Tips, tricks, advice and help with all things photography and photography related. From flash photography to landscape photography to portrait photography - you will find something useful in this blog.
The 100mm – 400mm zoom lens is one that all photographers
should own. There seems to be a common misconception the 100mm – 400mm zoom
lens is only suitable for motor sports photography and long range wildlife
photography, but this is not the case. The 100mm – 400mm zoom lens is a
versatile lens you can use for taking photos of many subjects, including motor
sports and wildlife of course.
The 100mm – 400mm lens is a great travel lens. Okay, the
100mm – 400mm zoom lens is a big, and as such reasonably heavy, lens but the
large range of focal lengths makes it an ideal “all in one lens” you can use
for travel photography and those other occasions when it is not possible or
practical to carry several smaller lenses.
The 100mm – 400mm lens is a great butterfly lens. With a
100mm – 400mm lens you can stand back from the butterfly and use the zoom to
get a frame filling shot. Standing back from the butterflies increases the
chances of getting the shot as you won’t spook the butterflies and scare them
off.
The 100mm – 400mm lens is a great dragonfly lens.
Dragonflies, like butterflies, can be timid and easily spooked. Once again, you
can use the long zoom to get in nice and tight for a frame filling shot whilst
keeping a fair distance from the subject.
The above is just a taster of what you can use the 100mm –
400mm zoom lens for, and there are others besides.
The 100mm – 400mm lens I use is the Canon 100mm – 400mm L IS
lens, and the pros and cons of this awesome lens are included in the following
clip
I am sure you would have heard, or read that using a wide
angle lens for portrait photography is not the thing to do. Wide angle lenses
are said to distort the facial features, which leads to unflattering shots,
which in turn is not going to endear you to your subjects.
Okay, I agree that you do need to be a little careful using
a wide angle lens to capture individual portrait shots, and couple portrait
shots but there are times when a wide angle lens is the only viable lens for
capturing those stunning portraits.
The situations where a wide angle lens is essential for portrait
photography is when taking group shots and portraits. Weddings, parties, events
and corporate functions are all times when portrait photographers need a wide
angle lens, as explored in the following video:
If you shoot a Canon camera and want to take group portrait shots you won't go far wrong with the Canon 16mm - 35mm f4L IS lens, and it is definitely one you should take a look at.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
If you want to get creative with your flash photography you need to take the flash off camera. Now then, many people seem to think that to take the flash off camera you need top end flash photography equipment, which obviously costs a few pennies. Well..... this isn't quite true as it is possible to take some off camera flash photos without buying the latest and greatest flash photography gear. In fact, it is possible to take off camera flash photos on a shoe string budget, as explored in the clip below:-
Flash photography video playlist that may be of interest
Unfortunately, there is no "one size fits all" camera bag and you will need a different camera bag for different situations, different cameras/lenses, different shoots etc. Over the years I have bought many bags, some of which have fallen by the wayside but most of which I still own and use today. I recently purchased a Manfrotto medium sized holster camera bag - it seemed the perfect camera bag for my street travel photography set up, and now I have taken delivery of the bag, and used it I thought I would post a quick video review on how good (or not as the case may be) the Manfrotto holster camera bag is, and how useful (if at all) it is, and here it is:-
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
If you are in a flash photography rut and want to try something different with your flash why not give off camera flash a go? Off camera flash photography is excellent and can result in some unique and stunning photos. If you still need convincing to try off camera flash photography you may want to check out the following (short) video clip, courtesy of Youtube.
