When you delve into the world of off-camera lighting, the choices for modifiers can seem overwhelming. Today, we will break down the battle of beauty dish or softbox. Learn how they’re different, how they are similar and when you might want to use them both! We’ll also discuss the beauty dish and softbox vs umbrella…
Whether you’re a professional photographer or an avid hobbyist, you’re going to eventually need somewhere to store all your photos—such as a NAS server. At first glance, picking between the best NAS like Synology and Drobo can seem intimidating, especially with all the technical jargon. Both come with great reputations, but the right choice for…
Tripods as a concept are simple: they provide a stable foundation to rest your camera on as you work. Despite that simplicity, though, shopping for one can be complicated as there are many options out there. Finding a quality option whenever trying to purchase on a tight budget can also be tricky. Thankfully, you don’t…
High Dynamic Range photography (HDR photography) is a popular technique used to capture a wide range of lights and darks. Essentially, it alters a photograph’s dynamic range. The dynamic range is the complete spectrum of light and dark in a photo. Different types of cameras have different ranges. When the camera can’t accurately capture the…
Photographers everywhere have a difficult relationship with light. Light is necessary to make images, but if there’s too much light, shots with all but the most limited exposure times will appear to be washed out. Neutral density filters bridge the gap between ambient lighting and short exposure times by reducing the overall amount of light…
There aren’t many reliable card manufacturers that make cards and other storage for high-end digital cameras. Of this small field, Lexar and Sandisk are near the top in terms of overall card performance and reliability. Here’s what you should know about the Lexar vs. Sandisk card debate before you go shopping for a new data…
You may be wondering if you need a monopod or a tripod for your photography gear, as using a slower shutter speed works best when the camera is supported and fixed in place. We’ll discuss the monopod vs tripod distinction, provide a few tips, and suggest what works best for situations like hunting and landscape…
Circular polarizing filters are popular among landscape photographers. These glass filters reduce glare and reflection and help you capture deep colors, stunning skies, and transparent bodies of water. Here is what you need to know about how a circular polarizer filter works and how to get the best results when working with light polarization. What…
Are you leaving on a jet plane soon? Flying with your camera can seem intimidating. But it’s really not. Be prepared with these five simple tips. I don’t do much air travel anymore. And until recently, I’d never traveled with my “big camera.” But I was flying from Denver to Indianapolis for a seminar on…
From blankets and buckets to ribbons and bows…here are some items to stash on your list of best newborn photography props! Having a gorgeous newborn in your studio is a treat. Their sleepy smiles and tiny little noses are pure perfection in and of themselves. But experienced newborn photographers know that having some additional props…
What are the best and hottest gifts for photographers this year? We’ve got a list! Do you have a photographer in your life? Do you know what’s on her holiday wish list? You better believe she has one! If you need ideas, we have you covered! From stocking stuffers to new gear, we have a…
Nail exposure and white balance with the inexpensive, practically primitive, gray card Do you struggle setting white balance during sessions? How about nailing exposure with or without a flash? If I told you that I could solve both your problems for less than $25, would you believe me? It’s true. With the help of the…
We give you the lowdown on buying used photography equipment! Just about every photographer I know has a wish list that’s at least a dozen items deep. But let’s face it…lenses, camera bodies and other camera accessories are expensive. To save money and expand their kit more quickly, some photographers turn to buying used photography…
Battery grips. Filters. Memory cards. Sort out what’s necessary and what’s nice to have when it comes to camera accessories To be a professional photographer, you only really need a camera, lens and a memory card or some film. That’s it. The rest of the equipment out there simply makes life easier, enhances your images…
Hand strap, cross-body strap or harness? Here’s what you need to know before choosing a camera strap! I never really gave much thought to my camera strap. I left the default yellow and black strap on my Nikon for years. But after really getting bit by the photography bug, I decided a padded strap was…
Crawl before you walk! We’re starting at the beginning of baby photography to start your growth spurt in this industry off right! Baby photography is not for the faint of heart. It requires patience, stamina, a gentle touch and a strong stomach. But if snuggling, shushing and swaddling make your heart clench in absolute joy,…