From last weekend, picture analysis

This is a beautiful close-up image of a flower with a strong focus on its details. Here is why I like this picture.

Picture taken using a Canon R6 w/EF100-400L Mk2.

The flower is positioned slightly off-center, adhering to the rule of thirds, which makes the composition more engaging. The surrounding blurred background effectively isolates the subject, ensuring the viewer's attention is drawn to the flower.

The lighting highlights the delicate texture of the petals and the vibrant yellow of the flower's center. The contrast between the bright flower and the darker, muted background creates a dramatic effect that makes the subject pop.

The shallow depth of field is skillfully used, blurring the background while keeping the flower in sharp focus. This technique enhances the sense of depth and draws attention to the intricate details of the flower.

The natural white and yellow tones of the flower contrast beautifully with the dark green and brown tones in the background. This contrast adds vibrancy and emphasizes the subject further.

The overall mood of the photo is serene and introspective. The dark background gives it a sense of mystery, while the flower itself symbolizes life and beauty amidst simplicity.

Are extenders good?

Yes, if you know how and when to use them. But you better watch this video from Simon d’Entremont, a wildlife photographer who has taken more than 500,000 photos using them!

Is the digital camera market recovering?

It's no secret that the digital camera market has shrunk in recent years. According to some analysts, this trend is primarily due to the rise of smartphones with better cameras and the impact of the pandemic.

However, a recent report published by PetaPixel indicates that digital camera sales in Japan increased in 2024 compared to 2023.

Canon’s sales volume in 2024 was 151.4% of its 2023 level. Fujifilm landed in second place with an 18.6% market share.

Market Recovery Indicators:

• Increased Shipments: The Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) reported that global shipments of mirrorless cameras reached approximately $17 billion in the first half of 2023, marking a 20% year-over-year increase and setting a record high for the third consecutive year.

• Growth Projections: The global digital camera market size was valued at USD 7.16 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2024 to 2030.

The shift towards smartphones with advanced camera capabilities continues to impact the digital camera market, necessitating innovation and adaptation from traditional camera manufacturers.

I believe digital cameras will always have a market, even as they compete with smartphones. The fact remains that, due to size limitations, the image quality of photos taken with smartphones cannot match that of mirrorless cameras. Over time, lenses and digital cameras will continue to become smaller and more efficient, but their superior image quality will ensure their place in the market.

More than 70,000 pictures

I joined Flickr in 2006. At the beginning this platform served me as the media used to hold pictures that I used in my blogs relative to Ultra Mobile PCs. Later on I started to use it as a backup for my photography hobby. Today I noticed that I have reached the milestone of more than 70,000 pictures in this platform!

According to Flickr Statistics, this is the most voted picture from my Profile.

Newborn Baby Photography

While I’m primarily a wildlife photographer, I also enjoy doing event photography, including public events, birthdays, and sports. For these occasions, I adopt a casual style, capturing what most would consider candid moments. My subjects aren’t posed; they’re simply going about their lives, and I’m there as a witness, preserving those authentic moments.

I love this approach because it feels natural, and I dislike asking people—especially kids—to pose. More often than not, they end up standing stiffly in what I call the "penguin pose," accompanied by a forced, "Terminator-style" smile.

However, there’s one type of photography that intimidates me: newborn baby photography. While I’ve taken pictures of my grandsons when they were little, those were more personal than professional.

To me, newborn baby photography requires an immense amount of patience and a nurturing touch that I feel is often best exemplified by women. This video beautifully illustrates what I mean.

 

To be always ready

I can’t overstate the importance of always being ready as a wildlife photographer. The BBC recently published an article that perfectly illustrates what I mean.

Just the other day, I was at a local park with a lake when an otter suddenly emerged from the bushes, sprinting toward the water. By the time I raised my camera and attempted to take a photo, it was too late. The otter had disappeared into tall grass, and the camera couldn’t lock focus. I had missed the brief moment when it ran across the shorter grass, clearly visible.

It felt like I’d lost a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph one of the most graceful animals I’ve ever encountered.

