‘No good travel photo album is complete without the token sunrise or sunset picture!’

Many travelers seem to live by this mantra – however most sunset and sunrise photographs that I see are quite disappointing.

They need not be – sunsets and sunrises are not that difficult to photograph!

Read more: http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-sunrises-and-sunsets#ixzz2Sq8fcb64

We’ll at least now part of the travelling is done for you in this amazing time-lapse video by Ingo Hahne and Jarno Müller.

Enjoy!

Nokia is reportedly developing two EOS phones. These smartphone/camera hybrids are being developed in quad-core and dual-core variants. As the name suggests, they will also carry EOS branding – far more emphasis on the camera aspect of the device much like the Samsung Galaxy Camera.

Here are some of [...]]]>

Nokia is reportedly developing two EOS phones. These smartphone/camera hybrids are being developed in quad-core and dual-core variants. As the name suggests, they will also carry EOS branding – far more emphasis on the camera aspect of the device much like the Samsung Galaxy Camera.

Here are some of the rumoured specs:

• Processor: Quad-core / Dual-core Snapdragon 800
• Xenon and LED flash unit
• AMOLED screen 768×1280
• Optical image stabilization
• Expandable microSD card slot
• Variable aperture lens
• 41 megapixel sensor
• 2K or 4K video recording

Availability is said to be in the “near future”.

Smartphone cameras have come a long way from those tiny VGA grainy images we were getting just a few years ago. With the right conditions, these tiny little cameras with their tiny little sensors are able to capture stunningly vivid and crisp images in a range of environments.

The [...]]]>

Smartphone cameras have come a long way from those tiny VGA grainy images we were getting just a few years ago. With the right conditions, these tiny little cameras with their tiny little sensors are able to capture stunningly vivid and crisp images in a range of environments.

The  popularity of Twitter and Instagram has propelled smartphone-ography to new levels where users are using their compact camera in places where a traditional camera would have normally been used.

Along with that are the accessories making it possible. Here are some of those neat devices.

Steadicam Smoothee – $149

The Steadicam Smoothee for iPhone 4 or 4S takes the same technology found on expensive Hollywood Steadicam rigs and shrinks it down to the perfect size for home and vacation use. Simply snap your iPhone 4 or 4S into the specially designed mount, grip the handle, and float your camera smoothly and effortlessly through the air. Fly up steps, through crowds, across fields, down sidewalks–wherever your legs can take you. And when you need to catch your breath and set the camera down, the quick-release mount doubles as a tabletop stand or tripod mount. So if you’ve always wanted to use the tiniest of electronics to recreate your favorite moments from Rocky, The Shining, and Goodfellas, now you finally can.

The Bikepod – $25

What do you mean you haven’t been introduced?! Bike, meet Camera. Camera, meet Bike. You’re sure to be fast friends now, thanks to the Bikepod: a tripod mount that fits around your bike’s handlebars. Turn your whole bike into a tripod! The Bikepod is adjustable and won’t scratch your handlebars. Since it’s made of metal and cork, the Bikepod can take a rough ride while it holds securely onto your camera or camera phone. Plus, it’s got a quick release that makes it easy to take with you when you’ve parked. Take a timelapse of your favorite trail or your daily commute. Have your camera at the ready — no more digging through your bag on the sidewalk. You can even use your bike as a dolly for smooth video panning! Sometimes there’s just nothing better than getting two of your previously unacquainted besties together.

Camalapse - $30

The camalapse 3 can help create panning time-lapse videos or steady panoramic images with ultra compact digital cameras and smart phones. Capture up to 360°/60min of pictures or video with the camalapse 3. Get cool b-roll footage by setting up your GoPro, Drift, Contour, smart phone or other ultra compact digital cameras on the camalapse 3 and capture up to 360 degrees of footage over an hour (camalapse 3 pans counterclockwise).

GripTight Mount - $20

Smartphones with awesome cameras come in all shapes and sizes, but most tripod mounts only work with one phone model. We designed a solution that works with your gear, not against it. GripTight works with any tripod and any phone, plus you can keep your phone in its snazzy case and pair it with your favorite phone accessories.

SlingShot Smartphone Stabilizer - $20

The SlingShot from WOXOM is the first insanely affordable, easy-to-use handheld Smartphone video stabilizer for shooting video or stills. Legs fold out of the handle to function as a tripod or desktop stand for viewing movies, Facetime, Skype, etc. The cradle fits any smart phone from the iPhone to the Galaxy Note to the Nokia Lumia. The ¼-20 thread enables the cradle to attach to any standard tripod

Life-Phorm – $40

Life-Phorm is an all-in-one positioning device for tablet computers, smartphones and cameras. It changes shape, grabs on to nearly anything and allows you to be hands free anywhere. Life-Phorm is a product which can be incorporated into all aspects of day to day activity. It changes shape (or morphs) to conform to whatever situation the user is in.

