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Articles from Michael DeStefano

How I Got the Shot: Stuck at Home Edition

Everyone is dealing with this new normal in different ways. A lot of people have been finding all sorts of creative ways to keep themselves busy. Not wanting to be outdone, photographers all over have been sharing amazing and humorous photos often shot within their homes.  

Zack Arias Explains Why You May Not Be Winning Photo Contests

It's been a while since we have seen new educational content from Photographer Zack Arias but it seems like he is back and this first video explores some of the reasons you might not be winning photo contests.   For a long time, Arias was a huge name in the photo education realm. YouTube videos, blog articles, and workshops at all the biggest conferences.

The Top Astronomical Events of 2020 for Astrophotography

Whether you are looking to get into astrophotography or take your skills to the next level, 2020 has lots of great astronomical events happening all over the world. Planning in advance and being in the right place at the right time is the first step to getting amazing shots.  

Leica Announces the SL2 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera: My First-Hand Impressions

Leica has just announced its successor to its full-frame mirrorless camera, and it just might be a sign they are listening to the demands of professional photographers. The Leica SL2 has a 47.3-megapixel sensor, an updated Maestro III processor, and is capable of 20 fps bursts. It can shoot video up to 5K 30 fps, C4K 60 fps, and has 5-axis IBIS.  

What Is Bit Depth and Does It Even Matter?

Bit depth is one of those camera specs that is confusing for a lot of newer and even some experienced photographers. From capture, to file format, and even editing mode, this video gives a quick introduction to what bit depth is.  

How a Photography Trend Evolved Over the Last Century

Photography trends abound; some are fleeting, while others come and go over the decades, never completely disappearing. We don't often stop to look at where they started or realize that we are participating in something even bigger than us.   

Tokina Announces Updated New ATX-i 11-16mm f/2.8 CF Lens for APS-C DSLRs

Tokina's original 11-16mm lens has been one of its most popular selling lenses for years offering up something a lot of companies couldn't: a fast and sharp ultra-wide angle lens at an affordable price. Is this new version going to continue the trend and be a successful upgrade for Tokina? 

How Animation Like Toy Story 4 Is Evolving to Replicate Real Filmmaking

To some degree, animation, at least in films, has always attempted to capture that cinematic feel. However, in the last few movies made by Pixar, there has been a real attempt made to replicate camera techniques and lens characteristics that seemingly most of the audience wouldn't notice.  

Alotech's New Ergonomic Backpack Made by Wildlife Photographers for Wildlife Photographers

If there is one thing as photographers we love more than debating over new camera bodies it is camera bags. Chances are if you're like me you have a closet full and you are always looking to get another.  Each bag is a unique snowflake making it the right tool for the right job. Therefore I need all kinds of different bags with all kinds of different features.

10 Steps to Better More Cinematic Interviews

Adding some video production offerings to your photography workload has become pretty common for a lot of photographers. Even though a lot of the technology is transferable, not all the skills are, and shooting interviews, both in the setup and getting better dialogue, can be difficult to learn.  

Fstoppers Reviews the Wyze Cam: A $25 Security Cam for Your Hotel

This is a look at how this affordable home security cam can be used for increasing security of your gear while traveling on assignment. Even though it was never designed for this purpose, unlike a lot of other options on the market the Wyze Cam has just the right features to make it possible.  

Fstoppers Reviews: The Affordable Huion HS64 Drawing Tablet

Drawing tablets have always been a necessary tool for photo retouchers but just about everyone can benefit from incorporating one into their workflow. Now the new Huion HS64 is a great affordable entry-level option. I first started using a drawing tablet in high school as a graphic artist and it took me a long time to get used to it.

Tips for Printing Your Work

Printing your photos is one of the best things any photographer can do for themselves. There are lots of reasons why you should be printing and it gets brought up here on Fstoppers all the time.  In my opinion, one of the best reasons is because a decent sized physical print really brings your work to life and gives it a presence.

Creative Uses in Video for the Venus Optics Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens

The interesting looking and very niche probe lens has started to show up more in videos as owners find creative ways to use its unique features.  Last year Fstoppers' Usman Dawood did a great review of the Laowa 24mm Probe lens and then it kind of just faded into the gear archives, just another lens on the store shelf.

Go Behind the Scenes on This Fitness Shoot With Celebrity Tarek El Moussa

Coming from SLR Lounge and Pye Jirsa is a great breakdown on how to use a three-point lighting setup to achieve more dramatic fitness or athletic portraits.  

While drawing up a lighting diagram and some b-roll, Pye Jirsa tells a story from a fitness photoshoot he previously had shot with celebrity Tarek El Moussa that ended up going viral. 

Why WPPI 2019 in Las Vegas Should Be Your Next Destination Conference

One of the best investments any photographer can make for their business is in education. There is always new gear, techniques, and knowledge to learn about and there is no better way than a fun destination conference. WPPI held each year on the Las Vegas strip is all about fun, education, and the destination.

What's the Best Email Marketing Platform for 2019?

Even though we spend more and more time on social media and other networking platforms, email is still by far the best and most useful way to grow your business and get your work out there. So what platforms are you using in 2019?