PolarPro Spectra Center Split Filter (67 mm) Review 17 Oct 5:00 PM (4 days ago)
Do You Really Need Another Filter? Maybe You Do, Maybe you Don’t — Meet the PolarPro Spectra Centre Split Filter
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got a drawer full of filters — ND, CPL, diffusion, star, you name it. So, do you really need another one? Maybe. Especially if you’ve been craving something that adds a unique, dreamy twist straight in-camera without reaching for Photoshop. That’s where the Spectra Center Split Filter from PolarPro steps in.
I’ve been testing the 67mm version, and while it might look a little strange at first glance, it’s actually a precision-crafted optical filter designed to add subtle yet striking creative effects, right in your lens.
What Is It and What Does It Do?
The Spectra Center Split Filter is part of PolarPro’s innovative Spectra Creative Filter Collection, designed to spark visual experimentation for photographers and filmmakers.
This particular variant features a horizontal split design that creates a mirrored or double-vision effect across the centre of your frame. Essentially, it allows you to bend and duplicate light or subjects within a single shot, creating dreamy reflections or split-screen illusions without needing post-processing.
Think of it as a modern twist on an old-school prism, but with much more control. You can rotate it to adjust the split line’s angle or orientation, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, making it incredibly versatile for creative portraiture, experimental product shots, or cinematic video transitions.
The focal length can also affect the refraction. At 28mm, the refraction at the edges is strong, with dramatic distortion because more of the filter is in frame. At 75mm, the look is subtler, with less distortion visible.
Key Features
- Split-Field Effect – Keeps the subject sharp in the middle while diffusing above and below.
- Creative Edge – Adds a dreamlike, music-video style look you can’t replicate in post.
- Cinema Series Glass – Premium build with anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings.
- Field Ready – Rugged housing, reliable mount, compact size.
- Specialty Tool – A unique filter for stand-out creative sequences.
Specifications (from PolarPro)
- Size: 67mm (also available in 49mm, 77mm and 82mm & Helix)
- Glass: PolarPro Cinema Series® – anti-scratch, anti-reflective, low-dispersion optical glass
- Effect: Center-sharp, top/bottom diffused split-field effect
- Strength: Fixed optical split — bold at wider focal lengths, more subtle at longer focal lengths
- Coatings: Multi-layer coatings for glare reduction and colour neutrality
- Housing: CNC-machined aluminium frame, matte black anodised finish
- Compatibility: Available in Helix MagLock® mount or standard threaded versions
- Filter Sizes: Helix MagLock, Threaded sizes: 67mm, 77mm, 82mm
- Included: Protective hard case and cleaning cloth
Who Is It For?
The Spectra Center Split Filter is designed for creators who love to experiment. If you’re into conceptual portraiture, fashion, surrealism, or cinematic storytelling, this filter opens up new in-camera possibilities.
It’s especially great for:
- Portrait photographers looking to add a reflective symmetry or ethereal vibe
- Videographers wanting in-camera transitions or layered effects
- Still life or product shooters who enjoy bending reflections for artistic flair
If you’ve ever played with prisms, mirrors, or glass objects in front of your lens, this filter gives you that same creative freedom — but with far more precision and repeatability.
In Real-World Use
In practice, the Spectra Centre Split Filter works best when you have clear separation in your scene — like a portrait subject against a textured background, or a skyline reflected against the horizon. Rotating the filter changes the orientation of the split, and even a slight angle can completely alter the mood.
Mounted on my 67mm portrait lens, it produced these beautiful, almost ethereal reflections — like the subject was existing in two dimensions at once. With some creative lighting and a little experimentation, you can achieve anything from subtle duplication to full-on dreamy surrealism.
Pros
- Gorgeous, in-camera optical effects with no digital trickery
- Easy to clean and resistant to smudges
- Lightweight, portable, and easy to use (once through the small learning curve)
- Excellent compatibility across lens systems
Cons
- Best used with intention — it’s a creative effect, not an everyday filter
- Very specialised: not a replacement for standard filters
- Requires experimentation to master (angle and subject distance matter)
- Learning curve to use it effectively (especially with lighting and subjects)
- Strong bloom or reflection effects may overpower subtle scenes
- Might conflict with stacking too many filters or ND / polariser combos (be careful)
Sample Images, taken with Sony A7RV and Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 lens. Click on the image to see full sized.
How & When to Use It
Scenario – Approach / Tip
- Portraits – Centre your subject, use split to reflect hair, shoulders, or background lines. Try rotating to make eyes “double.”
- Architectural / Geometry – Align split with building edges or horizon, mirror upper/lower planes.
- Motion / Silhouettes – Use motion blur or panning — the filtered areas smear in interesting ways.
- Lighting Control – Watch out for strong light sources crossing your split line — can create flare or artifacts.
- Combining Filters – Use thin ND/UV filters first; avoid thick stacking. Best to Test before committing to a full session.
I tried the split filter at a ballet session…loved the results, but it did make it challenging to nail the focus.
I tried it at a Gatsby-styled portrait workshop too. It gave some interesting affects to the images.
%20Review%26bodytext%3D%3Ca%20href%3D%22https://photofocus.com/reviews/polarpro-spectra-center-split-filter-67-mm-review/%22%20title%3D%22PolarPro%20Spectra%20Center%20Split%20Filter%20(67%20mm)%20Review%22%20rel%3D%22nofollow%22%3E%3Cimg%20width%3D%22640%22%20height%3D%22360%22%20src%3D%22https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/JuliePowell_Split-9.jpg?fit%253D640,360%2526ssl%253D1%22%20class%3D%22webfeedsFeaturedVisual%20wp-image-209277%20wp-post-image%22%20alt%3D%22Polar%20Pro%20Centre%20Split%20Filter%22%20style%3D%22float:%20right;%20margin-left:%2010px;%22%20link_thumbnail%3D%221%22%20decoding%3D%22async%22%20srcset%3D%22https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/JuliePowell_Split-9.jpg?w%3D2048%26amp;ssl%3D1%202048w,%20https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/JuliePowell_Split-9.jpg?resize%3D640%252C360%26amp;ssl%3D1%20640w,%20https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/JuliePowell_Split-9.jpg?resize%3D1280%252C720%26amp;ssl%3D1%201280w,%20https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/JuliePowell_Split-9.jpg?resize%3D150%252C84%26amp;ssl%3D1%20150w,%20https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/JuliePowell_Split-9.jpg?resize%3D1536%252C864%26amp;ssl%3D1%201536w,%20https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/JuliePowell_Split-9.jpg?resize%3D500%252C281%26amp;ssl%3D1%20500w,%20https://i0.wp.com/photofocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/JuliePowell_Split-9.jpg?w%3D1480%26amp;ssl%3D1%201480w%22%20sizes%3D%22(max-width:%20640px)%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22209277%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EDo%20You%20Really%20Need%20Another%20Filter?%20Maybe%20You%20Do,%20Maybe%20you%20Don%E2%80%99t%20%E2%80%94%20Meet%20the%20PolarPro%20Spectra%20Centre%20Split%20Filter%20If%20you%E2%80%99re%20anything%20like%20me,%20you%E2%80%99ve%20probably%20got%20a%20drawer%20full%20of%20filters%20%E2%80%94%20ND,%20CPL,%20diffusion,%20star,%20you%20name%20it.%20So,%20do%20you%20really%20need%20another%20one?%20Maybe.%20Especially%20if%20you%E2%80%99ve%20been%20craving%20something%20that%20adds%20a%20unique,%20dreamy%20twist%20straight%20in-camera%20without%20reaching%20for%20Photoshop.%20That%E2%80%99s%20where%20the%20Spectra%20Center%20Split%20Filter%20from%20PolarPro%20steps%20in.%20I%E2%80%99ve%20been%20testing%20the%2067mm%20version,%20and%20while%20it%20might%20look%20a%20little%20strange%20at%20first%20glance,%20it%E2%80%99s%20actually%20a%20precision-crafted%20optical%20filter%20designed%20to%20add%20subtle%20yet%20striking%20creative%20effects,%20right%20in%20your%20lens.%20What%20Is%20It%20and%20What%20Does%20It%20Do?%20The%20Spectra%20Center%20Split%20Filter%20is%20part%20of%20PolarPro%E2%80%99s%20innovative%20Spectra%20Creative%20Filter%20Collection,%20designed%20to%20spark%20visual%20experimentation%20for%20photographers%20and%20filmmakers.%20This%20particular%20variant%20features%20a%20horizontal%20split%20design%20that%20creates%20a%20mirrored%20or%20double-vision%20effect%20across%20the%20centre%20of%20your%20frame.%20Essentially,%20it%20allows%20you%20to%20bend%20and%20duplicate%20light%20or%20subjects%20within%20a%20single%20shot,%20creating%20dreamy%20reflections%20or%20split-screen%20illusions%20without%20needing%20post-processing.%20Think%20of%20it%20as%20a%20modern%20twist%20on%20an%20old-school%20prism,%20but%20with%20much%20more%20control.%20You%20can%20rotate%20it%20to%20adjust%20the%20split%20line%E2%80%99s%20angle%20or%20orientation,%20horizontal,%20vertical,%20diagonal,%20making%20it%20incredibly%20versatile%20for%20creative%20portraiture,%20experimental%20product%20shots,%20or%20cinematic%20video%20transitions.%20The%20focal%20length%20can%20also%20affect%20the%20refraction.%20At%2028mm,%20the%20refraction%20at%20the%20edges%20is%20strong,%20with%20dramatic%20distortion%20because%20more%20of%20the%20filter%20is%20in%20frame.%20At%2075mm,%20the%20look%20is%20subtler,%20with%20less%20distortion%20visible.%20Key%20Features%20Specifications%20(from%20PolarPro)%20Who%20Is%20It%20For?%20The%20Spectra%20Center%20Split%20Filter%20is%20designed%20for%20creators%20who%20love%20to%20experiment.%20If%20you%E2%80%99re%20into%20conceptual%20portraiture,%20fashion,%20surrealism,%20or%20cinematic%20storytelling,%20this%20filter%20opens%20up%20new%20in-camera%20possibilities.%20It%E2%80%99s%20especially%20great%20for:%20If%20you%E2%80%99ve%20ever%20played%20with%20prisms,%20mirrors,%20or%20glass%20objects%20in%20front%20of%20your%20lens,%20this%20filter%20gives%20you%20that%20same%20creative%20freedom%20%E2%80%94%20but%20with%20far%20more%20precision%20and%20repeatability.%20In%20Real-World%20Use%20In%20practice,%20the%20Spectra%20Centre%20Split%20Filter%20works%20best%20when%20you%20have%20clear%20separation%20in%20your%20scene%20%E2%80%94%20like%20a%20portrait%20subject%20against%20a%20textured%20background,%20or%20a%20skyline%20reflected%20against%20the%20horizon.%20Rotating%20the%20filter%20changes%20the%20orientation%20of%20the%20split,%20and%20even%20a%20slight%20angle%20can%20completely%20alter%20the%20mood.%20Mounted%20on%20my%2067mm%20portrait%20lens,%20it%20produced%20these%20beautiful,%20almost%20ethereal%20reflections%20%E2%80%94%20like%20the%20subject%20was%20existing%20in%20two%20dimensions%20at%20once.%20With%20some%20creative%20lighting%20and%20a%20little%20experimentation,%20you%20can%20achieve%20anything%20from%20subtle%20duplication%20to%20full-on%20dreamy%20surrealism.%20Pros%20Cons%20Sample%20Images,%20taken%20with%20Sony%20A7RV%20and%20Tamron%2028-75mm%20F/2.8%20lens.%20Click%20on%20the%20image%20to%20see%20full%20sized.%20How%20%26%2338;%20When%20to%20Use%20It%20Scenario%20%26%238211;%20Approach%20/%20Tip%20I%20tried%20the%20split%20filter%20at%20a%20ballet%20session%E2%80%A6loved%20the%20results,%20but%20it%20did%20make%20it%20challenging%20to%20nail%20the%20focus.%20I%20tried%20it%20at%20a%20Gatsby-styled%20portrait%20workshop%20too.%20It%20gave%20some%20interesting%20affects%20to%20the%20images.)
DxO PhotoLab 9.1 vs PhotoLab 8: Is the Upgrade Really Worth It? 16 Oct 5:00 PM (5 days ago)
DxO PhotoLab is DxO’s flagship RAW-development and photo editing software (non-destructive, with strong lens & camera correction capabilities, local adjustments, etc.). Over the years, its appeal has been in combining “optical corrections + noise reduction + precise local tools” in one package without forcing a cloud/subscription model.
PhotoLab 8 was well regarded as a mature, stable version with incremental enhancements over PL7, especially in noise reduction, masking tools, and workflow polish. PhotoLab 9 is being marketed (by DxO and reviewers) as one of the most significant upgrades in recent versions, introducing AI masking, better support for modern file formats, enhanced DeepPRIME, and workflow refinements.
Note: I did not find feature contrasts specific to “9.1 vs 9.0”, usually updates to 9.x are bug fixes, refinements, perhaps GPU support improvements, rather than brand-new modules. But the jump from 8 → 9 is substantial in terms of features.
Strengths & Weaknesses: PL9 vs PL8
While PL9 adds many capabilities, the real question is “what works better, and where might there be trade-offs?” Below, I break down comparisons by category.
Image Quality, Noise, and Detail
- Denoising / DeepPRIME: PL8 already had top-tier noise reduction (DeepPRIME / XD) and was frequently praised as “best-in-class” for RAW denoising.
In PL9, the ability to apply DeepPRIME locally plus sensor-specific enhancements (e.g. for Fuji) gives more flexibility: you could, for instance, denoise heavily in shadow areas while preserving midtones/shadows.
Early reviews suggest the new DeepPRIME versions in 9 remain excellent and, in some cases, show improved retention of detail vs noise.
That said, denoising is computationally expensive; performance (speed) may vary, and real-world gains depend on your hardware. - Sharpness, Lens Corrections & Optical Quality: DxO’s strength has always been in calibrated lens + camera modules (optics corrections, distortion, vignetting, CA). Both PL8 and PL9 benefit from that database. PL9 likely uses updated modules and corrections for newer gear.
Local Adjustments, Masking, Workflow
- In PL8, you had:
- U-Point / control point masking (very good, but sometimes tedious)
- Hue masks (new in PL8) for colour-range-based masks
- Global-only application of DeepPRIME
- Basic organisation, keywording, IPTC, image browser (not a full catalogue/DAM)
Also, local DeepPRIME/sharpening adds nuance. For complex scenes, PL9 gives more control and efficiency. - Workflow enhancements (batch renaming, UI tweaks) are helpful but not transformative. However, over time, they reduce friction.
File Format / Future-proofing
- Support for HEIC / ProRAW / Apple iPhone in PL9 is a major plus, especially as mobile photography RAW becomes more common.
- Better support for newer sensor models (e.g. Fuji X-Trans gen) is forward-looking.
- If you shoot with relatively new cameras or smartphones, PL9 has better out-of-the-box compatibility; PL8 may require external conversion or lag support.
Stability, Performance & Bugs
- New features often bring new bugs. From user forums, some users report issues in PL9 (e.g. “internal error when using AI Mask presets,” needing restarts), particularly in early versions.
- Performance will depend heavily on your hardware (CPU, GPU, memory). Heavier processing (local DeepPRIME, AI masks) may slow things down for older systems.
- PL8 is more mature and stable; many bugs have already been ironed out over its lifetime.
Value & Upgrade Considerations
- Cost: DxO’s pricing for PL9 is nontrivial. The upgrade from PL7/8 is priced (in USD/EUR) as per announcements.
- If your workflow doesn’t demand the new features (e.g. you seldom do fine local masks, or you don’t shoot HEIC/ProRAW), PL8 might suffice.
- If you’re pushing new gear or want more masking/denoising control, the upgrade is more justifiable.
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22209246%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EDxO%20PhotoLab%20is%20DxO%E2%80%99s%20flagship%20RAW-development%20and%20photo%20editing%20software%20(non-destructive,%20with%20strong%20lens%20%26%2338;%20camera%20correction%20capabilities,%20local%20adjustments,%20etc.).%20Over%20the%20years,%20its%20appeal%20has%20been%20in%20combining%20%E2%80%9Coptical%20corrections%20+%20noise%20reduction%20+%20precise%20local%20tools%E2%80%9D%20in%20one%20package%20without%20forcing%20a%20cloud/subscription%20model.%20PhotoLab%208%20was%20well%20regarded%20as%20a%20mature,%20stable%20version%20with%20incremental%20enhancements%20over%20PL7,%20especially%20in%20noise%20reduction,%20masking%20tools,%20and%20workflow%20polish.%20PhotoLab%209%20is%20being%20marketed%20(by%20DxO%20and%20reviewers)%20as%20one%20of%20the%20most%20significant%20upgrades%20in%20recent%20versions,%20introducing%20AI%20masking,%20better%20support%20for%20modern%20file%20formats,%20enhanced%20DeepPRIME,%20and%20workflow%20refinements.%20Note:%20I%20did%20not%20find%20feature%20contrasts%20specific%20to%20%E2%80%9C9.1%20vs%209.0%E2%80%9D,%20usually%20updates%20to%209.x%20are%20bug%20fixes,%20refinements,%20perhaps%20GPU%20support%20improvements,%20rather%20than%20brand-new%20modules.%20But%20the%20jump%20from%208%20%E2%86%92%209%20is%20substantial%20in%20terms%20of%20features.%20Strengths%20%26%2338;%20Weaknesses:%20PL9%20vs%20PL8%20While%20PL9%20adds%20many%20capabilities,%20the%20real%20question%20is%20%E2%80%9Cwhat%20works%20better,%20and%20where%20might%20there%20be%20trade-offs?%E2%80%9D%20Below,%20I%20break%20down%20comparisons%20by%20category.%20Image%20Quality,%20Noise,%20and%20Detail%20Local%20Adjustments,%20Masking,%20Workflow%20File%20Format%20/%20Future-proofing%20Stability,%20Performance%20%26%2338;%20Bugs%20Value%20%26%2338;%20Upgrade%20Considerations)
PGYTECH OneGo Lite Backpack Review: A Sleek Everyday Camera Bag for Creators 15 Oct 5:00 PM (6 days ago)
If you’re anything like me, you probably already have a heap of different camera bags. Do you need one more? Maybe. Or perhaps you’re still searching for that perfect balance of size, functionality, and comfort? Then you might want to check out the OneGo Lite Backpack by PGYTECH.
I originally had the bigger OneGo Backpack, but honestly, it was just too big and heavy for me, so that one went straight to Hubby, and he still uses it regularly. The Lite version, however, feels like the sweet spot: smaller, lighter, but still packed with features designed for everyday creators.
Key Specifications (from PGYTECH)
- Capacity: 22L
- Dimensions: 437 × 300 × 240 mm
- Weight: 1.25 kg (with dividers)
- Materials: Wear- and water-resistant polyester
- Laptop Compartment: Fits up to 16″ laptop (MacBook Pro)
- Access Points: Top and side quick access
- Dividers: Customizable modular system with magnetic, foldable partitions
- Features: Hidden anti-theft pocket, luggage passthrough strap, expandable side pockets
- Available Colours: Matte Black, Forest & Cream
First Impressions
The OneGo Lite has a sleek, minimalist design that doesn’t scream “camera bag.” That’s always a win in my book, especially for city shooting or travel. The fabric feels premium, the finish is classy, and the water resistance gives peace of mind. Zippers are sturdy, and the overall look is stylish enough to double as an everyday bag.
Functionality & Comfort
At 22L, it isn’t huge—but that’s the point. The modular divider system makes it easy to customise for different setups: a mirrorless body and a couple of lenses, or a stripped-down everyday kit. The side access is incredibly handy for grabbing gear quickly without opening the entire bag, and the laptop compartment fits up to a 16” device, which is impressive for this size.
Comfort is another highlight. Padded straps, breathable back panels, and the lightweight design mean it won’t break your back, even when loaded.
Pros
- Compact yet surprisingly versatile storage system
- Side and top quick-access points
- Premium build with water resistance
- Laptop compartment fits up to 16″
- Sleek, urban-friendly design that works beyond photography
- The shoulder straps are wide, thick, and soft. The back panel is cushioned and breathable, ensuring a comfortable carrying experience.
- The shoulder strap has a dedicated attachment point for a camera clip, ensuring secure placement without discomfort.
- Perfect size for travel carry-on
- Air-Tag pocket inside the backpack (bottom left corner near the label)
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Limited capacity for DSLR shooters or bulky gear
- No rain cover included
- No waist belt
- Doesn’t quite have all the cool features of the Big OneMo, like the battery level indicator
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22209290%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EIf%20you%E2%80%99re%20anything%20like%20me,%20you%20probably%20already%20have%20a%20heap%20of%20different%20camera%20bags.%20Do%20you%20need%20one%20more?%20Maybe.%20Or%20perhaps%20you%E2%80%99re%20still%20searching%20for%20that%20perfect%20balance%20of%20size,%20functionality,%20and%20comfort?%20Then%20you%20might%20want%20to%20check%20out%20the%20OneGo%20Lite%20Backpack%20by%20PGYTECH.%20I%20originally%20had%20the%20bigger%20OneGo%20Backpack,%20but%20honestly,%20it%20was%20just%20too%20big%20and%20heavy%20for%20me,%20so%20that%20one%20went%20straight%20to%20Hubby,%20and%20he%20still%20uses%20it%20regularly.%20The%20Lite%20version,%20however,%20feels%20like%20the%20sweet%20spot:%20smaller,%20lighter,%20but%20still%20packed%20with%20features%20designed%20for%20everyday%20creators.%20Key%20Specifications%20(from%20PGYTECH)%20First%20Impressions%20The%20OneGo%20Lite%20has%20a%20sleek,%20minimalist%20design%20that%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20scream%20%E2%80%9Ccamera%20bag.%E2%80%9D%20That%E2%80%99s%20always%20a%20win%20in%20my%20book,%20especially%20for%20city%20shooting%20or%20travel.%20The%20fabric%20feels%20premium,%20the%20finish%20is%20classy,%20and%20the%20water%20resistance%20gives%20peace%20of%20mind.%20Zippers%20are%20sturdy,%20and%20the%20overall%20look%20is%20stylish%20enough%20to%20double%20as%20an%20everyday%20bag.%20Functionality%20%26%2338;%20Comfort%20At%2022L,%20it%20isn%E2%80%99t%20huge%E2%80%94but%20that%E2%80%99s%20the%20point.%20The%20modular%20divider%20system%20makes%20it%20easy%20to%20customise%20for%20different%20setups:%20a%20mirrorless%20body%20and%20a%20couple%20of%20lenses,%20or%20a%20stripped-down%20everyday%20kit.%20The%20side%20access%20is%20incredibly%20handy%20for%20grabbing%20gear%20quickly%20without%20opening%20the%20entire%20bag,%20and%20the%20laptop%20compartment%20fits%20up%20to%20a%2016%E2%80%9D%20device,%20which%20is%20impressive%20for%20this%20size.%20Comfort%20is%20another%20highlight.%20Padded%20straps,%20breathable%20back%20panels,%20and%20the%20lightweight%20design%20mean%20it%20won%E2%80%99t%20break%20your%20back,%20even%20when%20loaded.%20Pros%20Cons)
Neewer Q6 vs Q4: Which Studio Strobe Is Right for You? 15 Oct 4:00 AM (7 days ago)
When it comes to choosing the right studio strobe, the Neewer Q6 and Q4 are two powerful contenders that photographers often compare. Both offer excellent performance, but their differences in power, speed, battery life, and colour accuracy can make one a better fit for your shooting style than the other. In this post, I’ll break down the key differences between the Q6 and Q4 and share what those specs really mean in real-world scenarios — whether you’re shooting portraits in the studio, working with large modifiers, or heading outdoors to battle bright sunlight.
