DB Photo Tours

19/08/2024

On this World Photography Day, we take a look at a leading artist. New York City-based Garry Winogrand was one of the most prolific and influential street photographers of his time. His "in your face" style has been emulated for the last two generations. The recipient of three Guggenheim Fellowships, his works continue to inspire photographers today. Winogrand died in 1984

“Photography is not about the thing photographed. It is about how that thing looks photographed.”
Garry Winogrand

28/06/2024

May your photos be stars-spangled

Will this be another year when we suffer through other's blurry firework display photos? Will it be another year you post similar photos?

Stop boring your friends.

Capturing fireworks can be hard if you stick with the auto settings on your smartphone. So, try these simple tricks for photos you'll want to share.

29/05/2024

Everybody is making money off of photos.
Except for photographers.

This is hardly the first time a camera company has used photos shot on another camera for its marketing. Many photos appearing in ads for little-known camera accessories (I'm not just talking about those awful lenses you attach to your smartphone to shoot "professional" level photos) are from actual professional cameras.

The fact is, Lumix, Panasonic's camera brand, is a well-respected camera maker that has never had to apologize for its cameras and lenses. I'm sure it did not deliberately intend to deceive prospective buyers. I've used their equipment for years. But that it mistakenly used photos from other brands is a mistake of huge proportions.

My big question is if the photographer who shot the photos, regardless of the camera and lens used, was paid accordingly.

Lumix Japan issues an apology after it was discovered using images taken on Canon, Nikon and Tamron kit on its website

21/03/2024

Many if not most places have a special feeling when the season changes. Winter into spring for much of the country is a sense of hope, renewal, and time to get out to shoot photos!

This article offers a few tips about the season we just entered.

Most of us photographers love to travel and take stunning photos. How do you make your travel photo stand out? Let them tingle all senses.

21/01/2024

One of my favorite YouTubers offers excellent critiques to help loser photographers.

Reviewing your community submitted photos. Photographers are the worst. I review, critique and improve your photos.NEW EMAIL [email protected]...

01/01/2024

In 2024, Why thinking small may beat thinking big

Typically, I post my camera-centric on my PicturePoint On-line page. Please visit that page for news, tips, and how-tos on all things cameras. But on the first day of 2024, I'm addressing this post to outdoor, travel, landscape, and wildlife photographers - folk like you who typically visit here.

Most of you know that when I'm shooting for clients or for dedicated photo trips, I'm carrying my full-frame gear. But recently, I sold my last bit of full-frame cameras and lenses. This makes sense as I am no longer in the pro biz and I rarely do dedicated photo trips. In a bigger sense, I'm more like most of you who shoot casually but want those shots to count. I still love to spend time in the mountains, at the shore, hiking or cycling trails, and visiting new locations. And I still carry cameras and lenses along the way. Except those cameras are smaller, lighter, and easier to bring with me.

I've always used APS-C, "crop-sensor" cameras and most were Nikons. Today my APS-C cameras are in the Sony a6### series. I enjoy using them and they deliver everything I expect of them. More recently, I've discovered and have grown to love using even smaller sensor cameras and lenses from Olympus and Panasonic Lumix. Contrary to the trend of folks moving "up" to full-frame cameras, my move has been "down" to smaller sensor systems. Except I don't think there's any downside in doing so. Frankly, I've always been happy with the performance of my compact cameras including my point-and-shoots and iPhone. Understanding the limits of any of my cameras allows me to make the best use of all of them. One system I worked with that seemed to surpass my expectation of their abilities have been the Micro Four Thirds, MFT, systems from Olympus (now OMDS) and Lumix.

I have purchased a variety of Olympus cameras and lenses. and sold many to buy even more cameras and lenses. Some were for testing only. Each one surpassed my expectations for handling, speed, performance, and image quality. None offered more than 20 megapixels and none cost me more than $350 but each could compete mightily with cameras I paid five times more.

Right now I'm down to two major systems, the Sony and the Olympus and I'm deciding that I may hone that down to one system. Regardless, there are reasons to retain the Olympus system because of its always-on ability to do what I expect and because prices are dropping in the used market because so many are senselessly abandoning crop-sensors for full-frame..

