You’ve heard it said that it’s difficult to take a bad photograph in Yosemite National Park—especially in Yosemite Valley. Most park visitors create essentially identical photos from established viewpoints, but landscape photographer Phil Hawkins‘ gorgeous long exposure of the valley on a misty winter’s night is unlike anything we’ve ever seen:
“Yosemite Valley At Night” by Phil Hawkins (Via The Atlantic. Click image to see full size.)
Hawkins has spent the last 29 years of his career focusing on photographing Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada. He created “Yosemite Valley At Night” in particular during February 2011.
“I noticed a slight glow in the mist hugging the valley floor and wondered how this would look in a timed exposure,” said Hawkins. “I left the shutter open for ten minutes and this image is the result.”
If you’re looking for new ways to punch up your photos a bit without having to spend a fortune, the COOPH team has some creative (and cheap) ideas for you. They’ve just released another video of inspiring photography tips. This time, photographer Leo Rosas shows us eight super cool, easy tricks to shoot the elements:
Take a handful of Holi powder (you know the stuff—the colorful powder thrown at the Hindu festival of love and at other festivals), and have your model throw it or blow it into the air just as you snap a photo.
Powder
2. Ice
What you’ll need:
Mirror
Ice
Some sort of toy doll
Take a mirror and lay it down on a flat surface—this is going to be your background. Put a waterproof camera with your toy doll standing behind it (or any object that you want to shoot, really) on top of the mirror and add ice around it all. Shoot from above the scene so you can see the reflection in the mirror.
Ice
3. Fire
What you’ll need:
Mirror
Lighter fluid
Lighter
Again, lay the mirror down on a flat surface, but this time, make sure it’s set up in a safe environment because you’re going to be adding fire. Pour lighter fluid over the mirror and light it on fire. Have your model stand at one end of the mirror and you photograph them from the other side, capturing the flames and the reflection in between.
Fire
4. Water
You could get away with not using a waterproof camera for some of the other tips, but you definitely need a good waterproof camera for this one. Find a puddle with cool scenery around it and dip the camera into the puddle to capture your model walking towards you or posing in front of it.
Water
5. Wind
All you need for this one is a merry-go-round and a tripod! Set up your tripod and model on the merry-go-round and spin away while snapping great motion shots.
Wind
6. Bubbles
To add a bit of dreaminess to your images, just have your model blow bubbles in front of the camera.
Bubbles
7. Sparks
What you’ll need:
Tripod
Steel wool
Egg whisk
Cable
Lighter
Stuff some steel wool into an egg whisk and loop the cable through the bottom of the handle. You’re going to use the cable to swing the whisk around while the steel wool is on fire, so find a safe, open place to do this.
Set your camera on a tripod, light the steel wool on fire, and shoot a long exposure while you swing the burning steel wool, unleashing sparks.
Sparks
8. Underwater Selfie
You’ll need an underwater camera and tripod for this one. Set the camera on the tripod at the bottom of a pool and set the timer. Swim away while taking great underwater shots.
Underwater
These are just a few ideas to get you inspired. Any one of them can be changed up to make the images unique. Just play around with these to come up with your own style and tell a story. If you have some other creative ideas for photographing the elements, please share them with us in the comments below.
Delivering Precise and Reliable Performance with Versatility for Any Photo or Video Professional
MELVILLE, N.Y. – Rising to meet the rigorous and evolving demands of professional photographers and videographers, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to announce the new EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR camera. With a new 20.2 megapixel 35mm Full Frame Canon CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 6+ Image Processors, the EOS-1D X Mark II professional digital camera delivers stunning image quality and speed. Combining the ability to capture high-resolution still images at speeds up to 14 frames per second as well as stunning high-definition video up-to-4K 60P featuring Canon’s proprietary Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus (AF) technology, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera becomes the ideal camera for any professional image creator.
