Category Archives: Photography

Let’s not kid ourselves: The most exciting thing about the Google Pixel 8 Pro (and 8, for that matter) is the camera, and because of Google’s commanding position when it comes to computational photography, anyone interested in the state-of-the-art will be paying extra attention to this smartphone’s yearly upgrade. My entire life is essentially a tug-of-war between my desire to take great photos and my desire to carry as little equipment as possible, so I’m particularly interested in what’s new camera-wise.

All the megapixels

Google made a big deal at the launch event for the Pixel 8 about the improved camera modules in the phones. The 8 Pro gets improvements across the board, with the ultrawide jumping from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels; that joins a 50 megapixel main sensor, and a 48 megapixel sensor for the 5x optical zoom, too.

By default, Google will use all those megapixels to run some computer magic and generate a 12.5 megapixel final image that won’t eat up all your storage and that provides some excellent benefits in terms of color rendering, noise and more at the expense of detail. You can also opt to turn on high megapixel mode, however, and capture at the full resolution of the sensor — handy if you’re looking to print or crop the image, for instance.

The nice thing about these options is that there are a lot of options, depending on your needs: You can capture in JPEG with standard settings for social and friends/family sharing, and Google will do the heavy lifting to get you a great result. Or you can capture in high megapixel mode, with JPEGs, for flexibility when it comes to cropping and sharing. Or you can go whole hog, capture in RAW+JPEG mode, and high megapixel, and get eminently editable RAW files for manipulation in Lightroom or your favorite editing software, along with a JPEG ready to share complete with Google’s image magic applied.

The 5x zoom is also excellent in high-resolution mode, and provides ample detail and crisp rendering when shooting in JPEG with Google’s autocorrection applied. Having all that detail available with that range is a huge advantage when it comes to pocket photography, and means you have one less reason to carry around a dedicated camera body with a long-range optical zoom lens.

The improved resolution on the ultrawide likewise makes these photos more usable, but in my testing it’s still probably the weakest of the cameras. It does produce some interesting results when it comes to macro (more on that below) thanks to the better resolution and improved autofocus, however.

How Pro can you go?

Exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro are the new “Pro” settings, which subsequent testing has shown appears to be largely a software locking decision by Google. Regardless of why the 8 Pro is the only one to get the Pro settings, it’s worth considering whether they’ll actually be useful to you and your workflow, given what they offer.

Basically, they let you tweak the resolution from 12 MP to full 50 MP, allow you to select to shoot in RAW+JPEG and let you manually choose between the three hardware lenses, rather than leaving it up to Google to pick based on lighting conditions, scene, etc.

That’s not much, but they are clutch settings if you actually do want to make the most of the pictures you’re taking in editing software, so it’s understandable that Google appends the “Pro” moniker here. In my use, the lens selection setting generated the most potential confusion, since it led to the camera app crashing (seemingly resolved in an update distributed earlier in the day on the same day the review embargo lifted) but also meant you might make a poor choice and get a worse quality overall image by overriding Google’s software smarts.

These settings, especially couched as they are in a secondary tab in the general settings menu in the camera app, are actually quite useful, however, and seem arbitrarily limited to the Pro model. I understand it as a differentiator, but hopefully Google relents and rolls these out to non-pro Pixel 8 devices at the very least in the future.

Macromania

Google was big on touting the enhanced macro capabilities of the Pixel 8 Pro, made possible in part by the better resolution and autofocus of the new ultrawide camera. In practice, I found that macro mode could indeed produce some truly outstanding results — with the caveat that it’s still not quite as foolproof as using the main camera, for example.

Mostly, the challenge comes in trying to capture macro shots handheld outdoors when there’s anything working against you — wind, for instance, or anything less than full, direct sunlight. Google’s computational photography does an admirable job of correcting for shake, but in my experience it was still hard to completely avoid some kind of blurring in the final image, especially when trying to get incredibly close to the subject. Plus, it’s hard to nail the target of the focus with high specificity, too.

