3 Things I Wish I'd Known When I Started Photography
Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash
It's been a good, long while since I first picked up a camera back in the day.
In fact, it was so far back in the day that my first camera was a Canon 35mm film camera my dad bought when he was stationed in South Korea in 1972...
A lot has changed in the photography world since then, yet one thing that hasn't seemed to change much is that beginner photographers seem to commit the same mistakes or make the wrong assumptions about photography that I did way back then.
So that got me thinking...
What are some things I wish I'd known back in the day when I first started?
Prioritize Learning the Exposure Triangle
The key to a great photo is light, and to control light, you need to understand the exposure triangle.
The exposure triangle is comprised of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which together determine the exposure of a photograph.
Aperture controls the amount of light, shutter speed controls the duration of light, and ISO controls the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light.
Image Credit: steved_np3 via iStock
And you don't have to jump right into manual mode to exert more control over these settings, either.
You can shoot in aperture priority mode to control aperture (and by virtue of that, control depth of field more easily, too).
You can also shoot in shutter priority mode to control the shutter (and control how movement is captured as well).
If you're a beginner photographer, getting familiar with each of these components of exposure is a critical step, and one you should take sooner rather than later!
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Photography is Expensive
Image Credit: ielanum via iStock
I know this might be a real "duh" moment for some people - obviously photography is expensive.
But for a lot of people, it just doesn't compute how expensive it can be.
In my case, I got a free camera and two free lenses, so all I had to buy was film and pay for processing.
Image Credit: yanik88 via iStock
But even if you buy an entry-level DSLR with a kit lens, you're looking at spending more than $500 for a brand new rig. That's a lot of money!
So, that being the case, not only do I wish someone had told me when I was just starting out that photography was spendy, I wish I'd known that you don't have to buy brand new gear.
If you shop at the right places, you can find excellent deals on cameras, lenses, and other gear that's been gently used.
One such place is Gear Offer, an online community that was built specifically for photographers to buy and sell gear.
And since it's specifically for photographers, you don't have to sift through a bunch of listings that have nothing to do with photography, like you do on eBay and Craigslist.
Image Credit: dusanpetkovic via iStock
Furthermore, each part of the transaction is conducted on Gear Offer so it's a super easy process.
You create a free account, search for what you need, make an offer, and if the seller accepts, enter your payment details and address and you're good to go!
It's that easy.
If only there had been places like Gear Offer back in the day, I could have saved myself a ton of money over the years!
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Criticism is Critical
Image Credit: mixetto via iStock
When you've just started to take photos, it's understandable that you might be a little shy about asking people for feedback.
I know that was the case for me...
I felt like I had no idea what I was doing (and, it turns out, I didn't), so that meant that I didn't show my photos to anyone.
However, without seeking feedback on what you're doing, how can you get better?
This isn't to say that you need to jump right into photography contests or email professional photographers to try to get their feedback.
Something as simple as posting a photo you've taken to the PhotographyTalk forums and asking for feedback can help you see your images in a completely new light.
Additionally, seeking input from others can help connect you with other photographers and teach you a thing or two about how other people perceive the work you're doing.
So, don't be scared of a little constructive criticism - it could be what helps you get over the hump and start taking better photos!
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We Recommend
Camera Rumors 2019: Canon, Nikon, and Sony Have Big Plans
Image Credit: dan_prat via iStock
Photokina 2018 is behind us and PhotoPlus is rapidly approaching. Not far behind is the holiday season, and before you know it, we'll be celebrating 2019!
This time of year, there are usually all kinds of camera rumors flying around as manufacturers look ahead to what they will bring to market in the coming months.
That means that we get to speculate a little bit about what we can expect from the big players - Canon, Nikon, and Sony. You might also like to read about Nikon Vs Canon Vs Sony camera debate on PhotographyTalk.com
Table of Contents:
Canon Rumors 2019
Canon just released its EOS R mirrorless camera system, but some folks in the industry are already looking forward to what Canon might have in store as a follow-up.
According to CanonRumors, the camera giant might already have an EOS R Pro in development.
That's welcome news for Canon shooters who rejoiced when Canon finally decided to get into the mirrorless game with a full head of steam, but were a little disappointed that the EOS R wasn't the top-of-the-line flagship model they had hoped for.
Rumor has it that Canon could announce development of an EOS R Pro system as early as January 2019 with an official launch coming at the CP+ show, which will be held in Japan in March 2019.
Other Canon Rumors: Updates to the Canon M5 and M6 seem to be in the works as does a Canon EOS 5D X to take on the Nikon D850.
