Frank Gallagher Photography: Blog https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog en-us (C) Frank Gallagher Photography (Frank Gallagher Photography) Mon, 15 Jun 2020 19:41:00 GMT Mon, 15 Jun 2020 19:41:00 GMT https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/img/s/v-12/u633582664-o721304743-50.jpg Frank Gallagher Photography: Blog https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog 80 120 Nature Photography Day in Rock Creek https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2020/6/nature-photography-day-in-rock-creek Tips for better nature photographs.Rock Creek Conservancy Celebrates Nature Photography DayLots of cool tips for better nature photography from myself and several other photographer volunteers. Very pleased to be part of this year's Nature Photography Day events in the DMV by contributing, along with several other photographer volunteers, some tips for better nature photos.  Check it out.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) apps better Conservancy Creek Day for give nature Park photo photographers photography photos Rock tips https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2020/6/nature-photography-day-in-rock-creek Tue, 16 Jun 2020 13:45:00 GMT
Featured in an Article on Next Avenue https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2020/6/featured-in-an-article-on-next-avenue Screen grab of an article on Next Avenue website.Why Many People Really Start Businesses in RetirementHonored to be featured in this article on Next Avenue. I was honored to be featured in this article on individuals who start businesses later in life.  My business grew out of my passions for the art of photography and for making our world just a bit better through volunteer and non-profit service.  Check it out. 

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) a Americans business non-profit older photography small starting volunteer work https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2020/6/featured-in-an-article-on-next-avenue Mon, 15 Jun 2020 19:28:01 GMT
Intro to Exposure Metering Modes for Beginners https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/10/intro-to-exposure-metering-modes-for-beginners

Have you ever photographed a special moment and had it come out way too bright or dark?  Maybe a snowy day looks gray in your photo. Maybe your spouse’s face is way too dark in that photo of him/her at sunset.  If so, you might need to use a different metering mode. Read more.
 

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) camera settings exposure modes photography tips tutorial https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/10/intro-to-exposure-metering-modes-for-beginners Wed, 16 Oct 2019 13:00:00 GMT
How to Price Photographic Prints | The Ultimate Guide https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/10/how-to-price-photographic-prints-the-ultimate-guide

I just had to give a client a price for an order of photographic prints.  How in the world does one come up with an amount that’s reasonable for the client and fair to the photographer?  In a previous article, I looked at setting prices for photography services. 

In this piece, we’ll look at what goes into setting a price for prints.  If you’re selling prints as part of a package, for instance you have a wedding or family portrait photography business, see that previous article.  This one is for selling fine art prints, notecards and other photo print products. Read more.

 

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) how to set prices for photo prints photography pricing photo prints setting prices for photo prints tips tutorial https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/10/how-to-price-photographic-prints-the-ultimate-guide Tue, 15 Oct 2019 13:30:00 GMT
The Ultimate Guide to Price Your Photography | From Beginner to Pro https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/10/the-ultimate-guide-to-price-your-photography-from-beginner-to-pro

How to price your photography? People like your work and want to buy your photography services. Great! How do you decide what to charge? Too much and nobody will buy. Too little and you’ll be losing money. Read more.
 

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) how to set photography prices photography photography pricing pricing setting photography prices tips tutorial https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/10/the-ultimate-guide-to-price-your-photography-from-beginner-to-pro Mon, 14 Oct 2019 21:45:00 GMT
How to Read Your Camera Histogram and Dramatically Improve Your Photos https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/5/how-to-read-your-camera-histogram-and-dramatically-improve-your-photos

Light meters in modern cameras do a wonderful job with exposure, but they will sometimes lead you astray.  You can check the playback image on your camera’s LCD screen, but that’s not entirely accurate, either. If you’ve ever thought you’d nailed a shot, only to find out later that you’d blown out, or “clipped”, the highlights or the blacks, you will appreciate a histogram.

A histogram is a graphical representation of the tones that are present in an image and is another tool to help you set your exposure.  Most of today’s cameras have a histogram feature when you review your photos and many include a histogram in Live View. Checking your histogram is one of the best and easiest ways to ensure you get the exposure you want in the field and help you avoid unpleasant surprises when you get home and start processing your photos.  Read more.

 

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) camera histogram how photography read tips to tutorial understanding use using your https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/5/how-to-read-your-camera-histogram-and-dramatically-improve-your-photos Wed, 15 May 2019 20:00:00 GMT
Top Five Things Event Photographers Must Teach Their Clients https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/4/top-five-things-event-photographers-must-teach-their-clients

If you’re shooting an upscale wedding managed by a professional wedding planner, or if you’re shooting a corporate event and working with their event planner, you probably have all your bases covered.  They are pros.  They know the drill.  This article is not about those kinds of jobs.

