فوتوشاپ وب

نویسنده: AliBina

Best Tips And Tricks for Beginners
Volcano photography is an enriching hobby. Even though a lot of work goes into the process of capturing the best volcano pictures, the experience makes everything worth it. Yes, it’s risky but it’s an experience like no other.

To photograph a volcano, you’ll need a quick shutter speed to freeze any motion. Set your speed to 1/1000th, then change your ISO and aperture as necessary. Shooting volcanoes from the air, ground, or sea captures dramatically different outcomes and a better view of the lava source.

Read on to learn the best tips on photographing volcanoes and how to do it safely.

[table id=34 /]

Best Ways to Locate Vantage Points

guidetoiceland

If you want to make the process a lot faster, you can ask a local to take you to the best vantage points. When photographing volcanoes, it’s not enough to see the areas in photographs or hear stories from other people. You’ll need to visit them and see them for yourself. Just don’t forget to take the appropriate lens for each possible viewpoint.

When you go to an erupting volcano, take some time to observe the explosion from a safe distance. Determine the eruption’s strength and the direction in which the hot lava is moving for your safety. As we all know, it’s not safe to get near an erupting volcano.

Photographing Tips During the Day

You can catch the most powerful volcanic eruptions and ash clouds by shooting photos of volcanic explosions throughout the day. Shooting lava is an option as well. Your most probable lens will be a 24-105mm lens. A long lens is ideal if you are far away.

You may either try to freeze the motion in daylight photography or create some motion blur.
1. Freeze the motion: You will need quick shutter speeds to freeze falling lava bombs, or pyroclastic flows captured on camera. Set your speed to 1/1000th, then change your ISO and aperture as necessary. The ISO is probably at or over 1000. You should typically use an aperture of f/8 while taking landscape photography. You may need to use a bigger aperture as it grows darker.
1. Motion blur: Slower shutter speeds, which may blur motion, are at the other extreme of the shutter speed continuum. Shutter speeds of 1/20th are required to capture the appearance of action. Use this with ash clouds if you can. Shutter speeds of one second or longer are perfect for recording lava movement. Use an ISO of 100 and a narrower aperture to obtain slower shutter speeds. Add a graded neutral density filter if necessary.
Photographing Tips At Night

news18

Nighttime is one of the loveliest periods to try taking photos of lava. You will be able to detect the glowing lava much better.

The ideal time to take photos is during the late blue hour. You have a higher chance of detecting the volcano’s foreground features. The lava will seem brighter in the picture the later you go into the blue hour. The rocks will become shadows against the lava once wholly dark.

For this reason, you need to try to take pictures while the moon is full. Bring a powerful flashlight so you can illuminate molten rock during the exposure. Look to expose for up to 10 seconds if you want to get the lava streaks.

ND filters are also valuable for blue-hour situations. You may shoot the volcano with prolonged exposure and six- to eight-stop neutral density filters.

Use the same general procedures as when shooting a typical landscape. When feasible, bracket your shots and shoot in RAW. Exercise delicate processing to guarantee that the image you capture is as accurate as possible. Make sure your lava has a red and orange gradient and lessen the brightness.

Protecting Yourself and Your Gear

You will need gear to protect yourself and your photography equipment before anything else.

Safety Gear

Volcanoes pose a wide range of hazards, particularly if you want to approach a volcano or lava flow up close. Most photographers covering volcanoes have a few specific things in their gear.
- Helmet: Falling rock is one of the main risks around volcanoes (or lava bombs).
- Heat-resistant clothes: Wear heat-resistant clothes since it might be dangerous to approach the lava.
- Gas masks: The area surrounding volcanoes may contain deadly gases.
Note: None of these items will shield you from pyroclastic flows.

Photography Gear

The following are the camera gear you need for taking volcano pictures.
- Camera body: A must-have is a sturdy camera body and weather and dust-sealed.
- Lens: You must carry a wide-angle lens while taking landscape photos, especially for dormant volcanoes. Mid and long focal lengths are preferable for an active volcano.
- Tripod: Make sure the tripod is robust and heat-resistant.
- UV filter: A UV filter protects from different debris present in an extreme environment.
- Camera blowers or towels for cleaning
Hiking Gear

Some volcanoes are located in very rugged terrain. That suggests you also need the following on top of the appropriate safety gear.
- Hiking boots
- Walking poles
- Water and rations
- Tent or sleeping gear
- First aid kit
Dormant Volcanoes Photography

greatvaluevacations

Even when they are not erupting, volcanoes are breathtakingly gorgeous. They are excellent photographic subjects because of their rough geology and features like crater rims. For times when the lava isn’t flowing, here are some other photographic locations:
- Trekking up the volcano: It’s advantageous to climb a volcano when it’s dormant. Deep ravines and leaking gas will still provide challenges. Though even when it is not an active volcano, there are safety risks.
- Acid lakes: Acid lakes form when escaping sulfur gas combines with a crater lake. These lakes are highly picturesque and have an odd, otherworldly sense.
- Geysers: Geysers are nature’s fountains and make excellent picture subjects.
- Sulfur mines: Sulfur mines also make for a compelling photo.
Photographing From The Ground

Photographing from the ground is challenging and poses some particular difficulties. First, it takes a lot of frames and a little luck to get all parts to line up at once.

