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26 Types of Photography to Explore (for Inspiration)

26 Aug

The post 26 Types of Photography to Explore (for Inspiration) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.

26 types of photography to explore (for inspiration)

There are dozens of types of photography, covering a wide range of subjects and themes. Some genres focus on people, others center around the natural environment, others emphasize human-made landscapes, and still others consider cultural objects such as food and products.

Thinking about branching out into a different photographic genre or simply on a hunt for inspiration? Here’s a list of 26 photography types to get your creative juices flowing!

1. Abstract photography

abstract photo of a flower
Canon 5D Mark II | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II with extension tubes | f/2.2 | 1/200s | ISO 100

Abstract photography is about expressing a visual image through association, isolation, and recontextualization. Also known as experimental photography, abstract photography isn’t bound by standard photographic conventions (although a sound knowledge of composition and technique can help improve your abstract photos!).

By prioritizing abstraction over the figurative or representational renderings of subject matter, an abstract photographer crafts an image that audiences can explore through intuition and impression. And with a focus on aspects such as light, distance, detail, color, texture, line, camera movement, and focus, abstract photographers experiment with ideas about what actually makes an effective image.

2. Aerial photography

Also known as airborne photography, aerial photography involves making photographs while a camera (either held by a photographer or mounted on special equipment) is airborne. Vehicles for aerial photography can include kites, aircraft, parachutes, rockets, and even pigeons (a technique invented in 1907).

The first aerial photos were made by French photographer Gaspard-Félix Tournachon, who took pictures over Paris in a balloon in 1858. However, the resulting photographs are lost to time, and the earliest surviving aerial photograph, made by James Wallace Black and Samuel Archer King, depicts Boston from a balloon in 1860.

Nowadays, drones are a popular tool for aerial photography. And as drones become more efficient, user-friendly, and economical, many photographers are taking the opportunity to capture unique perspectives from the air.

3. Animal photography

From whales to cats to gerbils, animal photography encompasses both domesticated pets and wildlife. Animal photographers strive to convey the spirit of their subject, and preventing harm to animals is paramount.

Because of the varied behavior and size of animals, animal photography can involve a wide range of gear. Lenses include telephotos, wide-angles, zooms, and primes. Equipment such as hides and camera traps, as well as camouflage and Ghillie suits, are sometimes used to photograph wildlife.

For pet photography, standard zoom lenses are a common choice, although prime lenses or a wide zoom such as a 16-35mm are good alternatives.

4. Architectural photography

Architectural photography is the photography of buildings and similar structures. Architectural photographers prioritize a balance between realism, technical accuracy, and pleasing aesthetics. The first permanent photograph (titled View from the Window at Le Gras by Nicéphore Niépce) doubled as the first architectural photograph. From there, early photographers like Henry Fox Talbot made numerous images with architectural subjects.

Attention to compositional tenets like leading lines, perspective, symmetry, and framing are key methods applied in crafting an architectural photograph. Sometimes, aerial photography is combined with architectural photography to present the viewer with a fresh perspective on an architectural subject.

5. Astrophotography

Humans have been looking at the night sky for millennia, and the jump between the first successful photograph of an astronomical object (the Moon in 1840 by John William Draper) to present-day astrophotography is amazing.

astrophotography of the moon
Canon 5D Mark IV | Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM | f/5.6 | 1/1600s | ISO 500

Depending on the subject and your desired outcome, there are tools designed to make the process of photographing the heavens easier. For broad night sky photography, a wide-angle lens with a wide aperture and a quality mirrorless or DSLR camera with an interchangeable lens configuration and manual capabilities is ideal (and a full-frame camera will likely perform better in low-light conditions). A remote shutter release or intervalometer will minimize camera shake.

If you plan to photograph fixed renderings of the night sky (as opposed to star trails), a tracker mechanism is highly recommended. A sturdy tripod is a crucial piece of equipment, and a flashlight for light-painting the surrounding environment to create context can be a useful creative tool.

Light pollution indicator app screenshot
Light pollution indicator apps like LPM (above) are available for Android and iOS devices.

Apps that track weather and light pollution or indicate the darkest times of the month can be handy for determining a shoot date in advance.

In terms of photographing the moon, a telephoto lens mounted to a full-frame camera can work well. Again, a mirrorless or DSLR with an interchangeable lens system and manual capabilities is recommended, along with a remote or shutter release cable and a sturdy tripod. Here’s a useful guide for choosing the right settings to capture beautiful lunar astrophotography.

6. Conceptual photography

While the phrase “conceptual photography” derives from the late 1960s Conceptual Art movement, the term has been used retrospectively to describe a genre or approach to photography that prioritizes the illustration of a concept.

Hippolyte Bayard’s Self Portrait as a Drowned Man (1840) was one of the earliest conceptually based photographs. Bayard, apparently provoked by French authorities failing to recognize his discovery of the photographic process as equal to Daguerre’s daguerreotype, faked a self-portrait depicting his own “dead” body with a summary of his demise written on the back of the photograph.