Spot were I lost view of the otter.

The Best States for Photographers

Florida is not in that list. The Sunshine State is too flat and after a while the landscape becomes repetitive, it's either beaches or wetlands. 

According to the list published by AOL, the best state for photographers is Hawaii. 

"It’s no wonder why photographs of Hawaii sell worldwide. It’s a beautiful place that absolutely sparkles in pictures. That must be why the average annual salary for a photographer in Hawaii is $91.277. The revenue potential for photographers is said to be $155,112."

Photographers' salaries in Florida vary based on experience, specialization, and location. According to Indeed, the average hourly wage for photographers in Florida is $21.14. This equates to an annual salary of approximately $44,000, assuming full-time employment. SalaryExpert reports a higher average annual salary of $60,864, with entry-level positions starting around $44,457 and senior-level roles reaching up to $74,488.

Panama City ($89,000) and Fort Lauderdale ($57,000) offer higher average pay rates for photographers compared to other Florida cities. These two cities are famous for their beaches.

Specializations can also impact earnings. For instance, the average salary for a wedding photographer in Florida is $63,028, with a typical range between $55,394 and $73,027.

It's important to note that these figures are averages and can vary based on factors such as experience, location within the state, and the specific type of photography work.

Godox is releasing 3 new flashes

According to a recent article on PetaPixel, Godox is set to release three new compact and affordable flashes.

While I haven’t tested these new flashes yet, I’ll admit I’ve fallen into the trap of buying compact flashes in the past. Although they’re better than having no flash at all, their limited features and performance often leave much to be desired. To put it politely, the results have been far from impressive.

Camera Design

 I recently came across an article on Digital Camera World that raises an excellent point about camera design.

I wholeheartedly agree. Current Canon cameras lack the classic design elements that once made the brand so iconic. Personally, if I had to choose between the design of my Canon 5D Mark III and my Canon R6 Mark I, I’d pick the 5D every single time—with just one modification: adding an articulated display.

It feels like Canon has leveraged the touchscreen capabilities of the R series displays to replace many of the buttons and design features that were integral to its older DSLRs. Is this a step forward? Maybe. But one thing is clear: it doesn’t quite replicate the professional, tactile experience of the classic DSLR design.

Please do not do this

I recently took this picture of somebody feeding gulls. 

Feeding gulls with crackers/bread is not advisable for several reasons:

Nutritional Deficiency: Bread and crackers, especially white bread, lacks essential nutrients that birds need. Feeding them bread can lead to malnutrition, as they may fill up on bread and neglect healthier, natural foods.

Health Problems:  A diet high in bread can cause health issues for birds, such as:
    -Angel wing in waterfowl, a deformity caused by malnutrition.
    -Digestive issues, as bread can ferment in their stomachs.

Dependency on Humans: Feeding birds like gulls can make them overly reliant on humans for food, disrupting their natural foraging behavior. It may also increase their aggressiveness towards humans or other birds as they compete for food.

Encouraging Aggressive Behavior: Gulls that associate humans with food may become more aggressive in seeking food, potentially leading to conflicts with people or other animals. In urban settings, this can contribute to nuisance behavior, such as scavenging or attacking food directly from people.

Environmental Impact: Feeding wildlife, including gulls, human food can disrupt local ecosystems. It may cause an increase in gull populations, which could lead to overcrowding, competition for natural food sources, and the spread of disease.

For these reasons, it's best to let gulls forage naturally and avoid feeding them crackers, bread or other inappropriate human foods.

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.

 

 

 

Yes, it was taken using an iPhone

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Pastel Color grading

 I recently shot an event where I decided to apply a pastel color grading to all pictures. 

The picture above is one of several taken during the event. You'll notice a pastel color tone, which is quite unique compared to unedited photos. This effect was achieved through careful color grading. Judging by the number of "likes" it received, it seems that people appreciated the results of this creative approach.

Wedding lineup

What would be the dream gear lineup for a wedding or event photographer? Check this video to find the answer.