There are a multitude of reasons why what you observe in the field may appear vastly different than the image you capture unless you make adjustments while shooting or do so later during the editing process. The quick video below from the Hoffman Photography YouTube channel explores an “enlightening” oft-ignored fact.

Instructor Rainer Hoffman is an author and educator specializing in travel and landscape photography, with over 20 years experience teaching workshops on shooting and editing techniques. In this interesting four-minute episode he discusses the fundamental difference between what a camera sensor “sees” and how you visual a scene with your eyes.

There is some truth to the analogy between an eye and a camera: Like a camera, the eye has a lens with a variable opening (the iris) that works pretty much like the aperture of a lens. An eye also contains light-sensitive material similar in some ways a camera’s sensor.

Hoffman says that’s sort of where the similarities end, “Because a camera requires something important that our eyes don’t need; namely a shutter.” In simple terms, this means that our eyes, in combination with the brain, have the ability to “automatically produce a perfect exposure.” He offers a simple experiment to illustrate this essential point.

A camera, on the other hand, is a light gatherer. As Hoffman explains “it gathers photons and adds them up during an exposure. At the onset of the exposure an image is dark until more and more photons hit the camera’s sensor.” That mean as long as the shutter is open the image continues getting brighter.

In other words, if the shutter speed is too short, the final image will be underexposed—with the opposite being true when the shutter is open too long. Hoffman offers some interesting illustrations to make this point, along with a video clip of a drinking glass as it’s slowly filled with water.

With this analogy, overfilling a glass until water spills over the brim is sort of like overexposing a photo. Hoffman then adds this explanation: “There’s no way to know an exposure is correct because you can’t see it in the viewfinder; that’s why our cameras have an exposure meter.”

So while our cameras aren’t at good as our eyes are at producing perfectly exposed images, here’s the flipside: “Thanks to the fact that the sensor is a light gatherer, we can show things in our photos that our eyes simply can’t see.”

After watching this intriguing video, pay a visit to Hoffman’s YouTube channel where you’ll find more on all aspects of photography. We also suggest watching the earlier tutorial we posted, demonstrating 10 easy pro tips for shooting better landscape and travel photographs.

Looking for a versatile, expandable backpack for photo, video, and drone gear? One that’s comfortable to wear, affordable, and keeps your equipment intelligently organized? Check out the new OneMo 2 camera/drone backpack from PGYTECH.

We reviewed the PGYTECH OneMo Photo/Drone Backpack (version 1) in 2022 and we were truly impressed. Read that review to learn how rigorously PGYTECH stress-tests their designs to assure high quality and durability. The OneMo 2 builds on the original design and now comes in two sizes: 35L and a more manageable 25L.

Like its predecessor, the PGYTECH OneMo 2 is a two-piece system. Inside the stylish backpack is an equipment capsule that can be used as an internal organizer, waist pack or shoulder bag. OneMo 2 bags open fully from the back, clam shell style. The 25L features a pair of access doors on the side for easy equipment removal. The 35L has one side door plus a zippered flap on top for additional easy access.

The 25L will store a laptop smaller than 15.6 inches and an iPad smaller than 12.9 inches. The 35L holds a laptop smaller than 17 inches and an iPad smaller than 12.9 inches.

For those days when you wear your camera around your neck but still need a roomy backpack to haul clothing or other items, the nicely-padded flexible interior partitions can be removed to make space. Both sizes are available in black; the 25L model is also available in attractive dark gray camouflage.

Feature Summary

• Two-piece system: backpack plus shoulder/waist bag

• Expandable into H-shape and V-shape to increase load capacity

• 25L increases to 33L with 8L H-shape expansion

• 35L increases to 45L with 10L H-shape expansion

• Side port for immediate equipment access (x2 on 25L)

• Top port in addition to side port (35L only)

• Upgraded interior partitions are thick and flexible

• Well-designed inner space keeps camera gear and living essentials separate

• Wide back-opening allows lay-flat packing

• Laptop and iPad storage areas

• Expanded shoulder bag accommodates Mavic 3 combo

• High quality tamper resistant YKK zippers

• Patented Power Indicator battery pockets

• Discreetly hidden AirTag pocket

• High-performance back panel and wide waist strap for comfort

• Shoulder straps can store smartphone and hold camera clip

Specifications

25L PGYTECH OneMo 2
Dimensions 18.5 x 12.6 x 9.25 inches (470 x 320 x 235mm)
Weight without partitions: Backpack 3.8 pounds (1.72kg)
Shoulder bag 0.9 pounds (0.43kg )
Weight with partitions: Backpack 4.7 pounds (2.11kg)
Shoulder bag 1.1 pounds (0.5kg )

