fotodirt 2.0

Article by Suzanne Vandegrift

There are almost as many types of camera bags as there are cameras. Selecting the right one should be taken as seriously as the purchase of your valuable camera and accessories. After all, it’s going to protect that valuable equipment.

One pretty basic rule is the camera bag needs to fit the amount of equipment you plan on packing into it. Too big a bag will allow your camera and accessories to bang around and get damaged. Too small is equally as detrimental to your equipment. The equipment needs to fit nice and snug inside the bag.

More… »

Article by Cindy Heller

Photography backdrops and props are very useful to make your photographs look unique and lively. Most studios have boring and artificial mood and feeling. Backdrops and props can change this condition in an instant. In addition, they also give more options to the clients.

More… »

TIP: Pass this article along to help increase the chances that you’ll get something you’ll actually like and be able to use this year! — EES

Article by Kevin Downs

While photography equipment is known for being pricey, there are some great gift ideas for individuals who want to buy a nice gift for a photographer without breaking the bank. We have compiled a list of items to make your shopping as easy as possible.

1. Magazine Subscription — Outdoor Photographer is just one of the many photography magazines available, but is a good choice if the photographer enjoys taking picture of nature and landscape. The magazine offers gear reviews, tips for improving your knowledge in both photography and post processing, and provides insight on locations and workshops available. Retail $19.99

More… »

Article by Angela Hamm

Adding props to your photographs can make an ordinary image extraordinary, and it does not necessarily require spending a lot of money. There are many different ways of making inexpensive photography props that are both fun and functional.

More… »

The weather’s getting crappy in this part of the world. I’m covered, but in case you need to know the basics, here they are in this short article. — EES

Article by Jonathan Popoola

The most common thing people do when it starts to rain, snow, or when the weather goes to the extremes of hot or cold, is to take their digital cameras indoors to protect them from the weather. While this kind of preservation may be necessary to safeguard an expensive piece of equipment, it will also mean missing out on a lot of great shots.

More… »

Here’s a nice, relatively short article on lens hoods you may find informative and helpful. I’ve spot highlighted a few items I think are really important to know, and have provided extra info/resource links to help you along. — EES

Article by Tom Bonner

Spend time at any event where photography enthusiasts congregate and you will notice plenty of naked lenses… lenses without lens hoods. That is rather strange, when you consider that nearly every quality lens ships with a custom designed lens shade made expressly for that lens. It isn’t a matter of being able to afford a hood; it is nearly impossible to buy a decent lens without a matched shade. So all those photographers already own lens shades; they simply don’t bother to use them.

There are certain situations where a lens shade is unnecessary, or even detrimental to making good images. Most of the time, however, using a shade will result in superior images.

More… »

What’s a snoot?

It’s a cylindrical flash accessory that attaches to your hot shoe flash and concentrates the light. I frequently see it used with portraits, but as with many photographic tools, its use is really only limited by your creativity. (Make sure to test and bracket to get the right exposure!)

More… »