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Posts Tagged ‘Explorer’s’

Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis

03 Apr

The post Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis Featured Image

In this Canon Explorers of Light Q&A series, we interview several professional photographers who are a part of Canon’s Explorers of Light program.

The Explorers of Light Program, running since 1995, boasts some incredibly talented photographers. These photographers have spent years honing their craft, and influence and educate other photographers of all levels – something, we at dPS, can respect and relate to.

In this Canon Explorers of Light Q&A series, we interview photographers Bob and Dawn Davis. They share their experiences and give tips to upcoming photographers.

A bird in flight. Photo by Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis
Photo: © Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis

How did you get into photography?

I was inspired by my father, who always had a camera or movie camera within arms-reach. Growing up, I played with Polaroid, where you had to coat the photographs and mount them onto the cardboard included with the pack of instant film. Also, all kinds of Kodak cameras, 126, 110, and Disc cameras.

I became addicted to captured moments and anything that caught my eye, and I was on a first-name basis with the one-hour lab in the Jewel near my home. 

Once I got into high school, I took my first photography class. Mrs. Morrison encouraged my passion for documenting everyday moments. She said to me, “you can make a living in photography as a photojournalist!” 

That was it; I knew my life’s calling. 

I joined the school newspaper and yearbook, had a front-row seat to current events, and in my senior year, I won the National Honor Society Scholarship in Photojournalism and subsequently attended Columbia College in Chicago. 

Simultaneously, a small newspaper, The Daily Southtown Economist, hired me. Eventually, work took up all my time. I decided to leave college and work full time, setting my sights on a position at the Chicago Sun-Times, working alongside John H. White, Pulitzer Prize winner in feature photography. I realized my dreams in 1989 when I was hired full time at the Chicago Sun-Times, where I was a staff photographer covering daily news until 2004.

A couple in the back of a cab photographed from the back window. Photo by Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis
Photo: © Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

What was your first camera setup?

My first camera purchase was a Canon AT1 with a 50mm 1.4 lens, 28mm 2.8, and a 200mm 2.8 lens, which fueled my passion for photography in high school. 

Eventually, I had the Canon AT1 modified to accept the highspeed motor drive that would allow for five frames per second. I was pursuing sports photography, and the local weekly newspaper, The Star, hired me as a freelancer to photograph the local football team who were heading to State. Score!

What camera gear do you use now and why?

I am a lifelong Canon user, and I’m blessed to be a part of The Canon Explorers of Light Educational Program. I purchased my own Canon EOS 1D digital camera. I love Canon color and glass period!

My current Canon kit is the EOS 1DX MkIII and EOS R for bodies; lenses to photographers are like brushes to fine art painters. 

I use the RF 28-70 f2.0, RF 50mm f1.2, EF 16-35 f2.8 vIII, EF 24-70 f2.8 vII, EF 70-200 f2.8 IS vII, 100-400 f4.5 5.6 vII, 300 f2.8 vII, 1.4x vIII, 2x vIII and 10-600EX RT Speedlites. I love the speed and low light focus capability of both the EOS 1DX MIII and EOS R full-frame mirrorless bodies. There’s no situation I cannot cover with these cameras.

Light painting behind a bride and groom at a wedding in the evening. Photo by Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis
Photo: © Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

What area of photography do you specialize in, and why did you move into that field?

I love capturing real authentic moments and fashion-inspired portraits. I would call our style timeless and classic with an editorial twist. Currently, I practice in wedding, portraits, and wildlife photography. 

Honestly, being a lifelong photojournalist, there isn’t much I haven’t covered in my career, so I’m prepared for anything. 

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis
Photo: © Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

I’ve photographed every president since Ronald Reagan and captured the most exclusive events for A-list celebrities. I love photographing the once-in-a-lifetime moments that unfold at weddings and special events.

A wedding party. Photo by Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis
Photo: © Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

Are you working on any exciting projects you’d like to share?

I love weddings and events, but I’m transitioning into destination wildlife, travel photography, and workshops. Photography is a powerful medium to tell stories and share a message. I want our wildlife and destination work to inspire people to think and be grateful for the abundance of beauty that surrounds us and that we need to be stewards of our planet and environment!

A herd of elephants in black and white. Photo by Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis
2019-04-17 – Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli, Botswana, Africa – Photo Safari. Photo by Bob Davis © Bob & Dawn Davis Photography & Design

If you could share any photography tips with our readers, what would they be?

Practice, practice, practice! I learned from Michael Jordan while covering his many NBA championships that before every game, he would be on the floor before anyone else and practice the basics. He was ready and confident, so when the moment came for the big shots, he was prepared. I still practice and push myself to be green and growing, and always be prepared no matter the assignment.

Men making a toast at a wedding. Photo by Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis.
Photo: © Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

Bob’s personal biography

My cameras have always been a passport, allowing me a front seat to history. While at the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper for 14 years, I covered countless historic events, such as presidential elections, Michael Jordan’s entire career with the Chicago Bulls, many faiths, celebrations, and rituals. I’ve traveled around the world for weddings and human-interest stories for nonprofit organizations.

