Moment Pro Camera App [Android and iOS]

Get Moment Lenses (not required to use App but they work nicely together - see below)I love my Pixel 2 but hate the camera app! Moment (makers of excellent little smartphone lenses) just released an Android App and a revamped iOS app that makes manual control of your smartphone camera easy as pie. The app offers full manual control over shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, focus, and white balance via on-screen sliders. Icons across the top give you access to a grid view, self timer and RAW or JPEG shooting.The iOS version offers a few additional features for video recording and dual-stage shutter with half and full press using Apple pressure sense tech.Get Moment on: iOS | Android If you are using Moment lenses you can select the lens and the app dials in the best settings for that attachmentThe app feels snappy and bug-free which is impressive for a 1.0.0 release. I hope we get some additional video features on android but overall I am excited to replace my really limited camera app on the Pixel2 with Moments Pro app which is much more capable.

More about those Moment Lenses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6UtNjQIAhM

Instagram Challenge Top Picks – Songtitle

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_songtitle

We get inspiration from many places when it comes to shooting and this week had a musical spin. Thanks to those that entered as you came up with some really clever ideas! Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_fireworksWe’re changing it up for this next challenge, you have one month to enter! Get all those firework shots out of your system, and you’ve got plenty of time to edit for once. What can you come up with? We’ll be checking out those shots July 25th!

Roy’s Features:

• A really cute idea for "Hungry Like a Wolf"!

• While you may be addicted to that soft lens at this point it did a nice job of putting all the focus on your main subject.

• The inspiration might be "Don't go Chasing Waterfalls" but I think this was a great one for a shot!

For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Instagram Challenge Top Picks – Urbex

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.

This Week’s Challenge: Urbex - #PRTV_urbex

A long called for challenge, urbex show’s what we left behind and a good look at something long gone. Your goal for this week and certainly a challenge!

Next Week's Challenge: Song Title - #PRTV_songtitle

We take inspiration while shooting from many places and next week your goal is to use a song title as an idea for a shoot. It should be an interesting challenge so get creative!

Top Picks

• Toby: I like that this one is light and airy showing the decay
• Roy: A really interesting shot showing the aging and abandoned setting

• Toby: A nicely balanced image, the editing really matches the content
• Roy: A piece of history left behind works well with those iconic posters. It's a shame in your caption the building is now demolished.

For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Epic Water Drop Photography

https://youtu.be/EwxQlKuIKj8 Make awesome splash photos in your home with the MIOPS Splash Water Drop Kit. Throw in a flash and a colored gel and you can create some EPIC photos with the press of a single button.MIOPS Splash Kit - https://bhpho.to/2LtVwxUSplash Kit Holder - https://bhpho.to/2JgtBooCamera Connection Cord - https://bhpho.to/2JhXp47Cheap flash w/ PC sync - https://bhpho.to/2JnRiaqAlready have a flash? Alternative - https://bhpho.to/2JjCf5mAffordable Flash Gel Kit - https://bhpho.to/2JrcwnyNeed a glass container recommendation: https://amzn.to/2JqgvAQYou can also purchase gear at https://www.miops.com/miops-splash/Camera settingsShutter Speed: BULBISO 100Aperture f/16Flash SettingsManual 1/64 powerMIOPS App SettingsDrop 1: 50msDelay 100mmsDrop 2: 50msDelay: 200ms - Flash ModeFor the purpose of the video you saw me shoot during the daylight hours. The resulting images are ok but I found the best images in a dark room (I just waited until the sun set and turned off all the lights) With the flash on a fairly low power you can get some extremely colorful images.GALLERY of MIOPS Splash Water Drop Kit photos by Toby

Instagram Challenge Top Picks – Walk

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_walk

Whether in the city or in the country this week’s goal was to get out for some photos either by a bit of street photography or nature. Sometimes the hardest part is just getting out and you all grabbed some neat shots this week.Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_urbexAs I’m relatively near Detroit a popular one for the area is Urban Exploration (Urbex). This week get your explorer on and get some neat shots of some of the more abandoned parts of your area. This was a highly requested subject, so for those that asked, now it's your shot!