Nikon Rumors 2019
Nikon lovers are eagerly looking to the future to see what it holds for Nikon's new mirrorless line.
Like the EOS R from Canon, Nikon just released its new Z7 mirrorless camera to rave reviews.
But also like the EOS R, the Z7 isn't the showstopping high-end camera many people expected.
That leaves many Nikon enthusiasts wondering what might be up next, and many rumors point to the next step being a flagship model, perhaps dubbed the Z9.
TechRadar suggests that the next Nikon mirrorless camera will be a mirrorless version of the Nikon D5, a "tank-like" camera that professionals will appreciate and that will be able to go toe-to-toe with Sony's incredible Alpha a9.
Other Nikon Rumors: An update to the D5 - the D5S - could be in the works, along with an update to the D750.
Sony Rumors 2019
The Sony a7S II is a fantastic camera, especially for video work.
But rumor has it that Sony wants to step things up again with a new a7S III in the next couple of years.
According to Sony Rumors, Sony has already stated that the a7S III will "go beyond customers' expectations."
That's saying a lot considering how good the a7S II is...
But, because Sony seems to be focused on knocking things way out of the park with the a7S III, the likelihood that it will debut in 2019 is slim.
What we can reasonably assume, though, is that this camera will have the same updated body at the a7R III, an increase in the sensor resolution (which is 12-megapixels on the a7S II), and improvements in video performance, perhaps even with 4K video capture at 60p.
Other Sony Rumors: An update to the Sony a6500 (possibly called the a7000) is "coming soon."
Why You Need to Keep Up With Camera Rumors
Image Credit: mihailomilovanovic via iStock
Aside from dreaming about what the next big thing will be in digital cameras, rumor articles like this one serve another, more practical purpose.
By keeping your finger on the pulse of the photography industry and understanding when a new camera is likely to be released, you can maximize the value of your current gear.
That is, your aging camera or lens will be worth less money once a new camera or lens is released, so by staying updated on what new gear is going to be released and when, you have a better idea of when you should sell your current gear to maximize its value.
After all, the more money you can get out of your current gear, the less money you have to come up with to finance an upgrade!
Image Credit: deepblue4you via iStock
Naturally, when selling your photography gear, you need to be smart about it.
Though many photographers turn to the likes of Craigslist and eBay to get rid of their old gear, there's some problems with both of those approaches.
In my experience, Craigslist has a ton of scammers trying to pull a fast one on you. When you're talking about selling hundreds of dollars of gear, scammers are definitely not something you want to deal with.
And while eBay offers many more protections for sellers than Craigslist, it comes at a price. Between eBay's fees (10% of the sales price) and Paypal's fees (2.9% of the payment amount plus $0.30 per transaction), you certainly don't get to pocket all your money.
Instead, there's a new way to sell your old camera gear and do so without paying tons of fees or dealing with people that are trying to rip you off - Gear Offer.
Gear Offer is an intriguing option for photographers for a few reasons.
First, the site specializes in helping photographers buy and sell photography gear. That means that the process of signing up and listing your gear for sale is quick and painless.
If you've ever tried to list something on eBay, you know what a giant pain it can be. But with Gear Offer, you can sign up for an account and create a listing in a matter of minutes.
Secondly, Gear Offer has a handy pricing tool to help you figure out what your gear is worth.
Not only does that help you decide what price to ask for your gear, but it also helps potential buyers see what a fair price is for the gear they're interested in buying.
The more informed buyers and sellers are, the smoother the transaction will be. That's definitely not something that Craigslist can claim to do!
Image Credit: dusanpetkovic via iStock
Lastly, it's free to sign up for Gear Offer. In fact, listing your item for sale is free, too.
On top of that, you only pay a simple fee of 6.9% when the item sells, which includes payment processing fees. Compared to the fees you find on eBay, that's a total steal!
Furthermore, Gear Offer handles all the transaction details, so a buyer can purchase the gear you've listed with a click of a button.
With fraud-prevention features and dispute resolution services built right into the platform, you can rest easy knowing that you won't have to deal with flaky people or scammers.
Instead, all you have to worry about is keeping your eye on upcoming gear so you know when to list your stuff to maximize its value!
Get started today, and sell your old gear to maximize its value.
We Recommend
How to Save Yourself Time and Money in Photography
Image Credit: jacoblund via iStock
I've been in the photography industry for a decade now, and in that time, I've learned a thing or two about how to manage my time and manage my money better.