Conceptual photography thrives on the transmission of ideas. Often surreal or hyper-real in their approach, photographers like John Hilliard, Cindy Sherman, and Chema Madoz are well-known figures in the conceptual field. The diversity and scope of conceptual photography has expanded even further with the availability of photo-editing software.

7. Documentary photography

While sometimes confused with one another, documentary photography and photojournalism are two different fields. Documentary photography relates to long-form projects with a discernible storyline threading throughout a series. Photojournalism, on the other hand, focuses more on breaking news stories.

From the poor Depression-era farming communities documented by Dorothea Lange to Diane Arbus’s haunting portraits of marginalized figures, documentary photography shines a light on often underrepresented facets of life. Through their work, a documentary photographer can enhance awareness of a subject or theme and stimulate an emotional response.

8. Event photography

Put simply, an event photographer specializes in photographing events. Whether focused on a corporate occasion, a birthday, a wedding, or a funeral, event photography is as broad as the many occasions that warrant a photographer on site to capture the moment.

As with all types of photography, preparation is the key to a successful event shoot. Events can be held indoors, outdoors, or both, so lighting conditions can be complex and changeable. Packing a good low-light camera body and lens with a wide maximum aperture is useful for situations where flash might not be appropriate. And creating a shot checklist that is agreed upon by both photographer and client is a good way to establish and capture the images a client is after.

That said, depending on the event, you’ll want to keep an eye out for candid moments and little details; that way, you can create a more intimate collection of event images for the client. Also, don’t forget to stock up on memory cards and batteries.

9. Film photography

Nowadays, digital technology is the dominant medium for image making. Nevertheless, there are still many photographers who use film to create beautiful imagery.

Types of photography film flowers

Film photography can slow down the photographic process, encouraging a more mindful creative approach. A limited amount of film frames can also encourage photographers to shoot more conscientiously, and the use of manual settings can test and refresh technical knowledge.

The aesthetic value of film photography is both nostalgic and dimensional, with quirky cameras like the the Diana or Holga range also enabling spontaneous photography that intersects with the whimsy of cheap toy film cameras.

10. Food photography

There are distinct artistic and technical skills that come with every photographic genre, and food photography is no different. Under the camera lens, food can become a tasty still life artwork rather than your average meal.

The first known photograph of food as a subject was a daguerreotype taken in 1845 by Henry Fox Talbot. His photograph depicted a pineapple and some peaches contained in two baskets set atop a plaid tablecloth. Originally, foods were often photographed in an arrangement similar to the way people were accustomed to encountering a meal – the food was laid out on a table and photographed from overhead (mimicking the point of view of the consumer).

Today, meticulous lighting, selective focus, motion, extreme close-ups, overhead or flat lay perspectives, narrow-angle shots, and a shallow depth of field are just some of the carefully applied techniques designed to create a scene that appeals to a viewer’s taste buds. The introduction of contextual props, shooting in or staging a relevant space (like a café or restaurant), and focusing on compositional tenets like line, texture, and color can also help craft an inviting food-related image.

11. Intentional Camera Movement photography

intentional camera movement at night
Canon 5D Mark II | Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM | f/4 | 4s | ISO 400

Intentional Camera Movement (or ICM) is one of the more experimental types of photography. Put simply, ICM involves selecting a slower shutter speed and moving the camera and/or zooming during the exposure. The process creates impressionistic renderings of a scene that are marked by the physicality of the photographer.

Getting started with ICM photography is pretty simple. You’ll need a camera with semi-automatic or manual modes and a good camera strap. Secure the camera strap and set the shutter speed to around 1/15s. Press the shutter and physically move the camera around and/or adjust the lens focal length.

When the exposure finishes, check the LCD screen (if possible), take note of the results, and move on to the next frame, making adjustments to camera settings if necessary. The ICM process is experimental and endlessly varied, so trying many different combinations of gesture, camera settings, and subject matter is all part of the fun.

12. Landscape photography

Typically, landscape photographers capture natural (or sometimes semi-natural) vistas. Often showing little to no human activity, landscape photography focuses on strongly defined landforms usually illuminated with ambient light. Some of the most beautiful landscape photographs are motivated by a photographer’s appreciation of natural beauty and the need to see it preserved. Renowned landscape photographer Ansel Adams received both a Conservation Service Award and a Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of the influence his work had on the preservation of wilderness and the cultivation of environmental consciousness.

Prior planning goes a long way in photography, and landscape photography is no different. Scouting possible locations before shooting (if only through Google Maps) and calculating light and weather conditions with apps are important steps in the landscape photography process.

In terms of equipment, there are many different approaches to landscape photography. Some photographers pack a wide-angle lens, while others rely on a zoom or prime lens configuration. Regardless of which way you go in terms of lenses, a polarizing filter, a sturdy tripod, and a shutter release cable or intervalometer are major assets. A weatherproof camera setup can come in handy, too.

13. Macro photography

macro photography flower close up
Canon 5D Mark II | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II with extension tubes | f/2 | 1/500s | ISO 100

In the early 1900s, F. Percy Smith started photographing small natural subjects with the use of extension tubes and bellows. The increased distance between the negative and the lens culminated in enlarged renderings of subject matter. Nowadays, macro photography involves the use of specialized equipment to obtain close-up images of small subjects that are hard to discern with the naked eye.

