People travel all over the world to visit cool destinations. While in previous eras people were more than happy to get some snaps on a disposable camera, today holiday goers take their photography very seriously. Social influencers are now a thing and the everyday person is cashing in. That’s why you will often see the fashionable, beautiful girlfriend review her iPhone and promptly tell her boyfriend to “take the photo again!” I wanted to see what that would be like. Now I’d like to say that to become an Instagram boyfriend I met the woman of my dreams. We both fell in love and embarked on an amazing journey of emotional growth and development. The truth is we worked with a highly talented, professional model to build this piece. Katie Hodgson is a UK based model who was more than willing to be my muse for what turned out to be a grey, rainy day in London - shocker!
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Wednesday, 31 July 2019
Huawei Experiencing Marked Slowdown in Revenue
Life has not been easy for Huawei these past six months and that’s showing up in the revenue figures. And it looks like things aren’t getting any easier anytime soon according to their forecasts. Revenue was up 13% for the June period which is down from the 39% of the previous period. As Bloomberg reports, […]
The post Huawei Experiencing Marked Slowdown in Revenue appeared first on Light Stalking.
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The Allure Of Drones For Photography
There is a good reason why so many of us have dozens, if not hundreds, of mobile phone photos taken from the tiny windows of airplane cabins. There is an undeniable beauty in seeing our planet from hundreds or thousands of feet above the ground. Patterns and textures that couldn’t possibly be seen from the surface appear in various tapestries. It really is an amazing thing to behold and it’s why I am so thankful to be alive at a time when drones are so affordable and capable. With a few moments of setup, I can send my very own UAV hundreds of feet into the air to get compositional perspectives that would be otherwise impossible. It truly is marvelous!
Sadly, reality is a far distance from the ideal picture when it comes to use of drones. It seems as if you can’t go a week without reading about another instance where selfishness, ignorance or a combination of the two manifest themselves when a drone operator chooses to ignore common sense and law by flying their UAV in restricted areas or during times of emergency rescue (such as blazing forest fires). The ignorance of such acts has had serious ripple effects on the rest of the us, with sweeping flight bans and overly-complex regulations regarding where and when you can operate your drone.
Still, despite the seemingly never ending bad press and stigmas surrounding drones, I absolutely love mine (I’m currently flying a DJI Mavic 2 Pro) and happily fly it whenever it is permitted. I always find myself in complete awe every time I send my drone up and out over sweeping landscapes. I am constantly delighted when my newfound perspective allows me to discover areas that I’d otherwise never get close to or see them in a way that would be otherwise impossible.
See more of Brian Matiash’s work at matiash.com.
The post The Allure Of Drones For Photography appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.
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Law Seeks to Make Addictive Social Media “Tricks” Illegal
Social media, just like mobile apps, often uses some element of video games or electronic gaming to hook people into participating more and more. Think notifications for likes and comments, racking up more views, getting notified that a post is doing “particularly” well and just needs a $5 push – you know, how most apps […]
The post Law Seeks to Make Addictive Social Media “Tricks” Illegal appeared first on Light Stalking.
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Photoshop Walkthrough of Infamous Horror Image Father Created With His Son
Do you have an image that is more popular with people than any of your others? One that stands out head and shoulders above all your work?
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8 easy ways to make your photos more marketable
The difference between a “good” photo and a “bad” photo is subjective, but a “marketable” image is easier to define. The market for stock images is growing rapidly, but while trends come and go, there are a few key ingredients that always make a photo stand out. For starters, all best-selling photos tell a story. They convey a clear and simple message, and they can be used for multiple purposes.
Luckily, just a few simple changes can elevate a “good” photo and turn it into a “marketable” one. Here are just eight easy ways to amp up the commercial appeal of your images, without interrupting your workflow. We’ve included both short-term and long-term tips, so you can start implementing them today and refine your approach over time.
The problem: Perfect photo, wrong orientation.
A stunning image isn’t enough to capture a buyer’s attention; it must also fit the specific format they need. For example, if your photo is only available in a landscape orientation, it won’t appeal to a designer looking for a vertical image for a magazine advertisement.
The solution: Upload different options.
