Versatility is an important virtue of a working photographer. Think Swiss Army knife; flexible enough to handle any situation. Sure, you can specialize in certain areas like nature, fashion, or weddings.  Yet, the ability to step outside of your comfort zone and shoot a variety of jobs can be a productive way to further develop your skill set. This was certainly the case on a recent job I shot in uptown Manhattan. The objective was to highlight the work of a New York based Feng Shui designer. Here's how I handled it photographically.

It's All About the Light

I used my 580EXII flash off camera on a light stand. While a sync cord could work, I find the whole process much easier as a wireless setup. To accomplish this, I used the Pocket Wizard Flex and Mini. This allowed me to move my light anywhere in the room and not have to worry if the wires would reach. In most cases, the flash was pointed straight up. I find this to provide fairly even light. Another major benefit of these particular Pocket Wizards is the ability to use TTL technology wirelessly. As such, I was able to set the flash to TTL, and simply adjust the output of light as needed. For some shots, I cut the flash output to -2 or -3, while other areas in the apartment required a bit more light.

My Gitzo Does Wood Floors

Indoors or out, a sturdy tripod is an absolute necessity if you want cactus-sharp photos. To create an atmosphere, or mood, you only want to turn on some of the light fixtures.  As such, exposure times can be around 1/15 or slower. This is way too long to hand hold even with IS or VR lenses. A monopod would not work in this instance either. 

I found an inexpensive and convenient way to carry the tripod and light stand together.  Just throw them in a camping chair bag, and you are good to go.  They even have a shoulder strap making for super easy transport.

Photo left: Notice how the wall fixture is lit while the lamp is off.  This directional lighting aided on creating an atmosphere in the photo.  Then, to add more color to the scene, I turned on the hall light which was a regular Tungsten bulb. This shows as a warm yellow color, and constrasted nicely with the cool tones of the wall paint.

Camera settings: 17mm, f8, 2.5 seconds, ISO 200, ETTL -2, tripod.  

 Sweat the Small Stuff

An electric wire here, a dust bunny there, and you have a sloppy photo. Be observant of the details and fix them before pressing the shutter. Sure, you could remove it in Photoshop, but that would require a substantial addition of retouching time. Is that something you're prepared to bill your client for? Getting it right in the camera is beneficial for everyone involved.  In the example below, the arrow points to a distracting wire.  After I noticed it, we made a very quick correction by simply hiding it behind the chair (no Photoshop necessary). 

Camera and Lens

I shot the entire job with one lens, the Canon 17-40mm.  It was mounted on a Canon 40D.  I manually exposed every photo, used autofocus, and shot in RAW.  To make sure I had sufficient depth of field, my aperture was always between f8 and f11. 

Pictured above: Having multiple sources of light with different color temperatures can be an effective way to add more depth to your interior photos.  For this image, I just flipped on the hallway light to accentuate the painting on the wall.  Camera settings: 17mm, f8, 1/4, ISO 200, Flash -1, tripod.

The next time someone asks you to  do something different from your normal gig, consider giving it a try.  You never know what the opportunity could lead to.  If you're unsure of how you'll handle it, do the necessary research and planning.  You'll end up being a better photographer for it. 

Also, check back in a few days for a piece by piece look at the gear I use for wireless off-camera flash. 

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It's the end of the line.  Any further east, and you're in the chilly Atlantic Ocean.  To prevent mariners from wrecking their boats along the rocky shore, a lighthouse painted like a candy cane illuminates the night skies. This is Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec, Maine.  Instead of having my photo taken with the engraved rock, I was chasing the last light of the day.  Here are three tips and techniques which consistently work for me.  Each one will help to improve your skies and landscape photos.  Give them a try!

Tip #1 Find an Interesting Foreground

Everyone who visits Quoddy Head takes this picture below.  It's nice, but the road in the foreground is not necessarily picturesque.  I like to keep working until I create something that's uniquely mine.

This is where "composing with your feet" comes into play.  Simply walk around the grounds without the camera to your eye.  Take your time, and observe everything carefully.  Take notice of anything that can be used in the foreground.  Rocks, shells, flowers, etc... Once you find it, it's time to set up the tripod.  (if you need help finding the right tripod for you, check my article here.)