The new flagship Canon EOS-1D X Mark II features several firsts for EOS cameras including:
Newly developed 20.2 megapixel 35mm Full Frame Canon CMOS sensor;
Continuous shooting speeds of up-to-14 frames per second (fps) with Auto Exposure (AE) and predictive AF for viewfinder shooting and up to 16 fps1 in Live View mode
Dual DIGIC 6+ Image Processors that transfer image data at extremely high speed for extended bursts during continuous shooting – up-to-170 consecutive RAW images at 14 fps. When shooting JPEG images you’re only limited by memory card capacity 2;
Capable of shooting 4K 60P and Full HD 120P video with Dual Pixel CMOS AF;
Enhanced wireless functionality (with the optional accessory Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E8) that supports the new high-speed IEEE 802.11ac standard and the ability to easily transfer photos and videos to compatible smartphones using Canon’s Camera Connect app*;
Digital Lens Optimizer to help correct aberrations in-camera (a feature that previously required post-processing on an external computer);
Improved 61-point viewfinder AF with expanded coverage and all AF-points selectable and supported to a maximum aperture of f/8;
Improved AI Servo III+ predictive AF algorithm for better accuracy;
Continuous red illumination of all AF points within the camera’s Intelligent Viewfinder II.
Compatibility with both CF and CFast memory cards for optimal performance and versatility.
Continuing a Legacy of High Speed and Performance
Building on the success of the Canon EOS-1D X professional digital camera, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera is designed to deliver high-performance, speed, and image quality, with improved comfort for professional photographers. In addition to the new 20.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 6+ Image Processors, the new EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR camera includes an improved 61-point High-Density Reticular AF II system with all AF points selectable by the user (and up to 41 cross-type points depending on the lens in use).
The improved AF system includes expanded coverage that supports AF at maximum apertures up to f/8 with all 61 points for high precision autofocus even when using EF super-telephoto lenses with an EF extender. The camera also boasts excellent dynamic range and reduced color noise compared to its predecessor throughout its standard ISO speed range of 100 – 51,200. Expansion ISO speeds of 50, 102,400, 204,800 and 409,600 are also available.
A first for the Canon EOS-1D series, this camera also features a 360,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor with enhanced precision and performance compared to its predecessor, improving facial recognition and tracking, as well as nature scenes. Additionally, the advanced AE system can detect and compensate for flickering light sources such as sodium vapor lamps that are often used in gymnasiums and swimming pools. When enabled, this anti-flicker system automatically adjusts shutter release timing to help reduce disparities in exposure and color especially during continuous burst shooting.
For filmmakers and photographers looking to do more than still photography alone with a DSLR camera and EF lenses, the EOS-1D X Mark II camera offers high resolution DCI 4K video at frame rates up-to-60p, with smooth movie recording to an in-camera CFast 2.0 memory card. An additional card slot supports standard CF memory cards up to UDMA 7. The built-in headphone jack supports real-time audio monitoring. Two additional EOS ‘firsts’ include 4K Frame Grab and 120p Full HD recording. The camera’s 4K Frame Grab function allows users to isolate a frame from recorded 4K video and create an 8.8 megapixel still JPEG image in-camera. When combined with the EOS-1D X Mark II’s high-sensitivity full-frame CMOS sensor, the new camera’s ability to record Full HD video at frame rates up to 120p will allow videographers to produce high quality slow motion video even in extremely low light. To make video shooting even more intuitive, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera’s touch-screen LCD allows videographers to select the camera’s AF point before and during video recording with Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which provides responsive, accurate and quiet camcorder-like video autofocus to DSLRs.
“The innovations within Canon’s new EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR camera clearly set a new standard for professional cameras,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “In developing the EOS-1D X Mark II camera, we looked to incorporate user-requested performance enhancements to bring professional photographers the ultimate EOS camera, a camera that has matured and been developed to meet their evolving needs.”
“Having f/8 capability on all 61 AF points is a tremendous benefit to wildlife photographers,” noted nature photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Charles Glatzer. “In order to capture tight shots of animals without disturbing them, I frequently have to use very long lenses—sometimes with an extender attached, which further diminishes the aperture. The improved AF allows me to frame the shot exactly the way I envision it, without having to compromise.”
“This camera is a huge step forward,” remarked acclaimed photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Damian Strohmeyer. “Shooting sports in a gym at 8,000 ISO, it looked as good as 800 ISO from a generation or two ago. The images are tack-sharp, and the autofocus just doesn’t miss. I’ve been amazed by what I’ve seen so far.”
