehAI along with other, useful, free features to help visual storytellers unlock their creativity. It’s available now as a free update for current LuminarAI customers. Complete control of focus with Portrait BokehAI Building on the company’s AI-guided depth mapping tools, Portrait BokehAI isolates the […]

source https://photofocus.com/software/get-beautiful-bokeh-in-seconds-with-this-new-luminarai-update/

Street photography with Kodak ColorPlus 200 and Nikon F4

Are you new to film photography and have been wondering if “cheap” film stocks are any good? With the rising prices of films, we’re not surprised if you want budget-friendly emulsions as your daily driver. One of your options is Kodak ColorPlus 200, a versatile emulsion that is perfect for daytime shooting. Today’s featured video […]

source https://photofocus.com/found/street-photography-with-kodak-colorplus-200-and-nikon-f4/

Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN C (L mount): A brilliant oddity of a lens

Sigma’s small, well-built I series contemporary lenses certainly raised a few eyebrows when they were released, especially the odd 65mm f2 DG DN. This fast prime lens finds itself sitting between two of the most popular focal lengths (50mm and 85mm) and nobody knew quite what to make of it. We've been hard at work figuring it out.

source https://photofocus.com/reviews/sigma-65mm-f-2-dg-dn-c-l-mount-a-brilliant-oddity-of-a-lens/

Three high megapixel cameras under $2,000 that leave no details behind

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a high megapixel camera. This means you can level up your landscape photography, or any photography that’s dependent on capturing all the tiny details without angering your bank manager or — gulp — your significant other. In fact, you can spend way […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/three-high-megapixel-cameras-under-2000-that-leave-no-details-behind/

Photography inspiration: Incorporating humor in street photos

Many see street photography simply as records of daily life with a dash of something interesting in them. It’s not an exact art, so photographers can get as creative and even experimental as they want in delivering their message or story. Feeling stuck with your own street photos and could use some ideas or inspiration? […]

source https://photofocus.com/found/photography-inspiration-incorporating-humor-in-street-photos/

Mobile Mondays: Identify nature with mobile apps

Do you identify what you are photographing when you are actually taking the image? How many times when you get back home, start uploading images and add keywords (you are adding keywords, aren’t you?), do you wish you knew what type of bird, plant, tree, etc. you had a photograph of? Here is a list […]

source https://photofocus.com/software/identify-nature-with-mobile-apps/

Creating a countdown timer with an After Effects expression

Making a countdown timer using expressions in After Effects gives you more control. In this short tutorial video, I’ll show you how to create a timer using a slider control and an expression on a text layer. Here’s a look at the expression text used in the video: slider = effect(“Slider Control”)(“Slider”);sec = Math.floor(slider%60);min = […]

source https://photofocus.com/software/creating-a-countdown-timer-with-an-after-effects-expression/

Photography 101: Capturing the perfect sunset shot!

Have you ever gone to your favorite sunset spot and attempted to capture the perfect sunset only to be disappointed by a washed out, under or over exposed and just outright underwhelming sunset image? Then have I some tips for you! First, camera and lens/focal length selection The reality is, in today’s time, virtually any […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/photography-101-capturing-the-perfect-sunset-shot/

What are you listening to?

Have you ever thought about how your style or choice of music changes, depending on what you are doing? It has been thought for a while now that mood and music are closely related. For instance, listening to a sad song while you’re sad, or a happy song when you’re feeling happy. But listening to […]

source https://photofocus.com/inspiration/what-are-you-listening-to/

Leica Monochrom: Why photograph only in black and white?

Black and white photography is the genre of choice for many photographers who want a timeless, moody, or formal quality to their work. This is why it remains a popular genre despite the prevalence of color photography. If you’re among the photographers who shoot predominantly in black and white, would you use a camera like […]

source https://photofocus.com/found/leica-monochrom-why-photograph-only-in-black-and-white/

On Photography: Lou Jones, 1945-present

“In art, I think that you’re pushed and pulled in a direction. And being a Black artist, especially a black photographer, a lot of my decisions were based upon survival.” -Lou Jones Lou Jones has been a successful photographer for more than 50 years. He started out as a physicist working for NASA. Needless to […]

source https://photofocus.com/featured/on-photography-lou-jones-1945-present/

Make your portraits pop with Portrait BokehAI tool in Luminar AI

How to really make your portraits pop by using the new Portrait BokehAI tool in LuminarAI? It’s been a little while in coming, but the new Portrait BokehAI tool is here (in Australia) and it’s pretty cool. I found it particularly useful in having your main subject stand out from the background. The below image […]

source https://photofocus.com/software/make-your-portraits-pop-with-portrait-bokehai-tool-in-luminar-ai/