Have a look at this video to see what one photographer thinks about Olympus and the MFT format. I suggest that if you're still deciding on a camera system, spend a lot of time moving with your cameras, looking for reliability and image quality, and rarely print over 11X14, then MFT may be the right one for you.

Merry Christmas! This is the last video of the year, and I am sharing the reasons why I am still actively shooting with Micro Four Thirds, and still love the...

20/12/2023

Nature, wildlife, and landscape photographers, spend a few moments watching this video. Consider your relationship with nature and the things that inspire not only your photography but your way of relating with the natural world.

I hope that 2024 brings many joys for you, many images for you to share, and many days inspired by Kacho Fugetsu.

What does nature mean to you? Join us in our 2nd OM SYSTEM Day celebration, where we explain how we and our OM SYSTEM Ambassadors experience nature through p...

12/12/2023

Joke article?
Maybe?

There's really no reason to hold a camera with your hand over the lens.

Los Angeles, CA: In a bold move defying decades of established practice, local photographer Max Carter has turned the photography world upside down—literally—by opting to hold his camera lens over the top, instead of the traditional support from underneath. This unconventional technique has spar...

14/08/2023

James Popsys hits the nail right on the head and says what I've at least tried to say for years: Don't confuse image quality for quality images. I've also mentioned on this page and elsewhere that modern cameras, those made in the last ten to fifteen years or so are, with but a few exceptions, probably far better than you need them to be. While many go chasing camera and lens specifications, their time could be better spent developing a vision and pursuing that vision with their camera. A camera upgrade has never made anyone a better photographer. A "better" camera may only render marginally sharper corners Ansel Adams said, "There's nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy idea.

Take a few minutes to watch this.

Head to https://www.squarespace.com/james to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JAMES.This week I want to talk about image qu...

16/06/2023

Summer's Here!
But don't let your head go on vacation

Hundreds of individuals die and thousands more are injured annually in National Parks. And that's just in national parks. Many if not most of them were not practicing common sense safety or adhering to park rules. Unfortunately, too many attempts to shoot Instagram-worth shots result in tragedy.

Understand that the world's most popular and best-appreciated photos of our country's parks were shot by folks from safe positions. Remember that most of those fantastic images were based on a time of day or distinctive weather rather than precarious positions. Our parks are not Disneyland. Visitors are an outdoor and wild experience. Gravity and wildlife are real, not virtual, and aren't bound by safety rules.

Rather than tempt fate, challenge yourself to wake before dawn and be in a safe place to shoot a sunrise over a valley. Rent a telephoto lens to capture animals at a distance. Review park rules so that your pet remains safe and is not a nuisance to wildlife and other visitors. There's too much fun to be had on a outdoor adventure to risk injury.

Essentially, don't be these folks...

24/05/2023

Spring flowers are at their peak while other blooms peak within two months. I hope these photos inspire you to shoot more.
Tips:
You're never close enough; fill the frame.
Be careful of your background.
Handle your camera with care or use a tripod.
Watch those frame edges and corners.
Shoot from a low angle.
Have fun.

Dave

Flowers are an excellent subject to photograph. Here are 15 gorgeous examples to inspire your next photo safari.

21/05/2023

Manual mode, Schmanual mode

Maybe I shouldn't complain too much about the ill advice that my photo students have gotten about their need to "master manual mode." It helps me in getting student clients!

I'll say it as I've said so many times:
Manual mode has its place but not with 99% of photographers. I would love to get a comment arguing with that point.

Many shooters believe they're shooting in manual mode when they turn the mode dial away from AUTO. In fact the P (Program), A (Aperture), and S or T (Shutter Speed) modes are semi-automatic modes that, and I assure you this, professionals and advanced amateurs use nearly exclusively. In those modes, you control one exposure setting while the camera automatically sets one or two other exposure settings.

"But Ansel Adams shot fully manually!"
To that I say, "And my grandfather hand-cranked his Ford to get it started."

None of Adams early cameras, all large-format film "view" cameras were equipped with light meters so there was no "automatic" anything possible. Guessing exposure, something everyone did through the 1960s into the 1970s, was mostly a hit or miss proposition and exposure bracketing was common. The first light meters were handheld, crude, and often misleading. I used one. Later, automatic cameras with meters built-in allowed many "keepers."

