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Discover How to Master Off-Camera Flash like a Pro

06 Aug

Off-Camera Flash Advanced Course

If you want to figure out how to get amazing results like the pros, the secret is off-camera flash. Phil Steele has just released the sequel to one of the best off-camera flash courses we’ve ever promoted through Digital Photography School. And it has been worth the 4 year wait!

But don’t worry, if you haven’t done the original course, you can still learn these advanced lighting techniques to make your photos stand out. For one week only we can offer you a one-time only 50% discount off the $ 147 course fee. The course will never be available at this price again.

For just $ 74 the Advanced Off-Camera Flash Photography course by Phil Steele makes amazing photography accessible. What once required a complicated and expensive studio setup, can now be done with small portable speedlights.

Phil will save you even more money by showing the few essential and inexpensive pieces of gear you’ll need to get started, and some options for more advanced shooting. He’ll then teach you all the techniques you need to get the kind of photos that photographers with on-camera flash just can’t achieve. He’ll even show you his mistakes so you can learn from them.

Just some of the fun techniques you will learn include how to:

take beautiful night portraits using background lights for a glamourous bokeh effect
master the art of tabletop photography for selling on ebay or simply capturing beautiful objects
master the art of daylight portrait photography with blurry backgrounds, even in full sunlight
use simple colored gels that transport your photos to another world, or add excitement to any event
create drama in your event photography with flash backlighting
remove your own lights from your photos in post-production

Or maybe you have already dabbled in off-camera flash, but you know you’re not quite there, like Sue:

“Phil, I have had three flashes for couple of years, and they have just sat there doing nothing. I just needed someone to explain in my terms how to use these flashes, and your course certainly is doing that. I love that you show us that everyone makes mistakes. I never know if what I am doing is right, and this course is pointing me in the right direction. I also love the in-depth retouching explained so well. Thank you!”

—Sue Masterson, Ballarat, Australia

For the next week only, Phil is offering a 50% discount off his course fee of $ 147. dPS readers will pay just $ 74 for his Advanced Off-Camera Flash Photography course, and you’ll also get a great deal if you want to pick up his original course “How to Shoot Professional-Looking Headshots and Portraits on a Budget with Small Flashes”.

You’ll get instant access for life to 22 videos (over 5 hours of training) distilling almost a decade of Phil’s experience with off-camera flash, and of course, a 100% full money back guarantee.

If you’re not getting the results you want with your photography, off-camera flash may just be what you need to get professional-caliber results.

And remember, it doesn’t matter if you haven’t done the original course (all though a lot of you have!), and you get a great deal on it if you haven’t.

Learn more and buy the course

More testimonials from Phil’s students:

“Another informative, clear, and easy-to-understand course. I like the manageable “chunks”, which allow you to digest and understand each section, before moving onto the next. The easy, relaxed teaching style aids concentration, and you avoid getting bogged down in jargon. Showing your mistakes was a great idea, not only showing you as “human” but also a great learning tool. This course is up to, if not exceeding, the high standards of your previous courses.”

—John Steel, Rochdale, UK

“This is THE course I have been waiting for for soooooo long. Perfect! I watch videos from everyone out there, both on YouTube and some that I’ve paid for. You are the best by far hands down. You speak clearly. I am the lead photographer at my university (I loved your Event Photography course, too.) I will be recommending your course to the other photographers on my team. It was worth the wait.”

—Bob Weidner, Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

“Phil—another fantastic course—well worth the wait! I learned something from every video, and feel (once again) a renewed sense of confidence to raise my own photography game! Particular favorite videos were #15 (Colored Gels) and #21 (Overpowering The Sun). Your teaching style is terrific as always, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the course. I can’t wait for the next one!”

—Steve Burn, Toronto Canada

“GREAT JOB! Kudos on making this course “up close and personal.” It has a wealth of technical expertise…explained, illustrated, and demonstrated in a very easy to understand way. I loved the removing-the-lights trick. Including some of your “mistakes” makes this much more helpful for the real-world photographers who are going to implement this vast amount of knowledge. Thank you so much!”

—John Quinn, S.J., Photography Instructor, Loyola High School, Los Angeles

“Finally a photography course to get EXCITED about. The techniques laid out in this course not only deliver immediate (and truly dramatic) results, but also will change how I’ll be shooting serious photos the rest of my life. Phil Steele can teach like few others. Whatever your experience, the material here will open up to you an entirely new realm of photographic possibilities.”

—Sebastian Michaels, Photoshop Instructor, North Carolina

“Your courses are well organized and deliver the proper content in the right amount of time. I love the fact that you teach it from the beginning of the shoot (planning and gear explanation) to the end product ready for the client. I find it helpful to know that even as a professional that you can make mistakes as well! I have learned so much from your training courses that could never be accomplished by reading books or attending seminars!”