With a wealth of lenses, filters, and extension tube configurations to choose from, macro photography provides a fascinating insight into the vivid details that make up our surroundings. Insects, plant life, small animals, snowflakes, raindrops, and spiderwebs are just a few popular macro photography subjects.

14. Minimalist photography

Types of photography minimalist out-of-focus tree
Canon 5D Mark II | Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM | f/5 | 1/200s | ISO 100

Minimalist photography is distinguished by its pared-back simplicity, focusing on the smallest amount of objective content possible. Arising from the minimalist art movement of the 1950s, minimalist photography revels in restrained or reductive techniques, appealing to the viewer through simplicity and the shedding of superfluous information.

Minimalist photographers often operate under the assumption that less is more, directing a viewer’s attention to subject matter with efficiency and a judicious use of space. Well-known proponents of minimalist photography include Michael Kenna, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Uta Barth.

15. Nature photography

Nature photography, as you might imagine, encompasses many types of photography genres. In general terms, nature photography describes photography undertaken outdoors in the hopes of depicting plants, wildlife, and/or natural landscapes. Macro photography is often included under the nature photography heading.

nature misty forest
Canon 5D Mark II | Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM | f/4 | 1/80s | ISO 250

Trees, landscapes, beaches, insects, stone formations, wildlife…There are hundreds of nature photography subjects, and the selection of equipment for a nature shoot comes down to subject behavior and the desired outcome of an image.

For example, much of landscape photography is done with wide-angle lenses, but a telephoto lens can be critical for capturing wildlife. A macro lens (or a set of extension tubes) is handy for the close-up photography of plants and insects, while a tripod or monopod will be useful for bracing the camera and keeping things steady when a slower shutter speed is required. A camera body that performs well in low-light conditions and features weatherproofing is also ideal. And if you decide to pack all of the above options for one trip, investing in a good backpack is advisable.

There are some environmental concerns involving nature photography. The destruction of a landscape can be caused by the incautious efforts of photographers prioritizing a photograph over the natural environment. Wildlife photography encompasses photographing animals in their natural habitats, but interrupting, staging, or causing harm in an attempt to make a photograph is unethical, with many photo competitions rejecting submissions that negatively impact the well-being of wild fauna. In short, a leave no trace approach is encouraged.

16. Night photography

bokeh at night
Canon 5D Mark IV | Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM | f/4 | 1/25s | ISO 200

Night photographers specialize in making images when the sun goes down. From the eerily atmospheric street photos of Jessie Tarbox Beals (the first woman night photographer) to the meticulously staged photography of Gregory Crewdson, night photography is dense, beautiful, and sometimes unsettling.

Photographers working at night can use artificial lighting, ambient lighting, or a combination of the two. Astrophotography is conducted at night and uses longer exposures to capture celestial bodies. Light-trail photography captures illuminated subject movement with a slow shutter speed. Cityscapes photographed at night have a distinctly modern appeal, and nocturnal street photography used in conjunction with flash generates an intimate aesthetic.

17. Photojournalism

Photojournalism is the gathering, editing, and presenting of photographic news material. Sometimes conducted in the face of danger, photojournalism has a long history, with many of its proponents advancing the overall course of photography with dedication, creativity, and daring.

According to the code of ethics created by the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), “It is the individual responsibility of every photojournalist at all times to strive for pictures that report truthfully, honestly, and objectively.” The staging or manipulation of a scene through the direction of the photographer is considered un-photojournalistic or unethical. With the evolving use of modern post-processing techniques, the idea of truthful photojournalism has become an increasingly complicated facet of reportage. In general, a minimal approach to editing is advised, and sticking to simple edits (cropping, contrast adjustments, etc.) is a relatively common photojournalistic guideline.

18. Portrait photography

Portraiture or portrait photography aims to capture the essence of a person or group through photography. The art of portraiture grew with the daguerreotype in the mid-19th century. Reduced sitting times and the relatively low cost of the photographic process saw a general rise in the popularity of early portraiture. Subjects were often positioned against plain backgrounds and illuminated with soft natural lighting. As technology advanced, exposure times shortened further, and the ability to make portraits outside the studio became increasingly common.

Today, there are a range of techniques and approaches to portraiture. The traditional portrait involves a subject (usually in a studio setting), often looking towards the camera. The environmental portrait features a subject situated in a specific environment for context and narrative. A street portrait depicts a subject in a street setting. Conceptual portraiture is shot with an emphasis on ideas based around the sitter, while the self portrait involves a photographer taking a photograph of themselves.

19. Sports photography

Sports photography is a type of photography that covers sporting events. Sometimes considered a branch of photojournalism, sports photographers capture the unfolding drama of a sporting occasion.

Long lenses and camera bodies with high continuous shooting speeds allow for greater reach across the playing field and an increased chance of capturing the perfect shot. However, regular zooms, wide-angle lenses, and prime lenses may also be used during closer encounters, and a sports photographer can have several camera configurations at the ready.

