One of my favorites from last weekend

Here is one of my favorite pictures from last weekend photo shoot.

RF 200-800

Tony & Chelsea have reviewed the new Canon RF 200-800 Zoom lens. 

I think that is a good option but I prefer the RF100-500.

As a photographer you need to be prepared

As a wedding photographer, you need to be prepared for anything. Outdoor events, in particular, pose unique challenges since you have little control over the weather. If the couple decides to proceed with the ceremony despite unfavorable conditions, it’s your responsibility to adapt and carry on with your work. And this is what happened at this event. 

Courtesy of People.

I absolutely love this photo I captured a while back

 Meditating Young Woman.

Click On the Picture to enjoy the details

This image evokes a peaceful and reflective mood, thanks to the soft, golden lighting and the subject’s contemplative posture. Here are some thoughts about the image:

1. Lighting and Atmosphere: The golden-hour lighting enhances the warm, serene atmosphere of the scene, with a gentle backlight creating a pleasing glow around the subject and the surrounding environment.

2. Composition: The subject is positioned on the wooden structure with ample negative space to the right. This creates a sense of solitude and draws attention to the lush natural surroundings. The soft blur in the foreground adds depth.

3. Subject and Emotion: The person leaning on the railing appears introspective, adding a narrative element. Their casual attire complements the natural, relaxed feel of the setting.

4. Technical Considerations: The background blur (bokeh) is beautifull, isolating the subject and emphasizing the tranquil setting.The photo was taken using a Canon R7 and a Zoom Lens EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, the use of a Zoom Lens add compression which give the picture an extra touch adding more details to the background.
   

5. Foreground Elements: The blurred plants in the foreground add a layer of depth re-enforcing the 3D effect.
   

Overall, to me, this is a strong image that captures a quiet moment in nature, with excellent use of lighting and composition to convey a peaceful mood.

 

 

 

Model training

 Here is a very interesting and informative video about posing. 

R1 review by FStopper

 FStopper has published their review of the Canon R1 which you can read here. 

Their major complain, the 24 MP of this camera. And I ask, who needs more than 24 MP? And I ask them, are you planning to print billboard size banners or so? Otherwise, 24 MP is more than enough for 90 of the shooters out there. 

Compared to higher MP cameras, 24 MP images have manageable file sizes, making them easier to store, edit, and share without requiring excessive storage or powerful processing equipment. Images are easier to edit, especially on standard computers, as they don’t require the processing power and RAM needed for handling massive files from cameras with higher MP counts.

In short, a 24 MP camera strikes an excellent balance for amateur and professional photographers alike, delivering high-quality results without the trade-offs associated with either extremely high or very low resolutions.

If I have any complains about this camera is the price: $6300 before taxes. If anyone out there wants to donate one to me, for sure, I'm not going to complain about it's 24 MP.

Yes, it was taken using an iPhone

 If you work in your composition you can get pictures like this one taken with your iPhone. 

Pictures at a local zoo

 This weekend I visited a local zoo and here are some of the pictures I took there.

Florida Mountain Lion. This picture was taking through a glass, in post edition haze was eliminated and contrast increased.

Florida Fox Squirrel, Juvenile. This is an example of shooting through a chain-link fence. When you position the camera close enough to the fence, it becomes almost invisible in the image, allowing you to focus on the subject beyond.

Florida Coyote. Another example of shooting through a chain fence. The coyote eyes were edited to make them the central point of the picture.

Taking photos at a zoo can be a rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to practice wildlife photography in a controlled environment. Here are some tips to enhance your results:

1. Plan Your Visit

    Timing: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are more active and lighting is softer.
    Weather: Overcast days are ideal for even lighting without harsh shadows.
    Research: Check feeding times or special animal demonstrations for action shots.

2. Bring the Right Gear

    Lens Choice: Use a zoom lens (I used for this pictures my R6 with EF100-400L Mk2). For the wide angle shots I used an iPhone 16 Pro. 