I have since moved on from the newspaper industry. Now, I have created an endeavor with my wife, Dawn Davis – Bob & Dawn Davis Photography & Design. 

A groom photographed through a window with a reflection of trees and afternoon sun. Photo by Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis
Photo: © Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

Our client list reads like a “Who’s Who” of entertainment’s elite. We had the honor of photographing A-list weddings such as Eva Longoria & Tony Parker’s wedding in Paris, Salma Hayek & François-Henri Pinault’s wedding in Italy, La La Vazquez & Carmelo Anthony’s TV wedding in New York, Tracey Edmonds & Eddie Murphy’s wedding in Bora Bora, ABC’s TV show The Bachelorette Ashley’s wedding to J.P. in California, along with many other fabulous events with Oprah Winfrey. 

I was commissioned to work on the book America 24/7, which was featured on the Oprah Winfrey show and was a New York Times Best Seller.

Our work has been featured in publications such as People, OK, O Magazine, InStyle,  Inside Weddings, Town & Country, Munaluchi, Grace Ormonde, Modern Luxury Brides, and dozens of others.

I am honored to be a member of the Canon Explorers of Light, Westcott Top Pro Elite, and SanDisk Extreme Team. Dawn and I are the authors of two books, Lights Camera Capture, and We’re Engaged!

I am happily married to my wife, Dawn, and together we have two beautiful children, Bobby and Alli.

A close-up of a Lion's face. Photo by Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis
Photo: © Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

The post Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographers Bob and Dawn Davis appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.


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Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd

28 Mar

The post Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd Featured Image

In this Canon Explorers of Light Q&A series, we interview several professional photographers who are a part of Canon’s Explorers of Light program.

The Explorers of Light Program, running since 1995, boasts some incredibly talented photographers. These photographers have spent years honing their craft, and influence and educate other photographers of all levels – something, we at dPS, can respect and relate to.

In this edition of the Canon Explorers of Light Q&A series, we interview photographer Terrell Lloyd. They share their experiences and give some valuable tips to upcoming photographers.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd - 2019 San Francisco 49ers Season
2019 San Francisco 49ers Season:
Preseason
Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers
Thursday, August 11, 2019
Santa Clara, CA

(49ers Photo)

Photographer Terrell Lloyd

How did you get into photography?

I got into photography as a youth growing up in San Francisco. My mother had a film camera, and I would borrow it to take photos.

I had an interest in photography from an early age. When I had a paper route and attended 49ers games as a kid, I would cut out photos from the sports section of the newspapers on Mondays and make my own photo books.

Later, in high school, a friend introduced me to a photo class, and that’s when my love for photography really took off.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd - photograph of a basketball came from above  the hoop

What was your first camera setup?

The first camera I purchased was a Minolta film camera in high school. I joined the school’s yearbook committee, and that’s when I started photographing the school’s sporting events and documenting other school activities. I quickly learned that sport was the subject I enjoyed the most.

Once I became serious about photography, and before digital, my first real film camera was the EOS 1V, a 10-frames-per-second camera body.

What camera gear do you use now and why?

Currently, I use the new Canon EOS-1D X Mark III camera. I was fortunate to be able to use this camera in Miami this past February at the Super Bowl, shooting the San Francisco Forty-Niners vs the Kansas City Chiefs.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd - what's in Terrell Lloyd's photography kit

I have used many of the Canon flagship digital cameras over the years, but once I got the 1D X Mark III in my hands, I was blown away.

My first thought was, and I quote, “this camera is a game-changer.”

The technology of its new image sensor, DIGIC X processor, speed, subject tracking ability, and image quality can be seen right away in post-production.

The images I produced from Super Bowl LIV were fantastic. Overall, the sharpness and exposures were consistent.

My history with Canon digital cameras dates back to Canon’s DCS520 – a 2-megapixel camera that cost $ 12K. I’ve been a believer in the Canon brand since my first serious film camera in high school.

One reason I am loyal to Canon is because of its quality glass, reliability and the Canon Professional Services program, which I believe is the best-of-class in the photography industry.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd - San Fransisco 49ers photo
2019 San Francisco 49ers Season:
Preseason
Denver Broncos vs San Francisco 49ers
Monday, August 19, 2019
Denver, CO

(49ers Photo)

What area of photography do you specialize in and why did you move into that field?

In this stage of my career, I focus mostly on professional and college sports as well as some specialized high-end corporate events.

When I began building my photography business, I was photographing weddings and portraits.

As my business started to grow, I started shooting company events such as holiday parties, corporate meetings, conventions, and travel. Then I transitioned to major high-end clients such as BMW, Yahoo, Intuit, Verizon, and Ritz Carlton, to name a few.

I also added product and commercial photography to my services, however, sports was always on the top of my list.

When I became one of the team photographers for the San Francisco 49ers, I focused my time and efforts on becoming a full-time photographer in the NFL for the 49ers. In addition to everything else, I am also the photographer for San Jose State University’s athletic department and cover all of their Division 1 sports programs.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd - portrait of Moore

Are you working on any exciting projects you’d like to share?