Neewer Q6 vs Q4: Key Differences & Trade-offs
1. Power / Output
- Q6 (600 Ws): Stronger output, ideal when using large or light-absorbing modifiers (big softboxes, umbrellas, grids) or when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight. Gives more creative headroom.
- Q4 (400 Ws): Still solid for most portrait and indoor studio work. It may reach its limits in very bright ambient conditions or when you need to overpower the sun.
Trade-off: Q6 = more flexibility, but heavier and pricier. Q4 = lighter, cost-effective for controlled studio work.
2. Flash Speed & Duration
- Q6: Ultra-short flash durations, useful for freezing very fast motion (splashes, hair flips, dancers). Slightly faster recycling at full power (0.9 s).
- Q4: Fast flash durations too (up to 1/10,989 s), but not quite as extreme. Recycle time is slower (1.2 s at full).
Trade-off: If you regularly freeze motion at high power, the Q6 has the edge. For typical portraits, the Q4 is plenty fast.
3. Battery / Endurance
- Q6: A Larger 28.8 V / 3000 mAh battery supports higher output, faster recycling, and maintains performance longer at a lower charge.
- Q4: Smaller 21.6 V battery; can slow down as it depletes, especially at higher power settings.
Trade-off: Q6 lasts longer and stays consistent, but adds bulk.
4. Color Stability & Modeling Lamp
- Q6: Colour consistency ±100 K across range (better accuracy). Bi-color LED modeling lamp (2700–6500 K), great for matching ambient or previewing mood.
- Q4: ±200 K variation. Fixed 5600 K modelling lamp.
Trade-off: Q6 is stronger for colour-critical work and hybrid shooting (stills + video).
5. Power Control
- Q6: 0.1 EV increments = fine control, great for precision lighting setups.
- Q4: 9 steps = coarser adjustments.
Trade-off: Q6 suits advanced users who need fine-tuned exposure control.
6. Ergonomics / Size / Weight
- Q6: Bulkier and heavier, especially with modifiers and battery. Less portable.
- Q4: More compact and lightweight, easier for travel and quick setups.
Trade-off: Q4 = grab-and-go convenience. Q6 = studio workhorse.
7. Interface & Features
- Q6: Dual TFT colour screens, app control, polished UI for remote adjustments.
- Q4: Basic dot-matrix display, fewer interface options.
Trade-off: Q6 appeals to tech-driven workflows. Q4 keeps things simple.
8. Cost
- Q6: Higher price, but justified by extra power, features, and consistency.
- Q4: More budget-friendly with excellent performance for most portrait/studio needs.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the Q6 if…
You shoot in challenging light (outdoors, big modifiers), need ultra-fast recycling, want tight colour control, or work with motion-freezing shots. Best for professionals who value headroom and precision. - Choose the Q4 if…
You mostly work in controlled studio environments, want portability, and don’t need the extra power or ultra-fine control. Best for portrait shooters and those looking for value.
Sample images from the Neewer Q6 600W Studio strobe.
.%205.%20Power%20Control%20Trade-off:%20Q6%20suits%20advanced%20users%20who%20need%20fine-tuned%20exposure%20control.%206.%20Ergonomics%20/%20Size%20/%20Weight%20Trade-off:%20Q4%20%3D%20grab-and-go%20convenience.%20Q6%20%3D%20studio%20workhorse.%207.%20Interface%20%26%2338;%20Features%20Trade-off:%20Q6%20appeals%20to%20tech-driven%20workflows.%20Q4%20keeps%20things%20simple.%208.%20Cost%20Which%20One%20Should%20You%20Choose?%20Sample%20images%20from%20the%20Neewer%20Q6%20600W%20Studio%20strobe.)
Exciting News: DxO FilmPack 8 Has Arrived! 14 Oct 3:53 PM (7 days ago)
As someone who adores blending the magic of old-school film with the freedom of digital, I couldn’t be more excited about the release of DxO FilmPack 8. This update is a true gift for photographers who love storytelling through mood, texture, and history.
The standout feature for me is the brand-new Time Warp Mode — a brilliant slider that lets you move your images through 200 years of photographic history. Imagine taking one of your modern photos and instantly seeing how it would have looked if it had been captured on early daguerreotypes, mid-century film stocks, or classic 35mm favourites. Add in the Ageify slider, and you can distress or age your photos in beautifully authentic ways.
Equally exciting is full Photoshop integration. No more bouncing between programs — you now have FilmPack’s entire film library at your fingertips while you edit. That’s going to make my own creative workflow much more fluid.
On top of that, DxO have added 15 new film renderings, including CineStill 800T (a cinematic dream for low-light lovers) and Harman Phoenix 200, along with new black-and-white classics. There are now 153 authentic film looks to explore.
Other highlights include a Scanned Film Optimiser for working with negatives and slides, new Time Machine images, themed browsing for inspiration, and even digital profiles inspired by Fujifilm and Sony cameras. Plus, all effects — textures, frames, and light leaks — are now rendered in high resolution, perfect for today’s megapixel-heavy files.
For me, DxO FilmPack 8 is more than just a software upgrade — it’s like stepping into a time machine for photography, giving us all the tools to play, experiment, and breathe new life into our images.
DxO FilmPack 8 is available now for macOS and Windows.
- New license: US$149.99 / €139.99 / £129.99 / AUD$228 (Approx)
- Upgrade from FilmPack 7: US$89.99 / €79.99 / £69.99 / AUD$137 (approx)
Grab your 15% Discount on all DxO Products (new customers only) Code – JuliePowell
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22209241%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EAs%20someone%20who%20adores%20blending%20the%20magic%20of%20old-school%20film%20with%20the%20freedom%20of%20digital,%20I%20couldn%E2%80%99t%20be%20more%20excited%20about%20the%20release%20of%20DxO%20FilmPack%208.%20This%20update%20is%20a%20true%20gift%20for%20photographers%20who%20love%20storytelling%20through%20mood,%20texture,%20and%20history.%20The%20standout%20feature%20for%20me%20is%20the%20brand-new%20Time%20Warp%20Mode%20%E2%80%94%20a%20brilliant%20slider%20that%20lets%20you%20move%20your%20images%20through%20200%20years%20of%20photographic%20history.%20Imagine%20taking%20one%20of%20your%20modern%20photos%20and%20instantly%20seeing%20how%20it%20would%20have%20looked%20if%20it%20had%20been%20captured%20on%20early%20daguerreotypes,%20mid-century%20film%20stocks,%20or%20classic%2035mm%20favourites.%20Add%20in%20the%20Ageify%20slider,%20and%20you%20can%20distress%20or%20age%20your%20photos%20in%20beautifully%20authentic%20ways.%20Equally%20exciting%20is%20full%20Photoshop%20integration.%20No%20more%20bouncing%20between%20programs%20%E2%80%94%20you%20now%20have%20FilmPack%E2%80%99s%20entire%20film%20library%20at%20your%20fingertips%20while%20you%20edit.%20That%E2%80%99s%20going%20to%20make%20my%20own%20creative%20workflow%20much%20more%20fluid.%20On%20top%20of%20that,%20DxO%20have%20added%2015%20new%20film%20renderings,%20including%20CineStill%20800T%20(a%20cinematic%20dream%20for%20low-light%20lovers)%20and%20Harman%20Phoenix%20200,%20along%20with%20new%20black-and-white%20classics.%20There%20are%20now%20153%20authentic%20film%20looks%20to%20explore.%20Other%20highlights%20include%20a%20Scanned%20Film%20Optimiser%20for%20working%20with%20negatives%20and%20slides,%20new%20Time%20Machine%20images,%20themed%20browsing%20for%20inspiration,%20and%20even%20digital%20profiles%20inspired%20by%20Fujifilm%20and%20Sony%20cameras.%20Plus,%20all%20effects%20%E2%80%94%20textures,%20frames,%20and%20light%20leaks%20%E2%80%94%20are%20now%20rendered%20in%20high%20resolution,%20perfect%20for%20today%E2%80%99s%20megapixel-heavy%20files.%20For%20me,%20DxO%20FilmPack%208%20is%20more%20than%20just%20a%20software%20upgrade%20%E2%80%94%20it%E2%80%99s%20like%20stepping%20into%20a%20time%20machine%20for%20photography,%20giving%20us%20all%20the%20tools%20to%20play,%20experiment,%20and%20breathe%20new%20life%20into%20our%20images.%20DxO%20FilmPack%208%20is%20available%20now%20for%20macOS%20and%20Windows.%20Grab%20your%2015%25%20Discount%20on%20all%20DxO%20Products%20(new%20customers%20only)%20Code%20%26%238211;%20JuliePowell){kind=tracking}
Pro technique: Rear curtain flash sync 8 Oct 12:00 PM (13 days ago)
“Talk about a challenge! Inventor of the Platypod ecosystem, Dr. T asked me to push the envelope once again knowing I like a challenge. Nice background. Continuous LED panel light for blurred movement. Rear curtain sync flash lighting the subject over the blur. I tapped local saxophone player Chris Counelis and we hit the red rocks at sunset.
Note: I am a Platypod Pro and was given gear and paid to create this image. That said, I do not recommend gear that I don’t use and appreciate.
The capture
These types of photos can be difficult. It needs to be dark enough for the LED light to allow the subject to blur. That usually means that the background will not have enough light. Stars need a higher ISO and more time to register in the photo. What to do? I employed a technique used in Astro landscape photography, called a Blend. When capturing a Blend, the camera is locked into position and multiple photos are made each for its respective area over a time period.
The motion image of the saxophone player was the most challenging. Chris was a trooper in performing the moves to show motion. We tried various timing exposures starting at two seconds and going longer. Ultimately, a 3.2 second exposure yielded the winner. The sequence was to open the shutter and have Counelis stay in the lower position with the sax by his feet for two seconds before bring the instrument to the sky and freeze while the flash fired and froze him at the end with the rear curtain sync. In addition, we tried different colors dialed in the LumeCube LED pro panel. All in all Chris performed the movement almost 30 times. I choose the best of these to blend into the final photo.
The final background and middle ground image was made after darkness fell and captured the stars.
Processing with Adobe Photoshop
I have learned to think of my images in pieces and then put them all together for the final. Here’s the Layers Palette to give you an idea of the blending that I used to create the final photo. I made multiple captures of the scene at different times with different lighting as the sky marched through sunset to full darkness. Turns out I selected one image and then processed it in two different ways to highlight the stars in one and middle ground in another.
Adobe Photoshop Layers, Masks, Adjustment Layers and Soft Light Blend Mode were engaged. Once all the pieces were in place a final crop, additional color work and dodging and burning were employed to add the finishing touches.
Camera and ancillary gear
Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark III with a 12-100mm f/4.0 lens at 17mm was used to make the images which were blended into this final photo. Godox AD 200 Flash with Remote trigger.
Needed to employ lots of tools to make this image come together. I didn’t want to carry more than one tripod as there was a hike to the location. My new Platypod Multi Accessory Kit came in handy for this shoot. 36” strap, rubber pad, elbow and spigot adapter made it easy to mount my strobe onto a pole with no slippage. The Platypod Arca-compatible Discs were used to mount my camera onto a Platyball and also to adapt the Platypod handle to my goosenecks for the Lumecube Panel Pro light used for lighting the blurred portion of my subject.
Yours in Creative Photography, Bob
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22188939%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%E2%80%9CTalk%20about%20a%20challenge!%20Inventor%20of%20the%20Platypod%20ecosystem,%20Dr.%20T%20asked%20me%20to%20push%20the%20envelope%20once%20again%20knowing%20I%20like%20a%20challenge.%20Nice%20background.%20Continuous%20LED%20panel%20light%20for%20blurred%20movement.%20Rear%20curtain%20sync%20flash%20lighting%20the%20subject%20over%20the%20blur.%20I%20tapped%20local%20saxophone%20player%20Chris%20Counelis%20and%20we%20hit%20the%20red%20rocks%20at%20sunset.%20Note:%20I%20am%20a%20Platypod%20Pro%20and%20was%20given%20gear%20and%20paid%20to%20create%20this%20image.%20That%20said,%20I%20do%20not%20recommend%20gear%20that%20I%20don%E2%80%99t%20use%20and%20appreciate.%20The%20capture%20These%20types%20of%20photos%20can%20be%20difficult.%20It%20needs%20to%20be%20dark%20enough%20for%20the%20LED%20light%20to%20allow%20the%20subject%20to%20blur.%20That%20usually%20means%20that%20the%20background%20will%20not%20have%20enough%20light.%20Stars%20need%20a%20higher%20ISO%20and%20more%20time%20to%20register%20in%20the%20photo.%20What%20to%20do?%20I%20employed%20a%20technique%20used%20in%20Astro%20landscape%20photography,%20called%20a%20Blend.%20When%20capturing%20a%20Blend,%20the%20camera%20is%20locked%20into%20position%20and%20multiple%20photos%20are%20made%20each%20for%20its%20respective%20area%20over%20a%20time%20period.%20The%20motion%20image%20of%20the%20saxophone%20player%20was%20the%20most%20challenging.%20Chris%20was%20a%20trooper%20in%20performing%20the%20moves%20to%20show%20motion.%20We%20tried%20various%20timing%20exposures%20starting%20at%20two%20seconds%20and%20going%20longer.%20Ultimately,%20a%203.2%20second%20exposure%20yielded%20the%20winner.%20The%20sequence%20was%20to%20open%20the%20shutter%20and%20have%20Counelis%20stay%20in%20the%20lower%20position%20with%20the%20sax%20by%20his%20feet%20for%20two%20seconds%20before%20bring%20the%20instrument%20to%20the%20sky%20and%20freeze%20while%20the%20flash%20fired%20and%20froze%20him%20at%20the%20end%20with%20the%20rear%20curtain%20sync.%20In%20addition,%20we%20tried%20different%20colors%20dialed%20in%20the%20LumeCube%20LED%20pro%20panel.%20All%20in%20all%20Chris%20performed%20the%20movement%20almost%2030%20times.%20I%20choose%20the%20best%20of%20these%20to%20blend%20into%20the%20final%20photo.%20The%20final%20background%20and%20middle%20ground%20image%20was%20made%20after%20darkness%20fell%20and%20captured%20the%20stars.%20Processing%20with%20Adobe%20Photoshop%20I%20have%20learned%20to%20think%20of%20my%20images%20in%20pieces%20and%20then%20put%20them%20all%20together%20for%20the%20final.%20Here%E2%80%99s%20the%20Layers%20Palette%20to%20give%20you%20an%20idea%20of%20the%20blending%20that%20I%20used%20to%20create%20the%20final%20photo.%20I%20made%20multiple%20captures%20of%20the%20scene%20at%20different%20times%20with%20different%20lighting%20as%20the%20sky%20marched%20through%20sunset%20to%20full%20darkness.%20Turns%20out%20I%20selected%20one%20image%20and%20then%20processed%20it%20in%20two%20different%20ways%20to%20highlight%20the%20stars%20in%20one%20and%20middle%20ground%20in%20another.%20Adobe%20Photoshop%20Layers,%20Masks,%20Adjustment%20Layers%20and%20Soft%20Light%20Blend%20Mode%20were%20engaged.%20Once%20all%20the%20pieces%20were%20in%20place%20a%20final%20crop,%20additional%20color%20work%20and%20dodging%20and%20burning%20were%20employed%20to%20add%20the%20finishing%20touches.%20Camera%20and%20ancillary%20gear%20Olympus%20OM-D%20EM-1%20Mark%20III%20with%20a%2012-100mm%20f/4.0%20lens%20at%2017mm%20was%20used%20to%20make%20the%20images%20which%20were%20blended%20into%20this%20final%20photo.%20Godox%20AD%20200%20Flash%20with%20Remote%20trigger.%20Needed%20to%20employ%20lots%20of%20tools%20to%20make%20this%20image%20come%20together.%20I%20didn%E2%80%99t%20want%20to%20carry%20more%20than%20one%20tripod%20as%20there%20was%20a%20hike%20to%20the%20location.%20My%20new%20Platypod%20Multi%20Accessory%20Kit%20came%20in%20handy%20for%20this%20shoot.%2036%E2%80%9D%20strap,%20rubber%20pad,%20elbow%20and%20spigot%20adapter%20made%20it%20easy%20to%20mount%20my%20strobe%20onto%20a%20pole%20with%20no%20slippage.%20The%20Platypod%20Arca-compatible%20Discs%20were%20used%20to%20mount%20my%20camera%20onto%20a%20Platyball%20and%20also%20to%20adapt%20the%20Platypod%20handle%20to%20my%20goosenecks%20for%20the%20Lumecube%20Panel%20Pro%20light%20used%20for%20lighting%20the%20blurred%20portion%20of%20my%20subject.%20Yours%20in%20Creative%20Photography,%20Bob)
The power of looking up in architecture photography 8 Oct 8:00 AM (13 days ago)
When it comes to architecture photography, looking up is inevitable. Towering skyscrapers will often force you to point your camera to their height. Some buildings and architectural elements also only reveal their full effect when viewed from below.
In a quick and simple exercise by Kyoto-based photographer and editor Ying Yin, she demonstrates how powerful this perspective is when it comes to challenging how we really perceive things. If you’ve ever needed a reason to go outside and look up today, let this be an inspiration!
I find architecture photography to be an effective way to add a little interest and creativity in our city life. It’s especially more stimulating when there are lots of interesting colors and patterns involved. However, Ying’s work also reminded me of another important detail about experimenting with perspectives for this kind of photography.
“Look up and find a new way”
I felt that this was Ying’s reminder to anyone struggling with getting new ideas, and photographing architecture looking straight up was the best way to prove her point. I like how she was able to create different impressions and play on minimalism with only a handful of photos. In some of the shots, it felt like looking straight ahead on a road under construction instead of the sides of an unfinished building.
I walked away from the series wondering what kind of visual impressions and stories I could make out of the places most familiar to me, just by looking up. What new way will I discover out of this simple exercise?
Perspective is power
Whatever the genre of photography, perspective plays a big part in the result of our work, and ultimately, what message or impact it brings to the viewers. This series, I’m sure, is just one of many great examples out there. However, I also commend the simplicity of this collection, including the minimalist color palette and the bare bones architecture that served as her main subject.
I also think that above all things, her approach encourages us to start small and don’t underestimate the power of the simplest details. It takes away the pressure of finding architecture or structures that are already artsy and extraordinary on their own. So, if you’re feeling the need to challenge yourself with something creative and different to get those ideas flowing, might as well take notes from exercises like this!
Don’t forget to visit Ying Yin’s Behance portfolio to see more of her photography.
All photos by Ying Yin. Used with Creative Commons permission.
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22115246%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EWhen%20it%20comes%20to%20architecture%20photography,%20looking%20up%20is%20inevitable.%20Towering%20skyscrapers%20will%20often%20force%20you%20to%20point%20your%20camera%20to%20their%20height.%20Some%20buildings%20and%20architectural%20elements%20also%20only%20reveal%20their%20full%20effect%20when%20viewed%20from%20below.%20In%20a%20quick%20and%20simple%20exercise%20by%20Kyoto-based%20photographer%20and%20editor%20Ying%20Yin,%20she%20demonstrates%20how%20powerful%20this%20perspective%20is%20when%20it%20comes%20to%20challenging%20how%20we%20really%20perceive%20things.%20If%20you%26%238217;ve%20ever%20needed%20a%20reason%20to%20go%20outside%20and%20look%20up%20today,%20let%20this%20be%20an%20inspiration!%20I%20find%20architecture%20photography%20to%20be%20an%20effective%20way%20to%20add%20a%20little%20interest%20and%20creativity%20in%20our%20city%20life.%20It%26%238217;s%20especially%20more%20stimulating%20when%20there%20are%20lots%20of%20interesting%20colors%20and%20patterns%20involved.%20However,%20Ying%26%238217;s%20work%20also%20reminded%20me%20of%20another%20important%20detail%20about%20experimenting%20with%20perspectives%20for%20this%20kind%20of%20photography.%20%26%238220;Look%20up%20and%20find%20a%20new%20way%26%238221;%20I%20felt%20that%20this%20was%20Ying%26%238217;s%20reminder%20to%20anyone%20struggling%20with%20getting%20new%20ideas,%20and%20photographing%20architecture%20looking%20straight%20up%20was%20the%20best%20way%20to%20prove%20her%20point.%20I%20like%20how%20she%20was%20able%20to%20create%20different%20impressions%20and%20play%20on%20minimalism%20with%20only%20a%20handful%20of%20photos.%20In%20some%20of%20the%20shots,%20it%20felt%20like%20looking%20straight%20ahead%20on%20a%20road%20under%20construction%20instead%20of%20the%20sides%20of%20an%20unfinished%20building.%20I%20walked%20away%20from%20the%20series%20wondering%20what%20kind%20of%20visual%20impressions%20and%20stories%20I%20could%20make%20out%20of%20the%20places%20most%20familiar%20to%20me,%20just%20by%20looking%20up.%20What%20new%20way%20will%20I%20discover%20out%20of%20this%20simple%20exercise?%20Perspective%20is%20power%20Whatever%20the%20genre%20of%20photography,%20perspective%20plays%20a%20big%20part%20in%20the%20result%20of%20our%20work,%20and%20ultimately,%20what%20message%20or%20impact%20it%20brings%20to%20the%20viewers.%20This%20series,%20I%26%238217;m%20sure,%20is%20just%20one%20of%20many%20great%20examples%20out%20there.%20However,%20I%20also%20commend%20the%20simplicity%20of%20this%20collection,%20including%20the%20minimalist%20color%20palette%20and%20the%20bare%20bones%20architecture%20that%20served%20as%20her%20main%20subject.%20I%20also%20think%20that%20above%20all%20things,%20her%20approach%20encourages%20us%20to%20start%20small%20and%20don%26%238217;t%20underestimate%20the%20power%20of%20the%20simplest%20details.%20It%20takes%20away%20the%20pressure%20of%20finding%20architecture%20or%20structures%20that%20are%20already%20artsy%20and%20extraordinary%20on%20their%20own.%20So,%20if%20you%26%238217;re%20feeling%20the%20need%20to%20challenge%20yourself%20with%20something%20creative%20and%20different%20to%20get%20those%20ideas%20flowing,%20might%20as%20well%20take%20notes%20from%20exercises%20like%20this!%20Don%E2%80%99t%20forget%20to%20visit%20Ying%20Yin%E2%80%99s%20Behance%20portfolio%20to%20see%20more%20of%20her%20photography.%20All%20photos%20by%20Ying%20Yin.%20Used%20with%20Creative%20Commons%20permission.)
