There’s an almost endless list of camera lenses to choose from when it comes to DSLR and mirrorless cameras, so trying to determine what lens is the best for your photography can get a little overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, I’ve put together a list of recommended lenses for different types of photography to help you decide what’s best for you.
Professional studio lighting modifiers
Many people are familiar with standard modifiers such as softboxes or grids, but I often get a lot of questions about the specialist studio lighting equipment I use in my studio and what lights I use to create certain emotions and effects.
Parabolic reflector comparison and budget modifier hack
Parabolic reflectors are one of my favourite modifiers, but due to the price of them many photographers often try to find more economic solutions compared to some of the top brands. But how do the more budget options actually perform compared to the top brands? I did a direct comparison between two different brands of parabolic modifiers and also tried a hack to try and make a cheap parabolic softbox modifier work more effectively.
Lens filters explained
Along with a variety of lenses, spare batteries and lens cleaning cloths, most photographers will also have a selection of filters in their camera bag. But what do lens filters do? What lens filters are essential? And what is the difference between circular and linear polarisers? I answer all of these questions and also address when and why you might need filters and how they can help you get more creative with your photography.
How to use flash triggers to photograph moving objects
Capturing movement photography can be a time consuming and frustrating process, and freezing that perfect moment often requires split second timing. So how do we capture those decisive moments accurately and precisely? I’m going to share my top tips for photographing motion and explore what wireless flash triggers we can use to get the perfect timing for our shots.
Photography hack: Macro photography with extension tubes
If you truly want to enter the magnified world of macro photography, you’ve probably been told you need a dedicated macro lens. But these specialist lenses can cost a fair bit, and if macro photography is something you do just for the enjoyment, you probably don’t want to be paying hundreds of dollars for a lens you’ll only use occasionally. The good news is that there is a cheaper alternative: extension tubes.
Useful subscriptions to help photographers through lockdown
Low cost monthly subscriptions offer the perfect opportunity to learn new skills, update or create a website or organise your work, without putting too much strain on your finances. Here’s a list of useful software for photographers you may find useful during this time, including photo editing software, website hosts, marketing tools, general admin and others.
Why a lack of photography equipment shouldn’t be an excuse
I hear a lot of negativity from photographers claiming not to have enough equipment to get good results. This is particularly relevant to product photography, but it is not necessarily true. With the right knowledge, you can get top-end, professional-quality results using just one light. Yes, you might be able to get even better results with two, three, or even four lights, but what you have to understand, and what I repeatedly find myself having to explain, is that it’s not about what equipment you have, but rather how you use that equipment.
Top 10 accessories for studio photography
These are my top 10 studio photography accessories that I keep around the studio (plus a bonus one at the end), and many of them are more basic than you might expect!
Photographic backdrops and how to make your own
Photography backgrounds are a key part of any image — they can make or break your photo. Choosing the best backdrop material is crucial, but knowing which one to use can be tricky. To help you make the most of your image, I’ve outlined some key points to think about when selecting a background and included two DIY photography backgrounds that you can easily make.
Photography equipment — What professional photographer Ben Thomas has in his bag
Hasselblad master Ben Thomas joined us for a live talk show, where he also shared his go-to equipment and touched on the post production processes he uses to achieve some of his signature images. Many of our members were particularly interested in what equipment Ben uses and his post production process, so I’ve put together a quick summary of his equipment, travel tips and software choices.
Camera lens buying guide: How to choose the right lens
Lenses are an essential piece of photographic equipment, but with so many options available it can be difficult to know what it all means and how to choose the right one. Here I explain different types of lenses, how to choose the best one for you and why it’s worth considering buying second hand.
Which DSLR camera to buy: A guide to buying the right camera for you
There’s an endless range of DSLR cameras on the market at the moment so if you’re trying to decide on which is the best for you, this article will help you cut through some of the chaos and confusion to reach a decision you won’t regret. So before you head to your nearest camera store, wallet in hand, there’s a number of very important factors to consider.
How to set up a small photography studio
Shooting in a small studio can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible. There are a number of things you can do to make working in limited space easier and more effective, which is what I recently showed when I set up a small studio for a friend’s business.
Medium-format vs full-frame: Testing the Hasselblad H6D-100c and Nikon D850
I was recently asked by Hasselblad to make a series of videos, several of which were a comparison between the medium-format Hasselblad H6D-100c and the best 35mm full-frame camera on the market at the time — the Nikon D850.
Studio Photography – Finding the right studio
For many photographers there comes a point when you think about opening your own studio. It’s a daunting step forward, and one that requires careful consideration. If you’re thinking about opening your own studio, whether it be buying or renting, there are a few important things to think about…
Hasselblad H6 Test – Compared with the H5 and Sony A7Rii
Rather than rely on manufacturer statistic documentation, I decided to put my existing Hasselblad H5 and a loaned Hasselblad H6 through my own rigorous camera test. To spice things up, I also got my hands on a Sony A7R ii and threw that into the mix too! See how it performed against the more expensive Hasselblads in this technical camera comparison.