And like anyone else in this industry, time and money always seem to be in short supply for me, so maximizing them both only makes sense. After all, learning how to make money with photography is what it's all about.
I've outlined a few tricks below that I've used to streamline my workflow and make my dollar stretch further. These have been lifesavers for me, and I think they will be for you as well.
Let's get started!
Edit Your Photos in Lightroom
Image Credit: bogdankosanovic via iStock
For years, I refused to make Lightroom my go-to editing program because I learned how to edit photos in Photoshop, it was all I'd ever used, and I had no interest in changing my workflow.
That was a bad decision...
Eventually I was so tied up in editing photos that I really had no choice but to make the switch to using Lightroom as my primary editor. It was the best decision I've ever made.
Image Credit: dusanpetkovic via iStock
Not only is Lightroom a far better program for organizing my images, but the ability to make presets in Lightroom helps streamline the process even further.
Some photographers warn that Lightroom isn't as capable an editor as Photoshop, and I agree.
But if you take the time to get your images right in-camera, then you won't need to spend hours and hours correcting them in Photoshop. Instead, light edits in Lightroom should do the trick.
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Don't Buy New Gear
Image Credit: MarioGuti via iStock
As we all know, new photography gear can cost a pretty penny. Even an entry-level camera with a couple of lenses can easily cost over $1,000.
That's why I've become a big fan of buying used gear.
I know that "used" has a bad connotation in some circles, but if you go about it in the right way and make your purchases from reputable outfits, it's hard to go wrong. After all, you can get higher-end gear without paying higher-end prices. What's not to like about that?
I recently came across a website called Gear Offer, and I have to say that this looks like the future of buying (and selling) used photography gear.
Gear Offer brings professional and enthusiast photographers together in one place to meet one another's gear needs.
So if you want to upgrade your kit with a 70-200mm lens, all you need to do is sign up for a free account, add your payment and address information, and search the site for the 70-200mm lens of your dreams using the site's product filters.
Image Credit: GaudiLab via iStock
Once you find an item you want, you can either buy the item right then and there for the list price or you can make an offer on it at a lower price. The seller can either accept or reject your offer, and if it's accepted, the item is yours!
All payments are made via Gear Offer, so it truly is one-stop shopping. They'll even send you shipping updates so you know where your item is from the moment it leaves the seller's location to the moment it arrives on your doorstep.
If the process sounds simple and painless, it is! In that regard, buying pre-owned gear from Gear Offer not only saves you money, but it saves you time as well.
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Save Time By Delegating Tasks
Image Credit: HRAUN via iStock
While I understand first-hand how tempting it is to try to do everything yourself with regards to your photography business, trust me when I say that it is definitely not the most efficient way to operate.
Yes, it costs money to hire people to help you, but in the long-run, having help frees you up to work with more clients and bring more money into the business. That's how you make money with photography!
Even if you hire a part-time assistant to handle client communications, bookings, and other day-to-day tasks, it will free up hours of your time each day to handle other business-related tasks.
I would encourage you to build a larger team, though, if possible.
That includes having an attorney to advise you on business matters, an accountant to handle your books, an insurance broker that specializes in working with photographers, and any number of other professionals that can help you build and grow your business.
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Final Thoughts
Image Credit: Erstudiostok via iStock
There are probably a million other things you can do to save yourself a little time and money as a photographer, but these three tips should get you headed in the right direction.
Each of these tricks have helped me immensely, and I'm sure they can do the same for you.
The old adage "work smarter, not harder" definitely applies to being a photographer, and if you can utilize these ways of saving time and money, you'll certainly be sitting pretty!
We Recommend
Nikon Z7 Review
Nikon Z7 Review
The Nikon Z7 is a high-resolution mirrorless camera that comes with the new Z-mount system and offers great features for professional photographers.
The Z7 is the first full-frame Nikon mirrorless camera. It was made for those who want only the best quality - for both stills and videos.
Because of its great capabilities, the camera may be a bit pricey for average consumers, but that’s why there is the Z6, which comes with lower resolution as a more affordable option.
We already completed a Nikon Z6 review, but now let’s see why everyone is falling in love with the Z7 in this Nikon Z7 review.
Nikon Z7 REview: Specs
Packed in a corrosion-resistant magnesium alloy body, the Nikon Z7 offers a 45.7MP image sensor, a superior 493-point AF system with 90% coverage, a 9 FPS Continuous Shooting, a native ISO range from 64 to 25,600 ISO (expandable to 102,400), 4K video up to 30p, built-in stabilization, and many other improved features in comparison to earlier Nikon full frame models.
