Category Archives: Photography

Travel photography is a type of photography that involves capturing images of people, places, cultures, and landscapes in different locations either locally or internationally.

As one takes a tour, one can capture architecture, landscapes, wildlife, street scenes, festivals, and people in their daily life.

To be a good travel photographer one has to have a good eye for detail, a strong sense of composition, and an understanding of light and exposure.

In short exceptional camera handling skills are accompanied by excellent equipment handling skills. Here are some personal and professional benefits of travel photography.

Travel photography helps to preserve memories of the places you have visited, and the experiences you have had. Looking back at the photographs can help you relive those moments and remember the details of your trip.

The opportunity to take photos enables one to practice and execute shooting photos creatively whilst adding their own artistic style as well as experimenting with new techniques and perspectives. It encourages you to look at the world around you in a new and interesting way.

Travel photography brings about growth, as on travel and continues to capture different locations and experiences their skills and portfolio grow immensely, thus increasing the photographer’s market.

Sharing your travel photographs with others can be a great way to connect with people and share your experiences with friends, family, and the wider community. It can also inspire others to explore new places and broaden their horizons.

Travel photography is a great income stream, one can sell their photos as prints, sell them digitally via online stores, commission them to be used by travel agencies, and work as a freelance travel photographer where one can offer their services to travel magazines, websites, or blogs.

Overall, travel photography can offer a range of benefits, from personal growth to professional development, and can help to create lasting memories and inspire others to explore the world around them.

So pick up your camera or phone and embark on this amazing journey.

Venus Optics, the innovative camera lens manufacturer, has launched a new lens that is set to be a game-changer in photography and videography. The Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF is a versatile lens with a modern take on the classic and versatile 28mm focal length. This lens is perfect for street, documentary, landscape, portrait, and astrophotography.

One of the standout features of the Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF is its impressive sharpness and optical performance, even when wide open. This is made possible by the lens’s ultra-fast f/1.2 aperture, which allows photographers to create a shallow depth of field and easily separate the subject from its surroundings. The lens also boasts a 13-blade aperture, which creates smoother and more appealing bokeh in scenes with a light source at the back.

The Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF is also designed with videographers in mind. Its internal focusing mechanism avoids collisions with other objects and can use accessories such as polarizers. The aperture click switch mechanism also allows for silent operation during video recording, making it an excellent option for those who require high-quality video recording capabilities.

In addition to its optical performance and video-friendly design, the Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF is lightweight and compact, making it an excellent travel companion. It also has a 62mm filter thread and an aperture click switch mechanism that allows for choosing between a clicked or silent aperture ring. The lens is well-suited for low-light shooting, allowing photographers to shoot with a faster shutter speed in low-light environments without bumping the ISO up.

Photography and videography enthusiasts can purchase the Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF from Venus Optics’ official website (https://www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-argus-28mm-f-1-2-ff/) or authorized resellers. The lens is priced at USD $599 for all mounts (Sony FE / Nikon Z / Canon RF / L mount). With its versatility, optical performance, and video-friendly design, the Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF is set to be a game-changer in the world of photography and videography.

If you’ve lived anywhere in Florida for any amount of time, you’ve likely already heard of Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. He’s known for his witty one-liners as he smacks a printout of a mugshot on his podium, announcing another arrest. 

That’s when he’s in front of the camera. 

Behind the camera, it’s an entirely different scene. 

When he’s not in his dark green sheriff’s office uniform with a badge and gun strapped to him, he’s wearing a breezy PFG shirt, a sun hat and toting around his DSLR.

“You know, God creates the art,” Judd said. “You just have to be there to capture it.”

Judd picked up nature photography more than a decade ago. He enjoyed taking pictures as a kid, then got back into it after a less-than-subtle nudge from his doctor. 

“I went to the doctor and he said, ‘What’s your hobby?’ And I said ‘work,'” Judd said. “He said, ‘Well, you need a hobby.’ And I said, ‘No, I don’t. I’ve got a hobby.’ He said, ‘Well, you need a distraction.'”

It’s in nature’s quiet, far away from crime scenes and caution tape, Judd finds his calm. 

“We’re in the middle of conflict every day at work all day long and this is the antithesis of conflict,” he said.

Swapping conflict for harmony, as the sun rises, Judd spends the hours before his shift at Circle B Bar Reserve. Nature has become Judd’s church, where he goes to disconnect from his day-to-day and connect to the things that matter most to him.

“Nature is all interconnected,” Judd said. “And that’s why my soul is filled when I’m out here because this is where I feel closest to nature and closest to God. 