—Duane T. Bruning

Like many dPS students before you, we’re confident you’ll get a lot out of Phil’s teaching. And remember, Phil offers a full money back guarantee, so you can benefit from this one-time only 50% discount completely risk-free. And if it’s not for you, you can get a full refund.

The post Discover How to Master Off-Camera Flash like a Pro appeared first on Digital Photography School.

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Sigma announces price and ship date of 105mm F1.4 ‘bokeh master’ Art lens

26 May

Sigma’s special ‘bokeh master’ 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens made quite a splash when it was first announced back in February, and now Sigma is finally revealing when it will ship and how much it will cost. If you’re in the market for this behemoth of a lens—seriously, we got a hands on at CP+… it’s huge—for either Nikon, Canon, or Sigma mounts, you’ll have to pony up $ 1,600 USD and wait until “late June” to get it.

For Canon and Sigma shooters, this is a whole new speed of lens that you’ve never had access to before. For Nikon shooters, it’s an opportunity to save $ 600 on the Nikon 105mm F1.4E ED lens, which is currently going for $ 2,200.

To learn more about this lens, check out our hands-on coverage from CP+, read the full pricing and availability press release below, or visit the Sigma website.

Press Release

Sigma Announces Pricing and Availability for Its 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

The “Bokeh Master” will begin shipping in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts in late June for a retail price of $ 1,599.00 USD

Ronkonkoma, NY – May 25, 2018 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading still photo and cinema lens, camera, flash and accessory manufacturer, today announced that its 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens will be available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma camera mounts in late June for $ 1,599.00 USD through authorized US dealers. The Sony E-mount availability will be announced later.

The “Bokeh Master” with Longest Focal Length Among Sigma Wide-Aperture F1.4 Art Lenses

The Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art is the ninth lens in the Sigma F1.4 line-up designed for full-frame cameras. To combine outstanding wide-aperture, mid-telephoto performance with F1.4 brightness at maximum aperture, this lens incorporates 17 optical elements in 12 groups, including three FLD glass elements, two SLD glass elements and one aspherical lens element. This optical setup minimizes axial chromatic aberration to deliver ultra high resolution along with ample peripheral light volume, which minimizes vignetting. As a result, the area in focus is extremely sharp, while the out-of-focus area features a beautiful bokeh effect with highly natural colors, making this a desired lens for portrait photography. The optical design also minimizes sagittal coma flare, making it an excellent choice for capturing starry skies.

Featuring the Sports line level dust- and splash-proof design, this lens can be used in varying weather conditions. The high-speed, high-accuracy autofocus helps photographers react in an instant to capture those special moments.

Other lens highlights include carbon fiber reinforced plastic hood for durability and compatibility of the Canon mount lens with the Canon Lens Aberration Correction function.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Camera Basics – Two Video Tutorials to Help You Master Your Camera Settings

12 May

Okay so you’ve got a new camera and want to learn some camera basics, these two video tutorials will give you a hand. Or perhaps you’ve been shooting for a while and want to get off Auto mode – this applies to you as well.

Camera Basics

In this first video, Peter McKinnon explains the three parts of the exposure triangle in an easy to understand format.

Understanding Exposure

Next, in this second video, Tony Northrup demonstrates the basics of exposure and how the elements of the exposure triangle work together.

One thing he explains well is how adjusting just one of the three parts of the exposure triangle doesn’t make the photo darker or brighter when using one of the auto or semi-automatic modes.

Tony encourages you to watch his demonstration and then set up a similar arrangement in your home and try the experiments yourself. This is a great way to learn so that you can really see the results of changing the various settings and understand how they work.

The post Camera Basics – Two Video Tutorials to Help You Master Your Camera Settings appeared first on Digital Photography School.

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DJI’s new Master Wheels and Force Pro offer ultra-precise gimbal control

11 Apr

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Amid the wares DJI introduced at NAB 2018 this week are a pair of professional gimbal control tools designed for “every level of filmmaker and scenario.” Called the Master Wheels and Force Pro, these two DJI products are built to control the company’s Ronin 2 and Ronin-S gimbals, offering high precision control and hoping to simplify the shooting of complex and/or fast-moving scenes.

DJI Master Wheels

Master Wheels is a control device that adjusts gimbal movements using a trio of weighted wheels. These wheels control roll, pan, and tilt in part using ultra-high-res optical encoders capable of detecting “the subtlest” adjustments, DJI explains. Each wheel’s angle can be adjusted, and the wheels can also be detached.

Master Wheels supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless transmission and has an operating distance of more than 1.9 miles / 3km. Latency is as low as 10ms, and users have the option of detaching the wireless transmitter to remotely mount it with a 5m / 16ft cord, providing a stronger signal.

Other features include dials to control dampening, speed, and smoothness, support for 1/4″ and 3/8″ accessories, and a dedicated Mitchell mount on the main console’s base.

