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Wikiview photo browser makes it easy to search through Wikimedia Commons images

A team with German university HTW Berlin has published a new project called Wikiview, a website that makes it easy to search for images in the Wikimedia Commons. With Wikiview, anyone can search for images related to a subject, then narrow down the results by adding other search terms, such as looking specifically for photos of old cars that are located outdoors.

Wikiview enables users to zoom in and out of the 2D image map used to present grid-based image results. When the user selects a particular image, it appears in a viewer sidebar alongside its title, the date it was taken, the license under which it was published, its author, and links to both its Wikimedia page and to similar image results. Users are able to directly download the image from Wikiview.

Wikiview is one of multiple sites that enables users to more easily find images shared under various licenses. Earlier this year, for example, Creative Commons launched an overhauled CC Search tool that serves as a portal to more than 300 million photos.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

November 9, 2019
Adobe is testing a live-streaming feature for its Creative Cloud apps

Select Adobe users who have access to the company’s Fresco digital painting and drawing app are currently testing a new live-streaming feature that enables them to broadcast their work in real-time. The live-streaming feature was announced at the Adobe Max conference and recently detailed by The Verge, which reports that Adobe views this as a way to make creators and its products go ‘viral.’

The live-streaming feature will be built into Adobe Creative Cloud apps, according to the company’s Chief Product Officer Scott Belsky. With it, users will be able to launch a live stream of their session and share a link with others either privately or on social media platforms. Viewers will have the ability to leave comments during the stream.

Other details, such as which live-streaming platforms will be supported and which Creative Cloud apps will get the feature, remain unclear at this time. Only select users have access to the beta feature in Adobe Fresco; the company hasn’t provided a time frame for when it plans to deploy the feature for all users.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

November 9, 2019
Weekly Photography Challenge – Street Markets

The post Weekly Photography Challenge – Street Markets appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

This week’s photography challenge topic is STREET MARKETS!

Photo by: Kav Dafar ©

Street markets happen day and night and are filled with bustling crowds, fresh produce, and hand-made arts and crafts.

You can do detail shots of items for sale, or capture portraits in the crowd. Alternatively, try using long exposures to blur the crowd and really capture the hive of activity. Snap vendors interacting with customers, or the colors of the gazebos or fresh fruit and vegetables.

Play with black and white or work with contrasting light and shadows.

So, check out these inspiring pics by some of the dPS writers, have fun, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Photo by: Kevin Landwer-Johan. ©

Photo by Simon Bond ©.

Check out some of the articles below that give you tips on this week’s challenge.

Tips for Shooting STREET MARKETS

10 Tips for Photographing Street Markets

7 Tips to Help You Take Better Photos of Markets

How to Photograph Markets

5 Essential Shots You Need to Get for Street Market Photography

21 Images That Show a Trip to the Market

Tips for Getting Started in Street Photography

7 Ways to Become More Spontaneous with Your Street Photography

Simply upload your shot into the comment field (look for the little camera icon in the Disqus comments section) and they’ll get embedded for us all to see or if you’d prefer, upload them to your favorite photo-sharing site and leave the link to them. Show me your best images in this week’s challenge.

Share in the dPS Facebook Group

You can also share your images in the dPS Facebook group as the challenge is posted there each week as well.

If you tag your photos on Flickr, Instagram, Twitter or other sites – tag them as #DPSstreetmarkets to help others find them. Linking back to this page might also help others know what you’re doing so that they can share in the fun.

The post Weekly Photography Challenge – Street Markets appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

Digital Photography School

November 9, 2019
Canon Announces the EOS Ra, Its First Mirrorless Astrophotography Camera

The post Canon Announces the EOS Ra, Its First Mirrorless Astrophotography Camera appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Canon has announced its first astrophotography camera since the Canon 60Da, which is also its first-ever mirrorless astrophotography camera:

The Canon EOS Ra.

The EOS Ra isn’t a particularly flashy camera; it’s the Canon EOS R, along with a few special features designed for astrophotographers. But if you’re looking to take photos of the night sky, the Canon EOS Ra may be exactly what you need.

What makes this camera special?

First, Canon has added a special IR filter in front of the sensor, one that promises to increase transmission of the H-alpha wavelength by approximately four times the amount of the standard EOS R. Most cameras include an IR filter that reduces H-alpha wavelength transmission. But the H-alpha wavelength features heavily in celestial phenomena such as diffuse nebulae; the enhanced transmission should make for clearer, sharper images of these astronomical objects.

