Photography News

Just the other day I was thinking about the great footage and images I have that might do well in a stock library. I just didn't know where to go and which site was best. so I closed the folder and let it go. But, here at Fstoppers we get the best news first. Perfect timing for sure. We got a heads-up from Dissolve that they are launching a rights-managed stock library with 50,000 images on June 1st. They also want to open it up to individual photographers to contribute and form part of their premium stock offering.

For 10 years now, Patrick Hall and I have been professional wedding photographers. We worked for over a year to film "How To Become A Professional Commercial Wedding Photographer," a video tutorial that covers everything we know about the wedding photography industry. For the next two days it's 50% off with code "SAVE150".

Google's Cultural Institute was founded in 2011 with the goal of having "important cultural material available and accessible to everyone and to digitally preserve it to educate and inspire future generations." In their pursuit of said goal, Google has just announced their new Art Camera; a robotically controlled gigapixel camera specifically designed for photographing some of the finest works of art in existence.

Broncolor announced two battery-powered strobes today. Coming in 400-joule and 800-joule variants, offering flash durations of as little as 1/19,000s, and in a similar power option, the new Siros L strobes are clearly aimed at the 500-watt Profoto B1 with nearly identical features in all but one area, depending on what's most important to you.

Chances are, if you are at all interested in cinematography, you have heard of Brain Farm. Brain Farm is the entertainment and production company that brought you films like The Art of Flight, Jackass 3D, and View From a Blue Moon as well as tons of other film, TV, commercial, and digital content. With credentials like this as well as commercial clients ranging from Nike to Mercedes-Benz, I think it is safe to say these guys know what they are doing. For years, Brain Farm has been pushing the limits of Cinematography. That's why it comes as no surprise to hear that they recently paired a Phantom Flex4K with an Aerigon UAV to shoot the world's first Ultra High Definition, 4K aerial drone footage.

Calvin Klein recently released a photograph of a young girl (who looks underage but is actually 23) standing over the top of a camera with a skirt on and underwear visible. Is the ad crossing the line? Maybe, but the conflict is giving Calvin Klein millions of dollars in free advertising.

The DJI Phantom is the most popular drone ever made. It's cheap, light, and easy to use. It seems like everyone has one and therefore we have seen some hilarious crash videos with them. The Inspire 1 is a different beast though; it's the "professional choice" and it's very heavy and extremely rigid. This poor girl takes one to the face.

Canon has announced the Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash and EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens. The 600EX II-RT improves upon Canon's flagship Speedlite with faster recycling times and other features, while the EF-M 28mm f/3.5 offers a unique new feature and gives us some very interesting insight into the future of the Canon brand.

For a very short time, you've got a chance to get some of the best off camera flash products on the market at a hugely discounted rate. Get almost 50% off FlexTT5 Transceivers and MiniTT1 Raadio Slave Transmitters, for both Nikon and Canon. A wide variety of other PocketWizard products are also discounted until tomorrow May, 12th.

I have been on Instagram for quite some time now, almost five years actually. Being a designer by day I can appreciate the simplicity they have put forward for years. The way you can snap, edit, and post a photos so quickly is astonishing to me, and to a platform that works so well. Today, they are changing it all up with a super clean logo and branding across the line of their apps. They are also quietly pushing out the new UI which consists of a total overall of the look and feel of the app.

The Phantom 4 is out. I've got one and it's pretty awesome, but in reality, it's not THAT much better than the Phantom 3. If you're looking to buy your first drone I would suggest starting with something more affordable anyway. Right now you can get a new Phantom 3 Advanced for just $599.

In a decision that defies common sense, a photographer climbed a nearly century-old wooden building in the Big Cypress National Preserve and proceeded to shower it with sparks from lit steel wool. The building burned to the ground.

The news is filled with stories about people who use drones in ways that endanger lives. It wasn't long ago that drones kept firefighters from fighting life-threatening blazes in California. But firefighters battling an Alberta firestorm that could prove Canada's "costliest natural disaster," according to Business Insider, are looking to drones to help answer the question of how it started — something that is still unknown for this fire that is estimated to take months to extinguish.

For those Apple consumers looking for a laptop with a Midas touch, Apple’s newest addition to the Macbook family has officially gone from pre-order to available for same day shipping. Apple has made some significant changes with their newest model, most notably being the rose gold finish. This color first debuted on the iPhone 6s Plus in September 2015, with those models selling out internationally within days. Regardless of the memory or size you wanted for your phone, Apple had a three-to-four week wait to restock this color option. I can only foresee this newest computer model selling out with the same passion.

We were staying on a houseboat in Amsterdam for three months when I first met Viviane. My wife did a test shoot with her, and I shot some videos that day, and we became friends. She’s an international model represented by Premier Model Management and Modelwerk. Her then-boyfriend and now fiancé is an art director in Amsterdam.

Although the best thing you can do for Mother's Day is to actually do something for your Mother, lots of specials on photography gear sure help sweeten the day for all. The sale options extend far and wide on different types of gear and different sized discounts. Many of these deals expire in the next day or two, so be sure to check out our favorites, and act fast.

