The iPhone may have a tiny sensor and no business being used with high end lenses, but if you are a more money than brains iPhone owner, this is a must have accessory. You can mount your Canon or Nikon lenses to your phone and become the coolest iPhone photographer in the world. For only $250 (that doesn’t include a lens), you can now carry a giant bag of lenses around with your ultra portable iPhone.
They are in stock now so check out the Photojojo store now before you are disappointed.
Everyone loves fireworks, with the 4th of July just around the corner we thought that we would put together a list of tips for taking great photos of fireworks.
Photo by SJ photography
Location: You should try to get to your location early, so you can avoid the crowds and find the perfect spot. When selecting a location consider a vantage point that is behind and above the crowd or where you can photograph a local landmark as well as the fireworks.
Photo by amrufm
Equipment: In addition to your camera, a wide angle lens and freshly charged batteries, you should consider bringing a good tripod and a remote shutter. Consider bringing some black fabric (a shirt maybe), we will talk about this later.
Aperture: The fireworks are quite bright, so unlike most low light photograph, you are going to want to us a low aperture of between f/8 and f/16.
ISO: Set your ISO to 200.
Shutter Speed: Set your camera to bulb setting and use the remote shutter. This way you can hit the shutter just as the fireworks are launched to get the light trail and release it after the explosion has occurred. For a more dramatic image, take that black fabric and place it over the front of the lens. Hit the shutter and remove the fabric as the fireworks explode, then replace it between explosions. This will give you a interesting look with multiple fireworks in one image, but do not go overboard or you might overexpose the image.
Focus: Turn off auto-focus and set your camera to infinity. If you don’t have infinity on your camera than just manually focus on the first few burst.
Things to keep in mind:
Through out the fireworks show make sure you check your results, after all the 4th of July only comes once a year
Try taking photos of people watching the fireworks, or from a different perspective.
Try to take your photos up wind of the fireworks, so that the smoke doesn’t take away from your photos.
The first set of fireworks will have less smoke, so be ready for the first volley of fireworks.
Make sure you flash is off.
Consider using a zoom lens, once you have a general idea of where the fireworks will be going off. You can zoom in and change the way your photo is framed to give you a different look.
Just get out there and have fun with your family and your camera.
Photo by focusshoot
Here are some more tips from Pixiq has some more tips to make your photos stand out:
Using a reference point like a building or other structure will add to the magnitude of the fireworks display and add interest in the image.
Try to capture as many different frames as possible. It’s really hard to tell which ones are going to look best while your shooting.
Take a few images of the people watching the fireworks as well. The light from the fireworks themselves will create interesting light casts on the observers.
If you’re near water use the reflection of the fireworks in the image to create some truly magical pictures.
Earlier this year a video circulated around, showing off a new camera from the Consumer Electronics Show. The camera was called the WVIL camera, it turned out to be fake, but sometimes fiction is closer to reality.
This week Nikon is showing off a few concept cameras at the Hello Tomorrow exhibition in Paris, France, and one of them looks remarkably similar to the WVIL concept.
The Nikon Modular Camera appears to have a LCD screen that wirelessly connects an interchangeable lens and grip.
The Nikon Multi-Ball appears to be a 360-degree panoramic camera, perhaps something similar to the Lytro Camera that we talked about last week.
Lastly is the Nikon i-Ball, we are not really sure what these are for, but it reminds me of the GoPro HS helmet cameras that have become very popular as of late.
What do you think, are these just fun prototypes or the future of photography?
Are you planning on taking a paddle around the lake this summer? If so are you brave enough to take your camera with you? Photographer Jerry Monkman regularly takes his DSLR out with him on the water. Jerry has put together a short video with some tips on how you can keep your camera safe and out of the water, while still keeping it in reach.
Jerry recommends a Cotton Carrier or a underwater housing by Ewa-Marine, the underwater housing can be expensive, but not as expensive as replacing all your gear.
If you are not brave enough to take your DLSR out on the water, than perhaps you should consider a waterproof point and shoot camera with a camera float. These cameras are built tough and can still take award winning photos.
Will you be taking your camera out on the lake this summer?
I love the stars, there is nothing better than laying down on a grass field, far away from the city lights and just looking up at the night sky. If you are like me than you will want to try to capture the beauty of the Photo by Dan Newton stars on your camera. Ben Canales is an amazing night time photographer, he has put together a basic video guide to takeing some amazing night time photos.
Some things to keep in mind when taking photos of the stars:
Have a plan and know where you are going.
Prepare: check the weather, bring a flashlight, know your camera, check your camera, bring and use a tripod and preset your camera.
Turn off auto-focus.
Use your cameras timer to reduce camera movement.
Take photos in RAW (if available).
Crank up your ISO (2000-4000).
Open up the aperture.
The rule of 600 or 400 helps you determine the max exposure you can set your camera to, before you will see star trails.
For full frame cameras take 600 and divide it by the focal length of your lens.
For crop body cameras take 400 and divide it by the focal length of your lens.
If you have a 20mm lens, take 600/20 = 30 seconds so you can set your camera to 30 seconds, or 400/20 = 20 seconds.
Watch out for clouds.
Point your camera away from cities otherwise light pollution may show up in your photos.
