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Ryan Mense

Half Moon Bay, CA
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Articles from Ryan Mense

Shooting the Nikon D5500 Campaign with (Gasp!) a Nikon D5500

Last summer, photographer and director Dixie Dixon was called upon by Nikon to shoot a campaign for their new touch screen DSLR, the D5500. This incredible opportunity had one interesting challenge in store for Dixon, however; All of the material would be photographed and filmed — kit lens, auto settings, and Photoshop-free — using the consumer-level D5500 itself. 

Review Examines the Promising $379 Venus 60mm 2:1 Ultra-Macro Lens

The Venus 60mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro lens has many wondering if the relatively small price tag ($379), coupled with the intriguing 2x magnification and 14 blade aperture, is as good of a deal as it seems. Macro photographer Thomas Shahan was sent one of these lenses to try out, and his results look promising. 

Product Photography Tutorial Shows How to Shoot Large Objects

London-based product photographer Sean Tucker is releasing a three-part video series on photographing large objects, such as chairs and sofas, in a studio setting. Here in part one, Tucker demonstrates how to set up your lighting and camera in order to achieve a great, clean image that will be easy to cut out in post-production for online product catalogs.  

New iPad App Kredo Presents and Shares Your Digital Portfolio

Branching off from their web-based portfolio service, Format has launched a free iPad app named Kredo. The app allows users to add and organize their images into portfolios, exhibit portfolios to clients in a sleek-looking presentation, publish their work to the Kredo Discover network, or share their portfolios with anyone else on any device with optional password protection.

This Uplifting Video Resonates With All Landscape Photographers

Filmed and edited by Nejc Miljak, “Before You Wake Up” is a short production that casts a strong motivating monologue aimed at landscape photographers around the world. Alongside its message, the video portrays an awe-inspiring adventure into nature as photographer Janez Tolar captures images sunrise to sunset.

Beyond the Textbook: How to Find World-Class Compositions

If you are no stranger to photography or other visual arts, then it is likely that you are no stranger to the “rules” of composition. There have been some excellent writings familiarizing one to the different forms of good composition, such as “The Ultimate Guide to Composition” by Chris Knight, but it’s much harder to find anything about its in-the-moment application.

Fujifilm Unveils Long-Awaited XF 16-55mm f/2.8 Lens, Available February

Setting off CES 2015, Fujifilm has officially announced the new Fujinon XF16–55mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens. This 16–55mm (24–84mm equivalent) standard zoom lens is proudly described by Fujifilm as the perfect companion for photojournalists who favor a weather and dust-resistant design, a highly practical wide-angle to standard-telephoto zoom, and a wide f/2.8 aperture throughout. 

A Better Way to Fix Snow’s Blue Color Cast in Photoshop

Snowy region shooters rejoice, there exists a way to completely get rid of all blue snow in your photographs! I know what you’re thinking: just adjust the white balance in any ol' image processor. Unfortunately, you will find that using this method is only winning half the battle for many images.

SOLD OUT: Huge Discounts on Pelican Cases from Amazon

Today only, Amazon is listing select Pelican cases for up to 64 percent off as their Gold Box Deal of the Day. For example, the Pelican 1620 (sold out) is down to $149.99 from $392.95 and the Pelican 1610 (sold out) is now only $139.99 instead of its original $392.95. As essential pieces to any traveling photographer’s kit, this is definitely the time to purchase. 

Then and Now Photo Series Showcases Tornado Devastation and a Community's Endurance

On Nov. 17, 2013, an EF-4 rated tornado ripped through central Illinois relentlessly damaging and destroying over 1,200 homes, and ultimately killing three people. The Journal Star’s photojournalist team sprung to action after the tornado subsided, taking to the streets and skies of the affected towns to document the ravaged community.

George Eastman House Releases Insightful Series on Photographic Processes

For many of us who have been photographers for a decade plus, we learned about the history of photography either through tattered books from the library, in school while earning a fine art degree, or just by picking up small tidbits here and there as we met other photographers. Thankfully, that has all changed now.

Documentary Takes a Look behind the Film Restoration Of "Jaws"

As part of Universal’s 100th anniversary, a team of restoration experts took on the task of digitally remastering the classic film “Jaws.” The fully restored feature required intense labor from colorists, digital artists, audio engineers, preservation experts, and everyone in between.