Other important sports photography equipment includes a monopod or tripod. The use of drones and strategically placed cameras triggered by wireless shutter actuators are useful for certain sports activities. And although you never know how a game is going to play out for certain, a good general knowledge of the sporting event always helps to close in on those key moments.

20. Still life photography

Still life is the art of taking photographs of (usually) inanimate subjects. With roots in painting, genres like food photography, object portraiture, flat lay photography, and tabletop photography often coexist under the still life banner. However, there are two main types of still life photography: found still life and created still life.

Found still life photographs feature subjects captured without a photographer’s influence or manipulation. An example of a found still life subject could be an apple fallen from a tree. In contrast, created still life photographs feature objects that the photographer has purposely arranged or manipulated; artificial subjects like vessels (pots, vases, baskets) are often balanced with organic subject matter like flowers, food, vegetables, shells, etc. Well-known masters of still life photography include Olive Cotton, Jan Groover, Sharon Core, and Josef Sudek.

21. Street photography

Street photographers candidly capture life in the public domain, avoiding direct interactions with the subject. And unlike the name suggests, street photography can be done off the beaten track, too – beaches, indoor settings, and rural areas hold just as much potential for street photographers as big cities and crowded streets.

street photography man in the road
Canon 5D Mark II | Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM | f/4 | 1/500s | ISO 500

As for gear, street photographers generally use a smaller camera that’s less visible and therefore less intrusive or intimidating; such cameras are also lighter to carry around during the hours spent roaming the streets.

In addition, a camera may come with a soft or silent shutter mode for surreptitious exposures. Although the versatility of a zoom lens can be useful in some circumstances, the classic prime lens is more subtle, lessening the chance of interference. The nifty fifty or 50mm lens is a popular choice for street photographers.

22. Travel photography

Shaped by magazines like National Geographic, travel photography depicts a broad variety of subject matter. According to the Photographic Society of America, a travel photograph is a photograph “that expresses the feeling of a time and place, portrays a land, its people, or a culture in its natural state, and has no geographical limitations.”

patterns on a wall
Canon 5D Mark II | Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM | f/6.3 | 1/200s | ISO 100

As the accessibility of travel increases, the genre of travel photography has been taken up by photographers at all levels. Dedicated travel photographers once earned wages through magazine assignments, commercial undertakings, and stock photography. Nowadays, professional travel photographers also turn to blogging, teaching, touring, and public speaking to generate income.

23. Typological photography

Typological photography is not defined by a particular area of subject matter, but rather by the process and presentation of a photographic series. Typology in itself is the study of types or the systematic classification of subjects according to their common characteristics. Therefore, typological photography aims to document subjects that are similar in nature or theme, creating a visual body of work to compare, contrast, and appreciate as a whole.

road sealant series
A photographic typology of road sealant.

Hilla and Bernd Becher, who made extensive photographic studies of industrial buildings and structures, forged a highly influential style of typological photography. As artists working in collaboration, the married pair recorded and then categorized the formal qualities of their subjects into a neat grid layout. They also maintained a consistent approach in photographing their subjects, relying on a foundation of uniformity to articulate the similarities and differences of each subject alone and as part of a whole. Today, much of modern typological photography revolves around this visual cohesion.

24. Underwater photography

The world below the water’s surface can be as fascinating as it is alien. Underwater photography is the use of specialized photography equipment to document the expanse of an aquatic landscape and its inhabitants (hopefully without drowning your camera equipment in the process!).

The first underwater photograph was believed to have been made by Englishman William Thompson in 1856. Thompson built a metal box housing for a camera to capture the marine landscape of Weymouth Bay in Dorset, England. The shutter was activated by pulling a string on the surface. Much later, in 1960, Jacques Cousteau’s Calypso was invented – the first amphibious 35mm film camera. Today, waterproof housings with control knobs and buttons are industry standard, with some including connectors for external flash units. Rugged compact cameras can also be used in shallow water without housings.

25. Urbex Photography

urbex photography
Canon 5D Mark II | Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM | f/6.3 | 1/80s | ISO 100

Urbexing (short for urban exploring) is the exploration of human-made structures usually found in a state of abandonment or ruin. Popular urbexing sites include abandoned houses, neglected industrial sites and offices, and dilapidated schools or churches. Many urbex explorers abide by the philosophy “take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.”

Incorporating photography into an urbexing expedition, many urbexers maintain websites or a social media presence to document their findings.

26. Weather photography

Although weather photography can encompass any kind of meteorological phenomenon, the term has become synonymous with photographing lightning, storms, sunsets, and other dramatic weather events.

Photographers have braved the elements to photograph weather phenomena for over a hundred years. In 1884, a photographer from Kanas named A.A. Adams captured a single image of a cyclone twisting just 14 miles away from where he’d set up his box camera. Today, basic weather photography gear usually encompasses a lightning or remote camera trigger, a sturdy tripod, and a camera with manual and/or Bulb settings. Like landscape photography, wide-angle lenses are useful for capturing large vistas of scenery and weather activity. ND filters and an intervalometer are nice to have, too.