DJI Force Pro

The other product announced at NAB 2018, Force Pro, enables users to remotely control gimbals via a 2.4GHz/5GHz wireless transmission system and DJI’s remote control tech. Force Pro also offers latency as low as 10ms, plus a CANBUS cable physical tether with a 200Hz signal for avoiding interference issues.

The control tool also features a built-in Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and compass that work together to prevent gimbal drifting and improve movement precision. Force Pro features up to 5 hours of battery life and supports recharging using the CANBUS port, USB-C, and a DC-in port.

According to DJI, users unfamiliar with more complex systems, such as Master Wheels, can “quickly become proficient” with a product like the Force Pro. To improve efficiency, DJI offers an optional handlebar, which itself can be used to mount accessories including thumb controllers and monitors.

Availability

Both Master Wheels and Force Pro are available to preorder now from DJI flagship stores and authorized pro dealers, though shipping doesn’t start until June. Master Wheels is offered in three variants: a single wheel control module for $ 2,500, a 2-axis model for $ 6,000, and a 3-axis model for $ 8,000. Force Pro costs $ 1,200.

To learn more about either of these gimbal controllers, head over to the DJI website.

Press Release

DJI Reveals New Filmmaking Tools at NAB 2018, Providing Professional Gimbal Control Solutions For Every Level of Filmmaker

DJI Reveals New Filmmaking Tools at NAB 2018, Providing Professional Gimbal Control Solutions For Every Level of Filmmaker

DJI Master Wheels And Force Pro Offer Precise And Intuitive Control Over Gimbals

DJI, the world’s leader in creative camera technology, introduced new cinema grade tools at NAB 2018 with DJI Master Wheelsand DJI Force Pro that offer professional gimbal control solutions for every type of filmmaker and scenario. Built to deliver precise gimbal movements, these new products offer filmmakers reliable tools that help capture complex shots with ease while adding a cinematic quality to any scene. Master Wheels and Force Pro control DJI’s Ronin 2 and Ronin-S gimbals, expanding the creative possibilities for cinematographers of varying experience levels.

Master Wheels: A professional level, high-precision gimbal control system that applies a 3-wheeled form to control pan, tilt and roll. Smooth, stable and precise movements create a professional look, while an easy to use and functional design make filming complex footage simpler.
Force Pro: A motion sensing system that uses DJI’s industry-leading remote-control technology to precisely synchronize the movement of Force Pro with the gimbal, helping capture cinematic scenes with ease. Intuitive and easy to learn, Force Pro breaks down the barriers that come with understanding the operation of more complex gimbal control systems.

“Creating these gimbal systems demonstrates our dedication to every level of filmmaker, whether you are an amateur just beginning your journey or a seasoned veteran with decades of experience,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Manager at DJI. “Force Pro offers simplicity and functionality for filmmakers seeking a more intuitive tool, and Master Wheels brings the highest degree of precision control when working with a gimbal setup.”

Master Wheels – Bring Precise Control To Your Scene

DJI Master Wheels are a high-precision gimbal movement tool that utilizes three weighted wheels to adjust pan, tilt and roll with extreme accuracy. Ultra-high resolution optical encoders detect the subtlest of wheel adjustments while complex algorithms translate that movement to enhance the level of accuracy of the gimbal. Master Wheels employ the latest sensor positioning technology along with dual-band low-latency 2.4/5.8GHz wireless transmission technology to ensure a stable and reliable connection from the main console to the moving rig with a latency as low as 10 milliseconds and an operating distance of over 1.9 miles.

Crafted for efficiency and ease of use, Master Wheels have an intuitive user interface offering quick access to gimbal settings along with the status of equipment. Three user customizable buttons offer the ability to save shortcuts while on-board motion capture storage enables the filmmaker to easily repeat the motion of the rig, allowing filmmakers to dedicate their attention to other aspects of the scene such as the actresses and actors. Built-in three-stop switches are capable of adjusting direction for each axis while dials manipulate speed, smoothness and dampening. Additionally, Master Wheels can change vital camera settings from the main console for a rapid response to any modifications an operator might need to make.

A modular design makes Master Wheels functional and versatile, helping to achieve the shot, no matter the situation. The three stainless steel wheels and the control modules have the ability to be swiftly detached from the main console and connected with a wire for space constrained shooting situations. The wireless transmitter can also be detached and remotely mounted via a 5-meter cord in order to gain a stronger signal when needed.

Filmmakers have the flexibility to attach various accessories using multiple 1/4” and 3/8” threads located on the main console such as external monitors. For added comfort during operation, the angle of one control module can be manually adjusted based on the preference of the user. Master Wheels can be mounted on a variety of platforms including inside vehicles, tripods and more with a dedicated Mitchell mount on the base of the main console.