Toby’s Features:

• The Position of the horse - off center, framed by the background trees - perfect!

• Including the path leading the viewer to the SF city skyline works so very well

• A lovely scene!

Roy’s Features:

• A great macro shot and the lighting is just perfect for putting the focus on your subject.

• An interesting photo and I like that you had someone in frame to break the pattern

• It’s a nice sunset shot and I like that you cropped it close for the plants in this one.

For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Instagram Challenge Top Picks – SOOC

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_sooc

Your challenge this week, if you dared, was to post one shot without ANY editing. Scary for some, but it’s a good challenge this week to really think about the exposure in your photos.Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_walkIts summer time now so that means its a good time for a walk. This week your challenge is to go on a photo walk in your area and shoot a series of photos then post that one best photo that made your day. It's a good chance to practice your street photography or go for wildlife on a nature hike. 

Toby’s Features:

• I love it when participants try something new to complete a challenge!

• I can feel the chill and damp just looking at this photo

• Bright, crisp and lovely - what a shot!

Roy’s Features:

• I like that the exposure is a bit dark in this and that fade to black in the tunnel.

• Heather was clever with this one! Shooting a double exposure in camera counts this week.

• I’m a wildlife nut and I like this headshot, the biggest thing with birds for me is you need to nail that catchlight in the eyes.

For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Hasselblad X1D-50C Review

I spend three weeks with the Hasselblad X1D-50C - One of the best looking, most stylish cameras on the market - But does the quality and performance live up to that style? Watch for a straightforward, honest review of the Hasselblad X1D-50C.https://youtu.be/NeziA_dy6ek

BUY - The best looking camera on the planetHasselblad X1D-50c 4116 Edition - $9,895 (includes 45mm lens)- Buy from B&H PhotoHasselblad X1D-50C Standard Silver - $6,495 - Buy from B&H PhotoHasselblad XCD 120mm f/3.5 Macro Lens - $4,495 - Buy from B&H PhotoHasselblad XCD 90mm f/3.2 Lens - $3,195- Buy from B&H PhotoHasselblad XCD 45mm f/3.5 Lens - $2,695- Buy from B&H PhotoHasselblad XCD 30mm f/3.5 Lens - $3,995- Buy from B&H PhotoJUST ANNOUNCED - Hasselblad XCD 21mm f/4 lens $3,750 - Buy from B&H PhotoUPDATE: I brought the Hasselblad along on a recent south-west workshop and while my review may be less than positive two other instructors - Steve Scurich(Professional Fine Art Photographer) and David McKay(Professional Fine Art Photographer and leader of Photography workshops worldwide) have decided that this is their next camera. I will be back with more hands-on and an interview with both about why they are making this their next camera. Download Full Resolution RAWS - They are lovely to edit!

Travel Adapters and Charging on the Go

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBsy4J4U39gWhen traveling you still need to keep everything charged and ready to go. From camera batteries to your phone there are a few items out there that will make your next trip a bit easier. 

Passport: First Fail-Safe Global Travel Adapter

• Univeral adapter good for traveling in multiple countries
• Includes four USB ports to charge devices
• Built-in circuit breaker to protect devices

Zendure 26800mAh Quick Charge 3.0 Portable Charger

• Capable of charging your devices multiple times
• Supports quick charging to charge your devices quickly and recharging the battery itself
• Pass-through charging to act as a hub

Zendure 10000mAH Portable Charger

• A smaller size and cheaper version to charge devices

UPWADE 2 Outlet Travel Power Strip 

• A long winding cord to give you room from the outlet
• Includes two power ports and four USB ports to charge devices

Check out more gear!➨ My Recommended Gear: https://kit.com/photorectoby➨ Recommended Travel Gear: https://kit.com/photorectoby/travel-gear

Instagram Challenge Top Picks - Long Exposure

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_longexposure

When you need more light, you make it! With this week’s flash challenge it was your chance to show off those skills when you get away from all natural lighting.Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_soocNo excuses for editing this go around as we want you to shoot straight out of the camera. Think of this week like going back to film so that means you’ve got to nail that exposure.