That said, the resulting macro pictures are still quite stunning, and perfectly suitable for social/digital use — and much improved from earlier generations.

Bottom line

Google gets major props for delivering a camera system that works out of the box to a standard few of its peers can even attempt to live up to. The front selfie camera works astoundingly well, and the color rendering, sharpening, portrait mode blur, dynamic range and just about everything else lends a special quality to these photos that can’t really be matched by other smartphone camera systems out there. Does it still fall down when compared to a dedicated, interchangeable lens (or even fancy fixed lens) camera? Of course, but the distinction is increasingly academic for anyone not taking photos for print or professional purposes. If your number one priority when buying a smartphone is camera, the Pixel 8 Pro simply can’t be beat.

On behalf of Visit Rwanda, sports photographer, Sam Mironko took photos of our men’s team during our US pre-season tour this summer.

Throughout his career, Sam has covered a range of sporting events including the NBA Finals and the Basketball Africa League Finals, with his work featured by the Boston Celtics, SLAM magazine and more. 
 
As a huge Arsenal supporter, Sam has followed our Chief Photographer Stuart MacFarlane’s work for many years, and he enjoyed the opportunity to gain some valuable insights into what his role is like when the two sat down to discuss the differences and similarities of their work, as part of Visit Rwanda’s US Tour photography series.

Press play on the video above to see Sam and Stuart in conversation, and you can also watch the first two episodes below as Sam links up with Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel, who test their own photography skills:

  Episode 1: Behind the Lens
The players discuss what photography means to them

  Episode 2: Photography Challenge
Players go head-to-head to see who can capture the best motion photograph

The best stock footage sites are a treasure of unlimited and high-quality videos that suit most of the niche market. It saves time and budget. That’s why professional videographers use those to boost their business.

In this note, we’ve highlighted the top stock footage sites that most professionals prefer. Let’s dive together!

What is Stock Footage?

Stock video, B-roll, or stock footage is a pre-filmed video or combination of video clips used in a video project or available for purchase. Professional videographers shoot heartfelt stories, high-impact and energetic ads, or a simple documentary and add to popular stock footage websites maintaining visual clarity.

In short,

• It is an amazing form of media and communication for the advertising industry, content marketing, digital platforms, etc.
• It combines visual and audio elements, i.e., stock photography, music, vectors, illustrations, and videos.
• Stock videos aren’t something you need to shoot, but rather, you purchase or find online to use in yours.
• Different types of B-rolls are sports clips, animal, nature, cityspace videos, slow-motion, aerial videos, and more.

After acknowledging the details about stock videos, in the next section, let’s check out some key reasons why professionals use them for their business.

Advantages of Using Stock Footage

Before heading to the main point, let’s look at the scenario of social media on personal and business websites, documentaries, large-scale films, or commercial productions. What do you observe? Video is everywhere, and it has the power to define its uniqueness in a short time.

• Narrative-driven footage: Strong and intentional narratives catch consumers’ attention fast. Stock footage helps to add life to your commercial ads and marketing.
• Cost-friendly: You don’t need to travel to different locations to shoot videos demonstrating your video marketing goals. Stock footage sites are rich in millions of royalty-free videos, images, illustrations, etc.
• License: Stock videos provide licenses royalty-free, rights managed, and editorial use.
• High-quality and consistency: All videos give you perfect and high-res visuals that easily match your imagination.

Are you curious to explore the most demanding and best sites for stock video footage? In the next section, we’ve listed the top free video websites and paid.

Where to Find Stock Footage?

Check out our expert-tested top and best stock footage sites below:

#1. Photutorial

Best for: Creators looking for generic yet thoughtful free stock videos, subscriptions, music licensing sites, and more site guidel…” with “advice, genuine reviews, and buying guides for stock footage sites, and other stock media platforms.

Photutorial is known for its creative and effective expert suggestions that reduce work pressure and time. The site’s goal is to highlight the best creative tools, platforms, and service guidelines that add value to your business. For this, they share their own experience, consider user reviews, and collaborate with experts.