Compatibility with an ecosystem of DJI products, as well as support for third-party gimbals, broaden the versatility of Master Wheels on set. Operators can direct gimbal movements using DJI’s professional products including the Ronin 2 and Ronin-S, taking full advantage of the latest in gimbal technology. DJI TB50 intelligent batteries, the same model used on the Ronin 2 and Inspire 2, power the system for up to 18 hours. For filmmakers with non-DJI equipment, Master Wheels support various third-party gimbals and can be powered through the DC-IN port to utilize V-Lock batteries from third-party manufacturers.

Force Pro – Natural Movements Through Intuitive Design

Utilizing DJI’s state-of-the-art remote-control technology, Force Pro precisely synchronizes the movement of the operator with the movement the gimbal, helping capture smooth imagery even in complex or fast-moving scenes. An embedded compass and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) work in tandem to ensure precise movement and prevent the gimbal from drifting to maintain a consistent frame. Its low-latency dual-band 2.4/5.8GHz wireless transmission system offers near real-time control with a communication latency as low as 10 milliseconds. Force Pro can also be physically tethered to the gimbal using a CANBUS cable touting a 200Hz signal to eliminate any chance of connection interference while on set.

Designed for ease of use, Force Pro is an intuitive tool that filmmakers will quickly become proficient using, even with minimal familiarity operating gimbal control systems. Those lacking experience working with more complex products such as Master Wheels or even joysticks, the operation of Force Pro is quickly understood, breaking down barriers that come with using more advanced equipment on set. An optional lightweight handlebar adds to the efficiency of Force Pro, offering a total solution for handheld operation with the ability to mount various accessories to the handlebar, including monitors, video transmission systems, and thumb controllers. Operators can conveniently set two custom speed profiles and a built-in ultra-bright OLED screen provides equipment status along with the ability to control gimbal and camera settings for fast adjustments to a changing scene.

Force Pro is compatible with DJI Ronin 2 and Ronin-S gimbals along with other third-party systems. Operators can rely on Force Pro during extended film shoots with a battery life of up to 5 hours when fully charged, and recharging can be achieved several ways, via the USB-C, CANBUS port, or the built-in DC-IN port compatible with third-party V-Lock batteries.

Price and Availability

Master Wheels will be available for pre-order on April 10th, 2018 at authorized pro dealers or through DJI flagship stores. The complete 3-Axis Model will retail for $ 8,000 USD, 2-Axis Model for $ 6,000 USD and Single Wheel Control Module for $ 2,500 USD. Master Wheels will begin shipping in June 2018. For more information on all the new features and capabilities of Master Wheels, please visit www.DJI.com/Master-Wheels.

DJI Force Pro will be available for pre-order on April 10th, 2018 at authorized pro dealers or through DJI flagship stores. Retail cost will be $ 1,200 USD and will start shipping in June 2018. For more information on all the new features and capabilities of Force Pro, please visit www.DJI.com/Force-Pro.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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CP+ 2018: First Look – Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master

02 Mar

First look: Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS

It exists! Well, under glass, anyway. Sony’s previously announced 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS is here at CP+ 2018 in Yokohama, Japan, and boy, is it big. Really big. But as you can see from the lack of labeling on all those switches, this is still a prototype.

First look: Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS

Now that’s a front element. You won’t be able to screw any filters into the front of this lens, and curiously, unlike other super telephoto primes, it seems that while the Sony 400mm F2.8 will accommodate small drop-in filters in a tray near the lens mount, they’re ‘dropped-in’ sideways (see the first image in this slideshow).

First look: Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS

Although you’re not likely to see many people using this without a monopod, the inclusion of optical image stabilization will still make it easier to frame up your shot from the sidelines.

First look: Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS

Want to know how much the Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master costs, weighs, and how it performs? So do we, but we’re not about to laser-cut our way through that glass case. It looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer to get our hands on a production model, but we’ll be sure to see if Sony can give us any additional details when during a scheduled interview later on in the show. Stay tuned!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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CP+ 2018: Hands-on with Sigma 105mm F1.4 Art ‘bokeh master’ & 70mm macro

01 Mar

CP+ 2018: Hands-on with Sigma 105mm F1.4 Art ‘bokeh master’

Sigma’s new 105mm F1.4 DG HSM is a beast, weighing in at 1.6 kilos. We’re at the CP+ tradeshow in Yokohama, Japan, where we just got our hands on what Sigma is calling the ‘bokeh master’.

CP+ 2018: Hands-on with Sigma 105mm F1.4 Art ‘bokeh master’

Even without the hood, the new 105mm is a large lens, with a front filter diameter of 105mm. It’s not particularly long, but as you can see from this shot, which shows the lens mounted on a Canon EOS 6D, it has a very wide diameter of 116mm (4.6 inches). The large tripod ring is included, and can be removed for hand-held shooting.

CP+ 2018: Hands-on with Sigma 105mm F1.4 Art ‘bokeh master’

With the hood attached, the 105mm gets even larger.