Now that our NFL season is over, we are in the process of planning our 2020 marketing and design campaign. This will include some photoshoots around San Francisco and the Bay Area. Unfortunately, I can’t reveal the new 49ers theme but stay tuned on 49ers.com and Instagram @49ers, and you will see exciting new images.

I am very much looking forward to our media photo session with our players scheduled for May. I will be working closely with our design team as we collaborate on a style for the 2020 season.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd

If you could share any photography tips with our readers, what would they be?

One tip I would like to share is not to limit yourself in today’s industry. Learn as much as you can in the photography world.

When I started, I wanted to know everything, and as I transitioned from my first wedding to sports, I studied it all, from medium format and 35mm film cameras to studio lighting and understanding environmental portrait lighting and the direction of light.

There are so many ways to learn photography using today’s technology, but I think the best way to perfect your skills and craft is to practice, practice and practice more.

Go out and photograph as much as you can. Make sure you get your exposures right in-camera, as you want to spend the least amount of time in post-production as possible.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd

Terrell Lloyd Biography

San Francisco-based photographer Terrell Lloyd is currently employed by the San Francisco 49ers as their senior manager of the organization photography services and is the full-time lead team photographer. 

He has been with the 49ers organization for 24 years, beginning as a contract photographer. For the past six years, he has been a full-time employee of the 49ers, responsible for all of the team’s photographic assignments. 

It all began in 1994 when he was given an opportunity to shoot a game from the sidelines at Candlestick Park. According to one of his clients, “Terrell’s sports photography really captures the essence of the game.”

Since 1992, Lloyd has provided professional photography services to individuals and organizations throughout the United States and around the world. He is best known for his special combination of artistic vision and cutting-edge technology and, for the past 15 years, has been the athletic sports photographer at San Jose State University. 

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd - portrait of a player sitting in a gym

Lloyd has also earned a number of championship rings for his work with San Jose State University as well as an NFC Championship with the San Francisco 49ers. 

In addition to his photographic skills, Lloyd has earned several awards and accolades as an athlete on the professional bowlers’ tour and leagues with several perfect 300 games and 800 series.

Lloyd was named to the prestigious Canon Explorer of Light program in 2006 and served for four years. After a brief break, he was named again to the Canon EOL program in 2017 and remains current. This is a group of professional photographers from around the world selected to provide educational programs around the country. 

The Canon Explorers share their photographic and technical expertise to a wide number of photographers in a variety of personal appearances, seminars and gallery shows. Also, SanDisk® chose Terrell Lloyd for its SanDisk Extreme Team in 2009 and was recently selected to the ThinkTankPhoto Pro Team in 2018.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd

In 2017, Lloyd received a Legends Award from Xposure101conference in Detroit, which honors individuals who have greatly influenced creativity, diversity and learning in the creative and photographic industries while inspiring others to achieve their goals. Western Digital presented him with their Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Photography Industry in 2019.

Shooting football has opened many doors for Lloyd and enabled him to cover major sporting events such as NFL Super Bowls, PGA golf, professional tennis, MLB baseball, the NBA, and more. 

Lloyd has also received many awards of merits for his portrait and wedding work and was Photographer of the Year by AMPP in 2001 and earned his craftsman degree from PPA in 2006.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd

See more of photographer Terrell Lloyd’s work here:

Website: www.terrelllloyd.net
Instagram: @49ersofficialphotog
Twitter: @tlloyd49

The post Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Terrell Lloyd appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.


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Artists and Explorers – What Photographer Type Are You?

25 Mar

The post Artists and Explorers – What Photographer Type Are You? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Mat Coker.

Artists and Explorers – What Photographer Type Are You?

What drives you to pull out your camera and take a picture? The answer to this question will help you understand your photographer type.

Does an image of a finished photo jump into your mind, and then you have to go out and make it? Perhaps you pick up your camera and walk out the door, not knowing where it will lead you.

Maybe you’re only compelled to photograph new places you’re traveling to, or your (grand) children as they grow up.

Understanding yourself as a photographer, and knowing what inspires you, is one of the best ways to grow. Once you know your photographer type, you can focus on the photography you love without feeling the pressure to be like other photographers.

“As a photographer, you need to develop a way of working that suits your personality.”

Tim Hetherington, Photojournalist

Let’s look at four photographer types; the traveler, the parent, the artist, and the explorer so that you can discover where you fit in and what your strengths are.

photographer type traveler
ISO 400 f/11 1/640 sec 14mm
I began my journey as the traveler type, mostly picking up my camera when I was on a road trip.

The traveler photographer type

You know you’re the traveler photographer type if you only pull out your camera when you go on a trip. You’re probably not concerned with being called a photographer and mainly want to take snapshots to capture places you travel to. But unlike typical tourists, you want those snapshots to look really good.

Here are some quick tips for the traveler photographer type:

  • Learn how your camera works, so you’re not distracted and miss the joy of traveling.
  • Master some useful composition elements to elevate your photos above sloppy snapshots.
  • Learn to see light and your photos will begin to look beautiful.
  • Practice new techniques on short day trips before you go on major travels.