However, Photutorial love to share research process, methodologies, and reasoning so that you can choose the best one for your brand. Grab your business-oriented cutting-edge editing software, graphic design services, stock videos, and image site lists with Photutorial!

What do you get?

• Refer to authentic and effective services and tools that add value to your business.
• Collaborate with top-tier graphic designers, industry leaders, videographers, and creative professionals to share real-world experiences.
• Help you to focus on your art with the best sources, i.e., stock photography, music libraries design platforms, etc.
• Consider reviews to slot the listings.

#2. Pexels

Best for: A wide selection of high-quality and amazing royalty-free stock videos, mockup green-screen videos, images, and more.

Pexels is one of the most famous and best free stock footage sites where professional creators share high-res videos and images. Here, you get a large free library of HD and 4K stock videos. Also, Pixel provides a license on all photos and videos, which you can use for free and without attribution.

To add your unique touch, you can edit and modify it whenever you want, and don’t miss their most demanding daily “trending free stock videos.”

What do you get?

• Free stock video footage is under Creative Commons Zero (CCO)
• Has a vast collection of clips in all types of niches
• Most of the B-rolls are less than a minute long
• Provide several high-quality GoPro users’ clips
• Offer different videos, i.e., “mockup,” “time-lapse,” “drone footage,” and more
• Allow to download and use 600+ free featured stock photos.

#3. Pixabay

Best for: Everyone looking for free stock videos for commercial use, non-commercial, or digital purposes.

In our expert listing, Pixabay is considered one of the top stock video sites with over 4.2 million high-quality images, videos, and music, all under a simplified license. Like Pexels, you don’t need to bother about copyright for using clips because all free stock videos are under CCO.

What do you get?

• Vast selection of free videos that are formatted as MP4s.
• Download clips as per your recommended resolutions, both for commercial and non-commercial use.
• Offer different libraries, i.e., motion, graphics, HD footage, and 4K videos.
• Pick any from nature, space, events, business, and more.

#4. Shutterstock

Best for: Businesses, flims, digitals, and others with a larger budget who want to add variety and quality.

Are you looking for premium content, intuitive design tools, AI innovation, real-life videos, and more all in one platform? With Shutterstock, you get over 11 million royalty-free 4K and HD stock videos. Also, it has a colossal footage collection of around 85K and new clips per week.

What do you get?

• Easy-to-use interface with vast royalty-free professional footage and images.
• Offer a wide range of categories i.e., wildlife, art, cities, and more.

Note: If you want to get access to 28 million authentic and high-res video clips, you can choose any plan, i.e., Packs ($139), Subscription ($49), and Enterprise.

#5. iStock

Best for: High-quality stock video footage within budget-friendly pricing for all types of businesses.

Searching for premium quality stock videos and images at the right price to boost your photography, filmmaking, digital, or other purposes? With iStock, you explore millions of high-res and different niche videos and content i.e., business, technology, fashion, etc. Like you, video editors, bloggers, brands, filmmakers, and others love this site most.

What do you get?

• Unique hand-clicked photos, affordable HD, and 4K video clips
• You can use search filters or AI-powered search for selecting quality, aspect ratio, and keywords
• Flexible and cost-friendly plans i.e., Basic ($29/month), Premium ($70/month), Premium + Video (99/month)
• Allow one-month free trial at zero costings

Curious to discover how you can use stock video footage to get a professional touch on your upcoming advertising, video marketing, or others? Check out the next section to reveal the secrets of famous ad companies and popular brands!

Top Tips on How to Use Stock Video Footage?

Want to work with stock videos to promote your brand more creatively? Let’s check out our expert videographers’ tips and tricks.