CP+ 2018: Hands-on with Sigma 105mm F1.4 Art ‘bokeh master’

The new 105mm is unstabilized, which means that the only controls on the lens are an AF/MF switch and a very broad, wide-diameter focus ring. Manual focus is a luxurious experience on all of Sigma’s ‘Art’ series and this lens is no different. Judging purely from our brief experience on the show floor, autofocus speed is similar to the 85mm F1.4: smooth and positive without being as quick and snappy as lenses with fewer pieces of glass to move around.

CP+ 2018: Hands-on with Sigma 105mm F1.4 Art ‘bokeh master’

And there is a lot of glass inside the 105mm. The new lens comprises 17 elements in 12 groups, including three FLD glass elements, two SLD glass elements, and one aspherical element.

Sigma claims that the lens creates a beautiful bokeh effect, and the well-controlled sagittal coma should make it excellent for capturing ‘starry skies’. A 105mm wouldn’t be our first choice for astrophotography, but we can’t wait to get hold of a shootable sample, and see what it can do.

CP+ 2018: Hands-on with Sigma 105mm F1.4 Art ‘bokeh master’

Also unveiled at the show was a new macro lens, – a first for the Art range. The 70mm F2.8 DG Macro offers true 1:1 reproduction, and a dust and splash-proof construction.

The lens features an extending, floating, two-group focus mechanism. Optical construction incorporates two FLD glass elements, two SLD glass elements, and one element with ‘a high rate of anomalous partial dispersion and a high index of refraction’. This should minimize axial chromatic aberration. Sigma claims that two aspherical elements ensure ‘razor-sharp’ images at close focusing distances.

CP+ 2018: Hands-on with Sigma 105mm F1.4 Art ‘bokeh master’

The 70mm macro is a pretty compact short-tele lens when focused at infinity, but gets bigger when the included hood is attached. The front filter diameter is a modest 49mm. Three focus limits can be set, for reducing autofocus ‘hunting’ at short working distances.

CP+ 2018: Hands-on with Sigma 105mm F1.4 Art ‘bokeh master’

When the lens is racked to its minimum focus distance of 26cm (10.2 inches) the lens itself grows considerably in size (but the hood stays put). Focus is ‘focus by wire’.

At 515g (18 oz) it’s reasonably lightweight, and balances well on our A7R III (with an adapter). We got our hands on a Canon-mount version, but the 70mm F2.8 is also available in Sony FE mount natively.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Sigma unveils 105mm F1.4 Art ‘bokeh master’

27 Feb

The Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM is the longest F1.4 lens in the Art series to date, comprising 17 elements in 12 groups. It is, of course, dust- and splash-resistant, and includes an Arca-Swiss tripod collar. Sigma boasts that the 105mm delivers ‘unsurpassed F1.4 performance’ and ‘exceptional peripheral brightness.’ No pricing or availability is given at announcement.

SIGMA 105mm F1.4 DG HSM

Introducing the “bokeh master”—featuring incredible resolution and designed for full-frame sensors, this is the longest focal length of the Art line’s F1.4 lenses

1. Optical system delivering unsurpassed F1.4 performance

2. Exceptional peripheral brightness

3. Professional specifications

4. Ease-of-use specifications

5. Compatible with full-frame Sony E-mount cameras

6. Compatible with Canon Lens Aberration Correction Launch: TBD Accessory: Case, Cover Hood (LH1113-01), tripod socket (TS-111), protective cover (PT-21) Available AF mounts: SIGMA, Nikon, Canon, and Sony E-mount Note: Appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Leading the way in F1.4 brightness
Since introducing its first SIGMA Global Vision F1.4 lens in 2012, the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art, SIGMA has been adding wide-aperture F1.4 options to the lineup. Now, with the introduction of the new 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art, SIGMA offers a total of nine lenses with F1.4 brightness, including six for full-frame cameras and three for APS-C cameras. SIGMA has designed all of these lenses to offer minimal optical aberration and deliver incredible resolution and stunning contrast. Boasting the longest focal length of the F1.4 Art line lenses, the new lens combines outstanding resolution with a beautiful bokeh effect. Designed with great care to ensure that both the in-focus and out-of-focus areas of the photograph are equally satisfying to the eye, this lens is truly a “bokeh master.” The SIGMA 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art has earned its place as the flagship of the F1.4 Art line lenses, prioritizing image quality above all to fulfill the promise of the line, delivering truly amazing optical performance.

Key features

1. Optical system delivering unsurpassed F1.4 performance
In order to combine outstanding wide-aperture, mid-telephoto performance with F1.4 brightness at maximum aperture, this lens incorporates 17 optical elements in 12 groups—an uncommonly large number of elements for a prime lens. By including three FLD glass elements, two SLD glass elements, and one aspherical lens element, the optical system minimizes axial chromatic aberration to deliver extremely high resolution along with ample peripheral light volume. The area in focus is extremely sharp, while the area out of focus features a beautiful bokeh effect with highly natural colors, making this lens a powerful choice for portrait photography. The optical system also minimizes sagittal coma flare, making this lens excellent for capturing starry skies.