Toby’s Features:

• Creatively setup and captured!

• Love the black and white and smooth water vs tree trunks

• Lovely sunset tones!

Roy’s Features:

Long exposures let you capture the motion and energy of an area and I think this shot fits the challenge to a T.

A classic long exposure and it’s a neat shot with the water almost looking like a fog.

Pulling focus is one I didn’t think of when coming up with this challenge and it's a neat way to pull focus to a subject with a creative flair.

For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Instagram Challenge Top Picks - Flash 2

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_flash2

When you need more light, you make it! With this week’s flash challenge it was your chance to show off those skills when you get away from all natural lighting.Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_longexposureNext week it’s time to shoot a bit longer. Slowing your shutter speed down just a bit can be a great tool for showing motion, a bit more for blurry waterfalls. At the longest times letting enough light in to catch a milky way and stars.

Roy’s Features:

• A clever idea and the black and white almost gives it a metallic effect with that more contrasted side lighting.

• Just a great portrait with nice even lighting that looks great!

• While I’d suggest a colored gel next time this is a nice go at balancing out a flash with the ambient lighting of a sunset.

For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Instagram Challenge Top Picks - Black or White

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_blackorwhite

With May 4th as the official star wars holiday did you go for the light or slip to the dark side? While the theme might be a bit silly it’s all about thinking about the color in your images and how it affects the photos. We’ve got a few neat shots this week and certainly, some that stand out for thinking outside the box.Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_flash2Next week you need to flash your subject. It’s a lighting challenge so you need to add a bit of artificial lighting to your subject whether it’s from a cheap flashlight or an expensive strobe.

Toby’s Features:

Perfectly framed and thoughtfully composed - love the B&W treatment here

Black and white with a hint of golden color - nicely captured

The shadows on the walkway really complete this for me!

Roy’s Features:

Black and white lets you really push the look of an image and this architecture shot really fits the bill for this week’s challenge

Considering the challenge I'd have to say going for a high key shot of Yoda wasn't something I thought of this week but really fits the theme.

A bit of work in post but all the focus on this bird for an interesting shot

For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Get 2x more zoom with ANY LENS with the Sony a7RIII

Super Zoom Video with the Sony a7RIII

https://youtu.be/1-slnohI_csWhen shooting video with the Sony a7RIII you have two modes you can make use of to more than double your zoom.

• I have on the 100-400 and at 400 I can turn on aps-c crop which gives me an additional 1.5x crop 400 x 1.5 = 600mm

• Turn on Clear Image Zoom and you can zoom in an additional 1.5x for a 900mm reach.

There is no quality loss - this is still beautiful 4k footage! 

I mentioned this in my review of the lens - if you have the 1.4x teleconverter you can get some ridiculous reach while still shooting beautiful 4k footage. (1260mm!) Your noise does start to increase and stabilizing your camera at these longer distances can be difficult.What I really like about the a7Riii - you can assign custom buttons for each mode of the camera (stills, video, playback) During video I have assigned C4 to turn on APS-C mode and the AEL button to turn on clear zoom.  Once clear zoom is active you can adjust the amount of zoom with the joystick or the control wheel. There are two modes of clear zoom - stay away from the Digital zoom THAT WILL degrade quality.

Buy Sony a7RIII: B&H | Amazon

Sony 100-400 Review: B&H | AmazonSony 1.4x TeleConverter: B&H | AmazonMeFoto Tripod: B&H | Amazon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw2l6sd-3oI

Instagram Challenge Top Picks - Golden Hour 3

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_goldenhour3

With spring finally making an appearance it was a great time to get out for some of that golden hour light. While that does include sunsets it's nice to see so many of you thinking out of the box. Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_blackorwhiteMay the 4th be with you! This week your challenge is a bit different in that you’ve got to capture something dark or something light. This is going to be a good challenge for flash photography!