However, maybe you work with a lot of small organizations, often nonprofit, like I do.  They don’t have professional event planners on staff.  The contract is the easy part–what you'll do and deliver for how much money. It's all the little things that aren't in the contract that can trip you up and make the difference between a smooth, successful shoot and a really difficult one. They don’t know what they don’t know.  You’re the photographer.  You’ll deliver good photos, right? That's as far as their thinking goes.

Over the years, I’ve repeatedly encountered five types of issues that my (and your) clients really need to consider if they want their photographer to deliver what they want and need (even if they don’t know what that is quite yet).  Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) commercial photography photography photography for nonprofit clients photography opportunities with nonprofit clients photography problems with nonprofit clients https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/4/top-five-things-event-photographers-must-teach-their-clients Tue, 16 Apr 2019 18:15:00 GMT
The Best Guide To Understanding Hyperfocal Distance https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/4/the-best-guide-to-understanding-hyperfocal-distance

Imagine yourself out in the wilderness at sunset, with a wall of moss-covered rocks in the foreground, an elegantly shaped tree slightly farther away and snow-capped mountains in the distance.  How can you get all three of these elements in focus in the rapidly changing light? That’s where using hyperfocal distance can help.

Although it sounds intimidating, and involves math and physics, the concept is simple.  The hyperfocal distance is the spot where you focus your camera to ensure maximum depth of field, going all the way to infinity.  Read more.

 

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) camera camera settings depth of field hyperfocal distance photography tips tutorial https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/4/the-best-guide-to-understanding-hyperfocal-distance Tue, 16 Apr 2019 14:15:00 GMT
What is the focal length of an iPhone Camera and Why Should I Care? https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/4/what-is-the-focal-length-of-an-iphone-camera-and-why-should-i-care

In order to get the most out of your smart phone camera, whatever the brand, there are a few things you should know, one of which is the focal length of the lens you’ll be using.  Sure, you could leave everything on auto and snap happily away, but you’ll be disappointed with some of your images because you aren’t playing to the camera lens’ strengths or just might be inadvertently accentuating the camera lens’ weaknesses. 

Although this article focuses on iPhones, many Android phones, as well as Google’s Pixel phones, have similarly terrific camera systems.  These little devices can be stupendous, when used smartly.  You’ve probably seen the Apple ads about movies and billboards shot on an iPhone.  Yes, you can do that.  But only if you really know the capabilities of your device.  Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) camera focal focal length gear iPhone iPhone camera lens length" lens photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/4/what-is-the-focal-length-of-an-iphone-camera-and-why-should-i-care Mon, 15 Apr 2019 22:15:00 GMT
How to Use Focus Stacking to Obtain Tack Sharp Photos https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/4/how-to-use-focus-stacking-to-obtain-tack-sharp-photos

Here’s a dilemma that frequently confronts photographers: how do you get everything in a photo tack sharp. What if there are interesting rocks and pebbles a foot or so from your camera and dramatic mountains miles away. This situation calls for a technique called focus stacking.

That’s not the only time you’d want to use it.  Imagine using your macro lens to photograph a flower or insect and wanting the whole thing sharp.  A macro field of focus is so narrow that only a small amount of the subject is sharp. Here, too, this technique comes to the rescue.  Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) adobe photoshop depth of field focus stacking landscape photography photography postprocessing tutorial https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/4/how-to-use-focus-stacking-to-obtain-tack-sharp-photos Mon, 15 Apr 2019 18:00:00 GMT
Photographing Kids: 5 Tips for Making Commercial Clients Happy https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/4/photographing-kids-5-tips-for-making-commercial-clients-happy

Photographing children is difficult, even under the most favorable circumstances. Kids move around a lot. Their expressions aren’t predictable. And trying to coordinate the poses and expressions of several children at once? Well, that’s why aspirin and whiskey were invented.

In a studio, with their parents helping, it’s hard. Imagine, then, what it’s like working with kids in a classroom or on a playground. As a one-time sixth-grade teacher, I know it ain’t easy! So, it came as no surprise that a client shoot in a community center with a bunch of kids would be challenging.

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) commercial photography photographing children photographing for a client photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2019/4/photographing-kids-5-tips-for-making-commercial-clients-happy Mon, 15 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT
15 Tips for protecting your gear from the Weather https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/11/15-tips-for-protecting-your-gear-from-the-weather

Imagine a trip of a lifetime to Iceland.  You’re at the imposing Seljalandsfoss, a 200’ tall waterfall that you can walk behind.  The sun is low on the horizon and you have a marvelous composition.  You go to take a picture and . . . nothing.  The mist from the waterfall got into your lens, which wasn’t sealed against weather.  Nothing works.  Frustration!

You walk away from the waterfall and switch lenses. Thankfully, the camera works again.  Now you go to Diamond Beach, near Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon to photograph icebergs on the black sand beach.  The wind is blowing and surf crashing.  You put a graduated neutral density filter on to even out the exposure between sky and ocean.  The spray leaves droplets on your filter, so you grab a towel and wipe it off and take the shot.  Later, you realize your expensive Grad ND filter is scratched.  Why?  Because, well, it’s salt water and blowing volcanic sand that were on your filter and, as you wiped it dry, they scratched the glass.