Don’t forget to get wide and detailed shots when shooting from the ground. Photograph between 14mm and 500mm, and be sure to have all your lenses on hand and keep an eye out for various compositions.

Examine several shutter speeds to determine which effect you like. A 1-second exposure often produces the most remarkable results.

When the blue hour is winding down, there is a perfect balance of light for 15 to 30 minutes. Because it moves quickly, you must be sure that you have chosen the best composition for the excursion at that point.

It’s feasible for your tripod and camera equipment to melt while taking close-up photos with a wide-angle lens. Surprisingly far, lava flows transmit heat.

Photographing From The Air

Since many volcanoes are unreachable by land, it is better to have a broad notion of capturing the volcano and setting up your camera correctly in advance.

When the shutter speed is less than 1/500th of a second, vibrating aircraft like piston-engined helicopters tend to produce blurry images. If possible, set shutter speeds to 1/750th or even 1/1000th of a second; however, you may get away with 1/500th if your lenses have image stabilization.

@Icelandair

A fast (f/2.8) lens is advantageous in this situation since you can often shoot wide open and still have everything in focus because the explosive eruptions are far away.

ISO is the only setting you have to work with to get the proper exposure with a wide-open aperture and 1/750th of a second – this is where your camera’s “auto ISO” feature comes in useful.

The last factor is ensuring that the camera chooses the appropriate exposure for you. Use “highlight-weighted metering” if your DSLR has it. Volcanic photography in dark regions is easy to work in a frame with better exposure.

For helicopter safety, do not switch lenses while the plane is in the air. In light of this, keep two camera bodies: one with a 24-70mm lens and the other with a 70-200mm or 80-400mm lens. Keep the camera’s strap connected, and wear them around your neck the whole trip.

Photographing From The Sea

You should certainly see the lava from a boat to get a close-up view while it is entering the water. It is a fantastic view position that makes for a very immersive experience.

A 70-200mm lens (full frame) is ideal for capturing the hot lava trickling into the water in fine detail. A shutter speed of at least 1/250 second was necessary to freeze the motion due to the rocking boat and splashing waves.

Where Are the Best Volcanoes to Capture?

Most of the world’s volcanoes are in tectonically active regions, such as in the country of New Zealand, the Philippines, Japan, Kamchatka, Alaska, and the western coasts of North and South America.

Indonesia, Italy, Iceland, Hawaii, and other places in Africa also have incredibly beautiful volcanoes.

Before going, look at the volcanic eruption history and ask locals about the actual eruption. Consider hiring a guide to accompany you as well.

Find out whether the volcano generates potentially harmful pyroclastic flows. If so, find out which way they often travel.

Conclusion

Taking images of volcanoes is a ton of fun, and the results will blow you away! If you are interested in volcano photography, ensure you have the right gear and a good guide who knows the area well to get some great images.
Source link
23/04/2025
Morning Echo — Mikko Lagerstedt

I wanted to write something different this week. Since it’s been very much a lot of misses on the photography part lately. Even though I have been photographing quite a lot recently, there are times when it just doesn’t happen, and you end up empty-handed.

Sometimes, I find it inspiring to reminisce about certain moments while out photographing. The morning I captured the “Morning Echo” photograph was one of those special moments. I left to photograph at this beautiful secluded beach at Päijänne Lake in Finland. My idea was to capture the night sky from this place, spend the night under the stars, and see what the morning would look like.

As I drove to the location, it was already getting dark. Going through the forest and finally arriving at the beach, the moonlight started to illuminate the horizon. It was a beautiful autumn night. I set my camera to take a time-lapse of the beach with the moonlight and stars. The time-lapse came out ok, but nothing special. But as the temperature dropped, the humidity rose from the warmer lake.

In the morning, I woke up before sunrise and explored different views from the location. The mist was already thick, so I was excited to capture different views. Finally, as the light was getting stronger, I went out to the water and tried to see if I could go into the frame and capture myself.

As I walked back and forth from the camera, I set a self-timer that would take nine images after 20 seconds, and I moved and stood in the clear and shallow water. Finally, I captured something I enjoyed.

Inspired by the feeling of solitude, I edited the image to look a bit darker than it was. Those little ripples in the foreground were perfect to give the view more atmosphere.

Equipment, Camera Settings & Post-Processing

Nikon D810, Nikon 14-24 mm f/2.8 AF-S, and RRS Tripod.

ISO 100, 24 mm, f/8.0 @ 1/160 sec.

I edited the photograph in Lightroom. I made changes, such as adjusting white balance, exposure, and contrast, to make the image look how I saw the scenery. The colors were edited with the help of my Preset Collections.

