All images by Erik Marcinkowski. Used with permission.
Photographer Erik Marcinkowski is a commercial shooter with vibrantly bright, colorful work. He has recently turned the camera on himself to examine his relationship with food, the path to self-love, and embracing male vulnerability. His project, aptly titled DiscomfortFood, is exceptionally crafted technically while providing the opportunity for many important and necessary discussions about our society.
Filters can help get better results in-camera and save hours of editing. This photography cheat sheet will let you know which one to use.
Ever wondered about how filters work and what they can do to your photos? In a nutshell, these accessories are useful for addressing challenging lighting conditions or creating a certain mood or effect. They work best if you choose the right filter for the right situation, and can affect image quality. There are plenty of resources out there on the topic, but for starters, we have a photography cheat sheet as a quick reference.
The Ricoh GR III is a great camera once you get used to its quirks, but it’s not perfect.
When the Ricoh GR III was announced, I was disappointed to see it was more of an upgrade rather than a brand new camera which would have truly brought it into the modern digital world. I wanted a reason to spend a lot of money for features such as a full frame sensor, weather sealing, improved autofocus, etc. But I felt the Ricoh GR III was a long wait for a few minor updates to the GR II to keep it on par with a number of other products on the market. After spending some time with the Ricoh GR III, I completely understand how a street photographer would want to use it. But if you’re anything outside of this niche then you’re limiting yourself. Arguably, you can reach for cameras with interchangeable lenses that can do more. And phones are very capable these days as street photography cameras. If you’re deeply entrenched into the fad that is modern street photography, then just hope this camera will last you a few years.
Camera madness has swept the marketplace, and trust us when we say you don’t want to miss out on these camera deals!
If you have been looking to get your hands on a new camera, now is the time to do it. The hottest deals of the summer so far have just landed and we have them here for you. The Fujifilm X-H1 with battery grip can be picked up for just $999! The Sony A7II body can be yours for $898, and with the 28-70mm lens for only $998. The Sony a6000 is a ridiculously low $448, while the brand new, Full Frame Panasonic S1 can be yours for $2,197.99 (save $300). We have also found deals on presets like the Kodak Kodachrome bundle which is only $26, a bundle of Orange and Teal presets is just $9, and a huge Lightroom film presets bundle can be had for only $49! Check out all of the camera deals and more after the break. Continue reading…
Feeling stuck in your studio portrait photography? These double exposures should give you some ideas.
Once in a while, photographers hit a creative rut–and that can especially happen when shooting portraits in the studio. When that happens, trying out a new approach can shake us out of our creative stupor. Experimenting with double exposure is always a good exercise, whether you’re shooting with film or a digital camera. To give you some ideas, you might want to check out the work of Kiev-based graphic designer Victoria Ouarets.
All photos by Mitch Rouse. Used with Creative Commons permission.
If the unique abstract quality of aerial photography is your cup of tea, you must have been on the lookout for our next featured body of work. To inspire you today, we bring the stunning work of Wyoming-based Mitch Rouse, showcasing a variety of landscapes and terrains that look otherworldly when viewed from above. As latest additions to our favorite aerial snaps, they make perfect examples of how changes in perspective can reveal nature’s artistry and penchant for abstract imagery.
Is it snapshot photography or street photography? We find out in Daido Moriyama’s new book How I Take Photographs.
How I Take Photographs is an insight into the workflow and creative thinking of Daido Moriyama. Divided into six sections, readers are given an introduction to “snapshot photography,” taken to five shooting locations, and allowed a look at the “real Daido Moriyama.” I wanted to like this book, but I’m struggling to detach from the persistent question “where does this belong in 2019?” Conflicted, I keep returning to the book, and doing my best to connect with the objective of both the author and the publisher. How I Take Photographs isn’t bad, but I feel it’s struggling to find its place in the photobook world. Let’s take a closer look.
Cropping in your framing or in post-processing is necessary for portrait shoots. Let this photography cheat sheet serve as your guide to do it effectively.
The concept of composition is the foundation of any outstanding photo, and it’s especially the case for portrait photography. Part of compositon is deciding which part of your subject appears in your shot. Whether composing through your camera or cropping in post, you don’t want to ruin a perfectly good portrait by trimming it at an awkward part. To that end, this simple photography cheat sheet will be a handy guide for you.
Oddly enough, one of the biggest problems with the Sony a7r IV probably isn’t Sony’s fault.
The Sony a7r IV is targeted at the high-end photographer who needs more resolution, color depth, etc. This photographer will use it for professional applications and is bound to use off-camera lighting unless they’re shooting landscapes. To that end, one of the most significant issues with the Sony a7r IV has to do with light. At the recent Sony Kando trip, we confirmed a lot of the problems we had while previously working with the camera in NYC. If Sony wants to support the professional audience, then they’re going to have to work with lighting partners. And let’s be honest, their flashes suck.
If you have a Canon DSLR or Mirrorless camera these are the prime lenses you should get first.
If there is one thing Canon users aren’t short of it’s quality prime lenses. The EF mount has been around for what seems like forever. With companies like Rokinon, Sigma, Tamron, and of course Canon making affordable prime lenses, owners of Canon EF mount cameras are spoiled for choice. The prime lenses we have chosen for this roundup are perfect for those picking up their first prime lenses, and more than good enough for seasoned pros as well. Check out eight prime lenses that all Canon users should try with their Canon EF mount cameras after the break. Continue reading…
If you have to add a Vivitar camera to your collection, forget about their overpriced, simple plastic cameras.