“It’s where your inner being understands that you’re part of this, whether you acknowledge it or believe it or not.”

If you find yourself inside the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, you will likely see some of Judd’s work hanging on the walls. 

Malique Rankin is a general assignment reporter with 10 Tampa Bay. You can email her story ideas at [email protected] and follow her Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.

Launched by charity Friends of the Lake District, the 2023 competition needs pictures of the area to star in its 2024 calendar and Christmas cards that go on sale later this year.

Photos of current and previous visits are welcome.

Fundraiser Rachel Dorrington said: “Whether fells, lakes, woodlands, villages, wildlife or something a little bit different, we’d love to see your favourite photos and memories of the Lake District.

June calendar image, Hawkshead by David Rippin (Image: David Rippin)

“Back by popular demand is also the astrophotography, or dark skies photography category, so send us your starry snaps too.”

The charity said all money raised from the sale of the calendars and cards goes towards supporting the Lake District’s world-class landscapes and heritage.

Winners receive a complementary set of Christmas cards and 2024 calendar.

Photos must be submitted via the charity’s website at www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/photography-competition-2023.

Photographers and videographers seeking to take their creativity to new heights need to look no further than the GODOX AK-R21 projection attachment. This revolutionary tool allows users to explore their boundless imagination with complete transparency sets, bringing stunning shapes, colours, and artistic elements to their images.

Compatible with AD200Pro (round head and Fresnel’s head), AD100Pro, V1, and nearly all camera flashes across brands, the AK-R21 is the perfect combination of simplicity and possibility. With dedicated lenses of optional focal length, including a 65mm lens and two additional options at 50mm and 83mm, this attachment is built precisely to eliminate colour aberration from centre to edge, throwing explicit shapes and vivid images as if coming alive.

Turn the barrel to get a sharper or blurrier projection to achieve the ideal effect. Before firing, preview the result with the modelling light or the stroboscopic flash function of your Godox flashes. The projector is 360° rotatable when attached to flashes, and the mounting ring is marked with degree numbers for easy and precise adjustments.

Designed with a universal 1/4-inch mount on the adapters, the AK-R21 can be attached directly to a light stand or a flash. A series of supporting accessories are available to hold and hide the attachment, making it the perfect choice for any genre of photography, from portrait to product to landscape.

The world is your studio, and with the GODOX AK-R21 projection attachment, magical moments happen in a blink. For more information and to purchase the AK-R21, visit https://godox.com/product-b/AK-R21.html.

Underwater enthusiast Bartolomeo Bove captures stunning closest moments with apex predators. Bartolomeo is a professional shark diver, divemaster and underwater videographer. He makes underwater videos with aquatic animals, especially apex predators such as sharks, alligators, crocodiles and anacondas.

“During every dive, I feel the same astonishment and emotion as the clients, who perhaps see a shark up close for the first time, especially when we encounter an unexpected species, because every dive is different from the others. Personally, finding myself swimming with the sharks in the same environment gives me a feeling both of peace and excitement, and it gives me great satisfaction when I succeed in capturing with my camera a particular shot that I had in mind.”

You can find Bartolomeo Bove on the web:

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In addition to the dives with the sharks, I broadened in the last years my range of interest toward the wildlife species to film by traveling to different parts of the world where I had the opportunity to be face to-face with extremely fascinating aquatic creatures. I have traveled to the Galapagos Islands, a real paradise for nature and dive lovers, with the main purpose to film the marine iguanas feeding underwater and the playful sea lions.

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As a marine life enthusiast and underwater videographer Galapagos is one of those places I could not have missed. Before going there, I was told many times by fellow divers that after the experience of diving there, diving somewhere else would not have been the same. And they were right.

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I traveled to Brazil, and I filmed in a river a giant anaconda 23 foot in length and with an approximate weight between 200 and 250 lbs. A female green anaconda, the biggest of the 4 species of anacondas. Only female anacondas are so huge in size; the male individuals reach the length of about 3 or 4 meters and are way less heavy.

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I traveled to Brazil, and I filmed in a river a giant anaconda 23 foot in length and with an approximate weight between 200 and 250 lbs. A female green anaconda, the biggest of the 4 species of anacondas. Only female anacondas are so huge in size; the male individuals reach the length of about 3 or 4 meters and are way less heavy.

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As a wildlife enthusiast, Florida is the place to be, not only for the ocean. The numerous rivers, streams, and bodies of water offer incredible opportunities for someone like myself who enjoys exploring and filming the underwater world, from colorful fish to manatees.