Monitoring meteorological activity and finding locations well before a shoot is a good idea. When dynamic weather activity unfolds, scrambling for a last-minute scenic spot is less than ideal. Above all else, safety and common sense are paramount – shoot storms from a distance, keep up to date with weather notifications and warnings, stay away from metal poles, trees, and open areas, have good weatherproof clothing, and invest in rain protection for your camera.

Types of photography: final words

There are so many different photographic genres that it’s difficult to cover them all in a single article. Nevertheless, a solid knowledge of different types of photography opens the door to new photographic opportunities.

If you’re tiring of landscape photography, why not take up astrophotography? Do you have experience in sports photography? Why not branch out into pet photography? The possibilities are endless, and with a good knowledge of photographic genres, new opportunities are always available!

Now over to you:

Do you have a favorite photographic genre? Do you plan to take up any of the genres discussed in this article? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post 26 Types of Photography to Explore (for Inspiration) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.


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Pixel peeping the everyday: Explore our Google Pixel 4 sample gallery

29 Oct

Google’s Pixel 4 promises many clever benefits thanks to computational photography, but what does that mean when you go out and shoot with it?

We’ve been using a Pixel 4 as our always-with-us camera for the past week, trying out many of the modes and unique features available to it, including ‘Night Sight’, ‘Dual Exposure Controls’, and multiple zoom ratios. We’ve captioned each image with the mode it was shot in. Have a look at what the results look like.

We’ve also included Raw files for download, which are the result of Google’s burst photography modes with its robust align and merge algorithms.

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Instagram is rolling out photo and video advertisements in Explore tab

28 Jun

Instagram rolled out its redesigned Explore tab in May, introducing topic shortcuts, direct access to IGTV, and more. In an update today, the company has revealed another addition to Explore: advertisements. Instagram users will begin seeing sponsored posts in the app’s Explore tab over the ‘next few months,’ the company announced this week.

According to Instagram, more than half of the accounts on its platform use the Explore tab every month to discover new content and 80% of accounts follow at least one business in the app. The company plans to bring these two realities together by introducing sponsored posts in Explore.

When an advertisement is encountered, users will see a direct link to purchase items from the company that paid for the ad, as well as a ‘Sponsored’ label below the brand’s name. Instagram presents the new addition as a way for advertisers ‘to be part of what’s culturally relevant and trending while reaching new audiences who are looking to discover something new.’

It’s unclear how many users currently see the advertisements, which Instagram says it plans to introduce ‘slowly and thoughtfully in the coming months.’ Users will simply start to see ads at some point over the next few months ‘as part of their browsing experience,’ the company said this week.

It’s unclear how often users can expect to see advertisements in Explore once they are fully deployed on the platform. The first advertisements will arrive today and direct users to Instagram’s own IGTV, The Verge reports. In the future, ads will include both images and videos. This marks an expansion of advertisements on the platform, where they can already be found in Stories and the regular user feed.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Instagram’s redesigned Explore tab is now live: Stories, shortcuts and more

17 May

Instagram has launched a redesigned Explore tab that adds Stories, topic shortcuts, and direct access to ‘more immersive’ IGTV and Shopping experiences. With the update, Explore now provides users with direct access to Stories, a feature utilized by more than 500 million users daily. Users will now see personalized Stories recommendations in the Explore grid.

Explore recommendations include Stories that are relevant to each user’s interests based on topics they interact with. Users will start seeing these personalized Stories recommendations in Explore in the near future; Instagram says it will be rolling out the addition ‘over the coming weeks.’

Additionally, the redesigned Explore tab features shortcuts in the navigation bar that direct users to topic channels, such as Travel and Art. Users will also now see shortcuts that take them directly to IGTV and ‘Shop,’ the latter of which will produce category filters for specific product types directly in the navigation bar. The IGTV link directs users to the recently updated video home page with a personalized feed of suggested video content.

The redesigned Explore tab is intended to help users find new content they’re interested in viewing, and will likewise help photographers gain exposure to potential new followers interested in the types of content they share.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Shimoda unveils Explore 30 multi-use backpack for DSLR and mirrorless cameras

06 Nov

Shimoda has launched its new Explore 30 Daypack, a multi-use backpack for photographers, filmmakers, and others. The bag features the same gear carrying capacity as the original Explore 40 pack despite a shorter profile, according to the company. As well, the Explore 30 backpack has a new removable belt system and the ability to use Shimoda’s lineup of Core Units, the modular storage compartments that house camera gear.

The Shimoda Explore 30 features a main compartment that is accessible while carrying the bag, as well as a wrap-around zippered opening for access while the bag is positioned facing the wearer. The backpack has a dedicated zippered smartphone pocket, stretchable side pocket, padded shoulder straps, a removable waist belt, and a top carrying handle.

The Explore 30 is weather-resistant and can be used with a separate rain cover for additional protection. Photographers can utilize the Mirrorless Medium Core unit for transporting mirrorless and rangefinder cameras and lenses, or the Large DSLR Core Unit for transporting longer telephoto lenses and DSLRs.