• First, prepare your brand or personal stock footage script to convey the exact emotions and feelings.
  Note: Don’t hesitate to switch to others. If you struggle to find the right match or the specific action, pick another that portrays the same meaning.
• Go through the colors, styles, and other materials to ensure all give the perfect feelings and match the story.
  Note: If you think some require adjustments, you can edit videos to give the perfect vibes. For this, recheck the licenses or take them from one collection.
• Avoid using common visual metaphors and images that are associated with stocks. Also, recheck the fragments and ensure you are not in your competitor’s videos.
  For building more connections and setting a mode, utilize the power of music. Videos with sound give a more dynamic and cohesive feeling.

Curious to explore other creative ways so that you get enough confidence to invest in your video marketing? Check out the below now!

B-roll

The most common way of using stock videos is B-roll, which you may notice on TV shows. B-rolls are secondary or supplement video clips to the main ones, such as aerial or apartment building views, to give a better idea of the location.

You get so much space to add visuals because it binds two main footage clips together. If you want, you can use it for documentary filmmaking. As a filmmaker, you don’t need to travel to every location with a full crew and gear.

Commercials and Ads

As you know, cinematic stock videos, motion pictures, product demonstrations, and others are used to narrow down a story for commercials and advertisements. Commercial ads use a somber mood, upbeat energy, pop culture moments, and many others to convey a story.

Video Backgrounds

UX and graphic designers sometimes opt for video backgrounds over photos to give the perfect view and mood. Forbes states that movement grabs 400% more attention compared to a hero banned on any website and a large catalog of stock videos. But the video backgrounds help to establish a mood, so focus on core product or marketing details.

Short-form Videos for Social Media

Brands promote their products or services on social media to generate more leads and revenue. As you know, social media videos give a unique way to represent your creative sales line. Take advantage of stock videos if you want to create amazing and attention-grabbing short videos for Instagram reels, TikTok, or YouTube.

Final Verdict

So, what is stock footage and how do you use it to your benefit? We hope you’ve enough knowledge about this and professional sites to choose your perfect video marketing fit. So, what are you waiting for? It’s your turn to make a perfect video and grab more traffic.

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Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S, price tag $4,799.95, its lightest super-telephoto lens to date.

Measuring just 11 inches in length and weighing only 1,390g / 3lbs, the Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S is aimed at wildlife, motorsport and aviation photographers. Nikon was able to achieve the new super-telephoto lens’ diminutive size thanks to a Phase Fresnel element in its optical construction. The Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S is the second PF lens in the Z series, joining the Nikkor Z 800mm F6.3 VR S.

Overall, the Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S is comprised of 21 elements in 14 groups, which includes two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and one short-wavelength refractive (SR) element to keep chromatic aberration at bay.

The new Nikon lens also provides six stops of VR and offers a minimum focusing distance of 4m.

Other features include a DX Crop Mode for getting even closer to your subjects and assignable L-Fn buttons for quick access to features like subject tracking, AF Lock or image playback.

The Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S uses 95mm threaded circular filters and is compatible with Nikon’s teleconverters. It also boasts a fluorine coating and a nano crystal coating for stopping dust and flare, respectively.

Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S Price & Availability

The Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S price tag is $4,799.95 with a release date set for late October 2023.

Even if you aren’t an experienced photographer or editing pro, you can still create an aesthetic photo. It is not wise to spend much on editing software to make your snaps look pleasing. You only need the right tools to put some magic on your photos for free.

If you like capturing precious moments with your camera for fun, editing your shots can bring life to your photos. You can enhance your image and put dramatic effects as you please. It can be a wonderful learning experience, especially for a beginner.

Excellent Tips For Editing Your Photos For Free

#1. Start With The Basics

Before jumping into advanced adjustments, you can start slowly with basic edits. Most free photo editing tools have options for tweaking sharpness, contrast, and your photo’s brightness. Set them perfectly to enhance your snap’s beauty.

#2. Changing The Image Background

Changing a photo’s background is a cool editing trick. To edit your image background, choose a new background that fits your subject. Use free editing software to replace the old one. Be mindful of lighting and perspective. Paste your subject into the new background, adjust as needed, and blend for a realistic look.