The camera uses a 3.69-million-dot electronic OLED viewfinder which allows you to preview exposure effects, a 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen on the back, and a small LCD screen on the top so you can quickly check cameras settings.
The ergonomics are really good on this camera. It has a deep grip for easy handling, while the buttons are positioned in a way to be familiar to anybody who has already used a Nikon camera. The body is weather-resistant even in harsh conditions so you don’t have to worry about moisture or dirt getting inside the body.
Get a better idea of the Z7's features in the video above by Kai W.
Nikon Z7 Review: Video Capabilities
When it comes to video recording, the Z7 is one of the best full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market today. It offers full-frame 4K up to 30p, while it can record up to 120 fps in HD.
The internal video capture of the Z7 is only 8-bit, but there is a possibility to record directly to an optional external recorder with 10-bit output via HDMI. The files are saved in MOV or MP4 format.
The only disadvantage is that the camera has only one XQD card slot.
Other notable features are built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth technology, capabilities for remote shooting with SnapBridge, and new USB battery charging.
Nikon Z7 Review: Z-Mount Lenses
The Nikon Z7 introduces the new Nikon Z mount system and three new lenses to choose from - the Nikkor Z 24-70 F4 S, Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S, and Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S.
The Z-mount system features a larger-diameter mount combined with a shorter flange focal distance which helped Nikon create ultra-thin lens mounts. Until there are more Z-mount lenses, you can still use F-mount Lenses if you get an FTZ mount adapter.
Of course, more Z-mount lenses have now been introduced, expanding the lineup of lenses available for the Z7 and the Z6.
Nikon Z7 Review: Price
You can pick up a brand-new Z7 body for $3,396.95, while we suggest you add around $250 for Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter so you can use a variety of lens options for the best results.
Among the currently available Z-mount lenses, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, which runs about $996.95, would be our top recommended choice as it offers excellent focal range that gives you more versatility for shooting different subject matter than a prime lens.
Get more details about the lenses and autofocus system in this Nikon mirrorless camera in the video above by Jared Polin.
Have Nikon camera questions that weren't answered in this Nikon Z7 review? Ask in the Nikon Camera Forum.
We Recommend
Panasonic Lumix LX100 II Review
Photo by LDProd via iStock
The Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is a compact camera tailor-made for enthusiast photographers. It is a successor to the Panasonic Lumix LX100 which was released in 2014. These two cameras share the same look, but the new camera brings a lot of improvements over its predecessor.
At the time of its release, the Panasonic Lumix LX100 brought a lot of clever features that attracted enthusiast photographers. After four years, Panasonic decided to give us an updated version of this camera. In the following article, you can see if they succeeded in their aims.
Editor's Tip: Ready to upgrade your camera but don't have the money? Consider buying a used camera to stretch your budget further.
Panasonic Lumix LX100 II Specs
The combination of features in the LX100 II makes it perfect for travelers and street photographers.
The key specifications of the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II are a 17MP multi-aspect Micro Four Thirds sensor, a 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 standard zoom lens with POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), a 49-area autofocus, 4K video at up to 30p, a 3-inch LCD touchscreen, and an electronic viewfinder.
The LX100 II uses a multi-aspect Four-Thirds sensor which is the same as in the LX100 I, but the resolution has been boosted to provide images up of 17 million pixels in 4:3 mode, in comparison to 12.5Mp in the LX100. The other notable difference is that the LX100 II incorporates a touchscreen LCD which allows controlling AF point positioning much more easily.
According to Panasonic, the LX100 II can focus in approximately 0.10 sec. The LX100 II offers 5.5 fps burst shooting with continuous autofocus (AFC) and 11 fps burst shooting with flexible autofocus (AFS). There is also the Post Focus function which will allow you to refocus image even after you shoot it.
Get a detailed look at this camera in the video above by DPReview TV.
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Panasonic Lumix LX100 II Has Multiple Aspect Ratios
The sensor in the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is actually larger than any of the available aspect ratios that you can choose from, while you can easily change between 4:3, 3:2, 1:1 and 16:9 aspect ratios by using a switch on the lens.
This has shown to be a really handy option and one of the reasons why people love this camera.
Other Prominent Features of the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
The LX100 II has a 3-inch LCD screen with improved resolution over the earlier model, but unfortunately, it is not tilted so you may have problems shooting from different angles.
When it comes to video capabilities, the camera can record 4K footage at up to 30p, while there is an option to extract 8-megapixel stills.