I hope you find this bts post inspiring! Remember that the early morning is one of the most beautiful times of the day.

Source link

22/04/2025
The Art of Night Photography — Mikko Lagerstedt

I hope you are having a wonderful Summer. Even though I love summer, I find it challenging for photography. I have never been a big fan of the midnight sun or bright nights. The mist is something I find inspiring to photograph, yet there are only a handful of mornings when there is some mist in the summer. And as soon as the nights get darker and colder, I find myself inspired to go out and photograph. So for the upcoming dark season, I started writing a comprehensive and inspiration-filled tutorial about night photography. I hope you enjoy it.

As someone who has spent quite a few nights photographing different views, I find night photography fascinating and inspiring. As I was writing this post with the amount of knowledge I’ve gathered, I felt I needed to put this into an eBook, but then I thought to share it on my blog. If you enjoy my posts, you can support me by sharing this article or even buying me a coffee to keep me recharged and continue writing!

At night, our surroundings transform into a different kind of beauty. The sky becomes a vast canvas of stars, the moon casts a gentle glow, and the aurora comes alive in a luminous dance of lights and shadows. These mesmerizing views can be captured, making night photography a captivating genre full of creative opportunities and unique challenges.

The journey to night photography is planning, patience, and learning. It’s also understanding the nuances of light and darkness and mastering the technical aspects of long-exposure photography. The night presents a different kind of quiet and solitude, allowing introspection and creativity.

This tutorial explores my journey in night photography and guides those who wish to venture into this fascinating genre. Check out my Star Photography Masterclass eBook if you want to dive deeper into night photography and editing.

In this tutorial, we go into various parts of night photography, from capturing Milky Way and moon to vertoramas night. I’ll share the techniques, equipment, and settings I’ve found most effective for capturing stunning nighttime images.

Throughout this post, I challenge you to remember that photography is not just about capturing a scene; it’s about conveying a feeling and telling a story through your lens. The night reveals mystery, tranquility, and natural beauty, and I hope my experiences and insights inspire and guide you in creating unique stories under the stars.

Here are a few other night tutorials I’ve written before:

Additionally, I have written the Star Photography Masterclass eBook, which includes more details about my process.

1. The Magic of the Night Sky

It is truly unique how the sky presents remarkable spectacles every night. There is always something captivating to observe, from stars and planets to the moon. Of course, those bloody clouds can block the views, but it’s part of the game.

Sometimes, we are blessed enough to witness extraordinary events like the Northern Lights or meteor showers. Although capturing these breathtaking sights through photography can be rewarding, it takes expertise and a lot of patience.

Planning

Photographing the night sky starts with planning. Unlike other genres of photography, where spontaneity can lead to the best shots, night sky photography demands careful thought and preparation. The key factors to consider include the weather, moon phase, light pollution, and the position of celestial bodies. Clear skies are ideal for capturing stars, while the moon’s phase can significantly affect your scene’s lighting. Light pollution can hinder your ability to capture the fainter stars, so venturing away from city lights is often necessary. Finally, knowing the position of celestial bodies can help you plan your composition. There are various apps available that can help you with these aspects of planning. PhotoPills, TPE and Stellarium, are great tools to use.

Camera Settings

The next step is understanding the crucial camera settings for night sky photography. Night photography is a game of light – or, more accurately, the lack of light. Because of this, you’ll need to adjust your camera settings to capture as much light as possible. This means shooting in Manual mode and understanding the “Exposure Triangle” – the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

Shutter speed is critical in night sky photography. Your aperture should be as comprehensive as possible to allow maximum light into the lens. For most lenses, this will be between f/2.8 and f/4. A common rule for shooting stars without creating star trails is the ‘500 Rule’: Divide 500 by your lens’ focal length to determine the longest exposure time before stars begin to blur due to the Earth’s rotation. However, this rule isn’t infallible and may require some adjustments based on your specific camera and lens combination.

ISO settings can be tricky. A high ISO increases the sensor’s sensitivity to light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions. However, pushing the ISO too high can result in a noisy image. Start with an ISO setting around 1600 – 6400 and adjust based on the results you’re getting. I might go as high as 8000 ISO in complete darkness.

Focus

Focusing at night can be challenging, as autofocus systems often struggle in low light. A common technique is manually focusing on a bright star or distant light. Some photographers use the infinity (∞) symbol on their lens as a starting point, fine-tuning from there.

Try different compositions, play with settings, and, most importantly, take the time to enjoy the process. The night sky is a fascinating subject that rewards patience and curiosity. So, step out into the night, and gaze upwards.

Source link

22/04/2025
The Anisa Foundation Distributes Blankets to 715 Students in Need

Did you know that 5% of every dollar we make goes to funding life-changing support in our home of Gaibandha through the Anisa Foundation? To celebrate Giving Tuesday on December 3, 2024, we decided to donate 50% of sales to our charitable initiatives—specifically for our annual winter blanket campaign.

Although Bangladesh has hot weather for most of the year, the winter season brings significant challenges for two to three months every year. And rural communities get hit the hardest.

