One swallow does not a summer make, said Aristotle, suggesting the dangers of looking for trends based on single examples. Even with this in mind, I’m pleased to see two manufacturers introduce 70-200mm equivalent zooms for APS-C cameras at this year’s Photokina. First Fujifilm introduced its 50-140mm F2.8 R, and then Samsung followed suit with its 50-150mm F2.8 S. I think these lenses make more sense than actual 70-200mms; let me explain why…
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
For the last two years, the only enthusiast compact with a large sensor you could buy says ‘Sony’ on the front. Finally, at Photokina 2014, we get some competition from Canon. The PowerShot G7 X uses what is likely the same 20MP sensor as the Sony RX100 III but offers a longer lens, flip-up touchscreen LCD, and arguably better controls. For all the details on this exciting new camera, head on over to our First Impressions Review.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Everyone loves the look of a nice out of focus background, but it’s hard to achieve in a home studio. Accessory manufacturer Lastolite believes it might have the solution, with two new reversible backgrounds printed with out of focus images of the ocean / autumn foliage and summer foliage / city lights. Measuring 1.5 x 1.2m, the backgrounds are big enough for almost full-length portraits of most adults, and weigh in at 3kg (6.6lb) each. Click through for more details.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Sony could be working on a phablet targeted at enthusiast photographers, based around its new curved Exmor-RS IMX271SMK sensor unit and an F1.2 lens. According to a post on Chinese forum digi-wo.com the Xperia Z3X’s Android L OS will be powered by a 64bit Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC that is clocked at 2.86 GHz and 4GB of RAM. The screen is rumored to measure 6.14 inches, offering a QHD resolution and will use OLED technology. Read more on connect.dpreview.com
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Make the Windows 8.1 mouse pointer stand out by adding a drop shadow.
As Windows 8.1 has adopted a flatter interface, gradients and drop shadows have been removed from a variety of places including the mouse pointer. If you feel that the mouse pointer drop shadow helps make it easier to spot on the Desktop, do the following:
1. Access the “Mouse” Control Panel. One way to do this is by pressing Windows + R, entering main.cpl and pressing Enter….
Read more at MalekTips.
New Computer and Technology Help and Tips – MalekTips.Com
We all go through creative blocks. Is it such a bad thing? Or, on the contrary, is it a sign that we need to push ourselves, and grow in the process? I think that a loss of passion may be an opportunity to renew and refresh your vision and turn it in a positive experience, instead of staying in a rut and feeling sorry for yourself.
You may hear this one often, but have you done it yet? I’m not suggesting that you go out and shoot your first wedding, but try something that may seem out of character for you. I consider myself more of an urban photographer than anything else. But I have experimented with other genres, such as B&W flower photography. Did I enjoy it? Sure I did, tremendously! But I also realized that I’m happier shooting street photography. That realization alone gave me a boost to get out and do more of what I love most.
I’m mostly a street photographer but I enjoy trying new genres and techniques. It gets my creative juices flowing!
©Valérie Jardin
Hanging out with like minded people is like therapy. Admit it, you often experience some frustration when you are on an outing with non-photographers. Being able to enjoy a photo walk without having to justify why you need to take your time to get the shot is priceless. Join a group or start your own. The latter option is a good way to make sure that you will show up for all the photo walks!
Before you embark on a long project, make sure you’ll be able to handle the commitment. For example, a 365 project is a great way to grow as a photographer but it can also become a burden and be counterproductive. If you end up quitting after a few weeks, you may end up feeling worse about yourself and photography in general. If you decide to go for the 365, don’t be too hard on yourself. Don’t get to the point where you’ll shoot just about anything to get your pic of the day. Remember, it’s supposed to be fun! You may also consider starting something a little bit more manageable such as a 52-week project, a short term photo essay, a series of portraits of strangers or selfies, etc. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you share with the world! Which leads to the next point…
Some project ideas to help you out
Don’t forget that you are your most readily available subject. Have fun with selfies! Here I played with long exposures and ghost images in an old theater.
