OP ED: This is the Year that Camera Manufacturers are Fighting to Survive

We haven’t seen anything like this from camera manufacturers in years; and it’s insane.

This piece is being written objectively from the point of view of a journalist embedded in the photo industry for over 10 years. At the helm of one of the largest photo blogs in the world, I can tell you with all certainty that it looks like every camera manufacturer is fighting to survive harder than they have in previous years. Not only are we seeing a lot of entries into the world of full-frame mirrorless, but we’re seeing partnerships, innovations, etc. to remind the general public that cameras are still relevant. You and I know better of course; but in a world where everyone is so incredibly satisfied with their phone’s convenience and an ILC camera that shoots in auto mode, I feel like camera manufacturers need to do even more to survive.

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Six Powerful PCs to Help Photographers with Speedy Post Processing

post processing

If your current PC huffs and puffs through post-processing, it may be time for a radical upgrade.

These days, computers are definitely something we take for granted, and we seem to think that the one we have is ‘good enough’ to get the job done when it comes to editing images or creating other forms of content, but my how times have changed. These days you need a pretty beefy PC just to even meet the requirements set forth by both Adobe and Capture One, and to get the absolute best performance possible you need a speed demon of a PC. If you’re finding that your current system sounds like a jet engine at full power when you’re editing images, it’s probably time for a new computer. Here we will take a quick look at some of the best PC’s (desktops and laptops) for post-processing and content creation. Continue reading…

These Are the Best Apple Computers for Photographers Right Now

Photographers complaining about how awful Apple’s products are probably haven’t thought about these Apple computers for photographers.

A lot of photographers aren’t ready to let go of Apple. Though the company has been maintaining an abusive relationship with professionals for many years, their computers and their systems simply work. There isn’t a whole lot to complain about; things don’t go wrong often. The same can be said for PCs, but they’ll need more work to get there. So, for the photographer looking at a new Apple computer of some sort, we dissected the options currently out there and here’s what we think the best Apple computers for photographers are.

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Five Lightweight Mirrorless Cameras That Make Perfect Travel Companions

lightweight mirrorless cameras

These lightweight Mirrorless cameras are small, powerful, and fun to use.

If you’re in the market for lightweight Mirrorless cameras that will make the perfect travel companion, this roundup is for you. When we travel the last thing we want to do is add a ton of weight to our travel bags, nor do we want to have weighty cameras hanging around our necks while exploring new places. The great thing about these lightweight Mirrorless cameras is that, while they may be small in size, they pack a lot of power under the hood. In fact, you can even get Full Frame cameras that fall into the lightweight camera category now too. Join us after the break to take a look at five lightweight Mirrorless cameras that we’d take along with us on our travels. Continue reading…

Stories From Set: Being a Woman on a Photo Shoot

In a normal place of work, there wouldn’t be nearly as much thought required and energy invested in determining how to respond to something like this.

“Well, If I had a body like hers, I wouldn’t mind,” the client told the photographer I was working for as a photo editor. We were photographing a law firm, creating new headshots as well as capturing full body images, and the lawyer in question who just came in for his session was disappointed to discover the latter aspect of the shoot. Thankfully, I was sitting with my back to the both of them or they might have seen the murderous look of rage that instantly donned my face. I might have withered the man right then and there with my deadly stare. Continue reading…

Our Favorite Street Photographers with Under 10k Instagram Followers

Starting with street photography, we’re reviving our Instagram 10 under 10k series.

If you’re serious about street photography, then you will already know that a photographer’s number of Instagram followers is often no reflection of their ability to create stunning images. What is true, however, is that those with artistic skills and quality deserve all the online love they can get. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 10 street photographers under 10k followers, in the hope we can help get that number up!

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These Six Instant Film Cameras Got Glowing Reviews from Us

Instant print cameras are the perfect way to make memories when you don’t want to carry all your gear around with you.