And second, Canon added enhanced EVF and LCD viewing. You can zoom in to 5x or 30x magnification using either the LCD or the electronic viewfinder, which allows you to focus on celestial objects with increased precision.

Note that the Canon EOS Ra offers all the other features of the EOS R, including a 30.3 MP sensor, the DIGIC 8 processor, continuous shooting at 8 frames per second, and Canon’s amazing Dual Pixel autofocus.

So who should get the Canon EOS Ra? And how does it perform when shooting subjects other than the night sky?

The Canon EOS Ra is designed for astrophotographers, and I recommend you keep it that way. While all the EOS R features are present, the altered IR filter may cause issues when photographing non-celestial subjects. Plus, the EOS Ra has a few hundred dollars added to its price tag, selling for $ 2499 USD compared to the $ 1799 USD Canon EOS R. For non-astrophotographers, purchasing the EOS Ra will be throwing away unnecessary dollars.

But for astrophotographers, the Canon EOS Ra is a fantastic option.

The camera is currently available for preorder and should debut in mid-December 2019.

What do you think about the Canon EOS Ra? And for all the astrophotographers out there: Will you be using it for astrophotography?

The post Canon Announces the EOS Ra, Its First Mirrorless Astrophotography Camera appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Digital Photography School

November 8, 2019
How to Capture the Colors of Autumn in Your Photography

The post How to Capture the Colors of Autumn in Your Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jeremy Flint.

Autumn is a great time to get out with your camera. This magical season brings an array of attractive photography conditions including wonderful morning mist, dramatic light and a palette of changing colors. Capturing the colors of autumn is high on the bucket list of many landscape photographers and it is the favourite season for nature photographers in pursuit of the perfect fall photo. To help you get the best photos possible during this popular season read on to consider some fundamental points:

1. Find a suitable subject

With the right approach, you can achieve some of your best scenic autumn shots.

The first thing to think about is what subject you are going to shoot. There are a number of great subjects that vie for your attention including scenes of vibrant landscapes, a tree, leaves or water and the landscape. These subjects are suitable because they show the true spirit of autumn and the best of the season when the leaves change color and become more intense.

Other ideas for subjects include capturing a building, landmark, footpath or bridge within a colorful landscape. Combining these elements with fall foliage illustrate the season beautifully.

2. Light

Don’t limit yourself to shooting on bright and sunny days. Overcast conditions are also great for recording subtle, even tones as the light is soft with less contrast. Rivers are particularly enticing to shoot when there is cloud cover, particularly when adding warmth with autumn colors.

3. Location

Location is everything when it comes to achieving your best autumn pictures. You could focus a photography vacation around the colors of autumn, or spend a day or two chasing the season’s hues.

Some of the best regions in the world include New England and the Colorado Rockies. Whilst some countries such as the UK are not renowned for their autumn splendor, there are many parks, woodlands, and areas of outstanding natural beauty that you can visit for a shoot.

4. Shoot a wide view

One great way to document the autumn colors is to capture a wider field of view. Photographing trees as part of a larger landscape, using colorful leaves in the background or to frame your subject works really well. This approach gives a more visually interesting image than a picture of a building or landmark on its own. It also helps tell the viewer the time of year the photo was created.

5. Isolate patterns of color

Another technique is to shoot the colors of autumn in isolation. Beautiful shades of red, yellow, brown and orange can look great. Look out for patterns amongst leaves which could include single and complementary colors or interesting shapes. By focussing your lens towards a particular section of a forest canopy or an attractive collection of leaves, you can add order and impact to your images whilst creating some visually pleasing results.

6. Use backlight

A great technique to use when shooting fall foliage is to shoot directly towards the sun. Shooting into the light can result in stunning images as the backlit leaves of autumn glow and reflect the vibrant colors. Be aware of flare when using backlight and shooting into the sun. By partially shielding the sun behind a tree it can help to reduce any unwanted flare.

7. Shoot with sidelight

Another way to shoot autumn is to use sidelight to your advantage. Capture the canopy of colors side-on to the angle of the sun. The complementary colors of oranges and yellows combined with a blue sky can work very well together. The warmer tones from the foliage offset the coolness of a blue sky perfectly.