The parent photographer type

You know you’re the parent photographer type if your baby or children inspired you to get a camera. Like the traveler photographer type, you might not be concerned with being called a photographer. You just want to take snapshots and capture special family memories.

But unlike most other parents or grandparents, you want those snapshots to look really good.

Here are some quick tips for the parent photographer type:

  • Learn how your camera works, so you’re not fumbling and missing moments.
  • Master some creative composition elements to elevate your photos above sloppy snapshots.
  • Learn to see light so that your photos will look beautiful.
  • Your daily family life will provide you with infinite opportunities to practice these techniques, and you’ll capture a lot of memories along the way.

It’s okay to just want good photos

If you’re the traveler or the parent photographer type, it’s okay to want good photos of your travels and your children without being totally obsessed with photography.

Learn the most powerful camera settings, the best compositional techniques, play with the light, and your photos will begin to transcend sloppy snapshots.

photographer type
ISO 200 f/4 1/2000 sec 23mm
Perhaps you’re even a blend of the traveler and parent photographer types. Things become more exciting when you blend two types together.

The artist photographer type

How do you know you’re the artist photographer type?

Easy! If you talk about making art with your photography, then you’re the artist type. Artists have a vision of exactly how they want their photos to look. Their goal is to go out and make the photo they’ve envisioned.

As an artist, you begin with a vision or at least a basic concept. You work toward making it turn out, and then produce a finished product like a print or collection of photos for some purpose.

When showing their photographs, the artist often says, “look what I made.” Whereas the explorer type often says, “look what I discovered,” or “look what I saw.”

Artists usually take a higher degree of control over the moment and their images. They are happy to transcend the original photo, adding textures, film grains, or swapping backgrounds, etc. Nothing will stand in the way of your vision!

Here are a number of other things that characterize the artist photographer type:

  • Posing and direction in portraits
  • The use of advanced Photoshop techniques
  • Referring to their work as fine art
  • Specializing in one form of photography
  • Selling prints
  • Food photography
  • Fashion photography
  • Stylized shoots
  • Studio lighting
  • Sticking with things for a long time
photographer type artist
ISO 400 f/4 1/2000 sec 56mm
I’ve always hesitated to call myself an artist because whenever I meet an artist photographer, I realize how unalike we are. We both have a camera, love photography, study light, and composition, but it seems like we have totally different goals for our work.

The explorer photographer type

If you’re the explorer photographer type then you don’t necessarily have much in mind when you pick up your camera. You wander off into the world and photograph new places, people, and things that you discover.

You might happen to travel the world, but you don’t have to travel far to be fulfilled as an explorer. Your own backyard or city likely keeps you busy.

When you photograph people, you’re not just making portraits, you’re exploring the people and relationships that you photograph.

Often enough, when you photograph an object, it’s more about the interesting light than the object itself.

You often find yourself telling others about what you discovered or learned while exploring.

This list characterizes many explorer type photographers:

  • Street photography
  • Travel photography
  • Nature and landscapes
  • You’re more of a generalist photographer
  • Photojournalism
  • Natural light
  • Candid, natural
  • New and unexpected situations
  • Lifestyle photography
  • Constantly moving on to new things
exploring childhood
ISO 400 f/5.6 1/1000 sec 45mm
Explorers are willing to go just a little bit further into the unknown. Just a little further into the murky places.

When it comes to photography, my mind is blank. I have no vision, no idea what I should do, not a clue about how my photos will turn out.

I’m more comfortable heading off into the unknown.

Throw me into a situation that I’m completely unprepared for and I’ll figure it out. That’s because I’m an explorer. I want to learn new things. I want to be thrown into situations that I’m not familiar with. And, for some strange reason, I want to do it with a camera in my hand.

“Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies.”

Diane Arbus

How are the traveler and the explorer different from each other?

The traveler may only pick up the camera occasionally, and only during times of travel. The explorer is likely dedicated to daily or at least weekly uses of the camera.

The explorer can’t help but pick up the camera more often and is not limited to landscapes and new locations. They also explore relationships. Often, the explorer learns new techniques, not because the technique is necessary, but simply because they are compelled to learn new things.

art and exploration
ISO 1600 f/2.8 1/1000 sec 23mm

The common link between artists and explorers

Even if we have different goals, the common link between artists and explorers is our creativity. When a photographer picks up their Fuji mirrorless to explore the streets, they’re no less interested in light, moment, and composition than the fashion photographer who reaches for their medium format camera.

Perhaps one is more interested in documenting and learning about human nature, while the other is creating art pieces. Photography is big enough for all sorts of intentions.

Exploration and artistry as a supertype

Just as the traveler and parent types can be merged to create a deeper type, so can the artist and the explorer.

If you’re the explorer type, you may find that you have a huge body of work that you’ve done nothing with. Perhaps it’s time to elevate your exploration toward something that approaches art.