Today, however, meters are super accurate, and the built-in smarts of image processing ensure an acceptable shot nearly every time. The only folks still shooting manually continue to use handheld light meters the exact same way Ansel Adams would. Many of them are film shooters shooting large format (view or studio) cameras for landscape, architecture, portrait, still life, and other specific needs.

I shoot 99% of my photos in aperture-priority mode and about 75% in Auto ISO. That's letting my camera do a lot of the heavy lifting and I tend to trust it. There are occasions such as in very low light or bright scenes such as snow or beach scenes in bright light where I bias my exposure compensation. It's a matter of experience and knowing how your camera behaves that separates new shooters from old-timers.

My advice is to trust your camera's exposure meter and its brains, use a semi-automatic mode, and shoot away.

Dave

We’ve said this before and we’ll probably repeat it in the future: The notion that “you’re not a real photographer unless you shoot in Manual mode” is simply absurd. And there’s vast array of stunning imagery captured by acclaimed professional photographers that easily prove the point. D...

29/04/2023

If you've read a few of my posts, you know I pick on the Eiffel Tower more than a little bit. Actually, I pick on the photos of the structure with and without people. Like you, I smile and say, "very nice" when friends just back from France show me their (one) photo the icon. At best, they're showing me some proof that, yes, they were in Paris, and yes, they took a picture of the Eiffel Tower.

Here's a quick video with tips to shoot people with recognizable landmarks. You don't need to go to Paris to photograph an environmental photo but to tell a story in a photo, you have to visualize the image before you snap the shot.

FROPACK3 is HERE with 15 all-new custom Lightroom presets!!! Check it outhttps://froknowsphoto.com/fropack3/ (40% OFF) For years I've been hammering home-spe...

27/03/2023

PHOTO BOOKS - A medium that will both highlight your talent and inspire you to aspire

I've been pushing the idea of creating photo books to my students. It's mostly because I want to create photo books for myself.

As a former marketing copywriter, there's something about seeing your copy in print, that is, as ink on paper. It has a presence and permanence you can't see or feel on a computer screen or phone monitor. The same thing applies to photos. Even when projected or presented on a large screen, there's a visceral experience when you can see a physical medium rather than a digital facsimile.

I also sense that others feel more connected to the photos they see in a photo book than images on Instagram or a Website. A part of it is knowing someone shot, edited, and, as importantly, curated the collection of images they're seeing.

I suggest you consider and create a photo book project. These days, various companies offer photo book templates and are able to print and deliver professional-quality books, some hard bound with high-quality archival paper pages. The cost is amazingly affordable. Your first photo boork will certainly inspire more.

Watch this video for inspiration.

I'm in Iceland (and an airport hotel) talking about how to tell stories with your photos this week. Hopefully it's useful :)Check out the professional line b...

23/03/2023

Travel is IN in 2023
And you have many opportunities to be annoying.

I'm not fully agreeing with this article but I fully understand its core sentiment. Pundits are saying this year, pent up travel urges will be realized with near-record number of people visiting domestically and internationally. While many will be doing the usual and unimaginative things because, of course, everyone believes they need a shot of themselves holding up the leaning tower.

People gonna people and what are you gonna do? If you're a photographer, you're going to bring back photos that wow rather than bore others. Creativity, imagination, vision, and ex*****on are hallmarks of great travel photogaphy. Creating excellent images is what separates us from the savages.

Friends and family probably trust you when you say you visited Pisa but I promise they are only being nice when they chuckle at the 273rd image of someone propping up the Torre Pendente di Pisa. Did you even bother to learn what the structure was used for? But let others win the race of how many hackneyed pictures they can take of well-known landmarks and scenes.

How will you photograph your next travel adventure?

How this social media trend is ruining travel.

29/01/2023

West Coast Shooters

If you missed the superblooms of 2015 and 2019, this might be the time to prepare yourself for a big show soon.

Heavy rainfall over the autumn could brings about a magnificent superbloom this year. Here's everything you need to know.