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Accessory webbing straps enable users to attach accessories to the bag’s front and side panels; there’s also a multi-use accessory pouch that can be used with the webbing straps to transport larger items, such as a tripod. Shimoda is also offering a multi-section SD card wallet, a divider kit for the DSLR Core Unit, a Belt Booster that transfers some pack weight to the wearer’s waist, three mesh Stuff Sacks, and extra webbing straps with gate hooks.

The Shimoda Explore 30 backpack is available to preorder from B&H Photo and Adorama for $ 259.95 USD.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Review – Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

10 Jan

I love to hike. I love to head out into the backcountry, and I regularly take my camera gear with me. Funnily enough, my first article here on dPS discussed just this fact. So it seems rather fitting that I got to review the Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag.

The opportunity to review the bag was also timely because I’m currently in the market for a new backpack and had been looking at several brands before the arrival of this Shimoda pack.

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

The view from my hike. I love this area of Ontario, Canada.

The Shimoda Explore 40 pack is designed to be used as a daypack. It’s not meant to be used for weeklong treks into the wilderness with your camera gear.

If you’re looking for a pack to suit those needs, Shimoda makes the Explore 60 which more resembles a trekking bag. It’s similar to my 55 L Vaude Bag but it’s designed to hold camera gear whereas my Vaude bag was designed solely to carry backpacking gear. That doesn’t mean I haven’t adapted the bag to carry my camera gear, but it’s nice to have something designed specifically for photographers.

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

Here’s the complete Shimoda Explore 40 kit.

The Material

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

Here’s a close up of the material. It’s smooth, not rough like my other bags.

The first thing I noticed about the pack was the material. It is distinctly different from the material of my other bags. I took the Shimoda Explore 40 out of the packaging and was surprised by the feel and texture. It’s a smoother surface that is deceptive at first.

I am used to a bag that has a sort of canvas type material that feels rough like an old tent. At first touch, I was a bit sceptical about the durability of this material. I needed time to get used to the differences. The material is, in fact, double-resin coated nylon. It does not feel like the material of my Vaude hiking pack or my Lowepro Backpack.

I tested it in my kitchen sink. The water easily beaded on the material and rolled off without soaking through. The zippers are also water-resistant. The Explore 40 does not come with a rain cover, though. Most of the time you won’t need one but to be on the safe side, there’s plenty of room to pack a generic rain cover, just in case.

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

Here’s a close-up of the zippers with leather pulls. You’ll notice they are heavy-duty, not likely to break.

The Structure

The Shimoda Explore 40 is very well constructed of a heavy-duty material and also comes with a reinforced frame. Shimoda has inserted aluminum rods into the frame of the pack to help it maintain its shape and durability. I like the structure of the bag and how truly sturdy it feels.

The Core Units

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

I packed the core unit just to see how everything fit. Later, I changed the configuration for my hike as I didn’t take my extension tubes or the flash components.

The Shimoda Explore 40 is designed for lighter travel. It comes with two small core units as well as a medium sized one. The units are strong and durable. The dividers are easy to use and configure to the needs of your camera gear. I was able to remove pieces and reposition them quickly and easily without the Velcro becoming stuck to the sides and annoying me.

The camera gear is quite safe within the core units. They are designed to protect the gear and cushion items from the bumps and bangs that often occur when out on the trail. On my hike, I slipped down a rocky section of the trail and landed at the bottom of a steep hill. My gear was safe and secure within the core unit.

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

This is the interior of the small core unit.

The two smaller core units come with a very basic strap that allows you to turn the unit into a shoulder bag for carrying around one or two lenses and a camera body. But the strap isn’t designed for all day walking through a city.

I could see the bag possibly digging into my shoulder if I were to use it to peruse a city with my camera for 8 hours. The unit is designed more for quick jaunts around the campsite or for short walks.

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

The inserts are very sturdy and I found the tapered edges made it easier to configure the unit for my camera gear.

Storage within the Bag

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

Here’s a shot of the front compartment. I stuffed a trail guide in here.

The Shimoda Explore 40 is designed to hold more than just camera gear. I was able to pack food items as well as a water bottle. If need be the Explore 40 is equipped to carry a water bladder and hose. For this trip, I chose to take a small mug and water purifying drops, so I didn’t test out the water bladder compartment.

The bag comes equipped with tons of pockets. I was able to store my lunch, extra socks, my phone, a map, a rain cover, mug, and extra mittens within the pack. There was certainly room for more gear inside the pack.

The outer straps allow you to attach items to the exterior of the pack. You could choose to carry a small tent at the bottom of the bag.

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

The bag is pretty spacious when opened.

The bag also comes equipped with a sleeve in which you can fit a 13” laptop. The padding of the back panel would protect the laptop from any bumps or bangs that might cause possible damage to the gear.

The Shoulder Straps

The pack comes with several different adjustable should heights. I put the bag on the smallest setting. To give you an idea I am 165cm (5’5″) tall.

