Specially for Beginners

 This is a perfect video for beginners because it covers all the things you need to buy and that are considered essentials. It also tells you what not to buy, something very important because when you start in this hobby you may end buying stuff that you do not need at all. 

Baby on the run!

This candid photo was capture the last weekend. 

This picture captures a beautiful moment, but the humor lies in the little child confidently striding into the scene, possibly about to photobomb the couple's special moment. The photographer's casual stance suggests they're prepared for anything, but the child clearly has other plans—maybe they think they are the real star of the show!

EF 1.4x extender performance

I’ve read numerous reviews and opinions about extenders—some people love them, while others hate them. This note focuses on the Canon EF 1.4x Mark III extender, and it’s worth specifying that most of the negative opinions about extenders often refer to other brands.

The reality is that extenders require more light for autofocus to function properly. When it comes to sharpness, if you pair an extender with a high-quality lens and use a full-frame camera with good dynamic range, you likely won’t notice a significant loss in image quality.

A while back, I bought the Canon EF 1.4x Mark III to use with my Canon R7. Unfortunately, my experience with that combination was disappointing. The performance issues were so frustrating that I stashed the extender in my backpack and didn’t touch it for nearly two years.

Recently, after reading some new reviews, I decided to give the extender another chance—this time pairing it with my Canon R6 and EF 100-400mm Mark II lens. WOW! The results were incredible. Not only does this combination work exceptionally well, but it might even deliver sharper results than using the lens alone!

Here are some pictures taken this weekend in a very cloudy day using this setup.

ISO 12800 and after denoising the level of details is great.

The sharpness of this photo is just incredible.

R7 mechanical shutter failures

It appears that some users are reporting issues with the mechanical shutter failing in Canon R7 cameras.

In a post on the Canon Community forum, one user shared the following:

I joined an R7 group recently and there seems to be an ongoing issue with this model's mechanical shutter. The reports of MS (Mechanical Shutter) failures in this one group alone is unlike anything I've seen/heard before. Particularly for a cam that's only been around for 2 years.

Canon has not replied to this post yet.

Photography Seminar

 If you live close to Tampa you may want to show up to this photography seminar. 

Saturday, Jan. 25th at 6:00: Join us for a photography seminar with award-winning photographer, David Witty. Motorsports photography tricks and tips for all. No prior experience required. $10 the door
The Collection on Palmetto Speaker Series resumes on Saturday, January 25th at 6:00 with a photography seminar presented by David K. Witty, an award-winning motorsports, aviation, and marine photographer.

David will share tricks and tips to capture your best shot, just in time for the St. Petersburg Grand Prix. David has been featured in numerous publications for decades. In addition to capturing action shots, David will speak about strategies for improving your static shots inside and out, along with capturing motion, and blur, camera and lens preferences and using your phone, and shooting at Florida's tracks.

Admission is $10 at the door. This includes museum admission, seminar, and snacks. And your complimentary return admission means you can visit again (on us) and try out some of David's tips!

RSVS today to reserve seats: 727-953-8356 or laura@collectiononpalmetto.com

Getting close

Some people think that once you get a zoom lens you are ready for wildlife photography but the reality is that even with zoom lens you need to get close to your subject to get quality photos. This vide from Paul Miguel is all about this topic. 

Underwater photography at 163 feet

 According to this tweet, this is a new Guinness record. 

 New record: Deepest underwater model photoshoot - 49.80 m (163.38 ft)

Hear from photographer Steven Haining on the logistics of choreographing a shoot nearly 50 meters deep underwater.