35L PGYTECH OneMo 2
Dimensions 21.25 x 13 x 9.25 inches (540mm x 330 x 235mm)
Weight without partitions: Backpack 4.3 pounds (1.96kg)
Shoulder bag 0.9 pounds (0.43kg)
Weight with partitions: Backpack 5.3 pounds (2.42kg)
Shoulder bag 1.1 pounds (0.5kg)

In the Field
The PGYTECH OneMo 2 35L backpack I evaluated ticked every box on my photo backpack checklist including the three most important: all-day comfort, worry free durability and adequate capacity.

I’m normally not partial to bag-within-bag setups, but the 35L is different because the side door is just the right size to slip the shoulder/waist bag in or out. If you want to pack a large amount of gear but don’t necessarily need all of it at every stop, you can leave the backpack in your trunk and just carry the should bag. Or if the load you packed becomes too heavy after a few hours of hiking, you can ask a travel companion to tote the smaller bag. Of course, you could leave the backpack at home and just take the smaller bag.

The PGYTECH OneMo 35 is easy to configure. The internal partitions are cleverly engineered to be flexible but still very protective and sturdy. The side pocket holds a 20-ounce soda bottle without a struggle. If you care to, you can slip your smartphone into the pouch on the strap. And although I didn’t need it, I found the reinforced, rubberized bottom a comfort as I often encounter wet grass or marshy conditions and otherwise could not set the backpack on the ground.

Truth be told, the 25L is probably a better fit for my needs. I did not expand the 35L backpack (except to examine the mechanics of the procedure) because it has plenty of room without expansion. Still, it was great knowing I could pack way more gear than I needed, just in case.

Conclusion
The PGYTECH OneMo 2 35L is a solid, reliable and good-looking backpack for camera/video gear, drone equipment or conventional travel—or bits of all three. It has several innovative features, like the hidden AirTag pouch, tamper-resistant YKK zipper and the Power Indicator battery pockets, and it’s comfortable enough to wear all day. For normal photo treks, choose the 25L. For extended trips and/or extra-large loads, go with the 35L.

Like the original PGYTECH OneMo (and the all-purpose OneGo for that matter) the PGYTECH lineup of backpacks are all top quality and built from the finest materials. I cannot imagine the OneMo 2 ever failing service. And the pricing is affordable, all of which makes them very easy to recommend.

Price & Availability
Available in black or gray camo, the 25L can be ordered from Amazon for $219.95. The 35L comes in black only and is available from Amazon for $259.95.

Visit the PGYTECH Store on Amazon to browse their complete lineup of camera, drone and smartphone accessories.

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We’ll put it bluntly: If you’re not making use of Local adjustments when processing photos, you’re images won’t meet their full potential. This is especially true with outdoor scenes with a wide array of brightness levels and color tones throughout the frame.

Some photographers rely solely on Global adjustments that affect an entire image, whether they’re modifying exposure, color, contrast or other important variables. Here’s why that’s a problem: Let’s say you want to give a Golden Hour Look to a landscape scene photographed during the day. So you add orange tones to warm up the sky, but, unfortunately, the rest of the image becomes warmer at the same time. And that’s not exactly what you had in mind.

Local adjustments, on the other hand, are selective in nature—meaning you can target specific portions of a shot to get the image just right. With the above example this technique enables you to warm up the sky without biasing green tones in foliage, in the foreground, or even the face of a person in the shot.

The quick tutorial below from Irish pro Vincent MacNamara demonstrates how to get the job done properly by making as many Local adjustments as the image requires. Surprisingly, this technique is much easier to accomplish than you may think.

MacNamara’s demonstration photo is a beautiful scene of the iconic Aasleigh Fall in Connemar on Ireland’s West Coast. While watching him perfect the shot with a few Local adjustments, you’ll also pick up some great tips on composition, exposure settings, subject-to-camera distance and more.

His goal is to separately enhance several areas of the shot, including some vignetting that resulted from using a square filter when capturing the photo. He begins by changing the profile to Adobe Landscape and modifying White Balance to cool off water in the foregoing that appears a bit murky.