Whether you’re in Iceland, Death Valley or Washington, DC, the elements are your friend and your foe.  Some of the best photos come during the worst weather.  And, if you’ve been taking pictures long enough, you’ve seen these situations where gear gets damaged by the elements.  Maybe it’s happened to you.

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) camera creative elements from gear how ideas photography protect protection the tips to weather https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/11/15-tips-for-protecting-your-gear-from-the-weather Sat, 24 Nov 2018 02:46:31 GMT
Six Questions to Ask at a Photo Exhibit https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/11/six-questions-to-ask-at-a-photo-exhibit

Everybody knows that you can learn from looking at the work of great photographers.  The question is: how?  Do you simply absorb knowledge by being in the same room with a bunch of Ansel Adams prints?  Or do you have to be more purposeful about it?

I wondered about that as I visited an exhibition with my wife recently.  It was a showing of the best images from the 2018 World Press Photo Contest, organized by the Lightscape Foundation, here in Washington, DC, but it could just as easily have been any exhibit anywhere and any type of art.  What could I learn from the artworks that would make my own photography better?  What could I do that would make me more cognizant and appreciative of the artistry in the winning pieces?  We came up with six tasks that I could set for myself as I went through the hallways.  I think they might help anyone make their visit to an art space a very productive piece of learning.

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) a Ask at composition exhibit exhibits from galleries ideas learning lighting museums photo photography Questions Six techniques tips to visiting https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/11/six-questions-to-ask-at-a-photo-exhibit Sat, 24 Nov 2018 02:41:39 GMT
Top 5 Tips for Wildlife Photography Beginners https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/11/top-5-tips-for-wildlife-photography-beginners

I had the opportunity to go on a photography workshop in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons earlier this fall and decided to challenge myself by choosing a wildlife-centric workshop.  This would be a relatively new area of photography for me.  What would I need to know to make it a great trip?  This article describes five key things that I found were crucial to getting decent wildlife shots.  Learn more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) "photography  "wildlife  photography  techniques  tips  travel  wildlife ethics" photographing wildlife photography workshops photography" https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/11/top-5-tips-for-wildlife-photography-beginners Fri, 02 Nov 2018 14:00:00 GMT
Can Photographers Make a Living from Thumbtack (and Other Platforms)? https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/11/can-photographers-make-a-living-from-thumbtack-and-other-platforms

Is your photography business part of the gig economy?  Should you be using online matching services like Thumbtack, Bark and others to land jobs?  I’ve spent the past few months trying out Thumbtack in order to find out if it was worth my while (and because I wanted to write about it).  Here’s what I’ve learned.

 

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) business  marketing  photography  review  thumbtack bark marketing https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/11/can-photographers-make-a-living-from-thumbtack-and-other-platforms Thu, 01 Nov 2018 14:00:00 GMT
Top 5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Photo Workshop https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/10/top-5-tips-for-choosing-the-perfect-photo-workshop

You’ve saved the money and saved up vacation time to take a photography workshop.  Whether it’s a day or a week in the field, you want to get your money’s worth.  You don’t want to go home unhappy and the workshop leader certainly doesn’t want to send you home dissatisfied.  What can you do to ensure you choose the right workshop and have a terrific experience?  Learn more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) nature  night  photo  photography  travel  workshop landscape photography workshops https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/10/top-5-tips-for-choosing-the-perfect-photo-workshop Wed, 31 Oct 2018 20:45:00 GMT
Why does a camera flash make noise? https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/10/why-does-a-camera-flash-make-noise

Have you ever wondered why a flash unit makes noise?  No, not the kind of noise you get from low light or long exposure star photography.  The audible kind.  The loud kind.  My speedlights make a popping sound when fired and a high-pitched whine when recharging.  Why is that?  In a digital age, when we can put cameras into a silent mode, why is it that my flash is still making noises?  Learn more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) "on-camera  flash  gear  photography  speedlight camera flash" photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/10/why-does-a-camera-flash-make-noise Wed, 31 Oct 2018 19:45:00 GMT
Can a Camera Flash Hurt Your Eyes? https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/10/can-a-camera-flash-hurt-your-eyes  

Have you ever wondered whether the flash from a speedlight or a studio strobe could damage someone’s eyes?  After all, they can be mighty bright!  On the other hand, photographers have been using flash for decades.  You’d think that if there was a problem, it would be pretty widely known by now.  Models and celebrities have been photographed thousands of times with flash and haven’t gone blind.  Heck, my optician uses a pretty darn bright flash when taking a photo of my retina.  So, what’s the story?  Read more.
 

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) "Flash  "studio  "will  gear  lighting  Speedlights damage eyes" flash flash" gear photography Photography" strobe" https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/10/can-a-camera-flash-hurt-your-eyes Wed, 31 Oct 2018 18:35:29 GMT
Five Good Reasons to Hire a Photography Guide https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/8/five-good-reasons-to-hire-a-photography-guide Acadian coast at dawn.Acadian coast at dawn.Acadian coast at dawn.