Flash photography video playlist that may be of interest
The Yongnuo YN-24EX macro twin flash is Yongnuo's version of the awesome Canon MT-24EX macro flash. As soon as I got the opportunity to have a play with the MT-24EX I wanted one, but with a price tag f over a grand there was no way my budget could take that, and even if it could I could never justify such an expensive flash. When Yongnuo released their YN-24EX macro light with a price tag of just under a hundred and fifty quid I decided it was worth a punt and ordered one. Well, I have had my YN-24EX macro flash for several months now so I thought it was time to do a quick review to let potential users/buyers know what this macro light is like and if, indeed, it is worth buying. Without further ado here's my quick review:-
From the video it is clear to see that the Yongnuo YN-24EX is an excellent twin macro light and for the money, you won't get better. If you prefer a ring flash, rather than the twin macro light set up I have also reviewed the Yongnuo YN-14EX ring flash, which is another macro flash you may want to take a look at, and below is the video review that may be of interest to you:-
Once again Yongnuo have come up trumps with this macro light and if you want the best value for money the Yongnuo YN-14EX is something you definitely need to take a look at.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
In a bid to find an affordable, but good quality macro ring flash I stumbled across the Yongnuo YN-14EX. This ring flash is based on the popular (and far more expensive) Canon MR-14EX ring flash and the cheaper (but still expensive) Sigma EM-14 ring flash. The Yongnuo YN-14EX does exactly the same thing, works in exactly the same way and has the same features but it is a fraction of the cost, which means you get a lot of bang for the buck. The YN-14EX seemed too good to miss so I ordered one, and boy am I glad I did. The YN-14EX ring flash is an excellent bit of macro photography equipment and I highly recommend it. Now I have owned, and used, my Yongnuo YN-14EX ring flash for several months I thought it was time to make a quick video review for potential users/buyers, and here it is:-
It is clear to see from the video that the Yongnuo YN-14EX is an excellent ring flash and if you want the biggest bang for your buck this is the macro ring flash to get. Another type of macro flash that may be of interest to you is the Yongnuo YN-24EX macro twin light, a different type of macro light that is based on the popular (and way, way more expensive) Canon MR-24EX. I also own the Yongnuo YN-24EX and have created a short video review that may be of interest to you, as follows:-
Once again, Yongnuo have come up trumps with this macro twin light and if a twin light suits your photography style better the Yongnuo YN-24EX is definitely something you should take a look at. Photography
ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
If there's one thing a camera bag should be it's waterproof. I have invested a lot of money (more than I care to think about) on my camera and photography equipment therefore when I take it out I want to make sure there is no chance of it getting water damaged or wet in any way. The type of camera bag I use is very important, after all it is what protects my photography gear from the elements and whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at it, therefore I always make sure any bag I use is 100% water proof. Ideally, I would like to make sure that every camera bag I actually buy is 100% water proof, but I can't find any camera shops that will let me check out how waterproof a potential camera bag is without buying in the first place. Whenever I get a camera bag the first thing I do is what I like to call "the water proof test" to see if the bag is waterproof or not. I recently purchased a Lowepro AW200 camera bag and, just as I do with all camera bags I buy, I did the waterproof test, and below are the results:-
To see just how waterproof (or not as the case may be) the Lowepro 200 AW, and whether it is good enough to stop your photography kit from getting wet and water damaged check out the video. The Lowepro 200AW is an excellent camera bag, especially if you don't like wearing backpacks. It is tough, durable, well padded, water proof and will keep your expensive photography equipment safe and sound.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
So now I have had my Yongnuo YN300 LED lighting for a solution for several days I thought it was about time I made a short clip on how these LED lights work, what they are like to work with and also my opinion of them, and here it is:-
If you missed by Yongnuo YN300II LED light un-boxing footage you can check it out below:-
The above videos clearly show that when it comes to continuous LED light panels Yongnuo have hit the nail on the head and managed to create a bright and powerful light that is not only fool proof to use but also awesome value for money. If you are in the market for an LED light panel the Yongnuo YN300II LED light is definitely one you should take a look at.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
One of the most under rated digital photography accessories ever
is the battery grip. Yep, this little (or not so little as the case may be for
some models) accessory will transform the way your camera handles and,
consequently, lead to you taking better photos as a result.
It is strange how many people fail to say the battery grip
is an essential accessory, and I do wonder whether this is because these people
want to keep it a secret or whether it is they haven’t yet experienced what a
battery grip can do.
If there’s one situation a battery grip is essential it’s
when using heavy and/or lenses and taking hand held shots. Heavy and/or long
lenses can upset a camera’s balance, and make it awkward and ‘unnatural’ to
shoot. Attach a battery grip however, and the balance is restored.
If you need more evidence of just what a vital bit of
photography equipment a battery grip is check out the following clip, courtesy
of Youtube.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
After many years of faithful service
the old studio lighting system (six daylight balanced bulbs) has finally given
up ghost and decided not to stop working. With the winter coming, i.e. the
short days and long dark nights I really needed to replace the studio lighting
system quickly, and after a bit of research I decided to update from normal
photography bulbs and buy some LED light panels instead.
After a lot of reading around the internet, watching various
Youtube reviews and the like I pulled the trigger on a pair of Yongnuo YN300 II
LED Lights and now they have been delivered I thought I would create an
unboxing video, as below, just to demonstrate exactly what I got for my money. Enjoy,
and please feel free to comment on your experiences with the Yongnuo YN300 LED
lights, or indeed any other LED lights you use for your studio photography.
