In the macro photography world, light is a crucial ingredient. However, in the eternal battle for light, we often find ourselves either struggling with its scarcity or dealing with its uninspiring quality. A popular solution for macro photography is a flash – but there is also a place for constant lights. In this review, I will discuss the latter: a small, affordable, yet versatile LED for macro photography called the Rollei Lumis Solo 2.
We’ve all heard the blather from so-called purists who insist that “you’re not a real photographer unless you shoot in Manual mode.” Well, some beg to differ, including today’s instructor Simon d’Entremont who explains why many pros (including himself) prefer Aperture Priority (AV) mode instead.
Simon is a Canadian nature and wildlife photographer and educator who says, “My mission is to lift the knowledge, skills, and spirts of the photographers around me so they can be at their best.” Today’s episode has the power to change how you shoot in the field forever more, simply by rotating your camera’s Mode dial.
The video begins with a controversial claim that Aperture Priority is not only much easier, but it’s the most advanced mode on your camera. In other words, switching the dial off Manual delivers the best of both words, and in the next 12 minutes you’ll learn when, why, and how to use AV mode for maximum results without missing a shot while fumbling around with Manual settings in ever-changing light.
Simon discusses different types subjects and conditions, while explaining how to approach them with confidence. He provides real-life examples in the field, as well as some trouble shooting tips when things don’t go as expected. Then he pulls up several superb images of birds captured in Aperture Priority mode that provide all the evidence you need.
This eye-opening lesson is presented in the context of wildlife photography, but it’s important to note that everything you’ll learn will apply equally to virtually all photographs you capture outdoors. It’s all about managing certain settings that are important to you, while letting the camera control the rest, and that’s exactly what Aperture Priority enables you to do.
There much more to learn about gear, post-processing, and wildlife photography on Simon’s instructional YouTube channel. So be sure to take a look when you have time to explore his how-to videos.
And speaking of wildlife, don’t miss the earlier tutorial we featured on this topic with another expert who demonstrates how to capture high-action photographs of fast-flying birds. The straightforward techniques can be used with any camera system you own.
Have you ever wondered about the origin of your cameras and lenses? Nikon has changed their manufacturing process quite a bit over the years. Although they do continue to make some of their equipment in Japan, most is now made in Thailand and China. Here’s the situation today!
Today’s inspirational how-to video from The Photographic Eye YouTube channel takes a close look into why some scenes literally beg to rendered in b&w, with a specific emphasis on the interplay between deep shadows and other areas within the frame. The episode begins with a request that you “think about the first time you fell in love with photography.”
What comes to mind may be determined by your age, and for longtime pros like Alex Kilbee the remembrance goes like this: “For me it was seeing my first black-and-white photographs emerge from the watery birthing pool in the darkroom right before my eyes.” Whether you make a living with a camera, or you approach photography as a creative outlet, Kilbee’s straightforward lesson have plenty to offer.
The goal of this 13-minute episode is to help you “add a whole new layer of interest and intrigue to you monochrome images.” Kilbee is a notable photographer in his own right, but he decided to use images in Scott Olsen’s fantastic self-published b&w photography book “Fargo” to describe a variety of b&w techniques that he considers so powerful.
Kilbee discusses all facets of the art, concentrating on his penchant for “running with the shadows of the night.” The methods you’ll learn could also be referred to as the power of emptiness. As Kilbee says, “once you learn how to embrace shadows you’ll develop the ability to convey the world in a way that’s unusual to us.”
Olsen’s book contains an eclectic mix of street photography, artistic portraiture, and even a bit of sports/action. Kilbee says the photos that stand out the most to him are the ones where Scott utilizes shadows with attention-grabbing silhouettes and other dramatic monochrome effects that simply can’t be ignored. In fact, some of Olsen’s work could be misconstrued as photos of sculpturea rather than real life subjects.
This video offers a variety of helpful insights and observations that will enable you to mimic Olsen’s stunning imagery and experiment with making some truly outstanding photos of your own. There’s even some post-processing advice for getting the job done to perfection.
Then take a look at an earlier tutorial we featured with another accomplished pro who demonstrates how using a simple flash can drastically improve yours results when shooting environmental portraits and other subjects outdoors.