Tip #2 Tame Those Skies!

People always ask me why their skies are washed out and appear white in their photos.  Believe it or not, the fix is actually not Photoshop, but a much more affordable solution called graduated neutral density filters.  These are by far the most useful filters a landscape photographer can have.  Depending on the strength, you can block 2, 3, or 4 stops of light from a portion of the image.  By placing the darker half of the filter over the sky, you will retain detail there while still properly exposing the foreground.  Here's the difference:

Tip #3 Keep an Eye on that Histogram

Those who watched my Puffin video know I'm a big advocate of using the histogram to prevent overexposure.  The same is true with landscapes.  Check out the histogram on the bottom left, you'll notice all the data stacked up against the right hand wall.  This indicates severe overexposure.  If you see this, you're skies will be washed out unless you make an adjustment.  After applying the 4 stop neutral density filter, look what happens to the histogram below.  By blocking 4 stops of light from reaching the sky, we have preserved detail in the highlights and created a balanced exposure.

The filters I use are made by Hitech, which I prefer since they are truly neutral, and do not affect the image with a color cast of any kind.  I opt for the "soft edge" over the "hard edge" as there is more of a gradual blend from dark to light.  This makes it easier to blend the effect without a noticeable line across the horizon.  I also like the square version so I can easily adjust where the effect falls by sliding it up or down in the filter holder.  If you just want to start with one filter, try the 2 or 3 stop, as they will likely be used more often then the 4 stop strength. 

For more landscapes that were created using these methods, check out my online gallery of scenic shots. 

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As children, most of us were taught to color by staying within the lines. When we opted for paint brushes instead of crayons, paint by numbers dictated what color to use and where. If you just followed the rules, you were almost guaranteed to create something worthy of hanging on the refrigerator. It was art minus the risk of failure.  

Today as photographers, we must be vigilant to avoid being lulled into this same mentality. In most of the popular photography books and magazines you'll read about the benefits of using the rule of thirds. We are told that by placing the subject in the upper, lower, left, or right third of the frame, our image will be more successful. Newer DSLRs even have grids to guide you in this direction. Truth be told, if used properly, this approach does have real benefits.  However, I believe there is a real danger to staying within the confines of your camera's focusing points all of the time. Every so often, we need to break the rules and play outside the lines.

In this spirit, I've developed a theory called "ten and ninety." Instead of relying on the camera's prepackaged focus points, it asks you to explore and experiment visually. Here's how it works:  Frame your subject in one of the outer ten percent areas of the viewfinder.  It could be the right, left, top, or bottom.

Since there are no auto focus points on the outer 10% of the frame, the only option is to focus manually. If you're using a tripod and have Live View, I would encourage you to try it.  With Live View, you can see your subject in the LCD screen at 10x magnification. While looking at this magnified image, you are able to manually focus with incredible precision.  Using this technique you can create tack sharp photos without relying on autofocus.  If you're handholding, Live View won't work too well, so you'll have to trust your eyes.

The overall philosophy behind "ten and ninety" is to expand the possibilities of composition and break free from the tired methods we routinely use.  Like all art, this is a matter of personal preference.  The technique could work very well with some subjects, and not be the best choice for others.  The only way to know for sure is to experiment. 

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Each of us has our own unique artistic point of view.  Yet, as photographers, we too often get bunched up together at the same location, in the same spot, taking the same picture of the same sunset.  How does this communicate one's own individuality? I believe we all need to break out of this mold, and find our own voice.  By doing so, you will have something to share that is uniquely YOU.  Like this baby duck fighting to be heard, it's up to us to shout it out.  Below, I've listed ten ways in which you can share your vision.

1) Create a blurb book 

2) Make a yearly calendar with your 12 favorite photos 

3) Blog, twitter, facebook, website.  

4) Contact your local library or coffee shop about holding a photo exhibit.

5) Make gifts from your photos.  Besides framed prints, consider practical items like mugs, mousepads, holiday cards and magnets.

6) Check out animoto.com to make some really cool slideshows set to royalty free music.