This video clearly shows that Yongnuo have nailed the brief with this LED lighting panel and if you need a small and lightweight, but powerful continuous LED light the Yongnuo YN300II is definitely one you should take a look at.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
If you are a budding wedding photographer or have been asked to photograph a wedding for someone you know there are four essential lenses you need to have in your lens bag. Unfortunately, there isn't a single "one lens fit does all" solution. The four essential wedding photography lenses are detailed in the following clip (don't worry, it's a short one) courtesy of Youtube.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
Isn't it ironic how the most popular lens for landscape photography is a 16mm - 35mm f2.8? I get the 16mm - 35mm focal range, I mean you need a wide angle lens to get as much of the landscape in frame as possible but I don't get the whole f2.8 thing.
Landscape photography requires maximising the depth of field, which means stopping down the lens and closing the aperture. Wide apertures of f2.8 are never used when photographing landscapes - so why do landscape photographers lust over the f2.8? Seriously...........
"Do you really need an f2.8 lens for landscape photography?" courtesy of Youtube
There are many photographers out there that only uses prime
lenses for portrait photography. The reasons for using prime lenses vary
however the most common one is that prime lenses are sharper and produce better
portraits. I have to admit that my preferred portrait photography lens is a
zoom lens, however there are times when I will revert to using a prime lens to
capture portraits.
I have to agree that the image quality of prime lenses is
slightly better than zoom lenses, however the difference between the top end
zoom lenses and prime lenses is negligible, and you will have to go pixel
peeping on the computer to see the difference. I have never had a paying client
complain about the image quality of my zoom lenses, and until I do get
complaints I will continue using a zoom lens for capturing portraits.
I should point out that I only use top end zoom lens for
portrait photography and not the cheap or mid-priced zoom lenses that are
widely available. The image quality of the cheaper zoom lenses is absolutely
terrible and the image quality of the mid-priced zoom lens is not much better.
If you want to use a zoom lens and capture good portraits you have to be
prepared to dig deep and buy a top end zoom lens.
The reason I use zoom lenses for portrait photography is
because of the versatility. With a zoom lens I can change the composition and
framing standing on the spot by simply twisting the zoom ring. A zoom lens is
not only useful when snapping portraits in tight places (i.e. those where you
can’t physically move) but also when you want a variety of portrait shots and
not have to keep interrupting the shoot (and annoying the subject) to swap
lenses. Using a zoom lens I can get in, take the shots and get out again
quickly, efficiently and without faffing around.
I use two zoom lenses for portrait photography and these
are:-
This is my go to lens for individual
portrait shots and couple shots. The 24mm – 70mm focal length covers all my
favorites and is suitable for full body shots, head and shoulder shots and
head shots. This lens is bombproof and the image quality is something else.
This lens is my workhorse, and whilst it is expensive it is worth every penny
and it has paid for itself many times over on the paid shoots for which I have
used it.
Below is a quick video clip, courtesy of Youtube, demonstrating how good the Canon 24 - 70 f2.8L lens.
This is my go to lens for taking group
shots, and the 16mm – 35mm focal length is ideal to make sure that I can get
everyone in the shot and still be able to be close enough to talk to the group,
direct the group and pose the group. Like all L series lenses this lens is
tough, durable and robust. Like all L series lenses the image quality is
awesome.
When I was thinking of
buying this lens I also considered the Canon 16mm – 35mm f2.8L lens, which is
considered Canon’s 16mm – 35mm flagship lens. After a lot of research, a lot of
reading and a few visits to the local camera shop to take some test photos with
each one I decided the Canon 16mm – 35mm f4L IS lens was the best choice.
Below is a quick video clip, courtesy of Youtube, demonstrating how good the Canon 16 - 35 f4L IS lens.