#3. Trim And Straighten Your Photo

Trim your photos to remove distractions and improve composition. Check that your horizon lines are level; it can change your image’s overall look. Ensure that you remove any distractions in your photo. Cropping distractions can make viewers focus on the beauty of your subject.

#4. Remove Red-Eye

If your photos have a red-eye due to the flash, most free photo editors have a tool to fix it. Just use the red-eye tool and click on the affected areas to restore natural eye color. It is normal to experience red-eye in your photos, especially if you’re using flash during photography. Restore natural eye color to make your photo pop.

Honing your skills in editing can have many benefits. You can enhance photos to give them life. You can also make it a profession and become a freelance photographer. This way, you can easily edit your snaps and add a professional touch to your masterpiece.

#5. Edit Imperfections

Make your subject more beautiful by using editing tools to retouch imperfections. Remove blemishes, wrinkles, and other minor flaws. However, do not overdo it to keep the natural look of your image. It is essential to remove imperfections to make your subject look fresh and pleasing when you upload their photos.

#6. Adjust Color Settings

Play with different color settings to enhance your image’s vibrancy. You may adjust the temperature and apply color filters to create unique effects. Adjust the warmth and coolness of the photo to make it more vibrant and more pleasing to the eyes.

#7. Have Fun With Presets And Filters

Many free editing programs offer presets and filters that can give your photos a specific look or mood. Explore various options to find the one that aligns with your vision. Have fun experimenting with filters. Choose filters that can add an aesthetic look to your photo. Just be careful when adding extra filters; it can make your image look unnatural.

#8. Tidy Up Your Image

You can tidy up your photos using clone and healing tools to remove unwanted elements or distracting objects. Copy and paste a portion of your image onto another to make it look cleaner. Ensuring your snap is clean and free of unwanted things is essential.

#9. Save Your Photo In High-Quality Format

After you’ve finished editing your photo, consider saving it in a high-quality format that suits your intended use. You may use it for social media, your website, or printing. Don’t hesitate to share your beautifully edited photos with your followers and friends.

The Bottom Line

Editing your photos can be a wonderful experience. It can give life to your pictures and make them more pleasing to the eyes. You won’t need to spend money to edit your photos. Follow the steps given above to edit your snaps for free.

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It’s Prime Day 2 and you know Amazon loves a drone deal. During past Prime Days, Amazon has offered drone discounts of up to 50% off, and this one is no exception. Read on for our top picks so far.

Now that it’s officially fall [stares wistfully out the window], why not take a drone for a spin and capture the changing leaves from a new perspective? It will put the blurry photos from your leaf-peeping parents to shame. Whether you’re firmly in the beginner category or a more experienced drone pilot looking to up your footage, take a look at some of the deals Amazon has to offer.

Best for creators and influencers

Why we like it

Sure, you could spend thousands of dollars on a top-of-the-line drone with all the bells and whistles. But for creators and influencers, what you really need is an easy-to-use drone that captures high-quality images and videos. The Ruko U11Pro has a 4K UHD camera, making the resolution crisp and clear. Amazon reviewers praised the U11 for easy setup and intuitive controls. It has GPS auto-return (which is key for newbies), comes with two battery packs, and is foldable, so you can carry it with you on all your adventures. The Ruko U11Pro is normally listed at over $400, so with today’s deal, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.

Best for beginners

Why we like it

For kids and beginners, perhaps the most important factor is that a drone is not too expensive. In inexperienced hands, drones might find themselves stuck in a tree or on someone’s roof, so it’s best not to buy something too expensive if you’re just starting out. While the Hiturbo S20 is low-priced — and even lower thanks to Prime Day discounts — it doesn’t skimp on quality. It has a 1080P camera, comes with an extra battery pack for an extra 12 minutes of flight time, one-key takeoff and landing, and has fun features like the ability to do 3D flips and take photos and videos activated by hand gestures. Perfect for playing around and earning your drone wings.

