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Creative Capital

Don’t build your capital off the back of someone else. What my umma taught me My mom worked at a restaurant as a waitress for nearly a decade. One day she got made redundant. Now, this broke my heart. My mom taught this precious lesson: When you work for someone else, you’re building their capital. […]

http://erickimphotography.com/blog/2018/11/27/creative-capital/

My Top 7 Productivity Tips

Practical tips on how to produce more: 1. Figure out what is your Archimedes lever Determine what is your primary strength in life. For example ask yourself: What 10% of my activities create 90% of the value in my life? In life, there is a power law in effect. This means: Much of our strength […]

http://erickimphotography.com/blog/2018/11/27/my-top-7-productivity-tips/

First Pictures of Planet Mars Emerge From NASA's Lander Mission

NASA’s InSight lander has arrived safely on Mars, and the first clear pictures have come back.

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https://fstoppers.com/news/first-pictures-planet-mars-emerge-nasas-lander-mission-311908?utm_source=FS_RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=Main_RSS

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One of the most useful pieces of lighting gear a studio photographer can have doesn"t actually have a light in it. Check out how v-flats can help you shape your light in this great video.
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Every weekday, Photofocus curators share a great photograph taken by one of our readers. Every month we highlight photographs in the genres of architecture, beauty, outdoor, street and a flex category that changes each month. In November we started featuring food photographs, highlighting the

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Today is “Black Friday” (the biggest retail shopping day of the year in the US) and we’ve got our best deals of the year on: Here’s are the links to the deals: > KelbyOne Black Friday Deal > Photoshop World Black Friday Deal We’d love to have you as a KelbyOne Pro member — we have […]

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Category: Street Photographer: Petros Toubis Photo: “0356152” I really love this unique perspective from Petros Toubis of what street photography means to him. It is very intriguing. Love the sharpness in the shadows. Anyone know what the lady is holding? A flower maybe? Originally shared with the

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Instagram has announced new plans to crack down on fake accounts, likes, and comments. The company claims to have new tools in place identifying those using services and apps to boost their follow count and overall social engagement.
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Pocket-Sized Smoke Machine? Fstoppers Reviews MicroFogger!

Would you consider a pocket-sized smoke machine as an additional piece of equipment? Take a look at our review of MicroFogger, a portable fun gadget that creates smoke on the go!

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https://fstoppers.com/review/pocket-sized-smoke-machine-fstoppers-reviews-microfogger-308514?utm_source=FS_RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=Main_RSS

Photographer of the Day: Bernhard Garbers

Category: Beauty Photographer: Bernhard Garbers Photo: “Esther van Leeuwen” Beauty isn’t always slick, styled and made up. Beauty shows through power, determination and grit. Today’s photographer of the day, Bernhard Garbers returns with his portrait “Esther van Leeuwen.” Her features — eyes, nose lips and her expression show spirit. Spirit is the core of beauty.…

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Adobe Stock – The marketplace where videographers and photographers make money with their video footage and still photographs. Become a contributor today!

Illuminati Instruments – Maker of the Illuminati meter that measures flash & ambient, color temperature and chromaticity in a compact case that links to a smartphone.

B&H – B&H is a world renowned supplier of all the gear photographers, videographers, and cinematographers need and want to create their very best work.

Luminar – Meet the world’s first photo editor that adapts to your style & skill level. Luminar is the supercharged photo software that makes complex editing easy & enjoyable.

Perfectly Clear Complete – Built for precision. Made for beauty. Perfectly Clear has mastered the science of intelligent image correction - creating superior quality photos in record time, so you can get back to doing what you really love...in no time. Special Photofocus deal here.

Platypod – Platypod Pro LLC makes the world's most compact mini tripod bases for photographers. Inspired by the duck-billed platypus, an animal with flat and broad feet, we designed our camera supports to be ideal for low-angle shots and situations where traditional tripods are cumbersome or impractical.