Camera Settings:

•         Shoot in RAW: Offers flexibility in editing.
•         Shutter Speed: Use fast speeds to freeze animal movement (1/500s or faster for active animals).
•         Aperture: Use wide apertures (e.g., f/5.6) to blur backgrounds and isolate subjects.
•         ISO: Adjust to maintain proper exposure; higher ISO for dimly lit areas.

    Filters: A polarizing filter can help reduce reflections on glass.

3. Work with Composition

•     Focus on Eyes: The eyes are the most expressive and engaging part of an animal photo. I also spend some time editing the eyes in Lightroom Classic to make them stand out by brightening them.
  
•     Framing: Use natural elements like branches or rocks in the enclosure to frame your subject.
•     Perspective: Get at eye level with the animals for a more intimate perspective.

4. Overcome Challenges

    Fencing:
        Use a wide aperture and position the lens close to the fence to make it disappear in the background.
        Align the lens with gaps in the fencing.
    Glass Enclosures:
        Avoid reflections by shooting at an angle and placing the lens close to the glass.
        Clean the glass with a microfiber cloth if allowed.
    Crowds: Be patient and shoot when the crowd clears.

5. Capture Behavior and Details

    Photograph animals interacting, eating, or playing for dynamic shots.
    Focus on unique features like textures of fur, scales, or feathers.

6. Be Respectful

    Avoid using flash, as it can disturb animals.
    Respect barriers and zoo rules to ensure your safety and the well-being of the animals.

7. Post-Processing

    Edit your photos to enhance contrast, correct color, and crop out distracting elements.
    Use noise reduction tools if you had to shoot at high ISO.

About Canon Auto Focus

Forums are a tremendous source of information and, in some cases, even more helpful than YouTube for learning about photography and cameras. Maybe I’m just old school, preferring to read rather than watch tutorials. Recently, I’ve been following a thread on RF Shooters where we’ve been diving deep into discussions about Canon’s autofocus system and its various options.

Learn how to pose in few minutes

If you aspire to be a successful model, mastering posing is essential. I've spent countless hours browsing the web for inspiration and fresh ideas. Among women, it’s common to see the same leg and body positions repeated over and over. One typical pose involves resting the body weight on one leg, with the other leg (usually the front one) bent, and the foot poised on the toes.

While this pose can be effective, relying on it too often may cause your photos to lose appeal. Repetition can make photographers lose interest and stop engaging with your portfolio. Diversifying your poses keeps your work fresh and exciting, ensuring you stand out.  

Another common mistake I often notice among beginner models is standing still and waiting for the photographer to provide all the posing instructions. 

Here is a very short video that shows how to pose.

 

Notice how the model continuously changes positions. It’s the photographer’s job to capture the shot during the brief pauses between movements. Watch the video and practice some of the poses demonstrated by the model. Diversify your posing—don’t stick to the same repetitive, boring stance for every photo! For sure your online presence will become more appealing to photographers and friends. 

Practice on front of a mirror and soon you will posing like this:

 

PS. A professional Model is like a dancer. She performs a dance for the photographer. 

The Cons of being a Professional Photographer

 

Being a professional photographer has its rewards, but it also comes with several challenges. Here are some of the cons of pursuing photography as a career:

1. Unpredictable Income

• Photography work often comes in waves, with busy and slow periods.
• Freelancers, in particular, may find it difficult to maintain a consistent income.

2. High Initial and Ongoing Costs

• Professional-grade cameras, lenses, lighting, and other equipment are expensive.
• Constant need to upgrade gear or maintain equipment adds to costs.

3. Intense Competition

• The market is saturated with photographers at various skill levels, leading to fierce competition.
• Standing out requires exceptional skill, marketing, and a strong portfolio.

4. Physical Demands

• Long hours of shooting, carrying heavy equipment, and standing or crouching for extended periods can be physically taxing.
• Travel, often a requirement, can disrupt personal life and lead to fatigue.

5. Inconsistent Work-Life Balance

• Projects, especially weddings, events, or wildlife photography, may demand odd hours, weekends, or extensive travel.
• Balancing work with personal time can become challenging.

6. Client Management Stress

• Dealing with demanding or difficult clients can be stressful.
• Handling contracts, revisions, and disputes may detract from the creative aspect.