Toby’s Features:

Gorgeous layers so warmly lit - I spent MANY summers at chincotaegue. Love it!

You balanced the flash so nicely with the warm setting sun - nicely done.

Lovely leopard lit but the last bits of light.

Roy’s Features:

A great job at balancing natural and golden light for a really nice shot

If a challenge is about light a golden sun flare I’d say fits the bill.

Wildlife gets super active at later times and catching them in a golden light like this makes for great photos.

For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Instagram Challenge Top Picks - Parks

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_parks

Happy Earth Day and National Parks Week! Spring is going strong and you guys got out for some really great photos! Parks are a great location to go shoot a variety of subjects but still close that it's not necessarily out of the way, bar going to Yosemite. Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_goldenhour3Soft and warm light can make for great shots and that’s gonna be what you are looking for in the golden hour challenge. Remember that it's a focus on the light so your subject can be anything you'd like to try shooting. 

Toby’s Features:

Nicely captured some iconic elements of Yosemite NP

Simple composition nicely showcasing Canyonlands

Love the soft low contrast here that matches the feel of the sand and wood

Roy’s Features:

Wooded areas are great for playing with sun flares in your images due to the trees and this photo worked out nicely.

Got to love the tiny details you can find at a park, macro really does make a tiny area a giant one full of options

Parks are not just trees and this landscape shot is a great reminder. Remember when shooting big landscapes like this a foreground element can really balance an image

For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Instagram Challenge Top Picks - Architecture 3

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_architecture3

Some really neat photos this week! Focusing on repeating patterns and light really worked out for this week’s challenge. There are only three top picks this week with Toby on tour but check the rest out at #PRTV_architecture3. Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_parksWith spring starting, hit up a park! This week will be Earth Day and National Park Week with the National Park Foundation so it’s a great time to go shoot outside.

Roy’s Features:

An interesting take on an architecture black and white that really shows the shapes in the building.

It might be Trinity College but this shot from Marita almost seems Harry Potterish with this old architecture for a great photo.

A different take on a recognizable monument to most, giving the building a bit of breathing room worked well!

For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Mish Mash Highlights: 4/11/2018

A post shared by Toby (@photorectoby) on Apr 10, 2018 at 5:00am PDT

This week's photography news and more with the Mish Mash Highlights. Want to mount an iPhone to a 70-200? It might sound crazy but that's an option this week with a new adapter.Toby's back this week with the live show as well. It's the same material you get here, but straight from the man himself while you can talk to the PEN community in a group chat. If that sounds good sign up to PEN today at photoenthusiastnetwork.com. The live show is just a bonus to a ton of great content.

This Week at Photorec.tv

Want to travel with Toby?We've got some great new trips to sign up for:

• Return to New ZealandApril & May 2019
• Oregon Waterfalls and CoastAugust 24th-26th 2018

New for PEN, join today at Photorec.tv/PEN

• Tuesday Tips -The F Stops Here! - Getting started with controlling aperture

WPPI Panasonic Booth - Quick look at GX9 and G9 from PanasonicToby spends a few moments with the Panasonic Gx9 and G9. Talking briefly about the Canon M50 and the Panasonic Gx9

Around the Web

We can't cover everything photography news related but we try. For everything else, we've got the best news articles from around the web.This Adapter Lets You Mount Any Giant Lens On Your Tiny SmartphoneWhile manual only, including aperture, check out this neat adapter that lets you shoot with a smartphone. Essentially digiscoping, shooting through a scope, you can use a large variety of lenses (Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sony E). It's a neat idea if a niche item, hit the link for a video for more!Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is a different beastA smaller micro four-thirds design almost in line with the GH5 with 4K at 60 fps. At $1200 it's an interesting choice and a bit of competition for Panasonic.Other Stories You Might Like:

• Photos of a Starry Lightsaber Duel in the World’s Largest Salt Flat
• How to Rescue an Underexposed Photo and Maintain Natural Color
• How to Stay Creative and Constantly Improve Your Work
• PolarPro Moves Into Still Camera Lens Filters with QuartzLine
• Lutify.me Cross-Platform LUTs Are Now Even Better in Lightroom and Camera Raw
• Elinchrom will skip Photokina this year, other brands may follow suit
• A Photographer got arrested for using his drone- And Says it was worth it
• ProGrade Digital Unveils World’s First 1TB CFexpress Card
• Photographer Forced to Watch His Stolen Custom-Modified Lens Sell on eBay for $65,100
• Fujifilm will discontinue ACROS 100 black & white film in October
• Patent: Canon Application for a New Tilt Screen for the Eos-M
• Photographer Turns Bullied Kids Into Avengers Superheroes
• The Crazy Shots You Can Do with a Camera Robot

Featured Photos Weekly Challenge

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_pets3

It’s been a furry week with some nice photos! Glad to see some silly shots this week with the cold weather up here in Michigan. Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_architecture3A focus on buildings this week, try to focus on shapes and lines as a lot of it will be drawing the eye to your subject.

Toby’s Features:

Love the crop!

I agree and the taller dog’s gaze at the camera is perfect!

Just a simple tight portrait! lovely!

Roy’s Features:

I love that yawn! It's a cute shot and a really unique angle.

The pet for this challenge doesn't have to be yours, using a fast aperture works great to seperate your subject.

A bit of aww, going for that morning light

For more info, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Photos from Space

Sunrise crashes an aurora party

"Sunrise crashes an aurora party over the southern hemisphere," said astronaut Ricky Arnold (@astro_ricky) of the image he snapped from the International Space Station. Auroras are one of the many Earthly phenomena the crew of the space station observe from their perch high above the planet. The dancing lights of auroras provide spectacular views, but also capture the imagination of scientists who study incoming energy and particles from our Sun. Auroras are one effect of such energetic particles, which can speed out from the Sun both in a steady stream called the solar wind or from giant eruptions known as coronal mass ejections or CMEs. After a trip toward Earth that can last three days, the solar particles and magnetic fields cause the release of particles already trapped near Earth, which in turn trigger reactions in the upper atmosphere in which oxygen and nitrogen molecules release photons of light. The result: the Northern and Southern lights. #earth #aurora #night #day #nasa #international #space #station

A post shared by International Space Station (@iss) on Apr 11, 2018 at 10:50am PDT

Pick up a "Major Tom" spaceman LED light for your computer today. Part of Toby's Photos from space segment and it helps support the site. Click here to buy your own Major Tom on Amazon.Want to keep up with things happening this year? Sync your calendar with the solar system

That's all folks! We'll be back next week with even more of your photo news. If you guy's like the highlights leave us comments on the social media posts and we'll keep this going!

Upcoming live show schedule for PEN - No show on April 18th

Mish Mash Highlights: 4/4/2018

A post shared by Toby (@photorectoby) on Mar 31, 2018 at 5:30pm PDT

This week's photography news and more with the Mish Mash Highlights. This week Lightroom got a big update, if you haven't noticed yet go check it out. We've also got a bunch of gear in for reviews so that'll be coming out soon!Toby's back this week with the live show as well. It's the same material you get here, but straight from the man himself while you can talk to the PEN community in a group chat. If that sounds good sign up to PEN today at photoenthusiastnetwork.com. The live show is just a bonus to a ton of great content.

This Week at Photorec.tv

Want to travel with Toby?We've got some great new trips to sign up for:

• Return to New ZealandApril & May 2019
• Oregon Waterfalls and CoastAugust 24th-26th  2018

New for PEN, join today at Photorec.tv/PEN

• Tuesday Tips - Need Inspiration? Steal it!
• The Making of a Black and White Series
• PEN PPA Level Photo Critique - March

Articles Out this week!