Fstoppers Is on Instagram: Photo of the Day, Writers' Images, and BTS

Some of our readers have been sharp to figure it out, but until now we haven’t formally announced that Fstoppers can now be found on Instagram (@officialfstoppers). Follow us for Photo of the Day selections from our impressive community, images from the talented photographers who write for Fstoppers, and some behind-the-scenes shots of what we’re working on.

The Right Way to Ship Framed Photographs

The holiday season is right around the corner, and for many photographers it’s one of the most lucrative times for print sales. If you’re selling framed prints of your work, it’s imperative that you package your products correctly in order save yourself a lot of money from damages, and to avoid having disappointed customers.

Meet Prynt, a Smartphone Case That Packs Instant Printing

Prynt, a startup company based in Paris, is working on a unique smartphone case that houses a built-in photo printer. Not only will you be able to pass around your snaps in physical form, but the Polaroid-type prints will also support augmented reality video playback through their app. Launching on Kickstarter soon, will the Prynt case makes prints cool again? 

Best Practices for Getting the Gig as a Freelancer

As Director of Photography for Sports Illustrated, Brad Smith is witness to a lot of freelance photographers trying to get their foot in the door. Albert Ayzenberg of A.A. Productions sits down with Brad to talk about what freelancers should be doing to get noticed, and ultimately be hired, by photo editors.

A Day in the Life of Adventure Photographer Jimmy Chin

With one hundred and fifty pages brimming his passport book, adventure photographer and professional climber Jimmy Chin has traveled the world shooting for The North Face and National Geographic. As a man who radiates both inspiration and motivation, it’s worth taking a look at this day in the life of Jimmy. 

Everything There Is to Know about Long-Exposure Photography

When learning a new photographic technique, it typically takes quite a bit of practice time before you achieve pleasing results. With long-exposure photography, that learning time is extended because every frame can take minutes to complete.

Olloclip Announces New 4-in-1 Lens for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

Mobile photography accessory maker Olloclip have debuted their new 4-in-1 Photo Lens for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The new 4-in-1 lens has been redesigned to work with both front and rear facing cameras, and adds a few other new features. 

Taking Your Video Viral: Podcast with Fstoppers' Jaron Schneider

Everyone gather around and learn how Lee Morris got our San Franciscan features editor, Jaron Schneider, fired from his previous job. In the latest installment of the TogTools Fstoppers series, Jess and Stephen have an engaging chat with Jaron where we learn the interesting tale of how he got started at Fstoppers.

A Warning to Long Lens Shooters: Heat Wave Distortion

We’ve all seen heat waves rising up from the asphalt of a hot road in the summertime. But did you know that this same effect happens across all types of open area environments? In this informational video, nature and wildlife photographer Steve Perry demonstrates what long lens shooters need to look out for in order to preserve sharpness in their images. 

How to Photograph a Glowing Tent under a Starlit Sky

It’s one of those iconic images that makes your camping trip look like an epic experience of a lifetime. In this segment of AdoramaTV’s “Getting the Shot,” Corey Rich takes the mystery out of how to capture your own glowing tent photo. From gear to technique, this video goes over all the basics to have you prepared for your next adventure. 

Three Not-So-Obvious Uses Your Rocket Air Blaster Is Perfect For

The air blower bulb is an essential addition to any photographer’s toolkit. They do an incredible job at removing dust spots from the delicate sensors inside our cameras as well as taking care of pesky specks on our glass. However, there’s no reason to stop there.

Getty Images Launches Stream, Mobile App for Consumers to Browse and Share

Stock photo giant Getty Images has launched a new mobile application called Stream, free for iPhones and iPads updated to iOS 8. Getty Images Stream is introduced as their first consumer app in which allows users to access the company’s vast library of news, sport, and entertainment images.

Hasselblad Unveils New H5X System with Reasonable Price Point

Legendary Swedish camera manufacturer Hasselblad announces a new medium format camera body, the H5X, this week in preparation for photokina. The newest addition is to utilize Hasselblad’s latest capture functionality, working seamlessly with current H System lenses.