Do you really need to hire a photography guide when you travel?  After all, you know how to do the research. You use Google Earth, Flickr, 500px, Photographer’s Ephemeris, PhotoPills, and rGPS (Really Good Photo Spots—an app with a curated list of great photo locations and directions for finding them). You leave home with a plan and a shot list. Is there a compelling reason to hire a photo guide?
 

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) guides photography photography guide tips travel travel photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/8/five-good-reasons-to-hire-a-photography-guide Wed, 22 Aug 2018 12:30:00 GMT
Photo Editors on a PC: Windows Photo Gallery vs five free options https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/8/photo-editors-on-a-pc-windows-photo-gallery-vs-five-free-options

Are there free photo editing programs out there that will fill in for Lightroom and Photoshop (or On1 and CaptureOne)?  Many photographers who are just starting out, or who are doing photography as a hobby (a very expensive hobby) may not want to shell out hundreds of dollars for top-of-the-line photo editing software.  Are there alternatives?  Yes, but with qualifications.
 

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) free postprocessing lightroom alternative photography photoshop alternative postprocessing windows https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/8/photo-editors-on-a-pc-windows-photo-gallery-vs-five-free-options Tue, 21 Aug 2018 13:30:00 GMT
Photo Editors on the Mac: The built-in editor vs five free options https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/8/photo-editors-on-the-mac-the-built-in-editor-vs-five-free-options Photo editing on a Mac: screenshot.Photo editing on a Mac: screenshot.Photo editing on a Mac: screenshot.

What are the best, free alternatives to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop if you’re using a Mac?  If you’re just starting out in photography, or don’t have much money to drop on buying software, are there options that do many, or most, of the things Lightroom and Photoshop (or Capture One or On1) do?

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) free postprocessing option ios lightroom alternative mac photography photoshop alternative postprocessing https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/8/photo-editors-on-the-mac-the-built-in-editor-vs-five-free-options Tue, 21 Aug 2018 12:30:00 GMT
Dual Pixel Autofocus: What is it and what cameras have it? https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/8/dual-pixel-autofocus-what-is-it-and-what-cameras-have-it  

Canon's Dual Pixel Auto Focus, from a screenshot.Canon's Dual Pixel Auto Focus, from a screenshot.Canon's Dual Pixel Auto Focus, from a screenshot. Canon introduced phase detection dual pixel auto focus (DPAF) in 2013, with the EOS 70D camera, calling the technology “revolutionary.”  Since then, DPAF has been a feature on most new camera models released by Canon, from the $10,000 EOS C300 cinema camera, to the pro-level EOS 1DX MarkII, to Canon’s mirrorless EOS M6, to the consumer EOS Rebel T7i.  DPAF is also showing up in smart phone cameras by Samsung and others, and several of the big camera companies have filed patents for similar types of sensors.

But what is dual pixel auto focus?  Is it really revolutionary?  Does any other manufacturer offer a similar technology?

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) auto focus camera dual pixel auto focus gear photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/8/dual-pixel-autofocus-what-is-it-and-what-cameras-have-it Mon, 20 Aug 2018 20:00:00 GMT
Don’t Be That Guy: A Guide to Ethical Nature Photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/6/don-t-be-that-guy-a-guide-to-ethical-nature-photography  

Entering a Wildlife Sanctuary signEntering a Wildlife SanctuaryEntering a Wildlife Sanctuary. Follow the rules!

You don’t want to be that guy.  The one who goes off-trail, trampling vegetation.  The one who’s feeding the wild animals or trying to take a selfie with them.  The one who hops out to the edge of the canyon rim for that epic selfie.  The one who’s oblivious to the fact that he’s ruining other people’s photos with his antics or the litter he’s dropping.  That’s where some ethical guidelines and a little common sense can help. Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) ethics of photography landscape photography nature photography nature photography ethics photography photography ethics wildlife photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/6/don-t-be-that-guy-a-guide-to-ethical-nature-photography Tue, 26 Jun 2018 16:45:00 GMT
Zeroing In:  5 Tips to Find the Subject for Your Composition https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/6/zeroing-in-5-tips-to-find-the-subject-for-your-composition  

Ever come back from a beautiful location and find yourself disappointed in your photos?  The culprit might be your composition.  Beyond the “rules of composition,” these 5 tips will help you learn a process to zero in on a winning subject on which to base your composition.  

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) landscape photography landscape photography composition landscape photography subject landscape photography tips photo composition photo subject photography tips tutorial https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/6/zeroing-in-5-tips-to-find-the-subject-for-your-composition Wed, 13 Jun 2018 16:36:52 GMT
What Does the GDPR Mean for Photographers? https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/6/what-does-the-gdpr-mean-for-photographers

You have probably received a few emails from companies about their new privacy policies and compliance with GDPR (the European General Data Privacy Regulation), which went into effect on May 25, 2018.  This regulation harmonizes and strengthens personal data protections across the European Union and European Economic Area.  It also promises to provide greater transparency over how businesses and organizations use and store customer data.  Does it have any impact on photographers?  What if your photography business isn’t located in Europe?  Read on for the answers.