Some of you may be familiar with Leica's R system. Though the system was certainly overshadowed by the M cameras, these lenses are some of the best that Leica ever made. I was first introduced to these lenses during my brief foray into the Sony mirrorless system. I picked up a 50mm f/2 R mount lens and it is likely the best 50mm that I have owned. It was sharp, small, smooth, and light. It could be the perfect 50mm. There is, however, another level to the Leica R madness.

Hasselblad recently announced that you can buy the new H6D body with the 50-megapixel CMOS 50c back and decide later to trade up to the newer 100c (100-megapixel) back for the original difference in price. This promotion works for anyone who buys the H6D-50c at the full $25,995 price between May 1 and May 27, 2016. To partake in the offer, you must also trade up to your new 100c no later than September 30, 2016.

Softpanels LED lights claimed three awards at NAB 2016, and it’s easy to see why, with innovative features such as auto skin tone enhancement and auto balance feature for matching color temperatures.

Anybody that has purchased a lens at anytime knows that it can definitely be a costly endeavor, and most people would argue that frequently, you get what you pay for. For years Samyang, has produced affordable alternative options that maybe are not as refined as other lenses, but deliver a good bit of optical quality for the price. Up until now, they haven't offered autofocus-equipped lenses, but with this announcement, they have launched two autofocus lenses.

Nikon has sent out quite an enticing deal for the month of May. With the purchase of a D610, D750, or D810, you can get the respective battery grip for free. This is a huge savings, as the grips for these cameras are expensive. Essentially, you're getting an extra $350 rebate on top of the already fantastic sales that Nikon has had available on their bodies.

Here's a deal that sounds good on the surface, but many would argue isn't a deal at all. The $28,500 Hasselblad H5D-50C is more than 50% off at B&H. Sadly, it still costs more than my car.

Well, that escalated quickly. When Detroit-based Rapper Danny Brown used Photographer Michelle Grace Hunder's photograph without attribution, a simple credit request was met with a less than mature response. It only devolved from there.

On the tails of tragedy, one Denver nonprofit has focused on using photography as a valuable tool for healing. Almost a year to the day, terrible earthquakes struck Nepal. Eighteen individuals were given cameras as a way to cope with the dramatic change in their lives. The images that were produced are beautiful and poignant reminders of the resiliency of life. It is the core of photography, intended as a cathartic expression of loving memories and an emotional foundation for future reflection.

It isn't often that a t-shirt for photographers comes along that I'd be willing to wear. So many of them talk about how I shoot people, or how I'm going to snap. Not things that I want to declare to the world, thank you.

This little flying camera packs a punch. Weighing in at less than 250 grams (half a pound), the Hover Camera is a drone that you don't have to register with the FAA. It folds up, so it's super portable, and with the ability to film in 4K and auto-follow, you'll want to keep your eye on this one.

Online photo community Photocrowd.com, which recently launched a platform allowing photographers to create their own online store and sell prints of their work, has just gone public with a crowd-funding campaign. Fstoppers thought it was time to take a closer look at this community that’s drawing favorable comparisons with the likes of 500px and Flickr.

Has Came-TV created a poor man's Technocrane? This new jib is turning heads at NAB this year, allowing the user to extend the crane. Is it just a gimmick, though?

Anyone that has used a gimbal without a support harness for longer than a few hours knows that it can get exhausting, and stretching the use longer can be downright painful. Now, many people will say: "hey, why don't you get a Support Vest to take the weight?" That is a viable option. However, with those systems, you're frequently locked into a height, and you don't have the opportunity to change from a low level shot to a high level shot. Even shooting freehand, you're only able to get as high as your arms will reach.

This past Sunday, there was a report out of the United Kingdom from police that a British Airways aircraft collided with what was believed to be a drone. After investigations were initiated, the believed drone actually may have been a plastic bag.

For a few years, the names in the game of digital video technologies have remained pretty constant, especially in the professional or prosumer category. It’s not often you have a company jump onto the scene swinging, promising to release what could be one of the most versatile systems to hit the market in a while; this is exactly what Craft Camera has done. Purchasing isn’t available yet but they are taking reservations now and shipping out the first units off the line as early as December.

Some may be dubious of the merits of ENG cameras over their sleek and stylish film counterparts, such as the 8K F65 Cine Alta or Arri Alexa, and they wouldn't be entirely wrong. While ENG cameras have long been pigeonholed for their clunky construction and weight, much of network television depends upon their workhorse-like live sports coverage capabilities.

It's back! There's a huge sale on the ever-popular Nikon D750. Today on eBay, you can purchase it for only $1,299, but you'll need to hurry; there's a limited quantity of these awesome cameras.

This gruesome photograph became pivotal anti-war propaganda that drastically shaped public opinion. The horrific frozen frame depicts a baptismal moment of unwavering distinction, a moment in a time that could not be undone, an elevated wartime tension that could not be unraveled. In this sense, the photograph was successful. It was shocking and characteristic in its ability to drive the anti war movement, protesting against brutality of the Vietnam conflict. But, what you can't see, is enough to change your perspective completely.