Best for photographers

Why we like it

The Holy Stone HS720E isn’t at its all-time lowest price, but it’s still $70 cheaper than the original price, which is a good deal if you’re looking for a high-quality drone that has lots of features for capturing video. This model from Holy Stone has a 4K UHD camera, as well as Electric Image Stabilization (EIC) which cuts down on blurring, so your footage is crisper. It also has different flight modes, like one that follows you, or another that circles a certain point for capturing footage in unique ways. The HS720E comes with two battery packs for a combined flight time of 46 minutes, which is ample time to get just the right shot.

Even more drone deals

Venus Optics has announced the Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF lens, price tag $549, for Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Canon RF and EF-M mounts.

The new Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF lens is designed to provide an extensive angle of view ranging from 82.8 to 120.9 degrees for APS-C camera users. Venus Optics says lens has been specifically designed for mirrorless camera systems and offers various features that enhance its flexibility.

The Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF designed for capturing wide landscapes, intricate architecture and creative wide-angle portraits, and it boasts an optical distortion control.

Weighing just 463 grams, the Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF lens’ lightweight and compact design makes it highly portable, which is also ideal for travel photography.

The new Laowa lens comes equipped with a 5-blade aperture that offers a unique 10-point Sunstar effect, adding a distinct visual element to your images. It also boasts a close focusing distance of just 20cm, which allows photographers to capture finer details at a shorter distance.

One of the standout features of Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF lens is its 86mm filter thread, which offers photographers the flexibility to use various types of filters, including ND filters for long exposure shots and polarizers to enhance skies. It also opens up options for creative look filters.

Videographers will benefit from the Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF lens’ aperture ring de-clicking option, which ensures smooth aperture adjustments during video shooting.

The lens’ optical structure is comprised of 16 elements in 12 groups, including two aspherical and two ED elements.

The Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF will be available for purchase soon, but Venus Optics has not yet announced a release date.

The reason Sir John Herschel invented the cyanotype photography process in 1842 was to create an easier, cheaper and more durable way to process images than the silver-based method, according to the Royal Botanical Gardens website.

The reason Jennifer Robinson, assistant professor and program director for the Communication Media program at BPCC, teaches it to her History of Photography students in 2023 is that it “provides students with a foundational understanding of the photographic process, crucial for mastering modern digital techniques.”

She uses the way British photographer Mike Ware created in 1994, one that does not require a darkroom. She just orders 2 solutions online. After that, “all you need to get started is a dimly lit area,” she said.

“Coat your chosen material, let it dry, arrange your objects or negatives, expose them to sunlight or UV bulbs, and as the final step rinse the prints with water,” Robinson said. Her pro tip is adding hydrogen peroxide to the initial water bath to create the vibrant blue coloring that it is known for, and why it developed the name “blueprint.”

These blueprints are not just for building plans. They create beautiful botanical images and can give a new look to a film negative.

“Most students couldn’t wait to start experimenting with designs, incorporating flowers, leaves, and even layering transparent film strips,” Robinson said. “They liked noticing the reactions that occur, like adding salt crystals creating unique patterns or turmeric transforming blue areas into green.”

For Robinson, the class is not just about the medium, “it’s a journey into humanity’s documentation through the ages.”

She thinks learning these methods encourages creative exploration, problem-solving techniques and attention to detail.

“Teaching historic photographic processes and darkroom techniques in the digital age may seem outdated, but the value remains substantial,” she said.

Robinson also will head the Bossier Parish Community College Foundation’s second annual Golden Lens Photography Contest in the 2023 Prize Fest. Up to 30 photographs will be selected by a jury panel of experts with first place receiving $1,000 cash.

Prize Fest’s competitions in film, music, fashion, food and more during the month of October are filled with excitement. Robinson feels the same about the photography competition.

“Golden Lens follows that same approach, encouraging photographers to create work within a certain area for an exhibition that will generate a dialogue between work’s about perspective and creativity,” she said.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: BPCC photography class teaches historic cyanotype process