©Valérie Jardin
See a list of the most popular lenses – survey of dPS readers
Share your work on social media, or consider starting a photography blog. You don’t need to be a writer to start a photography blog, think of it as a journal in pictures. It’s so much more fun than keeping your images in your hard drive. It will also give you a boost in your confidence and push you to shoot more and better.
This is my personal blog where I write about projects and things I’m working on outside of my photography business.
You can get a free, or inexpensive blog using resources like:
We get inspiration online all the time. Everything we do seems to be online. The Internet is a wonderful thing and we are exposed to the work of so many amazing artists from all over the world and in real time. Sometimes we need to slow down and sit down with a big beautiful book of photographs. Visit a real book store or a library for a change of pace and for renewed inspiration.
Take the time to page through a real book once in a while.
Photography exhibits are a wonderful way to get some inspiration, but do not neglect looking at art in general. Sculptures, paintings, etc. See the passion that fueled the works of art showcased at your local museum.
Give a camera to a child and go on a photo walk. You’ll be amazed to discover the world from a child’s perspective. Better yet, this could ignite a life-long passion thanks to you!
There isn’t a single technique that is not explained in detail online, so you have no excuse for not experimenting with something new. You never know, this light painting thing may just be what you need to feel inspired again, so get to work!
There is no reason to stay in a rut, all you need to do is pick up a camera, any camera. You can even stay home and do it. Pick an ordinary object and make it look extraordinary! This simple step will get the creative juices flowing again.
Just pick up the camera and photograph something, anything, around your house!
©Valérie Jardin
It’s okay to feel down and uninspired, it’s all part of being an artist. Turn it around and use it as an excuse to push yourself and try something new!
Please take a minute to share your experience dealing with creative block and how you found your muse again.
– Robert Doisneu
The post Lost your Photo Mojo? Ten Tips to Bring Back the Magic by Valerie Jardin appeared first on Digital Photography School.
Space robots, including the Curiosity rover currently roaming Mars, have been great at following orders. Now, scientists are looking for ways to put more decision making power within the grasp of the rover itself. A team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing a camera system called TextureCam to do just that. They’ve developed an algorithm to allow the rover to analyze 3D images and determine whether an object in front of it deserves further investigation. Click through to read more.
News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Instagram is the photo sharing and social networking service of the moment, bought solidly to the forefront with the acquisition of Instagram by Facebook and the release of the iPhone 5. With more than 5 million photos being uploaded every hour by the 50 millionusers across the world, Instagram is certainly representative of a larger iPhoneography movement that is captivating Continue Reading
The post 30 Guys That Bring Faith Back to Instagram Photography appeared first on Photodoto.
Snapzoom is the brainchild of Daniel Fujikake and Mac Nguyen, two surfers (and brothers-in-law) from Hawaii looking for a better way to capture and share video of their themselves riding the waves. They’ve created a universal adapter that attaches most smartphones to most binoculars, spotting scopes, telescopes and microscopes, bringing camera phones closer to the action without relying on the devices’ digital zoom. Learn more at connect.dpreview.com.
News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
This video tutorial demonstrates how to bring back/add in golden-hour light to a photo that is a little washed out and would benefit from this kind of retouching. This technique (illustrated with a portrait) would be perfect for enhancing the golden-hour lighting of other subjects (such as building in a landscape) as well. Concepts: Gradient Fill, Masking (and Painting), and Blending Modes.
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Watch the course at www.lynda.com Photoshop is one of theworld’s most powerful image editors, and it can be daunting to try to use skillfully. Photoshop CS5 One-on-One: Advanced, the second part of the popular and comprehensive series, updated for CS5, follows internationally renowned Photoshop guru Deke McClelland as he dives into the workings of Photoshop. He explores such digital-age wonders as the Levels and Curves commands, edge-detection filters, advanced compositing techniques, vector-based text, the Liquify filter, and Camera Raw. Deke also teaches tried-and-true methods for sharpening details, smoothing over wrinkles and imperfections, and enhancing colors without harming the original image.
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