Instant print cameras have always been, and will always be, super fun to use. They are the perfect companion for photographers who don’t want to take their main camera with them to capture the fun of a party, or a night on the town. They are durable and easy to use, which means they can be passed around your group so that everyone can get in on the photo taking action. The best part is that you’ll get instant mementos of your shenanigans with friends and family. In this round up we are going to take a look at six seriously cool and incredibly fun instant print cameras that will help you remember the events of the night before should you wake up with a sore head. Continue reading…

A Total Noob Photographer’s Introduction to Street Photography

If you’re new to street photography or looking to get started, allow me to introduce you…

You’ve got your camera and you’re eager to get started. After some time considering what kind of photographer you are, and exploring your options, you find yourself curious about street photography. In reality, many photographers end up in this wacky genre because it’s so easy to access: no studio, no lighting (unless you want it) and no dependency on others. You just need a charged camera, some clean SD cards (or rolls of film), and an abundance of creative enthusiasm. Easy, right? Well, not quite…

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Fujifilm Shares Why ACROS II Is Coming in Only 100 ISO for Now

Fujifilm ACROS II 100 was announced and will be hitting the market ideally later this year, and we found out why it’s back.

“And Gen Z…,” explains Manny Almeida, Fujifilm North America Division President for Imaging when asked about whether Millenials are really responsible for bringing back Acros film. “It’s a shock to us also. We discontinued ACROS because there was such a small demand.” He continued to state that they don’t believe they’ll be generating enormous demand for it, but that something didn’t feel right with Fujifilm’s discontinuation of Acros back in 2018. ACROS 100 film was the last black and white film emulsion left in the Fujifilm portfolio of products. The reason for its discontinuation? Diminished sales.

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Nine Lenses That Will Make Your Firework Photography Sparkle

Firework photography can be challenging, but so satisfying.

Fourth of July celebrations are almost upon us, which means many of you will probably try your hand at firework photography. Zoom lenses are perfect for firework photography as they can give you much more flexibility when it comes to composition choices. Seeing as you can’t move around safely in the dark, and the fact your camera is going to be sitting on a tripod makes zoom lenses much better for this genre of photography. If you want to capture rockets shooting off and exploding into the sky, these nine zoom lenses will really help make your firework photography plans go off with a bang. Continue reading…

YOU Are a Good Photographer and You Should Let Everyone Know It

Modesty in photography needs to become a thing of the past. It’s time to embrace how good you are.

“Oh, I’m not that good.” A common comment that is thrown out when a photographer receives praise for the work they do. “There are many photographers better than me.” Maybe. But who cares? What is the point of being overly modest? Surely it’s a waste of everyone’s time. I suggest we throw it in the bin, instead opting to say “Yes. I am that good,” without worrying how others may react.

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Six Manual Focus Lenses for Canon and Nikon Worth Mastering

These manual focus lenses can produce some seriously stunning results once you get to know them.

Often, when we go to buy new glass, we are quick to discredit manual focus lenses. That’s a real shame; there are some truly stunning manual focus lenses on the market for both Canon and Nikon cameras. But in a day and age where we expect things to be done for us, these gems often fall by the wayside. Let’s take a look at six manual focus lenses for both Canon and Nikon cameras that are worth spending the money on and mastering. Continue reading…

Six High Resolution, Full Frame Cameras That Capture Details With Ease

These high resolution, Full Frame cameras will capture details you didn’t even know where there.

If you’re in the market for a camera with a high Megapixel sensor, this roundup is for you. These Full Frame cameras have some of the best sensors inside of them, and they are capable of capturing stunning detail. If you like to make huge prints of your images, these high resolution cameras will Full Frame sensors will thrill you to bits. Join us after the break to take a look at six Full Frame cameras that pack a mighty punch when it comes to pixels. Continue reading…

You Should Never Force Yourself Through a Creative Rut

Forcing yourself through a creative rut sometimes puts you right back into a spot you were in before.

