Astrophotography can be challenging. After all, you are not simply shooting something right in front of you, but an object that may be located millions of miles away and invisible to the naked eye. But you only have to look at a beautiful picture of a star trail against the night sky or even the full moon to understand why astronomers and photographers alike are drawn to astrophotography. The History of Astrophotography People have been taking pictures of the night sky since the early days of photography. In fact, John William Draper captured the first image of the moon in 1840….
The latest high-end, compact camera causing a buzz in the photography world is the Leica D-LUX Typ 109. The camera features a large sensor, traditional controls, and near-SLR quality photos. Leica has chosen not to market this camera as the D-Lux 7, instead they call it Typ 109, which is more consistent with their numbering system for the V-Lux cameras. Leica added a lot to the new model to warrant the price jump from $800 for the D-Lux 6 to $1200 for the 109. Thanks to a partnership with Panasonic, the camera shares many of the same features as Panasonic…
When Do Photographers Need a Model Release? A model release is a legal agreement between a photographer and a subject. It is designed to release the photographer from certain types of liability that may arise from use of the image, such as rights of publicity, invasion of privacy, and defamation claims. Many photographers mistakenly believe that you only need a release when photographing a professional model. However, to ensure the best legal protection, you should obtain a release any time you take a picture where a person could be recognized. Examples include a couple strolling the beach, a performer…
The most recent work of Roe Ethridge contains none of his photographs. Instead it contains a collection of photographic art and other work by new photographers from Yale University in an exhibit that Ethridge curated. Curation as art was the theme of the Whitney Biennial this year. The selection of the work of several artists and its placement within the exhibit space create an artistic effect determined by the curator. Ethridge creates his own expression by using the work of new artists in DEEP END: Yale MFA Photography Thesis Exhibition, currently featured at the FLAG Art Foundation in New York…
The search for the right tripod and ballhead is a rite of passage for photographers. Eventually you meet someone who puts his arm on your shoulder with compassion and looks at you with the experienced eyes of someone who shares your pain. With that consoling sound in their voice as if saying, “I know what you are going through,” they tell you about Really Right Stuff. Really Right Stuff is probably one of the best kept secrets in photography. It is the pro photographer’s secret ingredient that isn’t shared until you’ve reached a certain level of proficiency with your camera….
Peterson, Bryan, Understanding Exposure, Amphoto Books, Kindle Edition, 2010 REVIEW: Understanding Exposure, third edition, Amphoto Books, 2010, by Bryan Peterson The third edition of this 1990 classic by Bryan Peterson was the most important and influential photography book I’ve ever read and it is the first book that every new photographer should read. The 2010 edition of this book is actually a re-write of the original 1990 classic that adapts to the changes that have take place in technology. However, the concepts of the original 1990 classic and the clarity and simplicity in the way they are communicated remain…