A new 12-bay storage solution by LaCie, four- and eight-bay systems by CalDigit, and four-, six-, and eight-bay systems by Promise announced Monday at NAB 2016, all support Thunderbolt 3, even before Apple has a single device that supports the protocol. That shouldn't be the case after Apple computer announcements expected this summer (or perhaps through a refresh any moment); and some PCs already have Thunderbolt 3 support. But with mass adoption already around the corner, these three companies are showing they're ready to take on the transition to the new standard.

Edelkrone is the king of reinvention, from the Pocket Slider to their tabletop dolly. Sometimes, they’re also very good at charging top dollar for useless rubbish.

If you're like me and you've already purchased a Ronin-M gimbal, hearing news of its replacement is terrible news. Luckily, the new Ronin-MX brings new features to the table, and it's a whole new beast.

Jerry Ghionis probably doesn’t need an introduction anymore. He is a Nikon Ambassador, a WPPI Grand Master, as well as a three-time AIPP Australian Wedding Photographer winner, just to name a few of his achievements. Many that have attended his five-day workshop speak highly of his teaching skills and technical knowledge. If for some reason you cannot get a seat to one of his masterclasses, there is still the Ice Society, and it is now available for only $100 a year.

Announced this morning at NAB 2016, the G-RACK 12 is G-Technology's first network-attached storage (NAS) device to the market. Featuring bays for up to 12 hard drives, the G-RACK 12 combines the company's proven direct-attached storage (DAS) reliability and speed with network access over quad 10-gigabit-Ethernet (10 GbE) ports for a super fast networked connection for virtually any small business or studio.

When will people learn? It's usually the minority that ruin the fun for the masses, and it looks like we have that situation across the pond at Heathrow Airport in London, England. An incident has been reported to police this afternoon at 12:50 pm about a drone colliding with a plane. This would be one of, if not the first reports of a drone actually striking an aircraft.

Now, photographers and models have their own Tinder-like mobile app called Romey.co. Romey.co is a global marketplace, connecting companies, bookers, models, and photographers where everyone is empowered, and everyone wins, changing the paradigm in an industry notorious for being cutthroat. Models and photographers download the app (iOS and Android) and use it to match intelligently with each other so they can keep active portfolios and network. The app's algorithms match you based on your profile and preferences, so you spend less time searching and more time connecting.

To photograph nature is pure, to give back in the process is supreme. VSCO has given the opportunity to give back with the launch of the Limited Edition WWF Preset. Partnering up with Apple and WWF, VSCO has made it a mission to promote sustainability and conserve nature. The preset can be downloaded for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Aimed at enhancing the lights and colors of natural settings, VSCO's latest creation is targeted at elevating landscape and wildlife photography. The presets will be available for purchase from now until April 24, and 100% of the proceeds will go to the World Wildlife Fund.

Editorial and commercial shoots are usually very lively and put quite a bit of pressure on the photographer. Managing a full crew on set and making sure all the required pictures are well executed is not an easy task. There are a few things to know in order to be certain everything runs smoothly. In this mini tutorial, Alexi Lubomirski gives you all his tips to get you started.

"The Daguerreotype Achromat Art Lens is a revival of a lost esthetic that disappeared from photography some 175 years ago. Based on the Charles Chevalier's historical lens model and built using a unique achromat design, you can now create modern images that look like world's earliest photographs bathed in a powerful, alluring veil of light."

Impossible Project, the awesome folks that have been bringing you film for your Polaroid 600 instant cameras and even the ability to make Polaroid prints out of your camera phone images, have just announced their all-new instant film camera and it sounds awesome.

Following the introduction of its Immerge virtual reality system, Lytro, the "light field" camera company whose consumer models we now see discounted nearly everywhere, recently left the consumer space to concentrate on and introduce its new product, Lytro Cinema. Offering a complete solution with an included server to handle the 755 megapixels of data at up to 300 frames per second (not typos), the Lytro Cinema is a new kind of too-good-to-be-true beast. But the most incredible thing about the camera? It's no lie.

Fans of Lensbaby's unique optics will be pleased to know that today, the company has announced a new lens, the Twist 60. Drawing on the resurgence in popularity of swirly bokeh effects, the lens is sure to be another interesting option for those who have recently jumped aboard the vintage optics movement.

The media loves posting stories and videos of drones crashing. The public has become afraid of drones spying on them or falling from the sky. We can now add one more fear to the list because apparently you're no longer safe from drones, even inside.

I'm generally not a fan of the opt-out model. It's an easy way to push unwanted features, changes, or price increases onto an end user, often without them noticing until it's too late. It's like someone slipping a steak into my all-vegetarian cart at the grocery store when I'm not looking. Unfortunately, Zenfolio just slipped a big T-bone into its users' carts.

Capturing a good time-lapse requires patience and precision. Normalizing exposure in changing lighting conditions is an intricate task. Similarly, knowing how your final product is shaping up during the process is difficult. One company is seeking to solve both those problems with one device.