Many families in rural areas, especially students, already lack access to basic necessities, and this is only heightened in the winter months when they need blankets and warm clothing. The cold weather makes it challenging for students to stay healthy and focus on their studies.

Plus, government aid often doesn’t reach remote areas like Chandipur Union in Gaibandha, one of the poorest regions in the country.

That’s why, every year, we acquire and distribute blankets to those in need at Chandipur Union.

Here’s what YOU helped us accomplish this year:

Together, you helped us raise more than $3,500 on Giving Tuesday. We purchased blankets and successfully distributed them on January 13, 2025 to 715 students in 14 different residential schools.

Now they can make it through the winter without the added burden of enduring the severe cold. They can stay warm, healthy, and focused on school.

It’s because of your support that we’re able to make a difference in the lives of the people in Gaibanda. Thank you for being part of our extended family.

Find out how you can help us make a difference in the lives of the families in Gaibandha, Bangladesh.

Source link

22/04/2025
Christmas at Longwood Gardens 2024

Yes – it’s the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas at Longwood Gardens. I’m hoping to make several visits this season, so will be sharing my photos in random order rather than as themed posts that I did in previous years.

Snowflake © 2025 Patty Hankins

Gardeners Tree © 2025 Patty Hankins

Blue Lights © 2025 Patty Hankins

Source link

22/04/2025
1st of August – 30th of September 2023 — Mikko Lagerstedt

I’m excited to announce my new exhibition, ‘In the Solitude of Nature.’ It’s an exhibition including my best photography from the Nordics of the past ten years of my photography journey.

The exhibition is in the Redi Shopping Center, in Finnfoto Gallery in space A2-03, starting on the 1st of August 2023 and running until the 30th of September. The gallery is open 8-23, and it’s free entry. Below are the exhibition notes if you want to read about it.

Exhibition information

‘In the Solitude of Nature’ is a photography exhibition that showcases Mikko Lagerstedt’s profound vision of Nordic landscapes and atmospheric moments. Capturing unforgettable landscapes from the morning mist to the darkness of night. The images do not just capture places; they capture emotions, bringing you closer to the silence of nature.

On display are photographs from Finland, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, revealing the hidden treasures of these places. The photos are stories created through light, shadow, and color. They are an invitation to step away from everyday life, take a deep breath, and step into the heart of the Nordic countries, where the beauty of the landscapes is untouched, and time seems to stand still.

The exhibition photos present images from both near and far, reminding us that we do not always have to travel to the ends of the Earth to experience magnificent landscapes. The ‘In the Solitude of Nature’ exhibition beautifully manifests different seasons, weather conditions, and locations.

Each photograph in the exhibition holds a story or message. It is up to you to find them.

—

Mikko Lagerstedt (b. 1982) is an internationally acclaimed landscape photographer specializing in minimalist and atmospheric landscape images. Born and raised in Finland, the rural landscapes of his childhood in Kauhava have instilled in him a love for nature and art. His photographs are like visual poems, telling stories through light, shadow, and color.

Lagerstedt’s initial inspiration for photography was born in 2007, on a trip to a relative’s cottage when rain turned into sunshine. It created a stunning combination of fog and light, which he captured with his compact camera— this beautiful moment sparked the desire to document and photograph such atmospheric moments. More than 1.7 million people worldwide follow Mikko’s images on social media.

His images have gained widespread attention and recognition globally. They can be found in the book “Masters of Landscape Photography,” which features photographs from the most renowned landscape photographers. His works have been featured in prestigious publications, including BBC, Business Insider, Daily Mail, and The Telegraph. Additionally, Mikko has worked with photographer Konsta Punkka on the YLE mini-series Exploring Earth, filmed in Patagonia, Chile. One of his most famous photos, “Reflect,” gained special attention when renowned real estate agent Ryan Serhant shared it on social media.

Lagerstedt’s style is characterized by a minimalist approach, capturing the essence of the world in all its splendor – from the peace of a foggy morning to the ethereal brightness of the Northern Lights. He aims to evoke emotions by capturing fleeting moments of nature and creating a deeper connection between the viewer and the landscape.

The meditative nature of landscape photography is emphasized in his work, where being present in the moment and capturing the diversity of nature in his own way is vital. The goal of his images is not just to interest people but also to make them feel something when looking at them as if they were in the picture themselves.

In Finnish – Suomeksi

Luonnon hiljaisuudessa

‘Luonnon hiljaisuudessa’ on valokuvanäyttely, joka esittelee Mikko Lagerstedtin syvällisen näkemyksen Pohjoismaiden maisemista ja tunnelmallisista hetkistä. Aina aamun usvasta, yönpimeyteen taltioiden unohtumattomia ja ajattomia maisemia. Kuvat eivät vain vangitse paikkoja, ne vangitsevat tunteita, tuoden sinut lähemmäksi luonnon hiljaisuutta.