HDR Learning Center – Check out new ways to use High Dynamic Range photography to make compelling images. Free tutorials and posts to get results. Produced in partnership with HDRsoft.

Adobe Portfolio – Beautifully Simple Creative Portfolio Websites are a snap to build. Try Adobe Portfolio, a tool to build your own personalized website in minutes, available to Creative Cloud subscribers today https://www.myportfolio.com.

ThinkTAP – New online education for photographers by working professionals. Be one of the first 50 people to buy our new time-lapse training for only $99 (that’s 60% off); use the code TL50.

https://photofocus.com/2018/11/20/photographer-of-the-day-bernhard-garbers-5/

The Importance of Fulfilling a Brief in Photography

When you're shooting for a client with specific needs, it's important that you're able to deliver what they require. This great video explores how a photographer planned, then adapted to get the shot.

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https://fstoppers.com/business/importance-fulfilling-brief-photography-309545?utm_source=FS_RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=Main_RSS

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Canon has a new Black Friday instant rebate on the popular Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens. Adorama is also including a free tripod with Read more…

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Canon has a new Black Friday instant rebate on the popular Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens. Adorama is also including a free tripod with Read more...

On Photography: Margaret Bourke-White, 1904-1971

"The camera is a remarkable instrument. Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all but take you by the hand." - Margaret Bourke-White Margaret Bourke-White studied photography at the Clarence H. White School of Photography and went on to finish college in 1927. She moved to
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The great thing about electric viewfinders: you see augmented reality! I’m currently shooting with a Lumix g9, in JPEG, with “Dynamic monochrome” film simulation preset. It actually looks really good! What I’ve been enjoying about shooting with the Lumix G9 is the epic electronic viewfinder. I’ve a

Interesting Photo of the Day: Beached Icebergs

When most people think of the beach, warm weather, tropical plant life, and sunbathers in bikinis come to mind. So, when an iceberg washes ashore instead, it"s bound to turn a few heads. Understandably, photographerGarret Weintrob couldn"t pass up this incredible photo op along the southern
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Give the Lens Flare in Your Landscape Photo the Finger

Every landscape photographer will someday run into a situation when the bright light of the sun causes flares. Especially when using filters; the extra glass can increase reflections that results in the dreaded spots in a picture. However, there is a way to get rid of them, in most occasions.

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https://fstoppers.com/education/give-lens-flare-your-landscape-photo-finger-307002?utm_source=FS_RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=Main_RSS

Like to Share Your Photo Skills? Then Write for Photofocus

We’re looking to add a few new writers to our team.  Writing for Photofocus is a chance to have your work seen by many folks as well as to help out the greater photography community. You also get some great perks and a little extra cash. What We’re Looking For Photographers of all experience levels…

Please Support Our Partners:

Adobe Stock – The marketplace where videographers and photographers make money with their video footage and still photographs. Become a contributor today!

Illuminati Instruments – Maker of the Illuminati meter that measures flash & ambient, color temperature and chromaticity in a compact case that links to a smartphone.

B&H – B&H is a world renowned supplier of all the gear photographers, videographers, and cinematographers need and want to create their very best work.

Luminar – Meet the world’s first photo editor that adapts to your style & skill level. Luminar is the supercharged photo software that makes complex editing easy & enjoyable.

Perfectly Clear Complete – Built for precision. Made for beauty. Perfectly Clear has mastered the science of intelligent image correction - creating superior quality photos in record time, so you can get back to doing what you really love...in no time. Special Photofocus deal here.

Platypod – Platypod Pro LLC makes the world's most compact mini tripod bases for photographers. Inspired by the duck-billed platypus, an animal with flat and broad feet, we designed our camera supports to be ideal for low-angle shots and situations where traditional tripods are cumbersome or impractical.

HDR Learning Center – Check out new ways to use High Dynamic Range photography to make compelling images. Free tutorials and posts to get results. Produced in partnership with HDRsoft.

