Product Photography

Product photography has to make objects look their best — and do it efficiently enough to be commercially viable. Whether you're shooting a single hero product for an advertising campaign or hundreds of SKUs for an e-commerce catalog, the challenges of lighting, styling, and consistency are central to the work. This section covers product photography across scales, from tabletop setups to large-scale commercial productions.

Nikon D810 Available for Pre-Order

If you've been holding out for the D800/D800E replacement, today's you're lucky day: it's finally here. Featuring a new 36-megapixel sensor, better ISO range, and shutter and AF technologies from the D4s, the D810 is now available for pre-order from B&H, or you can also pre-order from Amazon, too.

Nikon Announces the Nikon D810

Another famous late-night announcement brings us news of the long-awaited successor to the camera that brought medium-format resolutions to the masses. With its all-glorious 36 megapixels, improved low-light performance, and a new processing engine, the Nikon D810 is finally here... Update: Pre-orders are open at B&H.

Convert Unused USB Thumb Drives Into Your New, Favorite Live-Work SSD

We all have a half-dozen or so USB thumb drives laying around. You know, the ones you bought to replace the ones you thought you lost, but then found a week later? Maybe they were free at a trade show? I had my fair share and decided to do something about it: I created my new favorite and totally portable live-work "SSD." Considering I just needed one, $16 accessory, it all seemed pretty reasonable to me.

Lessons I Learned From My Time Spent With a PhaseOne

This past week I've been sleep deprived, socially inactive, and holding a camera in my hands for more than I ever have in my entire life. You see, this past week I've been working with PRO EDU to film my first tutorial series to go on sale at the Fstoppers store this summer. Though learning a lot about my own work and process, I think I learned the most when I used a rented PhaseOne IQ250 system for one of my shoots.

SanDisk One Day Only Sale at B&H

B&H is running a huge SanDisk one day only sale right now! You can get a brand new SanDisc 16gb SD card for as low as $12.75. I personally just stocked up on 4 more cards and I recommend you do as well. To see all the memory card deals being offered, check out

Michael Schmidt Reviews the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM

Michael Schmidt of Chemnitz, Germany, shares a video review of Canon's new and quite affordable EF-S 10-18mm IS STM lens. The lens features silent focusing thanks to its stepping motor (STM) and even throws in built-in image stabilization (IS). While the lens exhibits some minor issues (some expected distortion seems quite controlled for this focal length), overall image quality seems fantastic and the lens' focusing motor is truly silent and smooth.

iOS 8 Improves Your Current Phone's Camera and Paves the Way for iPhone 6

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) previewed a new operating system for the Mac as well as iOS 8 for the iPhone, which comes with a host of new features due out this fall. While many features of Apple's new iOS releases leave out older devices, this one will improve your iPhone's camera (past, current, and future) with some great features we've all been too patient to see.

Adobe Camera Raw 8.5 Release Candidates Now Available

Adobe just announced the immediate availability of ACR 8.5 and DNG Converter 8.5 on Adobe Labs for Photoshop CS6 and Photoshop CC. The update brings with it several refinements and enhanced compatibility with several new cameras including the Canon G1XII, Fuji S1, Nikon 1 series, Olympus OM-D E-M10, and Panasonic GH4.

Top 10 Reasons You Should Be Photographing Babies

Newborn photography is one of the hottest genres of photography today. And with more and more babies being born everyday, the demand for talented newborn shooters has never been higher. Here are ten reasons from Stephanie Cotta on why you should be photographing newborns.

"Nearly New" Polaroid 405 4x5 Instant Film Back on Kickstarter

Some may have noticed a good portion of the DIY and Kickstarter projects for film photography revolve around the 4x5 format. That's likely because, for lovers of film, it's the best format out there. The negative size allows for incredibly sharp and enlarged prints. It's possible (just) to handhold a 4x5 camera for street photography. And despite many film stocks' deaths by the second, you can still get some of the most popular films in 4x5 sheet film packs.

