When I shoot large format film, one of the great challenges is being picky with the photos I ultimately expose. Certainly there are benefits to shooting this way, namely that the rate of "keepers" is higher with this format. But there are also drawbacks. One of the biggest is being unable...
Introduction to Manual Focus on a Camera Lens
Manually focusing your camera lens can seem tricky. Compared to the ease of autofocus, you may wonder why you even still have manual focus as an option. It still has a number of important uses, however, and it’s a great skill to learn. In this introduction to manual focusing a...
The Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3’s Unusual Price in Context
The consensus seems to be that Nikon’s newly-announced Z 800mm f/6.3 is selling for a good price at $6500. But that assessment only scratches the surface. In fact, for the focal length and aperture it offers, this is the least expensive exotic supertelephoto in Nikon’s recent history, by far.
Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens Announcement
Today, Nikon announced its longest and perhaps most exciting Z-series lens to date with the 800mm f/6.3 VR S. Two things make this lens especially stand out: the unusually low weight of 2.4 kilos / 5.2 pounds, and the shocking price of $6500. It ships in April.
Lightroom’s Useful “ISO Adaptive Preset” Feature Explained
ISO adaptive presets are one of my favorite ways to customize Lightroom. They can help you get better image quality out of your files at both low and high ISOs, and they are so easy to use. Despite their benefits, they can be a bit unintuitive to set up. I've...
Today’s Sales: Newest Z Glass, Cheaper CFe, GorillaPod Deal
Spring is definitely here! If you don't believe it, just open your windows in the morning and listen to the birds singing. At least on the latitude where I am writing this text, spring is already literally pulsating outside. If perhaps your photographic equipment has been idle over the winter,...
The Many Types of Photographers
Happy April Fool’s Day! We at Photography Life hope you’re having a low-key day with no pranks and no laughter or mirth at all. Here’s a solemn article from our archives to remind you to take life very seriously. Featuring a few new updates for 2022.
10 Tips for Better Bokeh in Photography
“Bokeh” is a term to describe the quality of out-of-focus areas in a photograph, both in the foreground and background. Although some aspects of bokeh are subjective, everyone seems to like creamy, smooth bokeh, whereas the infamous “onion rings” are unwanted in photos and probably better left as a food.
Photographing Iceland in the Winter
I have two of the most gullible friends in the world. When I floated the questionable idea of visiting Iceland together for a week in February – using the line, I remember, “Iceland actually stays pretty warm because it’s on the ocean” – they agreed, with hardly any further persuasion needed.
How to Install Lightroom Presets
Lightroom presets are powerful tools that can drastically speed up your editing process. Whether you want to quickly set a baseline edit or easily replicate the signature look of your favorite film stock, presets give you a head start on your Lightroom edit. The install process, however, can be tricky,...