Esillä on valokuvia Suomesta, Norjasta, Islannista ja Ruotsista, jotka paljastavat paikkojen piilotetut aarteet. Valokuvat ovat tarinoita, jotka on luotu valon, varjon ja värin avulla. Ne ovat kutsu pois arjesta, hengittää syvään ja astua Pohjoismaiden sydämeen, missä maisemien kauneus on koskematon ja aika tuntuu pysähtyvän.

Näyttelyn valokuvien tarkoitus on esitellä kuvia läheltä sekä hieman kauempaa. Muistuttaen, että aina ei tarvitse matkustaa maailman ääriin, jotta voi kokea upeita maisemia. Eri vuodenajat, sääolosuhteet ja paikat näkyvät upeasti ‘Luonnon hiljaisuudessa’ -näyttelyssä.

Jokainen näyttelyn valokuva kätkee sisäänsä tarinan tai viestin. Sinun tehtäväsi on löytää ne.

—

Mikko Lagerstedt (s. 1982) on kansainvälisesti tunnettu maisemavalokuvaaja, joka on erikoistunut minimalistisiin ja tunnelmallisiin maisemakuviin. Syntynyt ja kasvanut Suomessa, lapsuuden maalaismaisemat Kauhavalla ovat luoneet hänen rakkautensa luontoon ja taiteeseen. Valokuvat ovat kuin visuaalisia runoja, jotka kertovat tarinoita valon, varjon ja värin kautta.

Lagerstedtin ensi-inspiraatio valokuvaukseen syntyi vuonna 2007, matkalla sukulaisten mökille, kun sade muuttui auringonpaisteeksi. Tämä loi upean sumun ja valon yhdistelmän, jonka hän taltioi kompaktikamerallaan. Tämä kaunis hetki herätti halun tallentaa ja valokuvata tällaisia tunnelmallisia hetkiä. Sosiaalisessa mediassa Mikon kuvia seuraa yli 1,7 miljoonaa ihmistä ympäri maailmaa.

Kuvat ovat saaneet laajaa huomiota ja tunnustusta eri puolilla maailmaa. Niitä löytyy kirjasta ”Masters of Landscape Photography”, joka sisältää tunnetuimpien maisemavalokuvaajien valokuvia. Töitä on esitelty arvostetuissa julkaisuissa, kuten BBC, Business Insider, Daily Mail ja Telegraph. Lisäksi Mikko on työskennellyt yhdessä kuvaaja Konsta Punkan kanssa Ylen lyhytsarjassa Exploring Earth, joka on kuvattu Chilen Patagoniassa. Yksi suosituimmista valokuvista, “Reflect”, sai erityistä huomiota, kun tunnettu kiinteistövälittäjä Ryan Serhant jakoi sen sosiaalisessa mediassa.

Lagerstedtin tyylille on tunnusomaista minimalistinen lähestymistapa, joka vangitsee maailman olemuksen sen kaikessa loistossaan – aina sumuisen aamun rauhasta revontulien eteeriseen kirkkauteen. Pyrkien herättämään tunteita tallentamalla luonnon ohikiitäviä hetkiä ja luomaan syvemmän yhteyden katsojan ja maiseman välille.

Maisemavalokuvauksen meditatiivinen luonne korostuu työssä, jossa on oltava läsnä hetkessä ja taltioitava luonnon moninaisuus omalla tavallaan. Kuvien tavoitteena on, että ihmiset eivät vain kiinnostu niistä, vaan myös tuntevat jotain katsoessaan niitä, aivan kuin he olisivat kuvassa.

Source link

22/04/2025
Save 50 percent on the LensPen with this early Black Friday deal

Camera cleaning tools may not be very glamorous, but they are necessary. Keeping your equipment clean not only prevents you from having to spend time editing out water spots or smudges that were on your lens, but it can also keep your camera and lenses working better for longer. The LensPen is one of the most versatile and popular lens-cleaning tools around. And while it isn’t expensive when full-priced, it is currently 50 percent off, which is its lowest price ever on Amazon. It’s a great time to pick one (or some) up for yourself, or maybe as stocking stuffers for photographers you know.

LensPen NLP-1 $6.50 (was $12.95)

The LensPen is a very simple tool that could really come in handy on or even in-between shoots. It utilizes a patented carbon cleaning compound on one end, which cleans your lens without any fluids required. The other end features a soft, retractable brush for when you just have some dust that needs to be swept away. It lasts a long time, but at this price, it wouldn’t hurt to pick up a few to keep in different camera bags so that you are never without.

Early Black Friday deals on organization & storage solutions

For most of us (including myself), more than just our camera gear needs to be cleaned. Here are some deals to help you out if cleaning up and organizing your office or equipment storage area is on your list this fall and winter.

Storage bins

Shelving systems

Desk organization

Source link

22/04/2025
A Journey of Discovery with Mikko — Mikko Lagerstedt
Today, I’m excited to announce something entirely new! Photography challenge I’ll participate alongside you. This challenge is designed to push our creative boundaries, help us improve our skills, and, most importantly, have fun! This is an experiment and I don’t know how many participants we will have, but I’m looking forward to seeing as many as possible. There might be a small reward at the end of the challenge, but the main reward is to inspire yourself!

