Nikon has been busy lately. Almost every month it seems like a new lens is being released. The 800mm F5.6, the 70-200 F4, the 80-400mm F4.5-5.6. Of course, I want them all! Another lens was released recently that didn't get as much fanfare, but may be the...
Read More
The Palm Springs Photo Festival was held this year at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Palm Springs for 6 days drawing photographers, vendors, lecturers and players of all types involved in the creation and business of photography. The event director, Jeff Dunas created an environment...
Read More
Bottom line, if your shot isn't sharp, then nothing else matters...delete, delete, delete. I spend countless hours working on my images after a shoot, and sharpening is one of the most important parts of my workflow. Sharpening takes some time to master since not all...
Read More
Our jobs as general practitioners of photo and video require comfortable, durable stylish dressing. Recently Karl and I discovered the 5.11 Tactical clothing line, which fits absolutely every venue we work in from country club formal to 4-wheel rough terrain and dirt.
I have a Nikon D5100 that I use as a backup on video shoots. During some interviews and presentations, the 20-minute limit means that I have to stop the camera after 20 minutes or at least be on top of it to restart it running, which means that if it's the only camera recording, there will...
Read More
As a self-employed creative professional I wear many hats on a daily basis. My virtual hat rack includes photographer, accountant, marketing manager, administrative assistant, video editor, writer, lawyer and business development manager. You can see why I need a whole...
Read More
Today’s typical business group photography happens so quickly that the focus has shifted in many cases to optimization in Photoshop. Since most groups are commissioned late in the meeting or conference planning, we rarely have more than a couple day’s notice. Therefore our fee is...
Read More
I often fill my truck to the ceiling with lighting equipment on an assignment. I hate to limit my lighting options on a photo shoot. I might want my strip bank for this effect, and my big square softbox for this look. I better bring my speedlights for quick and easy...
Read More
There comes a time in any relationship to know when it isn't working out. In business, it is essential to be able to assess yours and get rid of the clients that drag you down. They all abuse you in some way. Some always beat you up on price or terms, some pay you very late, consistently....
Read More
I travel a lot each year on assignments and teaching workshops; a major priority for me is traveling light. A lot of trips I might be traveling alone, so I don't have a fleet of assitants to help carry my gear. With this in mind, I have narrowed down my minimalist...
Read More
For 2013, I've been setting some goals. And by setting goals, I mean putting them on paper. And digital paper, in the form of my devices, so I can have them in front of me and in the forefront of my mind all the time.
There's the obvious, expanding my work and my business. I...
Read More
I'm a sucker for anything that streamlines my workflow and photo assignments. A simple photo shoot can get complex quickly; one main light on the subject, one accent light on his left side...better add a few lights to illuminate the car in the background. Before I know...
Read More
I just HAD to share this ! Sometimes I'm just browsing Facebook and you find an interesting link that leads to another interesting link and a subject you don't know much about and then BAM ! Incredible photography. This just happened to me as I discovered GF Williams'...
Read More
There's a great story, I don't know if it's true, but I'd love to think it is. It goes like this:
A woman is walking through the streets of Paris when she spots Picasso sitting at a cafe drinking coffee. She is overcome with the urge to approach him.
The lens or Focal length of the lens you choose has a profound impact on the image. It effects the perspective, background, and features of the subject. Everyone should understand what the different focal lengths do to the human face and how they change the background. Why do you choose a 135 mm lens to shoot a head shot of a beautiful woman but use a 24mm to shoot a clown?
Read More
I've had my Nikon D800 for a little bit, and decided it would be a lot better to have a vertical grip for it. The OEM grip is the Nikon MB-D12 Multi Battery Power Pack (reminds me of my old MD-12 for the FM2), and runs a cool $400. The D700 grip, the MB-D10, was similar, and only $250. This caused an uproar among prosumer users, and most anyone else on a budget. Why would essentially the same thing be nearly twice the price?
Read More
I just bought a 50mm lens. Certainly not my first one, I've owned many primes, and this is my 5th 50mm Nikkor. I've upgraded for various reasons. Here's why I bought the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens over the 1.4 version.
Read More
My new scenario: drive up, leave the engine running, hold my iPhone steady, snap and go. Not quite that easy, but almost. The right time of day is a necessity, and experience to select an angle for greatest curb appeal.
Read More
... to try to swindle a well-meaning photographer out of reasonable remuneration. Think you won't be sued for donating your time, equipment and expertise? Wrong answer when attorneys get into the mix and so-called friends try to scam you! Oh yeah, there's money here, but nothing for us.
Read More
As a photographer with a couple of decades' worth of experience, I've seen a lot of things go wrong on my shoots. Though you have to have an extra body and lens (at LEAST), the ability to think on your feet and remain calm and still get the shots you need is PARAMOUNT to being able handle a career in photography.
Read More