“The autofocus was awesome,” agreed Peter Read Miller, sports photographer and Canon Explorer of Light. “The higher frame rate coupled with the speed of the CFast card was a definite advantage. It just never buffered out, even shooting RAW.”
The new EOS-1D X Mark II camera also offers a built-in GPS receiver with compass for precise geo-tagged information of latitude, longitude, elevation and direction. This is especially valuable to wildlife photographers and photojournalists who need to track their locations, as well as providing sports photographers the ability to sync a multiple-camera setup with extreme accuracy and precision. It is also possible to use the camera’s built-in GPS to automatically sync the camera’s time to the atomic clock, an invaluable feature to professionals. An improved grip also makes the camera easier for photographers to hold and maneuver while shooting. In response to feedback from professional EOS users, the AF points in the EOS-1D X Mark II camera’s Intelligent Viewfinder II can be illuminated in red for improved visibility, especially when shooting in dark locations. AF sensitivity in low light has been doubled from EV -2 to EV -3 at the center AF point when the camera is set to One-Shot AF, enabling the camera to autofocus in extremely dark shooting conditions such as a moonlit nightscape. Viewfinder AF coverage has also been increased for greater compositional flexibility.
As with all EOS-1D series cameras, the EOS-1D X Mark II’s rugged construction and magnesium alloy body is weather resistant. The camera also features improved controls and more in-camera image quality enhancements than ever before, including a Digital Lens Optimizer function offering high quality aberration correction which can now be achieved without an external computer. This feature makes it easier for professional photographers to deliver finished files to their clients, especially in situations when access to a personal computer is impractical or inconvenient.
The estimated retail price for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is $5999 (MSRP) for the body or $6299 for the Premium Kit which includes a 64 GB CFast memory card and card reader. The new camera is scheduled to begin shipping to authorized Canon USA dealers in April 2016. Available for pre-order at Amazon here
Need a little inspiration in the creative photography department? Want to add a little oomph to your images but can’t really afford to buy fancy equipment? The Cooperative of Photography photographer Leo Rosas has seven great ways to get creative with your camera that are easy, inexpensive, and totally effective:
The Hacks
1. Timelapse Rig Hack
Create a moving timelapse with an egg timer. You can easily mount a GoPro camera to a flat egg timer to get a steady, moving sequence of pictures.
2. Arty Filter Hack
Add some color to an otherwise dull image with a clear plastic bag and some colored markers. Just color the plastic, tear a hole in it, and fasten it over your camera lens to get an arty effect.
The colored filter hack.
3. The Vaseline Hack
Add some artistic blur to the photo with a Vaseline vignette on a lens filter. Smear the Vaseline over the filter, but keep a clear spot to focus your subject in; the rest of the image will have smooth, blurred edges.
4. Flash Diffuser Hack
You can cut a flash-sized hole in and layer a regular Tupperware container with some transparent paper and tinfoil to create a perfectly good flash diffuser.
The flash diffuser hack.
5. ND Filter Hack
Mount welding glass over your lens by fastening it to the lens hood with elastic bands. This will block the light, forcing the shutter to stay open longer, which creates blur on moving objects like water. The more light blocked, the longer your shutter will stay open.
6. String Tripod Hack
Try tying a long string to a tripod mount in order to create a “triangle” tripod that you can stand on to steady the camera to ensure sharper images.
7. Bokeh Hack
Cut out a shape (any shape) in a round piece of cardboard paper and tape it over your lens. This will make the lights in the background blur into the cardboard shape.
The shaped bokeh hack.
Creating new looks doesn’t have to mean a shopping spree at the nearest photography store. Choose one of these easy hacks and see where it takes your photos.
Have you tried any of these techniques? Share your experiences and ideas for simple camera hacks in the comments below.
Perseverance always prevails in the photography world. German photographer Thomas Zimmer waited over four hours in ice cold seaside winds to capture this stunning shot of starry skies on the west coast of the German island Sylt. The photograph is appropriately titled My God, It’s Full of Stars:
“My God, It’s Full Of Stars” captured by Thomas Zimmer on the North Sea island of Sylt in November 2010. (Via Imgur.)
