Here are two of my favorite pictures from one of my Botswana workshops.
I like the portrait of the lion; the side lighting adds a nice sense of depth and dimension to the image. Remember: light illuminates; shadows define.
Wildlife 101: Portraits are Pretty – But Action Shots are Awesome
January 7th, 2010 by Rick SammonHow To Protect Your Camera — from a Camera Repair Shop Perspective
January 5th, 2010 by Scott WydenScott Wyden works for for Mack Camera & Video Service, and has seen his share of interesting repairs. Scott lends his repair perspective in this article about camera protection.
How should I store my camera? Is an expensive bag worth the money? What if I get caught in the rain?
All of these questions are things you may ask yourself after buying a new camera or going on a shooting trip. I'm here to speak from the point of view of the repair part of the photography industry. I believe that you get what you pay for! But, purchasing a high end digital camera with weather seals does not necessarily mean that your camera will be totally safe from the environment. A small amount of rubber here and there will not keep your baby protected from the sand and water. Protecting your camera from the environment is the first step in caring for your camera properly.
AquaTech Sensory Gloves in Rocky Mountain National Park
December 31st, 2009 by Theodore StarkWinter photography presents its own set of challenges. These extend beyond the technical aspects of getting your shot. Staying warm while still having the ability to access your gear is of vital importance. By having the right gear to keep yourself warm, you can focus your attention on the photography.
When it comes to gloves used by photographers, winter challenges multiply, as bulky gloves do not allow you to perform simple tasks like removing a lens cap or using your camera's controls and buttons. Additionally, many of us now use mobile devices with touch screens. Nothing is worse than being in the field, having your phone ring, and having to remove your glove(s) to answer the call.
Enter the AquaTech Sensory Gloves.
Video Review of the Mongoose M3.5b Gimbal Tripod Head
December 30th, 2009 by Juan A. Pons
I recently had to opportunity to test and review the Mongoose M 3.5b Gimbal Tripod Head for super telephoto lenses. The first thing I have to say is that I am very impressed with this compact and lightweight gimbal head. Very lightweight and packs easily.
Craftsmanship is superb, and you can tell the folks at 4th Generation Designs really paid close attention to detail.
Check out this short video review. You can see all of the wonderful 4th Generation Designs line in the OPG Store here.
Make sure and visit the entertaining and informative site and blog by Rick Sammon and Juan Pons, the Digital Photo Experience.
Let It Snow, Let it Snow: Top Tips for Cool Snow Shots
December 29th, 2009 by Rick SammonTaking pictures in the snow is cool, literally and figuratively speaking. However, snow scenes present certain photographic challenges.
So let’s chill out with some cool shooting in the snow photo tips. To illustrate the tips, I’ll share some photographs that I took of polar bears in the Sub-Arctic. Brrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Welcome William Neill
December 26th, 2009 by Chris Klapheke
William Neill has produced stunning images of the American Landscape for over thirty years. His images are available as Limited Edition fine art photographs at a number of fine art galleries. His work has been published in books, magazines, calendars and posters. The Sierra Club has awarded William with the Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography.
You may be familiar with William through his monthly column for Outdoor Photographer magazine, On Landscape.
Now you can have William's images and essays delivered right to your computer with three new ebooks in the OPG store:
These beautiful ebooks will inspire and delight you. We are proud to offer them!
View all three ebooks here.
Happy Holidays from all of us!
December 24th, 2009 by Chris KlaphekeAll of us here at Outdoor Photo Gear would like to wish you and yours a happy and peaceful holiday season.
As a small token of our appreciation for your support this year, we asked our vendors and contributors to forward us some images you can use for desktop wallpaper. You'll enjoy these wonderful images dressing up your screen.
Just follow this link for a zip file, and enjoy. Wallpaper
Rick Sammon and the RayFlash
December 22nd, 2009 by Matt DennisonBlack Rapid Camera Straps
December 21st, 2009 by Chris KlaphekeI feel like a gunslinger. Draw, pardner! Only instead of a six-hooter, I have my spanking new Canon 7D by my hip. Up comes the camera, fast and ready to shoot.
For events, parties or photo walks, the Black Rapid camera straps give you instant access to your camera, and keep weight strain off of your neck. Black Rapid straps are worn across your body like a sling, and attach to your camera via the tripod socket.
Sound unique? It is. The Black Rapids are comfortable and adjustable, and will have you saying “why didn’t I think of that!” With the camera at your hip or behind your back, you can maneuver easily through a crowd, carry a tripod or other gear, or simply have both hands free. When you’re ready to take the shot, the camera quickly glides up the strap into shooting position.
Envision The High Dynamic Range (HDR) End Result in Your Mind’s Eye
December 21st, 2009 by Rick SammonMuch has been written about “seeing the end result.” In other words, envisioning the end-result in your mind’s eye. I’ve done some of that writing, and I’ll do a bit more here . . . because that creative process is so very important, especially when it comes to HDR imaging, which is a current favorite [...]