Relating
reading
Below are some links to other portrait
photography related posts, articles and tutorials you may find
interesting/useful:-
A 24mm - 70mm f2.8 lens is a lens that all photographers should have in their lens bag. This zoom lens is a versatile lens you can use for portrait photography, landscape photography, product photography and seascape photography to name just a few. The 24mm - 70mm f2.8 lens I shoot is the Canon 24mm - 70mm f2.8L lens, and I have to say it is on my camera a lot of the time. This lens is awesome, however don't take my word for it - take a look at this short Youtube clip exploring the pros and cons of this awesome lens. Overall the Canon 24mm - 70mm f2.8L lens is an awesome lens and comes highly recommended.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
The Canon 100 - 400L IS lens is an awesome lens, and whilst it isn't cheap it is an affordable super zoom lens you can use for motor sports photography, bird photography and dragonfly photography and capture high quality photos that are good enough to sell and make a bit of money with. If you shoot a Canon camera and don't have the several thousand bucks you need to buy the long reach tele-lenses this lens is a viable alternative, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed with it. Don't just take my word for it though, take a look at this short Youtube clip for a rundown on the pros and cons of the Canon 100 - 400mm L IS lens. Overall the Canon 100mm - 400mm L IS lens is an awesome lens and if you want a lens for motor sports photography, bird photography, dragonfly photography and butterfly photography this lens is one you should take a look at.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
If you are looking for 35mm prime lens for your Canon camera the 35mm f2 IS lens should be on your list. This is an affordable 35mm prime lens that is tough and durable, packed full of features (I refer to the image stabilization of course) and has awesome image quality. The Canon 35mm f2 IS prime lens really is an awesome lens and one I highly recommend, however don't just take my word for it. Take a look at this short Youtube clip for a rundown on the pros and cons of the awesome Canon 35mm f2 IS lens. Overall the Canon 35mm f2 IS lens is a great lens and if you want a 35mm prime lens that is well built and sturdy, has awesome image quality but is also affordable this is one lens you need to look at as this 35mm lens gives the biggest bang for the buck.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
The Godox Wistro AD200 or eVolv 200 TTL flash as it is also known is an excellent photography lighting solution, and a bit of a game changer. There are many positive reviews and write ups on the Godox AD200, and quite rightly so, however they only gloss over the disadvantages (i.e cons) or totally ignore them. To make an informed decision on whether the Godox AD200 is for you or not you need to be aware of the cons, and that is what is explored in this short video clip. So before you get your credit card out and buy the Godox AD200 make sure you spend a few minutes to take a look at this clip.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
Read any portrait photography tutorial
and I will bet that when discussing lenses it will say you need to use the
fastest lens, i.e. the lens with the widest maximum aperture you can find.
Shooting at wide apertures does enable you to blur the background by throwing
it out of focus however there are risks associated with shooting at very wide
apertures.
Many portrait photography articles
would have you believe you need lenses with maximum apertures of f1.2 or f1.4
to get the depth of field you need for a decent portrait but this simply isn’t
true. Lenses with an f1.2 aperture are damn expensive, and f1.4 lenses are very
expensive and to get the most out of these lenses you need to practice,
practice and then practice some more.
When shooting at apertures this wide the depth
of field could be too shallow leading to parts of the photo that should be
sharp a little soft. For example, shooting at these wide apertures often
results in soft noses, soft ears and soft hair. Stopping the lens down, and
narrowing the aperture a little will sort out all of these problems.
The depth of field using f1.8 and f2
lenses is sufficient to capture sharp portraits against a nicely blurred
background, and these apertures will ensure all facial features are sharp as
well as the hair. If you can get sufficient distance between the subject and
background you can get the same type of portraits using f4 lenses.
The learning curve with f1.8, f2 and f4
lenses isn’t any near as steep as with f1.2 and f1.4 lenses, and this is
something you need to consider when choosing a lens for portrait photography.
Focal Length – Full frame/APS-C:- 35mm/42mm/ Aperture:-2 - 22/ Min focus:-9.4"/ Dimensions:-3.07" x 2.46"/ Weight:-11.8oz/ Image stabilization:-Yes/ Price (approx.) $USD/£ GBP:-$550.00/£445.00
A mid-priced, mid-range 35mm prime lens
with image stabilisation. This lens is well built, has great image quality and
is capable of capturing photos that rival that of lenses costing several times
more.
For a quick honest and unbiased review, i.e. the pros and cons of the Canon 35mm f2 IS lens take a look at the following video clip, courtesy of Youtube.
Focal Length – Full frame/APS-C:- 35mm/56mm/
Aperture:- 2 - 22 /Min focus:- 9.8”/ Dimensions:- 2.9” X 2.3”/ Weight:- 5.4oz /
Image stabilization:- No / Price (approx.) $USD/£ GBP:- $90.00/£85.00
A budget and affordable 35mm prime
lens based around the Canon 35mm f2 lens. This lens isn’t as tough as the
Canon, and the image quality isn’t quite as good but then given the cost this lens
what can you expect? All things considered this is a great lens and gives a lot
of bang for the buck.
Focal Length – Full frame/APS-C:- 40mm/ 64mm/ Aperture:-
2.8 - 22/ Min focus:-
11.8"/ Dimensions:-
2.69" x 0.9"/ Weight:-
4.6 oz/ Image stabilization:-
No/ Price (approx.) $USD/£ GBP:-
$180.00/£145.00
A tiny (and I mean tiny) pancake lens capable of capturing some awesome photos. The 40mm focal length may seem a little strange, but give it a go and I reckon you will be a convert. A great portrait lens that is well worth considering. Below is a short clip explaining the pros and cons of the awesome Canon 40mm f2.8 STM lens.