2. Exceptional peripheral brightness
The most effective method of ensuring ample light is to maximize the diameter of the first element of the optical system. With its large filter diameter of 105mm, the SIGMA 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art delivers a significantly greater volume of peripheral light than other lenses in its class. Minimizing vignetting while offering a beautiful bokeh effect, this lens is ideal for portrait photography.

3. Professional specifications
Like SIGMA’s Sports line lenses, the 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art features a highly effective dust- and splash-proof structure with special sealing at the mount connection*, manual focus ring, cover connection, and other areas, allowing photographers to work in all types of weather. In addition, the front of the lens is protected by a water- and oil-repellent coating that makes cleaning easy. The high-speed, high-accuracy autofocus helps photographers react in an instant to get those special shots.
*SIGMA mount lens does not include sealing, since sealing is present on compatible SIGMA cameras.

4. Ease-of-use specifications
Instead of conventional ABS plastic, the exclusive lens hood features CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), a light but strong material used in the interior and exterior fittings of aircraft, among many other applications. The removable Arca-Swiss tripod socket is compatible with Arca-Swiss platforms and clamps, and its exclusive protective cover makes the lens easier to carry and use when shooting hand-held.

5. Compatible with full-frame Sony E-mount cameras The Sony E-mount version of this lens is compatible with Sony mirrorless cameras and contains the same optical system as the versions for other mounts. SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 is not required, as the lens performs the same functions as the converter, including in-camera image stabilization and in-camera lens aberration correction. In addition, the lens is compatible with Sony’s Continuous AF, which is not available via MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11. SIGMA plans eventually to offer Sony E-mount versions of every full-frame prime lens currently available in the Art line, from 14mm to 135mm.
Note: This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.

6. Compatible with Canon Lens Aberration Correction
The Canon mount version of this lens is compatible with the Canon Lens Aberration Correction function.* Matching the optical characteristics of the lens, this function performs in-camera corrections of peripheral illumination, chromatic aberrations, distortion, and more, to further enhance image quality.
*Function not available on all Canon cameras. Available corrections may vary depending on the Canon camera model.

Other features

Rounded diaphragm
Fast AF with full-time manual override*
*The operation of full-time MF may vary based on mount type.
Compatible with SIGMA Mount Converter MC-11 Note: SIGMA and Canon mount lens
Available SIGMA USB DOCK makes customization and flexible adjustment possible* *Not available for Sony E-mount lens
Available Mount Conversion Service
Brass bayonet mount
Evaluation with SIGMA’s own MTF measuring system: A1
“Made in Japan” with outstanding craftsmanship

For more information about the SIGMA GLOBAL VISION lineup of fine products, please visit the official SIGMA global website: SIGMA GLOBAL VISION: http://www.sigma-global.com

Specifications All figures calculated for SIGMA

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Tutorial: Master the Photoshop Pen Tool in under 8 minutes

02 Feb

Ahh, the Pen Tool! When it comes to making complex selections and cutting objects out of an image, there is no better tool for the job. And while the Lasso Tool or Magic Wand Tool might make selections faster and easier (and are still quite useful depending on the situation), the Pen Tool reigns supreme when it comes to accuracy and precision.

So, what’s the drawback? Well, it’s pretty tricky to get the hang of it. Even with all of the helpful videos and guides out there (including a handful of our own), we still get questions all the time on how to master this extremely versatile tool within Photoshop. In our most recent tutorial on the Pen tool, we focused on the absolute need-to-know fundamentals so that you can follow along and start practicing immediately.

Not only does the Pen Tool provide unparalleled accuracy and control, but it’s extremely flexible as well. Photoshop will store any Paths you create under the Paths tab. If you ever need to adjust a selection as you work, you can simply select the Path you wish to edit, make the changes that you need, and then convert that Path into a new selection.

Before editing a Path, be sure to check Auto Add/Delete in the Pen Tool options bar. This will tell Photoshop to automatically swap to the Add Anchor Point Tool (when you’re hovering over a line segment) or the Delete Anchor Point Tool (when you’re hovering over an Anchor Point). This setting makes the process of making changes to a Path much easier.

Avoid using the Delete or Backspace keys to remove Anchor Points! These shortcuts will delete the selected point as well as the line segments that connect to it!

Another key to mastering the Pen Tool is making sure that your precision selections look realistic within the context of an image. I know that we use the Pen Tool for its clean lines and curves, but rarely in the real world will you find a completely hard edge. To maintain realism in your selections, be sure to add a bit of feathering to account for the naturally occurring softness in photographs. It’s a subtle change that will help avoid that “Photoshopped” look.