Adobe Portfolio – Beautifully Simple Creative Portfolio Websites are a snap to build. Try Adobe Portfolio, a tool to build your own personalized website in minutes, available to Creative Cloud subscribers today https://www.myportfolio.com.

ThinkTAP – New online education for photographers by working professionals. Be one of the first 50 people to buy our new time-lapse training for only $99 (that’s 60% off); use the code TL50.

https://photofocus.com/2018/11/13/like-to-share-your-photo-skills-then-write-for-photofocus/

Guest Blog: Portrait and Lifestyle Photographer Drew Gurian

Photo by Robby Klein

How have your thoughts/techniques on lighting evolved? Do you find yourself using gear now that you didn’t think you would use when you started out? Or are you using the same gear but in different ways?

I worked very hard over the first several years of freelancing to perfect lighting techniques, and certain aspects of lighting have become second nature. I’m constantly experimenting to keep things fresh, but one big lesson that I’ve learned is that focusing on lighting alone doesn’t guarantee a great photo. We often get too wrapped up in technical perfection, and I’m certainly guilty of that myself.

As a portrait and lifestyle photographer, I want to make the talent look amazing- and sometimes that’s largely based around the lighting. However, even more important than the lighting, is connecting with whoever I’m photographing in order to create a compelling portrait. Thinking my way into how to make that happen has proven to be more beneficial over time than stressing too much over what type of lighting I’d like to use.

As for gear, though every shoot is different, I try to use a fairly minimal gear pack. Lighting has evolved quite a bit over the last five years, and the Profoto B1 in particular has changed the way I’m able to work on set. It’s enabled me to work lighter and faster than ever before with access to a massive lineup of light shapers for any scenario imaginable.

Justin Bartha

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made that has proven to be a valuable lesson? Has learning from that mistake saved you in some way on another job?

The biggest mistake I made when starting out was saying yes to everything. We’re all hungry for work, and oftentimes seriously undervalue our talent when we shouldn’t be doing so.

Almost every single time I’ve taken a low paying job just for the money, it’s been soul sucking work where there’s zero respect for the creative process.  I’ve been learning this lesson all along, but am just starting to consistently turn down jobs for this reason.

Some of those clients have gone away entirely, but I’m okay with that. The truth is, I believe it to be more valuable to spend my time shooting something I’m invested in creatively.

Bonnie RaittR.L. StineQuincy Jones

What kind of balance do you keep between editorial and commercial clients? If commercial clients pay more than editorial, what value do you see in working for editorial clients?

About 75% of my client base has been commercial since day one. I never really marketed myself to one type of client more than the other initially, but because my work is commercially oriented, that’s been the majority of the work I’ve gotten. Brands tend to pay a lot more than editorial- which is cool since I live in Brooklyn and the cost of living here is less than ideal.

There is a huge amount of value in editorial work though, and I thoroughly enjoy diving into these jobs when they come in. There’s generally a lot fewer people on set for editorial jobs (sometimes just an assistant and myself), and I find that I can use the talent’s time much more efficiently when that’s the case. There’s often a lot more creative freedom on editorial jobs, and I try to dive in as deep as possible to create something I want- which isn’t always possible on commercial jobs.

Elvis Costello, Marcus Mumford & Taylor GoldsmithVintage Trouble

What’s the best business/technical/other advice you would give yourself if you could talk to five-years-ago Drew?

Accept the fact that work comes in waves, and that there will be times where you have absolutely no work. For the first few years, I consistently had a few months per year where I had zero work coming in, and I struggled to deal with it. We’re all somewhat insecure artists, and it’s easy to assume that we’ll never work again. It’s tough to make it through this.

Instead of getting into a funk, the only thing that’s ever fixed this for me is picking up a camera and shooting. It always brings me back to my love of photography and reminds me of why I do this in the first place.

Dej LoafEd Sheeran

If you could re-do one shoot, which one would it be and what would you do differently?