The Challenge: “Discovering the Unseen”

The theme of this challenge is “Discovering the Unseen” The goal is to capture something people often overlook in your local area. It could be a hidden corner of a park, a unique architectural detail, or an unusual perspective on a familiar scene. The aim is to encourage us to look at our everyday surroundings with fresh eyes and discover beauty in unexpected places.

Challenge Guidelines
1. Location – The location should be within a 20 km / 12-mile radius of your home. This is to encourage exploration of your local area.
2. Timing – The challenge will run for one month. From the 14th of August to the 14th of September 2023. This should give you plenty of time to scout locations, plan your shots, and experiment with different techniques.
3. Sharing Your Work – Share your final image on Instagram using the hashtag #DiscoverWithMikko. At the end of the challenge, I’ll feature some of my favorite entries on my Instagram Stories. If you don’t have Instagram and want to participate, please send me your photographs at hello@mikkolagerstedt.com.
4. Feedback – Feel free to comment on other participants’ photos and share your thoughts and love. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from each other and build a supportive community.
Challenge Ideas

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas:
1. Night photography. Try capturing a familiar urban or landscape scene at night. Look for interesting light sources, reflections, or shadows.
2. Minimalist landscapes. Try to capture a landscape in a minimalist style. Look for simple compositions, clean lines, and a limited color palette.
3. Details. Explore the tiny world of your backyard or local park with macro photography. You might discover a whole new world in the patterns of a leaf, bark texture, or an insect’s intricate details.
4. Abstract architecture. Look for unusual angles or details in local buildings that can be turned into abstract images.
Remember, the goal of this challenge is not to take the “best” photo but to push your creative boundaries and see your local area in a new light. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!

Happy shooting!
Source link
22/04/2025
Mwangaza: Light!

Lying in a mud hole, looking up at a white rhino snuffling just inches from my camera, I was having a tough time not giggling or wetting my pants. I might have been a little nervous, but mostly, it was the thrill and the absurdity of it. To be this close to a massive rhinoceros with no remote gear—just me and my camera—was a dream.

No guidance counsellor in any high school anywhere would have suggested this as a viable career choice 35 years ago, but here I was.

I had spent the previous evening photographing wildfires spreading across the savannah, the rhinos silhouetted against the flames, leaping orange and red in scenes of terrible beauty, again thinking, “How in the world is this my life?”

Not long before that, I’d been stripping my pants off in the Land Cruiser to squash the bullet ants that I’d clumsily walked through in the darkness, and which were now biting me with a ferocity I hadn’t felt since standing (again, accidentally) on a colony of fire ants in the Peruvian Amazon. At least I now only have one leg for them to bite.

Nothing ever goes as I thought it would. I end a day on safari thinking, “Well, that was unexpected!” I also feel like a day on safari is its own lifetime. At the end of each day, I look back at photographs I’m downloading and think, “That was today?” The encounters are endless and never anticipated.

Early in this journey, I got a text message from a Kenyan photographer I’ve admired for a couple of years. His name is Gurcharan Roopra (find him on Instagram @gurcharan), and he reached out to tell me he was reading one of my books and was thrilled to find I was following him on Instagram. “Following you?” I wrote back, “I’m practically stalking you!” And from this random moment of connection came 24 hours together at the end of my trip, learning from someone with a very different approach to his work than I have, but a similar spirit. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so creatively challenged. Totally unexpected.

There’s no real lesson in this letter to you. Just a reminder that the zigs and zags of life are part of the joy. Even the most well-planned days are full of the unexpected. That can send us into a tailspin, or it can make us wonder and laugh. I hope it’s the latter for you (though without the bullet ants).

I also wanted to give you a chance to see some of the photographs from this recent trip, perhaps share the wonder. Every trip I wonder if I’ll come back with anything that is even close to how I feel about the places, and the animals, and I’m so thrilled to be returning with what I think is some of my strongest work yet. Click on any of the images to see them larger.

One of my favourite images from this trip is the one above. Two southern white rhinos watch the flames of a wildfire approaching, destroying their home. There’s a story here that’s hard not to feel deep down. Well-told stories can do that—they can touch us in deep places. Not every photograph needs to tell a story, but it’s often the most powerful ones that do.

How are your storytelling chops? I’m giving a presentation on this very topic on March 19 at 4:00 pm PT / 7:00 pm ET, and I’d love to see you there.

My class, Photographic Storytelling: Hooking the Heart & The Imagination, is one of four great presentations hosted by Nic Stover’s Nature Photography Classes. You can find more information here.

Other presenters include Margaret Soraya, Talor Stone, and Sapna Reddy, and they all look fantastic. Cost is $22 each, or you can subscribe to the series for $77. The first presentation is on March 01, so I’ve missed that one, but if you subscribe you can watch the video for any of the series that you miss.