You can also connect the camera easily to your smartphone or tablet with built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 4.2 technologies. The battery can be recharged via AC or USB, while the estimated battery life is around 350 shots.
Check out why Georges CameraTV thinks this is the best compact camera released in 2018 by viewing the video above.
Editor's Tip: Don't let your old photography gear sit around and collect dust. Sell your old cameras and lenses today.
Panasonic LX100 II Price
The LX100 II was just released this past October. At the moment, the price of a new Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is $997.99 for the camera only, while you can get a kit with an extra battery and charger for only $1,095.98.
If you are looking for a camera that combines good features in a compact body, this can be the perfect solution for you!
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Minimize Your Out-Of-Pocket Expense for a New Camera
At just under $1,000.00, it's not like the LX100 II is a cheap camera...
But you can minimize your cost if you sell your old photography gear.
The key when selling your old gear is to do it right, and that means using Gear Offer to get the job done.
I've used Craigslist and eBay before, and the former was just a nightmare and the latter charged me so many fees that it wasn't really worth my time.
Things are different with Gear Offer, though.
It's easy to set up an account and list your item. And once it sells, everything is handled right there on the Gear Offer platform from arranging shipping to getting paid to leaving and receiving feedback.
And since it's a platform by photographers, for photographers, it's a smooth process without any fuss.
So, if you're in need of a new camera, sell your old one and use the money to offset your costs. It's the ideal way to clear out your old stuff while making your new gear cost less!
We Recommend
Pentax K-1 II Review
With the release of the Pentax K-1, the most popular question among DSLR photographers – “Canon or Nikon?“ – does not make as much sense as before.
The Pentax K-1 was released almost three years ago, and many photographers fell in love with this camera as soon as it was in their hands.
The Pentax K-1 II is the successor to the K-1. The camera keeps some of the most appealing features of its predecessor and adds a few new things that will enrich your photography experience.
So let's find out what is new about this camera in this Pentax K-1 II review.
Editor's Tip: Want to upgrade your camera but can't afford a brand-new one? Save money and buy a pre-owned rig.
Pentax K-1 II Features
The Pentax K-1 II features a full-frame 36.4-megapixel CMOS sensor without an optical low-pass filter. This is the same sensor that was used for its predecessor and which has shown to produce great results.
In addition, the Pentax K-1 II uses a 14-bit Prime IV image processor and an accelerator unit which boosts sensitivity up to ISO 819,200. With this being said, you will definitely not have to worry about working in low-light conditions because the camera will produce good results even in the darkest environments.
One of the most important upgrades is that the camera incorporates Pixel Shift Resolution System II which will allow you to make perfectly sharp photos even when shooting hand-held. The AF system also features a new algorithm which provides better precision when focusing on moving subjects.
Other key features of the Pentax K-1 II include 33-point phase detect AF (inc. 25 cross-type), 4.4 fps continuous shooting, and 1080/60i video.
Get more information about the features of this camera in the hands-on review by the CameraVille in the video above.
Pentax K-1 II Design
The K-1 Mark II was built of magnesium-alloy with weather sealing at 87 points which means it was made to endure harsh weather conditions. The camera can work even in freezing temperatures as low as 14°F.
Also, dust or moisture won’t do much harm to this camera, but still it is not waterproof.
As you will notice, this not the smallest and lightweight camera on the market. The dimensions of the K-1 Mark II are 5.4 x 4.3 x 3.4 in, while it weighs in at 2.4 pounds (including batteries).
The camera incorporates an optical viewfinder that provides 100% coverage with a 0.7x magnification and the tiltable 3.2-inch LCD display.
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Connectivity Options
The K-1 Mark II has built-in Wi-Fi which that allows remote control of the camera using a smartphone. There is also a built-in GPS module and electronic compass, but unfortunately, it doesn't have Bluetooth technology.
In addition, the camera is equipped with headphone and microphone jacks in case you want to use it for videography purposes.
Pentax K-1 II Price
You can buy the Pentax K-1 Mark II for $1,896.95 on Amazon (body only). If you want to add D-FA 28-102mm WR lens you will need to spend $2,296.95.
This seems like a good price for the features this camera offers, but if you want to save money you can also buy a used Pentax K-1 which provides similar features for much less money.
When buying used, I highly recommend using photography-specific sites like Gear Offer, which specialize in helping photographers buy and sell used gear.
By using a site like this, you are more likely to find what you need and find gear that's in good shape (and honestly described, too).
