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by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Who doesn’t want to capture fun and creative portraits of our four-legged friends? We know we love it. In fact, pet photography may just be the most popular form of photography there is. Think of all the smartphone snaps of yawns, big stretches, and funny moments we all take of our cats, dogs, chinchillas, and beyond.
Quick snaps aside, you know what really ups the quality of our pet portraits? Lighting. Just as with any form of portrait, lighting unlocks possibilities that can be impossible without it. But what lighting system should we use?
by Luke Rollins · Posted
There comes a time in a photographer’s life—usually after some consistent success with an on-camera flash—when they say to themselves, "I’m ready to make my own light on demand." Thus begins a seemingly never-ending journey—first mastering the basics, then trying to put some feeling and expression into their photos.
Assuming you’re versed in
by Luke Rollins · Posted
Subject and style may vary, but consistency is a quality shared by all successful photo studios. When working indoors, that begins with lighting. Strobes remain the bread and butter of many still photography studios. Unlike natural light, which can be finicky and unpredictable; on-camera flashes, which are not typically designed for studio use; or continuous lights, which can become costly as output increases; strobes are built to withstand the rigors of studio life while providing flexible and powerful light. But with so many options on the
by M. Brett Smith · Posted
Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or deep-space dilletante, finding the best telescope is no easy task. During the ’scope selection process, you’ll need to consider several factors, including telescope type, viewing application, magnification power, and more.
To help you find the best telescope for your astronomical ambitions, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite ’scopes and separated
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Family portraits are a great way to capture a moment in your family’s history. You may find yourself wanting to capture family photos every few years or so, more often when the little ones are, well, little. Maybe you’re looking for a way to take matters into your own hands, or maybe you’ve been taking your own family photos for years and have found yourself being asked to take photos of friends, family members, or even paying clients.
Family portraits can be a lot of fun to shoot. Maybe you’ve been taking photos of your kids and want to
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Winter brings with it some of the best photographic opportunities imaginable. As the temperatures begin to drop, our approach to photography changes a bit. Cooler weather brings with it snow, stunningly colorful evening skies, wintering birds, and an assortment of beautiful weather conditions. Some of the best photographic opportunities present themselves in these unfortunately cold times. That being said, if we prep ourselves and our gear appropriately, we can capture stunning images.
Before You Head Out
First, some safety precautions. Cold
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Everyone loves cute baby photos. It may seem simple, but these are important images. These little ones won’t be this small again, and they certainly don’t remain that size for long. Whether you have a little experience under your belt or just getting started, one area that can seem overwhelming is lighting. In this guide, we’re looking at the lighting tools needed to capture stunning portraits of infants and newborns.
The Basics
First, some general newborn photography pointers.
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Anyone who has dabbled in pet photography knows that it can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. While pets are considered to be part of the family, they’re still animals who walk to the beat of their own drum and do things at their own pace. Even the best listeners can be easily distracted or have trouble sitting still for more than two seconds. If you’re considering trying your hand at photographing our fuzzy friends, we’ve put together this helpful guide for you. In this guide, we’re going to cover the essentials for those with a
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Photography is, by definition, the capture of light on a light sensitive surface. Exactly what kind of light this is in reference to is up to you as the photographer. When we think of lighting for photography we may immediately conjure up images of on-camera speedlights or big studio lights with soft boxes atop towering light stands.
While these lights can give us control over our scene in a variety of lighting conditions, they're not the only way we can light our images. Natural and ambient lighting can be harnessed to dramatic effect, if we
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
Finding the right lighting solution on a budget can be overwhelming, even for the most seasoned shooters. To make things a little easier, we’ve put together a list of some our favorite lights and lighting accessories for under $100.
Speedlights
The Godox TT350 Flash is a small TTL speedlight available for most major brands. TTL stands for “through-the-lens” metering, which is as close to auto as flash photography can
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Getting great pictures of your newborn or infant is certainly no easy task. Indeed, the window of opportunity for coaxing a perfect expression and a picturesque pose from your little bundle of joy is fleeting, at best. For parents (and others) who aspire to capture such moments, user-friendly gear, highly functional accessories, and photogenic props can make all the difference. With this in mind, here are our best recommendations to help make photo sessions with your unpredictable little darlings a success.
Pick the Right Camera for the Job
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
For macro photographers, having the right gear is essential. Magnification and lighting are key, but you don’t necessarily need the biggest, priciest macro lenses out there to get close-up shots. If you’re a macro photographer yourself or buying a gift for one, we have some excellent recommendations for every budget.
Gifts Under $50
1. Close-up macro filters (like this Macro Lens
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Food photography is an undeniably popular artistic medium, involving all kinds of people and gear to make those mouthwatering shots possible. If you’re an aspiring food photographer or someone looking to take their existing work to the next level, we’ve put together a special, themed gift guide that’s perfect for any skill level.
1. A 50mm Lens
Whether you are far into your photography career or just starting out, whenever you complete a dish in your kitchen or have a plate placed in front of you at a restaurant, there’s no better starting
by Zack Young · Posted
Once you’re familiar with the basic concepts behind high-volume photography, the next logical step is to figure out what gear you need to purchase. That’s when the panic might hit. Suddenly you’re flooded with decisions about cameras, lenses, strobes, backdrops, barcode scanners, and more, each category including tons of different options at every