7) Get a table at a local craft fair and sell your photos, and products.  Don't forget to have business cards on hand.

8) Donate framed & matted prints to non profit organizations you are passionate about.

9) Contact local newspapers when you have new photos that depict life in your area. 

10) Pick up the 2010 Photographer's Market which has tons of contact information for magazine editors.

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Years ago, I seemed to break a tripod every six months. They were the $75-$100 aluminum models that the camera store assured me would last.  After spending about $400 on these supposed "bargains", I decided it was time to invest in a really good set of legs.  Of course this meant a great deal of research needed to be done.  These were the details I studied before selecting the right tripod for me.  

What Type Should I Look For?

There are two basic tripods to consider.  The first is the pan and tilt.  These were the ones I always broke.  In addition, I found their range of motion to be limited, and awkward.  The alternative is to buy a set of legs, and then pick up a ball head separately.  This is more expensive, but in my experience, a much wiser long term investment.  Later in the post I'll list a few great ball heads.

What Are They Made Of?

You can choose between Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, or a Carbon Fiber Aluminum mix.  Carbon Fiber is much lighter and easier to hike with.  Since they weigh less than 4.5 pounds, you'll be more likely to take it with you instead of leaving it home.  Also, Carbon Fiber doesn't get as painfully cold as Aluminum.  Anyone who shoots in cold weather climates will appreciate this comfort.    

How Tall Can It Go Without Extending The Center Column?

It can be very uncomfortable to look through your viewfinder while hunched over for long periods of time.  I recommend finding a tripod that extends to about your nose without extending the center column.  Once the ball head and camera are attached, it will be the perfect height.  While a center column will provide more height, you lose stability as it is raised from the base of the tripod. 

How Low Can It Get To The Ground? 

When you are photographing landscapes, flowers, insects, you may want to get down to the ground for a unique perspective.  To do this, you will need to check the minimum height of the tripod.  Ideally you should be able to bring it down to about five inches from the ground.  There are a few different ways to achieve this perspective.  Some tripods have an adjustable, or reversible center column.  Others have no center column at all.  Again, for stability purposes, I prefer no center column.

What Kind Of Leg Locks Are Better?

You can go for the twisting locks, or the snaps.  The snaps are faster, but they do tend to get loose and break over time.  The twists take a while to get used to, but are built to last.


How Much Weight Can It Support?

This is a very important consideration for those who use fast telephoto lenses, or anything over 300mm.  If your camera, 400mm lens, and ball head weigh five pounds each, your tripod needs to support at least fifteen pounds.  Even if you don't currently use a super telephoto, you may decide to rent or buy one in the future.  At a minimum, look for your tripod to have a "load capacity" of fifteen pounds.  If you regularly use longer glass, then I'd recommend something that can hold twenty to twenty five pounds.

How Small Can It Fold Up?

Look for a tripod with a folded length of 26.5 inches or less.  This will be small enough to check in a medium sized duffle bag for both international and domestic flights.  Tripods with four leg sections are normally a bit smaller than three section models.  However, three sections are not only much faster to set up, but they are more sturdy.    

 Before moving on to the Ball Heads, here is a summary of the key elements above;

Type: Pan and Tilt or Ballhead - Advantage Ball Head

Material: Aluminum or Carbon Fiber - Advantage Carbon Fiber

Maximum Height:  Should reach your nose without the Center Column extended

Center Column: Reversible, or No Center Column - Advantage No Center Column

Minimum Height: Ideally able to be five inches from the ground.

Legs: Twist or Snap - Advantage Twist

Load Capacity: Should support 15-25 pounds depending on lenses you use.

Folded Length: Look for 26.5 inches or less.

Leg Sections: Three or Four - Advantage Three Sections

Finding the Right Ball Head

After deciding on a solid tripod, the next step is to determine which ball head is right for you.  The beauty of a ball head is the ability point the camera in any direction quickly and securely.  You can also pan, and swivel making it a very versatile tool.  I strongly recommend staying away from the deals that offer the tripod legs and ball head together.   Some of these kits are OK, but you will get much better performance out of a quality third party ball head.  Here are a few specific models to check into;

Kirk BH-3

Weighing in at nineteen ounces, the Kirk BH-3 can support up to fifteen pounds.  This is an excellent choice for telephoto lenses up to an 80-400mm f5.6.  For heavier, faster lenses, you will need to consider a bigger model.