20/01/2023

Having shot full-frame cameras (35mm is full-frame too!) since the mid-'70s, I appreciate the format's advantage. I also know that full-frame benefits may and probably aren't noticed by nearly all viewers of photos either on a monitor or print.

Today I'm no longer shooting full-frame (mostly) but enjoy smaller, "crop sensor" cameras and the results they deliver. Namely, I tend to shoot on either APS-C format (1.5X crop) and Micro Four Thirds format (2X crop). I challenge anyone to look at my or other photographers' image shot on any of the three types of sensor cameras and tell me what photos were shot with what type of sensor.

It's true, of the three, full-frame performs the best of all of them. But, for all intents and purposes, that "best" comes down to the finest details, lowest possible noise, and greatest overall dynamic range. The stuff corporate media art directors demand. Yes, I've shot for those folks with cameras and lenses costing thousands of dollars. Yet, the last two photo contests in which I've won, I shot with a camera a lens combination costing thousands less.

If you aren't trying to meet the photo criteria of a paying customer and are shooting for yourself and for images blown up to 3 by 4 feet, You're going to be satisfied by smaller sensor cameras and decent lenses. Read what the man on top of one of the major camera makers says about his large and small sensor cameras.

Micro Four Thirds has 'size benefits, and a shooting experience that can’t be matched by a smartphone,' says the director of Panasonic's camera business, as we talked about the system's future, the role of video, the adoption of phase detection and the role his dog played in the development of the...

19/12/2022

Travel Tip

The draw of big scenery and wide, expansive views makes a compelling reason to take the shot. Yes! Take the shot. Take several. But remember that, as a famous architect once said, "God is in the details."

Your set of travel images will have more interest if you vary your point of view. While no one can resist capturing a sweeping view of the Grand Canyon or a metro cityscape, there is far more than a wide perspective when you're exploring. Turn your camera horizontally and vertically. Zoom in. Zoom out. And don't forget to get close. See what others miss and find the image that most travelers overlook.

An evening walk along Route 66 in Barstow, California, offered little in a wide view and forced me to focus on details. Neon light illuminated a hood ornament on a rusting 50s-era roadster and told a story of a once well-traveled thoroughfare to the California dream.

24/10/2022

Why Bother?

I've mentioned for years (decades really) how to deal with photographing (or not) iconic places, scenes, and objects. In short, I say take the shot everyone else takes but, then, take the shots that make the photos your own. Hackneyed photos of popular subjects only serve as memory triggers or simply prove "I was here." For many if not most, the shots have little creative merit. It's not that it's bad to shoot and share these types of shots, it's just that they're not interesting, don't tell a story, and have been seen before many times.

As a photographer, you'd like your images to connect with the viewer. When you draw a viewer's attention, evoke an emotion, make them wonder, or simply think "wow," you've succeeded in that connection.

So, take that shot of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Eiffel Tower, the London Eye that everyone else shoots. But keep going and find the image that tells an interesting or even compelling story.

There are lots of popular photography locations in every single country in the world ... and if you research any of those locations with photography in mind,...

16/10/2022

How do movies help your photography?

If you do just one thing today to improve your photography vision, watch this short video. You can learn much from a master director of photography. Consider light, color, composition, balance, angles, patterns, scale, and shapes. What can you learn from each or even one of these vignettes? Which clips move you? What can you take away?

Twitter : https://twitter.com/ThepadtechMusic : Caro Emerald - Perfect Day (Live Lou Reed cover)

01/10/2022

I tend to make my one big photo trip in October.
What about you?

29/09/2022

Jame Popsys has become one of my favorite YouTubers for his insight on the how and why of photography. Maybe it's because he mentions what I've been saying for years. Regardless, he delivers the goods. If you're looking to up your photographic game, spend 15 minute watching this video.

Head to https://www.squarespace.com/james to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JAMES.This week I'm talking about 10 things I...

14/09/2022

Do you agree?

I mostly agree with the Youtuber in his claim that the photographer's vision and ability to convey a notion or emotion is the most important thing in photography. Sure, great gear and savvy editing contribute to a great photo but gear and editing are a means and not an end to connecting the viewer not just to the photo but to the photographer.

Please see some examples of not needing to show everything to convey one thing.