The pack fit nicely on my torso at the smallest setting. The hip belt rested just above my hip bones, and the adjustable straps allowed me to set the shoulders comfortably so that I felt no strain and carried the majority of the weight on my waist.

The last thing you want is a bag that places most of the stress on your shoulders, and by the end of the day, you’re regretting your decision to take your gear.

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

There are four different settings for the height of the torso.

My one complaint about the strap configuration has to do with the chest strap. It comes across the front and helps to keep the shoulder straps in place. This takes some strain off the top of the shoulders.

The issue is pretty much based on anatomy. The bag is designed as a unisex item. It does not take into consideration the female chest. Many women’s bags are designed so that this strap sits above the bust. I was able to slide the strap up somewhat but not enough to keep it from resting on the bust.

It’s a minor complaint that only female photographers will struggle to overcome. Believe me, we are used to this. It would be nice one day for someone to take the risk and design a camera bag specifically for the shape of a woman (hint, hint, Shimoda).

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

The bag sits comfortably on the body, even when you’re wearing a thick sweater.

Accessing Camera Gear

The Explore 40 comes equipped with both side and rear access to your camera gear. For my test hike, I used the medium core unit and tested out the rear access. It was easy to get to my camera and to switch lenses when needed.

The core unit easily held my 5D Mark III, a 70-200mm, a 16- 35mm and a 50mm prime lens. The side access works quite well also. At home, I inserted the small core unit and stuffed the bag with towels to hold it in place. It was easy to sling the bag sideways and remove my 70-200mm while it was attached to my camera body.

In Conclusion

Overall the bag is beautifully designed. I tested it on the Bruce Trail. It was a cold and rainy day. I completed a 15km hike over rough terrain. The design of the bag ensured it fit snuggly to my body. I didn’t ever feel burdened by the gear I was carrying.

The hard frame of the core unit did slightly dig into my lower back, but I was able to make a few adjustments to the straps and solved the issue. Over time I can see myself breaking some of the plastic clips, but this is pretty common in most bags. I have replaced the clips on my Vaude trekking bag on several occasions.

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

At the start of the trail with the Shimoda Explore 40 pack.

I wouldn’t use the Shimoda Explore 40 for long overnight hikes. The shoulder straps are not designed to carry the weight of camera gear plus all of the items necessary for a backcountry trip. Shimoda recommends their Explore 60 for those types of activities.

After looking on their website I discovered that they also offer a carry-on unit for planes as well as several accessory packs that can help make packing your gear easier to manage. I’ll be honest, I’m considering the carry-on the unit. The core units fit into this bag, so it’s easy to transfer items from carry-on to your pack once you arrive at your destination. I like this feature an awful lot. It would have helped me out a great deal last year during my trips.

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

The straps are comfortable and durable but definitely designed as a daypack. I’m told the Explore 60 has much heftier straps for longer hikes.

See the bag overview in this video:
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Shimoda recently completely a Kickstarter campaign. Check them out and see what you think of their products.

The post Review – Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag by Erin Fitzgibbon appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Pencil Art: 50+ Sculptures Explore the Hidden Beauty of This Utilitarian Object

04 Sep

[ By SA Rogers in Art & Sculpture & Craft. ]

A pencil is usually a tool, but what happens when artists subvert its common usage, transforming it into a medium for sculpting instead? Extraordinary sculpting skills paired with a steady hand and a magnifying glass make it possible to carve amazingly tiny figures out of the pencil’s lead. Some artists see flowers or portraits in cast-off pencil shavings, or glue masses of the writing instruments together to sculpt and sand them into new forms punctuated by the graphite or colored pigments inside each pencil’s core.

Pencil Lead Carvings by Salavat Fidai

HBO Asia recently commissioned an incredible set of Game of Thrones-themed pencil lead carvings from Russian artist Salavat Fidai, including the sigils of each House, a White Walker, the dragons and the Iron Throne. It takes Fidai about 6 to 12 hours to sculpt each one using a craft knife, a magnifying glass and a microscope. The artist says the most challenging piece in the collection was the throne, which took over three weeks to perfect. Of course, the Game of Thrones pieces are just the latest works from Fidai, who has also carved tiny architecture, superheroes and other fictional characters, and much more.

Vases Made of Pencils by Studio Markunpoika

Hundreds of pencils are glued together into a solid mass and then carved on a machine lathe to create vases and other decorative objects, revealing the insides of the pencils. Studio Markunpoika describes their process: “‘Amalgamated’ is a collection which explores the relationship of a mass produced ‘tool’ and its individual purpose. The beauty of the pencil as an object seems to go unnoticed if utilized only for their primary purpose. ‘Amalgamated’ is a visual and tactile investigation using pencils as a raw material. This holistic principle has been the fundament for creating this set of vases; let the pencils become a thing themselves.”

Pencil Lead Carvings by Dalton Ghetti

The most impressive works by Dalton Ghetti are undoubtedly those which turn single pencil leads into chains. You can’t help but stare at each one for a while, wondering how he managed to pull them off. The fact that the artist has been refining his process since childhood might tell you a thing or two about how he’s able to pull pieces like these off – or that some of his pieces can take months or even years to complete. He also carves his tiny sculptures without the aid of a microscope or magnifying glass, using sewing needles and razor blades.