Travel tips for capturing the best of fall 7 Oct 12:00 PM (14 days ago)
When the weather cools down, the days get shorter and the leaves start to change color, for me, it’s time to hit the road for some R&R and to capture some of that fall color. Whether you’re camping or staying in motels, there are some great spots to visit, away from the crowds and to find some peace and quiet.
So here are my favorite travel tips for capturing the best that fall has to offer.
Breathe in the serenity
Even for a professional photographer, there is something so relaxing as immersing yourself in nature, breathing in the serenity and calm. Depending on where you’re heading, autumn is often when the gentle rains start to fall. This makes waterfalls and waterways a magic spot to visit and capture.
Waterfalls mean endless possibilities and waterways offer chances to capture reflections. So don’t for get to pack your tripod and filters for some amazing long exposures. And don’t forget to immerse yourself in your surroundings.
Don’t forget to look up
The autumn season has some of the best lighting conditions, and frequently the most amazing sunrises and sunsets. Depending on where you travel to, there are often amazing cloud formations around this time of year, from wispy high clouds to storm fronts, that can make for dramatic photos. There is something magical about capturing a sunrise, when the world is cool and quiet.
Go macro and capture the details
It’s all too easy to capture the grand vistas or special memories when it comes to travel, but don’t forget about capturing some of the small details with your macro lens. The light in fall is just beautiful, and the changes of fall color make for some truly stunning images.
Capture the charm
Regardless of whether you go country, or the ocean, head for the mountains or forests, there are always those rare charming spots. Stop, capture and enjoy just living in the moment, before rejoining the hustle and bustle of the world again.
What gear should you take?
This is a never-ending question and often a dilemma for many a photographer. I recommend a small lightweight travel tripod, some filters, your camera (and a backup if at all possible), SD cards and batteries.
What about lenses? Personally, I pack something that goes from a wide to a zoom, something like the Tamron 28-200mm which I took on my trip to Cairns. Alternatively, I pack my Sony 16-35mm, Tamron 28-75mm and Tamron 70-300mm, along with my Sony 90mm Macro. The 28-200mm was fantastic as it covered a wide range of focal lengths and I really only needed the single lens.
Obviously, the less you carry, the lighter your camera bag will be. So remember my travel tips for capturing the best fall color on your next outdoor adventure.
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22133121%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EWhen%20the%20weather%20cools%20down,%20the%20days%20get%20shorter%20and%20the%20leaves%20start%20to%20change%20color,%20for%20me,%20it%26%238217;s%20time%20to%20hit%20the%20road%20for%20some%20R%26%2338;R%20and%20to%20capture%20some%20of%20that%20fall%20color.%20Whether%20you%26%238217;re%20camping%20or%20staying%20in%20motels,%20there%20are%20some%20great%20spots%20to%20visit,%20away%20from%20the%20crowds%20and%20to%20find%20some%20peace%20and%20quiet.%20So%20here%20are%20my%20favorite%20travel%20tips%20for%20capturing%20the%20best%20that%20fall%20has%20to%20offer.%20Breathe%20in%20the%20serenity%20Even%20for%20a%20professional%20photographer,%20there%20is%20something%20so%20relaxing%20as%20immersing%20yourself%20in%20nature,%20breathing%20in%20the%20serenity%20and%20calm.%20Depending%20on%20where%20you%26%238217;re%20heading,%20autumn%20is%20often%20when%20the%20gentle%20rains%20start%20to%20fall.%20This%20makes%20waterfalls%20and%20waterways%20a%20magic%20spot%20to%20visit%20and%20capture.%20Waterfalls%20mean%20endless%20possibilities%20and%20waterways%20offer%20chances%20to%20capture%20reflections.%20So%20don%26%238217;t%20for%20get%20to%20pack%20your%20tripod%20and%20filters%20for%20some%20amazing%20long%20exposures.%20And%20don%26%238217;t%20forget%20to%20immerse%20yourself%20in%20your%20surroundings.%20Don%26%238217;t%20forget%20to%20look%20up%20The%20autumn%20season%20has%20some%20of%20the%20best%20lighting%20conditions,%20and%20frequently%20the%20most%20amazing%20sunrises%20and%20sunsets.%20Depending%20on%20where%20you%20travel%20to,%20there%20are%20often%20amazing%20cloud%20formations%20around%20this%20time%20of%20year,%20from%20wispy%20high%20clouds%20to%20storm%20fronts,%20that%20can%20make%20for%20dramatic%20photos.%20There%20is%20something%20magical%20about%20capturing%20a%20sunrise,%20when%20the%20world%20is%20cool%20and%20quiet.%20Go%20macro%20and%20capture%20the%20details%20It%26%238217;s%20all%20too%20easy%20to%20capture%20the%20grand%20vistas%20or%20special%20memories%20when%20it%20comes%20to%20travel,%20but%20don%26%238217;t%20forget%20about%20capturing%20some%20of%20the%20small%20details%20with%20your%20macro%20lens.%20The%20light%20in%20fall%20is%20just%20beautiful,%20and%20the%20changes%20of%20fall%20color%20make%20for%20some%20truly%20stunning%20images.%20Capture%20the%20charm%20Regardless%20of%20whether%20you%20go%20country,%20or%20the%20ocean,%20head%20for%20the%20mountains%20or%20forests,%20there%20are%20always%20those%20rare%20charming%20spots.%20Stop,%20capture%20and%20enjoy%20just%20living%20in%20the%20moment,%20before%20rejoining%20the%20hustle%20and%20bustle%20of%20the%20world%20again.%20What%20gear%20should%20you%20take?%20This%20is%20a%20never-ending%20question%20and%20often%20a%20dilemma%20for%20many%20a%20photographer.%20I%20recommend%20a%20small%20lightweight%20travel%20tripod,%20some%20filters,%20your%20camera%20(and%20a%20backup%20if%20at%20all%20possible),%20SD%20cards%20and%20batteries.%20What%20about%20lenses?%20Personally,%20I%20pack%20something%20that%20goes%20from%20a%20wide%20to%20a%20zoom,%20something%20like%20the%20Tamron%2028-200mm%20which%20I%20took%20on%20my%20trip%20to%20Cairns.%20Alternatively,%20I%20pack%20my%20Sony%2016-35mm,%20Tamron%2028-75mm%20and%20Tamron%2070-300mm,%20along%20with%20my%20Sony%2090mm%20Macro.%20The%2028-200mm%20was%20fantastic%20as%20it%20covered%20a%20wide%20range%20of%20focal%20lengths%20and%20I%20really%20only%20needed%20the%20single%20lens.%20Obviously,%20the%20less%20you%20carry,%20the%20lighter%20your%20camera%20bag%20will%20be.%20So%20remember%20my%20travel%20tips%20for%20capturing%20the%20best%20fall%20color%20on%20your%20next%20outdoor%20adventure.)
Review: Boya Magic Transformable Wireless Microphone 7 Oct 6:00 AM (14 days ago)
I reviewed another BoyaLink 3 Wireless Microphone not too long ago. Boya sent me another to run through the paces. I think this is my new go-to tool for sound.
The Magic is a transformable wireless mic with a small form factor with powerful results. Boya sent me the mic at no charge but all thoughts are mine. More below.
Pros
- Small form factor
- Transformable to fit many needs
- Killer AI Noise Reduction
- Charging case is also handheld microphone
- Rechargeable
- Four microphones in one
Cons
- Indicator lights small and can be difficult to read in bright light
- No marking on the small magnets that hold lavaliere microphones – need to be reversed if you can’t get it to seat in its home
Boya Magic Wireless Transformable Microphone — Technical specifications
- 4-in-1 Design: Clip-On, Handheld, Desktop, On-Camera
- True AI noise cancellation up to -40 dB reduction
- Only 7 g and 13 mm thin for discreet wear
- 48 kHz / 24-bit, 20 Hz – 20 kHz pristine audio
- Limiter and safety track prevent clipping
- 6 hrs of battery life per mic, 30 hrs in total
Boya Magic Wireless Transformable Microphone — Ergonomics and build quality
I’m finding this wireless microphone system to be incredibly useful. For me, the tiny lavaliere mics are unobtrusive. Multiple ways of attaching the mic to the talent is solid. There’s a built in clip that with a spring that is plenty strong. It also has a small strong magnet which allows for placement where a clip is not practical. My only beef with the magnet is a small quibble. There is no marking on the magnet which tells which side won’t be refused due to polarity. (I’ve marked my batteries with a small white mark.)
Boya Magic Wireless Transformable Microphone — In the field & sound quality
You can see and hear samples of this microphone in action. It works solid in the studio but, for me, it really shines in the field. The minus 40 DB AI noise reduction is a game changer. The highway noise was completely removed standing right next to the road.
I have a little trouble seeing the small LED lights in daylight. This is to be expected when the mic is this small and I’ll find ways to work around that.
Boya Magic Wireless Transformable Microphone — Configurations and pricing
- Base setup contains the USB-C Receiver, two transmitters, charging case that doubles as a handheld mic, two fur windscreens, USB-C to USB-A cable and a carrying case: $89.99
- Add 3.5mm TRS RX Receiver (tip, ring, sleeve connection) and 3.5mm cable to connect to camera: $119.99 total price
- Add Lightning receiver to all above: $129.99
- Add on a small desk tripod to any of the above for $19.99
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22209207%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EI%20reviewed%20another%20BoyaLink%203%20Wireless%20Microphone%20not%20too%20long%20ago.%20Boya%20sent%20me%20another%20to%20run%20through%20the%20paces.%20I%20think%20this%20is%20my%20new%20go-to%20tool%20for%20sound.%20The%20Magic%20is%20a%20transformable%20wireless%20mic%20with%20a%20small%20form%20factor%20with%20powerful%20results.%20Boya%20sent%20me%20the%20mic%20at%20no%20charge%20but%20all%20thoughts%20are%20mine.%20More%20below.%20Pros%20Cons%20Boya%20Magic%20Wireless%20Transformable%20Microphone%20%E2%80%94%20Technical%20specifications%20Boya%20Magic%20Wireless%20Transformable%20Microphone%20%E2%80%94%20Ergonomics%20and%20build%20quality%20I%E2%80%99m%20finding%20this%20wireless%20microphone%20system%20to%20be%20incredibly%20useful.%20For%20me,%20the%20tiny%20lavaliere%20mics%20are%20unobtrusive.%20Multiple%20ways%20of%20attaching%20the%20mic%20to%20the%20talent%20is%20solid.%20There%E2%80%99s%20a%20built%20in%20clip%20that%20with%20a%20spring%20that%20is%20plenty%20strong.%20It%20also%20has%20a%20small%20strong%20magnet%20which%20allows%20for%20placement%20where%20a%20clip%20is%20not%20practical.%20My%20only%20beef%20with%20the%20magnet%20is%20a%20small%20quibble.%20There%20is%20no%20marking%20on%20the%20magnet%20which%20tells%20which%20side%20won%E2%80%99t%20be%20refused%20due%20to%20polarity.%20(I%E2%80%99ve%20marked%20my%20batteries%20with%20a%20small%20white%20mark.)%20Boya%20Magic%20Wireless%20Transformable%20Microphone%20%E2%80%94%20In%20the%20field%20%26%2338;%20sound%20quality%20You%20can%20see%20and%20hear%20samples%20of%20this%20microphone%20in%20action.%20It%20works%20solid%20in%20the%20studio%20but,%20for%20me,%20it%20really%20shines%20in%20the%20field.%20The%20minus%2040%20DB%20AI%20noise%20reduction%20is%20a%20game%20changer.%20The%20highway%20noise%20was%20completely%20removed%20standing%20right%20next%20to%20the%20road.%20I%20have%20a%20little%20trouble%20seeing%20the%20small%20LED%20lights%20in%20daylight.%20This%20is%20to%20be%20expected%20when%20the%20mic%20is%20this%20small%20and%20I%E2%80%99ll%20find%20ways%20to%20work%20around%20that.%20Boya%20Magic%20Wireless%20Transformable%20Microphone%20%E2%80%94%20Configurations%20and%20pricing)
Review: Neewer X11 2-in-1 Teleprompter with Monitor 6 Oct 8:00 AM (15 days ago)
Interested in an inexpensive teleprompter with a monitor for content creation, professional video presentations, live streaming, and more? Neewer recently sent us an X11 2-In-1 Teleprompter with Monitor to try, and here’s what we found.
Note: Neewer sent us the NEEWER X11 2-In-1 Teleprompter with Monitor. However, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts about this item are our own.
Pros
- Connecting your phone (or computer) to the monitor is simple, and requires no proprietary software.
- You may use the NEEWER 8″ monitor as a camera monitor.
Cons
- The plastic hinge connecting the sunhood to the rest of the unit feels flimsy.
- The plastic door that swings from the top of the sunhood down to accommodate different kinds of cameras/lenses feels flimsy.
Neewer X11 2-In-1 Teleprompter with Monitor — Technical Specifications
- Model: X11
- Item Type: Teleprompter
- Beam Splitter Size: 11″/28″
- Color: Black
- Compatibility: Phone/Mirrorless Camera/Webcam
- Application: Speech/Live Streaming/Interview
- Main Features: Quick Setup/Portable
- Main Material: Plastic
- Power: 10W
- USB C Input: 5V/2A
- Mounting Points: Cold Shoes, 1/4″, 3/8″, Arca Type
Package Contents
- 1 x X11 Teleprompter
- 1 x TM8 Monitor
- 1 x Hood
- 1 x Base
- 1 x Quick Release Plate
- 1 x Phone Clamp
- 1 x Data Cable Set
Neewer X11 2-in-1 Teleprompter with Monitor — Ergonomics and build quality
The directions in the included owner’s manual, along with the more detailed PDF user guide, provided sufficient drawings and descriptions to assemble the unit.
Ergonomics
The teleprompter offers a camera mount with an Arca-Swiss style plate on a quick-release system. This plate can mount onto your DSLR, mirrorless, point-and-shoot camera, or webcam.
I tested the clamp with a Panasonic Lumix LX100 and a Logitech HD Pro c920 webcam. I was able to adjust the slider as well as the height effectively. The clamp and adjustment mechanisms felt solid.
Additionally, it offers an optional phone clamp that Velcros onto the sunhood. You simply slide your phone in and screw the clamps shut. Simple and effective.
Build quality
The plastic hinge that allows you to adjust the angle of the sunhood feels a bit flimsy. If I had to guess, I would say that if anything were to break, this would be the most likely part, since it might require periodic adjustments.
The plastic door that swings from the top of the sunhood down to accommodate different kinds of cameras and lenses also feels flimsy when you pull on it to separate it from the sunhood. When deployed, however, it stays in place and does not wiggle.
The quick-release plate seems to wiggle slightly when I twist the cameras, but still feels safe. I don’t believe the slight wiggle poses any issue when creating content. The phone clamp feels solid and does not move or wiggle even when I pull on it slightly.
The base as a whole feels reasonably solid. Using the slider to adjust the camera’s distance to the sunhood also feels sturdy. I briefly tested this with a full-frame DSLR. A full-frame DSLR, quite frankly, feels a little large for this unit, although the base did hold firm. However, since you would most likely use this as a desktop unit anyway, I feel that it is better suited to smaller cameras, webcams, or smartphones.
Because of its size and the aforementioned sunhood hinge, it’s probably best to disassemble and carry it in its original box if you need to transport it to another location.
Neewer X11 2-in-1 Teleprompter with Monitor — In the field
After experimenting with multiple setups, including hooking up a Panasonic Lumix LX100 micro four-thirds sensor point-and-shoot camera and an iPhone 14 Max, I ended up doing most of my testing with the already-existing Logitech HD Pro c920 webcam, in part because it was already hooked up to my Mac Studio. Because the webcam also has a ¼” threaded mount, I was able to simply screw it directly onto the quick release plate. I raised it to center it, and it worked perfectly fine.
Since I was going to use it on the desktop, I mounted the Neewer on to an Oben CTT-1000 tripod, a miniature tripod that feels like someone shrank a high-quality tripod. It’s sturdy, and this pairing made for a great setup.
I was easily able to download the Neewer Teleprompter (v1.4.1) and get it going quickly on my iPhone 14 Max. It has a 1.9 rating, so I was initially concerned. One of the reviews in the Apple App Store from a year ago stated that the app orientation “constantly changes the screen when you move between vertical and horizontal” and that “half the side of the script is off the page and can’t be seen or adjusted.” However, in my testing, it worked fine. I actually purposely attempted to make it move between vertical and horizontal, and never could make it do that.
After installing the app, however, I noticed that the supported phones for Apple only begin with the iPhone 15 and up.
More than one way to do things
Since the app on my phone wouldn’t work, I downloaded the Teleprompter app onto my desktop. Then, it was a simple matter of connecting my computer to the NEEWER unit using the HDMI cable. When I did this, the unit connected automatically – again, without needing to download software – and prompted me through a couple of choices, as seen below.
After that, it was just as simple as creating a video.
The teleprompter also enables you to work with a remote controller, although I didn’t have one for this review. You can easily control where the letters appear in the field of view, how large the letters are, and how fast the scroll is.
Extra bonus!
A bonus here is that Neewer has provided a decent-quality monitor with an HDMI input. This means that if you connect your camera using an HDMI cable, you instantly have a tethered 8″ monitor. The monitor connects and disconnects easily from the base, so you can throw it in your camera bag and go. I always appreciate gear that serves multiple purposes.
Make your photos look 3D with foreshortening 3 Oct 12:00 PM (18 days ago)
In the world of photography, the quest for that perfect shot often extends beyond capturing a moment. It’s about capturing it in a way that transcends the two-dimensional confines of a photograph.
Enter the intriguing technique of foreshortening. While it may sound like a term reserved for artists and illustrators, foreshortening is a powerful tool that photographers can use to breathe life and depth into their images.
By skillfully manipulating perspective, angles and composition, photographers can make their photos appear three-dimensional, transporting viewers into the scene’s heart.
If you’re more of a visual learner, be sure to check out the video I made on this topic:
What is foreshortening?
Simply put, foreshortening is a visual technique used in art, photography, and other forms of visual representation. It creates the illusion of depth and perspective in a two-dimensional image.
It involves representing an object or subject so it appears shorter or compressed in the image, compared to its actual size in the real world. This technique gives the viewer a sense of spatial relationships and depth within the confines of a flat surface.
Foreshortening is achieved by altering the proportions and angles of objects or subjects in a composition. The goal is to convey the illusion of depth and distance. It often involves exaggerating the size of objects or parts of objects that are closer to the viewer. At the same time, it diminishes the size of objects or parts of objects that are farther away.
How to achieve foreshortening
In photography, foreshortening can be achieved through various techniques, including:
- Perspective: Using techniques like linear perspective, where parallel lines appear to converge as they recede into the distance, to create depth in an image.
- Angles: Choosing the right camera angle and positioning to emphasize the depth and perspective of the scene.
- Foreground Elements: Including objects or elements in the foreground of the image to create a sense of depth by providing a frame of reference for the viewer.
- Wide-Angle Lenses: Using wide-angle lenses can exaggerate the size of objects in the foreground while making objects in the background appear smaller, contributing to the foreshortening effect.
- Overlapping Objects: Positioning objects or subjects in a way that they overlap each other, indicating their relative positions in space.
Here’s an example of using foreshortening by having my subject in the middle ground while I have their hand reach out in the foreground:
Why use foreshortening?
Knowing when and why to use foreshortening can help photographers create compelling and visually engaging images. Here’s a breakdown of why and when to use foreshortening in photography.
Here are the reasons why I believe you can find foreshortening helpful:
- Create Depth: Foreshortening is a powerful tool to add depth and dimension to your photographs. By emphasizing the difference in size and scale between objects or subjects in the foreground and background, you can create a three-dimensional effect, making your images more immersive and visually appealing.
- Emphasize Perspective: Foreshortening allows you to highlight the perspective of a scene. This can be especially useful in architectural and landscape photography. It draws attention to the converging lines and vanishing points, giving viewers a sense of depth and distance.
- Enhance Storytelling: You can use foreshortening to tell a story within your photograph. By strategically positioning elements or subjects, you can create a visual narrative that guides the viewer’s eye. It can also help you convey a specific message or emotion.
- Add Drama and Impact: When used creatively, foreshortening can inject drama and impact into your photos. It can make subjects appear larger and more prominent, adding a sense of grandeur or intensity to the composition.
- Express Creativity: Foreshortening is a tool that allows photographers to explore their creative boundaries. It can help you break away from conventional compositions and experiment with unique and visually arresting perspectives.
