Finally, summer is here! [click to continue…]
Two years ago I decided to learn how to take my DSLR off of the AUTO mode and learn the camera controls. I took a class, and we had assignments that required us to really learn things like how to slow the shutter speed down, and how to get the largest depth of field possible. We worked with different focal lengths, different lighting conditions and learned when and how to let more light in to the camera when there wasn’t a lot. The only way to do this was with the help of a tripod. [click to continue…]
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If we are to define iconic travel shots as the broad, symbolic images that establish the mood of a place, then cultural shots are the images that fill in the details and tell the rest of the story. They bring the viewer into the location and offer them an intimate perspective of life itself, as it exists everyday for the people who live there. In that sense, they are the journalistic approach to travel photography.
Cultural shots are images of people doing anything: working, walking, eating, exercising, interacting, participating in festivals and events, etc…. They can also show the non-human elements that surround and illustrate daily human existence. They are often shot from the viewpoint of an observer rather than from the viewpoint of someone who is actively engaged with the scene. Cultural shots portray a way of life, and while there are not hard and fast rules about what makes a good cultural shot, they generally communicate the traditions and lifestyle of a place in a way that reflects your own ideas and excitement about that area. [click to continue…]
Here’s a lens test between a couple of Tonika zoom lenses and their Canon equivalent. We’re using the Tokina 28-80mm f2.8 zoom lens and the Canon 24-70mm f2.8 zoom. We also put the killer Canon 70-200mm L IS f2.8 zoom lens up against the Tokina 80-200mm f2.8 zoom lens. This was a pretty basic test seeing in which we were really interested in sharpness. We threw in a color chart and a little lens flare to boot. Testing lenses is not the most exciting affair but it does show the difference between them. We used a Canon 5D Mark II in Standard Picture Style at 320 ISO at f2.8 24fps.
First off, the Tokina glass is about one third the price. Both zooms are discontinued so they were purchased used. The Tokina 28-80mm will set you back anywhere between $350-$500. The Tokina 80-200 f2.8 is also discontinued and cost us just over five hundred smackers. They both have manual focus hard stops, which are ideal for video. The Tokina 80-200mm does not have Image Stabilization so we picked it up mostly for tripod work as a “B” camera lens. We used a one-dollar bill to easily show focus and contrast. The US mint does some fine print work. [click to continue…]
Anton Bauer has been around for quite some time, making some of the most trusted camera batteries on the market. They have stepped up their game with this new Gold Plate QR-DSLR for HDSLR cameras. I got the chance to hit up Kyle Dann from Anton Bauer at The Createasphere Expo 2010. The new Gold Plate battery adapter will work with the existing Canon DC power coupler. The 7.2V adapter will also let you add accessories, which will eliminate the need to charge multiple batteries for multiple accessories. I can power everything off of one single Anton Bauer Battery. We really dig the new Dionic 90 Batteries with electronic power meter display. This will enable you to use any existing Anton Batteries you may have in your kit. The Gold Plate will only cost around $250 US and can be configured to work with either a Hand Held Rig or a tripod mount camera.
The sheer amount of photography related material, links, blogs and fodder that flies around the Twitter world ever day is simply astounding. You could literally sit in front of your computer all day long reloading tweets and still not learn everything there is to know about photography news, events, tips, techniques or see the millions of great images that people post every day.
Of course, no one wants to do that, so what’s the best way to follow along with the pertinent info while still getting any work done and maintaining a life outside of computertwitterworldland?
Simple. You follow the right group of Twitterers. Here’s a list of some of the people that you should be following if you want to stay updated about the world of photography. You’re probably already following some, if not all of them. This list is by no means close to complete, and if you find a great Twitter resource, be sure and post it in the comment section below.
And of course, it goes without saying that you should be also following The Photoletariat.
1. photojack: I put him first because he seems to have earned a place as one of the most prolific photo-tweeters. (The rest are in no particular order.) Travel photographer and social media coach Jack Hollingsworth seems to have his mouse finger on the pulse of the photography world. He posts an astounding amount of material each day, and if you happen to have something retweeted by him, it will be seen by a huge number of people.
2. chasejarvis: One of the highest read photo bloggers and twitterers on the web, Seattle based commercial photographer Chase Jarvis posts a variety of industry fodder, introspective blurbs and inspirational tips that any shooter would find interesting. With over 42,000 followers, he’s probably the most read photographer on Twitter. [click to continue…]
The Litepanels Micro Pro Hybrid is one of the best tools for both stills and video. It is a great way to add a little eye light or kill a shadow. They can be placed almost anywhere and generate almost no heat whatsoever. Litepanels was one of the first companies to make cinema ready LED lights and have crossed over to flash photography with the new Micro Pro Hybrid. [click to continue…]
Warning: Strong opinion ahead.
This is a post for all the photographers out there who are debating over which lens to buy next. You know who you are. You’re saving your hard earned dollars, you’re asking your friends on Facebook/Twitter for advice, you’re putting up polls on photography websites asking for input and you spend hours, glued to the B&H website looking over your options.
Is it the 17-55mm G ED VR AF-S D, or the 28-200mm 3.8-6.3 DC OS HSM? Or maybe the 23-260mm 4.7-9.2 IS VR GBD XIS ABCD? The first one is definitely in your budget, and you like the second one, but it’s just a bit more. The third one is definitely out of your range, but you’re considering it anyway.
Here’s my advice, plain and simple. [click to continue…]
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