I’d really love to have an opportunity to work with Kendrick Lamar again. I spent a day with him about 4 years ago just before ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’ was released, but didn’t completely get what I wanted. I was shooting a media day for Reebok in a hotel suite filled entirely with Reebok branding, so there was very little in the way of candids without logos surrounding him.

I managed to shoot a quick portrait on the terrace, I wish I had pushed a little harder to have some more time with him outside of the hotel suite.

If I were to ever have another opportunity with him, I’d love to shoot something more journalistic.

Kendrick Lamar

What would you consider your most successful shoot and why? How do you define a successful shoot (your happiness with the final product, how much you made on it, the size of the production, the biggest name client, etc)?

I was assigned to photograph David Byrne of the Talking Heads, in his Soho studio earlier this year, and it’s definitely one of my favorite shoots in recent memory. David is a true icon, and I did tons of research to make sure I knew what I was getting into. I watched documentaries, interviews, and gathered photographic inspiration to share with him on-set. He was an incredible collaborator, and I shot a few frames that feel very true to who David is as an artist- which was the ultimate goal, and the sign of a successful shoot for me.

This particular shoot was not a moneymaker (in fact, I spent some money on it), but I’m really happy with the photos and the entire experience with him.

David Byrne

How do you keep your creativity fresh? How do you avoid getting visual burnout (consuming so much imagery you just get tired of it/numb to it)?

Personally, a lot of it has to do with being in New York City. As crazy and as living in the city is, there’s more inspiration here than I can imagine just about anywhere else. I feed off the energy, grit, and hustle of the culture constantly, and that’s what keeps me pushing forward.

You can see more of Drew’s work at DrewGurian.com, and keep up with him on Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter.

The post Guest Blog: Portrait and Lifestyle Photographer Drew Gurian appeared first on Scott Kelby's Photoshop Insider.

https://scottkelby.com/guest-blog-portrait-and-lifestyle-photographer-drew-gurian/

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Patterns are basically just repeated shapes, objects or colors either ordered in precise formations or just random designs scattered across a scene. The important thing about patterns is that they create images that are very pleasing to the eye and add a new dimension to your photos. Patterns can

Hitchcock remade and fake IDs: Paris Photo"s altered reality

From doctored passport pics to stick-on Hitler moustaches, maverick minds and painstaking processes reign at the photography show where art meets commerce Laid out under the ornate vaulted dome of the Grand Palais,Paris Photo is a daunting prospect even for the seasoned photography buff. It

Tips for Reducing Event Day Anxiety

Experiencing bouts of anxiety when working fast paced events like a wedding is quite commonplace, clearly there is a lot riding on you the photographer. Truthfully a lot of that stress, we tend to create for ourselves. Let me explain how with thoughtful preparation ahead of time, I minimize

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Camera Gear?

Photographers and videographers tend to pay a lot of attention to their gear and what new and exciting products are on the market, but knowing if it"s time to upgrade is a different matter. This great video examines that topic and how you"ll know if it"s that time.
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Do You Love Photography?

Dear friend, Simple question: Do you love photography? I think we all start shooting photos because we love it! We love shooting photos for the sake of it. Shooting photos is like our visual plaything. We love shooting photos, because we are amazed by the photos we can shoot. We see interesting things in real […]

http://erickimphotography.com/blog/2018/11/06/do-you-love-photography/

Hip-hop's iconic images and the stories behind them in pictures

Vikki Tobak spoke to the people behind classic hip-hop portraits, from Salt-N-Pepa to Jay-Z

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https://www.theguardian.com/music/gallery/2018/nov/07/classic-hip-hop-portraits-contact-high-in-pictures

Interesting Photo of the Day: Rainy Day at the Texas State Fair

Focusing is critical when taking any image. Where you choose to focus can determine how viewers interpret the image. Take the following image by photographerTimothy Alsbrooks, for instance. Instead of focusing on the fair ride, he chose to focus on its reflection: "Texas State Fair" by

Google Pixel 3 Sample Photos

We"ve been out shooting with the Google Pixel 3 and have a few sample photos to share with you - come take a look.
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