What Is the most important thing in Photography?In this video, we're going to talk about what is the most important thing in photography. We'll explore diffe...

09/09/2022

For many photographers, fall is the best season to shoot. The sun remains low in the sky giving you more time to shoot golden hour. Foliage turns brilliant as leaves lose their green cast and takes on warm yellows, oranges, and reds. Trails are less crowded. The weather turns crisp encouraging you to hike farther.

Here are some tips that can help you capture all that the season offers. Remember, though, in taking advantage of nature's special season you must get out in the first place, remain receptive to visual opportunities, have fun, and shoot lots!

Create stunning fall photos by choosing the right settings, lighting, and more. Improve your ability to capture autumn colors!

08/09/2022

More than the photos he shot, we can learn about how to see actively as photographers. James Popsys pedals a bike and hikes for miles in his pursuit of images. But it's his sense of active seeing rather than just looking for pictures that follow his sense of style. Think about the places within a few miles of your house that have some personality you find compelling. Visit during dawn, mid-day, dusk, and even in the late evening. Witness how that personality becomes broader and picture-worthy. Take the time to become, as the popular word goes, mindful.
And shoot lots.

Head to https://www.squarespace.com/james to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JAMES.The photos: https://www.jamespopsys.com...

06/08/2022

Fercrineoutloud

Stop believing that "shooting in manual" is the only professional way to get the shot.

I'm so tired of reading advice that you "must shoot in manual mode" for the best results. The headlines that urge you to learn to shoot in manual are, at best, full of it and, at worst, really full of it.

Let's break it down. Exposure is determined by a trio of settings: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Before the days of film and built-in light metering, the film stock itself determined the ISO (it was called ASA back then) so you could say determining only two factors was easier (it wasn't). The shooter guessed at the settings for aperture and shutter speed based on experienced. Smarter shooters used a portable light meter which provided the settings which the photographer set on the camera. Later, cameras were equipped with built-in light meters so you twiddled the two settings until the light meter told you the exposure was OK. Then, "automatic" exposure cameras were built that were either "shutter priority" (you set the shutter speed and the camera set the proper aperture) or "aperture priority" (you set the aperture and the camera sets the appropriate shutter speed.) Today, most advanced modern cameras can, given a set ISO, can perform both priorities.

Today, regardless of how much experience and good an eye a photographer has, it's nearly impossible to judge the light value in any scene to within a third of a stop that even the most modest built-in light meters can judge. Some people claim that ability but I've never heard that claim in person much less seen it in real life. Or the say they "shoot in manual" when they are not shooting in AUTO or PROGRAM mode. However, they say they "shoot in manual" when what they do is set two parameters manually, say ISO and aperture, and let the camera select the shutter speed. That is NOT shooting manually. That's shooting in aperture priority. Typically, ISO is the first parameter a photographer considers. That's because nearly anyone can tell the difference between a bright sunny day and the last light of day. ISO also affects sensor noise. Therefore, photographers tend to use the lowest possible ISO setting or the auto ISO setting (which, of course, isn't "shooting in manual") and then sets a shutter speed if in speed priority or aperture in aperture priority.

As a photographer, it's up to you, your experience, and your vision, to determine which parameters you want to control and which ones are determined automatically inside the camera. Today's camera metering is remarkably accurate and can be trusted professionally. I typically shoot in auto ISO and in aperture priority. My cameras, all of them, are also smart enough to bump up the ISO when they see that my lens aperture can't open wider than it is designed to. My f/2.8 lens won't go to f/1.4 so my camera sets a higher ISO automatically to assure I have the proper exposure.

Ignore the click-baity urgings that beg you to read the "Shoot in Manual for Great Pictures." Rather, know and understand the meanings of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed and how using them creatively can help render an image to align with your vision. Confusing at first, but with a bit of study and practice, you'll be a wiz at controlling your camera and letting the camera do the hard work for you.

30/07/2022

I'm a user of all three Topaz image editing products. They're not just software, they're digital magic. They don't pay me for saying that either but I'll gladly accept any promotional payment. The suite is on sale now for two weeks. You'll not be sorry you got them.

Image and video enhancement software from Topaz Labs.

28/07/2022

That's my bag, dad.