Arca Swiss Z1

At just under $400, this is one of the most expensive, but smoothest ball heads available. It's been reported to hold well over one hundred pounds.  This is a rock solid platform for your camera and super telephoto lens. 

Kirk BH-1

The big brother to the BH-3.  This model can support up to fifty pounds making it ideal for super telephoto lenses with fast apertures like a 500mm f4. 

As you can see, ball heads are not inexpensive, but they will abolutely make it easier to achieve an endless array of camera positions.  For those who will be flying with their tripod, take the ball head off and keep it in your carry on bag.  This will make it easier to fit the tripod into your duffle bag, and prevent the ball head from getting  jostled and possibly damaged during transport.

So, What Model Did I Choose?

For the past six years I've been using the Gitzo 1325 (now discontinued) and a Kirk BH-3 ball head.  While these products have worked very well for me, I strongly encourage you to study the information above to help find the best solution for your specific needs.  

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Pictured Above: The Herd Mentality of the Target Market

There is a fine line between the need for new gear, and succumbing to marketing hype. If the following scenario sounds familiar, don't worry, you are not alone. A new camera is released and it has 3 more 
megapixels than your current body plus a few new features you may or may not use.  You go online to your favorite photography forum and  dozens of members claim to have placed their pre-order already. They 
boast that this will be light years ahead of the model you currently  own.  The phrase "game changer" is tossed around liberally.  In scanning a few threads, the popular sentiment seems to indicate that all previous models have become  worthless overnight.  You check the well known blogs and sure enough, they have already been using the new test model for several months now. Of course they also claim it to be the hottest, fastest, smartest, feature rich camera they've ever seen.  Discouraged, you log off and watch some TV only to be disrupted by the mailman.  Your latest issue of xxx photography magazine has arrived and much to your surprise, the cover is a frame filling photo of the new two thousand dollar camera. The headline proclaims it to be the next big gun you just have to buy if you want to shoot like the pros.  You flip to the inside article but the text is identical to the press release from the camera manufacturer. It's nothing but an ad disguised as an article. You know there is nothing really wrong with your current camera, but you don't want to be left behind. Defeated, you log back online and charge the next best thing to your credit card.  You hide it from your spouse as deep down you know it really wasn't necessary. The camera is delivered and you test it out. The first thing you notice is that your memory cards fill up much faster. You make a mental note, "need bigger memory cards". When you get home and download the images you realize the files take up more space on your hard drive. Another mental note, "need new computer". Your shiny new camera sits beside you as you log back on and resume shopping. Six months later you finally finish paying off the credit card bill.  You are about to lace up your hiking boots and grab your camera, but decide to check your email first.  There in your inbox is a message from your friendly camera store. Your heart sinks as you begin to read.  Your new camera is already old news.  The next best model has just been announced and promises to be better than anything you can imagine!  You slump in your chair and start researching the new camera. Suddenly you don't feel much like hiking after all.
 
Thankfully there are some simple ways to avoid this vicious cycle. First, if your favorite blogger raves about a new camera but is also conveniently featured in advertisements from the same manufacturer, do yourself a favor and unsubscribe from their feed and newsletter right now.  They are being paid to sell you something and do not have your best interests in mind.  Next, un-bookmark those forums that are filled with rumors and speculation about the next dream camera.  Then, write to the editors of the photography magazine you subscribe to and let them know you want more information on how to take better pictures, and less advertisements disguised as articles.  Once you've eliminated these distractions, you can spend your time mastering every aspect of your camera. Upgrades should only be done when you are technically limited by your current model.  Instead of purchasing every new camera, wait for every third model. This will work out to roughly every three years. Use the savings to visit a nearby State or National park. This is where you will really get a chance to better your portfolio.  Only by spending your time and energy on photography will you truly improve.  Just as a new guitar won't turn an aspiring musician into Jimmy Page, no camera can transform you into the next Ansel Adams.  For inspiration, check out this article about Alex Majoli, an award winning photographer who achieved great results using two pocket sized point and shoot cameras to photograph conflict abroad.  Study the work made by Henri Cartier-Bresson, who primarily used one camera and lens during his long and prolific career.  Consider this quote by photographer Ernst Haas who said, "the limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are." 