"RagLite" Is A Flexible, Waterproof, And Portable LED Lighting Concept

The RagLite LED systems are a product seeking backing on Kickstarter to do a production run of what appear to be LED strips on fabric that can be rolled up, powered by battery, are waterproof, and claim a CRI of 95. With several rewards being offered, including various sizes of their light, they seek to raise about $25,000. Read on for their video and more information on these unique lights.

Sony Announces RX100 III

Tonight, alongside its a7s announcement, Sony announced the RX100 III, the third successor in the RX100 line. You can even pre-order the camera right away for $798.00 for delivery in late June, or continue reading for more specs.

Canon Announces The 16-35mm f/4L IS EF Lens

Announced tonight, Canon adds the 16-35mm f/4L IS to it's prestigious L series line of lenses. With an Optical Image Stabilizer system, the 16-35mm f/4 IS adds up to 4 stops of correction for great performance, even in low light. While this announcement is exciting for many of us, it also has many of us scratching our heads in confusion.

The New Edelkrone "Action Module" Simplifies Timelapse And Motion Control For DSLRs

Edelkrone raised a few interested eyebrows with their unique slider design a while back, but with their recent add-on items, the latest of which is the "Action Module," both filmmakers and manufacturers alike are taking a long look at these innovate products. The Action Module not only brings timelapse and repeatable moves, it does so in a simple, intuitive way.

Tethering And Tape - The Importance Of Investing In Prevention

I always tether. Whether it's for a client or fashion editorial, the CamRanger has played a very important role in capturing rock solid images. But, before the wonderful technology of wireless tethering came into the picture, I always tethered to a workstation. However, that came with the annoyance of a long tether cable dangling off your camera. I always felt the sense of being trapped or held back from moving freely, I was always concerned and it was always a distraction.

Review Of The New UL (Ultralight) Loka Backpack From F-Stop Gear

Known for its top of the line outdoor adventure camera bags and backpacks, F-Stop Gear recently unveiled the Loka Ultralight, or "UL," a revision of the popular Loka backpack. In this review I’ll go over the differences between the UL relative to its older brother, and point out who this pack is and isn’t for.

New FUJIFILM X-E2 Firmware Update

You heard right! Fujifilm has officially announced the releaes of their new firmware update which will bring the Fujifilm X-T1 viewfinder better performance on top of more enhancements to the award-winning Fujifilm X-E2. The new functions and performance gains that Fuji has announced give many photographers a reason to pick up Fuji cameras for their bags and many a reason to open their bags back up and take them back out.

Introducing AlbumStomp - Gorgeous Photo Albums Made Easy

I've reviewed BlogStomp in the past, and decided it was a tool that all photographers should be using to create simple and beautiful collages. Announced today from the same team is AlbumStomp, containing all the features you've come to love from BlogStomp, but for the use of creating brilliantly beautiful and simple photo albums for your clients.

Panasonic Lumix GH4 Now In Stock

The much anticipated Panasonic Lumix GH4 has finally reached the store shelves today and is available for order. We've talked about this camera in the past, and impressed with it's 4K video capabilities, but more so on the fact that it's 10-bit 4:2:2 recording at the same resolution. At the reasonable price point of $1,698, the Panasonic GH4 may be the best camera choice available for videographers on a budget.

Cinetics Axis360 Review: A Flexible Option for Smooth Timelapse and Video

Ten years ago, time-lapse photography wasn't really a big thing. Fast forward to now, and it's everywhere. GoPros and point and shoot cameras come equipped with easy options and can be stuck on anything from panning egg timers to $6000+ time lapse rigs. In a market full of options, Cinetics Axis360 is forging a new niche that any photographer interested in the genre should take a look at.

New Paul C. Buff Vagabond Lithium Extreme

Paul C. Buff recently released a brand new Vagabond battery pack, the Vagabond Lithium Extreme. With a price tag of $399.95 this might be the next product you end up buying tonight. There are a few great improvements from their older Vagabond models, and overall, it is exciting to see a new product release from Paul C. Buff.