Learn More:
- 3 Things I Wish I'd Known When I Started Photography
- Camera Rumors 2019: Canon, Nikon, and Sony Have Big Plans
We Recommend
Photography Hacks for Beginner Photographers
Photo by Justin Main on Unsplash
One of the things I love most about photography is that there are so many ways to express your creativity.
Whether you like portraits, landscapes, or something in between, the manner in which you create photos can truly be your own.
I also appreciate how people's ingenuity and creativity in photography turn into some really worthwhile hacks that can save time and money.
Here's a few of my favorite photography hacks for beginners.
Keep Your Remote Close With Velcro
Image Credit: MarioGuti via iStock
Having a remote to trigger your shutter is a must-have on its own, but you also need a way to keep track of it.
After all, camera remotes aren't exactly big, so they're easy to misplace in your camera bag, and even easier to misplace if you're out shooting somewhere at night, as the gentleman in the photo above is doing.
Make it easier to know where your remote is by attaching Velcro to its back, and then attaching Velcro to one of the legs on your tripod (yet another must-have bit of gear you need!).
Doing so means you won't be digging through your camera bag for your remote, nor will you waste a bunch of time not taking photos because you'll have your remote attached to your tripod, right where you can quickly grab it to take a shot.
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Buy Used Gear
Image Credit: mustafahacalaki via iStock
I'll admit that there's something awesome about buying brand-new photography gear. It's kind of like getting a new car - knowing that no one has ever used it or touched it before is great.
However, it's not so great as to justify the much higher expense of buying new over buying used...
When there's a pile of money on the line - sometimes hundreds of dollars - it only makes sense to buy a used camera or used lenses. Heck, by buying used, you might be able to snag a used camera and a used lens or two for the price of a brand-new camera body.
Image Credit: agrobacter via iStock
And while many-a-photographer have turned to places like Craigslist to find smokin' deals, some have been hoodwinked, found their gear to be non-functional, or even found that the gear they bought was stolen.
That begs the question...where does one buy quality used gear safely and securely?
The answer, my friends, is Gear Offer.
What's great about Gear Offer is that is was designed specifically for camera gear.
There's no sifting through a million ads for stuff you don't want like you have to do on eBay. Instead, it's just tons of great gear that has been used (and loved!) by other photography junkies.
In that regard, Gear Offer is a nice little community where photographers can come together and buy and sell gear without the worry or risk inherent with transactions on other platforms.
Creating an account is free and easy, and once your account is ready to roll, you can immediately start searching for a new-to-you camera or lens.
Photo by Nicole Honeywill on Unsplash
Once you find what you want, simply buy the product or make an offer, and if the seller accepts, all you have to do is enter your payment information and your address, and soon you'll have a box with your camera gear waiting at your front door.
How easy is that?!
Better still, as I noted earlier, you can also sell gear on Gear Offer, so a couple of years down the road when you've outgrown your current camera, you can hop on Gear Offer, create a listing, and sell it to another photographer.
It's a super slick system that ensures everyone is happy and gets a great deal. What's not to like about that?!
Gaffer Tape is a Photographer's Best Friend
Talk about a hack that keeps on giving...
Gaffer tape has about a million and one uses for photographers. Think of it like photography-specific duct tape.
Not only can it be used to modify light sources, keep backdrops in place, and attach lights to props, but you can also use it to help improve your workflow and curb mistakes.
One ingenious use for gaffer tape is to use a strip of it to cover the switches on your lens.
Sometimes, you can accidentally hit the switch on a lens and inadvertently switch from autofocus to manual focus or vice versa. By covering the switch with gaffer's tape, you don't have to worry about that problem and can keep on shooting in whatever mode you wish. For more ideas on how to use gaffer tape, check out the video above by Jared Polin.
These might seem like really simple hacks, but their ability to totally change your workflow - and, in the case of buying used gear, keep more money in your pocket - they're definitely worth a try!
Learn More:
We Recommend
Top Gifts for Beginner Photographers
The holidays are closing in fast, so you know what that means...
It's time to start thinking about what gifts to get your friends and family that love photography.
It's also time to start thinking about how you can afford to pay for all those gifts!
Let's take a look at a few top gift ideas for beginner photographers and a unique to help defray the costs of your holiday shopping.
A Better Camera Strap
A better camera strap might not sound like a super sexy Christmas gift, but if you've spent any time carrying a camera around by the original factory strap, you know how incredibly uncomfortable they can be.
With an upgraded strap, the photographer on your list not only gets the benefit of improved comfort, but they also enjoy greater durability and security of their gear, too.
There are tons of options available as well.