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22188406%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EIn%20the%20world%20of%20photography,%20the%20quest%20for%20that%20perfect%20shot%20often%20extends%20beyond%20capturing%20a%20moment.%20It%26%238217;s%20about%20capturing%20it%20in%20a%20way%20that%20transcends%20the%20two-dimensional%20confines%20of%20a%20photograph.%20Enter%20the%20intriguing%20technique%20of%20foreshortening.%20While%20it%20may%20sound%20like%20a%20term%20reserved%20for%20artists%20and%20illustrators,%20foreshortening%20is%20a%20powerful%20tool%20that%20photographers%20can%20use%20to%20breathe%20life%20and%20depth%20into%20their%20images.%20By%20skillfully%20manipulating%20perspective,%20angles%20and%20composition,%20photographers%20can%20make%20their%20photos%20appear%20three-dimensional,%20transporting%20viewers%20into%20the%20scene%26%238217;s%20heart.%20If%20you%26%238217;re%20more%20of%20a%20visual%20learner,%20be%20sure%20to%20check%20out%20the%20video%20I%20made%20on%20this%20topic:%20What%20is%20foreshortening?%20Simply%20put,%20foreshortening%20is%20a%20visual%20technique%20used%20in%20art,%20photography,%20and%20other%20forms%20of%20visual%20representation.%20It%20creates%20the%20illusion%20of%20depth%20and%20perspective%20in%20a%20two-dimensional%20image.%20It%20involves%20representing%20an%20object%20or%20subject%20so%20it%20appears%20shorter%20or%20compressed%20in%20the%20image,%20compared%20to%20its%20actual%20size%20in%20the%20real%20world.%20This%20technique%20gives%20the%20viewer%20a%20sense%20of%20spatial%20relationships%20and%20depth%20within%20the%20confines%20of%20a%20flat%20surface.%20Foreshortening%20is%20achieved%20by%20altering%20the%20proportions%20and%20angles%20of%20objects%20or%20subjects%20in%20a%20composition.%20The%20goal%20is%20to%20convey%20the%20illusion%20of%20depth%20and%20distance.%20It%20often%20involves%20exaggerating%20the%20size%20of%20objects%20or%20parts%20of%20objects%20that%20are%20closer%20to%20the%20viewer.%20At%20the%20same%20time,%20it%20diminishes%20the%20size%20of%20objects%20or%20parts%20of%20objects%20that%20are%20farther%20away.%20How%20to%20achieve%20foreshortening%20In%20photography,%20foreshortening%20can%20be%20achieved%20through%20various%20techniques,%20including:%20Here%26%238217;s%20an%20example%20of%20using%20foreshortening%20by%20having%20my%20subject%20in%20the%20middle%20ground%20while%20I%20have%20their%20hand%20reach%20out%20in%20the%20foreground:%20Why%20use%20foreshortening?%20Knowing%20when%20and%20why%20to%20use%20foreshortening%20can%20help%20photographers%20create%20compelling%20and%20visually%20engaging%20images.%20Here%26%238217;s%20a%20breakdown%20of%20why%20and%20when%20to%20use%20foreshortening%20in%20photography.%20Here%20are%20the%20reasons%20why%20I%20believe%20you%20can%20find%20foreshortening%20helpful:)
Pairing vintage lenses with digital cameras 3 Oct 8:00 AM (18 days ago)
One of the things that keep me shooting with film is the distinct nostalgic look it gives my photos. I’m sure that there’s a sustained interest in this visual style not only for photography projects but also for filmmaking.
Fortunately, technology has made it possible for photographers today to get the film look even when shooting digital. The secret recipe, as I’ve found, is using vintage lenses with digital cameras and polishing the images with film presets in post. If this is something you’ve been curious about, you may pick up some ideas and tips here!
Adapting vintage lenses on your digital camera
Most of these vintage lenses are not compatible on their own with most modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. But, there are now adapters that will let you equip various vintage lenses to any camera. In his quick video above, Mark Holtze explains how it works, which adapters to get for which mounts and why it’s always a great idea to experiment with these old lenses.
Aside from the obvious benefits of added character and unique effects for your shots, I also agree with Mark that this is an affordable way to learn how different focal lengths work.
Another advantage is that you can also use these vintage lenses for creating videos; so if you also shoot videos on the side, you can add this to your filmmaking toolbox. The downside is you’ll need to manually set the aperture and focus on these lenses, but it’s a small inconvenience given all the creative opportunities this method opens up for you!
Great examples of film look for digital portraits
Whether you’re learning about this approach for the first time or want to see how good it can look, the portraits of Turkey-based Mohammad Moeini make great examples. He took these gorgeous portraits using a Sony a7 with a vintage lens, though he didn’t specify which. To complete the nostalgic look, he applied some presets with different color palettes to achieve different moods.
There are now many film style presets available out there so you won’t be short of choices. They most likely look different from each other, being the photographer’s own interpretation of the film look. Pick one or two to start with, compare the results and maybe even make your own presets once you’ve familiarized yourself with the film look.
If you really want to master this visual style and make your digital snaps as close to the real thing as possible, it can’t hurt to experiment with shooting film as well. If you manage to grab some vintage lenses, it most likely won’t be difficult to find a working body and a bunch of films!
Don’t forget to visit Mohammad Moeini’s website and Behance portfolio to see more of his work, and Mark Holtze’s YouTube channel for more of his photography tips.
All photos by Mohammad Moeini. Used with Creative Commons permission.
Top six fall landscape photography tips to try 2 Oct 12:00 PM (19 days ago)
Already planning for this year’s fall photography shoot? Whether you’re new to landscape photography in the fall season or want to do better this time, it’s always great to pick up a tip or two from other photographers. Today’s set of fall landscape photography tips from Mark Denney would be a great start!
In the video above, the landscape photographer and educator shares six tips that he found helpful for making better fall landscape photography through the years. Some of these, you may have already heard of if you’ve been shooting fall landscapes for quite some time now. For example, these tips emphasize the importance of planning ahead. It takes away the guesswork from your shoot, thus increasing the chances of you getting awesome photos.
Planning isn’t limited to taking note of the weather or listing down the gear that you need to bring. It can also mean brushing up on the composition techniques that you can effectively use on the variety of scenes in your location. But speaking of bad weather, Denney also noted that it’s actually not that bad and can work to your advantage!
Got any fall landscape photography tips to add to this list? Share them with us in the comments below to help your fellow photographers get ready for fall!
Product Review: K&F CONCEPT 90-Inch Tripod with Detachable Monopod 2 Oct 6:00 AM (19 days ago)
I’ve been testing out the K&F CONCEPT 90-inch magnesium-aluminium alloy tripod, and it’s a good choice for photographers who need height, flexibility, and stability in one package.
This tripod extends up to 2.3 meters (90 inches), which is fantastic for overhead shots, portraits, or when you just need that extra height. Despite its reach, it’s surprisingly lightweight thanks to the magnesium-aluminium alloy build, and it folds down compact enough to carry without too much hassle.
One standout feature is the reversible center column, perfect for macro photography or flat lays where you want to shoot straight down. It can also be tilted upward for astrophotography, giving you more creative options. However, it does need to be stabilized well for safety at these angles. A clip or hook at the bottom of the top centre pole for hanging your camera bag or counterweight would have been a great addition, especially for a flat lay. I missed that extra security. However, it does have a hook on the bottom part of the centre pole. I did find it felt kind of flimsy at full extension. So I don’t recommend that.
The wide base gives good stability at standard heights, and the twist locks on the legs are fast and firm, making setup quick. The tripod feels very sturdy in normal use. But at full extension, it’s not overly stable, which is to be expected with such an extra-tall design—something to keep in mind if you’re mounting heavier gear. Hence, weighing the bottom pole with a camera bag or such.
The ball head is smooth and easy to adjust, with a quick-release plate and lock system that feels secure. For even more versatility, one leg detaches and doubles as a monopod—handy when you want mobility without sacrificing support.
K&F CONCEPT 90-Inch Tripod with Detachable Monopod — Specifications
- Max Height: 2.3m / 90 inches
- Folded Height: 57cm / 22.4 inches
- Weight: 1.7kg / 3.7 lbs
- Load Capacity: up to 10kg / 22 lbs
- Material: Magnesium-aluminium alloy
- Features: Reversible/tilting centre column, detachable monopod, 360° ball head with quick-release plate
Pros
- Extremely tall yet lightweight
- Wide base for added stability at standard heights
- Reversible/tilting centre column for macro, flat lay, and astro-photography
- Doubles as a monopod for added versatility
- Sturdy build and smooth ball head movement
- Quick to set up and adjust
- Wide leg base option for extra support
- Bubble level
Cons
- Not overly stable at full extension
- Needs careful stabilising for flat lay or astro setups
- Lacks a hook/clip for hanging a weight or a camera bag on the top centre pole
- Larger folded size compared to compact travel tripods
Sample images taken with the tripod, from landscape to still life and flat lay:
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22209067%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EI%E2%80%99ve%20been%20testing%20out%20the%20K%26%2338;F%20CONCEPT%2090-inch%20magnesium-aluminium%20alloy%20tripod,%20and%20it%E2%80%99s%20a%20good%20choice%20for%20photographers%20who%20need%20height,%20flexibility,%20and%20stability%20in%20one%20package.%20This%20tripod%20extends%20up%20to%202.3%20meters%20(90%20inches),%20which%20is%20fantastic%20for%20overhead%20shots,%20portraits,%20or%20when%20you%20just%20need%20that%20extra%20height.%20Despite%20its%20reach,%20it%E2%80%99s%20surprisingly%20lightweight%20thanks%20to%20the%20magnesium-aluminium%20alloy%20build,%20and%20it%20folds%20down%20compact%20enough%20to%20carry%20without%20too%20much%20hassle.%20One%20standout%20feature%20is%20the%20reversible%20center%20column,%20perfect%20for%20macro%20photography%20or%20flat%20lays%20where%20you%20want%20to%20shoot%20straight%20down.%20It%20can%20also%20be%20tilted%20upward%20for%20astrophotography,%20giving%20you%20more%20creative%20options.%20However,%20it%20does%20need%20to%20be%20stabilized%20well%20for%20safety%20at%20these%20angles.%20A%20clip%20or%20hook%20at%20the%20bottom%20of%20the%20top%20centre%20pole%20for%20hanging%20your%20camera%20bag%20or%20counterweight%20would%20have%20been%20a%20great%20addition,%20especially%20for%20a%20flat%20lay.%20I%20missed%20that%20extra%20security.%20However,%20it%20does%20have%20a%20hook%20on%20the%20bottom%20part%20of%20the%20centre%20pole.%20I%20did%20find%20it%20felt%20kind%20of%20flimsy%20at%20full%20extension.%20So%20I%20don%E2%80%99t%20recommend%20that.%20The%20wide%20base%20gives%20good%20stability%20at%20standard%20heights,%20and%20the%20twist%20locks%20on%20the%20legs%20are%20fast%20and%20firm,%20making%20setup%20quick.%20The%20tripod%20feels%20very%20sturdy%20in%20normal%20use.%20But%20at%20full%20extension,%20it%E2%80%99s%20not%20overly%20stable,%20which%20is%20to%20be%20expected%20with%20such%20an%20extra-tall%20design%E2%80%94something%20to%20keep%20in%20mind%20if%20you%E2%80%99re%20mounting%20heavier%20gear.%20Hence,%20weighing%20the%20bottom%20pole%20with%20a%20camera%20bag%20or%20such.%20The%20ball%20head%20is%20smooth%20and%20easy%20to%20adjust,%20with%20a%20quick-release%20plate%20and%20lock%20system%20that%20feels%20secure.%20For%20even%20more%20versatility,%20one%20leg%20detaches%20and%20doubles%20as%20a%20monopod%E2%80%94handy%20when%20you%20want%20mobility%20without%20sacrificing%20support.%20K%26%2338;F%20CONCEPT%2090-Inch%20Tripod%20with%20Detachable%20Monopod%20%E2%80%94%26%23160;Specifications%20Pros%20Cons%20Sample%20images%20taken%20with%20the%20tripod,%20from%20landscape%20to%20still%20life%20and%20flat%20lay:)
5 tips for photographing your first concert or music event 1 Oct 12:00 PM (20 days ago)
Capturing the electrifying energy and soul-stirring moments of a live concert or music event can be a thrilling experience for any budding photographer.
However, the dynamic environment, fast-paced performances, and challenging lighting conditions present unique challenges that require careful preparation and execution.
In this article, I’ll be covering 5 tips you should remember when photographing your first concert or music event.
1. Know the venue and lighting.
Familiarize yourself with the venue’s layout and lighting conditions. Different venues have varying levels of lighting, which can greatly affect your photography.
Be prepared to adjust your camera settings accordingly. Lowlight situations are common at concerts, so consider using a fast lens (with a wide aperture like f/1.8 or f/2.8) and a higher ISO setting to capture better shots in dimly lit environments.
For example, this setting was so dark I had to bump my ISO up to 6400 while using the widest aperture on my lens and there was still some noise:
2. Use the right gear.
Choose the appropriate camera and lens for the job. Make sure you’re choosing one of the best cameras for concert photography. A camera with good lowlight performance and manual controls is ideal. A fast prime lens (e.g., 50mm f/1.8) is excellent for concert photography because it allows you to capture sharp images in low light and achieve a pleasing background blur (bokeh).
A tripod or monopod can help stabilize your shots, especially if you’re using slower shutter speeds.
3. Be mindful of your surroundings.
Pay attention to your surroundings and the people around you. Respect the audience and performers by not obstructing their view or disrupting the experience. Stay aware of security and event staff, as they may have rules and restrictions regarding photography.
4. Capture emotion and energy.
Music events are all about emotion and energy. Focus on capturing the passion of the performers and the reactions of the audience. Look for moments of intensity, interaction between band members, and the crowd’s enthusiasm. Candid shots that convey the atmosphere of the event often make for the most compelling concert photos.
5. Experiment with different angles and techniques.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with angles and techniques to create unique and dynamic shots. Try shooting from different positions in the venue, such as the front row, the side of the stage, or the back of the crowd, to vary your perspective.
Use techniques like panning (follow the movement of the performers) and slow shutter speeds to capture motion and light trails. Also, consider black and white photography for a timeless and dramatic effect.
Bonus Tip: Shoot in RAW.
If your camera supports it, shoot in RAW format instead of JPEG. RAW files contain more data and provide greater flexibility in post-processing, allowing you to adjust exposure, color, and sharpness to achieve the desired look for your concert photos.
Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t yield the results you want. Keep learning and refining your skills to capture the magic of live music events through your photography.
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22188688%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3ECapturing%20the%20electrifying%20energy%20and%20soul-stirring%20moments%20of%20a%20live%20concert%20or%20music%20event%20can%20be%20a%20thrilling%20experience%20for%20any%20budding%20photographer.%20However,%20the%20dynamic%20environment,%20fast-paced%20performances,%20and%20challenging%20lighting%20conditions%20present%20unique%20challenges%20that%20require%20careful%20preparation%20and%20execution.%20In%20this%20article,%20I%26%238217;ll%20be%20covering%205%20tips%20you%20should%20remember%20when%20photographing%20your%20first%20concert%20or%20music%20event.%201.%20Know%20the%20venue%20and%20lighting.%20Familiarize%20yourself%20with%20the%20venue%26%238217;s%20layout%20and%20lighting%20conditions.%20Different%20venues%20have%20varying%20levels%20of%20lighting,%20which%20can%20greatly%20affect%20your%20photography.%20Be%20prepared%20to%20adjust%20your%20camera%20settings%20accordingly.%20Lowlight%20situations%20are%20common%20at%20concerts,%20so%20consider%20using%20a%20fast%20lens%20(with%20a%20wide%20aperture%20like%20f/1.8%20or%20f/2.8)%20and%20a%20higher%20ISO%20setting%20to%20capture%20better%20shots%20in%20dimly%20lit%20environments.%20For%20example,%20this%20setting%20was%20so%20dark%20I%20had%20to%20bump%20my%20ISO%20up%20to%206400%20while%20using%20the%20widest%20aperture%20on%20my%20lens%20and%20there%20was%20still%20some%20noise:%202.%20Use%20the%20right%20gear.%20Choose%20the%20appropriate%20camera%20and%20lens%20for%20the%20job.%20Make%20sure%20you%26%238217;re%20choosing%20one%20of%20the%20best%20cameras%20for%20concert%20photography.%20A%20camera%20with%20good%20lowlight%20performance%20and%20manual%20controls%20is%20ideal.%20A%20fast%20prime%20lens%20(e.g.,%2050mm%20f/1.8)%20is%20excellent%20for%20concert%20photography%20because%20it%20allows%20you%20to%20capture%20sharp%20images%20in%20low%20light%20and%20achieve%20a%20pleasing%20background%20blur%20(bokeh).%20A%20tripod%20or%20monopod%20can%20help%20stabilize%20your%20shots,%20especially%20if%20you%26%238217;re%20using%20slower%20shutter%20speeds.%203.%20Be%20mindful%20of%20your%20surroundings.%20Pay%20attention%20to%20your%20surroundings%20and%20the%20people%20around%20you.%20Respect%20the%20audience%20and%20performers%20by%20not%20obstructing%20their%20view%20or%20disrupting%20the%20experience.%20Stay%20aware%20of%20security%20and%20event%20staff,%20as%20they%20may%20have%20rules%20and%20restrictions%20regarding%20photography.%204.%20Capture%20emotion%20and%20energy.%20Music%20events%20are%20all%20about%20emotion%20and%20energy.%20Focus%20on%20capturing%20the%20passion%20of%20the%20performers%20and%20the%20reactions%20of%20the%20audience.%20Look%20for%20moments%20of%20intensity,%20interaction%20between%20band%20members,%20and%20the%20crowd%26%238217;s%20enthusiasm.%20Candid%20shots%20that%20convey%20the%20atmosphere%20of%20the%20event%20often%20make%20for%20the%20most%20compelling%20concert%20photos.%205.%20Experiment%20with%20different%20angles%20and%20techniques.%20Don%26%238217;t%20be%20afraid%20to%20experiment%20with%20angles%20and%20techniques%20to%20create%20unique%20and%20dynamic%20shots.%20Try%20shooting%20from%20different%20positions%20in%20the%20venue,%20such%20as%20the%20front%20row,%20the%20side%20of%20the%20stage,%20or%20the%20back%20of%20the%20crowd,%20to%20vary%20your%20perspective.%20Use%20techniques%20like%20panning%20(follow%20the%20movement%20of%20the%20performers)%20and%20slow%20shutter%20speeds%20to%20capture%20motion%20and%20light%20trails.%20Also,%20consider%20black%20and%20white%20photography%20for%20a%20timeless%20and%20dramatic%20effect.%20Bonus%20Tip:%20Shoot%20in%20RAW.%20If%20your%20camera%20supports%20it,%20shoot%20in%20RAW%20format%20instead%20of%20JPEG.%20RAW%20files%20contain%20more%20data%20and%20provide%20greater%20flexibility%20in%20post-processing,%20allowing%20you%20to%20adjust%20exposure,%20color,%20and%20sharpness%20to%20achieve%20the%20desired%20look%20for%20your%20concert%20photos.%20Remember%20that%20practice%20makes%20perfect,%20so%20don%26%238217;t%20be%20discouraged%20if%20your%20first%20attempts%20don%26%238217;t%20yield%20the%20results%20you%20want.%20Keep%20learning%20and%20refining%20your%20skills%20to%20capture%20the%20magic%20of%20live%20music%20events%20through%20your%20photography.)
DxO announces FilmPack 8: A leap forward in film emulation 1 Oct 6:00 AM (20 days ago)
DxO has officially released DxO FilmPack 8, the latest version of its premier film emulation software. Designed for photographers who want to merge the authenticity of analog with the flexibility of digital, this new release introduces groundbreaking features, expanded film options, and deeper integration with popular editing tools.
Time Warp Mode: Photography through the ages
Building on the popular Time Machine archive, FilmPack 8 introduces Time Warp Mode, offering photographers two unique ways to explore history through their own images.
- Time Travel slider – Apply authentic film looks spanning 200 years of photographic history, from early daguerreotypes to iconic 35mm film stocks. Each look includes period-accurate grain, color shifts, and characteristic degradations.
- Ageify slider – Progressively age or distress your images, using faithfully recreated film effects to evoke nostalgia and atmosphere.
This innovation transforms photo editing into a storytelling experience, giving photographers new ways to explore the evolution of photography.
Full Photoshop integration
For the first time, DxO FilmPack integrates directly with Adobe Photoshop, allowing photographers to access the entire library of film renderings without leaving their workspace. Combined with existing compatibility with DxO PhotoLab and Adobe Lightroom Classic, this makes FilmPack 8 one of the most versatile creative tools on the market.
Expanded Film Library: 15 new renderings
FilmPack 8 introduces 15 new analog film renderings, developed using laboratory-grade measurements of original film stocks. Highlights include:
- CineStill 800T – A cinematic low-light classic
- Harman Phoenix 200 – A vibrant newcomer with distinctive grain
- Lady Grey B&W 120 ISO 400 – A sophisticated monochrome option
- Kodak TMAX Pro 3200 – Ultra-sensitive black-and-white with strong character
With these additions, FilmPack 8 now offers 153 authentic film renderings, making it the most comprehensive collection of faithfully reproduced analog styles available.
Tools for scanned film and archival work
The new Scanned Film Optimization tool streamlines working with home-scanned film. With one click, photographers can invert negatives and apply over 10 tone curve presets to correct common issues like color shifts or density problems.
Additionally, the Time Machine experience has been expanded with 17 new historical images and a themed portrait browsing mode, offering new perspectives on photography’s legacy.
Digital camera renderings and high-resolution effects
While rooted in analog aesthetics, FilmPack 8 also introduces four new renderings inspired by Fujifilm and Sony digital cameras, replicating their distinctive color science and tonal characteristics.
Furthermore, all creative effects — including textures, frames, and light leaks — have been re-rendered at high resolution to match today’s ultra-high-megapixel sensors, ensuring clarity in both digital and print formats.