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And then there is the swamp, a somewhat eerie and wild environment where diving in it means submerging yourself in a primitive world. I have to admit that free diving in the Florida swamp is one of my favorite activities. So sometimes I like to dive into the underwater jungle to film the alligators, really fascinating creatures, equipped only with mask, fins, and snorkel, and of course with my camera.

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Winter is the ideal time to do such activity because cold weather makes them calmer and slow down. To film underwater in the swamp, where the visibility is not ideal, as I got to dive with caution, approaching very slowly once spotted the alligator, paying attention not to scare it running the risk of making it run away. When you are in the alligator underwater kingdom it is very important to swim unnoticed as much as you can, avoiding sudden movements in the water, respecting the animal, and not annoying it. It is important to mention that although alligators are apex predators and highly unpredictable, the size of their natural prey is usually smaller than the size of a human being.

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Even if I know that in the South Florida swamp, there are also crocodiles, I have never encountered one. So I have planned a trip to Banco Chinchorro in Mexico to dive with the American crocodiles.

Banco Chinchorro, located 22 miles (35 kilometers) off the south-eastern coast of the State of Quintana Roo in Mexico, is the largest atoll reef of the northern hemisphere, Biosphere Reserve and temporary residence of a small group of fishermen during lobster season.

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Banco Chinchorro is also home to an estimated population of about 500 American Crocodiles (Crocodylus Acutus), the densest congregation of American crocodiles in the world, the most genetically pure crocodiles of this species due to the geographic isolation. These crocodiles are powerful and highly intelligent predators and each individual has their own personality with well-defined characteristics.

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The crocodiles are extraordinary creatures, and being in their presence, so close, in their natural domain, was truly breathtaking experience for me. For those who are wondering why they don’t attack me and instead let me approach them undisturbed and even touch them, the answer is simply that they could attack at any moment if they had the opportunity.

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Even though most of these crocodiles are much larger than us humans, sometimes by a wide margin, in general, they view an adult human as “too big” and less convenient prey than the creatures they often eat, which are much smaller in size, such as fish, birds, and crustaceans.

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That being said, crocodiles certainly don’t disdain larger prey and may also attack humans should the opportunity arise. The “safest” way to approach these crocodiles is directly in front of them (due to their limited visual range,) and at their level or below them in the water column. Straight in front of them because usually when they strike, they snap to the side, and do not lunge forward with a bite. They are highly intelligent animals, and they are constantly observing you. Their eyes are always following your movements in the water.

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Sometimes happens that even if they are approached from the front, they slowly but steadily position themselves on your side, ready to take advantage of any possible moment of distraction to assess the attack. Never take your eyes off the crocodile if you swim with them!!

I have never had an accident, and I have never used any kind of protection in doing these activities but make no mistake, this does not mean that I am reckless. It is important to mention that I, and all the people I know, who are involved in this kind of activities, are professionals in the field of activities related to nature and to the interaction with apex predators.

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Each of these animals has different behavior and therefore the approach is taken to get close to them in the water is different. In addition, to realize my activities, I always rely on the collaboration of local guides, who know very well the particular characteristics of the places and wildlife.

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If you are like me, you take lots of photos when you travel. Photos of your kids. Photos of delectable desserts. Photos of the beach. A selfie in front of a famous landmark. A family selfie as you travel.

Have you ever considered a family photoshoot while on vacation? Family photography creates lasting memories and adds more fun travel moments to your vacation experiences.

Why Plan a Family Photoshoot on Your Next Vacation?

I am pretty good at recording family vacations on a personal family blog and adding in vacation photos. However, many people take pictures while on vacation that often end up floating in the cloud or living forever on their cell phone.

How do you capture epic photos of family that you’ll want to download, hang on your walls or give as gifts?

Schedule a family photoshoot. (Even better? Schedule a BEACH family photoshoot!)

Booking a family photoshoot is not something you do everyday. Discover the 10 reasons to hire a vacation photographer and capture amazing family photos.

1. A Vacation Photographer has Expertise and Skills

© Provided by simplyjolayne
Family photography at the beach

Christy Odom, Photographer

I like to consider myself an amateur photographer. As such, I take some pretty great photos on vacation. However, bringing all of my camera equipment on vacation is more that I want to carry.

In addition, having someone else—a vacation photographer—worry about the lighting, suggest the best family photoshoot location (one where they have shot before), and create a stress-free family photoshoot makes for a much more relaxing vacation and experience for me.