 

 

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) eu europe gdpr general data privacy regulation laws relating to photography photographers privacy and photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/6/what-does-the-gdpr-mean-for-photographers Fri, 08 Jun 2018 12:30:00 GMT
What is AE / AF Lock on an iPhone? (And how does that help my pictures?) https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/6/what-is-ae-/-af-lock-on-an-iphone-and-how-does-that-help-my-pictures Screenshot

The camera in your smart phone is a remarkable piece of technology, but it’s not perfect.  There are times when you must take control and tell it what to do.  One of the easiest ways to do this is by using AF/AE-Lock.  While I’ll mostly cover photography, the same points hold true for videographers, too.  And, while my examples are from iPhones, Android phone cameras also have AF/AE-L.  Read more.

 

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) af/ae-lock android camera auto exposure lock autofocus lock camera settings iphone camera photography smart phone smart phone camera tutorial https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/6/what-is-ae-/-af-lock-on-an-iphone-and-how-does-that-help-my-pictures Thu, 07 Jun 2018 12:15:00 GMT
What is AE-Lock on a Camera? https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/6/what-is-ae-lock-on-a-camera {"cameraType":"Wide","macroEnabled":false,"qualityMode":2,"deviceTilt":-0.0093744276091456413,"customExposureMode":1,"extendedExposure":false,"whiteBalanceProgram":0,"cameraPosition":1,"focusMode":1}

What the heck is AE-Lock? What does it do? Is it something I should be using and, if so, when? This article will cover the ins and outs of what you need to know about Auto Exposure Lock.  

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) ae-l auto exposure lock camera camera settings exposure photography tutorial https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/6/what-is-ae-lock-on-a-camera Wed, 06 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMT
Teaching Photography: 5 Things You Must Consider https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/6/teaching-photography-5-things-you-must-consider Teaching PhotographyTeaching Photography

So, you think you can teach photography? It's not as easy as it sounds. Let’s take a look at the opportunities, the challenges and the rewards of sharing your knowledge and love of photography through teaching.  Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) photography postprocessing teaching photography tutorial https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/6/teaching-photography-5-things-you-must-consider Tue, 05 Jun 2018 20:03:29 GMT
7 Great Photography Documentaries with a Message https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/4/7-great-photography-documentaries-with-a-message

My wife and I were recently watching a documentary about two photographers collaborating on a fascinating project.  It got me wondering about other documentaries about photographers and photography.  Which ones give you more than a biography of the artist?  Which ones raise interesting questions about life, relationships, and our purpose on this planet?  Which ones raise big ideas and challenge the viewer’s thinking?

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) documentaries about photographers documentary film films about photographers photography photography documentaries https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/4/7-great-photography-documentaries-with-a-message Thu, 05 Apr 2018 19:55:00 GMT
5 Tips to Prepare for a Photo Workshop https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/4/5-tips-to-prepare-for-a-photo-workshop

You’re looking forward to going to a workshop and coming back with lots more photography knowledge and some killer images. Doing a few, pretty simple things before you leave can dramatically increase your enjoyment during the workshop, and the amount of knowledge, skills and great photos you’ll come back with.

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) photography photography workshop photography workshop preparation workshop workshop preparation https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/4/5-tips-to-prepare-for-a-photo-workshop Thu, 05 Apr 2018 19:50:00 GMT
What Photographers Need to Know About Insurance https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/4/what-photographers-need-to-know-about-insurance

There are many reasons to have some kind of photography insurance and just about as manyinsurance products. Some policies are specifically targeted at photographers and some are more general purpose. Which is right for you?

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) gear insurance insurance for photographers photography photography business photography insurance https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/4/what-photographers-need-to-know-about-insurance Thu, 05 Apr 2018 19:45:00 GMT
Four Ways Negative Space Can Improve Your Photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/2/four-ways-negative-space-can-improve-your-photography Fog on Lake MacDonaldA foggy morning on Lake MacDonald provides a moody negative space around the boat.

Space is one of the primary design elements in art (along with line, color, form, shape, texture and value).  The thoughtful use of negative space can add another dimension to your photography.  In this article, we’ll explore negative space, what it means and how we can best use it.

Positive & Negative Space

If there’s a negative space, then there must be a positive space, too, right?  Understanding the positive helps us understand the negative.  Positive space is most often the subject of your photo:  the eagle in flight, the mountain, the flower, the person.  Positive space is the extrovert, pushing forward, trying to grab your attention and saying “Look at me!  Look at me!”  It is what draws your eye, the star of the show.