More information can be found here at NaturePhotographyClasses.com.

For the Love of the Photograph,
David.

The post Mwangaza: Light! first appeared on David duChemin – Photographer, Author, Creative Instigator.

Source link

22/04/2025
Nauticam Releases Housing for the Sony a1 II and a9 III
Perhaps two of the most exciting pro-level cameras on the market at the moment are Sony’s a1 Mark II and a9 Mark III. The a9 III remains the only full-frame mirrorless camera with a global shutter, giving you jaw-dropping specs like blackout-free continuous shooting at 120fps with AF, no-crop 4K/120p video, and the ability to sync with flash at up to 1/80,000s. (The compromise, however, is the sensor’s relative low pixel count of 24.6MP and base ISO of 250. Meanhile, the a1 II is a different, but equally capable, beast: At 50.1MP, its stacked sensor boasts double the pixels, burst shooting is 20fps in lossless RAW, and there’s both 8K/30p and 4K/120p video recording on offer.

The kicker is that these two cameras are all but identical externally, so a single housing can accommodate either one… Enter Nauticam’s NA-α1II housing, designed to get the most out both the a1 II and a9 III. Needless to say, ergonomic control placement is foremost: There’s a dual thumb lever alongside the right hangle and a single thumb lever on the left, as well as another left-hand lever operating a customizable button. In addition to fiber-optic ports for your strobes, there’s an M14 accessory port that could be used for an electrical bulkhead if preferred. There’s also a large-bore M24 accessory port for hooking up a monitor/recorder such as the Atomos Ninja V via HDMI 2.0.

Nauticam’s housing costs $4,920 and is available for from Backscatter now.

When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

INTRODUCING NA-α1II

The Sony a1 II and a9 III Cameras

The Sony a1 II and a9 III Cameras are Sony’s pro-level bodies that cover the entire gamut of imaging requirements for both still and video shooters.

Sony a1 II

The a1 II is Sony’s flagship high-resolution camera body with incredible autofocus and impressive video capabilities. Built around a 50MP stacked BSI CMOS sensor and powered by the advanced BIONZ XR processor, the a1 II features upgrades pulled from the a7R V in autofocus, subject tracking, and IBIS. For scenarios demanding high resolution paired with ultra-fast and accurate autofocus and up to 8K30p video, the a1 II can deliver top tier results.

Key Sony a1 II Camera Specs
- 50MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Sensor
- 8K 30p and 4K 120p Video in 10-Bit
- 8.5-Stop IBIS + Dynamic Stabilization
- 9.44m-Dot EVF with 240 fps Refresh Rate
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots
Sony a9 III

The a9 III fills the role of a high sensitivity sensor with a true global shutter. Capable of shooting 4K 120fps from the full sensor area, the a9 III produces very clean high frame rate video even in less than ideal lighting conditions. The a9 III’s global shutter allows for shooting at incredibly high shutter speeds to maximize available strobe power and recycle time, even in strongly backlit scenes. Shooting into the sun or in high-ambient light scenarios at lower apertures opens up a world of opportunities for both wide and macro photography and also eliminates any rolling shutter effects in video.

Key Sony a9 III Camera Specs
- 24.6MP Full-Frame Global Shutter Sensor
- Flash Sync at up to 1/80,000 Sec.
- 4K 120p 10-bit Video; S-Log3 & S-Cinetone
- 759-Point Phase-Detect AF with Tracking
- 8-Stop 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
- 9.44m-Dot EVF with 240 fps Refresh Rate
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots
Shared Specs

The a1 II and a9 III share a body which makes the NA-a1ii housing possible without any adapters, modifications or loss of features. Both cameras also share the incredible 9.4M-dot electronic viewfinder from the A7RV.

THE NA-α1II HOUSING

The NA-α1II Housing is based on the Nauticam NA-a9III housing and can accommodate both the Sony a1II and a9III camera bodies with no adapters of modifications. This truly makes this housing one of the ultimate underwater imaging tools able to capture high resolution as well as low-light stills and high resolution, low-noise and high-framerate video.

Mission Control

The driving force behind Nauticam housings is to place controls where they should be, within easy reach of the ergonomic handles for an intuitive and smooth underwater filming experience. The NA-α1II features a dual action thumb lever on near the right handle that actuates the ‘AF-ON’ and ‘REC’ buttons. Near the left handle is a thumb lever for ‘PLAYBACK’. The shutter release, main and sub command dials are also all within easy reach without taking your hands off the handles.

Professional Optics

The NA-α1II housing is built around the N100 port opening allowing for a wide variety of optics solutions from extreme wide-angle to super macro. In addition to supporting traditional wide angle dome port and macro flat-port configurations, the NA-α1II can support much of Nauticam’s range of Water Contact Optics from the Fisheye Conversion Port (FCP) to the Extended Macro Wide Lens (EMWL). To truly unlock the creative possibilities of these two cameras, pairing them with either the WACP-1B, WACP-C or WWL-1B gives impressive 130º rectilinear field-of-view, ~0″ minimum focus distance, full zoom through capabilities and the incredible corner sharpness. If more coverage is needed, the FCP provides 170º fisheye coverage with full zoom through and close focus capabilities. Take your macro imaging to the next level with either increased 2.3X magnification with the new SMC-3 close-up lens or the wide-angle macro look of the EMWL 160º lens.