The next time you come across a glowing review of the latest "must have camera", let the masses flock to it like sheep.  While they are busy testing ISO noise levels with charts and debating the merits of autofocus systems, you can get back to what's really important; taking pictures. 

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If you like Gmail's simple interface, but want to use your own professional domain to send and receive email, you are in luck.

To give your company a professional appearance, you never want to email a client from a third party account.  For example, would you think your money was secure if your bank emailed you from goofywill@aol.com? The same idea applies to your photography company.  Instead of settling for me@gmail.com, or me@yahoo.com, create an email address that stems from your domain name.  For example, if your website is mywebsite.com, your email could be me@mywebsite.com.  

Here's how to set this up in less than 10 steps!

1) In Gmail, go to "Settings" then click "Accounts and Import".    

2) Under "Send Mail As", select "Send Mail from Another Address".

3) Enter the name and email address for the new account.

4) You will see an option to send the email with Gmail's servers or through your domain's server.  Choose the second option.  If you are not sure of your SMTP Server, Username, Password, and Port, you may want to call your domain provider as they will be able to assist with this.

After filling in the required data, hit "Add Account".  You will then be required to click one final link in a confirmation email.  That's all there is to it!

Forward All Email Accounts to Your Gmail

When someone emails you at me@mywebsite.com you can have it automatically forwarded to your Gmail inbox.  This eliminates the need to check several email accounts, as it all gets consolidated into one convenient place.  To set this up, the process is similar to the above mentioned steps.  

1) Start by clicking “Settings” in Gmail, then click “Accounts and Import”.       

2) Next, click “Add POP3 email account”.

3) Then enter the email address of the account you wish to get mail from.

4) Finally, add the username, password, and POP Server information.  Again, you may need to contact your domain service for this info.  

I've been using this system for quite some time now and I can tell you it works quite well! 

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Here is a short video in which I detail the gear and techniques used to photograph the Veterans Day parade in New York.  The piece ends with my tribute to our men and women in uniform.   

By now, you've likely seen those clever Apple commercials which present a variety of situations before boasting, "There's an app for that." With over 100,000 options to choose from, their claim is remarkably accurate. As a small business owner, I'm always on the lookout for new ways to maximize my productivity with cutting edge technology.  Over the past year, these are the apps that I've relied upon heavily.  Each one is available as a free download from the App store with the exception of "My Writing Nook" which sells for $1.99.   

1) My Writing Nook

I'm writing this article while riding a train to New York City. Instead of carrying a laptop, I've opted for an iPhone app called "My Writing Nook". Besides the ability to work in landscape or portrait mode, this simple program allows users to sync content with a desktop computer. After my train arrives at the station I'll be able to access the material from any computer with Internet access. Some other convenient features include an integrated thesaurus, dictionary, and word count.  For those of you who forget to hit save, the Writing Nook has you covered. It auto-saves every two minutes so you'll never lose another masterpiece again.  You can also email your written pieces directly from the app.   

     
                                             

2) Evernote

Do you have important information scattered across a collection of yellow sticky notes and scraps of loose paper? Have you ever jotted down a great idea and ended up washing it in your jeans? I constantly find myself trying to maintain a streamlined solution for my creative, and business ideas. Yet, when inspiration strikes unexpectedly, I inevitably end up with valuable notes scribbled on a napkin or business card. I was in desperate need of a new system and did some research. I came across a website called "Evernote" and created a free account. I'm pleased to report that it has totally revolutionized the way I keep track of things. 

Here's how it works:  You can log into your account from any computer with an Internet connection.  Then, create a few different "notebooks".  I set up areas for client management, photography techniques, inspiration, and more. You can make as many notebooks as you'd like. Anytime you need to remember something, just log in, enter and save it.  When perspective clients call, my first step is to create a file about them in Evernote. This will include their contact information, details about the job, and any other information I feel is relevant. I can then access this data later using the Evernote app, or a desktop computer. This is the equivalent to having a large file cabinet with me at all times.  The content automatically syncs between the two devices.