Amazon Customer Seems Awfully Excited for the Sigma 50mm

As much as I love to use Amazon for buying products, this had me scratching my head. Amazon user Keith Fuller posted his 5 star review on the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens that hasn't been released. Oh, and he even pointed out that he does not own the lens. He hasn't even tried it out. NICE!

fotoClient - A Workflow Workhorse That All Photographers Need

The secret to running a successful business is organization. Developing an effective workflow that is both simple to understand, and manages your time properly is key when running a studio. Introducing fotoClient, an easy to use workflow and task managing website developed for photographers. It’s new, it's simple, and already, I can’t run my business without it.

LifePrint Makes and Shares Photo Prints

LifePrint is a Kickstarter project looking to change the way people share their images. The device prints instant, Polaroid-esque, photos off iOS and Android devices through their proprietary app. While the printer technology is interesting in itself, there's something about this project that could really change the way we share photos.

Adobe Announces Mobile/Tablet Support For Lightroom

In 2007, Adobe released Lightroom to the world and completely revolutionized the workflow for photographers everywhere. With each new release, Adobe has built new features and tools that have wowed us all. Well, announced and released tonight, Adobe brings us Adobe Lightroom Mobile - allowing you to sync and edit on the go. The best part of all? It's a free update for those on the Creative Cloud.

Sony Announces the Sony a7S, a Mirrorless Full Frame Video Monster

Sony impressed everyone late last year with the announcement of the Sony A7/A7R, mirrorless full frame cameras packed with plenty of features. Well today, in wake of NAB, Sony gave a press conference to show their update to their mirrorless line with the A7s - a full frame mirrorless camera sporting 4K video and plenty of other features with video in mind.

New Phone Case Allows for Sneakier Photos

Have you ever wanted to be invisible? That's the question Thomas Hurst, creator of COVR Photo, is asking. COVR Photo is an iPhone case with a sliding prism that, when slid into position, allows the photographer to take photos without being obvious.

New55 Film Project Seeks Production

A new product is hoping to make its way into the market in the near future, New55 Film. This product has been making waves, and is supported by those who still shoot film. New55 Film was founded by Bob Crowley and is managed by Sam Hiser, project CEO.

LensBaby Launches a Kickstarter that iPhone Users Can Be Excited About

Most are already familiar with LensBaby and their brand of creative lenses for photographers. We have featured them a number of times here on Fstoppers (like here, here and here.) Today they announced a whole different type of lens they are adding to their repertoire. This 'tiny' lens will particularly get iPhone users excited.

Trade In Any SLR, Upgrade to Leica S

I an effort to bring more professionals into the S system, Leica Camera has gotten aggressive with a new S-System Trade Up discount program. Launched as a component of their "100 Years of Leica Photography" centennial, Leica Camera is granting a $5000 credit towards the purchase of a new Leica S (Typ 006) digital medium format camera for customers trading in any SLR camera or medium format camera (film or digital).

Red Giant Plugins Get Updated - Magic Bullet Looks, PluralEyes, And More

Software company Red Giant has been making the plugins that video editors have been using to sweeten their edits since the days of MiniDV. Fan favorite Magic Bullet Looks has long offered stylized, preset looks for its users. It has just been announced that Red Giant will be updating Magic Bullet to version 2.5, along with updates to PluralEyes and BulletProof.

Canon Confuses Us All With The Announcement Of The M15P-CL

Canon Japan left us all scratching our heads with the announcement of the M15P-CL - A 15MP monochromatic industrial camera. Designed for the high accuracy of the manufacturing industry, the M15P-CL is not a camera shape or size you're familiar with, as it's designed for the Camera Link system. Whats weird about this? Perhaps the fact that it sports a Nikon F Mount.

NailSnaps: Turn Your Instagram Photos Into Nail Art

If you like social media and manicure, you can now combine the two with NailSnaps - a new product that let you turn your Instagram photos into nail polish stickers. All you need is to snap a photo, import it to the NailSnaps app, decide what each nail will look like, and wait for a shipment.

Meet the New Nikon 1 V3

Details for the new Nikon 1 V3 mirrorless camera have been announced early and they are looking good! One of the largest talked about features are the huge improvements in the video recording from the camera. Plus, it is only priced at $1,196.95 for a kit.

