It’s not that I hate Godox or that I am paid by a different lighting brand to hate Godox every month. It is simply that when it comes to producing professional work, their lights are just not fit for the job. Here is why I will not use Godox for professional work.
Just like most photographers, my off-camera flash journey began with the purchase of a speedlight and some inexpensive triggers. Many photographers will tell you that as soon as you get a speedlight, you need to acquire proper off-camera flash units. However, there are still many things you can do with a speedlight, and in this article, I will show you some of them.
I finally upgraded my computer, and what a difference it has made to my photography workflow. Here’s how I worked out what to buy.
The zoom range of 24-105mm is perhaps one of the most versatile options available. Typically, lenses within this range maintain a constant f/4 aperture throughout. While this is adequate, having an aperture one stop larger would be ideal. Now we have the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM.
From time to time you see images circulating on social media of Japanese camera store shelves awash with film. I’m not talking about half a dozen pro packs of Portra, I’m talking about hundreds and hundreds of rolls of film. More film than you could shoot in 10 years. Names of long-forgotten emulsions that many die-hard film shooters can’t even recall.
With the latest Capture One, you get an incredible level of control over your images. I’ve already been a fan of the layers and masks in Capture One for a while, but with the new update, the software can create those for you. This, and so much more, is why you should try out the new Capture One.
Storage is one of the most critical necessities for a content creator. After all, without a place to store your work, you can't enjoy the freedom of creating. While it might be fine to store your shoots on your computer initially, you will soon run out of storage space. This is when a product like the LaCie D2 external HDD drive becomes essential.
Few lenses on the market right now are more exciting than the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, which offers an incredibly versatile focal length range in tandem with a particularly wide set of maximum apertures. Now, the lens is available for Nikon Z mount users, and this awesome video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in use.
It seems that the genre of product photography is booming right now. I come across hiring ads for product and e-commerce photographers all the time. With e-commerce being such a big market, or at least where I live, there is a lot of need for product photographers. I learned the basics of photographing products many years ago, and it has come in handy several times.
As a photographer, you are probably a participant in a number of online groups or forums that discuss photography. But have you considered joining your local photography club? Let’s look at the value of joining one!
Have you ever bought a piece of gear that promised to revolutionize your work or be the exact tool you needed just to find that it was a total dud? We all have those pieces sitting at the bottom of our gear closet that irk us every time they come in view. Alternately, we also all have pieces that have become our indispensable go-to’s that we can’t image shooting without. I asked five photographers to share their best and worst purchases. These juicy gear confessions are sure to land some pieces on your blacklist and others in your B&H cart.
It used to be so simple. The camera shutter opened and closed again. The time in between was the exposure time. With digital cameras and mirrorless systems, things became a bit more complicated. Let’s have a look at the different types of camera shutters.
Over the past few years, LEDs have become a popular choice for still photographers, and with good reason. Although LED light sources do have limitations, there are many clear benefits to using constant light for portrait photographers. In this article, I will detail five ways I use an LED light wand to create captivating portraits, both in and out of my studio.
Making a time-lapse video is a blend of photography and videography. While the outcome can be stunning, the process requires preparation and can pose certain challenges. In this article, I will walk you through my workflow and offer a glimpse of some real-life examples I've created.
The 85mm f/1.4 lens is perhaps the most classic and highly sought-after model, offering an excellent portrait focal length in tandem with a wide maximum aperture for especially soft backgrounds. However, such lenses are often rather expensive, easily topping $2,000. So, at less than $500, the Meike 85mm f/1.4 AF is an especially intriguing option. This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.
Canon has produced a nice stable of impressively capable lenses for their RF mirrorless mount cameras, but one option that creatives have been patiently waiting for is a high-end 35mm prime. It seems the way is almost over.
Can combining ND filters and a flash elevate your portrait images? Miguel Quiles takes us through this technique in depth and provides great advice on how you can make the most of this setup.
Landscape photography is a challenging genre that requires a lot of strong technique, understanding of environmental conditions, good post-processing skills, and often, just a bit of luck. And as if the photographic aspects are not tricky enough, landscape photography also comes with some serious mental and physical demands. This great video talks about some of those lesser-discussed issues and persevering through them.
Ever wonder about VR filmmaking, but aren’t sure how to get started? Here is a mini-primer using the Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8 L Dual Fisheye 3D VR lens and the R5 C camera.
I am a big advocate for tethering. It helps me do a lot of things, from teamwork to backups and more. I’ve always tethered. However, when going on location, this can become a challenge. What do you take, and what do you leave out? Well, here is my on-location tethering setup for 2024.
If you’re lacking the motivation and inspiration to get out there and shoot, take comfort in the knowledge that artists of all persuasions find themselves in a creative funk now and then. A little reflection upon what you want from your photography might be the first step towards fixing the problem.
After thorough consideration, I made the decision to purchase the Shimoda Action X50 backpack a few years ago as my primary backpack for photography travels. Now, after several years of use, I want to reflect on its performance. Is it worth the investment? Let's find out.
Wedding photography burnout is real. For nine years, weddings consumed my life, documenting every bouquet toss and first kiss. I was burnt out and needed to make a drastic shift.
There's interesting news about Canon's upcoming camera releases for 2024, particularly for those interested in what will be the company's two most important cameras in years, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II. According to their latest report, Canon is set to prioritize the launch of the Canon EOS R1, positioning it ahead of the EOS R5 Mark II in their release schedule.
In an era where technological advancements have revolutionized the way we capture and manipulate images, the question of the histogram's relevance in today's photography is a pertinent one.