7. Creative Burnout

• Constantly needing to produce fresh and unique work can lead to exhaustion or a loss of inspiration.
• Pressure to meet client expectations while preserving personal artistic integrity can feel limiting.

8. Business Challenges

• Running a photography business involves accounting, marketing, taxes, and other administrative tasks.
• Not all photographers are naturally adept at the business side of things, which can hinder success.

9. Copyright and Usage Issues

• Ensuring that clients respect copyright agreements and don’t misuse images can be challenging.
• Protecting intellectual property often requires legal intervention, which is time-consuming and costly.

10. Lack of Benefits

• Freelance photographers do not typically have health insurance, retirement plans, or paid leave unless they arrange it themselves.
• This adds financial pressure and requires extra planning.

11. Weather and Location Dependencies

• Many types of photography rely on specific weather conditions or locations.
• Bad weather, poor lighting, or unforeseen circumstances can derail a shoot.

Despite these challenges, many professionals find the career deeply fulfilling because it allows them to pursue their passion and creative vision. If you’ve considered turning your hobby into a profession, these cons are worth evaluating alongside the rewards. Remember, Wildlife never complain about your photos.

Ready to see some good pictures

Photo contests serve as a powerful source of inspiration for photographers of all levels. By exploring contest entries, you can discover fresh perspectives, creative techniques, and unique compositions that may spark ideas for your own shoots. These contests often showcase a wide range of styles, subjects, and approaches, pushing you to think outside the box and experiment with new concepts. Additionally, analyzing the work of top entries or winners can provide valuable insights into what makes a photograph stand out, helping you refine your artistic vision and technical skills. Participating in these contests can also motivate you to set goals, step out of your comfort zone, and continually strive for improvement.

The Budapest International Foto Awards honors its winning photographers from around the world here.

Spiral At The Museum
Louis-Philippe Provost, Canada

A telephoto lens that has never existed before

 According PetaPixel, Sigma may be releasing in 2025 "a telephoto lens that has never existed before".

In an interview, Yazuto Yamaki, Sigma's CEO, said "..one of the products that excite me a lot is a telephoto lens that has never existed before...” 

Yamaki also said that this would be a lens targeting Sport and Wildlife photographers. 

Hide and Seek

Sometimes animals behave in ways that mimic human activities and even games, like this squirrel that decided to play hide-and-seek with me.

 

iPhone Landscape Photography

Let's be clear: even the latest iPhone, which claims to have the best camera system, can't replace a mirrorless camera. Just apply some common sense—iPhone lenses are only a few millimeters thick, while the lenses in mirrorless cameras are more complex, with multiple glass elements designed to achieve superior image quality. You might wonder, then, why do photos from an iPhone look so good? The answer lies in processing. iPhone pictures are not simply raw, unedited images; they undergo real-time processing that corrects many imperfections caused by the limitations of its simpler lens design, making the final result appear more polished.

I primarily shoot wildlife, which requires a zoom lens—something that's not ideal for landscape photography. One solution could be carrying an extra lens and switching them as needed, but that's far from ideal. Today, we all carry our phones everywhere, and if your phone can provide at least a 'decent' landscape photo, it could be a potential solution.

The below picture was taken using an iPhone 16 Pro, you be the judge, are these pictures good enough for you?

Is Street Photography a violation of privacy in USA?

 Here is an article published at The Michigan Daily that I found extremely interesting. While I understand the author's hesitations about street photography, I see it as a powerful way to visually document the daily lives of everyday people.

Photo taken by me at a local event, the conversation
between the two young people caught my attention. 

Tourists checking a map at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

In the United States, street photography is generally not considered a violation of privacy when conducted in public spaces, as individuals in these settings typically do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. However, there are nuances to be aware of:

Legal Perspective in the U.S.

1. Public Spaces:

   • You are allowed to photograph people in public spaces (e.g., streets, parks, sidewalks) without their consent.
   • There is no expectation of privacy in public places where people can be seen by others.

2. Private Property:

   • Photographing on private property (e.g., a shopping mall or someone's home) without permission may violate property rights or trespassing laws.
   • Certain private spaces visible from public spaces (e.g., through a window) may raise ethical or legal issues.