DSLRs aren’t dead: Four superb DSLRs that are still at the top of the game

Many think that DSLR cameras are dead. They couldn’t be more wrong. DSLRs aren’t as shiny and new as some of today’s mirrorless options. Still, they still pack a mighty punch and they’ll serve today’s photographers well. In this roundup, we’ll take a quick look at four incredible DSLRs. Believe it or not, they can […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/dslrs-arent-dead-four-superb-dslrs-that-are-still-at-the-top-of-the-game/

Portrait photography tips for using a 135mm lens

How long can you go when it comes to lenses for portrait shoots? Many photographers would typically find 85mm a good medium telephoto lens for this purpose for its pleasant background compression and flattering rendering of a subject’s face. Today’s featured portrait photography tip, however, takes it a notch further with a 135mm lens. The […]

source https://photofocus.com/found/portrait-photography-tips-for-using-a-135mm-lens/

This vintage lens is a cheap but amazing travel lens

Whether you’re a vintage gear collector or a film photographer on the side, there must be a vintage lens or two (or five) that you’re keeping an eye out for. If you’re still missing a travel lens, Paris-based weird lens collector Mathieu Stern has an outstanding recommendation. In his video above, Stern briefly explained why […]

source https://photofocus.com/found/this-vintage-lens-is-a-cheap-but-amazing-travel-lens/

“Amazing Photography” inspires in many ways

Recently I was sent a copy of the “Amazing Photography” book from Xpozer. I sat down with a cup of tea, relaxed and prepared myself to be inspired. Inspirational images The Amazing Photography book has many inspirational images, of course. It is about amazing photography. There are images from all over the world, and even […]

source https://photofocus.com/reviews/amazing-photography-inspires-in-many-ways/

Lightweight Fotopro X-AIRCROSS 2 offers surprising amount of stability and features

If I’m being honest, I have gone through way too many tripods over the past several years. When I found the Fotopro X-GO Max last year, I immediately was hooked. It offered a perfect solution for nearly every photography situation I found myself in. So when I had the chance to review Fotopro’s new X-AIRCROSS […]

source https://photofocus.com/reviews/lightweight-fotopro-x-aircross-2-offers-surprising-amount-of-stability-and-features/

Exploring the history of Route 66 through photography: Goffs Cultural Center

I woke to horrible news. Before I had gotten out of bed, I saw a photo of the historic Goffs General store along Route 66 engulfed in flames. An abandoned home in Goffs had burned the same day, as had an abandoned building in nearby Essex. Officials suspected foul play. I had been working on […]

source https://photofocus.com/inspiration/exploring-the-history-of-route-66-through-photography-goffs-cultural-center/

Portrait photography tip: Mixing different light qualities

Soft, diffused light is popular for portrait photography for good reasons. It’s flattering to the skin and creates a clean, airy look to the images. However, it’s not the only quality of light that you can use to create stunning results. This is especially the case if you want a dramatic or cinematic look to […]

source https://photofocus.com/found/portrait-photography-tip-mixing-different-light-qualities/

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 offers killer optics in a lightweight, compact design

In the last couple of years, I’ve ventured more and more in the direction of Fuji. With their retro good looks and funky ergonomics, taking photos with a Fuji is just plain photographic fun! Overall it’s been a bit of a love hate relationship for me, I grew up in digital and am very accustomed […]

source https://photofocus.com/reviews/fujifilm-xf-35mm-f-2-offers-killer-optics-in-a-lightweight-compact-package/

Mind Your Own Business: Kevin Gilligan discusses gaining momentum for your photo business

Welcome to Mind Your Own Business, the podcast that helps photographers improve their business and their lives! Today we chat with landscape and portrait photographer Kevin Gilligan about gaining momentum for your photography business. Get ready to be inspired! We discuss: How Kevin got started in his photography career How he balances careers with his […]

source https://photofocus.com/podcasts/mind-your-own-business-kevin-gilligan-discusses-gaining-momentum-for-your-photo-business/

Cherish your family memories with a photo book

If you have ever looked through your old family photos, you may find that some still look great, while some are looking like they’ve had better days. A great idea for old family photos is to turn them into hardcover coffee table style photo books. Sadly, my Dad passed away last year. While looking for […]

source https://photofocus.com/photography/great-ideas-for-old-family-photos/