Focal Length – Full frame/APS-C:- 50mm/ 80mm/ Aperture:-
1.8 - 22/ Min focus:-
13.8"/ Dimensions:-
2.72" x 1.55"/
Weight:- 5.6 oz/ Image stabilization:-
No/ Price (approx.) $USD/£ GBP:- $125.00/£100.00
Canon’s budget nifty fifty has been on
the “must buy” list for several years now. The build quality is a little
suspect, it is a little soft wide open (but that’s not always a bad thing) but
it is capable of capturing some great photos.
A very cheap 50mm prime lens that is
equally as good as the Canon 50mm f1.8 lens, but a fraction of the cost. This
is a very capable portrait lens and one that is definitely worth considering.
Related
reading:
Below are some links to other portrait
photography related articles, posts and tutorials you may find
useful/interesting:-
When I bought my first speed light I thought that I would
only need one type of light for portrait photography, however I was totally
wrong and I openly admit I was a little naïve. As I delved deeper in portrait
photography, and portrait photography using a flash in particular I realized I
needed a few different types of external flashes to take portraits, and these
now comprise:-
Portrait photography
lighting - Small speed light
Small speed lights are less powerful than standard speed
lights, however they are still very useful and a speed light I think is
essential. The small speed lights have all the features of the standard sized
speed lights including manual mode, TTL mode, high speed sync mode,
stroboscopic mode and first curtain sync. These little speed lights are packed
with technology.
These small speed lights typically have guide numbers of 30m
or so, so they are perfect when you only need a little burst of light to fill
in shadows.
Where these small speed lights really come in to their own
is when travelling. These speed lights are tiny and since they fit in the palm
of the hand, they take up little room. Their small size also makes them well
balanced on the camera, even smaller mirrorless and compact system/bridge
cameras.
The small speed light I use for portrait photography is the.....
GUIDE NUMBER (35MM @
ISO 100) – 36M/ FOCAL LENGTH COVERAGE – 24MM – 105MM/ RECYCLING TIME – 0.1 –
2.2 SECS/ ETTL - YES/ EV COMPENSATION ON FLASH - +/- 3EV/ SLAVE - YES/ VERTICAL
TILT – 0 – 90 DEGREES/ HORIZONTAL TILT – 0 – 90 DEGREES/ DIMENSIONS – 140MM X
62MM X 38MM/ APPROX PRICE $USD/£GBP -
$85/£70/ POWER – 2XAA BATTERIES
You may also want to take a look at the quick whistle stop tour around the Godox TT350 speed light, as below:-
Portrait photography
lighting - Standard speed light
The standard sized speed light is my general “go to” flash.
These speed lights are obviously bigger than the small speed lights, but they
are more powerful so you can do more with them. Standard sized speed lights are
nicely balanced with mid-size and large dslr cameras, however they can feel a
little top heavy on the smaller entry level dslr cameras. Standard sized speed
lights are, in my opinion, too big and heavy for mirrorless cameras and compact
system cameras however they can be used.
A standard speed light is powerful enough for most
situations, however if you want to shoot wide open in the midday sun you will
struggle and to overcome this you will have to think outside the box and get
creative or use a “high power” flash (as below).
The standard speed light I use for portrait photography is
the........
I only use a powerful external flash as a last resort, and
when a standard speed light simply isn’t powerful enough. I typically use my
powerful external flashes when I want the speed light to be the primary light
source when shooting outside in the midday sun, or when I want to freeze the
action using a fast shutter speed.
You may be wondering why not just use a powerful external
flash and adjust the flash power as necessary. There will be situations when
one of these flashes is too powerful and will over expose the photo, even when
the power is dialed right down to its lowest setting. Okay, you could try
using a wider aperture, but this is no good if you want to stop the lens down
is it? Similarly, you could try and increase the flash to subject distance but
what if you are shooting in a tight space and can’t increase the distance?
A powerful flash unit is an essential bit of kit and it is
definitely worth having one, and the one I use is the......
The Godox range of speed lights and external flashes are awesome photography lighting solutions. Godox products are well made, powerful but controllable, user friendly and also affordable. Check out the following video footage of several honest and unbiased review of Godox photography lighting equipment.
Related reading
Below you will find some links to other portrait photography
tutorials, posts and articles that may be of some use, or interest to you.
Please do take a look and feel free to comment as necessary.