EVF Enhancement

Both the Sony α1II and α9 III feature the same ultra-high resolution 9.4M-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF). To truly take full advantage of this underwater consider pairing it with one of the Nauticam Enhanced 0.8:1 Viewfinders. These underwater viewfinders are designed to give full edge-to-edge magnified viewing and include a diopter that can be adjusted underwater to match your vision.

HDMI 2.0

A large bore M24 bulkhead is located at the front of the housing for use with HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 1.4 (with a step-down adapter to M16) external monitors and recorders. An additional M10 threaded mounting position near the front center of the housing also makes using an external monitor even easier.

Vacuum Check and Leak Detection

The housing comes with electronics pre-installed for Nauticam’s Vacuum Check and Leak Detection system, requiring only the optional M14 Vacuum Valve (25624). This monitoring system provides constant updates on the water tight and safe-to-dive status of the housing. A simple color coded LED lighting system lets the user know that the vacuum is solid, or that the housing is losing vacuum. Leak detection is built into the same circuit, so if there is water intrusion, an audible and visual indication will occur. The Nauticam system is temperature compensated, eliminating false alarms caused by a change in outside temperature, or from a camera heating up on an action packed dive.

Strobe Triggering

Triggering of external strobes is accomplished via the integrated fiber-optic bulkheads when using the optional Mini Flash Trigger for Sony (26302). Electronic triggering is also available via an optional Nikonos or Ikelite Style Bulkhead.

What’s In The Box:
- NA-α1II Housing
- 90120 Spare Main O-ring, o-ring remover, and lubricant
- CR-2032 Battery (for Moisture Alarm)
- Set of Allen Keys
- Instruction Manual Card
- 2x Optical Bulkhead Caps
- 2x Handles with Mounting Balls
- Padded Housing bag and shoulder strap
Recommended Accessories:
- 25624 M14 Vacuum Valve II (Pushbutton Release)
- 26302 Mini flash trigger for Sony
- 25218 Mounting Ball Set for tripod
- 28130 Hand Strap for 18223
- 32203 45 viewfinder (slightly vignettes)
- 32211 Nauticam Full Frame Straight Viewfinder 32 / 1:1
- 32212 Nauticam Full Frame Straight Viewfinder 40 / 0.8:1
- 32213 Nauticam Full Frame Angle Viewfinder 32 / 1:1
- 32214 Nauticam Full Frame Angle Viewfinder 40 / 0.8:1 *32212 / 32214 is preferred
- 26325 USB-C Bulkhead with USB-C Connector
- 26326 M24-M16 Adaptor for use with 26325
- 25413 27cm lanyard with 2 snap hooks
HDMI Output:

Required accessories for HDMI 2.0 Cable System
- 25086 M24 Adaptor for HDMI 2.0 Cable (incl. tightening tool)
- 25099 M24A2R20-M28A1R170 HDMI 2.0 Cable
Compatible Monitor Options:
- 17922 Nauticam Atomos Ninja V Housing for Atomos Ninja V 5” 4kp60 4:2:2 10-bit recorder/monitor/player (excl. HDMI 2.0 Cable
- 17922S Nauticam Atomos Ninja V-S Housing for Atomos Ninja V 5” 4kp60 4:2:2 10-bit recorder/monitor/player (excl. HDMI 2.0 Cable) with AtomX SDI Module
Required accessories for HDMI 1.4 Cable System:
- 26326 M24-M16 Adaptor
- 25100 HDMI )D-A) 1.4 Cable in 200mm length (for connection from HDMI bulkhead to camera)
- 25033 standard HDMI bulkhead with M16 thread (incl in 17923 Shinobi-H housing)
Compatible Monitor Options:
- 17923 NA-Shinobi-H Housing for Atomos Shinobi 5.2” 4k HDMI Monitor with HDMI 1.4 input.
- 17922 Nauticam Atomos Ninja V Housing for Atomos Ninja V 5” 4kp60 4:2:2 10-bit recorder/monitor/player (excl. HDMI 2.0 Cable
- 25082 HDMI 1.4 Canle for Ninja V housing in 0.75m length (for connection for Ninja V housing to bulkhead) *25082 v1.4 cable is required for use with 17922 monitor housing.
Technical Specifications
- Dimensions: 347mm(W) x 171mm(H) x 127mm(D)
- Weight in Air: 2.65kg
- Buoyancy in Water: 0.48kg (incl. camera & battery)
Model Number: 17438

USA Retail Price: $4,920.00

More information is available from Nauticam at: www.nauticam.com
Source link
22/04/2025