If you're on a budget, consider something like the HiiGuy Camera strap shown above.
With strong metal connectors and a safety tether, photographers don't have to worry about their camera coming detached from the strap.
The large shoulder pad increases comfort while the zippered pouch on the shoulder pad offers the perfect storage spot for spare memory cards or a battery.
If you're looking for something a little more luxurious, the Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo is a fantastic choice.
Made of premium full-grain leather, this strap is one of the most beautiful straps on the market today.
But don't think that the MoneyMaker Solo is just eye candy...
Its shoulder pad is designed to spread out the weight of the load, thereby reducing shoulder fatigue.
With an included stabilizer strap, the shoulder pad stays in place with no worry of it sliding off the shoulder.
Better still, the included Belt Anchor keeps the camera snug against the body, that way it doesn't flop around or slide forward when crouching or bending over.
Whether you go for a higher-end strap like the MoneyMaker Solo or a budget-friendly option like the HiiGuy Camera Strap, the photographer on your holiday list will thank you for the upgrade. Either of these straps would be a great gift for yourself, too!
A Better Lens
As I'm sure you're aware, the kit lenses that come with cameras leave a little to be desired, so why not give the photographer on your holiday gift list a better shooting experience with an improved lens?
You can go a number of routes when gifting a lens to someone.
On the one hand, you can go with a fixed focal length lens like a 50mm f/1.8, which offers excellent low-light performance, superb sharpness, and is incredibly versatile. Best of all, many 50mm f/1.8 lenses can be found for well under $150, even brand new!
On the other hand, a zoom lens like a 24-70mm is the perfect focal range for photographers that want to tackle a wide range of subjects.
At 24mm, the wide-angle view is ideal for landscapes. Zoom in a little to around 50mm for portraits. Or take it all the way to 74mm for a short telephoto view.
For photographers that travel a lot or just need a small, lightweight, all-around lens, a 24-70mm can't be beat!
See other benefits of 24-70mm lenses in the video above by DigitalRev TV.
A Better Tripod
If it's one thing that beginner photographers need, it's a better tripod. Heck, many beginner photographers don't even have a tripod in the first place!
If you ask me, a tripod is one of the most underrated photography gifts because it's not as flashy as a new lens or as expensive as a new camera.
But a tripod like the Vanguard Espod CX 203AP can work wonders for the quality of photos because it stabilizes the camera for sharper images.
What's more, with the included pan head, your favorite photographer can dial in the precise position of the camera to get those perfect compositions.
If you're in the market to upgrade your tripod or if you want to give the gift of a top-notch tripod to a loved one, it's hard to go wrong with one of Sirui's new SR-Series tripods.
These things are built to hold a ton of gear and provide durable performance for years and years to come.
The Sirui SR-3204 tripod shown above is a top-of-the-line rig that extends to a height of 80 inches with the optional two-stage center column. It can also hold a whopping 55 pounds of gear!
With easy twist leg locks and three-position leg angle mechanisms, this thing can literally be set up in seconds that way no shots are missed.
A Better Camera Bag
Just like a new camera strap is a gift of comfort, so too is a new camera bag.
When I was a beginner photographer, I literally carried my gear around in a regular backpack. I shudder to think of all the damage that could have been done after making that decision...
A dedicated camera bag like the Vanguard Adaptor 46 shown above is an ideal gift idea because it not only protects camera gear but does so without busting your budget.
Budget-friendly options like this might not have all the bells and whistles of high-end bags, but they still offer tons of organization for gear, comfortable shoulder straps, an innovative features like a built-in rain cover to keep the gear inside the bag dry.
If you want to really upgrade your loved one's photography experience, you can opt to give them the ultimate camera bag - the Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag.
I call this the ultimate camera bag because it's so well made and it's so incredibly versatile.
It can fit a smaller DSLR kit or a mirrorless system, as well as a 13-inch laptop.
The weather-resistant exterior keeps gear nice and dry while the integrated tripod strap makes easier work of carrying a tripod.
The interior of the bag is highly organized with flexfold dividers that can be reshaped to accommodate different types of gear.
In other words, this is a do-it-all camera bag that beginner photographers can use for years and years to come!
A Unique Way to Offset Holiday Shopping Costs
Unless you're Bill Gates, you're probably like most of us and need to budget for holiday gift buying.
But when you're buying photography gifts, maintaining a budget can be hard because photography gear can be really, really expensive.
I think I've found a way to make it less expensive, though...
Sell your old photography gear!
You've probably got an old lens or an old tripod or maybe even an old camera laying around collecting dust, right? So why not tap into the value of those items by selling them to other photographers?