For every shoot you do, try to submit both portrait and landscape orientations. Create some close-up images, and then capture those wide shots as well. Because buyers will likely add text or logos, leave ample copy space around your subject. Anticipate their needs, and cover your bases with different angles and perspectives.
The problem: Beautiful photo, saturated market.
In general, a photo of a dog will likely earn less than an equally wonderful photo of a wild caracal. That’s because there are tons of dog photos, and your image could get lost amongst the crowd.
The solution: Dare to be different.
The Eiffel Tower has already been covered extensively, so if you visit Paris, remember to wander off the beaten path. Instead of heading to the familiar tourist spots, ask locals about their favorite “hidden gem” locations. Discovering something others have missed will help you rise to the top of those searches.
The problem: Nice composition, subpar technique.
When it comes to Licensing, the technical details matter. A blurry or noisy image won’t fly with users. They’ll be looking at your image closely to make sure it’s just right.
The solution: Remember post-processing.
Shoot in RAW, and spend some time finessing your colors, contrast, and luminosity. Always view and edit your photos at 100%, and zoom in as close as you can. Look for any imperfections: chromatic aberrations, spots of dust, etc. and correct them before uploading.
Too much processing can also be an issue, so stay away from overpowering filters and effects. Get it right in-camera first by watching your Settings, and then use a light (but deliberate) touch during the editing process.
The problem: Cool subject, wrong background.
When it comes to commercial images, the background is just as important as your main subject. Buyers want clean backgrounds that don’t distract from the overall theme of the photo, and they want backgrounds that show off their text nicely. If you’re photographing a model in the street, for example, your shot could be ruined by heavy traffic in the background.
The solution: Use your Settings to your advantage.
Photos where your subject isn’t in focus will be rejected for Licensing, but that doesn’t mean that the background has to be crystal clear as well. When done correctly, using a shallow depth of field can transform an unattractive background into a dreamy tapestry of color and light.
The problem: Bankable concept, outdated props.
We live in an evolving world, and users always need more inspiring images that incorporate modern technologies. Tech is trending in lifestyle photography, but it has to be done right. For example, if you’ve included a phone from 2010 in your shoot, the resulting images won’t look fresh.
The solution: Watch the details, especially when you’re working with technology.
Something as minor as old computer model in the background could date your photo and limit its potential. To create a photo with longevity, skip outdated props and go for the cutting edge. Stay updated on trends within the tech industry, and use them as a point of departure.
![Colour Waves by Juergen A[R]T on 500px.com](https://drscdn.500px.org/photo/300364497/m%3D900/v2?sig=e55622aebd7e38947bbd14350b03332103cc09e299bbd32dc5d13b857f10e68a)
The problem: Interesting topic, boring perspective.
Every photographer has a distinct style and aesthetic, but when it comes to Licensing, it’s important to appeal to a wide variety of buyers. If you put limits on the kinds of photos you create, you could limit your pool of potential sales.
The solution: Stay curious and adaptable.
Licensing is a great excuse to push yourself as an artist. Do what you do best, but at the same time, don’t be afraid to mix it up.
If you’re a classic landscape photographer, try a drone for some of your shots. If you’re a studio portrait photographer, try shooting outdoors using natural light. Used to shooting lifestyle photos during the daytime? Organize a shoot after dark.
The more you shoot, the better your chances of creating a best-seller. Remember to track your sales and see if certain content performs better than others.
The problem: Fun shoot, wrong models.
Designers want images their customers can relate to, and they can spot a posed, artificial photo from a mile away.
The solution: Work with real people.
If you’re planning a photoshoot about a rock band, choose models who know how to play their instruments correctly. For a shoot about a dentist, collaborate with someone in the field. For a photo set about businesspeople, try working in a real office.
In short, make sure your models know what they’re doing and aren’t just “pretending.” Selecting the right people is the first step towards producing natural images. Remember that real people are diverse. Represent them authentically.
The problem: Right idea, bad timing.
Designers start looking for holiday photos months in advance. If you upload your Fourth of July photos on July 4, you’ll miss out on all those early searches. You’ll have to wait until next year to see any sales, and by then, buyers could already be looking for something new.
The solution: Stay organized.