8. Look down

When exploring wonderful scenes of autumn color, it is easy to forget to look down. Don’t be disheartened if the trees are bare and the leaves have all fallen; you can still capture the colors of autumn on the ground. This is evident in late autumn when the forest floor is as colorful as the treetops. Depending on the type of tree, there are often varying elements of fall color from these leaves, which are definitely worth photographing.

9. Fog and mist

Finally, incorporate any signs of fog and mist into your autumn photos. These dramatic conditions can lift a picture by adding a touch of mood, atmosphere, and mystery to a colorful scene. Capture the morning mist rising from a lake, a forest cloaked in fog or subtle mist over a city or landscape for a visually stunning element that will improve any autumnal scene.

How to capture the colors of autumn in your photography: conclusion

Autumn is an awesome time of the year to be out with your camera capturing beautiful photos, particularly when exploring locations in search of color. So grab your camera and get out to your nearest park or woodland. Enjoy the autumn and see what you can create.

What other tips do you have to photograph the colors of autumn? Share with us in the comments and share your autumn images too!

The post How to Capture the Colors of Autumn in Your Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jeremy Flint.

Digital Photography School

November 8, 2019
Updated: Sony a6600 sample gallery

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The Sony a6600 made its debut in late August, and in the months since then we’ve been testing it out in a wide range of situations. Our initial sample image gallery has been updated with images from our latest testing, including an artistic painting competition, because why not?

See our updated Sony a6600 sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

November 8, 2019
Storytelling in Photography: What It Is and How You Can Improve It
The post Storytelling in Photography: What It Is and How You Can Improve It appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ana Mireles.

From photography contests to job offerings, the term storytelling is becoming more and more popular. But, do you know what storytelling in photography is? In this article, I’ll share with you some facts that help you understand what it is; and some tips on how you can improve it in your photography.

What is storytelling in photography?

I’ve heard many definitions of storytelling in photography from an explanation that compared it to a bowl of ice cream, to the classic “an image is worth a thousand words.” What I got from all of them is that you need to portray a message and convey a feeling.

Let’s get started by clarifying some of the most common doubts.

Types of photography

So, what type of photography uses storytelling? The truth is, if you want to improve your photography, you have to tell a story regardless of the type of photography you do. A wedding photographer tells the story of a couple as much as a documentarian reports an event. Here are some ideas:
- How to Create a Documentary Photography Project.
- How to Make Storytelling Landscape Photos – 4 Steps.
- 5 Steps to Creative Storytelling in Pictures with Your Kids.
Single photos vs. multi-image projects

Think about it this way: in magazines, sometimes you have an entire article spanning pages, and other times just a cover image. Storytelling in photography can be about an entire project, but it also refers to single images. For example, this image was picked as the cover for a compilation of short stories centered around women’s sensuality.

Perhaps it’s easier to think about storytelling when you refer to a series of images. This is because we can associate it with a narrative that has a beginning, middle with a climax, and an ending. If you’re not feeling confident about it yet, learn How to Shoot a Sequence of Photos That Capture a Story.

How to tell a story?

Research

First of all, you need to do your research. Each type of photography will have different needs and it’s harder to tell a story that you don’t know. For example, once I was invited to visit a beekeeping farm “whenever I wanted.” At that moment, the extent of my knowledge about honey was simply where to buy it and how much I like to put in my tea.

To make the most of my visit, I had to pick the right time to be there. I learned about the process of honey harvesting and extraction, and the time of the year it happens. Then I learned how it depended on the weather and the type of flowers in the area. Thanks to this research, I was able to capture an image of a fully-capped honeycomb ready for harvesting.

Technique

It’s a given that being a photographer means you know how to take a well-exposed photograph, but this isn’t enough when it comes to telling a story. The technique needs to work in your favor, so it’s not just about which settings but why those settings.

Every decision you make changes the final result. A warmer or cooler light gives a different type of atmosphere. Where you put the focus point and how deep you set the depth of field directs your viewer’s eye, and so on. It’s not only about having a technically perfect photo, but it’s also about making the perfect photo to tell the perfect story.

How to improve your storytelling in photography

Ask for help

Always ask others what they ‘read’ in your photographic images. This will help you understand if the message you want to portray is being received. This scene I witnessed in a local park really moved me, so I decided to photograph it. I later found out that I didn’t manage to capture the feeling of the moment, as the photo wasn’t much appreciated when I asked for opinions.