Every now and then, an artist might do well to wander off into the world without intentions to create but to just see what they discover. Your art may reach a deeper level the more you explore your world.

photographer type exploring
Don’t be surprised if your type seems a little fuzzy at first, but pay attention and it will come into focus.

What photographer type are you?

4 photographer types

Are you the traveler, the parent, an artist or an explorer?

Let me know your photographer type in the comments and add a link to your photos if you can.

The post Artists and Explorers – What Photographer Type Are You? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Mat Coker.


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Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Vanessa Joy

20 Mar

The post Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Vanessa Joy appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Vanessa Joy Feature Image

In this Canon Explorers of Light Q&A series, we interview several professional photographers who are a part of Canon’s Explorers of Light program.

The Explorers of Light Program, running since 1995, boasts some incredibly talented photographers. These photographers have spent years honing their craft, and influence and educate other photographers of all levels – something, we at dPS, can respect and relate to.

In this Canon Explorers of Light Q&A series, we interview photographer Vanessa Joy. She shares her experiences and gives tips to upcoming photographers.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Vanessa Joy

Photographer Vanessa Joy

Photographer Vanessa Joy is a Canon Explorer of Light that has been an influential speaker in the community for over a decade. Starting her photographic journey in 1998, she has since branched into public speaking, earned 5 college degrees, received a PPA Photographic Craftsman degree, been named a WeddingWire Education Expert, sponsored by Canon, Profoto and Animoto to name a few.

Vanessa has spoken at almost every major convention and platform in the event industry such as CreativeLIVE, The Wedding School, Clickin’ Moms, WPPI, ShutterFest, Imaging USA, Wedding MBA, WeddingWire World, MobileBeat, in addition to hosting personal workshops and numerous small business and photography conventions around the globe.

Recognized for her talent, and more so her business sense, her clients love working with her. Industry peers also love to learn from her tangible, informative, and open-book style of teaching. Find her at www.VanessaJoy.com.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Vanessa Joy. Women in a formation beside a pool shot from above.

How did you get into photography?

My mother was a photographer, so I’ve been around it my whole life. Naturally, that meant I hated photography!

It wasn’t until high school, when I had to choose an elective (and I felt like appeasing my mother who was sitting right next to me when I was deciding what to take), that I got into photography for myself.

I fell in love with the darkroom.

My high school photography teacher photographed weddings on the weekends, so after graduation, I worked for him for five years until starting my own business in 2008.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Vanessa Joy. Two example wedding photos of brides.

What was your first camera setup?

My first camera was my mother’s Canon F-1 25mm film camera. I still have it. ?

What camera gear do you use now, and why?

I shoot weddings with the Canon 1DXIII (see video of why I love it here), and for other engagement and lifestyle shoots I enjoy using the Canon EOS R (check out my take on that here).

Both camera systems use the EF and RF lenses, and I prefer mostly primes at that. You just can’t beat the durability, color science, and customer service with Canon.

What area of photography do you specialize in, and why did you move into that field?

I am primarily an NJ NYC Wedding Photographer because that was all I knew of photography when I graduated high school and started working for my high school photography teacher.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Vanessa Joy

That being said, I fell in love with it the same way I fell in love with photography itself. There’s something wildly special about being a part of such a precious time in my couple’s lives.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Vanessa Joy. A bride and groom photographed against a pink and blue stormy sky and rolling green hills.

Are you working on any exciting projects you’d like to share?

I just wrote my first book!

It’s all about off-camera flash and making it easy, accessible and practical to beginner and intermediate flash users. The Off-Camera Flash Handbook: 32 Scenarios for Creating Beautiful Light and Stunning Photographs.

I’m also pumping out a ton of content on my photography education YouTube channel, and I’m really happy with it so far. I’m creating my channel to be a very applicable and tangible view on gear and photography concepts.

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Vanessa Joy

If you could share any photography tips with our readers, what would they be?

Assist and work for as many photographers as you possibly can. It’s better than a college education, and most of the time, you even get paid for it!

You’ll discover new photography tips and tricks and learn about the business side of things as well.

“There is wisdom in many counselors.”

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Vanessa Joy. A wedding party celebrates with champagne.

See more of Vanessa Joy’s work here:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/vanessajoy
Twitter: www.twitter.com/vanessa__joy
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vjoyphoto
YouTube: www.youtube.com/vanessajoy 

Canon Explorers of Light  – Q&A with Photographer Vanessa Joy

The post Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Vanessa Joy appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.


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Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Roberto Valenzuela

13 Mar

The post Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Roberto Valenzuela appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Roberto Valenzuela Featured Image

In this Canon Explorers of Light Q&A series, we interview several professional photographers who are a part of Canon’s Explorers of Light program.

The Explorers of Light Program, running since 1995, boasts some incredibly talented photographers. These photographers have spent years honing their craft, and influence and educate other photographers of all levels – something, we at dPS, can respect and relate to.

In this Canon Explorers of Light Q&A series, we interview photographer Roberto Valenzuela. He shares his experiences and gives tips to upcoming photographers.

Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Roberto Valenzuela

Photographer Roberto Valenzuela

How did you get into photography?

My full-time career as a photographer began in March 2006. I had been married for a little over a year, and I decided to take some time off from teaching high school to attend the annual Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) convention held in Las Vegas, Nevada.  

This convention was the yearly gathering of more than 15,000 wedding and portrait photographers from every corner of the world.  

The most exciting part was that some of the world’s top wedding photographers would be there, including the famous Canon Explorer of Light photographers, who are a group of elite photographers carefully chosen by Canon USA as the best photographers in the world in their respective fields. I was in heaven!  

During WPPI, I realized that my passion for photography was just too strong to ignore. I felt an inexplicable calling to photography.  

A very scary thought went through my head for the first time. The thought that I may want to follow my heart and perhaps leave my high school teaching career that I loved and worked so hard to get to dedicate myself to photography full time. Oh boy! I was in trouble.  

How do I tell my wife? The woman I had just married and who relied on my humble income as a teacher to live and provide health insurance.  

The thought of leaving a job I adored, and that provided me with a steady paycheck, scared the heck out of me.  

Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Roberto Valenzuela - Wedding Photography example
Roberto Valenzuela

The trip to WPPI changed my life. It was just an overload of brain stimuli.  

I loved everything about photography – the cameras, lenses, lighting, software, the technical side, the artistic side, and – my favorite – the business side. It had it all! 

I knew my wife Kim would be receiving her Master’s degree in Engineering in May, and she had landed a great engineering job upon graduation. Kim having her own income, definitely helped to solidify my decision to leave teaching and pursue a career as a full-time professional photographer.  

That was probably the hardest decision I have ever made. It felt as if I was jumping into a dark hole without knowing how deep the fall would be.  

That following week, I made an appointment with the principal of the school to tell her that I would not be continuing after that school year. I hugged her and thanked her for the amazing opportunity she had given me. But I had to pursue this new profession, or I would regret it for the rest of my life. 

Before I left her office, she asked me if I was sure, and with a heavy heart, I said, “Yes, yes, I am.”  

After that school year was over, my full-time photography journey began.   

What was your first camera setup?

The first camera I bought was the Canon 20D, and the 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 IS in 2006.  

I didn’t have much money, so I put it all on one lens. I had to learn to work with this lens on every portrait and every wedding I shot.  

It was especially difficult working with a floating aperture like this indoors, but that’s the only lens I had, so I figured it out.  

Actually, it was that experience to only work with one lens that taught me a very valuable lesson – mastering the gear you have is something most people don’t really do. 

For example, we all know what a 50mm f/1.2 lens is, but we don’t really know the ins and outs of that lens. How does it behave in the middle, or in the corners of the frame? What apertures provide the best sharpness for that lens? How does taking a portrait with a 50mm lens look at close proximity? Also, how does it differ from photographing a portrait with that lens at further distances? 

I actually quite enjoyed knowing everything there is to know about one lens. Then I used that same mentality with all of my other lenses, cameras, and flashes I purchased in the future.  

What camera gear do you use now and why?

I enjoy learning about new, evolving technologies. I love my SLR cameras, and I still have them. I have the Canon 5D Mark IV, the Canon 1D X Mark II, and the Canon 5DS. 

But as soon as Canon launched their mirrorless line with the introduction of the Canon EOS R, I embraced the technology.  

Although it is different than shooting with a regular dSLR, this camera opens opportunities that are simply impossible with a dSLR. For example, with the face-detection AF, I can take the camera away from my face and engage with clients face-to-face, and while the camera is tracking their face, I’m actually taking photos without the clients knowing.  

Also, the ability to use a 1-stop to 9-stop variable neutral density (ND) filter that sits inside the lens adapter is one of my favorite features. This saves me from having to buy multiple ND filters for all of my lenses.  

The ND variable filter also allows me to achieve a beautiful cinematic look outdoors by keeping my apertures wide open, such as f/2.0. Then I’m able to illuminate my subjects with the full capabilities of my flashes, and I can stay within the camera’s flash sync speed. This is amazing to me! 

Regardless of how bright the light outdoors may be, I can drop the light as far as I want in seconds. Then add flash to my subjects with a color gel filter to do in-camera color grading. 

How cool is that? 

I am also quite excited about the new R EF lenses, especially the 28-70 f/2.0. These lenses are incredibly sharp and offer a great wide aperture.  

However, my favorite feature of these lenses is the ability to program the control ring to whatever you want to fit the kind of shoot you are doing. For example, I programmed my control ring to quickly change my ISO in rapidly changing lighting conditions.  

What area of photography do you specialize in and why did you move into that field?

Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Roberto Valenzuela

My photography career began in Tucson, AZ. 

In Tucson, there is not much of a fashion or beauty industry, but it is a very popular place to get married because of the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and Tucson’s famous sunsets.  

On top of that, I was getting married myself during that time.  

All of these factors led me to the world of wedding photography. And what a world it is! 

I learned quickly that most important is what sets you apart from the hundreds of thousands of wedding photographers out there. 