Pricing and availability
DxO FilmPack 8 is available now for macOS and Windows:
- New license: $149.99 / €139.99 / £129.99
- Upgrade from FilmPack 7: $89.99 / €79.99 / £69.99
A free 30-day trial can be downloaded at: dxo.com/en/dxo-filmpack/download
Check out the review on YouTube:
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22208997%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EDxO%20has%20officially%20released%20DxO%20FilmPack%208,%20the%20latest%20version%20of%20its%20premier%20film%20emulation%20software.%20Designed%20for%20photographers%20who%20want%20to%20merge%20the%20authenticity%20of%20analog%20with%20the%20flexibility%20of%20digital,%20this%20new%20release%20introduces%20groundbreaking%20features,%20expanded%20film%20options,%20and%20deeper%20integration%20with%20popular%20editing%20tools.%20Time%20Warp%20Mode:%20Photography%20through%20the%20ages%20Building%20on%20the%20popular%20Time%20Machine%20archive,%20FilmPack%208%20introduces%20Time%20Warp%20Mode,%20offering%20photographers%20two%20unique%20ways%20to%20explore%20history%20through%20their%20own%20images.%20This%20innovation%20transforms%20photo%20editing%20into%20a%20storytelling%20experience,%20giving%20photographers%20new%20ways%20to%20explore%20the%20evolution%20of%20photography.%20Full%20Photoshop%20integration%20For%20the%20first%20time,%20DxO%20FilmPack%20integrates%20directly%20with%20Adobe%20Photoshop,%20allowing%20photographers%20to%20access%20the%20entire%20library%20of%20film%20renderings%20without%20leaving%20their%20workspace.%20Combined%20with%20existing%20compatibility%20with%20DxO%20PhotoLab%20and%20Adobe%20Lightroom%20Classic,%20this%20makes%20FilmPack%208%20one%20of%20the%20most%20versatile%20creative%20tools%20on%20the%20market.%20Expanded%20Film%20Library:%2015%20new%20renderings%20FilmPack%208%20introduces%2015%20new%20analog%20film%20renderings,%20developed%20using%20laboratory-grade%20measurements%20of%20original%20film%20stocks.%20Highlights%20include:%20With%20these%20additions,%20FilmPack%208%20now%20offers%20153%20authentic%20film%20renderings,%20making%20it%20the%20most%20comprehensive%20collection%20of%20faithfully%20reproduced%20analog%20styles%20available.%20Tools%20for%20scanned%20film%20and%20archival%20work%20The%20new%20Scanned%20Film%20Optimization%20tool%20streamlines%20working%20with%20home-scanned%20film.%20With%20one%20click,%20photographers%20can%20invert%20negatives%20and%20apply%20over%2010%20tone%20curve%20presets%20to%20correct%20common%20issues%20like%20color%20shifts%20or%20density%20problems.%20Additionally,%20the%20Time%20Machine%20experience%20has%20been%20expanded%20with%2017%20new%20historical%20images%20and%20a%20themed%20portrait%20browsing%20mode,%20offering%20new%20perspectives%20on%20photography%E2%80%99s%20legacy.%20Digital%20camera%20renderings%20and%20high-resolution%20effects%20While%20rooted%20in%20analog%20aesthetics,%20FilmPack%208%20also%20introduces%20four%20new%20renderings%20inspired%20by%20Fujifilm%20and%20Sony%20digital%20cameras,%20replicating%20their%20distinctive%20color%20science%20and%20tonal%20characteristics.%20Furthermore,%20all%20creative%20effects%20%E2%80%94%20including%20textures,%20frames,%20and%20light%20leaks%20%E2%80%94%20have%20been%20re-rendered%20at%20high%20resolution%20to%20match%20today%E2%80%99s%20ultra-high-megapixel%20sensors,%20ensuring%20clarity%20in%20both%20digital%20and%20print%20formats.%20Pricing%20and%20availability%20DxO%20FilmPack%208%20is%20available%20now%20for%20macOS%20and%20Windows:%20A%20free%2030-day%20trial%20can%20be%20downloaded%20at:%20dxo.com/en/dxo-filmpack/download%20Check%20out%20the%20review%20on%20YouTube:)
Fresh, dried or artificial flowers for photography props? 30 Sep 10:00 AM (21 days ago)
When it comes to flowers what is best to use in still life or macro photography — fresh, dried or artificial? I think there is room for all three, and there are some pros and cons for each. Let’s take a closer look.
Fresh flowers
Nothing beats fresh flowers — the look, the smell, the feel. But sadly, they often do not last long. Especially if you are using studio lighting, which can often shorten their life span considerably, some species more than others. If you are shooting natural flowers in their natural habitat, that is truly rewarding, especially with some fresh morning dew, just magic. But that is not always possible, depending on the look you are after or your shooting environment.
Flowers are more often than not, seasonal. With today’s access to almost any item quickly (if not cheaply) you can often order flowers that are out of season where you live from somewhere else, but this is not always practical or cost effective either. Sometimes you just cannot get the type of flower you are after. It can be frustrating, but if you manage to find a good florist or flower market, they can usually find what you are looking for with a bit of notice. But if you are just after a particular color, or any floral will do, then I pretty much always go for fresh. As they say, fresh is best.
Artificial flowers
Many people are quite stunned that I often use artificial flowers, but they have come a long way in the last few years. There are some stunning silk flowers and handmade vintage styled flowers out there — some look and feel so real, it’s hard to tell the difference. There are also cheap and nasty ones as well.
With speciality artificial flower shops online, as well as brick and mortar shops seemingly popping up all over the place, request a sample or visit them in person to see the quality of their wares before making large purchases. I have even bought paper flowers made from old book pages — sure they look like paper, but suited the shot perfectly. The beauty of artificial plants and flowers is they last forever with a small amount of care and attention.
You can have pretty much any type and color of flower delivered quickly and cheaply and then it is yours forever. I have used these on numerous occasions, and I have a huge collection. If used in backgrounds, like a wisteria curtain, it is difficult to discern whether they are real or not. There is also a call for good quality stock photos for artificial plants too. There has been a bit of a resurrection in paper flowers of late, something of a lost art form, like the ones you perhaps made at school as a kid. They are bigger, better and far fancier than I ever created. There are loads of tutorials online on how to make them.
Depending on the light and styling you can make a statement of the fact they are artificial or hide it. These flowers can stand hours and days of shooting and you can still spray many of them with water droplets (but not all — test out a small patch first).
Sadly, when it comes to macro I find they do often let me down, as you can see the imperfections, the texture of the fabric and wire or plastic stems, they just don’t ‘look’ real.
Dried flowers
I find this the best of both worlds. I adore a vintage styled shoot and often some dried flowers really suit this style of image. I particularly like dried hydrangea and roses and I think they are the easiest to dry.
Once I have finished shooting my fresh flowers, I tie them in a bunch with string and hang them upside down in the studio. It takes a few weeks to totally dry out — the hydrangeas fade in color to lovely soft pastels, with the roses I find the color often intensifies. You can use these when you can’t get fresh flowers and fake just won’t do. They are still beautiful to look at and touch, with different textures happening as they dry. You can even create potpourri with them; I have used rose petals from dried flowers in images as well. They are also beautiful in macro.
Did you know? Not all fresh flowers will float on water — some will sink, as do many artificial flowers. If you are doing a water shoot, a milk bath or suspending flowers on water, perhaps try dried flowers and leaves, as they float beautifully.
So next time you are photographing flowers, have a think about alternatives. Sure, fresh is best, but not always available. Artificial and dried flowers can also make tremendous still life images. It all comes down to having an open mind and what you are shooting.
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%2296010%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EWhen%20it%20comes%20to%20flowers%20what%20is%20best%20to%20use%20in%20still%20life%20or%20macro%20photography%20%E2%80%94%20fresh,%20dried%20or%20artificial?%20I%20think%20there%20is%20room%20for%20all%20three,%20and%20there%20are%20some%20pros%20and%20cons%20for%20each.%20Let%26%238217;s%20take%20a%20closer%20look.%20Fresh%20flowers%20Nothing%20beats%20fresh%20flowers%20%E2%80%94%20the%20look,%20the%20smell,%20the%20feel.%20But%20sadly,%20they%20often%20do%20not%20last%20long.%20Especially%20if%20you%20are%20using%20studio%20lighting,%20which%20can%20often%20shorten%20their%20life%20span%20considerably,%20some%20species%20more%20than%20others.%20If%20you%20are%20shooting%20natural%20flowers%20in%20their%20natural%20habitat,%20that%20is%20truly%20rewarding,%20especially%20with%20some%20fresh%20morning%20dew,%20just%20magic.%20But%20that%20is%20not%20always%20possible,%20depending%20on%20the%20look%20you%20are%20after%20or%20your%20shooting%20environment.%20Flowers%20are%20more%20often%20than%20not,%20seasonal.%20With%20today%E2%80%99s%20access%20to%20almost%20any%20item%20quickly%20(if%20not%20cheaply)%20you%20can%20often%20order%20flowers%20that%20are%20out%20of%20season%20where%20you%20live%20from%20somewhere%20else,%20but%20this%20is%20not%20always%20practical%20or%20cost%20effective%20either.%20Sometimes%20you%20just%20cannot%20get%20the%20type%20of%20flower%20you%20are%20after.%20It%20can%20be%20frustrating,%20but%20if%20you%20manage%20to%20find%20a%20good%20florist%20or%20flower%20market,%20they%20can%20usually%20find%20what%20you%20are%20looking%20for%20with%20a%20bit%20of%20notice.%20But%20if%20you%20are%20just%20after%20a%20particular%20color,%20or%20any%20floral%20will%20do,%20then%20I%20pretty%20much%20always%20go%20for%20fresh.%20As%20they%20say,%20fresh%20is%20best.%20Artificial%20flowers%20Many%20people%20are%20quite%20stunned%20that%20I%20often%20use%20artificial%20flowers,%20but%20they%20have%20come%20a%20long%20way%20in%20the%20last%20few%20years.%20There%20are%20some%20stunning%20silk%20flowers%20and%20handmade%20vintage%20styled%20flowers%20out%20there%20%E2%80%94%20some%20look%20and%20feel%20so%20real,%20it%E2%80%99s%20hard%20to%20tell%20the%20difference.%20There%20are%20also%20cheap%20and%20nasty%20ones%20as%20well.%20With%20speciality%20artificial%20flower%20shops%20online,%20as%20well%20as%20brick%20and%20mortar%20shops%20seemingly%20popping%20up%20all%20over%20the%20place,%20request%20a%20sample%20or%20visit%20them%20in%20person%20to%20see%20the%20quality%20of%20their%20wares%20before%20making%20large%20purchases.%20I%20have%20even%20bought%20paper%20flowers%20made%20from%20old%20book%20pages%20%E2%80%94%20sure%20they%20look%20like%20paper,%20but%20suited%20the%20shot%20perfectly.%20The%20beauty%20of%20artificial%20plants%20and%20flowers%20is%20they%20last%20forever%20with%20a%20small%20amount%20of%20care%20and%20attention.%20You%20can%20have%20pretty%20much%20any%20type%20and%20color%20of%20flower%20delivered%20quickly%20and%20cheaply%20and%20then%20it%20is%20yours%20forever.%20%26%23160;I%20have%20used%20these%20on%20numerous%20occasions,%20and%20I%20have%20a%20huge%20collection.%20If%20used%20in%20backgrounds,%20like%20a%20wisteria%20curtain,%20it%20is%20difficult%20to%20discern%20whether%20they%20are%20real%20or%20not.%20There%20is%20also%20a%20call%20for%20good%20quality%20stock%20photos%20for%20artificial%20plants%20too.%20There%20has%20been%20a%20bit%20of%20a%20resurrection%20in%20paper%20flowers%20of%20late,%20something%20of%20a%20lost%20art%20form,%20like%20the%20ones%20you%20perhaps%20made%20at%20school%20as%20a%20kid.%20They%20are%20bigger,%20better%20and%20far%20fancier%20than%20I%20ever%20created.%20There%20are%20loads%20of%20tutorials%20online%20on%20how%20to%20make%20them.%20Depending%20on%20the%20light%20and%20styling%20you%20can%20make%20a%20statement%20of%20the%20fact%20they%20are%20artificial%20or%20hide%20it.%20These%20flowers%20can%20stand%20hours%20and%20days%20of%20shooting%20and%20you%20can%20still%20spray%20many%20of%20them%20with%20water%20droplets%20(but%20not%20all%20%E2%80%94%20test%20out%20a%20small%20patch%20first).%20Sadly,%20when%20it%20comes%20to%20macro%20I%20find%20they%20do%20often%20let%20me%20down,%20as%20you%20can%20see%20the%20imperfections,%20the%20texture%20of%20the%20fabric%20and%20wire%20or%20plastic%20stems,%20they%20just%20don%E2%80%99t%20%E2%80%98look%E2%80%99%20real.%20Dried%20flowers%20I%20find%20this%20the%20best%20of%20both%20worlds.%20I%20adore%20a%20vintage%20styled%20shoot%20and%20often%20some%20dried%20flowers%20really%20suit%20this%20style%20of%20image.%20I%20particularly%20like%20dried%20hydrangea%20and%20roses%20and%20I%20think%20they%20are%20the%20easiest%20to%20dry.%20Once%20I%20have%20finished%20shooting%20my%20fresh%20flowers,%20I%20tie%20them%20in%20a%20bunch%20with%20string%20and%20hang%20them%20upside%20down%20in%20the%20studio.%20It%20takes%20a%20few%20weeks%20to%20totally%20dry%20out%20%E2%80%94%20the%20hydrangeas%20fade%20in%20color%20to%20lovely%20soft%20pastels,%20with%20the%20roses%20I%20find%20the%20color%20often%20intensifies.%20You%20can%20use%20these%20when%20you%20can%E2%80%99t%20get%20fresh%20flowers%20and%20fake%20just%20won%E2%80%99t%20do.%20They%20are%20still%20beautiful%20to%20look%20at%20and%20touch,%20with%20different%20textures%20happening%20as%20they%20dry.%20You%20can%20even%20create%20potpourri%20with%20them;%20I%20have%20used%20rose%20petals%20from%20dried%20flowers%20in%20images%20as%20well.%20They%20are%20also%20beautiful%20in%20macro.%20Did%20you%20know?%20Not%20all%20fresh%20flowers%20will%20float%20on%20water%20%E2%80%94%20some%20will%20sink,%20as%20do%20many%20artificial%20flowers.%20If%20you%20are%20doing%20a%20water%20shoot,%20a%20milk%20bath%20or%20suspending%20flowers%20on%20water,%20perhaps%20try%20dried%20flowers%20and%20leaves,%20as%20they%20float%20beautifully.%20So%20next%20time%20you%20are%20photographing%20flowers,%20have%20a%20think%20about%20alternatives.%20Sure,%20fresh%20is%20best,%20but%20not%20always%20available.%20Artificial%20and%20dried%20flowers%20can%20also%20make%20tremendous%20still%20life%20images.%20It%20all%20comes%20down%20to%20having%20an%20open%20mind%20and%20what%20you%20are%20shooting.)
Night sky photography in Sedona: Star trails 30 Sep 6:00 AM (21 days ago)
During a Night Sky and Milky Way Workshop in Sedona, Arizona, I made a star trail image. I also set up a second camera while the main camera was making Milky Way exposures. Check out the Milky Way article here.
Camera support
When you are training two cameras on the heavens, you need multiple camera supports. Carrying two full size tripods can be a bit cumbersome. Enter Platypod. The eXtreme is a solid tripod base. With a ball head, you can have a very low to the ground support. Many times that will be just a wee bit too low. If you add a Platypod Handle, the camera can be raised to different levels. It can be configured with a three, six and a half and a Tenant a half inch riser. Sometimes, I’ll add a second handle as I use lightweight Micro Four-Thirds gear. This set up is a very light and versatile addition to your kit which takes very little space. Sometimes, I’ll take just the Platypod gear in place of a full size tripod depending upon how far I am hiking.
Night AR PhotoPills
Augmented Reality which is built into the PhotoPills app can also show you the pattern the stars will draw when you are putting you composition together. The trails are represented by blue lines with white dots circling around. If you point directly at the Pole Star, North or South depending upon where you are on the globe you get circular trails. Facing East or West will show a straight line with southerly stars trailing off to the south and the others way to toward the North.
Camera settings
When capturing star trails, camera settings are much different than settings for Milky Way. The Milky Way calls for short exposures to keep the stars as points. Also, wide open apertures to gather as much light as possible as fast as possible. Star trails call for the opposite. Close down the aperture by a stop or two and lower the ISO. You will see many star trail images with pure white trails. Pure white trails are overexposed. Stars have color and slightly underexposing will allow that color to render.
As with the Milky Way images, you will often need to blend a separate exposure for your foreground.
Gear
I was testing out the OM System’s new OM5 Mark II which I’ll be reviewing soon. I was able to get a bit over two hours of 30 second exposures before the battery started showing signs of giving up the ghost. Note: If you want to do longer time gathering images you can add a USB battery. I used the M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 Lens to frame the scene at f/2.8.
You can learn more about the Milky Way and Night Sky Sedona, Arizona Workshops here.
Yours in Creative Photography,
Bob
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22209100%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EDuring%20a%20Night%20Sky%20and%20Milky%20Way%20Workshop%20in%20Sedona,%20Arizona,%20I%20made%20a%20star%20trail%20image.%20I%20also%20set%20up%20a%20second%20camera%20while%20the%20main%20camera%20was%20making%20Milky%20Way%20exposures.%20Check%20out%20the%20Milky%20Way%20article%20here.%20Camera%20support%20When%20you%20are%20training%20two%20cameras%20on%20the%20heavens,%20you%20need%20multiple%20camera%20supports.%20Carrying%20two%20full%20size%20tripods%20can%20be%20a%20bit%20cumbersome.%20Enter%20Platypod.%20The%20eXtreme%20is%20a%20solid%20tripod%20base.%20With%20a%20ball%20head,%20you%20can%20have%20a%20very%20low%20to%20the%20ground%20support.%20Many%20times%20that%20will%20be%20just%20a%20wee%20bit%20too%20low.%20If%20you%20add%20a%20Platypod%20Handle,%20the%20camera%20can%20be%20raised%20to%20different%20levels.%20It%20can%20be%20configured%20with%20a%20three,%20six%20and%20a%20half%20and%20a%20Tenant%20a%20half%20inch%20riser.%20Sometimes,%20I%E2%80%99ll%20add%20a%20second%20handle%20as%20I%20use%20lightweight%20Micro%20Four-Thirds%20gear.%20This%20set%20up%20is%20a%20very%20light%20and%20versatile%20addition%20to%20your%20kit%20which%20takes%20very%20little%20space.%20Sometimes,%20I%E2%80%99ll%20take%20just%20the%20Platypod%20gear%20in%20place%20of%20a%20full%20size%20tripod%20depending%20upon%20how%20far%20I%20am%20hiking.%20Night%20AR%20PhotoPills%20Augmented%20Reality%20which%20is%20built%20into%20the%20PhotoPills%20app%20can%20also%20show%20you%20the%20pattern%20the%20stars%20will%20draw%20when%20you%20are%20putting%20you%20composition%20together.%20The%20trails%20are%20represented%20by%20blue%20lines%20with%20white%20dots%20circling%20around.%20If%20you%20point%20directly%20at%20the%20Pole%20Star,%20North%20or%20South%20depending%20upon%20where%20you%20are%20on%20the%20globe%20you%20get%20circular%20trails.%20Facing%20East%20or%20West%20will%20show%20a%20straight%20line%20with%20southerly%20stars%20trailing%20off%20to%20the%20south%20and%20the%20others%20way%20to%20toward%20the%20North.%20Camera%20settings%20When%20capturing%20star%20trails,%20camera%20settings%20are%20much%20different%20than%20settings%20for%20Milky%20Way.%20The%20Milky%20Way%20calls%20for%20short%20exposures%20to%20keep%20the%20stars%20as%20points.%20Also,%20wide%20open%20apertures%20to%20gather%20as%20much%20light%20as%20possible%20as%20fast%20as%20possible.%20Star%20trails%20call%20for%20the%20opposite.%20Close%20down%20the%20aperture%20by%20a%20stop%20or%20two%20and%20lower%20the%20ISO.%20You%20will%20see%20many%20star%20trail%20images%20with%20pure%20white%20trails.%20Pure%20white%20trails%20are%20overexposed.%20Stars%20have%20color%20and%20slightly%20underexposing%20will%20allow%20that%20color%20to%20render.%20As%20with%20the%20Milky%20Way%20images,%20you%20will%20often%20need%20to%20blend%20a%20separate%20exposure%20for%20your%20foreground.%20Gear%20I%20was%20testing%20out%20the%20OM%20System%26%238217;s%20new%20OM5%20Mark%20II%20which%20I%26%238217;ll%20be%20reviewing%20soon.%20I%20was%20able%20to%20get%20a%20bit%20over%20two%20hours%20of%2030%20second%20exposures%20before%20the%20battery%20started%20showing%20signs%20of%20giving%20up%20the%20ghost.%20Note:%20If%20you%20want%20to%20do%20longer%20time%20gathering%20images%20you%20can%20add%20a%20USB%20battery.%20I%20used%20the%20M.Zuiko%2017mm%20f/1.8%20Lens%20to%20frame%20the%20scene%20at%20f/2.8.%20You%20can%20learn%20more%20about%20the%20Milky%20Way%20and%20Night%20Sky%20Sedona,%20Arizona%20Workshops%20here.%20Yours%20in%20Creative%20Photography,%20Bob)
Tips for scouting fall landscape photography locations 29 Sep 12:00 PM (22 days ago)
One of the most exciting parts about getting ready for fall landscape photography is scouting for new locations. It’s a great way to plan your compositions and the gear to bring for your actual shoot. You don’t necessarily have to go far to find new spots. You can always revisit your favorite locations, just as UK-based landscape photographer Nigel Danson does.
In the video above, he takes us to his favorite spots to share how he usually prepares for his fall photography in the woodlands. He makes these visits around a month ahead of the season. It allows him to get a good idea on where to shoot next and what new compositions to try. It’s great for exercising your creativity and challenging yourself to look at the elements differently.
The key to fall photography is keeping an eye out for the changes as the new season rolls on. As you scout your chosen locations, you may find some areas where these changes will give way to dramatic fall photos. So, don’t forget to do some test shots so you have some visual reference for when you go back.
How do you usually prepare for your fall landscape photography shoot? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Milky Way and night sky photography in Sedona 29 Sep 8:00 AM (22 days ago)
We held the last Milky Way and Night Sky workshop in Sedona, Arizona this past week. It was a good one! Three students participated, who all have studied with me in the past got to see and photograph the Bortle Four skies. Can’t wait to see what they have captured and processed. In the meantime here’s an Milky Way image rising up over Bell Rock.