Olloclip - $70

The olloclip is a quick-connect lens solution for the iPhone that includes fisheye, wide-angle and macro lenses in one small, convenient package that easily fits in your pocket. Nestled in the palm of your hand, the olloclip connects to the iPhone within seconds so you’ll be sure to capture the image you want…if you don’t see the picture you’re looking for just flip it over to switch lenses.

iRig MIC Cast - $40

iRig MIC Cast is the ultra-compact, portable voice recording microphone designed specifically for recording podcasts, interviews, lectures, voice memos, speeches and more. iRig MIC Cast provides a pocket-sized voice recording solution with crystal-clear audio quality. It features a tight unidirectional pickup pattern that minimizes background noise, making it ideal for single-source audio recording. This makes iRig MIC Cast also great for business applications like recording meetings and enhancing the audio and voice quality of conference calls. iRig MIC Cast is proof that great things come in small packages. In addition to an incredibly flat frequency response with zero tonal coloration, the iRig MIC Cast.

mCAM for iPhone and Android - $100-140

The mCAMLITE allows you to shoot stunning photos and videos and share them with the world faster and better than ever before. The aluminum frame allows for better stability and empowers the user to shoot with confidence. Interchangeable lenses give you more shooting options and the ability to capture breathtaking images that an iPhone alone never would.

From digital-photography-school.com:

HDR is a bit of a buzz word in photography in the last while and there is much debate about it, whether it’s good or bad, appropriate or not, or even real photography or not.  Even right here on Digital Photography School, you can find articles for, and against, [...]]]>

From digital-photography-school.com:

HDR is a bit of a buzz word in photography in the last while and there is much debate about it, whether it’s good or bad, appropriate or not, or even real photography or not.  Even right here on Digital Photography School, you can find articles for, and against, doing HDR.   I’m not going to get into any of that today, I’m just going to speak to those of you that do enjoy doing it and would like some tips for doing HDR sunsets, which is one of the toughest subjects to handle with this technique.   So if you are anti HDR, just carry on, or perhaps this may sway you a little to want to try it.

Read the rest of the article >>

Most of us when we first looked at a photo’s histogram probably thought – “wow…that’s cool” – and then immediately ignored it by putting it in the “I don’t know what it means” basket. Little did we know what an important feature this was. Its important for two reasons: 1) The LCD screen [...]]]>

Most of us when we first looked at a photo’s histogram probably thought – “wow…that’s cool” – and then immediately ignored it by putting it in the “I don’t know what it means” basket. Little did we know what an important feature this was. Its important for two reasons: 1) The LCD screen is a compulsive liar and 2) your camera isn’t smart enough to work out the correct exposure in all situations (as good as it may seem to be).

This is a great (short) tutorial on how to read your histogram and get the correct exposure. It especially deals with:

• Challenging environments: bright/dark backgrounds
• How to compensate using the histogram data
• Exposure componsation VS spot metering

QUOVIO 44’s extra-large, Quick Side Access puts your full-size, professional DSLR at your fingertips in a split second with one zip, so you’ll never miss the action. Inside this sleek backpack, a roomy interior offers plenty of room for a DSLR with attached zoom lens, additional zoom and other lenses, [...]]]>

QUOVIO 44’s extra-large, Quick Side Access puts your full-size, professional DSLR at your fingertips in a split second with one zip, so you’ll never miss the action. Inside this sleek backpack, a roomy interior offers plenty of room for a DSLR with attached zoom lens, additional zoom and other lenses, flash, and other accessories. A convenient tripod holder with Quick Adjustment Straps makes bringing your tripod along quicker and simpler than ever. QUOVIO 44 easily converts from a backpack to a day pack with separate compartment by simply rearranging its customizable interior dividers. Or, use either set up as a fast-acting sling bag by simply detaching and stowing one of its two shoulder straps in the built in pouch. It’s like having three bags in one!

• Compartment for tablet device
• Accessories pouch
• Multiple ways to carry
• Water-resistant bottom
• Rain cover

Check out SLR Lounge’s comprehensive review here >>

With the wide range of tools available, HDR photography [...]]]> HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. This post processing method produces photos which seem a little surreal  or dreamlike. It gives an edge to a photo which makes a person look twice because it seems someone has turned the volume up on the image.

With the wide range of tools available, HDR photography is only a few clicks away for any budding photographer. Here is a great tutorial from stuckincustoms.com :

”

This simple HDR Tutorial is for beginners has taught thousands of people how to do this stuff.  I’m sure it can help you too.  Remember, YOU can do this!

WHO IS THIS TUTORIAL FOR?

• New photographers and those just getting started and want to make prettier pictures
• For advanced photographers ready to add new and improved HDR techniques

I am constantly evolving my techniques. HDR (High Dynamic Range) is still a young art form. I’ve been lucky enough to travel around the world and meet some of the greatest HDR Photographers. We share techniques, shoot together, post process together, and all work together to drive the art form forward. I am happy to share the latest and greatest.

”

Read the full article with some photos from Trey Ratcliff here >>

Add an extra [...]]]> Mobislyder is the world’s first portable camera slider designed from the ground up specifically for a broad range of small video-enabled devices. Stylish and compact, mobislyder adds controlled flowing movements to your production, letting you create a variety of shots in an effortless and elegantly simple way.

Add an extra dimension to your videos with this slider or dolly.

Find out more at www.mobislyder.com