Are you worried about someone stealing the images you post on the Internet? This is a common concern and today’s video from the Adorama TV YouTube channel provides several great tips for protecting your hard-earned work—whether you’re an amateur or an experienced pro.  These guidelines pertain to images you share on social media sites, via an online portfolio, and elsewhere on the Internet.

Instructor David Bergman is a highly acclaimed pro with an eclectic range of imagery from sports photos, celebrity portraits, live concert photographs, and more. This episode is his response to a question submitted to the Ask David Bergman website where anyone than pose a query on popular photography topics.

According to Bergman, “Here in the United States you own the copyright to a photo as soon as you push the shutter button on the camera to take the picture.” There are a few notable exceptions, like if you’re a full-time employee and shooting for work, or if you intentionally sign your rights away. “But for the most part you’re allowed to control the use of your work.”

Bergman isn’t a lawyer and his intent is not to provide legal advice, but rather to explain simple steps you can take to keep your imagery safe. Some photographers are under the misconception that downsizing phots for the Web is all that’s necessary for getting the job done, but Bergman explains why this practice can impart a false sense of security if that’s all you do.

It really shouldn’t matter whether your concern is getting paid, or you simply don’t want someone else to gain recognition by sharing your work. Here’s how Bergman explains the benefits of downsizing originals to 1,200×800 pixels: “These smaller files are plenty big enough to look good on a web browser or a phone,” but the images will lose detail and appear pixelated when printed for high resolution.

This notion of using low-res photos online is merely Bergman’s opening salvo for safeguarding  your imagery, so pay close attention to his other protective tips. Your piece-of-mind will significantly increase by following his pro advice.

There’s much more to learn about all things photographic on the Adorama TV YouTube channel, so pay a visit when you have time. And consider posting questions of your own on the very popular Ask David Bergman website. where you can also read his answers to queries from other photographers like you.

Ducks and geese form the family Anatidae, and there are 174 of them in total! Moreover, they are large birds that are easy to see – and thus make good photographic subjects. But like all animals, ducks and geese have their own sort of behavior, and that means there are some specific things you can do to improve your photos of them. I’ll share some of my favorite tips today!

This week I spent a few days exploring the picturesque corners of the Czech Republic. Actually, I didn’t plan to take any pictures, but you know how that goes. I made it two days without pulling out the camera, but on the third day I gave in. To make it even more challenging, I had only taken one lens – not my favorite 500mm f/4, but a third-party 16mm prime. Maybe one day I’ll find the courage to leave the telephoto lens at home when I go on bigger photo expeditions. In the meantime, join me for a refreshing dip in a Central Bohemian pond to see the ducks, and when you’re dry, grab a coffee and enjoy this year’s 28th edition of our weekly Photography News.

Turn mundane everyday subjects into intriguing creative images by distorting surrounding objects in an imaginative way with a Lensbaby Sweet 22. Here’s our hands-on review and several images.

Overview
Lensbaby, best known for their Optic Swap system of interchangeable components, has long been the source for lenses capable of producing intentionally unsharp images and offers a number of standalone products. The Lensbaby Sweet 22 is a 22mm wideangle compatible with full-frame as well as APS-C format digital cameras. We’ve covered Lensbaby several times here at Shutterbug, including this recent story: How To Lensbaby & 5 Reason Why You Should.

The Lensbaby Sweet 22 is immediately fun to use and its applications are limited only by your imagination. It renders images with a sharp center area surrounded by beautifully soft streaks. Partly because of its extra-wide focal length, every image is unique.

Specifications
Focal Length: 22mm
Aperture: f/3.5 fixed
Elements/Groups: zone plate,  4 elements in 2 groups
Focus Type: manual barrel focus
Circular Aperture: yes
Diaphragm Blades: none
Minimum Focusing Distance: 5 inches (127mm)
Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 1:5
Filter threads: 46mm
Diagonal Angle of View: full-frame 90°, APS-C 64° (1.5x)
Coating: broadband multi-coated anti-reflective
Optic Swap Compatible: no
Format Compatibility: 35mm full-frame; APS-C
Camera Compatibility: mirrorless cameras
Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, Sony E, L mount

Feature Summary
The Lensbaby Sweet 22 is an extra-wide wideangle lens that covers 90° diagonally when attached to a full-frame mirrorless camera. Images are sharp in the center area but become progressively more distorted toward the edges. Focus is set manually and the aperture is fixed at f/3.5. The images accompanying this story are illustrative, but to really appreciate the effects, you must look through the lens.

Exterior Construction: Fit & Finish
Nicely made with surprisingly few moving parts. Well built.

Optical Construction
Very simple, 4 elements in 2 groups plus a zone plate (water house stop) with fixed aperture.

Performance Summary
If you’ve never used a Lensbaby you’re in for a major treat. The Lensbaby Sweet 22 attaches to your mirrorless camera with a secure snap and is ready to use. We tested the sample on a full-frame Sony Alpha camera and were totally delighted with the results. Focus is manual and the f/stop is fixed, but the crisp Focus Assist provided by the Sony Alpha delivered precise results and the extended depth of field covers any focusing errors.

The center portion of the image is sharp; distortion increases toward the edges. Results were repeatedly unique (if that description isn’t an oxymoron). Overall the lens is extremely fun to use and gives your creativity ample opportunity for expression.

Conclusion
Even if you already own a Lensbaby Optic Swap lens, the Sweet 22 is an outstanding addition to your lens arsenal. Highly recommended.

Price & Availability
Priced at $199.95, the Sweet 22 is available directly from Lensbaby. This amazingly creative lens can also be ordered from Amazon. Price includes a durable molded case that zips closed.

Visit Lensbaby’s Inspiration Center for fresh ideas from Lensbaby Ambassadors.

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