Planning for the shoot
Before you head out into the night it’s a good idea to do some planning. There are a few tools out there but Photo Pills is my app of choice for my night sky planning. You can use the planing pill to get a rough idea of where you would like to make images for a nice foreground. That gets you in the ballpark. Second stage planning puts you on the trail. I recommend hiking out during the day to scout for more specific information on what will line up using the Night Augmented Reality. Here’s where you fine tune where and at what time you need to be in position. Making pictures of this helps to show others or remind yourself for being out later.
Note that you can scout a place for future as you can dial in any date and time for working at that location. All this information is saved to the photo taken with your phone or tablet. One caveat. In my experience with multiple devices, iPhones seem to have solid contact with satellites and Milky Way position is usually represented accurately. Some Android phones can drift a bit. When working with those, you can move the camera in an infinity or figure eight pattern to reset. There are also manual reset options using the sun or moon as well.
On location
Get to your location before sunset. This will give you time to fine tune your composition with light still prevalent. Once you have found your spot, enjoy catching the sunset images and then get set for catching your foreground. Leave that tripod in place once the foreground is in the camera. Wait for the astronomical dark which is when the sun is over twelve degrees below the horizon. Once it is eighteen degrees below, you are full dark. Start making exposures with the Milky Way in different positions in order to tweak the composition. I suggest that making 10 exposures and using Starry Landscape Stacker for the Mac or Sequator for PC to stack and blend the images to reduce noise.
If you don’t make it for blue hour exposure you can make 10 images of the foreground at a higher ISO and/or longer time. Watch your histogram and make sure it moves to the right and isn’t piled up against the left wall.
Processing files
Mitigate noise when making images after dark for the foreground. Process foreground dark images into Photoshop layers, turn into a Smart Object > Layers > Stack Mode > Median Filter. Rasterize the results. Then, add a Noise filer called Dust and Scratches at a Radius of one pixel and a Threshold between six and fifteen pixels. It helps to clean up the resulting little white dots.
Working on the night sky images allow the software to stack and remove noise. You can do it by hand in Photoshop but it can take quite a bit of time. Starry Landscape Stacker for Mac is around $50 and Sequator for PC’s is a free download.
Blend
Blend the foreground and sky images together for your final composition. Dodging and burning using the method of your choosing can add depth and dimension. It can also highlight or tone done areas you wish to have more, or less attention. Many times the blend colors will not look as if they “live” together. You can add a Look Up Table (LUT). LUTs are found in the Adjustment Layers of Photoshop. Select “LUT” then “Load 3D LUT” in the bottom pop up. I recommend trying “Day to Night” when first trying this technique. Change the Blend Mode of the LUT to “Soft Light.” Lower the opacity to taste. This last move works as a color glue to bring the to halves of the image together.
Coming soon in another article: Star trails. Stay tuned!
Yours in Creative Photography,
Bob
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22209072%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EWe%20held%20the%20last%20Milky%20Way%20and%20Night%20Sky%20workshop%20in%20Sedona,%20Arizona%20this%20past%20week.%20It%20was%20a%20good%20one!%20Three%20students%20participated,%20who%20all%20have%20studied%20with%20me%20in%20the%20past%20got%20to%20see%20and%20photograph%20the%20Bortle%20Four%20skies.%20Can%E2%80%99t%20wait%20to%20see%20what%20they%20have%20captured%20and%20processed.%20In%20the%20meantime%20here%E2%80%99s%20an%20Milky%20Way%20image%20rising%20up%20over%20Bell%20Rock.%20Planning%20for%20the%20shoot%20Before%20you%20head%20out%20into%20the%20night%20it%E2%80%99s%20a%20good%20idea%20to%20do%20some%20planning.%20There%20are%20a%20few%20tools%20out%20there%20but%20Photo%20Pills%20is%20my%20app%20of%20choice%20for%20my%20night%20sky%20planning.%20You%20can%20use%20the%20planing%20pill%20to%20get%20a%20rough%20idea%20of%20where%20you%20would%20like%20to%20make%20images%20for%20a%20nice%20foreground.%20That%20gets%20you%20in%20the%20ballpark.%20Second%20stage%20planning%20puts%20you%20on%20the%20trail.%20I%20recommend%20hiking%20out%20during%20the%20day%20to%20scout%20for%20more%20specific%20information%20on%20what%20will%20line%20up%20using%20the%20Night%20Augmented%20Reality.%20Here%E2%80%99s%20where%20you%20fine%20tune%20where%20and%20at%20what%20time%20you%20need%20to%20be%20in%20position.%20Making%20pictures%20of%20this%20helps%20to%20show%20others%20or%20remind%20yourself%20for%20being%20out%20later.%20Note%20that%20you%20can%20scout%20a%20place%20for%20future%20as%20you%20can%20dial%20in%20any%20date%20and%20time%20for%20working%20at%20that%20location.%20All%20this%20information%20is%20saved%20to%20the%20photo%20taken%20with%20your%20phone%20or%20tablet.%20One%20caveat.%20In%20my%20experience%20with%20multiple%20devices,%20iPhones%20seem%20to%20have%20solid%20contact%20with%20satellites%20and%20Milky%20Way%20position%20is%20usually%20represented%20accurately.%20Some%20Android%20phones%20can%20drift%20a%20bit.%20When%20working%20with%20those,%20you%20can%20move%20the%20camera%20in%20an%20infinity%20or%20figure%20eight%20pattern%20to%20reset.%20There%20are%20also%20manual%20reset%20options%20using%20the%20sun%20or%20moon%20as%20well.%20On%20location%20Get%20to%20your%20location%20before%20sunset.%20This%20will%20give%20you%20time%20to%20fine%20tune%20your%20composition%20with%20light%20still%20prevalent.%20Once%20you%20have%20found%20your%20spot,%20enjoy%20catching%20the%20sunset%20images%20and%20then%20get%20set%20for%20catching%20your%20foreground.%20Leave%20that%20tripod%20in%20place%20once%20the%20foreground%20is%20in%20the%20camera.%20Wait%20for%20the%20astronomical%20dark%20which%20is%20when%20the%20sun%20is%20over%20twelve%20degrees%20below%20the%20horizon.%20Once%20it%20is%20eighteen%20degrees%20below,%20you%20are%20full%20dark.%20Start%20making%20exposures%20with%20the%20Milky%20Way%20in%20different%20positions%20in%20order%20to%20tweak%20the%20composition.%20I%20suggest%20that%20making%2010%20exposures%20and%20using%20Starry%20Landscape%20Stacker%20for%20the%20Mac%20or%20Sequator%20for%20PC%20to%20stack%20and%20blend%20the%20images%20to%20reduce%20noise.%20If%20you%20don%E2%80%99t%20make%20it%20for%20blue%20hour%20exposure%20you%20can%20make%2010%20images%20of%20the%20foreground%20at%20a%20higher%20ISO%20and/or%20longer%20time.%20Watch%20your%20histogram%20and%20make%20sure%20it%20moves%20to%20the%20right%20and%20isn%E2%80%99t%20piled%20up%20against%20the%20left%20wall.%20Processing%20files%20Mitigate%20noise%20when%20making%20images%20after%20dark%20for%20the%20foreground.%20Process%20foreground%20dark%20images%20into%20Photoshop%20layers,%20turn%20into%20a%20Smart%20Object%20%3E%20Layers%20%3E%20Stack%20Mode%20%3E%20Median%20Filter.%20Rasterize%20the%20results.%20Then,%20add%20a%20Noise%20filer%20called%20Dust%20and%20Scratches%20at%20a%20Radius%20of%20one%20pixel%20and%20a%20Threshold%20between%20six%20and%20fifteen%20pixels.%20It%20helps%20to%20clean%20up%20the%20resulting%20little%20white%20dots.%20Working%20on%20the%20night%20sky%20images%20allow%20the%20software%20to%20stack%20and%20remove%20noise.%20You%20can%20do%20it%20by%20hand%20in%20Photoshop%20but%20it%20can%20take%20quite%20a%20bit%20of%20time.%20Starry%20Landscape%20Stacker%20for%20Mac%20is%20around%20$50%20and%20Sequator%20for%20PC%E2%80%99s%20is%20a%20free%20download.%20Blend%20Blend%20the%20foreground%20and%20sky%20images%20together%20for%20your%20final%20composition.%20Dodging%20and%20burning%20using%20the%20method%20of%20your%20choosing%20can%20add%20depth%20and%20dimension.%20It%20can%20also%20highlight%20or%20tone%20done%20areas%20you%20wish%20to%20have%20more,%20or%20less%20attention.%20Many%20times%20the%20blend%20colors%20will%20not%20look%20as%20if%20they%20%26%238220;live%26%238221;%20together.%20You%20can%20add%20a%20Look%20Up%20Table%20(LUT).%20LUTs%20are%20found%20in%20the%20Adjustment%20Layers%20of%20Photoshop.%20Select%20%26%238220;LUT%26%238221;%20then%20%26%238220;Load%203D%20LUT%26%238221;%20in%20the%20bottom%20pop%20up.%20I%20recommend%20trying%20%26%238220;Day%20to%20Night%26%238221;%20when%20first%20trying%20this%20technique.%20Change%20the%20Blend%20Mode%20of%20the%20LUT%20to%20%26%238220;Soft%20Light.%26%238221;%20Lower%20the%20opacity%20to%20taste.%20This%20last%20move%20works%20as%20a%20color%20glue%20to%20bring%20the%20to%20halves%20of%20the%20image%20together.%20Coming%20soon%20in%20another%20article:%20Star%20trails.%20Stay%20tuned!%20Yours%20in%20Creative%20Photography,%20Bob){kind=tracking}
When is a good time to sell used camera gear? 26 Sep 8:00 AM (25 days ago)
Have you recently upgraded your camera or lenses? Are you wondering when is the best time to sell used camera gear? It can depend on various factors, including the type of gear you have, its condition and the market demand. Here are some considerations to help you determine when it might be a good time to sell your used camera gear.
Upgrade cycles
Camera manufacturers often release new models and upgrades on a regular basis. If you own a camera or lens that’s a few years old and a new model with significant improvements has just been released, it might be a good time to sell your gear while it’s still considered relatively current.
Market demand
Pay attention to market trends and demand for specific types of camera gear. For example, certain camera bodies or lenses may become highly sought after for specific types of photography or videography. If there’s a surge in demand for what you have, it’s a good time to sell.
Condition
The condition of your gear plays a crucial role in its resale value. If your equipment is in excellent condition, it will fetch a higher price. Consider selling it when it’s still in good shape and before it starts showing significant wear and tear.
Seasonal considerations
The time of year can also impact the demand for camera gear. For example, photographers often gear up for wedding season in the spring and summer, while wildlife and landscape photographers may be more active in the fall. Consider timing your sale to align with peak photography seasons. Don’t forget Christmas is just around the corner too.
Promotions and discounts
Some retailers offer trade-in programs or discounts when you purchase new camera gear. Take advantage of such promotions if they align with your plans to upgrade or sell your current equipment. But make sure you are aware of the value of your gear.
Economic factors
Economic conditions can influence the resale market. In uncertain economic times, people may be more inclined to buy used gear instead of investing in brand-new equipment, potentially increasing demand for used gear. Not everyone wants the newest gear either. They may wish to update with secondhand gear.
Online marketplaces
Online platforms like eBay, Marketplace, and photography-specific forums provide opportunities to reach a broader audience when selling your gear. Consider listing your items on these platforms when you’re ready to sell. MPB is a great forum for selling and buying camera gear.
Personal needs
Your personal circumstances and needs also play a role. If you need cash quickly or have decided to switch to a different brand or type of camera system, it might be the right time to sell.
Research comparable sales
Before listing your gear for sale, research recent sales of similar items to get an idea of their current market value. This will help you set a competitive price.
Avoid depreciation
Camera gear tends to depreciate over time. While it’s essential to sell at the right time, don’t wait too long, as the value of older equipment may drop significantly.
Ultimately, the best time to sell your used camera gear will depend on your specific circumstances and goals. Keep an eye on the market. Evaluate your equipment’s condition. Lastly, choose a time that aligns with your needs and the market demand to maximize your resale value.
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22188536%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EHave%20you%20recently%20upgraded%20your%20camera%20or%20lenses?%20Are%20you%20wondering%20when%20is%20the%20best%20time%20to%20sell%20used%20camera%20gear?%20It%20can%20depend%20on%20various%20factors,%20including%20the%20type%20of%20gear%20you%20have,%20its%20condition%20and%20the%20market%20demand.%20Here%20are%20some%20considerations%20to%20help%20you%20determine%20when%20it%20might%20be%20a%20good%20time%20to%20sell%20your%20used%20camera%20gear.%20Upgrade%20cycles%20Camera%20manufacturers%20often%20release%20new%20models%20and%20upgrades%20on%20a%20regular%20basis.%20If%20you%20own%20a%20camera%20or%20lens%20that%26%238217;s%20a%20few%20years%20old%20and%20a%20new%20model%20with%20significant%20improvements%20has%20just%20been%20released,%20it%20might%20be%20a%20good%20time%20to%20sell%20your%20gear%20while%20it%26%238217;s%20still%20considered%20relatively%20current.%20Market%20demand%20Pay%20attention%20to%20market%20trends%20and%20demand%20for%20specific%20types%20of%20camera%20gear.%20For%20example,%20certain%20camera%20bodies%20or%20lenses%20may%20become%20highly%20sought%20after%20for%20specific%20types%20of%20photography%20or%20videography.%20If%20there%26%238217;s%20a%20surge%20in%20demand%20for%20what%20you%20have,%20it%26%238217;s%20a%20good%20time%20to%20sell.%20Condition%20The%20condition%20of%20your%20gear%20plays%20a%20crucial%20role%20in%20its%20resale%20value.%20If%20your%20equipment%20is%20in%20excellent%20condition,%20it%20will%20fetch%20a%20higher%20price.%20Consider%20selling%20it%20when%20it%26%238217;s%20still%20in%20good%20shape%20and%20before%20it%20starts%20showing%20significant%20wear%20and%20tear.%20Seasonal%20considerations%20The%20time%20of%20year%20can%20also%20impact%20the%20demand%20for%20camera%20gear.%20For%20example,%20photographers%20often%20gear%20up%20for%20wedding%20season%20in%20the%20spring%20and%20summer,%20while%20wildlife%20and%20landscape%20photographers%20may%20be%20more%20active%20in%20the%20fall.%20Consider%20timing%20your%20sale%20to%20align%20with%20peak%20photography%20seasons.%20Don%26%238217;t%20forget%20Christmas%20is%20just%20around%20the%20corner%20too.%20Promotions%20and%20discounts%20Some%20retailers%20offer%20trade-in%20programs%20or%20discounts%20when%20you%20purchase%20new%20camera%20gear.%20Take%20advantage%20of%20such%20promotions%20if%20they%20align%20with%20your%20plans%20to%20upgrade%20or%20sell%20your%20current%20equipment.%20But%20make%20sure%20you%20are%20aware%20of%20the%20value%20of%20your%20gear.%20Economic%20factors%20Economic%20conditions%20can%20influence%20the%20resale%20market.%20In%20uncertain%20economic%20times,%20people%20may%20be%20more%20inclined%20to%20buy%20used%20gear%20instead%20of%20investing%20in%20brand-new%20equipment,%20potentially%20increasing%20demand%20for%20used%20gear.%20Not%20everyone%20wants%20the%20newest%20gear%20either.%20They%20may%20wish%20to%20update%20with%20secondhand%20gear.%20Online%20marketplaces%20Online%20platforms%20like%20eBay,%20Marketplace,%20and%20photography-specific%20forums%20provide%20opportunities%20to%20reach%20a%20broader%20audience%20when%20selling%20your%20gear.%20Consider%20listing%20your%20items%20on%20these%20platforms%20when%20you%26%238217;re%20ready%20to%20sell.%20MPB%20is%20a%20great%20forum%20for%20selling%20and%20buying%20camera%20gear.%20Personal%20needs%20Your%20personal%20circumstances%20and%20needs%20also%20play%20a%20role.%20If%20you%20need%20cash%20quickly%20or%20have%20decided%20to%20switch%20to%20a%20different%20brand%20or%20type%20of%20camera%20system,%20it%20might%20be%20the%20right%20time%20to%20sell.%20Research%20comparable%20sales%20Before%20listing%20your%20gear%20for%20sale,%20research%20recent%20sales%20of%20similar%20items%20to%20get%20an%20idea%20of%20their%20current%20market%20value.%20This%20will%20help%20you%20set%20a%20competitive%20price.%20Avoid%20depreciation%20Camera%20gear%20tends%20to%20depreciate%20over%20time.%20While%20it%26%238217;s%20essential%20to%20sell%20at%20the%20right%20time,%20don%26%238217;t%20wait%20too%20long,%20as%20the%20value%20of%20older%20equipment%20may%20drop%20significantly.%20Ultimately,%20the%20best%20time%20to%20sell%20your%20used%20camera%20gear%20will%20depend%20on%20your%20specific%20circumstances%20and%20goals.%20Keep%20an%20eye%20on%20the%20market.%20Evaluate%20your%20equipment%26%238217;s%20condition.%20Lastly,%20choose%20a%20time%20that%20aligns%20with%20your%20needs%20and%20the%20market%20demand%20to%20maximize%20your%20resale%20value.)
Join Us for a Free Photography Weekend in Minneapolis 26 Sep 5:00 AM (25 days ago)
If you happen to be near Minneapolis, come say hi this weekend… we’ll be at Fujifilm Create With Us
I’ll be attending a photography event this weekend in Minneapolis, MN, if you happen to be in the area. It’s a free event. Happy to say hello and catch up a little on all things photo and video.
The event is being held at the Walker Art Center, a renowned institution that showcases a diverse range of modern art forms, including photography.
Create With Us Event Details
- Sunday is free to attend (sign up in advance)
- Saturday has paid workshops
Create With Us is a public event for passionate image makers to connect, learn, and grow alongside industry professionals. Whether you’re a stills photographer or filmmaker, we offer opportunities to collaborate, share ideas, and expand your craft. Through engaging workshops, immersive photowalks, and exciting activations, you’ll connect with like-minded creators, gain invaluable insights, and leave inspired by the collective talent around you.
USE THE CODE FCWU2025 WHEN SIGNING UP.
General Admission 9/28
- Free admission to the Walker Art Center
- Free Fujifilm Swag Item
- Free Check and Clean for Fujifilm products
- Free 4×6 print
- Touch and Try photography experience with models
- Dirty Soda Bar with Souvenir Cup
Workshops on 9/27
- Zied Romdhane – Magnum Photographer
- Yael Martinez – Magnum Photographer
- Bethany Mollenkof
- Jasmine Quinoñes
Photowalks led by Fujifilm’s top creators 9/28
- Video walk with Jasmine Quinoñes and NiSi Optics
- Film Simulation Recipe Photowalk with Fuji X Weekly
- Double Exposure Photowalk with bewaremyfuji
Presentations 9/28
- Reuben Wu
- Ritchie Roesch
- Bobbi Lane
- Jasmine Quinoñes
- Alejandro Cegarra (World Press Photographer 2024 Winner)
The main event on Sunday is free to attend and is worth a day trip if you’re in the Midwest.
Dates
- Paid pre-event workshops: September 27, 2025 | 9:00 AM-7:00 PM CT
- Create With Us: September 28, 2025 | 11:00 AM-7:30 PM CT
Location
Walker Art Center
, 725 Vineland Pl,
Minneapolis, MN 55403
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22209039%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3ENear%20Minneapolis%20this%20weekend?%20I%E2%80%99ll%20be%20at%20Fujifilm%E2%80%99s%20Create%20With%20Us%20at%20the%20Walker%20Art%20Center%E2%80%94Sunday%20is%20free%20with%20RSVP,%20plus%20photowalks,%20talks,%20and%20hands-on%20gear.%20Tap%20for%20details,%20schedule,%20and%20how%20to%20snag%20your%20spot.%20It%E2%80%99s%20an%20incredible%20chance%20to%20learn%20from%20top%20photographers,%20get%20inspired,%20and%20connect%20with%20fellow%20creators.)
Testing Japan’s “weirdest lenses” 25 Sep 12:00 PM (26 days ago)
Japan is one of the most popular countries for photography for many reasons — including all the weird and wonderful photography accessories. Among these are what Paris-based Mathieu Stern called “Japan’s craziest lenses” in the video above. If you’re a collector of unique niche photography gear and accessories, you might find just find them interesting!
“I found some Japanese lenses that may be the weirdest lenses I ever tested,” said Stern in his intro on Yasuhara lenses. The brand, he added, is known for creating some weird lenses for a small niche market. The Yasuhara Nanoha X5, for example, offers a much higher magnification than the usual macro lens, making it essentially almost a microscopic lens.
Meanwhile, other interesting lenses from the brand are the Madoka 180 circular fisheye lens for Sony, and the Momo 100mm f/64 soft focus lens for Nikon, inspired by the 100-year-old lens of the Kodak Vest Pocket Camera. Both are geared towards very specific artistic effects, so if you’re picking up these lens, you’ll definitely need to be mindful of what you’re using them for.
However, if you’re specifically looking for something to add an artistic look to your portraits, the Yasuhara 35mm f/1.8 for Sony EF is your best option. Leaning more towards the traditional full frame lens, Stern noted that it’s the “least crazy” of the Yasuhara lenses but one that he will use the most — and it’s easy to see why!
What do you think of these Japanese lenses? Are you likely to pick any of them up? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The second lens you need to buy for family photography 25 Sep 10:00 AM (26 days ago)
Once you’ve got your family photography workhorse lens sorted, it’s time to start adding creative options to your kit.
If you read my last article, then you’ll know that the number one lens I recommend you buy to get started in family photography is the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. I use the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 for Canon, and every major manufacturer has their own version of this (Tamron has a version for Nikon and other brands).
What next? I’m going to argue that the second lens you need to buy is an 85mm lens.
Why you need an 85mm lens for family photography
After you have a versatile zoom lens, the next lens you should buy for your family photography is a fixed, or prime, lens. In general, prime lenses are sharper than zoom lenses in the same price category, because there are less moving parts.
Buy the widest aperture you can afford. For example in Canon, we have the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens coming in under the $500 price point, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM Lens landing at around $1600 and the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens scraping in just under $2000.