Pencil Sculptures by Jennifer Maestre

The colorful bristling creatures of Jennifer Maestre seem to have come from the depths of the sea, their appendages recalling the natural shapes of urchins, anemones, coral, octopi and jellyfish. The artist uses colored pencils as a medium for her unusual sculptures. “The spines of the urchin, so dangerous yet beautiful, serve as an explicit warning against contact. The alluring texture of the spines draws the touch in spite of the possible consequences. The tension unveiled, we feel push and pull, desire and repulsion. The sections of pencils present aspects of sharp and smooth for two very different textural and aesthetic experiences. Paradox and surprise are integral in my choice of materials.”

Pencil Lead Carvings by Cindy Chinn

Cindy Chinn takes advantage of the length of graphite contained within a pencil, tunnel-like inside the wood, and translates it into lines of marching elephants or trains. Her ‘Elephant Walk’ series was commissioned by the California-based Epiphany Elephant Museum. Of the train piece, Chinn says “This piece was designed using straight lead pieces for the rails, with the tiny carved train placed and securely glued on top of the rails. The train engine is only 3/16” of an inch tall. The pencil is 5-5/8” long and mounted in a wood shadowbox frame as shown in the photos.”

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You can now explore the International Space Station in Google Street View

20 Jul
Cupola Observation Module, Image: Google

Thomas Pesquet, an astronaut with the European Space Agency (ESA) spent 6 months on board of the International Space Station (ISS). During his time in space he worked with Google capturing spheric panorama images of the space station’s interiors and unique images of the Earth seen from space.

As a result you can now explore the ISS and have a look at the blue planet from space using Google Street View.

US Laboratory Module, Image: Google

In his post on the Google Blog Thomas provides a little insight into the the picture capturing process in space: “Because of the particular constraints of living and working in space, it wasn’t possible to collect Street View using Google’s usual methods. Instead, the Street View team worked with NASA at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas and Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama to design a gravity-free method of collecting the imagery using DSLR cameras and equipment already on the ISS. Then I collected still photos in space, that were sent down to Earth where they were stitched together to create panoramic 360 degree imagery of the ISS.”

More information and images are available in Thomas Pesquet’s article “Welcome to Outer Space View” on the Google Blog.

Joint Airlock (Quest), Image: Google

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Urban Adventuring Apps: 13 Interactive Ways to Explore Your City

08 Dec

[ By SA Rogers in Travel & Urban Exploration. ]

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Whether you want to get to know your own city on a deeper level or explore secret spots in unfamiliar places, this collection of smartphone apps will take you on adventures you’d otherwise miss. Check out these scavenger hunts, walking tours, history lessons, interactive tasks that take you on random routes, user-submitted local favorites and other ways to interact with urban environments in fun and unexpected ways.

Derivé: Random Tasks Send You on an Adventure

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Explore your city – or an unfamiliar city – in a totally new way with the Derivé app, which randomly assigns you a task to do, like “find your favorite building”, “follow a hat,” “sit for two minutes” or “find a tree.” Refreshed every three minutes, the task cards lead you on a single-person scavenger hunt that will encourage you to take routes you’d never take otherwise and experience your environment in a new way.

History Pin: See History in Real Time

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This user-generated history map lets you see what cities used to look like thanks to submitted historical photographs, which are pinned onto their real-life locations. The app uses Google Maps and Street View technology to overlay the historic photos onto the live camera view. Just hold up your phone in the street, and it’ll give you a glimpse of the past.

Spotted by Locals: Get the Inside Scoop

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When you’re traveling, it’s easy enough to wander randomly without the use of a smartphone or simply go by tourist guide recommendations, but finding out what locals love can be more challenging. The Spotted by Locals app tells you what’s popular in any given spot, and it’s constantly updated to keep track of business openings and closings.

Geocaching: Treasure Hunting Challenge

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The classic treasure-hunting app that has explorers digging for cleverly hidden containers called ‘geocaches’ remains the most popular way to participate in the adventure. The Geocaching app shows you geocaches near your location, allows you to message other players for hints and log the treasures you’ve found.

Geo Street Art Apps for New York City & London

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Available for major cities like New York City and London, the Geo Street Art apps feature hundreds of local and international street artists, pointing you to their work so you can see it in person. ‘Street Art London’ and ‘Street Art New York City’ provide a “comprehensive reference point” of the street art scene, including artist biographies. The London version boasts over 600 images from over 90 artists in 270 locations.

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Explore Mars with 360-degree image shot by NASA Curiosity Rover

11 Jun

Earlier this year, NASA released a 360-degree image from the perspective of the Curiosity Mars Rover. The scene is made up of a combination of multiple exposures taken with the rover’s 2MP ‘Mastcam’ camera, which we wrote about back in 2012.

The resulting image is pretty incredible, and if you have access to a Google Cardboard viewer you can experience it in 3D. So if you’ve got a free few minutes this weekend, why not explore the surface of Mars? 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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