• 5 Reasons the 40mm is Better Than the 50mm
• Spring Photography Backgrounds and Props
• Safari Review – Sony 100-400
• Gnarbox Review

Lightroom Classic CC v7.3 | April 2018 UPDATESFor those that want to get a bit more advanced with their editing Lightroom Classic now has a new color profile system and creative profiles. A big boost to editing and we should be seeing some really neat presets in the future. Along with the update there's been a few UI changes and items moved for better workflow, hopefully to get you out shooting again faster.

Around the Web

We can't cover everything photography news related but we try. For everything else, we've got the best news articles from around the web.

• This Camera Was Lost at Sea for 2 Years — Its Photos Just Led to Its Owner

As one of those viral stories, you can't stop this Canon G12 that managed to survive under water for two years! Al beit, thanks to an underwater housing, but with the power of social media they managed to find the owners within a couple days. This little Canon got swept 155 miles away from where it was lost in Japan to end up in Taiwan and fortunately found by school kids.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/park.lee.10/posts/1976030532434236[/embed]

 Other Stories You Might Like:

• Depth-Based Photo Editing Is Now a Thing
• CIPA Early 2018 Shows Up to 28% Fall in Camera Sales
• The Best Photography April Fools’ Jokes of 2018
• This Tour Around the Sigma Japan Factory Explains Why All Their Machinery Is Blue
• Netflix Teases With Kodachrome Movie Trailer
• VSCO Opens Up A New Studio In Oakland | Free To The Public
• This ‘Secret Code’ Shows if Your Nikon Gear is Refurbished
• Sheriff's Deputy who shot photographer won't face criminal charges
• Do YOU Look Through the Viewfinder with Your Dominant Eye?
• Services and Apps You Can Use to Work More Productively

Featured Photos Weekly Challenge

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_dark2

Starting out I think a lot of photographers wait for that bluebird sky to take photos. So this week we flipped the script going for darker shots whether you got a bit creative or just waited for that light to fall. Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_pets3Time to let the fur fly with a pets challenge next! Go get some cute shots or your pets, or someone elses, for a nice shot this week.

Toby’s Features:

Roy’s Features:

For more info, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Photos from Space

Check out theis neat shot of Java, Bali, and Lombok. It almost looks like someone photoshopped a line of islands into a shot :)

From space, the sprawling Indonesian islands of Java, Bali and Lombok appear perfectly arranged. In this majestic view, captured from 250 miles above courtesy of astronaut Ricky Arnold (@Astro_Ricky) aboard the International Space Station (@iss), the impeccably aligned islands are disconnected only by tiny passages of water called straits. The Lombok Strait, which separates Bali and Lombok, is a slice of an invisible boundary called the Wallace Line. The margin, which runs between Asia and Australia, was created by British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in 1859 and was drawn to separate the wildlife of Australia from the wildlife of Southeast Asia. This study of the geographical distribution of species and ecosystems is called biogeography and was formed from the work of Wallace and other biologist and explorers. There are currently six people living on the space station. While living aboard humanity’s only permanently occupied microgravity laboratory, they will work on hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science and Earth science. Credit: NASA/@Astro_Ricky #nasa #space #spacestation #crew #astronaut #spacecraft #orbit #earth #research #science #picoftheday #indonesia #bali #archipelago #java #lombok #islands

A post shared by NASA (@nasa) on Mar 31, 2018 at 8:11am PDT

Pick up a "Major Tom" spaceman LED light for your computer today. Part of Toby's Photos from space segment and it helps support the site. Click here to buy your own Major Tom on Amazon.Want to keep up with things happening this year? Sync your calendar with the solar system

That's all folks! We'll be back next week with even more of your photo news. If you guy's like the highlights leave us comments on the social media posts and we'll keep this going!

Upcoming live show schedule for PEN - No show on April 18th

Lightroom Classic CC v7.3 | April 2018 UPDATES

Adobe has released an update for Lightroom Classic now at v7.3 that adds a few features, moves a few features and adds support for more cameras/lenses including the new Sony a7iii.

