Finding a solution for poor low-light auto-focus with mirrorless cameras
Finding a solution for poor low-light auto-focus with mirrorless cameras
As much as I love all the advantages mirrorless cameras offer, at this point there is still a serious flaw in my experience - the low-light autofocus response just isn't as solid as the top-end DSLRs. The autofocus capabilities of my Sony A1 (Amazon / B&H) as amazing as it is in proper light, just isn't a match for my Nikon D5 when it comes to low light levels with low contrast. As the current technology is, mirrorless cameras have a hard time seeing the AF-assist beam from an on-camera Read more inside...Studio lighting ideas : learning from other photographers
Studio lighting ideas : learning from other photographers
One of the cool things about renting out my studio to other photographers, is that I get to see how they work, and what they do differently in terms of their lighting, and how they work with their subjects. During the past 2 days, I had Jason Buff in my studio where he presented his masterclass workshop on his style of portraits. Jason specializes in studio portraits with a painterly quality. He was kind enough to invite me to take a few photos as well. I didn't take the photograph much further in terms of his style of Read more inside...Facebook -vs- your own website and online presence
Facebook -vs- your own website and online presence
I just had a 30-day ban handed to me for "human exploitation" because of this comment in a Facebook group where we were discussing workflow. A friend got a 24-hr ban from Facebook because she mentioned the killer lasagna she made. The lesson here for photographers and other business people -- do NOT rely on any Social Media platform as the only way to have your work seen. You HAVE to maintain your website. The ban was reversed later the same day, but there is always a risk that your appeal will be disregarded on something Read more inside...Finding your niche in photography … or not
Finding your niche in photography ... or not
A photographer friend once told me that regarding my social media presence and my websites, it's not clear what I do as a photographer. I’m all over the show — portraits, weddings, headshots, corporate stuff, product photography, timelapse. He suggested that I specialize in a niche, and then make sure I stand out in that niche as the best. For example just do product photography, and be the best at products on white. Become even more specialized. Sounds like solid advice on the surface. Yet, I love the seeming randomness of what I do. Read more inside...What’s in my camera bag – 2022
What's in my camera bag - Jan 2022 edition
Every so often I get asked whether I have switched systems, and whether I am shooting with Sony or Nikon. What complicates things even more for the casual visitor to the Tangents blog and my Instagram feed, is that I occasionally post photos taken with Canon and Fuji as well. So the answer to "what's in your camera bag", is slightly complicated ... and hopefully this video unravels some of that. Even though I photograph events and weddings with a Sony-based system, I still have a substantial Nikon system. The Nikon cameras are primarily Read more inside...Photographing New York City from the air
Photographing New York City from the air
As a treat, I booked 2 spots on a helicopter flight over New York with FlyNYON, for Sara and myself. We took the open-door / doors-off flight at sunset. It was as incredible an experience as I had hoped for. I have been fascinated for a while with the idea of seeing and photographing Manhattan from the air. I took along my Sony A1 camera (B&H / Amazon), and the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM zoom lens (B&H / Amazon). I had debated taking a longer range zoom ... but in the end I wish I had brought along a Read more inside...Best photography purchases of 2021
Best photography purchases of 2021
The past year was definitely an improvement on 2020, which was a strange year with businesses shutting down. Things started to turn around when vaccines helped a sense of normalcy to return. For me, like many photographers, 2020 came crushing down, but in comparison 2021 was crazy-busy as all the events postponed from 2020 started to be added to the 2021 calendar. As far as the Tangents blog goes, posts have been relatively scarce -- in 2020 I wasn't busy enough to really have anything new to write about. And in 2021, I was just too busy to have Read more inside...Scammers & the overpayment scam
Scammers & the overpayment scam
Here is how the overpayment scam works : The scammers will overpay you for the fees you quoted them for your products or services you offer. Then they will nicely ask you to please pay the extra money to the “planner”. Or "florist". Or someone. The scammer will even throw in some extra money to make it worth your effort. You deposit the check into your account … and then pay the “planner” the excess money, just like your "client" asked. A few days later the bank will reverse the money you deposited into your account because it’s a fraudulent Read more inside...Bounce flash photography & The Inverse Square Law
Bounce flash photography & The Inverse Square Law
If you find the title of this article a touch intimidating, please stick around and watch the video. It is important to understand how The Inverse Square Law affects bounce flash photography, and creates a specific result where the background appears brighter when the flash is bounced properly without on-camera flash modifiers. I know that is counter-intuitive, but that is what happens when you bounce your bare flash behind you instead of using a light modifier on your flash. The accompanying video, linked to below, explains this Read more inside...- 1
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