A vacation photographer has expertise in:

• Capturing candid shots
• Managing kids
• Taking photos of couples
• Posing larger groups
• Making a family photoshoot fun
• Creating authentic and fun travel moments in a location where they are comfortable

There are many companies that offer vacation photography services all over the world. If you choose to hire them (simply because you don’t always have connections in Paris or Venice or wherever you want to have a family photoshoot on vacation), be sure to read the reviews and fine print and make sure they are aware of your expectations.

2. To Capture Your Growing, Changing Family

But why plan a family photoshoot while on vacation?

When kids are young, it is easier to plan a family photo session and work with schedules, nap times, and close to home locations.

As kids get older and schedules are busier, it is more challenging to get everyone together. Especially when kids head off to college, move away from home for work, or begin having families of their own.

Planning a family photoshoot while on vacation means that everyone is together and you schedule the time in advance. It gives you the chance to celebrate occasions together as well: birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, etc.

3. You Can Be in the Photos

Chances are you are the designated family photographer, and many times on vacation you are snapping photos here and there and rarely get a chance to be in the pictures yourself. You have to make a conscious effort to ask someone else to take a picture of you to prove you were on vacation too!

Maybe you don’t like having your photo taken.

Professional photographers know how to work with individuals and families to create natural, flattering poses, make sure your hair looks just right, and fix clothing malfunctions.

4. You Receive High Quality Photos to Frame, Share and Display

The bonus of hiring a professional photographer is the high quality photos you receive as part of your package.

5. The Vacation Photographer is Local

As stated above, having someone else—a vacation photographer—lets them worry about the lighting, suggest the best family photoshoot locations (ones where they have shot before) and create a stress-free family photoshoot.

Whether you are planning a beach family photoshoot or traveling to the mountains of Colorado, to Paris or Rome, a local photographer knows the best time of day to shoot, the best backdrops, the best colors to suggest, and the best poses for your family size.

In the process, you benefit from candid family photography, a beautiful beach aesthetic, gorgeous mountain or location shots…all to create fun travel and family memories.

6. Family Photography Anywhere in the World

Did you know that it is possible to book photographers anywhere you wish to travel?

You can do your own research and search online for photographers in your chosen location or chose to work with companies that specialize in creating a database of skilled vacation photographers all around the world.

7. Improve your Instagram Photos

You will need to be sure you have permission to post photos of your family photography on Instagram, Facebook or other social media outlets. If yes, UP your Instagram aesthetic with awesome headshots, candid family photos, and perfectly posed shots.

If you plan a beach family photoshoot with your vacation photographer, you may inspire others to do the same. At the very least, you’ll get likes and comments and LOVE on your posts.

8. It’s a Unique Experience and Gorgeous Backdrop

The change in scenery from your normal photoshoot location is a great way to record new family memories. If you have your photos taken every year or so in your home state, having a family photoshoot on vacation, especially a beach family photoshoot if you don’t live by the beach, creates a beautiful new backdrop.

You may find that everyone is a little more relaxed on vacation and you may be sporting a sun-kissed look. Time away from the stress of school and work and deadlines brings out the smiles. All good aesthetics for your family lifestyle photography.

9. Great Vacation Souvenir

Forget about the key chains, t-shirts, and cheesy souvenirs, vacation photography makes the best travel mementos.

• Holiday cards
• Yearly calendars
• Graduation announcements
• Family photo albums
• Wall art
• To share with grandparents
• Gifts for family and friends
• Postcards to send
• Screensavers or wallpaper for phones
• Family blog posts

10. Professional Editing Skills

If you need a little tweak in color here or a smudge removed there, vacation photographers have professional editing skills.

Be sure you review their policy on edits and know if they are in addition to regular session fees.

How to Find a Vacation Photographer

When looking for a vacation photographer:

• If you have friends who live in the area, ask your friends for recommendations.
• Do a Google search for photographers where you’ll be traveling.
• Check world wide vacation photographer sites.
• Check out the vacation photographer’s pricing, be aware of ALL of the fees, and know their cancellation policy.
• Check out their photography style. You should be able to find this on their website, Instagram feedor Facebook page.
• Read reviews.

You’ll be able to relax, enjoy your time with family, and create your own fun travel memories in a beautiful location knowing that everything is taken care of by a professional photographer—YOUR vacation photographer.

Reasons Why You Avoid Booking a Family Photoshoot, Especially on Vacation

• You’re not a fan of the over-posed studio style photos
• Children don’t behave or cooperate (those shots can make for some good memories that you’ll laugh at …someday)
• You don’t like the way you look in photos: you and I are our own worst critics
• You don’t want to be pressured into buying more than you want
• The weather could be unpredictable
• A photoshoot takes time away from your fun vacation
• The cost (sometimes you need to think of this as investment in your family)

Family Photoshoot Tips

You may find these tips on your photographer’s website, or if they are similar to our vacation photographer, Christy Odom, she sent out regular reminders and tips prior to our session with her.