The longer focal length combined with a wide aperture is perfect for magic portraits, and you’ll get beautiful background blur with sharp focus on your subject.
However, the focal length is not so long that you’ll need to shoot from across the room when indoors, so it’s a flexible lens for a whole range of situations. (Keep in mind if you are shooting with this lens on a crop sensor camera, the focal length effectively becomes 135mm.)
Get up close with beautiful background blur
The focus distance on the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens is longer than you might be used to with zoom lenses, but you can still get beautiful close-ups. I love detail shots, and this lens is perfect for enhancing your photo set with dreamy bokeh-framed close-ups.
I love how the bokeh achieved with this lens helps to draw your focus and tell a story.
Why I love the Canon 85mm f/1.8 lens for family photography
I use this lens a lot to enhance the variety in my images when I’m delivering for clients. Because the 85mm gets you close without having to be right in the action, you can capture people looking more relaxed, having fun and being themselves without clients feeling like you are right in their face with your camera.
Because of the wide aperture, you can also use it to play with your imager: Try it out with fractal filters, or shape your bokeh with this simple DIY activity.
The 85mm lens is a strong contender for my favorite lens: while it’s not the one I leave on all day, every shoot, it’s definitely the one that I reach for when I’ve got the standard shots in the bag, and am looking to mix things up and deliver something really special.
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22139739%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EOnce%20you%26%238217;ve%20got%20your%20family%20photography%20workhorse%20lens%20sorted,%20it%26%238217;s%20time%20to%20start%20adding%20creative%20options%20to%20your%20kit.%20If%20you%20read%20my%20last%20article,%20then%20you%26%238217;ll%20know%20that%20the%20number%20one%20lens%20I%20recommend%20you%20buy%20to%20get%20started%20in%20family%20photography%20is%20the%2024-70mm%20f/2.8%20lens.%20I%20use%20the%20Tamron%20SP%2024-70mm%20f/2.8%20for%20Canon,%20and%20every%20major%20manufacturer%20has%20their%20own%20version%20of%20this%20(Tamron%20has%20a%20version%20for%20Nikon%20and%20other%20brands).%20What%20next?%20I%E2%80%99m%20going%20to%20argue%20that%20the%20second%20lens%20you%20need%20to%20buy%20is%20an%2085mm%20lens.%20Why%20you%20need%20an%2085mm%20lens%20for%20family%20photography%20After%20you%20have%20a%20versatile%20zoom%20lens,%20the%20next%20lens%20you%20should%20buy%20for%20your%20family%20photography%20is%20a%20fixed,%20or%20prime,%20lens.%20In%20general,%20prime%20lenses%20are%20sharper%20than%20zoom%20lenses%20in%20the%20same%20price%20category,%20because%20there%20are%20less%20moving%20parts.%20Buy%20the%20widest%20aperture%20you%20can%20afford.%20For%20example%20in%20Canon,%20we%20have%20the%20Canon%20EF%2085mm%20f/1.8%20USM%20Lens%20coming%20in%20under%20the%20$500%20price%20point,%20the%20Canon%20EF%2085mm%20f/1.4L%20IS%20USM%20Lens%20landing%20at%20around%20$1600%20and%20the%20Canon%20EF%2085mm%20f/1.2L%20II%20USM%20Lens%20scraping%20in%20just%20under%20$2000.%20The%20longer%20focal%20length%20combined%20with%20a%20wide%20aperture%20is%20perfect%20for%20magic%20portraits,%20and%20you%E2%80%99ll%20get%20beautiful%20background%20blur%20with%20sharp%20focus%20on%20your%20subject.%20However,%20the%20focal%20length%20is%20not%20so%20long%20that%20you%E2%80%99ll%20need%20to%20shoot%20from%20across%20the%20room%20when%20indoors,%20so%20it%E2%80%99s%20a%20flexible%20lens%20for%20a%20whole%20range%20of%20situations.%20(Keep%20in%20mind%20if%20you%20are%20shooting%20with%20this%20lens%20on%20a%20crop%20sensor%20camera,%20the%20focal%20length%20effectively%20becomes%20135mm.)%20Get%20up%20close%20with%20beautiful%20background%20blur%20The%20focus%20distance%20on%20the%20Canon%20EF%2085mm%20f/1.8%20USM%20Lens%20is%20longer%20than%20you%20might%20be%20used%20to%20with%20zoom%20lenses,%20but%20you%20can%20still%20get%20beautiful%20close-ups.%20I%20love%20detail%20shots,%20and%20this%20lens%20is%20perfect%20for%20enhancing%20your%20photo%20set%20with%20dreamy%20bokeh-framed%20close-ups.%20I%20love%20how%20the%20bokeh%20achieved%20with%20this%20lens%20helps%20to%20draw%20your%20focus%20and%20tell%20a%20story.%20Why%20I%20love%20the%20Canon%2085mm%20f/1.8%20lens%20for%20family%20photography%20I%20use%20this%20lens%20a%20lot%20to%20enhance%20the%20variety%20in%20my%20images%20when%20I%E2%80%99m%20delivering%20for%20clients.%20Because%20the%2085mm%20gets%20you%20close%20without%20having%20to%20be%20right%20in%20the%20action,%20you%20can%20capture%20people%20looking%20more%20relaxed,%20having%20fun%20and%20being%20themselves%20without%20clients%20feeling%20like%20you%20are%20right%20in%20their%20face%20with%20your%20camera.%20Because%20of%20the%20wide%20aperture,%20you%20can%20also%20use%20it%20to%20play%20with%20your%20imager:%20Try%20it%20out%20with%20fractal%20filters,%20or%20shape%20your%20bokeh%20with%20this%20simple%20DIY%20activity.%20The%2085mm%20lens%20is%20a%20strong%20contender%20for%20my%20favorite%20lens:%20while%20it%E2%80%99s%20not%20the%20one%20I%20leave%20on%20all%20day,%20every%20shoot,%20it%E2%80%99s%20definitely%20the%20one%20that%20I%20reach%20for%20when%20I%E2%80%99ve%20got%20the%20standard%20shots%20in%20the%20bag,%20and%20am%20looking%20to%20mix%20things%20up%20and%20deliver%20something%20really%20special.)
Review: K&F Concept Colorful Streak Filter 25 Sep 6:00 AM (26 days ago)
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I first tried the K&F Concept Colorful Streak Filter. At first, the results weren’t quite what I had in mind, but after a bit of experimenting and research, I realised this filter really comes into its own when you line up your composition with a strong, direct light source. Think neon signs, street lamps, candles, and even car headlights. Pretty much like the Star Filters I also tried out.
Please Note: While K&F CONCEPT sent me these filters for review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Unlike star filters that break the light into multiple points, this one stretches highlights into bold, colourful streaks. It feels straight out of a music video or stylized film and adds instant atmosphere. Closing down the aperture to around f/16 or smaller really helps intensify the effect. And if you’re in Aperture Priority mode, keep in mind that using negative exposure compensation doesn’t enhance the look—it actually diminishes it.
This filter isn’t about subtle enhancement; it’s about creating dreamy, cinematic drama. For night street photography, live gigs, or even Christmas lights, it would transform the ordinary into something surreal and striking. The filter can also be rotated, letting you change the angle of the streaks for even more creative control.
K&F Concept Colorful Streak Filter — Technical Specifications
- Size: 67mm (various thread sizes available)
- Type: Colourful Streak / Starlight Effect Filter
- Frame: Lightweight, slim aluminium alloy
- Glass: Multi-coated optical glass for clarity and reduced reflections
- Effect: Creates coloured streaks from strong light sources, adjustable by rotation
Pros
- Creates dramatic, colourful streaks for a cinematic look
- Lightweight and slim design—easy to carry in your kit
- Multi-coated glass keeps images sharp
- Fun, creative effect for street, concerts, and holiday lights
- Rotatable design for streak angle control
Cons
- Needs a strong light source to really work
- Best results at smaller apertures (f/16 or smaller)
- It can be over-the-top for some styles of photography
- Exposure adjustments can reduce the effect
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22208922%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EI%E2%80%99ll%20be%20honest,%20I%20wasn%E2%80%99t%20entirely%20sure%20what%20to%20expect%20when%20I%20first%20tried%20the%20K%26%2338;F%20Concept%20Colorful%20Streak%20Filter.%20At%20first,%20the%20results%20weren%E2%80%99t%20quite%20what%20I%20had%20in%20mind,%20but%20after%20a%20bit%20of%20experimenting%20and%20research,%20I%20realised%20this%20filter%20really%20comes%20into%20its%20own%20when%20you%20line%20up%20your%20composition%20with%20a%20strong,%20direct%20light%20source.%20Think%20neon%20signs,%20street%20lamps,%20candles,%20and%20even%20car%20headlights.%20Pretty%20much%20like%20the%20Star%20Filters%20I%20also%20tried%20out.%20Please%20Note:%20While%20K%26%2338;F%20CONCEPT%20sent%20me%20these%20filters%20for%20review,%20all%20thoughts%20and%20opinions%20are%20my%20own.%20Unlike%20star%20filters%20that%20break%20the%20light%20into%20multiple%20points,%20this%20one%20stretches%20highlights%20into%20bold,%20colourful%20streaks.%20It%20feels%20straight%20out%20of%20a%20music%20video%20or%20stylized%20film%20and%20adds%20instant%20atmosphere.%20Closing%20down%20the%20aperture%20to%20around%20f/16%20or%20smaller%20really%20helps%20intensify%20the%20effect.%20And%20if%20you%E2%80%99re%20in%20Aperture%20Priority%20mode,%20keep%20in%20mind%20that%20using%20negative%20exposure%20compensation%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20enhance%20the%20look%E2%80%94it%20actually%20diminishes%20it.%20This%20filter%20isn%E2%80%99t%20about%20subtle%20enhancement;%20it%E2%80%99s%20about%20creating%20dreamy,%20cinematic%20drama.%20For%20night%20street%20photography,%20live%20gigs,%20or%20even%20Christmas%20lights,%20it%20would%20transform%20the%20ordinary%20into%20something%20surreal%20and%20striking.%20The%20filter%20can%20also%20be%20rotated,%20letting%20you%20change%20the%20angle%20of%20the%20streaks%20for%20even%20more%20creative%20control.%20K%26%2338;F%20Concept%20Colorful%20Streak%20Filter%20%E2%80%94%20Technical%20Specifications%20Pros%20Cons)
Explore your own backyard with a macro lens 24 Sep 12:00 PM (27 days ago)
Feeling a little caged in after spending the last few months indoors due to the weather? Now that the weather is a little bit nicer, maybe it’s time to grab your camera and macro lens and go exploring your own backyard (or front yard) a little. We don’t even have to go too far, but when you look at the world with a macro lens, you don’t have to.
Welcome to my garden
I live in Melbourne, Australia. It is now spring here, but even in autumn there is plenty happening in the garden, even weeds have some pretty flowers when looked at through a macro lens. My garden is mostly filled with native plants, which are more structural than floral, but I still have plenty to turn my attention to. So, welcome to my garden — let’s have a little look around.
Everything is fair game
I always think it’s amazing that even cobwebs, weeds and insects take on a whole new intrigue when viewed through a macro lens.
When you dive into the world of macro, it’s all about finding the tiny little details. Dewdrops and sunrays can become magical. Look for the extraordinary; fine cobwebs and rusty nails, dewdrops refracting in the light and tiny insects leading their little lives.
Enter the world of macro
It might be spring here in Australia, and there is plenty of new growth. My Protea King White is bursting back into bloom, and I have a wonderful garden full of fantastic, structural and unique plants. My grevillea is in full bloom and the wattlebirds and honey bees love it, even the spent flowers are so interesting, beauty in decay, especially when compared to the flush of new growth.
The cycle of life, death and rebirth is so evident in the garden.
A world bursting with life
The birds and the bees (and other insects) are super busy in my garden. Native honey bees, which were placed in danger with the bushfires a few years ago, are busy collecting nectar from my bottle brush and grevillea. Just be careful not to get too close and make them angry.
Avoid harsh light
Avoid the harsh light during the middle of the day. Try early morning, with dew drops on plants and lots of activity. Alternatively, try late in the afternoon, before all the animals bed down for the night. There is usually a bustle of activity as the sun is going down.
What gear to use
Ultimately it does not really matter what you use. I used my Sony a7R III and my Sony 50mm f/2.8 macro lens, but you could use a 90, 105mm or whatever macro you have. If you don’t have that try looking at extension tubes, I really like my Vello ones; they get me in even closer … just be wary around stinging insects!
The added bonus
There is an added bonus to having some fun in the garden and getting some fresh air, sunshine and a bit of exercise.
Now that you have that all in-camera, grab a cup or tea or glass of wine and spend a few hours editing them in your favorite software.
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22108247%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EFeeling%20a%20little%20caged%20in%20after%20spending%20the%20last%20few%20months%20indoors%20due%20to%20the%20weather?%20Now%20that%20the%20weather%20is%20a%20little%20bit%20nicer,%20maybe%20it%26%238217;s%20time%20to%20grab%20your%20camera%20and%20macro%20lens%20and%20go%20exploring%20your%20own%20backyard%20(or%20front%20yard)%20a%20little.%20We%20don%26%238217;t%20even%20have%20to%20go%20too%20far,%20but%20when%20you%20look%20at%20the%20world%20with%20a%20macro%20lens,%20you%20don%26%238217;t%20have%20to.%20Welcome%20to%20my%20garden%20I%20live%20in%20Melbourne,%20Australia.%20It%20is%20now%20spring%20here,%20but%20even%20in%20autumn%20there%20is%20plenty%20happening%20in%20the%20garden,%20even%20weeds%20have%20some%20pretty%20flowers%20when%20looked%20at%20through%20a%20macro%20lens.%20My%20garden%20is%20mostly%20filled%20with%20native%20plants,%20which%20are%20more%20structural%20than%20floral,%20but%20I%20still%20have%20plenty%20to%20turn%20my%20attention%20to.%20So,%20welcome%20to%20my%20garden%20%E2%80%94%20let%26%238217;s%20have%20a%20little%20look%20around.%20Everything%20is%20fair%20game%20I%20always%20think%20it%26%238217;s%20amazing%20that%20even%20cobwebs,%20weeds%20and%20insects%20take%20on%20a%20whole%20new%20intrigue%20when%20viewed%20through%20a%20macro%20lens.%20When%20you%20dive%20into%20the%20world%20of%20macro,%20it%26%238217;s%20all%20about%20finding%20the%20tiny%20little%20details.%20Dewdrops%20and%20sunrays%20can%20become%20magical.%20Look%20for%20the%20extraordinary;%20fine%20cobwebs%20and%20rusty%20nails,%20dewdrops%20refracting%20in%20the%20light%20and%20tiny%20insects%20leading%20their%20little%20lives.%20Enter%20the%20world%20of%20macro%20It%20might%20be%20spring%20here%20in%20Australia,%20and%20there%20is%20plenty%20of%20new%20growth.%20My%20Protea%20King%20White%20is%20bursting%20back%20into%20bloom,%20and%20I%20have%20a%20wonderful%20garden%20full%20of%20fantastic,%20structural%20and%20unique%20plants.%20My%20grevillea%20is%20in%20full%20bloom%20and%20the%20wattlebirds%20and%20honey%20bees%20love%20it,%20even%20the%20spent%20flowers%20are%20so%20interesting,%20beauty%20in%20decay,%20especially%20when%20compared%20to%20the%20flush%20of%20new%20growth.%20The%20cycle%20of%20life,%20death%20and%20rebirth%20is%20so%20evident%20in%20the%20garden.%20A%20world%20bursting%20with%20life%20The%20birds%20and%20the%20bees%20(and%20other%20insects)%20are%20super%20busy%20in%20my%20garden.%20Native%20honey%20bees,%20which%20were%20placed%20in%20danger%20with%20the%20bushfires%20a%20few%20years%20ago,%20are%20busy%20collecting%20nectar%20from%20my%20bottle%20brush%20and%20grevillea.%20Just%20be%20careful%20not%20to%20get%20too%20close%20and%20make%20them%20angry.%20Avoid%20harsh%20light%20Avoid%20the%20harsh%20light%20during%20the%20middle%20of%20the%20day.%20Try%20early%20morning,%20with%20dew%20drops%20on%20plants%20and%20lots%20of%20activity.%20Alternatively,%20try%20late%20in%20the%20afternoon,%20before%20all%20the%20animals%20bed%20down%20for%20the%20night.%20There%20is%20usually%20a%20bustle%20of%20activity%20as%20the%20sun%20is%20going%20down.%20What%20gear%20to%20use%20Ultimately%20it%20does%20not%20really%20matter%20what%20you%20use.%20I%20used%20my%20Sony%20a7R%20III%20and%20my%20Sony%2050mm%20f/2.8%20macro%20lens,%20but%20you%20could%20use%20a%2090,%20105mm%20or%20whatever%20macro%20you%20have.%20If%20you%20don%26%238217;t%20have%20that%20try%20looking%20at%20extension%20tubes,%20I%20really%20like%20my%20Vello%20ones;%20they%20get%20me%20in%20even%20closer%20%26%238230;%20just%20be%20wary%20around%20stinging%20insects!%20The%20added%20bonus%20There%20is%20an%20added%20bonus%20to%20having%20some%20fun%20in%20the%20garden%20and%20getting%20some%20fresh%20air,%20sunshine%20and%20a%20bit%20of%20exercise.%20Now%20that%20you%20have%20that%20all%20in-camera,%20grab%20a%20cup%20or%20tea%20or%20glass%20of%20wine%20and%20spend%20a%20few%20hours%20editing%20them%20in%20your%20favorite%20software.)
Capture the season’s best colors with the 2025 Fall Foliage Prediction Map! 24 Sep 8:00 AM (27 days ago)
Now that the fall season is here, we’re sure many of you are getting ready with your fall photography projects. However, for those who are yet to start planning and researching their gear of choice and shooting locations, this year’s Fall Foliage Prediction Map may prove to be a useful resource.
This interactive map forecasts the progression of the fall foliage throughout the US from early September to mid-November. With it, you can plan your photography trips in the coming weeks. This way, you can be at the right place at the right time to capture the dramatic colors of the season.
The annual Fall Foliage Prediction Map is an initiative of SmokyMountains.com, a travel brand that promotes the Smoky Mountain region. It all began in 2013 when potential visitors to the region would inquire about the best time to catch the fall foliage at its most brilliant. What started out as a side project for statistical expert, airline transport pilot and SmokyMountains.com founder David Angiotti and his team eventually became one of the best fall resources and prominent fall leaf maps in the US.
Are you new to this fall leaf map? It’s actually very easy to use. On the Fall Foliage Prediction Map, simply move the slider to the right to view the forecasted progression of the season. Green areas indicate the states with unchanged foliage colors. Brown means the leaves in these areas are past their peak colors. The rest of the colors represent the vibrant changing of the leaves throughout the season.
This interactive map may not be 100% accurate. But according to its creators, it’s still a valuable tool based on carefully gathered and processed information. It uses a refined data model that relies on a combination of factors so it can be as precise as possible. These include historical temperature and precipitation, forecast temperature and precipitation, the type of tree known to be prominent in that geographic region, the historical trends in that area, and user data. Last year, the creators also invited end-users to provide real-time leaf reports to help with updates and make future versions as accurate as possible.
Visit the SmokyMountains.com Fall Foliage Prediction Map to learn more.
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22208989%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3ENow%20that%20the%20fall%20season%20is%20here,%20we%E2%80%99re%20sure%20many%20of%20you%20are%20getting%20ready%20with%20your%20fall%20photography%20projects.%20However,%20for%20those%20who%20are%20yet%20to%20start%20planning%20and%20researching%20their%20gear%20of%20choice%20and%20shooting%20locations,%20this%20year%E2%80%99s%C2%A0Fall%20Foliage%20Prediction%20Map%20may%20prove%20to%20be%20a%20useful%20resource.%20This%20interactive%20map%20forecasts%20the%20progression%20of%20the%20fall%20foliage%20throughout%20the%20US%20from%20early%20September%20to%20mid-November.%20With%20it,%20you%20can%20plan%20your%20photography%20trips%20in%20the%20coming%20weeks.%20This%20way,%20you%20can%20be%20at%20the%20right%20place%20at%20the%20right%20time%20to%20capture%20the%20dramatic%20colors%20of%20the%20season.%20The%20annual%20Fall%20Foliage%20Prediction%20Map%20is%20an%20initiative%20of%C2%A0SmokyMountains.com,%20a%20travel%20brand%20that%20promotes%20the%20Smoky%20Mountain%20region.%20It%20all%20began%20in%202013%20when%20potential%20visitors%20to%20the%20region%20would%20inquire%20about%20the%20best%20time%20to%20catch%20the%20fall%20foliage%20at%20its%20most%20brilliant.%20What%20started%20out%20as%20a%20side%20project%20for%20statistical%20expert,%20airline%20transport%20pilot%20and%C2%A0SmokyMountains.com%C2%A0founder%20David%20Angiotti%20and%20his%20team%20eventually%20became%20one%20of%20the%20best%20fall%20resources%20and%20prominent%20fall%20leaf%20maps%20in%20the%20US.%20Are%20you%20new%20to%20this%20fall%20leaf%20map?%20It%E2%80%99s%20actually%20very%20easy%20to%20use.%20On%20the%20Fall%20Foliage%20Prediction%20Map,%20simply%20move%20the%20slider%20to%20the%20right%20to%20view%20the%20forecasted%20progression%20of%20the%20season.%20Green%20areas%20indicate%20the%20states%20with%20unchanged%20foliage%20colors.%20Brown%20means%20the%20leaves%20in%20these%20areas%20are%20past%20their%20peak%20colors.%20The%20rest%20of%20the%20colors%20represent%20the%20vibrant%20changing%20of%20the%20leaves%20throughout%20the%20season.%20This%20interactive%20map%20may%20not%20be%20100%25%20accurate.%20But%20according%20to%20its%20creators,%20it%E2%80%99s%20still%20a%20valuable%20tool%20based%20on%20carefully%20gathered%20and%20processed%20information.%20It%20uses%20a%20refined%20data%20model%20that%20relies%20on%20a%20combination%20of%20factors%20so%20it%20can%20be%20as%20precise%20as%20possible.%20These%20include%20historical%20temperature%20and%20precipitation,%20forecast%20temperature%20and%20precipitation,%20the%20type%20of%20tree%20known%20to%20be%20prominent%20in%20that%20geographic%20region,%20the%20historical%20trends%20in%20that%20area,%20and%20user%20data.%20Last%20year,%20the%20creators%20also%20invited%20end-users%20to%20provide%20real-time%20leaf%20reports%20to%20help%20with%20updates%20and%20make%20future%20versions%20as%20accurate%20as%20possible.%20Visit%20the%26%23160;SmokyMountains.com%26%23160;Fall%20Foliage%20Prediction%20Map%26%23160;to%20learn%20more.)