And if you ever feel lost, just remember your “home base” keyboard shortcuts:

Use CTRL or CMD to toggle the Direct Selection Tool which will allow to move a Point or a Curve at any time.
Use ALT or OPTN to convert a Point into a Curve or vice versa.

For an even smoother workflow, toggle the Hand Tool by using the Spacebar. The Hand Tool allows you to navigate around your image by clicking and dragging, eliminating any need for you to have to zoom out, scroll, and zoom back in to continue a Path.

And most the most important tip of all: practice, practice, practice! The Pen Tool completely changed how I work within Photoshop and if you put in the time, I’m confident that you’ll see a considerable improvement in your own work as well.

About the Author: For over seven years, Aaron Nace has been teaching photography and photo manipulation on PHLEARN.com to millions of users across the world at every skill level. You can subscribe for his professional videos or view the free tutorials as well.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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6 Tips to Master Panning Photography

26 Jan

You must have seen those photos where the car or the motorcycle appears sharp and in focus whereas the background appears to be in motion with a blur effect. At first, you might have thought that it is a Photoshop trick or assumed it to be something only a professional sports photographer can achieve. Well, let me tell you it is called panning photography and this technique is easy to learn.

All you have to do is keep practicing this technique until you master the art of panning photography. To help you do so, I have listed six easy to understand tips that will help you capture perfect panning photos.

1 – Set your camera on Shutter Priority mode

Shutter Priority (Tv for Canon, S for Nikon and others).

The first thing that you have to do as you hold your camera to capture a panning photo is to set the camera mode to Shutter Priority. Panning photography is all about the correct choice of shutter speed – the aperture and ISO values do not play that major role here.

This mode allows you to adjust the shutter speed while the aperture and ISO values are taken care of by the camera and will vary depending on the lighting conditions.

2 – Choose a slow shutter speed

Shutter speed set to 1/30th of a second for panning.

As we discussed above, the most important exposure element of panning photography is the shutter speed. So in order to make the subject appear sharp and the background to appear in motion, you must allow the shutter to remain open for an adequate amount of time.

To capture perfect panning photos, the ideal shutter speed is anything between 1/30th of a second and 1/125th (the faster the subject is moving the faster the shutter speed needs to be). This range of shutter speed allows enough time for the camera to register movement in the photo, while keeping the subject in sharp focus.

3 – Use a tripod

6 Tips to Master Panning Photography

Clicking photos handheld at a slower shutter speed might introduce slight shake in your photos. To ensure that you capture sharp panning photos, mount your camera on a tripod or a monopod to minimize the camera shake during panning.

It is possible that while you are panning your camera along with the moving subject, you are also moving your body and that shall introduce a slight shake in your camera. Using a tripod or a monopod will minimize the upwards or downwards movement of the camera and will only allow the camera to pan side to side.

4 – Focus accurately

6 Tips to Master Panning Photography

As the subject is moving swiftly across your frame, so it is really important to lock the focus on the subject accurately. There are two ways you can do this in order to make the subject appear in sharp focus, whereas the background appears to be in motion.

Automatic focus technique: If you are just starting with panning photography or if you are not sure about the distance of the subject from the camera, always use the automatic focusing technique. To make sure that you focus on the subject accurately, switch on the continuous focus tracking mode (AF-C on Nikon, and AI Servo for Canon). This helps your camera to continuously focus on the subject as it moves across the frame.
Manual focus technique: If you are sure about the distance at which your subject will pass by, then the best method is to use a manual focus technique. Focus on the point where your subject will be beforehand and then switch the focusing mode to manual. This ensures you to click at a much faster rate as your lens will not be constantly hunting for the subject. Simply pan your camera along with the moving subject and click multiple photos, later choose the best among all.

NOTE: Remember to also set your camera to continuous or burst mode to shoot multiple images when the shutter is held down.

5 – Position yourself correctly

6 Tips to Master Panning Photography

Try and keep some distance between your camera and the moving subject in order to allow your camera enough space to swiftly lock the focus on the subject. If you position yourself too close to the moving subject, there are chances that your lens will fail to focus on the subject because of the distance being shorter than the minimum focusing distance. It’s also harder to keep the subject in the frame when it is really large (close up).

Panning photos look eye-catching when there is a contrast and there are at least two or more colors in the background. Imagine a background which lacks contrast and has only one color, it would hardly add any impact to your panning photo.

6 – Move along with the subject

6 Tips to Master Panning Photography

The whole idea of panning photography is to shoot a photo of a moving subject while panning your camera along with the subject. One thing you need to make sure is that the speed at which you are panning the camera should match with the speed at which the subject is passing by your frame. Follow the subject left to right (or vice versa) at the same speed and don’t stop when you get to the middle (follow-through like in golf).

One golden tip that I would like to share as per my experience is that press the shutter release button only when the subject is parallel to your camera. This will ensure that your subject is completely in focus and appears sharp, while you get to perfectly capture blur motion in the background.