• Keep it casual and relax. In Christy’s words “I can’t photoshop a stressed face into a relaxed one.”
• Remove Fitbits and watches
• Be spontaneous
• Keep the session short
• Go for the golden hour when light is most flattering
• Plan what to wear in advance and make sure clothing is comfortable, fits and is clean. Bring all the accessories you may need and don’t forget about the shoes
• Avoid sunburns, especially if you are planning a beach family photoshoot
• Get a haircut prior to your session (preferably with someone you trust at least a week in advance)
• Do full makeup (maybe a little heavier than normal) to avoid a washed out look
• Think about props. You don’t need them but you might want some.

Photography Gear for ALL Your Other Vacation Photos

© Provided by simplyjolayne
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Buy on Amazon

I take photos everyday and everywhere. Sometimes I quickly grab my phone before the opportunity is gone, and sometimes I use my DSLR for a well-composed quality shot.

Sometimes when I travel, I have both my phone and my camera ready to go (I look like such a tourist!)

Here are a few ideas for your camera gear options:

Just remember, you don’t have to travel with ALL of your photography equipment. Pack lightly. Take only the essentials. That may mean your camera body, one possibly two versatile lenses, and a few accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should we wear for family pictures?

What you choose to wear at the beach may be different from the colors you wear for a mountain photoshoot. Plan your outfits in advance to find colors and clothing that fit you well. Be sure to pay attention to layering and patterns and make sure you think about shoes as well. Choose a color palette with a few coordinating color options.

What is the best time of day for a family photoshoot?

If you are shooting outside, “Golden Hour” or the last hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise are recommended by professional photographers. These times provide the perfect light to capture stunning photos. If you have an indoor photoshoot, your photographer might recommend daytime hours to capture the best interior light.

Is plaid a good option for family photos?

No, no, no! And that’s my personal opinion. Especially photos where everyone chooses a different color and style of plaid. Just don’t do it.

Should I copy an Instagram influencer’s posing and photography style?

The best tip is to be yourself.

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© Provided by simplyjolayne
Family photography at the beach

Final Thoughts on Why You Should Plan a Family Photoshoot on Vacation

Vacations are often filled with some of the best memories. Memories do tend to fade with time. And if you have little ones, they might not even remember your special moments.

A family photoshoot creates the perfect opportunity to keep those memories alive.

They will be the best souvenir of your family vacation.

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Exascend is a little-known memory card manufacturer here in the UK but globally are well-established and has passed the certification requirements of DJI, RED, BMD and Z CAM. The company has just released its Essential series CFexpress Type A memory card, which promises to deliver cinema-grade performance in a compact form factor. Optimized for professional photography and cinematography, the Essential CFexpress Type A card features patented technologies to ensure top-level stability without dropping frames.

One of the key selling points of the Essential CFexpress Type A card is its transfer speed. The card offers read and write speeds of up to 900 MB/s and 800 MB/s, respectively. This means that professionals can transfer large image and video files quickly and efficiently, allowing for a more streamlined workflow.

For photographers and videographers, fast transfer speeds are essential for keeping up with the demands of modern-day production. With high-resolution cameras producing larger files, it can take considerable time to transfer files from the camera to a computer. This can slow down the creative process and sometimes result in missed opportunities.

The Essential CFexpress Type A card’s fast transfer speeds can help to eliminate these issues. Photographers and videographers can transfer files quickly, allowing them to return to the creative process sooner. This can lead to more efficient productions and more time to capture that perfect shot.

In addition to fast transfer speeds, the Essential CFexpress Type A card also features Exascend’s patented SuperCruise technology, which enhances sustained performance, and Adaptive Thermal Control technology, which tackles the issue of overheating and thermal throttling in high-performance PCIe NVMe flash storage devices.

The Essential CFexpress Type A card is fully compatible with all existing camera systems utilizing CFexpress Type A currently on the market, including Sony a1, a7S III, A7 IV, FX3, and FX6. With a rugged product design, the card is protected against shocks, vibrations, magnetism, and more, making it a durable option for photographers and videographers working in demanding environments.

Overall, the Essential CFexpress Type A card from Exascend offers fast transfer speeds and patented technologies that can benefit photographers and videographers looking for a reliable and efficient storage solution. With a range of capacities available, professionals can choose the option that best suits their needs and take their productions to the next level.

For more information check out ExAscend CFExpress type-A cards