From there’s MacNamara walks you through the step-by-step procedure for harnessing the power of various Local adjustments, starting with a Linear Gradient targeting the sky. With this in place he adds a bit of Dehaze to bring out more details. As you’ll see, this adjustment creates some noise, which is easily eliminated by dragging a few sliders.

MacNamara demonstrates other Local adjustments that work in much the same way, with equally effective results. One of these is a Radial Gradient over the lower portion of the scene that enables him to give water in the foreground a more realistic look. We think you’ll be impressed after viewing the before/after images once the transformation is complete.

You can find more helpful lessons like this one by paying a visit to MacNamara’s YouTube channel, and watching an earlier tutorial we posted explaining how to use Lightroom’s new Adaptive Presets for faster, easier, and more effective edits.

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Virtual vs Real Twilight Photos: The Pros and Cons

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  June 2, 2023
  
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  3:42 pm
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  Photography, Real Estate
  

Twilight photography has long been a popular technique in real estate marketing, adding a touch of allure and elegance to property listings. Traditionally, real estate agents relied on professional photographers to capture captivating twilight shots. However, with advancements in technology, virtual twilight photography has emerged as a cost-effective alternative. There are some companies, like Sharp Frame Media, that offer both virtual and twilight options. In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of virtual and real twilight photos so you can decide for yourself which option is best for you.

Virtual Twilight Photography (Also known as Virtual Dusk)

Pros:

Cost-effective: Virtual twilight photography eliminates the need for scheduling and coordinating twilight shoots, reducing costs associated with hiring a professional photographer and waiting for optimal lighting conditions.

Flexibility: Virtual twilight photos can be digitally created at any time, irrespective of the time of day or weather conditions. For example, virtual dusk is great for cloudy days. This offers greater flexibility in showcasing properties in the best light, regardless of external factors.

Consistency: Virtual twilight photos ensure consistency across multiple listings, as the same virtual twilight image can be used for different properties, saving time and effort.

Cons:

Unrealistic portrayal: While virtual twilight photos can be visually appealing, they may not accurately represent the property’s actual twilight ambiance. Potential buyers who visit the property during twilight hours may have different expectations compared to what is portrayed in the virtual photo.

Limited authenticity: Virtual twilight photos lack the authenticity and genuine feel that real twilight photos provide. Some buyers may perceive virtual twilight photos as manipulative or misleading, potentially impacting their trust in the listing.

Real Twilight Photography

Pros:

Authenticity: Real twilight photography captures the true ambiance and natural lighting conditions during twilight, providing an authentic representation of the property.

Emotional impact: Real twilight photos have the potential to evoke emotions and create a captivating atmosphere, as the play of light and shadows during twilight can enhance the property’s appeal.

Perception of quality: Real twilight photography is often associated with a higher level of professionalism and attention to detail, which can positively influence the perception of the property’s value.

Cons:

Time and cost-intensive: Real twilight photography requires scheduling shoots during specific twilight hours, which may involve additional coordination and costs for professional photographers. It can also be challenging to capture consistent twilight shots across multiple properties due to varying locations and lighting conditions.

Weather dependency: Real twilight photography is heavily reliant on favorable weather conditions. Uncooperative weather, such as cloudy or rainy skies, can limit the opportunities for capturing ideal twilight shots.

Overall, both virtual and real twilight photography have their respective pros and cons. Virtual twilight photography offers cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and consistency, but it may lack authenticity and realistic portrayal. Real twilight photography, on the other hand, provides authenticity, emotional impact, and a perception of quality, but it can be time and cost-intensive and dependent on weather conditions.

Understanding the preferences and expectations of the target audience is crucial when deciding between virtual and real twilight photography. By considering the pros and cons discussed above, real estate agents and homeowners can make informed decisions and choose the twilight photography approach that best aligns with their specific goals and budget. So, if you are a real estate agent in the DFW or San Antonio area and have decided to use Virtual Dusk or Real Twilight, then reach out to Sharp Frame Media to book your appointment online or through the Sharp Frame Media App.

Here are other related topics that might interest you:

How To Place An Order On New iOS App

Best Time of Day to Photograph Your Real Estate Listing

Twilight Photography – Golden Hour Glow

See more… 

Sharp Frame Media is a 5-star rated real estate media company servicing Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin, Texas. Founded in 2017 on values of craftsmanship, service, and partnership. Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. 

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The post Virtual vs Real Twilight Photos: The Pros and Cons appeared first on Real Estate Photography in Dallas-Fort Worth.