The post 6 Tips to Master Panning Photography by Kunal Malhotra appeared first on Digital Photography School.

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How to Master Natural Light Portraiture

07 Dec

I love working with natural light, I always have. Even more so now that our digital cameras have sensors so incredibly capable of making images in extremely low light. Making portraits using natural light only is a good skill to learn so you can make photographs anywhere. Here are some tips to help you mast nature light portraiture.

How to Master Natural Light Portraiture

Be aware of the quality of light

When you want to make a series of portraits using only natural light, you first need to be aware of what the light is like at your chosen location and the style of portrait you want to make. Is the quality of light hard or soft?

If it’s a bright sunny day and the light is harsh (hard), you will get portraits with a much different look and feel, than if the sky is cloudy and overcast. Morning and evening light will give your portraits a different quality (soft light) as will photographing your subject indoors and using light from a window.

Soft side light from a window.

Hard sunlight can be quite challenging to work with, but can produce some good results if you style you portrait well. If you’re working in open sun it can be helpful to have a reflector on hand and a friend to assist you so dark shadows can be reduced.

What kind of photo do you want?

Having a concept in mind for the type of photo you want will give you a better chance of success. If you’re heading out to make some portraits on a sunny day and have an idea of making some soft dreamy romantic photos, this will be difficult. But if you want to make some photos to illustrate the idea of a journey in a hot country the light will be your friend and support your idea.

Bight, harsh sun in the middle of the day.

Cloudy days provide a soft light that’s generally easier to get a more even exposure. The flat light tends to render a softer feeling to portraits.

So if you’re making portraits with natural light on a cloudy day, you will have more success if your concept is for a gentler look. Photos taken under a cloudy sky and later converted to black and white work well as the tone range will be more limited than on a sunny day.

Portraits on a cloudy day.

Use light to your advantage

If the sky is heavily overcast you will find it challenging as the light will be very dull. On days when there’s not such thick cloud you will notice the light is still soft, but brighter and more vibrant (less flat,) so nicer for making portraits. Be careful of your exposure settings if the clouds are moving and the light value is frequently changing.

Finding a shaded space and making use of naturally reflected light will help you achieve a different look on a bright sunny day. This is not the same as the light you have on a cloudy day. Light reflecting off a wall close by or light-toned pavement, (cement rather than asphalt or dark paving,) will fill in shadows on your subject’s face and produce a more even, lively result.

Light reflecting off a nearby white wall provided fill light for this portrait.

Placing your subject so they are slightly inside a shaded area, but close to the bright sun, can allow the reflection of the sunshine to have a very helpful effect in lighting your subject. So long as your subject is not too far away from the bright light you can make use of the reflection to add a more interesting dynamic to your portraits.

The Golden Hours

Of course, making portraits with the rich morning or evening sunshine (often called Golden Hours), or even subdued light can produce very pleasing portraits. Be careful though not to have your subject look directly ahead into the sun as they will typically make an unpleasant face. Backlighting or side lighting your subject at these times can be more effective and more comfortable for your subject. Diffused morning and evening light is lovely to work with as it is soft yet can still be quite rich and warm toned.

Diffused early evening light.

Try new things

I’ve loved making natural light portraits for many years, but I also enjoy developing my technique by trying new ways of working. If you enjoy a particular aspect of photography, stick with it, develop what you do. But don’t just do the same thing every time.

If you like making portraits in natural light on a cloudy day because you find it easier, sometimes try shooting on a sunny day. Stretch yourself to learn some new technique. You may discover something new, a new way ot working that you really enjoy.

How to Master Natural Light Portraiture

Portable natural light studio

I have a portable natural light studio I love to take into the mountain villages here in northern Thailand. We’ve even started including it in some of the workshops we run and our customers love the professional looking results they can achieve. My outdoor studio only requires that we have space to set it up, (just a few square meters is enough,) and a sunny day for the best light, but I do use it on cloudy days too.

The best thing about it is having control over how the sun lights my subjects. I set it up so the sun is behind the backdrop. Above the backdrop is a fine gray nylon screen to filter the sunlight. The light reflects off the ground which is a light colored earth and works well with Asian skin tones, or a large plastic sheet. I have more recently introduced a large reflector too and am achieving some very pleasing results.

The light coming from behind the backdrop is providing great light on these subjects’ hair as a rim light, and on their faces via reflected light.

The portable studio behind the scenes.

Your turn to try it

Next time you head out to make some portraits try something different with the light. If you prefer sunshine, make some in the shade as well. If you prefer a cloudy day challenge yourself to go out in the middle of the day when the sun is shining and find a location where you have some good light. Remember, the only time you cannot make a photo is when there is no light at all.

The post How to Master Natural Light Portraiture by Kevin Landwer-Johan appeared first on Digital Photography School.

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