"How to choose studio lighting" equipment article

Image by Garry Edwards

Photo.net Lighting Forum moderator Garry Edwards has written a great primer on how to choose your first set of professional studio lights. In addition to helping us on photo.net, Garry is an experienced advertising & commercial photographer, specialising in furniture, other still life & fashion. You can trust that his words are backed up with years of experience.

Click here for the "Choosing Studio Lighting" article

"I’ve written this article to help people who are about to make their first lighting decisions, or who want to make buying decisions that will help move their photography to the next level. In the first half of this article, I’ll discuss the three basic lighting choices you’ll want to consider. In the second half, I’ll help you determine how much power you’ll need for your lighting kit, depending on the type of photography you will be doing." -Garry

Welcome to Filmtown: Leica IIIf & Fuji Provia 100F

Image by Josh Root

The newest addition to my Welcome to Filmtown article series is on the Leica IIIf and Fuji's Provia 100F.

Filmtown: Leica IIIf & Fuji Provia 100F

If you are unfamiliar with the Filmtown series, you can read my reasons for creating it here on the index page:

http://photo.net/columns/joshroot/filmtown/

As will be regular with the Filmtown series, enter yourself in a contest to win some free film just by making a comment on the article regarding your experiences with either the Leica IIIf (or any LTM leica really) or Provia 100F. Posting an image from either is welcome as well.

And yes, there was a pretty long gap between the first Filmtown article and this one. My apologies for that. I bit off a bit more than I could chew over the holidays and new year. I've got another Filmtown article coming up quickly and we will be caught back up in no time.

Color Management Primer Part III: Color Settings

New article for all the Digital Darkroom obsessive photographers we have on photo.net. Part III of the Color Management Primer series from Jay Kinghorn, offers advice on how to configure your color settings and color management options in popular image-processing applications.


Color Management Primer: Part III for everything you wanted to know about color management.

Photo.net Canon EOS 5D Mark II Review

Bob Atkins reviews Canon's addition to the family: the hot-ticket Canon EOS 5D Mark II. This camera has been much anticipated, largely due to the success of the predecessor, the EOS 5D. The Mark II version includes the ability to shoot HD video, setting new standards for DSLRs in the future.

"The 5D MkII can record at 30 fps in 1080p HDTV mode (1920×1080) pixels, but while in video mode you can also shoot a single still image or even a burst of still images at any time (though that does pause video recording). Not only does the 5D MkII record video, but it has a built in microphone (just below the 5D logo on the front of the camera) to record mono sound and a jack for an optional external stereo microphone. There’s a small speaker on the back of the camera, which allows you to listen to the recorded audio in playback mode." -Bob Atkins

Read More: Canon 5D Mark II Review

Image by Hannah Thiem

Sports Illustrated Photographer Bill Frakes documents the Super Bowl XLIII

Introducing Bill Frakes, Sports Illustrated staff photographer and multi-skilled top-level sports photographer. He will be writing a monthly series of articles for us on all things regarding sports photography. We are honored to have him join us.

This month, Bill Frakes documents his behind-the-scenes experiences capturing the Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa Bay, FL, as a Sports Illustrated staff photographer. He shares with us some of the challenges, set up details, excitement of the day, etc, to give us a sense of what it's like to be in the seat of this high-powered sports photography dream job.

"When Big James Harrison intercepted Kurt Warner and made his epic 100 yard rumble down the sideline to score on the final play of the first half, a number of SI photographers had key vantage points and SI.com was able to post a 15-image gallery that gave our readers a terrific look at what will surely be remembered as one of the great plays in Super Bowl history." -Bill Frakes

Read More: Super Bowl 2009: Working the Sports Photographer's Angle

Nikon D3X Preview on Photo.net

Hannah Thiem takes an initial glance at the Nikon D3X, the enhanced version of the D3.

"The Nikon D3X is aimed at wedding professionals, studio photographers, and anyone in need of a high-resolution, high-ISO, dual card slot digital SLR. The biggest upgrade on the D3X is the boost in MP offering about double the resolution." -Hannah Thiem

Read More: Nikon D3X Preview

2008 Photo.net Holiday Gift Guide

It's that time of year again...time to be very very merry. Get ready to prepare your shopping lists, search for the perfect gifts, wait in long lines, etc. Eliminate some of the confusion by consulting our Holiday Gift Guide in advance.

