Hi everyone, this is an update of our Studio Digest which include some of the best Photigy articles so far of 2013. There were many shots, tutorials and BTS videos that we created in the first few months of 2013. Enjoy!
1. Sony Nex 7, First Impressions
Sony was my first digital camera (it was 6Mpx silver Cybershot with a huge flipping up and down lens), and it was not love at first sight: I did not like it much, after the Canon Elan 7 (film camera) I had.
Canon still is my primary studio camera, but we desperately needed something little for my wife and me to carry with us all the time. The Canon M failed to fit this niche, and I can tell you now after about a week with the Nex 7, I love it. Continue Reading...
2. The Beauty and Sadness of Jewelry Photography Retouching: Before and After
This is the before and after post production and 100% crop from one of our commercial jewelry assignments last year. Posting to show the amount of work required from a jewelry retoucher, when the jewelry is worn and not clean.
Sometimes I had to almost completely re-create part of the item: it appears to be faster than trying to restore lost finish and colors. Continue Reading...
Meet our newest contributor Patric Bergkvist as he guides you through how he made this incredible shot of a whisky bottle with speedlights and minimal amount of space.
Patric goes through each step from positioning of lights and camera settings.
Continue Reading...
4. Canon EOS lens adapter for Sony Nex cameras: Review and image samples
I was thinking to get some sort of adapter for my Sony Nex 7 (see reviews here) to be able mount Canon EOS lenses on it, I have a huge selection of them.
After research I found that there are basically two options: manual focus adapters (simple screw-in lens mount, no electronic connection) for $15-80, or a serios lens adapter which supports auto-focus and aperture change for about $400.
Read waht I found: Adapter review and image samples
We were privileged to have a chance to interview Patrick Rochon and his answers provided a vivid description of an artistic mind and a glimpse of an amazing photographer’s journey.
Patrick is a Canadian born Light Painting Photographer that has won numerous awards for his works of art. Continue Reading...
6. Mirrorless v.s DSLR: Small and Smart or Big and Serious? The Canon M and Canon 7D compared
This is my final review on the two cameras I had for one month to play with (many thanks to BHphotovideo.com for the loaners). In general, I was interested in finding the best “Point and Shoot” camera for everyday use with the following features: compact, but with interchangeable lenses, RAW shooting, Full HD video, and easy operation for a photographer’s wife.
Continue Reading...
7. Working on Food Photography Tutorial: Sneak Peak Preview from the Studio
Last Sunday we spent a great time in studio with Joshua Geiger, Genia Larionova and Cris Anzai: we were shooting food for a new tutorial. Not sure how long it will take to create a tutorial, we got 5 video sources to be combined into one, but once it is created, it will be one of the best video tutorials I have made so far.
We filmed everything, from the beginning to the end. For purpose we did not set a strict plan on what and how exactly we are going to shoot (we had a few cakes ready for the shooting table). Instead, we filmed all the brainstorming, testing, going through bad and good ideas… everything!
Continue reading...
8. Sony 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Lens First Impressions: Test Images and mini - Review
The lens is retractable, which is great for carrying the camera concealed and usually bad for image quality. I can tell you now is that the Sony 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OOS lens has huge barrel distortion and has quite heavy vignetting.
No complaints, great result for the retractable zoom for $300. Continue Reading...
Our new contributor Patric Bergkvist stuns us once again with another amazing shot. In this tutorial, he provides information about the lighting set up, studio set up, and gear used for the shot. Patric also provides a video of throwing liquids as well.
Continue Reading...
10. Shooting a Glass Aftershave Bottle: Tabletop Photography Tutorial
As our Photigy grows, so does the variety of our contributors. In this debut article from our new contributor, Paul Whittingham, covers everything from lighting set ups to post production techniques of a glass aftershave bottle.
Continue Reading...
Articles for the Serious Pro Photographer
Below are some of our Behind the Scenes shots of 2013 reserved for Pro Corner Members. Join our Pro Corner for access to these benefits:
Access to a private consultations and portfolio reviews, in-depth tutorials and behind the scene videos, photo reviews and critique.
Behind the shot tutorials and in-studio hangouts.
Fully moderated, AD-free, members-only community.
Chanel Bleu Perfume Shot: Working with a Large Format Camera in Studio Tutorial
This is the shot I did in studio using a Cambo Ultima D Monorail Camera and wide angle lens, which was new to me. Usually I use long macro lenses for shots like this, but they give a flat look, especially on “simple” subjects like this perfume bottle.
Join the Pro Corner to learn more....
Running a Commercial Photography Business: Interview with Curtis Hustace
This is an interview from professional photographer Curtis Hustace, where he answers questions about the business side of commercial photography. I’ll be interviewing more photographers, and going to finish the first part of my own article about business of photography this week.
Join the Pro Corner to learn more...
This is a bonus shot for our Jewelry photography students, where I've filmed a shot of a Citizen woman's watch. Pro Corner members will have access as well to this video tutorial. Join the Pro Corner to learn more...
Special Annoucement: Product Studio Photography Live Webinar: Crystal Perfume (Marchesa) Shot
This is the shot which we'll be doing during the workshop. Consider it as a draft:
Want to learn how to get shots like this, right from the camera?
Join us from any location to watch and participate in a live Webinar where I show you how to develop techniques to work with clear (glass) subjects in studio such as the subject above.
When:
Date: April 29th, 2013
Time: 3:30pm Eastern Standard Time
Where: Any location (broadband connection required) we'll be streaming hi-def video via Photigy Live Server.
Do not miss your chance to see how we work on the stuydio, and participate on out workshop.
Go here and register, we still have few spots left: Webinar annoucement page
All the Best to Everyone!
Alex Koloskov