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) adobe photoshop composition landscape photography negative space photography tutorial https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/2/four-ways-negative-space-can-improve-your-photography Thu, 22 Feb 2018 23:52:25 GMT
How to Get Started in Conservation Photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/2/how-to-get-started-in-conservation-photography

As photographers, we have a special appreciation for the landscapes, buildings and animals, as well as the people and cultures we encounter as we travel the world.  For many of us, those are our subjects and may even provide our livelihood.  Unfortunately, many species, places, cultures and buildings are under threat from development, neglect, disease, pollution and other perils.  Here’s an area where we, as photographers, can make a difference.  As a storytelling medium, photography (and videography) can educate, document, raise awareness and spur people to take action.

Read more at:  https://improvephotography.com/51915/get-started-conservation-photography/

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) conservation conservation photography landscape photography photography preservation https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/2/how-to-get-started-in-conservation-photography Tue, 06 Feb 2018 21:30:00 GMT
10 Stores to Buy Cameras from, and Which Is Best https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/2/10-stores-to-buy-cameras-from-and-which-is-best

So, you’ve been scrimping and saving for that new camera/lens/tripod/must-have-gear and now the money is burning a hole in your pocket.  Who gets your hard-earned money?  What are the best stores for buying cameras and why?

This article looks at ten of the most well-known camera retailers in the US, what sets each apart, and which are my favorites.  Like any list, the results will be idiosyncratic.  Your preferences and needs may leave you with a different favorite.  While my examples  are mostly DSLRs, for you Panasonic and Olympus fans, the same information holds for your smaller mirrorless and micro 4/3rd cameras.  Whatever your needs, you ought to be able to choose a dealer from this list that will serve you well.  And, if you’re one of our international readers, some of these companies ship outside the US.  I hope the information I provide can help you evaluate your own national or regional camera retailers to choose what’s best for you.

Read more at:  https://improvephotography.com/51736/10-best-stores-to-buy-cameras/

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) camera store gear photography review https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/2/10-stores-to-buy-cameras-from-and-which-is-best Tue, 06 Feb 2018 21:15:00 GMT
Top 10 Tips for Photographing Intimate Landscapes https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/2/top-10-tips-for-photographing-intimate-landscapes

Put photographers in front of a gorgeous landscape and we’re happy campers.  We’ll drink in the beauty of the grand vista and make an artful composition.  And we’re so taken with the beauty of that great, big, majestic scene that we just might miss the other photographic possibilities at our feet, or off to the right.  So, after you’ve shot the grand view of the Yosemite Valley, take a few minutes to look around for some more intimate compositions.  You won’t be sorry!

Read more at:  https://improvephotography.com/51468/top-10-tips-for-photographing-intimate-landscapes/

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) intimate landscape landscape photography photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/2/top-10-tips-for-photographing-intimate-landscapes Tue, 06 Feb 2018 13:15:00 GMT
How to Fix a Sticking Tripod Leg or Joint https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/2/how-to-fix-a-sticking-tripod-leg-or-joint

 

Tripods just might be the most abused gear we photographers own.  We take them out in bad weather, stick them in mud and salt water, use them in wind-blown sand and driving rain.  We bang them around in our car, sling them over our shoulder while hiking and strap them to the outside of our packs, where they sometimes crash into tree limbs and rocks.

We take our tripods for granted.  Good ones are pretty durable and rarely have problems.  But, when a problem occurs, can you troubleshoot and fix the issue or will your photoshoot come to a crashing halt?

Read more at:  https://improvephotography.com/51236/fix-sticking-tripod-leg-joint/

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) gear photography repair tripod tripod repair https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/2/how-to-fix-a-sticking-tripod-leg-or-joint Mon, 05 Feb 2018 23:15:00 GMT
Doing Photography While Traveling for Business https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/2/doing-photography-while-traveling-for-business {"cameraType":"Wide","macroEnabled":false,"qualityMode":2,"deviceTilt":-0.0036594630219042301,"customExposureMode":0,"extendedExposure":false,"whiteBalanceProgram":0,"cameraPosition":1,"focusMode":0}

You have a business trip coming up and you want to take advantage of being in a new town by planning some photography while you’re there.  Who knows if you’ll ever get back, so how do you maximize your limited photography time, find the best locations and come back with images you’ll be proud of?

Read more at:  https://improvephotography.com/51021/doing-photography-while-traveling-for-business/ 

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) photography photography trip planning https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2018/2/doing-photography-while-traveling-for-business Mon, 05 Feb 2018 21:02:44 GMT
An Introduction to Blending Modes in Photoshop https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/11/an-introduction-to-blending-modes-in-photoshop

Blend modes may be one of the best kept secrets in Photoshop.  It’s easy to miss them in the Photoshop workspace but, if you do, you’re missing out on some powerful editing options.  The creative and thoughtful use of layers and blend modes gives free rein to your creativity and allows you to create an image that matches your vision when you took the shot.

Read more.