If I had to choose one aspect of my life that sets me apart from other wedding and portrait photographers, it would have to be my background as a classical guitarist. Being a classical guitarist forces you to develop a culture of great dedication to practice.  

Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Roberto Valenzuela
Bride in front of a mirror

In fact, in my 14 years as a photographer now, I have not missed a single month that I haven’t practiced something. Regardless of how busy I am, I always make time to practice 30 to 60 minutes a month. 

This practice has come in very handy in the most difficult of times to create something truly special for my clients. 

For example, the photo I took in Sarasota, Florida, during a hurricane. This photograph was taken late in the evening as the wedding came to an end at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida. This photo has to be one of my all-time favorite wedding photographs in my career. 

It had been raining all day and all night due to a hurricane passing by the area. To take advantage of the rain, I asked the Rolls Royce driver if he could park the car in front of the tree. I then asked my assistant to stand in front of the grid of the car with two Canon 600EXRT flash units.  

One flash unit was used to backlight the couple, and the second was pointed towards the car’s headlights.  

Illuminating the headlights would give the viewer the perception that this photograph was lit by the car’s lights. However, the car was not even on. When everything was set, I then asked the bride and groom to run out quickly. It took us a couple of tries to get it right, and maybe we got a little wet, but the photograph is magical, and it will last forever! 

Without my relentless practice sessions with my flashes, I would have never been able to visualize this beautiful photo in the midst of a hurricane passing through the location of the wedding.  

I have a full production studio in Beverly Hills now. Although I still shoot a few weddings a year, my focus has switched to commercial fashion photography.  

photographer Roberto Valenzuela

Are you working on any exciting projects you’d like to share?

I am incredibly passionate about the benefits I have received from really taking the time to master all aspects of lighting and posing. The more you know about lighting and posing, the more fun you have as a photographer. 

The art of photography just opens up to you in ways you never thought imaginable. The type of work you can produce with more knowledge is just incredible and addictive! 

Because of this, I dreamed of creating the ultimate education platform for eager photographers wanting a concentrated level of the highest quality education in pure lighting knowledge.  

So, I’m in the process of designing a conference. More details to come.

If you could share any photography tips with our readers, what would they be?

I would say that photography has opened doors in my life that I have never thought possible. But it has come because of my training.  

My tip would be to never think you know something so well, that you don’t have to learn anymore. Keep your curiosity as big as that of a child. Learn how to pose so that people don’t look posed. 

Also, learn how to light, so that the light communicates something to the viewer instead of using light simply to illuminate and create an exposure.  

Embrace education, learning, and the new technologies available to help you expand your capabilities and become an even better visual storyteller.  

Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Roberto Valenzuela
Fashion photography example of Woman with feathers

See more of Roberto Valenzuela’s work here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roberto_photo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/robertophotography Website: http://www.robertovalenzuela.com

The post Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Roberto Valenzuela appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.


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Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Bruce Dorn

06 Mar

The post Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Bruce Dorn appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

Canon Explorers of Light Series Q&A with photographer Bruce Dorn – Featured Image

In this Canon Explorers of Light Q&A series, we interview several professional photographers who are a part of Canon’s Explorers of Light program.

The Explorers of Light Program, running since 1995, boasts some incredibly talented photographers. These photographers have spent years honing their craft, and influence and educate other photographers of all levels – something, we at dPS, can respect and relate to.

In this piece, we interview fashion, editorial and all-round photographer, Bruce Dorn.

Photographer Bruce Dorn

Bruce Dorn has been a professional photographer/cinematographer for 45 years and a member of the Directors Guild of America for 35 years.

Bruce is a Canon Explorer Light, an ARRI Ambassador, a SanDisk Extreme Pro, Western Digital Creative Master, Westcott Top Pro, Light & Motion Ambassador, Tiffen Steadicam Pro, Corel Painter Master, and a Member of the Adobe Dream Team. Bruce seems nice but Chuck Norris trembles at the mere sound of his name.

Canon Explorers of Light Series Q&A with photographer Bruce Dorn – Portrait of Bruce Dorn with an eagle sitting on his canon lenses.

How did you get into photography?

In July of 1969, just after I turned 18, my brother-in-law loaned me a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic with a 50mm Takumar lens. I had just seen “Easy Rider” and was inspired to take my own road trip through the American Southwest.

I shot a ton of Kodachrome, had a crazy good time, and returned home to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communications with a minor in photography.

Canon Explorers of Light Series Q&A with photographer Bruce Dorn – Fashion Image

While in my last year in college, I entered and won a creativity competition staged by Conde Nast, the publishers of Vogue Magazine and several other fashion titles.

After graduation, I joined Mademoiselle Magazine as a guest editor, and I began art directing and shooting fashion spreads in NYC, Reykjavik, Paris, and Rome.

Within weeks of receiving my diploma, I signed the lease on a 4,000 sq ft penthouse loft on 5th Avenue in Manhattan and got to work. I’ve stayed busy ever since. A bit of a dream career, really.