But the image itself was a bit of a coincidence. Just as he was leaving—with frozen hands and an empty stomach—Zimmer took one last look back and noticed the incredible view. He knew he wanted a shot of the exquisite star trail against the beach steps, but he felt something was missing. With not a soul in sight, Zimmer resorted to using himself as his subject. Setting a self-timer, Zimmer ran to the top of the stairs and stood in place for the 30 second exposure, but he accidentally lit the stairs with his flashlight as the shutter snapped. The result is an ethereal image that pulls the viewer’s eyes to the minuscule human silhouette dwarfed by the starlit sky.
Zimmer used a Nikon D700 with a 17-35mm f/2.8 Nikor lens, 30 second shutter speed, f/2.8, ISO 6400. Contrary to popular belief, there were no fancy post processing tricks involved—just some basic color temperature and saturation adjustments, noise reduction, exposure and curves adjustments, and minimal dodging and burning to bring out the stars.
“There is no special Photoshop magic in it. It’s a photo, nothing else. Maybe a good one. The raw file looks pretty much the same. You can go out and do something similar. Maybe tonight is a good time for you to start? Go out, shoot.”
Who says flash portraits have to be complicated? This new in-depth tutorial ebook by Gina Milicia proves that flash photography can be simple and still produce amazing results. It covers everything from choosing and using gear to specific lighting setups to troubleshooting. It is currently 25% off for the launch sale which ends soon ($15 down from $20). Launch sale found here: Fast Flash for Portrait Perfection at 25% Off
The Ultimate How-to Guide for Flash Photography (Click to Learn More)
Fast Flash was designed for photographers who don’t want to get bogged down by overly technical explanations. In plain terms, it aims to help you develop your unique portrait lighting style, find and understand the gear that fits your budget, and improve the quality of your portraits no matter your current level of experience.
What’s Covered? (125 pages)
Seven golden rules to remember shooting with flash
Soft vs. hard light
Direction of light
Shutter speed, aperture, and ISO
What you need and what you don’t need in your lighting kit
Light meters and how to use them
Portable lighting options
On-camera flash tips and techniques
Some of the Pages from Fast Flash (Click to See More)
Understand all the styles of lighting—when to use them and and how to create them
How to work with light modifiers
Using fill light
Must-have lighting elements and setups for amazing head shots
Workflow—Gina reveals exactly how she lights and sets up her portrait shoots
Freezing motion
Shooting with flash in direct sun
Troubleshooting tricky lighting conditions
Common rookie flash mistakes and how to avoid them
Become an All-Around Portrait Photographer
You can have a great pose, an amazing connection with your subject, and a superb location, but without the right light, your portrait shots simply won’t pop. This ultimate how-to guide takes away the guess work with the goal of giving you the skills and confidence to create the light you need with absolutely beautiful results, even when you’re working in poor natural light or small spaces.
How to Get a Discounted Copy This Week:
Fast Flash for Portrait Perfection comes as a downloadable PDF file, which can be viewed on a number of devices – laptop and desktop computers, iPhone or Android devices, iPads, and other tablets. To celebrate the launch they are offering it at 25% off which ends soon. Normally $20, it is currently priced at $15. It also carries a 60 day guarantee, if you are not satisfied with any part of the eBook just let them know and they will give you a full refund so there is no risk in trying it.
There have been visually impaired artists in the past, but few can say they’ve been going slowly blind for two decades—and decided to start creating art in spite of it. You can meet one man facing this challenge in the short video below:
The man behind the lens here is Steven Erra, a visually impaired photographer who specializes in light painting. He learned about his degenerative eye illness, Retinitis Pigmentosa, in his final year of his university, where he was earning a bachelor’s degree in fine arts at Parsons School of Design.
Erra’s illness isn’t total blindness—he can still see a small sliver of what’s in front of him, though it’s foggy and dim. It’s enough to use a flashlight to light paint in total darkness, the results of which are hauntingly unforgettable.
One day, it’s likely that Erra will be completely blind. But until then, he’s got a mission to work on.
“The fear I have about blindness is very strong. It’s a feeling that my life will not be worthwhile if I can’t see. But as a totally blind person, I will still be able to do the light painting. So it is a comfort to know that my work is strong, even though in the future maybe I won’t be able to see it.”