 

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) adobe photoshop blend modes blending modes photography postprocessing tutorial https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/11/an-introduction-to-blending-modes-in-photoshop Tue, 28 Nov 2017 10:15:00 GMT
A Beginner’s Introduction to Layers in Photoshop https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/11/a-beginner-s-introduction-to-layers-in-photoshop

Layers are one of the most powerful features of Photoshop.  If you’re not using them, you’re missing out on a lot of what Photoshop can do.  And, even if you think you know layers, there always seems to be something new to learn.  Layers let you precisely target adjustments, like dodging and burning, and apply masks (including Luminosity Masks) to your adjustments, all in a non-destructive way.

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) adobe photoshop layers photography postprocessing techniques tutorial https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/11/a-beginner-s-introduction-to-layers-in-photoshop Mon, 27 Nov 2017 22:30:00 GMT
How Much Does a Professional Camera Cost? https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/11/how-much-does-a-professional-camera-cost

 

The focus of this article is on how much a pro camera body will cost and the short answer is between $3,000 and tens of thousands of dollars.  There are a lot of choices out there, from pro-level DSLR bodies to medium format.  It all depends on what your needs are.

Do you need a pro-level camera?  What features do they have?  Are they worth it?

Read more.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) camera cameras costs gear photography professional camera professional camera cost https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/11/how-much-does-a-professional-camera-cost Thu, 02 Nov 2017 21:07:24 GMT
How to Set the F-Stop on a Camera for Any Photo https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/10/how-to-set-the-f-stop-on-a-camera-for-any-photo

The f-stop, or aperture, is one of the key camera settings every photographer must master because it controls two critical things: the amount of light going through the lens and how deep the field of focus (depth of field) goes in your image.

The larger the opening of the lens, the more light hits the sensor, but the shallower the depth of field.  The smaller the opening of the lens, the less light hitting the sensor but the deeper the depth of field.  It’s a pretty simple concept, but there are numbers involved, which leads to math, which make it seem more complicated than it really is.

Along with your shutter speed and ISO setting, your aperture is part of the “exposure triangle.”  Adjusting each of these settings can give you a variety of different effects.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) aperture camera settings depth of field exposure triangle f-stop photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/10/how-to-set-the-f-stop-on-a-camera-for-any-photo Wed, 18 Oct 2017 13:15:00 GMT
How to Process Your Moon Photos and Make Them Look Stunning https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/10/how-to-process-your-moon-photos-and-make-them-look-stunning

You were out half the night getting great photos of the moon.  They look fantastic on the screen on the back of your camera.  Now you sit down at your computer and they’re dull, dull, dull.  You just need to know how to process your moon photos and make them look stunning.

Processing moon shots is a lot like processing any other photo, but there are some important, and some counterintuitive differences.  Because the moon is so bright and a long, long ways away and because you’re shooting through a lot of atmospheric haze, you’ll need a fair amount of sharpening and clarity, and an unusual use of contrast.  And, because there are actually some faint colors in the moon, you can boost saturation more than you might think.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) adobe lightroom adobe photoshop landscape photography moon moon photography photography postprocessing https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/10/how-to-process-your-moon-photos-and-make-them-look-stunning Tue, 17 Oct 2017 13:15:00 GMT
How to Photograph the Moon and Make it Look Stunning https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/10/how-to-photograph-the-moon-and-make-it-look-stunning

A full moon is coming and you’re all excited about going out to photograph it.  What do you need to know to make sure you come back with images you’ll be proud of?

A few things you need to know:

  • The moon is brighter than you think it is.
  • The moon is faster than you think it is.
  • The moon is smaller than you think it is.

A few things you’ll need to plan:

  • When you will be shooting
  • Where you will be shooting
  • What you will be shooting

A few things you’ll need to decide:

  • Are you shooting the full moon or something less, for example the crescent moon?
  • Are you filling the frame with the moon?
  • Including the moon in a landscape?
  • Shooting a landscape by moonlight?
  • Capturing the moon and stars?

Read the rest here.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) camera settings landscape photography moon moon photography photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/10/how-to-photograph-the-moon-and-make-it-look-stunning Mon, 16 Oct 2017 23:15:00 GMT
Top 10 "Hidden" Photo Spots in Washington, DC (or any city) https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/10/top-10-hidden-photo-spots-in-washington-dc-or-any-city

Hello and welcome to Washington, DC!  I was born here and love this town.  As a visitor, of course you’ll take the typical shots of the monuments, government buildings, zoo and museums!  But, if you want to get away from the hordes of selfie-stick-toting tourists, here are some of my favorite off-the-beaten-path photo locations.

Read the rest here.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) hidden photo spots landscape photography photography travel photography washington dc photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/10/top-10-hidden-photo-spots-in-washington-dc-or-any-city Mon, 16 Oct 2017 21:30:00 GMT
PHOTOSHOP RESOLUTION SETTING: A COMPLETE GUIDE AND CHEAT SHEET https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/9/photoshop-resolution-setting-a-complete-guide-and-cheat-sheet Photoshop screen grab showing resolution.Resolution: Image from Venice, Italy

The resolution of a camera sensor is different from the resolution of a monitor which is different from the resolution of a printer.  Adobe Photoshop brings all three together, giving you the ultimate control of how your image is presented.  But only if you know how each different resolution works.