Keeping a calendar of major events, holidays, and pop culture milestones can help you plan your shoots ahead of time. If you see a topic trending on social media, don’t wait. Get your photos taken and uploaded as quickly as possible. Have them indexed and ready by the time people start searching for them.
Learn more about 500px Licensing.
The post 8 easy ways to make your photos more marketable appeared first on 500px Blog.
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What Photographers Would Like to See in a 16 Inch MacBook Pro
Apple MacBook Pro fans may well be in for a treat in the last few months of this year. It appears that the Cupertino based company have placed orders with screen manufacturers for a new 16-inch retina display for what could be a new 16 inch MacBook Pro. While the extra bump in screen size will be helpful, photographers will be hoping that a refreshed MacBook Pro will come with a little more than just a thinner bezel. Join us after the break to see what we think any new MacBook Pro will need for it to be a photographer, and photo editors dream machine.
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Speed up your Lightroom Classic workflow with this free Viewbug class
Lightroom Classic is one of the most used tools by photographers today, but it can be challenging if you’re just picking it up. Furthermore, once you fully incorporate Lightroom Classic into your workflow, what happens when you run across a few things you’re having trouble fixing? Some adjustments you just don’t know how to make? […]
The post Speed up your Lightroom Classic workflow with this free Viewbug class appeared first on Photofocus.
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Researchers Create Contact Lens That Works Like a Zoom Lens, Controlled by Blinking
A new contact lens that works in the same manner as an advanced zoom lens for the human eye has been revealed by scientists. Reports claim users can zoom simply by blinking, or looking around.
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Star Trails, Symmetry And Stormtroopers – Here’s Your Light Stalking Wrap
Another week, another Light Stalking update for you! This week was another amazing week on Light Stalking. A very big welcome to our new members and if you still haven't said hello to us, please feel free to do it now! Remember, this wrap up only provides you with some of the facinating photography subjects […]
The post Star Trails, Symmetry And Stormtroopers – Here’s Your Light Stalking Wrap appeared first on Light Stalking.
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Yongnuo finally starts to unify their flash systems with the new YN560-TX Pro
A couple of years ago, I made a post about why I could no longer recommend Yongnuo to flash newcomers over Godox. In short, their systems were just too fragmented, with one piece of kit often not being compatible with another, despite both bearing the same brand. It might have taken Yongnuo a couple of years […]
The post Yongnuo finally starts to unify their flash systems with the new YN560-TX Pro appeared first on DIY Photography.
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Review: Panasonic S1R (The DSLR Shooter’s Mirrorless Camera)
When the Panasonic S1R was announced last year, I was very excited about the fact that a company was creating a real professional competitor to Sony. But then I held it in my hand and grew concerned about its size. It's big--and that's the antithesis of what mirrorless cameras are supposed to be. When the time came around for me to test the camera, I realized that the Panasonic S1R reminds me of a world that I left behind years ago: the DSLR world. This camera is designed to get those who love big, beefy DSLRs over to mirrorless. It's less designed for the Leica M style users that I relate to much more. What you're getting from the Panasonic S1R though is some very good performance from the system. But I'm not quite sure that it's justified by the size.
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Great South American Solar Eclipse: How’d we do? Part one
What could possibly go wrong with five camera setups, four cameras, three tripods, two photographers, two chairs and a drone, all employed at the same time during the recent Great South American eclipse? If chaos comes to mind, that’d be close! To be sure, there was also fun, some confusion, performance anxiety, successes and misses, […]
The post Great South American Solar Eclipse: How’d we do? Part one appeared first on Photofocus.
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Nikon’s new Z mount 85mm f/1.8 lens costs $800 and will ship in September
Finally, Nikon seems to be adding some more entry-level glass to its Z lens lineup. Today, they have announced the new Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens for its Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. It costs almost twice as much as its F mount counterpart, coming in at close to $800, but it’s a start. This […]
The post Nikon’s new Z mount 85mm f/1.8 lens costs $800 and will ship in September appeared first on DIY Photography.
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Chinese vlogger busted for using face filters to make herself look younger
Chinese vlogger known as “Your Highness Qiao Biluo” recently got under fire after she was busted for using a face filter to make herself look younger. Thanks to a glitch during a live stream last week, Qiao Biluo appeared without her usual filter. And as it turned out, she is much older than she presents […]
The post Chinese vlogger busted for using face filters to make herself look younger appeared first on DIY Photography.