This season, Photo.net's Editors and Moderators team up to take a look at the season's best in everything photographic: Digital SLRs, Lenses, Point & Shoot Cameras, Software, Books & Magazines, and Accessories. There's something for everyone. Dive into the guide and get advice on the best prices and the best gear for those pro and enthusiast photographers on your list.

Read the complete Photo.net Holiday Gift Guide.

Canon 50D Preview on Photo.net

Bob Atkins takes an initial glance at the Canon EOS 50D, the upgrade to the EOS 40D.

"The EOS 50D is clearly based on the the EOS 40D and shares many features, though it adds some significant new ones. Pixel count has been increased from 10MP to 15MP, which is a substantial jump. With an excellent lens and good technique, the image should have up to 20% higher resolution. Also new on the EOS 50D is a high resolution 3” LCD with 920,000 pixels vs. the 3” 230,000 pixel EOS 40D screen." -Bob Atkins

Read More: Canon 50D Preview

Top Tips for Travel Photographers by Rick Sammon

Introducing...Rick Sammon, published author of many popular books, including Face to Face—The Complete Guide to Photographing People and Idea to Image. Rick will be contributing articles to photo.net on the topics of travel photography and general photographic technique.

He starts off his debut on photo.net with an article on Top Tips for Travel Photographers, offering advice on
everything from getting a good guide to taking better people pictures to stopping wildlife action. The article is rich with colorful examples of his excellent travel photography.

Also, you can get a discount on his latest book, Face to Face by using the special code listed at the bottom of his article under the section "Special Discount."

Image by Rick Sammon

Nikon D60 Review on Photo.net

Take a look at Photo.net's review of the Nikon D60, Nikon's latest camera in their line of entry-level DSLRs.


"The Nikon D60 is a relatively fast, responsive camera. Powering up the camera takes under 0.19 seconds. There is an almost non-existent shutter lag of a split-second. Using the active d-lighting feature causes a slight delay in the write speed to the card, as there is more information to process. Overall, the D60’s reaction time is fast for an entry-level DSLR, faster than most point-and-shoot cameras and comparable to other similar entry-level digital SLR cameras."

Read the complete review: Nikon D60 Review

Image by Hannah Thiem

Fine Art Photography: Digital Workflow by Michael Ezra

Announcing the next article in the Digital Photography Workflow series on photo.net. We're very excited to be able to offer advice and complete start-to-finish articles on how many professional photographers organize and complete their digital photography workflow. Thanks to the contributors!

Digital Workflow: Fine Art Photography
by Michael Ezra

Michael Ezra, professional fine art photographer, explains his workflow. Michael provides detailed and in-depth advice on everything from tips on producing better images, to tips on retouching, to monitor calibration and printing techniques. Michael's article is full of detailed tables on digital workflow, strong example images for imaging techniques, and explains his workflow using Silkypix and Photoshop CS2.

Image by Michael Ezra

Nikon D700 Preview on photo.net

Bob Atkins takes an initial glance at the Nikon D700, the latest full frame sensor camera Nikon's just added to the family.

"The D700 offers significantly more features such as a normal 5 fps continuous shooting mode with an 8 fps option with a battery pack (the Canon 5D is 3 fps), 51 AF points (the EOS 5D has 9), Live View, a DX (APS-C) automatic
cropping mode when an APS-C format Nikon lens is mounted, a self-cleaning sensor and built-in wireless flash control." -Bob Atkins

Read More: Nikon D700 Preview

Digital Photography Workflow Series on Photo.net

Announcing a new series of Digital Photography articles on photo.net. We're very excited to be able to offer
advice and complete start-to-finish articles on how many professional photographers organize and complete their
digital photography workflow. Emre Safak and I worked very closely with a number of photographers from various backgrounds to
complete these articles relating specifically to a number of areas of professional expertise, such as wedding,
event, fine art, travel.

The first 2 articles in the Digital Photography Workflow Series have been published.

Digital Workflow: Wedding
Photography by Marc Williams

Marc Williams, professional wedding photographer, explains his workflow. Marc provides invaluable advice on how
he efficiently completes his workflow using Lightroom and Photoshop. He also includes screen shots and example
images of his workstation and camera equipment bag.