With the incredible advancements in smartphone camera technology, it's no surprise that more and more photographers are turning to their iPhones for both personal and professional photography. Learning how to maximize the capabilities of your iPhone camera can open up a world of creative possibilities and allow you to capture stunning images wherever you go
Clicking the shutter is often only the first step in creating an image. Mastering post-processing skills is crucial for new photographers. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to use post-processing to add depth to your landscape images.
Sigma continues to impress, and the new 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens is no stranger to that trend, offering a ton of reach for users like sports and wildlife photographers. This fantastic video review takes a deep look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.
In a career where our job is literally to be creative, sometimes the one thing you don’t get to be is… creative.
Embarking on the journey of photography can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially for those who have just acquired their first dedicated camera. Understanding your camera is crucial, as it's the first step towards capturing those stunning images that every photographer aspires to create. This helpful video tutorial will show you everything you need to know to get started.
There is an incredible documentary about one of my photographic heroes, Tish Murtha. Tish was a documentary photographer who grew up in the abject poverty of England’s Northeast. There are important lessons we can all learn from her work.
Landscape photography is a captivating art form that allows us to unveil the extraordinary beauty of our planet. From towering mountains and serene lakes to vast deserts and lush forests, the diversity of Earth's landscapes provides an endless array of subjects for photographers to explore. In this article, we will delve into the world of landscape photography, discussing techniques, equipment, and the essence of capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet through the lens.
Capturing a stunning photograph often requires more than just pointing and shooting. Post-processing plays a crucial role in enhancing your images and bringing your creative vision to life.
Sony has introduced the second iteration of its popular FE 16-35mm G-master lens. While improvements have been made, the most striking change lies in its reduced size and weight. Sony kindly provided me with this lens for an honest and unbiased review.
On1 Photo Raw is a comprehensive image processing tool designed for photographers. It includes asset management, image development, and editing, plus a host of AI-driven tools, including noise reduction and deblurring. The latest update improves the performance of these tools.
Back in the mid-2000s, The Flip Video camera was all the rage, a vertically held, brick of a camera that was purpose-built for easy video in an age where video wasn't easy. With the Canon PowerShot V10, the company seems to want to channel some of that magic, but I have to ask: Why?
The more I see AI churn out headshots and portraits with twisted appendages and those weird, dead eyes, the less I'm sweating about artificial presences taking over the photography world. Why fight AI when you can make it work for you? So, instead of pushing it away, I've started using AI tools in my day-to-day. It's not replacing my job; it's just handling the mundane stuff.
One of the nicest features of mirrorless cameras is the electronic shutter, which allows you to shoot in total silence, a fantastic option for situations where being discreet is key. That does not mean electronic shutters are without faults, however. Knowing when to use an electronic shutter and when to use a mechanical is important, and this great video tutorial will show you everything you need to know.
Unlock the full potential of your photography journey with specialized lenses designed to elevate your creativity and skills. From capturing the minute details of a dewdrop to bending the rules of perspective, this guide introduces you to the world beyond standard lenses.
The essence of photography often gets lost in the complexity of technology and techniques. However, the key to becoming an exceptional photographer might be more straightforward than you think: it's all about simplifying every aspect of your craft. This principle holds the potential to not only streamline your process but also to enhance the quality of your work.
Today Sony has announced three new products: The Sony a7CII, the 16-35mm F2.8 GM II, and last but not least, the Sony a7cR. And unfortunately, I have not been able to use the first two products I mentioned, but, I have been able to use the A7cR quite a bit. In total, I’ve taken about 10,000 images with it so far. So let's talk about it.
I've taken a look at some earlier iterations of Astro Panel over the years, a plug-in designed for automating and enhancing both astrophotography and landscape photos. I found it a powerful addition to my editing arsenal, and it was easy to use but could do some very sophisticated editing. This new version from photographer Angelo Perrone adds more than 80 new astrophotography and landscape functions, as well as some features to support portrait editing.
Have you ever wondered what goes through the mind of a professional photographer when searching for unique compositions? In this article, I break down my entire thought process of how I find, compose, and build an image from start to finish.
The beauty of photography lies in the art of discovery, capturing images that are uniquely your own, and avoiding the cliché "downtown Los Angeles" stamp on your work.
Many camera bodies and lenses have come to the forefront since the Nikon D850 was first announced in 2017, but none pair together quite as well as the D850 and Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8E ED VR. Here is why they are still a perfect pairing.
The ability to make objects appear as if they are defying gravity is a captivating skill that can help you capture attention. This technique, often employed in product and still life photography, adds a touch of magic and intrigue to your images, leaving viewers wondering how you achieved such a feat.
As someone who has been making landscape photography videos since 2017, I have had my fair share of cameras to allow me to get the job done. I am also someone who doesn't jump onto the latest and greatest tech the moment it comes out. Instead, I normally wait until I can pick a unit up secondhand, long after it has proven its worth and capabilities. This, however, has now changed due to the latest release from DJI, the Osmo Pocket 3.
The question of how much editing is too much is one that every photographer asks. Understanding the boundaries and ethics of photo editing is crucial for both the integrity of the work and the trust of one's audience.
In the past few years, Lightroom has taken some powerful steps forward, making it a versatile and capable editing tool that can accomplish many tasks that used to require a trip to Photoshop. One of the greatest new additions is the ability to use curves in masks. This great video tutorial will show you how to use curves inside the program's masking panel to quickly and easily create powerful and precise edits.
The focusing ring on my favorite lens had been stiff for a while and finally, it failed completely. I decided to take the lens apart and see if I could fix it myself. Of course, it wasn’t that easy.