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Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S Announcement
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The Benefits of Photographing the Same Location Multiple Times
It can be tempting to constantly try to find new locations in which to shoot, but that can be both tedious and exhausting. Furthermore, you can get a lot more out of a location than you might think you can, and it can be well worth revisiting the same spot more than once. This great video examines why you might want to start going back to places in which you've already shot.
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Photography Cheat Sheet: Comprehensive Landscape Photography Guide
If you're just getting into landscape photography, you most likely have a lot of questions about how to nail those postcard-worthy photos. There's a lot of resources out there, but you can get a jumpstart with this quick cheat sheet. This comprehensive landscape photography guide should point you in the right direction, from the equipment to the settings, and down to the composition.
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Tuesday, 30 July 2019
Nikon Announces NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens for Mirrorless Cameras
Today, Nikon has announced the latest addition to their mirrorless lineup, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S. The lens offers a popular focal length at a relatively affordable price. Check out its specs here.
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13 Common Photography Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Making Them
Photography is a combination of technical and artistic technique and decisions, and it can be easy to make a misstep somewhere that derails an entire image. This great video details 13 common mistakes photographers make and provides some helpful tips for avoiding or fixing them.
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More Canon Mirrorless Lenses Are on Their Way Soon
Canon's RF line of mirrorless lenses has impressed a lot of photographers with its stunning optical quality and extreme designs. Many photographers are still waiting on the lens lineup to fill out a bit more, but luckily, it looks like that will be happening fairly soon.
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The Nikon Z 85mm F1.8 S Weighs Over a Pound and Here’s Why
A Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 S could be music to the ears of any portrait photographer who has adored their lenses and, with today's announcement of the lens, other photographers could indeed be humming along to the tune. At the cost of $799.95, the new Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 S is giving photographers what could possibly be more than what Sony is offering in its most comparable offering. The Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 S weighs over a pound due to the extra elements. While the Sony 85mm f1.8 FE has nine elements in eight groups, the Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 S has 12 elements in eight groups. Like Sony, Nikon is also making their portrait lens weather sealed. In fact, Steve Heiner over at Nikon tells us, “The entire lens, including moving parts on the barrel, has been effectively sealed." The Nikon lens will be noticeably larger than the Sony offering if the specs we're reading are correct.
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Why ND Filters Are so Crucial for Videographers
For photographers, ND filters are generally useful, but rarely a necessity. However, for video shooters, ND filters are absolutely crucial pieces of equipment, especially if you want to shoot at wide apertures in daylight. This great video shows you just why ND filters are so crucial and what they allow you to do.
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Instagram Purging Massive Meme Accounts in Tightening of TOS
Instagram has waged an unending battle against everything from bullying to toxic influencers to fake accounts and it looks like the social media platform is turning its laser sites now on those ubiquitous meme accounts that repost memes endlessly – and make a fortune while doing so, apparently. These accounts are not small – some […]
The post Instagram Purging Massive Meme Accounts in Tightening of TOS appeared first on Light Stalking.
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These Lights Get so Hot That You Can Fry an Egg on Them
Newer LED lights run quite cool, so much so that you can generally touch them without even feeling uncomfortable. On the other hand, older light designs can run quite warm, and some can run downright hot — hot enough to literally cook an egg. Check out this fun video in which a photographer grabs some tungsten lights and does exactly that.
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The Leica Q2 Has An Unreadable RAW File Issue
When you spend some $USD 5k on a camera, you hope that it can save RAW files at a minimum. If it can’t do that, you’ve got some issues and that’s the issue facing owners with the Leica Q2 who are finding that some of their camera’s RAW files are unreadable which can be absolutely […]
The post The Leica Q2 Has An Unreadable RAW File Issue appeared first on Light Stalking.
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ARRI Fresnel lights are so hot that you can fry eggs on them
ARRI Fresnel lights are known for great quality of light, but also for being super-hot. But are they hot enough to cook breakfast on them? Apparently, yes! In this video, Sweet Lou Photography does a super-funny challenge of frying eggs using three different ARRI Fresnel lights. So let’s see how they perform. In the video, […]
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High Resolution Nikon Z8 in the Works?