Apart from rare Leicas, limited-edition models of various popular cameras, and the occasional oddballs, some of our vintage finds also include rather obscure cameras most of us haven’t heard about before. Case in point is the Vivitar 35ES. This particular item we spotted is pretty unique on its own. Whether or not it deserves a spot in your collection, we’ll let you decide.
All photos by Paolo Pettigiani. Used with Creative Commons permission.
If surreal landscapes bring you creative inspiration, you’ll be amazed at the infrared photography of Italian graphic designer and photographer Paolo Pettigiani. We’ve been keeping tabs on his projects, and we think we found our favorite among all the destinations he has visited so far. The tropical paradise of the Maldives is a natural choice, especially when given his “Infraland” treatment. While the previous installment gave us a stunning bird’s eye view of the islands, reefs, and lagoons, the latest edition lets us explore and enjoy the views from the beach.
All photos by Louis Dazy. Used with Creative Commons permission.
When it comes to double exposures, Paris-based Louis Dazy is among the photographers to pay attention to. With an impressive portfolio shot exclusively on film, he has been best known for his nostalgic and colorful juxtapositions of everyday life and neon signs. If you’ve been shooting film for some time, you’ve likely already come across his work. Otherwise, we think his Neon Life series will get you inspired to give double exposures a go, whether with film or digital.
Besides a ton of photo editing, you can make your image look a certain way by just paying more attention to the world.
What I’m going to propose in this article may sound absurd to some photographers, especially if you’re new to the art form. When you get into it, you’re swept up: told you should take photos and then spend hours in front of a computer editing your images to get them exactly the way you want them. And more recently came the idea that you’ll never be a great photographer unless you use something like Lightroom or Photoshop. I agree that post-production is part of the process in the creation of a finalized image, but I think the years I spent shooting film and digital side by side taught me a very important lesson.
Whether you’ve just started to take photography more seriously or farther along into it, the composition tips in this photography cheat sheet are worth checking out.
Composition is key for taking outstanding photographs. It’s one of the first things a person who enjoys taking photographs learns. A photo can be technically sound — well-exposed, properly focused, and tack-sharp — but if it’s poorly composed, it won’t be a great photo. Today’s photography cheat sheet has some excellent tips that will improve your composition and create stronger photos in the process.
The Fujifilm X-H1 is one of the best APS-C cameras around, and a no brainer at this price.
If you’re in the market for a new camera, and you want a smoking hot deal, this Cheap Photo is for you. For a limited time, the magnificent Fujifilm X-H1 with the battery grip can be yours for the insanely low price of just $999! That’s an instant savings of $300! You really don’t want to miss out on this red hot deal. Join us after the break for more details. Continue reading…
If you’ve never tried double exposures in-camera before, the beautiful work of Luciano Meirelles using a Canon DSLR should inspire you.
Some of you may be able to tell that double exposure is one of our favorite creative techniques for digital and film photography. When done right, it produces some really cool and interesting results, as you’ll see in our featured series by Brazilian wedding photographer Luciano Meirelles. If you’re curious about this technique, his body of work is an inspiring example of it’s creative possibilities.
All self-portraits by Vikki Martinez aka Elvikkin. Used with permission.
“I have too many ideas and wanted an outlet for them,” explains Vikki Martinez, aka Elvikkin. You only have to take a look at her photography to understand what she means. Through her creative imagery, Martinez illustrates a mind bursting with thoughts and visions. Although her self-portraits may suggest she’s still figuring herself out, they deliver a message that says she’s confident in her creative capabilities. Looking at her portfolio is so much fun. To have the right balance between deeper meaning and light-hearted creativity isn’t easy to achieve. And yet, at only 23, Vikki is killing it! Her work is full of personality, color, humor, and excellent technique. If you need further evidence that she speaks for who she is through her photography, take a look at her YouTube channel. She’s certainly a character, and it’s great that she is comfortable enough to show this through both her photography and videography.
Backlighting can be a powerful technique for many types of photography. Today’s photography cheat sheet tells us how to achieve great results with it.
When shooting against the light, it’s easy to wind up with nothing but silhouettes. But, with some adjustments, you can get more flattering results through the backlighting technique. The key here is to put a light source behind your subject to create a rim light without overpowering it to cause a silhouette. A photography cheat sheet shared by Lifehack gives us some tips on creating the balance necessary for the backlighting technique.
If you’re ready to buy prime lenses for your Sony Mirrorless camera, these should be on your list.
If you have never used prime lenses, and you’re wondering what the fuss is about, you owe it to yourself to take a closer look at what they can do. Prime lenses offer superior image quality and generally wider apertures than their zoom lens cousins. Their straightforward construction means there is less that can hinder their performance. Prime lenses have been revered by photographers for years. Their overall sharpness and their ability to isolate subjects make them firm favorites. If you own a Sony Mirrorless camera and are still using the kit zoom lens that came with it, you need to check out these prime lenses. They will rock your world. Continue reading…
X-Rite’s new measurement solution is for photographers who frequently print their work on various surface and materials.
If getting the colors perfect on RGB printing is part of your workflow, X-Rite’s new spectral color management tool promises to get the job done. The i1Photo Pro 3 Plus is designed to provide professional color management for screens, scanners, and RGB printer profiles. This ensures that your photos show accurate colors in prints on various materials with challenging textures and glossy surfaces.