Digital Workflow: Event Photography
by Jeff Spirer


Jeff Spirer, professional event photographer, explains his workflow from start to finish. Jeff walks us through
the programs he uses (Irfanview, Photoshop and Zoombrowser) and the steps involved to finish his digital workflow
for event photography. He includes example screen shots and a glimpse into his studio.

Image by Marc Williams

Father's Day Photos: Editors' Picks

Father's Day is around the corner. Take a look at some inspiring images of fathers and children from Photo.net members and get some ideas for your own Father's Day celebration.

"Father's Day: a father's love for his children, family devotion, father-child activities, fun times in the sun with dad, the gentle strong care of father for son/daughter..." -Photo.net editors

View More: Editors' Picks: Father's Day Photos


Image by Thomas Paul

Olympus Evolt E-520 Preview

Bob Atkins takes an initial glance at Olympus' latest addition to their line of DSLR cameras, the Olympus Evolt E-520.

"The Olympus E-520 is a logical evolution of the E-510. Like the E-510, the E-520 features a 10MP "four-thirds" format sensor and stabilization built into the camera body via sensor-shift." -Bob Atkins

Read More: Olympus Evolt E-520 Preview

Sony A700 Review on Photo.net

Sony is improving their line of DSLR cameras with the addition of a number of bodies to their Alpha line, including the Sony Alpha A700. Bob Atkins, photographer and forum moderator on Photo.net, worked first-hand with the A700 to experience some of its enhanced functions and features as a step up from the Alpha A100.


"The Sony Alpha A700 is competitive in terms of price, performance and features with cameras such as the Canon EOS 40D, Pentax K20D, and the Nikon D80. The Sony system of lenses and accessories is smaller than Pentax's and much smaller than Canon's and Nikon's. The A700's main advantage over similar priced bodies from Canon and Nikon is the built-in image stabilization, though the Pentax K20D not only has body based stabilization and extensive weatherproofing, but also has a 14MP sensor, 2MP more than the Sony Alpha A700 and Nikon D300." -Bob Atkins

Read More: Sony A700 Review


Image by Hannah Thiem

Graduation Day Photos: new Editors' Picks

Graduation Day is around the corner, or perhaps it already happened for your grad. Take a look at some inspiring images of graduation day from Photo.net members and get some ideas for your own future photojournalist graduate sessions.

"Graduation Day: the proud exultation of a graduate, tossing a cap up in the air, the joy of many years of hard work now completed, huge smiles of accomplished graduates from college or high school, a sigh of relief to be over a huge hurdle in life..." -Photo.net editors

View More: Editors' Picks: Graduation Day Photos


Image by Darius Naz

Graduation Gift Guide

Wondering what to get your grad this spring? Whether your grad is just completing a degree in law, architecture, design or photography, a new camera or accessory is always a welcome gift. The Photo.net Graduation Gift Guide has advice on the best gear for the Traveler, the Outdoor Adventure Enthusiast, the Party-Goer, the Graduate from Photo School, etc.

"After graduation comes the great world adventure--perhaps it's a trip around Europe bumming from hostel to train to bus, a down under Australian adventure, an excursion to Patagonia, a scuba diving trip to the Caribbean, the graduate will need travel photo gear to capture those moments. Whether the photographs are for their memory book or journal, or to post on their blog, we have some suggestions for you." -Photo.net editors

Read More: Photo.net Graduation Gift Guide

Creative Children's Portraits: Editors' Picks

The Photo.net editors have published a Creative Children's Portraits article, highlighting some of the members' best and most unique children's portrait work.

"Unique Children's Portraits: innocent eyes wide open, candid portraits, sincere honest expressions, serious child thoughts, children focused on learning a new skill, glimpses of a child's make-believe world, happiness without boundaries..." -Photo.net editors

View More: Editors' Picks: Creative Children's Portraits


Image by Jacqueline Roberts

Easter Photos--Editors' Picks

Happy after-Easter-week! To celebrate, the photo.net editors have highlighted some of the members' best work relating to this holiday in the Editors' Picks: Easter Photos article.

"Easter: a time for family gatherings, children in Easter dresses frantically searching for brightly colored Easter eggs, artistic Easter egg decorations, spring flowers budding, baby animal cuddling, Easter bunny watching..." -Photo.net editors

View More: Editors' Picks: Easter Photos


Spring... Image by Eduard Koller