The last time I suffered through a creative rut, I spent about a year trying to figure out who I was as a photographer. What I learned during that time is that it doesn’t make any sense to force it. During their creative ruts many photographers spend time trying new things over and over again. It’s fun. Sometimes things don’t end up in their portfolio and sometimes they learn new things that they can add to it. For some, that’s fine. It’s part of the process and they’re not forcing themselves through their rut.

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An Ode to the Unsung Hero That Is a Photographer’s Microfiber Cloth

The microfiber cloth is perhaps one of the most underrated, most needed items for a photographer.

It’s evident in certain circles that when you become a photographer of a certain experience and one who wears a certain prescription, there is an emphasized need for items like a microfiber cloth. Its uses are numerous and within your circles, you’re expected to carry one in the same way that a scout never leaves home without their pocket knife. The microfiber cloth not only helps photographers keep their glasses clean, but also aids with other problems they are bound to experience.

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7 Zoom Lenses That Are the Perfect Partner for Summer Day Trips

zoom lenses

These 24-105mm zoom lenses are perfect for day trippers thanks to their versatility and all around great performance.

Summer is right around the corner, which means day trips to local parks, lakes, beaches, hiking trails, and so much more are likely on the agenda. When we go on these trips we always want to capture memories and images of all we see, but we also like to travel light. Who really wants to be lugging around a huge camera bag full of lenses while day tripping? If you want to travel light, but still want to be able to cover a range of focal lengths, the trusty 24-105mm should be the lens you take with you. Join us after the break to see seven 24-105mm zoom lenses that we highly recommend. Continue reading…

Five Sensational Prime Lenses for Nikon Portrait Photographers on a Budget

These prime lenses are perfect for portrait photography and they’re wallet friendly too!

Good quality prime lenses at affordable prices have not always been easy to come by. But now, you can get some truly fantastic primes that really won’t break the bank. Normally, you associate cheaper things in life with lesser quality, but that’s not the case here. If you’re a Nikon shooter and have been looking at lenses for portraits that won’t suck your bank account dry, this roundup is for you. Continue reading…

What Tablets Need in Order to Replace Laptops For Photographers

We’re the closest we’ve been yet to having tablets that can be considered true laptop replacements, but there’s still a little way to go.

For the last few years, Apple, Google, and Samsung have thrown around the term laptop replacements when it comes to their tablet offerings. But to date, that has not been delivered. There have been some recent offerings that come close though, with the iPad Pro series, the Google Pixel Slate, and the Galaxy Tab S line all trying to make this dream a reality. This week Apple announced the new iPadOS at their World Wide Developer Conference, but is this enough to make photographers ditch laptops for tablets? Let’s discuss after the break. Continue reading…

Creative Ethics: Did Vice Really Copy Our Record Cover Concept?

“…we were frustrated that such a huge publication as Vice could recreate such a concept and pass it off as their own…”

I’m Rodrigo Lopes. For over 32 years I have been a working photographer based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I mainly focus on portraiture, however, I’ve also worked on a range of projects alongside art directors and other creatives. Back in the 90s, I started what would become a long term working relationship with graphic designer and art director, Felipe Taborda. Together, we established a successful partnership and created the covers of many LPs, CDs, culture posters and books. It was our deep understanding of each other’s capabilities that enabled us to produce some extremely compelling work. Work we were proud of – and sadly work we would later see being used by others.

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Street Photography: Our Favorite Gear and Accessories for 2019

If you’re looking to add to your collection of street photography gear – or just getting started – this guide is for you.

Great street photography can be some of the most compelling forms of art that the human eye can see. And while a photographer is only as good as his or her creative capabilities, having solid gear will certainly help them along their way. Quality accessories are essential too. There are many tools the enthusiastic street photographer can use to get better, more consistent shots. So here is a piece that includes our favorite gear and accessories for street photography. We loved putting it together and no doubt, you’re going to love it too.

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