The post The Essential Guide to Camera Light Meters appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Ringsmuth. These days, every camera has an in-built light meter – but what actually is it, and how does it work? In this article, I share everything you need to understand your camera’s light meter. And by the time you’re done, you’ll be able to select different metering modes, plus you’ll know how to meter your camera for great results. Let’s get started. What is a camera light meter? A light meter measures the amount of light reflecting off a scene, then indicates the proper combination of settings (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO) for a well-exposed image. In other words, light meters are all...

In-camera special effects are a great and fun way to emphasize a story in photography. Many of these special effects that seem high production are actually quite easy to accomplish using the tools we already have or are easy to get. Today, I'll be showing you how to create one of my signature portraits, the Day vs. Night. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Pye Jirsa)

During autumn, mushrooms are appearing everywhere. These fungi are welcome subjects for the nature photographer and it can be a challenging task to photograph mushrooms in an interesting way. I have gathered some tips that can help and for some inspiration. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Nando Harmsen)

One of the biggest problems with comparing lighting systems is that there are endless variables to compare. If you are looking for a good strobe for studio or outdoor work, this video has a lot of information to give you a concise look at which one might be best for you. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Jeff Bennion)

Many factors contribute to the success of an image. If you’re a regular reader of my Tip of the Week, you know of my passion for great light in addition to numerous other factors that determine the photo’s outcome. If you’ve accompanied me on safari, you’ve heard me say, “It’s all about the light” or “exhaust all possibilities” or “monitor your red channel” and more. But these aren’t the only aspects that make or break an image. Numerous times, I’ve mentioned the importance of composition, subject choice, mergers, distractions, etc. A huge aspect that dictates a photo’s success is the background. The background is equally as important as the subject! Busy backgrounds, ones that are too dark or too light, those...

LEE Filters, known for their excellent rectangular filters like the popular LEE100 Filter System, introduced today the company’s first set of circular photo filters. LEE Elements will be available in four common filter sizes and five different types. LEE Elements filters are available in circular polarizer, neutral density and variable neutral density. Filter sizes: 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm. Types: Little Stopper 6-stop neutral density, Big Stopper 10-stop neutral density, CPL circular polarizer, VND 2- to 5-stop variable neutral density, VND 6- to 9-stop variable neutral density. The filters are housed in black anodized aluminum frames which are stackable, allowing you to use more than one neutral density filter to block even more light, or to combine the polarizer or variable ND...

While very few photographers make a full-time living shooting stock photography, it can be a decent way to supplement your main work and provide some additional financial security by diversifying your income streams. This excellent video goes in depth to show you how two photographers made $47,000 selling their photos on stock services. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Announced back in June, Nikon’s first macro lenses for the Z mount appeared to be typical successors to their F mount predecessors, covering 50mm and 100mm focal lengths. The Z 105mm, as before, is a more premium choice, offering a few more features and a more choice designation. I’ve finally gotten my hands on one, and after some thorough testing, I’m ready to share my thoughts on this recent entry to the Z lineup. Whether you’re a macro specialist or Z photographer, you’ll want to check out this review. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Coleman)

The post How to Use a Gray Card in Your Photography (Step By Step) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by John McIntire. What is a gray card, and how can you use one in your photography? In this article, I’m going to address all things gray-card related. I’m going to share the purpose of a gray card, when it’s needed, and – most importantly! – how to use a gray card for beautiful exposure and colors in your photos. These little accessories start at less than $10, yet they give you a huge amount of control over your images, and they can be invaluable in tricky situations. So to master gray card photography, read on! What is...

A wide angle zoom lens is one of the most versatile out there, useful for a wide variety of scenarios in both photo and video work. For those who do not need the extra-wide aperture of an f/2.8 lens, an f/4 version can save a lot of bulk and money. Canon's RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM lens features a wider focal length than most such zooms and adds image stabilization, and this great video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Last week, Adobe updated Lightroom Classic to version 11 and added several enhancements to the software’s masking capabilities. These enhancements include the ability to select your image’s subject, or the sky, with a single click, as well as the ability to fine-tine masks with color and luminance range controls. In this video (8 mins., 30 sec.) Photoshop and Lightroom expert Julieanne Kost walks you through the new masking features and how to use them.  Though many serious and professional photographers have in recent years found Lightroom to be a more flexible application than Photoshop for RAW photography workflow, Photoshop’s masking tools have remained more sophisticated compared to those in Lightroom, necessitating use of both applications for some types of adjustments. As...

Nikon has just recently announced the Nikon Z 9, a flagship camera with some incredible features. The autofocus, high-resolution sensor, and overall speed might put the Nikon Z 9 ahead of the competition. However, the most curious thing about this new camera is the fact that it does not have a mechanical shutter. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Usman Dawood)

Photo By Jeff Sullivan Today’s Photo Of The Day is “Standing Together” by Jeff Sullivan. Location: Inyo National Forest, California. “I saw these two trees catching light, but I envisioned a better, simpler composition, so I changed shooting location to arrange the elements of the composition better and to move some distracting ones out of the way,” says Sullivan. Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including Assignments, Galleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them. The post Photo Of The Day By...

Did you miss a Photo Of The Day last month? View all of October’s selections in the slideshow below and enjoy some incredible fall color photography! Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including Assignments, Galleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them. [See image gallery at www.outdoorphotographer.com] The post Photos Of The Day For October 2021 appeared first on Outdoor Photographer. Original linkOriginal author: Staff

Photographing glassware is especially challenging, as controlling the reflections can be particularly difficult. Even if it is not something you normally do, it is fantastic lighting practice, and this excellent video tutorial will show you how to photograph clean glassware on a black background with only speedlights. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Long telephoto lenses can be some of the most expensive out there, and when you need multiple focal lengths, the cost can quickly become prohibitive. Teleconverters offer a way to get more reach from lenses you already own, but they also come with drawbacks you should be aware of. This excellent, in-depth video discusses teleconverters, their pros and cons, and when they are appropriate to use. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Today I’m kicking off my pre-conference workshop for the Portrait Photography Conference, and if you want to join us (the official conference kicks off tomorrow and runs through Wednesday – two tracks, all online, with a killer roster of instructors), it’s not too late – tickets and more info here. I’ll see a whole bunch of you later today at the pre-con (and make sure you catch the orientation session with Larry Becker today). This Depth Range feature, found way down at the bottom of the new Masking Panel, seems like it’s always grayed out (why it’s grayed out for most images is coming up in a moment). Depth Range has actually been in Lightroom since back in 2018 but it...

Halloween might not be my favorite "holiday", but it does bring with it some fantastic photoshoots. In this video, watch as Lindsay Adler creates some stunning Medusa-themed portraits using LEDs. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Robert K Baggs)

Advances in technology are too often in the news for the bizarre and almost dystopian applications they bring with them. However, on occasion, we get to see wholesome and encouraging uses, like this. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Robert K Baggs)

No one likes being cold and wet, but being out in the elements is part of the package when it comes to landscape photography, and sometimes, the weather is just not that great. So, should you pack it in and head home when the rain starts to fall and the wind starts to blow? Absolutely not! This excellent video discusses why being willing to stick it out can pay off with great images. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)