There is a lot to be learned from old cameras—lessons that we risk losing. Maybe it’s time to dust off those antiques to see what they can teach us.
Category - Camera Gear
The Best Camera is the Camera that Works with You
It isn't always easy to choose a camera that doesn't hinder you in any way. Let me show you some of the things to think about as you pick out a new...
Technology is Just a Tool
Discussion of good images and bad often talks about gear. Gear isn’t what makes the image. It’s just a tool. The mind behind the image is what makes it...
Decluttering: Are You a Photography Packrat?
Photographers collect a lot of stuff over the years, from cameras to prints and negatives. Do we really need to keep it all? Here are my thoughts!
The Process of Photographing Falling Rain
If you'd like to create some beautiful photographs the next time it rains, I'll show you how!
Foolproof Backup Options That Will Safeguard Your Images
Any photographer that has been around a while – whether a long-time hobbyist or a seasoned professional – knows just how essential backups are.
The Dangers of Sunk Cost Fallacy
Sunk cost fallacy is a phenomenon that can lead photographers to doing all kinds of crazy things. Here are thoughts to help you avoid it.
The Wane of Camera Reviews
With camera reviews on the wane, what will bloggers talk about next? Maybe this is a signal that it’s time to return to the creative side of things.
The Best Tools
What is the best camera system? Only you can answer that question. The best gear is the gear that doesn’t interrupt your artmaking with technical...
Much Ado About Noise
Could it be that we worry too much about noise? Is the point of art to be as realistic as it can be? Sometimes—but not always!
Arguing Against Extreme High Resolutions
Extreme high resolutions are all the rage, but are they necessary? For most of us, they represent a lot of wasted money, time and effort.
When Future Proofing Goes Wrong
Future-proofing is good in that we need gear to suit our photographic needs—but it can go wrong, too! Here are thoughts on when future-proofing goes...
What is a Megapixel?
What’s all the buzz about megapixels? Here are some thoughts to clear up confusion so you can decide whether your camera needs more megapixels.
The Platypod: An Alternative to Bulky Tripods
Are you looking for an alternative to big, bulky tripods? The Platypod is a nifty little compact gadget that may be exactly what you need. Check it out...
Buying a New Camera — Without the Stress
There’s a lot of stress involved in buying a new camera. How do you make the choice easier? Here are a few thoughts that may help you decide without...
Choosing Your New Camera
Purchasing a new camera isn't easy. It almost always means making some compromises or tradeoffs. Here are my thoughts on how to make the right choice.
Essential Features and Camera Gear for Product Photography
In the last two posts, I showed you the basic equipment for product photography, as well as a few tools that will help you improve your lighting...
Light Modifiers for Product Photography
The creative use of light makes the difference between bland and bold product photos. These tools will help you master the lighting, whether you’re in...
Gear Isn’t Everything: Creating Art with the Camera You Have, Not the Camera You Want
As photographers, we all need to learn that the camera isn't everything. A great camera helps, but the skill and vision behind that camera are more...
Choosing Between Prime and Zoom Lenses
Photographers have debated the merits of prime and zoom lenses since 1959 when Nikon released the first zoom lens for their SLRs – the Auto NIKKOR...
A Brief History of the Photographic Lens
Have you ever wondered how the camera lens was developed? Turns out, the lens has an even longer history than the camera itself.
A Quick Lesson in the History of Flash Photography
Flashes were once a dangerous tool that only the most devoted photographers used to illuminate images. I'll show you how flashes have evolved over time.
Which Lenses Belong in Your Kit?
If you're a budding photographer, you are probably already looking at new lenses. I'll show you which lenses to buy, and when you should buy them.
11 Surprisingly Handy Stocking Stuffers for Photographers
Christmas is coming quickly. What are you getting for the photographers in your life? If you’re at a loss for ideas, then check out the following list...
Gear That Isn’t Related to Your Camera, But That You Should Carry Anyway
We're so used to thinking about what camera gear we will take on photo trips that sometimes we forget the non-camera necessities like the ones listed...
Making the Most of Your Telephoto Lens, Part 2
Last time, we talked about some of the things that you can do with telephoto lenses — and some ways to use them that will make it easier to you to get...
Making the Most of Your Telephoto Lens, Part 1
The first item a beginning photographer adds to their camera kit is quite often a long zoom lens. After all, one of the joys of photography is being...
Helpful Tools for Creating Dynamic Product Photos
The experienced product photographer has many tricks and techniques to display objects to their greatest advantage. Here are a few tools you'll need to...
3 Photo Identification Tips You Never Knew
Most people have at least a few old family photos they can’t identify. It is very frustrating to know you have photos of your ancestors, but can’t...
Essential Equipment for Product Photography
Product photography. Learn why studio lighting, umbrellas, backdrops, and lightboxes are essential for great product images.