Cinematic photography heightens suspense in narratives 23 Sep 12:00 PM (28 days ago)
If you want your photography to be story-driven, adapting a cinematic style will most likely help you nail the job. It allows several elements to come together to evoke the mood and feel of movie stills. The latest addition on our list of impressive cinematic photography projects is definitely a great example.
In his personal series titled “The Chosen One,” Zurich, Switzerland-based freelance photographer and director Olivier Walther uses the cinematic look to push the impact of his narrative.
Building suspense in stills
To effectively utilize the cinematic aesthetic, Walther chose to tell a gripping short story in a handful of photos. Each shot builds up the narrative leading toward fate of the titular “chosen one.” He also used different angles and both wide and close camera shots to build the suspense — as he would if he were shooting a film.
Also key in setting the mood of his narrative are the colors and tones he chose for the entire series. The muted blue tones of the night are interrupted only by an eerie red glow that seems to be of supernatural or otherworldly origin.
Just before the series ends, we get a last look at the protagonist of the story, his face bathed in red as he looks up at the source of the mysterious light. With this simple and cryptic gesture, we can most likely guess what “the chosen one” was hand-picked for.
A perfect study of the cinematic style
“There is always a story to tell and a fresh perspective to be discovered,” Walther said of the motivation behind his work. It also gives us a clue about his affinity with cinematic photography. Since he’s a director and photographer, it’s easy to see why he’s able to seamlessly blend the two disciplines together for this body of work.
I’m filing this series under one of my favorite examples of impressive cinematic photography. Despite the simplicity and brevity of the scenes, he was able to craft a gripping build-up for the story. I also love the subtle but effective “acting” by Walther’s model for this short series; you can totally feel the story unfolding in his simple expressions, especially his eyes.
There are many approaches to applying a cinematic style to photography, but this series reminds us that at its heart is a cohesive narrative. I hope Walther’s work inspired you to experiment with this style to level up your visual stories and play with different emotions and moods you can invoke through photography!
Don’t forget to visit Olivier Walther’s website and Behance portfolio to see more of his cinematic photography and other projects.
All photos by Olivier Walther. Used with Creative Commons permission.
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22116853%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EIf%20you%20want%20your%20photography%20to%20be%20story-driven,%20adapting%20a%20cinematic%20style%20will%20most%20likely%20help%20you%20nail%20the%20job.%20It%20allows%20several%20elements%20to%20come%20together%20to%20evoke%20the%20mood%20and%20feel%20of%20movie%20stills.%20The%20latest%20addition%20on%20our%20list%20of%20impressive%20cinematic%20photography%20projects%20is%20definitely%20a%20great%20example.%20In%20his%20personal%20series%20titled%20%26%238220;The%20Chosen%20One,%26%238221;%20Zurich,%20Switzerland-based%20freelance%20photographer%20and%20director%20Olivier%20Walther%20uses%20the%20cinematic%20look%20to%20push%20the%20impact%20of%20his%20narrative.%20Building%20suspense%20in%20stills%20To%20effectively%20utilize%20the%20cinematic%20aesthetic,%20Walther%20chose%20to%20tell%20a%20gripping%20short%20story%20in%20a%20handful%20of%20photos.%20Each%20shot%20builds%20up%20the%20narrative%20leading%20toward%20fate%20of%20the%20titular%20%E2%80%9Cchosen%20one.%E2%80%9D%20He%20also%20used%20different%20angles%20and%20both%20wide%20and%20close%20camera%20shots%20to%20build%20the%20suspense%20%E2%80%94%20as%20he%20would%20if%20he%20were%20shooting%20a%20film.%20Also%20key%20in%20setting%20the%20mood%20of%20his%20narrative%20are%20the%20colors%20and%20tones%20he%20chose%20for%20the%20entire%20series.%20The%20muted%20blue%20tones%20of%20the%20night%20are%20interrupted%20only%20by%20an%20eerie%20red%20glow%20that%20seems%20to%20be%20of%20supernatural%20or%20otherworldly%20origin.%20Just%20before%20the%20series%20ends,%20we%20get%20a%20last%20look%20at%20the%20protagonist%20of%20the%20story,%20his%20face%20bathed%20in%20red%20as%20he%20looks%20up%20at%20the%20source%20of%20the%20mysterious%20light.%20With%20this%20simple%20and%20cryptic%20gesture,%20we%20can%20most%20likely%20guess%20what%20%26%238220;the%20chosen%20one%26%238221;%20was%20hand-picked%20for.%20A%20perfect%20study%20of%20the%20cinematic%20style%20%26%238220;There%20is%20always%20a%20story%20to%20tell%20and%20a%20fresh%20perspective%20to%20be%20discovered,%26%238221;%20Walther%20said%20of%20the%20motivation%20behind%20his%20work.%20It%20also%20gives%20us%20a%20clue%20about%20his%20affinity%20with%20cinematic%20photography.%20Since%20he%26%238217;s%20a%20director%20and%20photographer,%20it%26%238217;s%20easy%20to%20see%20why%20he%26%238217;s%20able%20to%20seamlessly%20blend%20the%20two%20disciplines%20together%20for%20this%20body%20of%20work.%20I%E2%80%99m%20filing%20this%20series%20under%20one%20of%20my%20favorite%20examples%20of%20impressive%20cinematic%20photography.%20Despite%20the%20simplicity%20and%20brevity%20of%20the%20scenes,%20he%20was%20able%20to%20craft%20a%20gripping%20build-up%20for%20the%20story.%20I%20also%20love%20the%20subtle%20but%20effective%20%26%238220;acting%26%238221;%20by%20Walther%26%238217;s%20model%20for%20this%20short%20series;%20you%20can%20totally%20feel%20the%20story%20unfolding%20in%20his%20simple%20expressions,%20especially%20his%20eyes.%20There%20are%20many%20approaches%20to%20applying%20a%20cinematic%20style%20to%20photography,%20but%20this%20series%20reminds%20us%20that%20at%20its%20heart%20is%20a%20cohesive%20narrative.%20I%20hope%20Walther%26%238217;s%20work%20inspired%20you%20to%20experiment%20with%20this%20style%20to%20level%20up%20your%20visual%20stories%20and%20play%20with%20different%20emotions%20and%20moods%20you%20can%20invoke%20through%20photography!%20Don%E2%80%99t%20forget%20to%20visit%20Olivier%20Walther%E2%80%99s%20website%20and%20Behance%20portfolio%20to%20see%20more%20of%20his%20cinematic%20photography%20and%20other%20projects.%20All%20photos%20by%20Olivier%20Walther.%20Used%20with%20Creative%20Commons%20permission.)
Godox announces X3Pro TTL Wireless Flash Trigger 23 Sep 10:00 AM (28 days ago)
Godox recently announced the new X3Pro TTL Wireless Flash Trigger, which promises intuitive design paired with pro-level performance. With touch screen controls that feature Quad-Group precision, expanded per-light adjustments including zoom value and modeling lamp, seamless Bluetooth app connectivity, and a field-optimized design, it’s geared to propel pro lighting workflows forward with unprecedented command.
Command center at your fingertips
The X3Pro’s touchscreen interface displays four lighting groups simultaneously for real-time monitoring, while supporting control of up to 16 groups. Instantly apply unified parameters across all groups or select individual units for fine-tuned parameter refinement all accessible through a single intuitive interface.
Shape light group by group
The Godox X3Pro empowers precise control over each lighting group, enabling independent adjustment of TCM, Zoom Value, and Modeling Lamp. Save and instantly recall complex settings for professional-level management within its compact form.
Godox 2.4GHz Wireless X System
The X3Pro leverages the proven Godox 2.4GHz wireless X system, delivering a wide transmission range, interference-resistant channel scanning. With support for 16 groups and 32 channels, it ensures rock-solid triggering and precision deployment of lights, even in demanding, high-density shooting scenarios.
Pro shooting modes
Three specialized modes adapt to any scenario:
- One-Shoot: Sends only the trigger signal—ideal for straightforward, single-shooter setups.
- All-Shoot: Delivers both settings and trigger signals—perfect for group sessions or multi-photographer teams.
- L-858 Mode: Works seamlessly with Sekonic L-858 light meters, syncing flashes for precise, meter-based control.
Bluetooth integration & app control
Pair the X3Pro with the Godox Flash App via Bluetooth for complete wireless control from your phone or tablet. Adjust power, group settings, and trigger flashes remotely — perfect for setups where the trigger isn’t within reach.
Creative shutter control
Program single-shot, time-lapse, and long-exposure sequences through an intuitive touchscreen interface—effortlessly customize exposure duration, intervals, and shot count. Trigger via the PC sync port or Godox XR/TR-RX receivers to effectively minimize body vibration. Say goodbye to menu-diving and take full creative control.
Pro performance, compact design
Featuring a compact design, X3Pro reduces weight and volume ensuring effortless portability for on-location shoots without sacrificing industrial-grade durability or full-function interfaces. Carry it anywhere, creativity never has to compromise.
Fast charging, long runtime
Powered by a built-in lithium battery for up to a month of standby time. Universal USB-C charging delivers a 2-hour full recharge, maintaining total readiness for all-day shoots anywhere.
Optional XR receiver
Unlock wireless shutter control and universal flash triggering by adding the XR/XR S TTL Wireless Receiver.
Wirelessly trigger Canon, Nikon, and Sony flashes with full TTL support, or activate any studio strobe via the sync port. The XR Receiver bridges your lighting gears into GODOX wireless X system
Gain precise remote control of your camera with the XR Receiver and X3Pro. Effortlessly set exposure time, shooting intervals, and shot count to enable single shot, long exposure and time-lapse photography.
Visit the Godox website for more for more information on the new X3Pro Wireless Flash Trigger.
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22208972%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EGodox%20recently%20announced%20the%20new%20X3Pro%20TTL%20Wireless%20Flash%20Trigger,%20which%20promises%20intuitive%20design%20paired%20with%20pro-level%20performance.%20With%20touch%20screen%20controls%20that%20feature%20Quad-Group%20precision,%20expanded%20per-light%20adjustments%20including%20zoom%20value%20and%20modeling%20lamp,%20seamless%20Bluetooth%20app%20connectivity,%20and%20a%20field-optimized%20design,%20it%E2%80%99s%20geared%20to%20propel%20pro%20lighting%20workflows%20forward%20with%20unprecedented%20command.%20Command%20center%20at%20your%20fingertips%20The%20X3Pro%26%238217;s%20touchscreen%20interface%20displays%20four%20lighting%20groups%20simultaneously%20for%20real-time%20monitoring,%20while%20supporting%20control%20of%20up%20to%2016%20groups.%20Instantly%20apply%20unified%20parameters%20across%20all%20groups%20or%20select%20individual%20units%20for%20fine-tuned%20parameter%20refinement%20%C2%A0all%20accessible%20through%20a%20single%20intuitive%20interface.%20Shape%20light%20group%20by%20group%20The%20Godox%20X3Pro%20empowers%26%23160;precise%20control%26%23160;over%20each%20lighting%20group,%20enabling%20independent%20adjustment%20of%20TCM,%20Zoom%20Value,%20and%20Modeling%20Lamp.%20Save%20and%20instantly%20recall%20complex%20settings%20for%26%23160;professional-level%20management%26%23160;within%20its%20compact%20form.%20Godox%202.4GHz%20Wireless%20X%20System%20The%20X3Pro%20leverages%20the%20proven%20Godox%202.4GHz%20wireless%20X%20system,%20delivering%20a%20wide%20transmission%20range,%20interference-resistant%20channel%20scanning.%20With%20support%20for%2016%20groups%20and%2032%20channels,%20it%20ensures%20rock-solid%20triggering%20and%20precision%20deployment%20of%20lights,%20even%20in%20demanding,%20high-density%20shooting%20scenarios.%20Pro%20shooting%20modes%20Three%20specialized%20modes%20adapt%20to%20any%20scenario:%20Bluetooth%20integration%20%26%2338;%20app%20control%20Pair%20the%20X3Pro%20with%20the%20Godox%20Flash%20App%20via%20Bluetooth%20for%20complete%20wireless%20control%20from%20your%20phone%20or%20tablet.%20Adjust%20power,%20group%20settings,%20and%20trigger%20flashes%20remotely%20%E2%80%94%20perfect%20for%20setups%20where%20the%20trigger%20isn%26%238217;t%20within%20reach.%20Creative%20shutter%20control%20Program%20single-shot,%20time-lapse,%20and%20long-exposure%20sequences%20through%20an%20intuitive%20touchscreen%20interface%E2%80%94effortlessly%20customize%20exposure%20duration,%20intervals,%20and%20shot%20count.%20Trigger%20via%20the%20PC%20sync%20port%20or%20Godox%20XR/TR-RX%20receivers%20to%20effectively%20minimize%20body%20vibration.%20Say%20goodbye%20to%20menu-diving%20and%20take%20full%20creative%20control.%20Pro%20performance,%20compact%20design%20Featuring%20a%20compact%20design,%20X3Pro%20reduces%20weight%20and%20volume%20ensuring%20effortless%20portability%20for%20on-location%20shoots%20without%20sacrificing%20industrial-grade%20durability%20or%20full-function%20interfaces.%20Carry%20it%20anywhere,%20creativity%20never%20has%20to%20compromise.%20Fast%20charging,%20long%20runtime%20Powered%20by%20a%20built-in%20lithium%20battery%20for%20up%20to%20a%20month%20of%20standby%20time.%20Universal%20USB-C%20charging%20delivers%20a%202-hour%20full%20recharge,%20maintaining%20total%20readiness%20for%20all-day%20shoots%20anywhere.%20Optional%20XR%20receiver%20Unlock%20wireless%20shutter%20control%20and%20universal%20flash%20triggering%20by%20adding%20the%20XR/XR%20S%20TTL%20Wireless%20Receiver.%20Wirelessly%20trigger%20Canon,%20Nikon,%20and%20Sony%20flashes%20with%20full%20TTL%20support,%20or%20activate%20any%20studio%20strobe%20via%20the%20sync%20port.%20The%20XR%20Receiver%20bridges%20your%20lighting%20gears%20into%20GODOX%20wireless%20X%20system%20Gain%20precise%20remote%20control%20of%20your%20camera%20with%20the%20XR%20Receiver%20and%20X3Pro.%20Effortlessly%20set%20exposure%20time,%20shooting%20intervals,%20and%20shot%20count%20to%20enable%20single%20shot,%20long%20exposure%20and%20time-lapse%20photography.%20Visit%20the%20Godox%20website%20for%20more%20for%20more%20information%20on%20the%20new%20X3Pro%20Wireless%20Flash%20Trigger.)
Review: K&F CONCEPT 67mm Star Filter Set 23 Sep 6:00 AM (28 days ago)
If you’ve ever wanted to add a little extra sparkle and drama to your photos, the K&F CONCEPT 67mm Star Filter Set is a fun, affordable, and surprisingly versatile addition to your kit.
This set comes with three filters that create 4-point, 6-point, and 8-point starburst effects, allowing you to play with how light sources turn into radiant beams.
Please note: While K&F CONCEPT sent me these filters for review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
K&F CONCEPT 67mm Star Filter Set — First impressions
I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical at first. When I first tried them, I didn’t quite get the effects I was hoping for. It took a bit of research and experimentation to really unlock their potential. These filters are not just “pop them on and shoot” products; you need to understand how they interact with light.
K&F CONCEPT 67mm Star Filter Set — How to get the best results
- Light Source Matters: You need to point the filter at a strong, defined light source such as a candle, fairy lights, or street lamps.
- Aperture Settings: To really make the star effect shine, use an aperture of around f/16 or smaller.
- Exposure Compensation: If you are using Aperture Priority mode, avoid negative exposure compensation. Dialling in -2 or -3 EV actually stopped the star effect from appearing altogether. Keeping exposure balanced or slightly brighter helps the star pattern stand out.
- Rotate the Filter: You can rotate the filter to adjust the angle of the star pattern, which gives you more creative control.
K&F CONCEPT 67mm Star Filter Set — Build and design
- Solid Construction – As with most K&F CONCEPT gear, the filters are well-made with lightweight but sturdy glass and aluminium frames.
- Slim Frame – The slim profile helps reduce vignetting even on wide-angle lenses.
- Protective Case – Comes in a neat case that keeps them safe and easy to carry.
K&F CONCEPT 67mm Star Filter Set — Features and specifications
- Filter Size: 67mm threaded
- Star Effects: 4-point, 6-point, 8-point
- Material: Optical glass with etched diffraction lines
- Multi-Coated: Helps with reflections and light transmission
K&F CONCEPT 67mm Star Filter Set — In use
Once I figured out the technique, these filters were a lot of fun. Each star pattern creates a unique mood:
- 4-point: Subtle, cinematic sparkle
- 6-point: Balanced, perfect for city lights at night
- 8-point: Bold and dramatic, ideal for festive or glamour shots
They are also great for creative still life or product photography, where you can use candles, jewellery, or reflective surfaces to create controlled bursts of light. Even better, they really shine with street lights on a night walk or during the holiday season with Christmas decorations and fairy lights.
Pros
- Affordable way to add creative flair
- Three filters in one set
- Great build quality with a protective case
- Once you learn how to use them, the results are stunning
Cons
- Slight learning curve, you will not get results without proper technique
- Works best with defined light sources, not flat light
- It can be overdone if used too often
So, how do you use them?
For best results, treat them like a sunflare or subburst. You need to point your camera at a bright light source, say candles, fairy lights etc. You need to use and f-stop lower than f/16 for best results. However, I did use them in the studio with a fairy portrait (below) and an aperture of f/3.2. You can just make out the flare on the light behind the models. Subtle, but I am OK with that.
I must say I was more impressed than I expected to be. Granted using a higher f-stop (f/3.2) does not give the best results, but when you are looking for just a touch of magic, these star filters do a great job.
Model: Emily Reinhard
%20100vw,%20640px%22%20data-mwl-img-id%3D%22208902%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3EIf%20you%E2%80%99ve%20ever%20wanted%20to%20add%20a%20little%20extra%20sparkle%20and%20drama%20to%20your%20photos,%20the%20K%26%2338;F%20CONCEPT%2067mm%20Star%20Filter%20Set%20is%20a%20fun,%20affordable,%20and%20surprisingly%20versatile%20addition%20to%20your%20kit.%20This%20set%20comes%20with%20three%20filters%20that%20create%204-point,%206-point,%20and%208-point%20starburst%20effects,%20allowing%20you%20to%20play%20with%20how%20light%20sources%20turn%20into%20radiant%20beams.%20Please%20note:%20While%20K%26%2338;F%20CONCEPT%20sent%20me%20these%20filters%20for%20review,%20all%20thoughts%20and%20opinions%20are%20my%20own.%20K%26%2338;F%20CONCEPT%2067mm%20Star%20Filter%20Set%20%E2%80%94%20First%20impressions%20I%E2%80%99ll%20admit,%20I%20was%20a%20little%20skeptical%20at%20first.%20When%20I%20first%20tried%20them,%20I%20didn%E2%80%99t%20quite%20get%20the%20effects%20I%20was%20hoping%20for.%20It%20took%20a%20bit%20of%20research%20and%20experimentation%20to%20really%20unlock%20their%20potential.%20These%20filters%20are%20not%20just%20%E2%80%9Cpop%20them%20on%20and%20shoot%E2%80%9D%20products;%20you%20need%20to%20understand%20how%20they%20interact%20with%20light.%20K%26%2338;F%20CONCEPT%2067mm%20Star%20Filter%20Set%20%E2%80%94%20How%20to%20get%20the%20best%20results%20K%26%2338;F%20CONCEPT%2067mm%20Star%20Filter%20Set%20%E2%80%94%20Build%20and%20design%20K%26%2338;F%20CONCEPT%2067mm%20Star%20Filter%20Set%20%E2%80%94%20Features%20and%20specifications%20K%26%2338;F%20CONCEPT%2067mm%20Star%20Filter%20Set%20%E2%80%94%20In%20use%20Once%20I%20figured%20out%20the%20technique,%20these%20filters%20were%20a%20lot%20of%20fun.%20Each%20star%20pattern%20creates%20a%20unique%20mood:%20They%20are%20also%20great%20for%20creative%20still%20life%20or%20product%20photography,%20where%20you%20can%20use%20candles,%20jewellery,%20or%20reflective%20surfaces%20to%20create%20controlled%20bursts%20of%20light.%20Even%20better,%20they%20really%20shine%20with%20street%20lights%20on%20a%20night%20walk%20or%20during%20the%20holiday%20season%20with%20Christmas%20decorations%20and%20fairy%20lights.%20Pros%20Cons%20So,%20how%20do%20you%20use%20them?%20For%20best%20results,%20treat%20them%20like%20a%20sunflare%20or%20subburst.%20You%20need%20to%20point%20your%20camera%20at%20a%20bright%20light%20source,%20say%20candles,%20fairy%20lights%20etc.%20You%20need%20to%20use%20and%20f-stop%20lower%20than%20f/16%20for%20best%20results.%20However,%20I%20did%20use%20them%20in%20the%20studio%20with%20a%20fairy%20portrait%20(below)%20and%20an%20aperture%20of%20f/3.2.%20You%20can%20just%20make%20out%20the%20flare%20on%20the%20light%20behind%20the%20models.%20Subtle,%20but%20I%20am%20OK%20with%20that.%20I%20must%20say%20I%20was%20more%20impressed%20than%20I%20expected%20to%20be.%20Granted%20using%20a%20higher%20f-stop%20(f/3.2)%20does%20not%20give%20the%20best%20results,%20but%20when%20you%20are%20looking%20for%20just%20a%20touch%20of%20magic,%20these%20star%20filters%20do%20a%20great%20job.%20Model:%20Emily%20Reinhard)