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Photographer Resources

  • March 11, 2014

    Choosing an Umbrella

    They say you're not a true Portlander if you own an umbrella, but I'm pretty sure they weren't talking to photographers when they decided that. Umbrellas are some of the easiest to use and least expensive light modifiers available, a perfect option for photographers just getting into off-camera flash. They are portable, take just seconds to set up, and are very effective at diffusing light from a variety of sources—a speedlight, strobe head, or even a constant light. I have found, however, that people often get confused by the myriad options available. So here's a brief overview of the different types of lighting umbrellas.
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  • February 9, 2014

    Raw vs. JPEG

    It's not uncommon for a camera shopper to ask what "raw" stands for. It's easy to assume it's an acronym, especially with all the others in the world of digital photography: HDR, CMOS, AVCHD, APS-C... the list goes on. I think it would be neat if "raw" stood for Really Awesome Way of photographing things but, in truth, it is simply a word. As in, raw eggs. A raw file is simply one that has not been processed into a specific image format, such as JPEG. (Oddly, very few people ever ask what JPEG stands for.) Raw offers photographers a level of control over their images that compressed file types do not, but there are times when shooting in JPEG, or raw + JPEG, may be beneficial.

     

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  • February 3, 2014

    Getting Started with Video

    If you bought a camera in the past few years, there's a very good chance that it shoots video. In this age of digital photography, it makes sense that we should be able to use the same camera to shoot both still and moving images—something that wasn't exactly an option with film. However, this may lead you to believe that shooting video is no different than shooting stills in terms of how you control exposure and handle the camera. You would be wrong. So here are a few pointers that address the more common mistakes and false assumptions photographers make when making their foray into video. And if you haven't tried shooting video yet, you should! It's fun!
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  • January 27, 2014

    Tech Tips for Photographic Storytelling

    Photography is all about storytelling. Just finding a story can be its own challenge, but choosing how to tell it is even more difficult. How you frame a shot not only determines how viewers will be drawn into your image, it also controls how they connect to the story. Photographic stories need not be complex, nor need they be complete—viewer interpretation is part of the magic. Knowing how to use the tools and techniques at your disposal will help you shape your story.
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  • January 21, 2014

    Tech Tips for Photographing Motion

    One of the defining aspects of photography is its ability to freeze a moment in time, and nowhere is this more readily apparent than in action photography. Photographing a fast-moving subject is both challenging and rewarding. Hopefully, these tips will not only help you, but inspire you to get out there and experiment with your camera.
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  • January 13, 2014

    Tech Tips for Basic Portrait Photography

    We all know the number one reason people take pictures is to share images of what they are eating. But, second to that, one reason photography is as mainstream as it is, is because people want to take pictures of their friends and family. So, whether you are shooting simply for your own memories or creating portraits for someone else, here are some tips to help you rise above the snapshot.
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  • January 6, 2014

    Tech Tips for Indoor Photographers

    From snapping a shot of your meal to taking a family portrait, indoor photography often poses many challenges simply because there isn't enough light. We've put together a few tips to help you achieve good results inside.
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  • December 27, 2013

    New Year's Resolutions for Photographers

    Whether or not you have a Pro Photo Supply gift card burning a hole in your pocket, we’ve put together a list of new year’s resolutions to help you find the best way to spend your photography budget and get back to shooting!
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  • September 2, 2013

    Fall Photography Tips

    It's fall, and that means opportunities for great photography abound. Read on for our tips on how to make the most of this colorful season. 

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  • July 2, 2013

    Summer Photography Tips

    Written by Daven Mathies If you didn't know otherwise, it would be easy to mistake a bright, summer day as the perfect time to take photographs. This seems logical: photography requires light, and when is there the most light? When...

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  • December 3, 2012

    How and Why to Buy a Used Camera or Lens

    It’s no secret that camera gear is expensive. There are certainly those willing to pay any premium for the latest and greatest, but most of us have to work within a limited budget. Purchasing a used camera or lens can be great, but there are some important things to consider if you’re thinking about going that route.
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