I stumbled upon a website called Gear Offer the other day, and their whole function in life is to help photographers buy and sell photography gear.
So, that means that you can take your old lens or camera or other accessory, sign up for Gear Offer, and sell your stuff to an interested party.
And unlike other services like Craigslist or eBay, Gear Offer is actually quick and easy use. In fact, you can set up your account and list your item in just a few minutes' time.
Not sure what your old gear is worth? No problem! Gear Offer has a handy pricing tool that will help you set a fair price for your gear.
Think about it - not only is it easy to get started, but it's also easy to dial in the right price. Not bad, right?
But here's the kicker - Gear Offer is free to list your items.
That means you can sign up, get your listings going, and not pay a dime.
Buyers benefit from a platform that's well organized and easily searchable. And since all transactions are handled by Gear Offer, buyers can purchase your items in just a few clicks.
On top of all that, when your item sells, all you pay is a one-time 6.9% fee. That includes payment processing fees! There's even built-in dispute resolution and fraud prevention services.
Easy to use? Check. Built-in pricing tool? Check. Low fees? Check. If there's an easier way to get rid of your old photography gear while making a little extra holiday shopping money, I don't know what it is!
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You Won't Believe the Specs on the New Sony a6400
I've been waiting for Sony to unveil the a6400 for a long time, and now that wait is finally over.
Yesterday, Sony finally unveiled its latest mid-range mirrorless camera, and I have to say that this thing has some mighty impressive specs.
For starters, the a6400 retains the same 24.2-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor as its predecessor, the a6300.
However, the a6400 sports a front-end LSI and the same image processor used in the company's flagship A9.
That means that the a6400 has improved ISO sensitivity (up to 102,400) and processing speeds that are much faster. In fact, Sony claims the a6400 is 1.8x faster in the processing department than the a6300.
Additionally, Sony claims that this new camera has the world's fastest autofocus - just 0.02 seconds. Real-world testing will surely determine if that's the case.
Editor's Tip: Ready to buy a Sony a6400 but short on cash? Sell your old gear and use the proceeds to buy your dream camera.
Sony a6400 Real-Time Eye AF
The a6400 also has Real-Time Eye AF (shown above), which not only has a setting to prioritize focusing on the right or left eye, but it's also powered by artificial intelligence that helps it recognize eyes to improve tracking speed, performance, and accuracy. That feature will be expanded to work with animals later this year, so if you're a wildlife photographer, get ready!
This little guy also has Real-Time AF tracking, again, with AI-based subject recognition. That feature is explored in the video above from Sony. All this AI-powered stuff is a first for a Sony Alpha camera.
Sony a6400 Autofocus System
Sony held over the impeccable 425-point phase-detect autofocus system from the a6300.
It's aided by 425 contrast-detect autofocus points that together offer 84 percent coverage of the frame.
This rig can shoot up to 11fps - which is the same for the a6300 - and if you want to shoot silently, "just" 8fps will have to do.
The buffer is 116 JPEG images (46 RAW), so even at 11fps, you can fire off a ton of shots before the buffer slows you down. Get an intro to this and other specs in the video below from Sony:
Sony a6400 Video Capabilities
Other features include 4K video at 100Mbps, 4K HDR recording, and S-log3 and S-log2 support for video enthusiasts.
What's more, there's a microphone jack, compatibility with XLR adapters, and 4K video can be synced to your smartphone by using the all-new Imaging Edge Mobile app.
In other words, this is a videographer's dream camera. I imagine a ton of YouTubers will be investing in one of these...
The a6400 has a 2.36-million dot XGA Tru-Finder OLED EVF, a 3-inch 180-degree tilting touchscreen LCD, and a magnesium alloy body that's weather-sealed.
Additionally, it comes equipped with WiFi, NFC, a built-in pop-up flash, 8 customizable keys, a star rating system for photos, and an enhanced menu system that's got improved usability.
In other words, it seems like Sony kept all the good stuff from the a6300 and added some much-needed improvements to make the a6400 quite the catch.
Editor's Tip: Save some money and still get a new-to-you camera. How? Find great deals on used gear.
Sony a6400 Price
The Sony a6400 goes on sale next month for about $900 (body only) or you can opt for the bundled version with a 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens for about $1,000.
There will also be a kit version with an 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens for roughly $1,300.
Get a hands-on first look at this camera in the video above by Jared Polin, and check out some sample images taken with this camera below, provided by Sony:
Via Sony and Tech Radar