Canon Explorers of Light Series Q&A with photographer Bruce Dorn – Photographs of Woman beside an aircraft in afternoon light

What was your first camera setup?

The first camera setup I bought was an inexpensive 35mm Mamiya-Sekor DTL 500 with a 50mm lens. The second piece of kit I acquired was a 500W, 3200K incandescent floodlight. The camera is long lost in the mists of time, but I still have that light. It’s a novelty keepsake at this point, but it serves as a reminder that creative lighting has always defined my shooting style – and kept me gainfully employed.

What camera gear do you use now and why?

I’ve shot everything from 35mm to 8”x10” film cameras for stills and 16mm to 70mm VistaVision cinema cameras, but now I’m 100% digital.

Canon is my platform of choice for both stills and cine, and I always use the latest versions. Currently, I’m really high on the Canon EOS 1Dx MKIII and excited about the upcoming mirrorless EOS R5.

Canon cameras always deliver amazing color, and Canon Professional Services are unequaled. And the lenses? I have a very large collection, from extreme wide-angle to super-telephoto.

The photography gear that Bruce Dorn has in the back of his car. Who wouldn't want that?
Yes, who wouldn’t love this to be the back of their car?

People frequently ask me how much such a huge assortment of gear costs, and I always point out that it isn’t about how much gear costs me – it’s about how much it earns for me.

Just like a championship-winning race car mechanic, full-service professional photographers must eventually possess a very large toolbox. It pays for itself.

What area of photography do you specialize in, and why did you move into that field?

I get bored very easily, so over the years, I’ve worked to become a specialist in a lot of different categories.

I shoot editorial, fashion, beauty, automotive, nature, adventure, travel, extreme sports, underwater, environmental portraiture, aerial, and advertising – in both stills and cinema.

Canon Explorers of Light Series Q&A with photographer Bruce Dorn – An example of his fashion photography
Bruce Dorn's fashion shoot with models in the desert

Are you working on any exciting projects you’d like to share?

Always! Unfortunately, the bulk of my commercial work is under a non-disclosure agreement, so I can’t be specific. Follow my Instagram feed, and you’ll see lots of cool stuff posted there – once I’m out from under the NDAs and able to freely share. My Instagram handle is: @dorn.bruce

Between professional gigs, I try to do as much mentoring as I can. I’m currently working with a fourteen-year-old Hopi Indian girl who simply loves landscape photography. We get together for shooting adventures around Arizona whenever our schedules allow!

Canon Explorers of Light Series Q&A with photographer Bruce Dorn – Young woman on a motorcycle

If you could share any photography tips with our readers, what would they be?

Great photography is all about where you stand, both literally and philosophically. Work on discovering and polishing your own unique point-of-view.

With so much information instantly available online, it’s super-easy to mimic the work of others but don’t – that’s ultimately a dead-end journey. Focus, instead, on shooting a lot, and eventually, your own unique path will be revealed. Own it.

Oh, and light that faint little path…learning to illuminate your world with great lighting is the smartest thing you will ever do. Invest in quality lighting instruments and learn how to use them. I suggest looking at color-correct and dimmable LED units for the greatest versatility. Shine bright!

Bruce Dorn photography – a shot of the studio set up for his marionette shoot.
Canon Explorers of Light Series Q&A with photographer Bruce Dorn – Marionette shoot

Bruce Dorn Biography

Bruce Dorn has been a professional photographer/cinematographer for 45 years and a member of the Directors Guild of America for 35 years.

Bruce is a Canon Explorer Light, an ARRI Ambassador, a SanDisk Extreme Pro, Western Digital Creative Master, Westcott Top Pro, Light & Motion Ambassador, Tiffen Steadicam Pro, Corel Painter Master, and a Member of the Adobe Dream Team. Bruce seems nice but Chuck Norris trembles at the mere sound of his name.

See more of photographer, Bruce Dorn’s work here:

Instagram: @dorn.bruce
Facebook: bruce.dorn
Website: www.brucedorn.com

Canon Explorers of Light Series Q&A with photographer Bruce Dorn – Portraits
Bruce Dorn photograph of 3 Zebras in Black and White
Canon Explorers of Light Series Q&A with photographer Bruce Dorn – Image of a woman on the edge of a red plane wing
Bruce Dorn Photography, shows a woman against a purple background with red lights
Bruce Dorn photography, shows cars driving across a sandy desert from a high perspective.

The post Canon Explorers of Light – Q&A with Photographer Bruce Dorn appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.


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Windows 7 – Resize Columns in Explorer’s Details Mode

25 Aug

A couple of ways to make more information visible when viewing file details via Windows 7 Explorer.

These tips are for Windows 7 beginners – though some who have used the operating system for a while still may not know about them!

When viewing file information in Explorer’s “Details” view (right-click an empty area in a folder and select “View” – “Details”), more information may be available than can fit on the screen without having to use the horizontal scroll bar. If a particular column is too large, move your mouse pointer to the column edge until the pointer turns into an arrow pointing to the left and right. Then double-click the left button to resize the column to the width of the widest item in the column. Or……

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