3. Commercial Use:

   • If you use the image for commercial purposes, such as in an advertisement, you typically need a model release from identifiable individuals in the photo.

4. Defamation and False Light:

   • Using a photo in a way that misrepresents or damages the reputation of the subject could lead to legal claims, even if the photo was taken lawfully.

5. Sensitive Situations:

   • Some states have laws against photographing people in situations where they have an expectation of privacy, such as in restrooms, locker rooms, or private homes (this is illegal regardless of whether you are in a public space).

Ethical Considerations

While legal, street photography can still raise ethical concerns. It's important to approach subjects respectfully, especially in sensitive contexts or when photographing children or vulnerable individuals.

Other Countries

The laws about Street Photography change from Country to Country. If you are traveling to other countries you should research those laws and respect them. 

Expose to the right

Exposing to the right is a technique that helps to reduce the amount of noise in your pictures. The following video explains how to expose to the right. 

Flash and Wildlife photography

This article reinforces one of the reasons I avoid using flash when photographing wildlife, even in a zoo.

One Instagrammer shared a video of a mama bear leading her cub through a wooded area near the road. In an instant, a bright camera flash went off and scared the cub up a tree. 

I've seen how dogs react when I use flash during family events—they clearly dislike it. People should exercise common sense. In this case, nothing happened beyond a baby bear being separated from its mother, but imagine if the mama bear had gone into defense mode.

You can never predict exactly how wildlife will react to flash, and this uncertainty alone should make you think twice and choose not to use it.

Please, respect nature.

New Canon DSLR for $460

 This a bundle coming from Walmart for a Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR was brought to my attention by PopSugar.com. 

About the Canon EOS Rebel T7

• It is an entry-level DSLR camera, perfect for those just getting started
• It has a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor and built-in WiFi
• It is compact enough to fit in medium-sized totes and handbags
• It has an easy-to-use menu setup with a 700-shot battery life
• It includes an 18-55mm lens for portraits and landscapes, and a wide-angle lens for more expansive shots
• The bundle comes with a memory card, tripod, storage bag, neck strap, cleaning pen, and more

Here’s my opinion: this is a beginner's camera that relies on outdated technology, which explains its low price if you consider yourself an advanced user then this will not satisfy you in any way. What makes this deal appealing to me, aside from the price, is the bundle it comes with—essentially a complete starter kit. While the quality might not be top-notch, it provides everything you need to get started. A similar deal using the latest technology from Canon will cost you around $890 (Renewed).

Ryan Daniel AKA Pale Blue Wave

The other day, I posted here about a photographer based in Portland who takes pictures of strangers. He records his encounters on video, which also showcase the photos he takes. His work has gained significant attention, even leading to a feature article about him on CNN.

 Ryan Daniel had no prior professional photography experience when he decided to buy his first camera.

But within six months of roaming the streets of Portland, Oregon — and with the help of a few online tutorials — Daniel developed a surprisingly unique photographic style: capturing free portraits of strangers.

Under the alias Pale Blue Wave, Daniel launched an Instagram account several years ago to share his work with a wider audience. The 40-year-old grew his following from roughly 100 to more than half-a-million across his social media accounts.

Motorcycle Rider

 From time to time, I photograph strangers. Last weekend, during a hike at a local park, I encountered a motorcyclist. She was riding a distinct white bike, and since it’s not often I see a woman on a motorcycle, I decided to take a picture of her. I had my EF 100-400mm L lens with me and decided to capture a portrait, focusing on her eyes even though her helmet partially obscured her face. As I looked through the viewfinder, I was astonished by her striking blue eyes staring back at me.

 

Using a R6 with EF100-400L

Using a R6 with EF100-400L

Cyber Monday Deal

 Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens, RF Mount, Wide-Angle, for Full-Frame Canon Cameras normally sold for $299. Today you can buy it for $249. 

The Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM lens is an excellent option for photographers looking for a compact, high-quality wide-angle lens. It delivers strong optical performance, ease of use, and versatility in a lightweight package, making it a valuable addition to any kit. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, this lens offers a practical and cost-effective solution for various photographic scenarios.