Adobe Lightroom Profiles

In Lightroom Classic CC and Adobe Camera Raw, profiles have been moved from the Camera Calibration panel(very bottom) to the Basic panel(very top).Expanded profile capabilities with six brand new Adobe Raw profiles, over 40 new Creative profiles, and an all-new Profile Browser that lets you quickly compare and select the best profile for your photo. When you hover over the profile your selected image previews the changes in real-time.

About these color profiles

Adobe Color was designed to greatly improve the look and rendering of warm tones, improving the transitions between certain color ranges, and slightly increasing the starting contrast of your photos. Since Adobe Color is the new default (but only for newly imported photos), it was designed to work on the widest range of photos and ensures that regardless of the subject, your photo will look great.Adobe Monochrome has been carefully tuned to be a great starting point for any black and white photograph, resulting in better tonal separation and contrast than photos that started off in Adobe Standard and were converted into black and white.Adobe Portrait is optimized for all skin tones, providing more control and better reproduction of skin tones. With less contrast and saturation applied to skin tones throughout the photo, you get more control and precision for critical portraiture.Adobe Landscape, as the name implies, was designed for landscape photos, with more vibrant skies and foliage tones.Adobe Neutral provides a starting point with a very low amount of contrast, useful for photos where you want the most control or that have very difficult tonal ranges.Adobe Vivid provides a punchy, saturated starting point.Often I find these profiles to offer a good starting point for your edits. They are not a one-click fix but lay a foundation for additional edits, saving you time. Learn more about my use of profiles by joining photoenthusiastnetwork.com/ and accessing over 10 hours of Lightroom Training.

More accessible Camera Matching Profiles

Camera Matching Profiles were one of the most powerful raw tools found in Adobe Camera Raw and Lightroom Classic CC, but also one of the most difficult to find. Now, they’re easier to find and available for the first time in Lightroom CC. We created the Camera Matching profiles to match the different options often found in your camera, making it possible for you to match the color and tonality of your raw file with what you saw on the your camera’s LCD or the JPEG rendered by your camera, as closely as possible. The options available for any particular photograph will vary, depending on which camera the photo was captured with.

Creative Profiles include LUTs

The profiles found in the four Creative profiles groups: Artistic, Black & White, Modern, and Vintage can be applied to any photo, both raw and non-raw. The Creative profiles were designed to create a look and feel in your photos and provide even more control thanks to the inclusion of a 3D Lookup Table (LUT) that can be included within a profile. LUTs have often been used by Photoshop and video professionals to add a color grading effect to the photo, with more options and precision than were previously possible in Lightroom. Creative Profiles also provide a new Amount slider, enabling you to increase or decrease the effect, tuning it to your taste.

Additional Lightroom April 2018 Changes

Dehaze has been moved into the basic panel - something I predicted two years ago. Wait long enough and you will eventually be, right?Always be gentle with the sliders in the Presence section of the basic panel and this includes Dehaze. It is powerful but can quickly add too much contrast to your image. I often apply a small amount of dehaze to landscape photos - 5-15 and then selectively use the brush to target those areas that need a little more.  Want more Lightroom tip, tricks, and education? I offer 10 hours of Lightroom training as part of our Photo Enthusiast Network. Join Today!Tone curve panel size has expanded for more precise adjustmentsOptimized the face-tagging algorithms for more accurate detection of faces.Which change or changes are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments below.Updates are accessed through your Adobe Helper App

Safari Review - Sony 100-400

I take the Sony FE 100-400 and Sony 1.4x Teleconverter on Safari in Tanzania, Africa with McKaylive.com and https://thomsonsafaris.com/ - I loved, LOVED the results and share with you my full review of the Sony 100-400, with sample photos and a report of how the Sony 100-400 performs paired with the Sony 1.4x Teleconverter for wildlife and portraits!

• Buy the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens with FREE Circular Polarizer Filter Kit from B&H Photo

• Buy the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter from B&H Photo

Your use of these links supports these reviews and costs you nothing extra.