[Editor’s comment: I don’t agree here – I think this photo says a lot about the connection of a child and their favorite toy that they love to include in everything they do. To me, the child is treating the toy as a friend who is playing on the see-saw with them. Also, while there is a level cuteness, there is also a sense of sadness at perhaps having no one else to play with but a stuffed toy.]

Passion

Your work will always be more effective if you are passionate about what you’re doing. Find out what interests you and what your style is. If you’re having trouble finding your way, I suggest reading To Specialize or Not to Specialize with Your Photography.

Training

Keep your eye trained by looking at how the professionals tackle storytelling. Browse through magazines, go to exhibitions, check the winning images in contests, and follow them on Instagram. While you do this, also start doing your own and keep on practicing. Remember, it’s okay to fail, as long as you learn from it and keep trying.

Conclusion

Storytelling in photography is the ability to transport the viewers into a particular scene and atmosphere. While in there, you convey the message in a way that gets your audience involved, interested and leaves them wanting more. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing a single photo or a full project, a documentary or advertising, tell your story so that you can portray exactly what you want your viewer to know, or leave them to ponder multiple possibilities.

Do you have other tips for doing storytelling in photography? If so, share with us in the comments, along with any images you’d like to share.

The post Storytelling in Photography: What It Is and How You Can Improve It appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ana Mireles.

Digital Photography School
November 8, 2019
Sigma fp gallery: photos from the world’s smallest full-frame camera

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The Sigma fp claims the title of ‘world’s smallest full-frame camera,’ offering a 24.6MP sensor in a svelte body that’s not much bigger than your standard compact camera. It’s equipped with plenty of features to keep a serious videographer happy, but we’re also interested in its still photo quality. Take a look at our first shots with Sigma’s surprising little full-framer.

See our Sigma fp sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

November 8, 2019
The Kandao QooCam 8K is an affordable pocket-sized 8K 360-degree camera

360-degree cameras cover a much larger field of view than conventional cameras, which is why a high pixel count is essential for capturing good detail. Most current consumer models max out at 4K resolution, though, with 8K video reserved for bulkier high-end models that are mostly aimed at professionals.

Chinese manufacturer Kandao is now changing this, however. Today, the company has launched QooCam 8K, which it calls the ‘first pocketable 8K 360-degree camera.’

The camera uses a pair of fisheye lenses and 1/1.7” sensors to capture stills and video; it’s also capable of 16-bit DNG capture and 10-bit color for stills. It offers automated image stacking at Raw level for increased dynamic range and detail and can also record 4K video at 120 frames per second.

Kandao’s Super Steady electronic stabilization uses a 6-axis gyro to smooth video footage without the need for a gimbal and, according to the manufacturer, makes the QooCam 8K usable as an action cam.

A 2.4-inch OLED touchscreen lets you check shooting information, preview and playback footage and adjust parameters without connecting a smartphone. Footage can be edited and reframed in the dedicated QooCam App or QooCam Studio which include templates for those who are beginners in the world of 360-degree editing.

Additionally, the QooCam 8K can be used to live stream 360-degree video in 4K with in-camera real-time stitching. It is compatible Facebook, Youtube and other platforms. The
Kandao QooCam 8K 360-degree camera is now available for pre-order on the Kandao website for 599 Euros (approximately $ 660). Shipping is scheduled for December 2019.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

November 8, 2019
Adobe’s #ProjectAboutFace can detect when portraits are altered and undo the edits

Adobe has collaborated with researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, to develop a new tool to detect when photos have been digitally altered using Photoshop’s Face-Aware Liquify tool and adjust them back to the original image.

The prototype tool, codenamed ‘Project About Face,’ will pore over an image pixel-by-pixel and create a heat map showing where it believes the image is most likely altered. From there, the edits can effectively be undone to show what the original image looked like.

According to Adobe, the tool is nearly twice as accurate as humans at detecting when a photograph has been altered. In its testing, Project About Face was able to detect altered images with 99-percent accuracy compared to the 53-percent accuracy of the human test group.

Since this only works with images edited inside Photoshop with its Face-Aware Liquify tool, the practical application isn’t widespread, but it’s a neat teaser nonetheless for future fake-detection methods.

Project About Face is just one of the many ‘Sneaks’ Adobe teased this year at Adobe MAX. Like many of the Sneaks, it’s unlikely we’ll see this tool available anytime soon, but it goes to show the growing possibilities of Adobe’s Sensei AI.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

November 8, 2019