Photography Accessories
I recently wrote an article about metering for landscape photography, in which I discussed some of the general guidelines I use for shooting high-contrast scenes. Among other things, I noted how it's better to underexpose a high-contrast landscape scene than to overexpose it, due to the fact that our cameras are so good at recovering shadows, and so bad at recovering highlights. But what if the dynamic range in the scene is too
Lexar has introduced its new 1066x SILVER series high-performance professional memory cards. Available in two formats—SDXC for mirrorless and DSLR cameras and microSD for action cams, drones, and Android
Avenger has just announced the Triple C-Stand Roller Case, an ultra-durable case for storing and transporting up to three detachable turtle base C-stands and accessories for film and photo shoots. Staples on set, C-stands can be a challenge to transport for small-scale productions. Avenger’s new case provides a simple solution in the form of a heavy-duty, water-resistant, wheeled case.
Capable of carrying up to 77 lb of gear,
We have probably all seen images in which the photographer has panned with the action—photos where the subject is in fairly sharp focus and the background is blurred due to the motion of the camera. The subjects you might have seen in action panning photos include cars, trucks, airplanes, runners, motorcycles, bicycles, etc. Done well, action panning photographs are a pleasure to look at and, believe it or not, action panning is not the most difficult technique to learn with your camera. However, getting great results can be a bit of a
Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park is one of the most scenic overlooks on the entire planet. Because of its sheer beauty, it is difficult to walk away from it with a bad photograph. (I have always said that it is easier to make a beautiful photograph of something that is already beautiful than it is to make a beautiful photograph of something that is not beautiful.) And, almost every camera-armed tourist who drives out the end of the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41 comes away with a very similar photograph—similar to the one that Ansel
For many people, the word “landscape” typically conjures up images of snow-capped mountains, mighty rivers, and flower-covered meadows awash in the light of golden sunsets. But what if these photo utopias are beyond the bounds of a reasonable driving distance? What if your choices of places to photograph is limited to your immediate neighborhood or town? Are you skunked when it comes to landscape photography? The answer is, “No, not at all.”
Photographs © Allan Weitz 2021
Let’s start by defining our goal. A random Google check for a definition
The Godox AD100Pro Pocket Flash is designed for photographers in need of a compact off-camera strobe that doesn’t skimp on features. Compatible with its 2.4 GHz wireless system, and adaptable to an extensive range of modifiers, this 100Ws light maintains all of the creative possibilities of its larger AD siblings at a fraction of the size. Nearly as small as a can of soda, it is the perfect light for portrait, street, fashion, event, and
If you’ve just ordered your first camera system, now you may be wondering what else you need to get started. Deciding which accessories to buy when you’re first beginning in photography can be a bit of a challenge to the uninitiated. Some accessories, like lens wipes for instance, are universal, but other types of accessories to consider may vary quite a bit depending on the kinds of photos you’re interested in making, and where you plan on shooting
When shopping for a new—or if you’re like me, yet another—camera bag, you no doubt have a checklist of qualifiers the bag in question must possess before it joins you on the checkout line. My qualifiers include, in no particular order, weight (I do not like bags that feel heavy before you even load them up), construction (What’s the bag made of and how are the parts stitched together?), internal partitioning and padding, comfort level when fully loaded, and lastly—is it good-looking? Full disclosure—I currently own more camera bags than I care
Filtering ultra-wide-angle lenses, which are generally defined as lenses with diagonal angles of view of 90° or greater, can be challenging. And the greater the AoV, the more challenging filtering can become. The big problem has to do with vignetting, which in the case of filtering ultra-wide-angle lenses means seeing the edges of the filter in the corners of the frame.
In the case of full-frame cameras, this is seldom an issue with lenses in the 18mm to 21mm range (approximately 90° to 100° AoV) assuming you are using threaded, thin-mount
Time is running out to find the perfect gift for the photographer in your life. Or maybe you're the photographer and your partner, friend, spouse, or parent has just sprung the question on you: "What kind of gift should I get you?" Well, to help make things a bit easier, we've assembled a list of our top 10 last-minute gifts for photographers.
1. Mini LED Light
The best item you never knew you needed, a
Before heading out on assignment, I make a mental checklist of the gear I will be needing, and camera supports are always on that list. Depending on where and what I plan to photograph, I might take a mid- or full-size tripod and be done with it. If I anticipate taking low-angle photographs, I will also pack along a tabletop-size tripod and, for ground-level shooting, one of my Platypods. Truth is, if I have the space, I take all three options, because if I leave any of these options behind, I know I will need it when I get where I’m going
Something I never tire of when passing through the B&H SuperStore, in midtown Manhattan, is perusing the umpteen aisles of camera bags. At last count, I own about 10 or 12 bags of various styles and sizes, and I use all of them over the course of the year. Why so many bags? Mostly because my camera and lens choices vary from assignment to assignment. In the case of personal assignments and day trips, I usually choose a bag that fits my
I went out for a walk with my camera one recent morning. It was bright and sunny—a perfect day for taking pictures. The camera ISO was set at 400, the aperture on my 105mm lens was three-and-a-half stops down from maximum aperture (the “sweet spot”), and my shutter speed was set to 1/500-second. According to the rules—never handhold a camera at a shutter speed slower than the numeric value of the lens in millimeters you are using—there was no reason I should have expected anything other than sharp pictures. Imagine my surprise when I opened
How many times have you looked at something and said, “Why didn’t I think of that?” That’s exactly what I said the first time I saw a miniature tripod made by JOBY. They’re brilliant, they perform as advertised, and they’re as popular among shooters as ice pops on a hot summer day.
Designed to handle a range of weight loads and available in a variety of configurations, from JOBY’s ever-popular GorillaPod