If that doesn't take you back a few years, you probably don't remember when you had to carry your camera gear around in a grocery sack. Or not.

Like tripods, camera-carrying gear is a hassle. Bags, straps, vests, anchors - they all have their advantages and disadvantages. But your choice in how you'll carry and protect your gear in the field shouldn't be an afterthought. As you watch the video, consider your own quiver. While we love the idea of carrying a single small camera and lens as we hike along miles of photogenic scenery, that's only a fantasy. Many if not most of us want to bring a camera, two or three lenses, perhaps a tripod, plus batteries, memory cars, microfiber cloths, not to mention personal accouterment. The reality of location photography kills fantasy.

The subject in the video, Chris, is a highly-regarded photographer and reviewer. I subscribe to his channel. However, in many ways, I disagree with Chris in this video. Firstly, he's overly concerned about looks. When it comes to carrying gear, comfort and convenience should be your priorities. Nobody cares what you look like when you're shooting. Your carrying system is like hiking boots. No one notices how pretty they are but you'll notice how uncomfortable a badly fitted boot is at every step no matter how they look.

Personally, I love neck straps. They are a secure way to carry a camera and allows quick and easy access. For my heavier cameras, I only use the neoprene type which dampens the shock. I also am a fan of shoulder bags which I normally carry cross body. Again, it's about convenience and access. I have hiked cross-country for miles with a full-frame DSLR and three pro-level lenses in a shoulder bag with no problem. I'm less of a fan of camera backpacks because I regularly wear a daypack on any hike with my personal gear. Combining my gear with my camera gear yields a load too big for my taste. I pretty much dislike sling-style bags. I've never found one that doesn't shift with the weight and I'm constantly hitching it back to its "proper" position. Of course there are the ones with the "stabilizer" straps to prevent shifting but it only results in a lopsided backpack.

These days, on major hikes or travels, I carry a crop sensor camera and three lenses in a shoulder bag no larger than a purse. I also may wear a Cotton Carrier Skout harness (smaller than the one in the video) which allows quick access to my camera but holds it far more securely than a strap does. Those are my preferences honed over decades of photography in all kinds of conditions. These days I'm down to about a half dozen bags so there's one to meet any situation or condition for which I'm planning.

The main point is that you regard all the ways to bring and use a camera into the field. Experiment with many systems. It might cost you a bit but you can always sell what you don't need.

Chris & Jordan are constantly asked what their favourite camera bag or strap is for carrying their cameras around. We decided to look at a bunch of differen...

20/07/2022

Let's Win A Photo Contest!

Or not.

I've written about photo contests and why you might want to or avoid certain ones. Winning the better contests can make you money, win you prizes, and give you great exposure. Winning the worst contests will actually cost you money and lose the prospect of gaining from your submitted photo. Scroll down to find more information on those subjects.

Photo contests I enjoy participating in the most tend to be free to submit, are run by legitimate and well-known entities, offer prizes, and are judged by a legitimate set of named individuals. I'll briefly discuss why I mention the last point.

Unfortunately, many photo contests have no interest in benefitting the submitters but rather gather and use the photos for themselves. In the fine print, you may find you give up copyrights. Even if they offer a prize, the prize may not be anywhere near what you could get if you sold the image outright. Also, some contests are not judged but won by how many likes it gets in a voting period. They become more of a popularity contest than a skill contest. Also, the point of those contests is to drive visitors and clicks to the contest Website. I'm done with those.

Contests judged by named individuals are the best. Actual photographers, art directors, media professionals, and artists make legitimate panels. It's not about how many friends you can convince to vote for your photo. The judges also place their own credibility on the line by selecting images by their merit rather than who the submitters are or how many friends they have. Winning or placing in those contests far better boost your own legitimacy as a photographer not to mention your ego.

Finally, a contest tip I'll mention again:
I've judged photo contests. Let me say that if you shoot a recognizable subject or scene, it better be spectacular or it won't get a second look or even a thought. Also, if the title or caption is careless, it will actually hurt your image. OK, that's two tips but I like going above and beyond.

Shoot lots!

Dave

Landscape pro Mark Bauer weighs in on contests and why winning doesn't automatically make you a good photographer