Shoot A and B Camera Simultaneously with MōVI

The guys at no film school have done it again. In a recent guest post by the awesome director, Rubidium Wu they show you how to make a cheap DIY multi-camera video rig. The cool thing about this setup is that you can shoot multiple focal lengths in one take giving a similar ascetic to Tommy Wiseau’s in his 2005 film, The Room. 

Panasonic Lumix GH4 Available For Preorder

Panasonic has been really quiet on when the new Lumix GH4 would be formally released to the public, and for what price point. Boasting 4K video at 24p, videographers everywhere hope to see this little mirrorless system be the next workhorse in the budget videography world. Good news came late tonight, as B&H finally decided to give us a price, and a link for preorder on this exciting new camera.

The Ultimate Screen Calibration Guide

Talk to a photographer long enough and the question of screen calibration will be brought up. Often many will say it's an incredibly important tool in your post production workflow, and often many more disregard it all together. So what is screen calibration? Is it still a viable issue within photography today, or is it becoming more and more obsolete, like sync cables and light meters? I'm here to explain it to you.

A Quick and Simple Solution For PASS Uploading Issues

For those of you who are new to PASS, and even those who have used it for quite a while, you may have come across an issue with uploading once or twice. Usually this issue is related to damaged images, faulty internet connections, or just unexplainable computer errors. There is a really quick fix for this problem, so I wanted to share this with you before you pulled ALL of your hair out!

You Should be using a Password Manager

A quick search on the internet shows a ton of websites that have been hacked, with passwords compromised. Big names such as; Yahoo, Adobe, Kickstarter, Snapchat, and even more with key logging software. If you use one main password then your weakest link could be a website's security.

From WPPI: Epson's Shockingly Gorgeous New Paper & Sigma Shows Us the New 50mm f/1.4

As of today at 3pm, WPPI was concluded - and while the trade show itself is done, we're all still left with the excitement lingering from the last couple days. Today, we highlight a look at Sigma, who was able to show us their newly announced camera system as well as the much-anticipated Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art Lens. We also stop by Epson, to look at their rich new metallic prints available for ordering soon.

BlackRapid Works with Nikon to Release Quick-Draw Straps

"Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Quick-Draw Strap and the Quick-Draw Strap S, two new products developed in cooperation with world-renowned American camera accessory manufacturer, BlackRapid." That's right!  Nikon is going to be pushing a new strap into the photography market. This is pretty exciting, minus the fact that I finally just bought my BlackRapid.

Miggo: Camera Strap That Morphs Into a Camera Case

Here at Fstoppers we featured many types and brands of camera straps and camera bags in the past. Now it's time to feature a product named Miggo that aims to combine the two: a camera strap that becomes a camera case when you're done shooting. This is could be a great solution for people who like to carry their camera as is, without carrying additional bags and more equipment.

New Nikon D4s Officially Announced

The Nikon D4s is FINALLY public! After months of rumors and random sightings of the camera, it has finally hit the market and is available for purchase. Everyone knew it was coming it was just a matter of guessing when it would be announced. Even Adobe leaked the D4s in the recent update to Camera Raw.

Yoovi: New App Lets Parents Share And Save Pictures of Their Kids In Hi-Res

Sharing images on social networks can be great in times, but there are many issues with it as well. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter degrade the image quality and size, and makes it hard to control who can see the photos. When you want to share your images with the whole world these platforms are great. But what if you want to share photos of your kids with just your close friends and family? 'Yoovi' is here to solve that!

Louis Vuitton's Delusion of the Photographer Results in $3,500 Bag

Photography equipment is not cheap. As photographers, we’re often investing thousands of dollars into metal tubes filled with planes of glass, and quickly justifying it to our friends and families. So what happens when a disconnected fashion brand such as Louis Vuitton markets to photographers, and announces a $3,500 basic camera bag?

What Do You Have For Your Photographic EDC?

EDC (everyday carry) items have always intrigued me. What people carry with them on a daily basis says a lot about who they are. Not to mention it's a great way to discover those can't-live-without items I never knew I needed. So I'm curious (and I know you are too): What do photographers carry with them on a day to day basis?