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(Frank Gallagher Photography) adobe photoshop photography photoshop post processing postprocessing resolution https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/9/photoshop-resolution-setting-a-complete-guide-and-cheat-sheet Tue, 26 Sep 2017 20:11:59 GMT
ETTR, ETTL AND ISO INVARIANCE: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU? https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/9/ettr-ettl-and-iso-invariance-which-is-right-for-you

In any type of photography, getting the right exposure is important.  But, is the best exposure one where the histogram is evenly spread out like a bell curve, one where it leans towards the right (ETTR) or to the left (ETTL)or do modern sensors make it all meaningless through ISO invariance?


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(Frank Gallagher Photography) camera settings landscape photography photography postprocessing https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/9/ettr-ettl-and-iso-invariance-which-is-right-for-you Tue, 26 Sep 2017 20:11:45 GMT
HOW TO FOCUS ⅓ INTO A PHOTO FOR DEEP DEPTH-OF-FIELD https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/9/how-to-focus-into-a-photo-for-deep-depth-of-field

If you’re a landscape photographer, you’ve probably had someone tell you to focus 1/3 of the way into the scene.  It’s one of the many guidelines about photography that have sprung up over time.  Like most guidelines, it doesn’t cover every situation and it’s open to interpretation.  But, a lot of the time it works!


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(Frank Gallagher Photography) camera settings depth of field focus hyperfocal distance landscape photography photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/9/how-to-focus-into-a-photo-for-deep-depth-of-field Tue, 26 Sep 2017 20:11:35 GMT
HAIDA FILTER SYSTEM: IN-DEPTH REVIEW https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/9/haida-filter-system-in-depth-review {"colorSpace":"kCGColorSpaceSRGB","cameraType":"Wide","macroEnabled":false,"qualityMode":3,"deviceTilt":-0.008586830459535122,"customExposureMode":1,"extendedExposure":false,"whiteBalanceProgram":0,"cameraPosition":1,"focusMode":1}

The Haida filter system gives photographers one more choice in the competitive photography filter market.  The company makes the standard screw-on filters as well as square and rectangular drop in filters.  However, Haida is one of the few that make the large 150mm square and rectangular filters and a filter holder that will work with bulbous lenses like the Tamron and Pentax 15- 30 f2.8 and Nikon 14-24 f2.8.  But are Haida filters and holders any good?  Are they a viable choice for photographers on a budget?


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(Frank Gallagher Photography) filter filter system gear haida haida filters photography photography filters https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/9/haida-filter-system-in-depth-review Tue, 26 Sep 2017 20:11:15 GMT
THE ULTIMATE PACKING LIST FOR TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/9/the-ultimate-packing-list-for-travel-photography {"colorSpace":"kCGColorSpaceSRGB","cameraType":"Wide","macroEnabled":false,"qualityMode":3,"deviceTilt":0.1455821096897125,"customExposureMode":1,"extendedExposure":false,"whiteBalanceProgram":0,"cameraPosition":1,"focusMode":1}

It’s time to start packing for that once-in-a-lifetime photography trip or family vacation.  There are plenty of gear lists out there, but this comprehensive packing list for travel photography is for people who want to make sure they have all the essentials for a photo adventure, from the camera to creature comforts.  You don't want to carry 100 pounds of gear or forget that allen wrench you'll need to fix your tripod. And why not have some great podcasts to help while away the time waiting for sunrise?


Read the rest here.

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(Frank Gallagher Photography) gear packing list photography travel travel photography https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/9/the-ultimate-packing-list-for-travel-photography Tue, 26 Sep 2017 20:11:06 GMT
SHADOWS VS BLACKS SLIDERS: HOW THEY AFFECT PHOTOS DIFFERENTLY https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/9/shadows-vs-blacks-sliders-how-they-affect-photos-differently Image of Shadows and Blacks Sliders in PhotoshopShadows and Blacks Sliders in Photoshop

Lightroom’s Basic Panel in the Develop module and Adobe’s Camera Raw controls have a series of sliders with deceptively simple names, among which are Highlights and Shadows, and Whites and Blacks. So what’s the difference between the Blacks slider and the Shadows slider? Is there a special advantage in using one or the other? When should you use Blacks and when should you use Shadows? Knowing the difference can give your photos the extra pop and polish that sets them apart from others.


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(Frank Gallagher Photography) adobe photoshop blacks photography photoshop post processing postprocessing resolution shadows https://www.frankgallagherphotography.com/blog/2017/9/shadows-vs-blacks-sliders-how-they-affect-photos-differently Tue, 26 Sep 2017 20:10:07 GMT