Evernote does more than just text notes.  One of the most useful features is the ability to snap an iPhone photo and geo-tag it while in the app.  You can then add notes to the image, and view the longitude and latitude.  This is a great tool for photographers who scout locations.  For those fleeting thoughts that you have to get down in a hurry, try the voice recording option.  Simply hit record, talk into the phone, and save for later. This process also works well with Twitter.  When you hash tag a tweet with #en it will automatically be saved to your Evernote files.  You may also want to try their "Web Clipper" feature which is an add-on for Firefox (https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/8381).  This extension provides a toolbar button to easily add a selection or an entire page to Evernote.       

A free account provides users with a 40MB monthly upload allowance.  This has been more than sufficient for my needs.  However, if you find yourself approaching the monthly storage limit, an upgrade to 500MB is available for $5 a month.   

3) Google Mobile App

Think of the Google Mobile app as Grand Central Terminal for your iPhone. It's the main hub from which all of Google's products are launched from. This includes Gmail, Docs, Calendar, Tasks, RSS Reader, Maps, and the new Google Buzz.  For this reason, it's one of my most clicked on apps.  Google has also added a feature that brings a whole new meaning to "hands free". Instead of typing in your search terms, you can speak it into the phone. This convenient feature has helped me out of a jam several times, especially while driving.  It's remarkably accurate, and fun to use.  To get started, download it here: http://www.google.com/mobile/google-mobile-app/

4) Photoshop Mobile

With so many photo editing apps to choose from,  it's difficult to narrow it down to just one selection.  However, after using Photoshop Mobile to edit my iPhone pictures, I can highly recommend it.  With a well designed interface and fully adjustable tool set, it goes well beyond the basic presets common in other editing apps.  Some of the options include cropping, contrast adjustment, saturation, color correction, special effects, and borders. You can then "save as" to keep your original image intact.  Although it's not required, you can create a free account with Photoshop.com and upload your mobile photos directly to the web from the phone.  You can also keep in touch with your contacts by uploading to various social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and more.  In the example below I used the app to adjust the exposure, add contrast and saturation, a slight vignette, and a sloppy border.   For more info on the app, click here: http://mobile.photoshop.com/iphone/ 

                                                                                   After                              

5) Dropbox

Recently I read a Facebook post from a photographer friend who had a computer meltdown.  She likely lost over 6,000 of her photos.  Her wall post ended with, "I want to vomit."  Don't let this happen to you. I've been testing a user friendly cloud solution that protects your images, and allows you to sync your files between multiple computers! It's called Dropbox and they give you 2 FREE Gigs of storage space with an option to upgrade. 

Dropbox refers to their cloud storage and syncing solution as a "magic pocket".  It all starts with a folder on your desktop computer or laptop. Any file you put in the dropbox is stored safely to their cloud. You can then access the file from any online computer. Best of all, you can now access them with your iPhone using the Dropbox app. For small businesses this is an incredibly useful tool. It works with every file type imaginable including documents, photos, video, and music.

To get your free account click our referral link: https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTQzMTA2MTE5
Here is the link for the app: https://www.dropbox.com/iphoneapp

If you use an excellent photography related app that you'd like to share, I'd love to hear about it. 

Recently I read a Facebook post from a photographer friend who had a computer meltdown.  She likely lost over 6,000 of her photos.  Her wall post ended with, "I want to vomit."  Don't let this happen to you. 

I've been testing a user friendly cloud solution that protects your images, and allows you to sync your files between multiple computers! It's called Dropbox and they give you 2 FREE Gigs of storage space with an option to upgrade. I've used a lot of cloud storage solutions (like Mozy) but this is by far the easiest!  If you do sign up, please use this link as we'll both get a little extra storage space.

https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTQzMTA2MTE5

Besides having a secure backup of your files, Dropbox allows you to access your files from any computer.  They even have an iPhone app!  This basically eliminates the need for flash drives, and cd's.