Nikon Rumors has recently reported on the potential for, among other things, a 60MP Nikon Z8 with “two CFExpress cards, improved VR”, and a pixel-shift mode. As they point out, this would seem to dovetail with their earlier reporting that Nikon had previously entered into an agreement with Sony to purchase Sony’s new 60MP sensor.
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Ambassador Spotlight: Meet Ueli, Jovana, Anthony, Amanda and Ilya
Last week, we introduced you to the 500px Ambassadors. A group of 20 talented photographers who are eager and excited to share their knowledge and skills with the 500px community.
In this first of four articles in our Ambassador Spotlight series, we’ll take a closer look at who our Ambassadors are and how photography has changed their lives.
This week we’re featuring: Ueli Frischknecht, Jovana Rikalo, Anthony Sotomayor, Amanda Carlson and Ilya Blinov.
Why did you become a photographer?:
“I love to freeze unique moments and share them with everyone out there. Also, I love to give minorities and important topics a voice. Becoming a professional photographer didn’t happen overnight but it was always in my head and I never gave up on my dream.”
How has photography changed your life?:
“Photography is the essence of my life. It’s pure joy and sometimes it’s also a kind of self-therapy. It helps me processing things that happen in my life.”
Why do you use 500px?
“500px is a fantastic social media platform. I love that the community is super passionate about photography. That’s really great!”
Why did you become a photographer?:
“I wanted to tell a story. I want to help people to get through hard periods by looking and reading my photos.
How photography has changed your life?:
“I’ve met so many wonderful people, improved in so many fields and learned so many things about myself and others.”
Why do you use 500px?
“It’s a great platform that has so many great photographers and different types of photos. There are so many things for everyone.”
Why did you become a photographer?:
“To photograph changing and evolving cities.”
How has photography changed your life?:
“It has opened up so many opportunities and friendships.”
Why do you use 500px?
“It is the best stock photography website and best photography community.”
Featured Ambassador Article: Peerspace Series: Toronto Urban Photography Workshop
Why did you become a photographer?: “I love the art, the process, the moments captured. Photography has so many aspects of it that I have experienced, like street photography, photojournalism, events, portraits, and they all have so many beautiful moments in them that I always wanted to capture. I am drawn towards portraits specifically because I want to bring out features in people that I see in them.”
How has photography changed your life?: “Photography has changed my life in so many ways. It’s been the ultimate outlet to forget about everything and just create. There are so many moments during photoshoots that I get a rush of creativity that no other art form gives me. It’s truly where my passion lays and that has forever changed me and my life.”
Why do you use 500px?
“It’s an amazing community, and wonderful network. Throughout the years I’ve witnessed so much growth in 500px and I’m so thankful and happy to be a part of it! 500px really understands the balance between community and quality.”
Featured Ambassador Article: Peerspace Series: Amanda Carlson Explores Self Reflection
Why did you become a photographer?:
“I love to create images. I’ve worked as a fashion stylist on hundreds of photoshoots over the last 10 years, and now I am able to conceptualize shoots and create the image I want.”
How has photography changed your life?:
“It’s forced me to search for the better light and background in my surroundings in everyday life. I believe better changes are on the way.”
Why do you use 500px?
“500px is a perfect social platform for photographers. I get inspiration here and I love Quests.”
Look out for the second edition of “Ambassador Spotlight” next week.
Want to be our next Ambassador? Check this out!
The post Ambassador Spotlight: Meet Ueli, Jovana, Anthony, Amanda and Ilya appeared first on 500px Blog.
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Photo Rock Bar Offers A More Convenient Way to Secure Your Tripod
If you're like me, and I'm sure, like countless others out there, you know it can be a hassle to have to carry around sandbags when you know you will have to weigh down your tripods or stands out in the field. Sandbags aren't always the easiest things to get in place either. The guys and gals over at Photo Rock Bar have developed a weight bar that should prove to be easier to use and should make it easier to secure to your tripods and stands when the winds are blowing. Join us after the break for more details.
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Fujifilm Announces Repair Program for GFX100 Owners
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