Search results for: photography buying guide how to choose a camera mount
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by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
It is probably safe to say that many of us photographers have, either with our cameras or smartphones, tried to capture a close-up image of an insect, flower, toy, or other object. We have an idea of what we want this photograph to look like as we prepare to capture the image. We've seen and admired beautiful close-up images before but, when we nose the camera lens up to the object, we see nothing but a blur—the lens can't focus close enough to
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
If you are stranded on a desert island and can only have one camera lens with you, which lens would you choose? That may depend on your specific area of expertise, but for the average photographer, the 50mm focal length is an essential tool to have in your kit. The 50mm prime lens, or “Nifty Fifty,” features a field of view close to that of the human eye, and delivers exceptional image quality, subject isolation, and background rendering, all in a compact package.
The Origin of the “Nifty Fifty”
In the bygone era of film SLR photography, many
by Shawn C. Steiner · Posted
After you pick up your first speedlight, strobe, or LED panel, the best investment you can make is in some modifiers. These are tools that shape and alter the intensity of our light source. Modifiers come in all shapes and sizes based on the type of light you plan to use them on, which can make it difficult to pick one out if you are new to photography. Since each modifier comes with its own distinct look and ideal use, here is a
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
One of the most effective ways to improve your portraiture is by controlling the light, and one of the most effective ways to control your light is to move it. Seems like a simple enough concept, but it can be daunting at first, especially if you're using a speedlight or an on-camera flash. Despite its misleading name, an on-camera flash can, very easily, be used off the camera. The "on-camera" part simply refers to its form factor
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
While much of what makes a great family portrait photographer comes with practice, there are ways you can improve your workflow with the right gear. Today, we’re going to look at accessories that will make your life as an at-home or even aspiring professional portrait photographer easier.Family portraits can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding genres of photography. On top of technical expertise and a familiarity with your gear, it also requires personability and the ability to (sometimes) wrangle up large groups. Even after you get a
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Landscapes and wildlife are among the most challenging subject matter to capture well with a camera. Wildlife is unpredictable and despite your best efforts, will not respond to posing instructions. Landscapes are stationary but at the mercy of available light and weather conditions. All that being said, it is the unpredictable nature of landscape and wildlife photography that has earned these genres a very large, very dedicated, and very passionate following. The dedication of these photographers can make finding the right gift all the more
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Wedding and portrait photographers looking for a lightweight, compact system with exceptional performance need look no further than the FUJIFILM X cameras and lenses. While the size and weight advantage of mirrorless cameras spans from Micro Four Thirds to full frame, the APS-C sensors in the FUJIFILM X system allow the cameras and lenses to be relatively small and light. Full-frame mirrorless is attractive to many, but the portability advantage of APS-C sized lenses is not to be understated.
For those looking to one-up the full-frame shooters
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Lens selection is a highly personal choice for the professional photographer. Your shooting style, client needs, and cost all factor into how you choose to build your kit. Wedding photographers require a greater variety of lenses as they must cover a diverse assortment of compositions in various environments and lighting conditions. As working professionals, it’s only natural to begin investing in high-quality professional glass. For Canon users, this is the L series.
Easily identified by a thin red line circling the lens barrel, L glass is
by Cory Rice · Posted
Whether you are shooting a fashion editorial, a wedding reception, or anything in between, on- and off-camera lighting can make a huge difference outdoors. Natural light is wonderful, but there are scenarios in which you simply cannot run the risk of an unexpected cloud or rapidly setting sun ruining your shot. This article introduces the gear and accessories necessary to be prepared outdoors always, no matter what
by Christopher Witt · Posted
Humans’ fascination with the stars is as old as our ability to think and ask questions. For millennia we, as a species, were limited to observing the heavens with just our eyes. Of course, back then we were able to see more because light pollution didn’t exist, but making detailed observations was impossible. The invention of the microscope led to the development of the telescope, which allowed people to finally start exploring the larger universe. As technological advances were made and telescopes got bigger and better, their reach and the
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Leave it to the world of photography to confuse size and speed. In lens-speak, the term “fast glass” refers to lenses with large apertures. In this article we take a look at the lenses with the largest-opening apertures. The aperture is the opening of a lens. The aperture’s size is expressed as a number that shows the ratio of the opening to the lens’s focal length. This number is referred to as an f/number, f/stop, focal
by Rebecca Melville · Posted
If you ask most consumer-camera owners why they keep a filter on their lens, a majority will most likely reply, “For protection.” While filters do protect the surface of your lens against dust, moisture, and the occasional thumb print, the primary function of lens filters is really to improve the image quality of the pictures you take. There are many kinds of filters with obvious and lesser-known benefits, so if you’re looking for a lens
by Bjorn Petersen · Posted
For digital photographers, a well-calibrated and accurate photography monitor is an indispensable tool for a solid practice. Whether you like to print your photos or share exclusively online, a photo monitor you can trust will make a big difference in how someone views your photographs, yourself included. Besides just helping to achieve accurate colors and contrast, a finely tuned monitor is also more enjoyable to work on and contributes to a seamless all-around workflow. When looking for a monitor, you should consider size and resolution as
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
The tripod: a three-legged camera support. Why is the tripod market so flooded with options when they all look pretty much the same and are designed to do the same thing? Isn’t one tripod as good as any other? Why are some so expensive? Why are others comparatively inexpensive? Do some hold cameras more steadily than others? And, why in the world is that one pink?
In this article, we will be emphasizing the use of a tripod for photography.
by Rebecca Melville · Posted
2023 has been another banner year for vloggers. Not only did we see new releases from familiar faces like GoPro and Sony, but big-name camera brands like Canon and FUJIFILM wheeled out their own vlog-specific and vlog-friendly cameras, making content creation more accessible than ever. With vlogging on the rise and showing no signs of stopping, you might be interested in getting a vlogging camera for yourself.
The vari-angle rear LCD touchscreen is a must-have for most content creation and vlogging. Vari-angle touchscreens can twist and