Sample Photos Sony FE 100-400 f/4.5 - 5.6

[gallery ids="18038,18039,18040,18041,18042,18044,18045,18046,18047"]

Sony FE 100-400 with 1.4x Teleconverter Sample Photos

[gallery columns="4" ids="18048,18049,18050,18051,18052,18053,18054,18055"]

Sample raw files for personal use only.

Pick up the Sony G Master FE 100-400mm Today

Sony 100-400

Amazon

B&H

Sony 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 Specs

Focal Length

100 - 400mm

Aperture

Maximum: f/4.5 - 5.6Minimum: f/32 - 40

Mount

Sony FE (Full Frame or APS-C)

Angle of View

24° - 6° 10'

Minimum Focus Distance

3.22' (.98 m)

Magnification

0.12 - 0.35x

Optical Design

22 Elements in 16 Groups

Blades

9, Rounded

Image Stabilization

Yes

Auto Focus

Yes

Tripod Collar

Yes, Removable

Filter Size

Front: 77 mm

Dimensions

Approx. 3.70 x 8.07" (93.9 x 205 mm)

Weight

3.07 lbs (1395 g)

Mish Mash Highlights: 3/28/2018

A post shared by Toby (@photorectoby) on Mar 28, 2018 at 6:43am PDT

This week's photography news and more with the Mish Mash Highlights. In the news, a leaked GoPro announcement looks like we'll be getting a $200 budget model. Then you can finally stop worrying about the dreaded Instagram shadowban hopefully with a new site that checks your posts.Toby and Steve are back with this week's live show and this is the same highlights we use so you guys get this week's rundown. If you'd rather watch then read, sign up to PEN today at photoenthusiastnetwork.com, the live show is just a bonus to a ton of great content. For everyone that are already PEN members, thank you for supporting the site!

This Week at Photorec.tv

Want to travel with Toby?We've got some great new trips to sign up for:

• Return to New ZealandApril & May 2019
• Oregon Waterfalls and CoastAugust 24th-26th  2018

• New for PEN, join today at Photorec.tv/PEN
  • Tuesday Tips - Foreground and Background Elements for Story-Telling! 
  • We tend to focus on our subject a bit too much starting out. This article from Instructor Ally McKay is a great step to think about how to layer details in your photos.
• Moment Lenses - The Filmmaker Collection
  • Toby has been a big fan of the Moment lenses and they've just announced a new collection on Kickstarter.

Around the Web

We can't cover everything photography news related but we try. For everything else, we've got the best news articles from around the web.Leaked: GoPro to reveal entry-level 'HERO' action cam this week, will cost $200With a few leaked photos and a sales PDF it's clear GoPro is out to release a new budget HERO action camera. The problem with a new non-4K model... is it really needed? GoPro as of late has been feeling the pressure, especially with YI technology and other companies releasing more action cameras into the market. But as it stands it's a budget camera without 4K capability but price wise the HERO5 Black is at the same point with higher specs. At the moment it's $299 with a $25 gift card back at B&H and elsewhere sales have gone down to $220. This might be another shot at stemming the tide to cheaper models but it just doesn't work.Leaked Specs:

• 1080/60P & 1440/60P video
• 10 MP Stills at 10fps
• Timelapse video
• Waterproof up to 33 Feet (10m)
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Voice Control

This New Instagram Shadowban Tester Examines Your Last 10 PostsFor those using Instagram that have a low liked post, it's time to try the new and improved Instagram shadow ban tester. From trying to abuse the system with a bot or accidentally using a banned hashtag (Toby did last week) it's easy enough to fall under the dreaded Instagram Shadowban scare. I wasn't a big fan of how Tiberr's original tester worked but if you think you may be affected, or curious, this is a quick way to go see. The new site actually lists the hashtags you use and scratches out any that are on the banned list. Like the article from PetaPixel mentions if you are showing up affected just remove the bad hashtags and try not to use Instagram for a couple days.As a warning for those that don't post too frequently this only checks the last week or so. Anything past that will show a flag simply because they can't find it online.Other Stories You Might Like:

• Real Estate Photographer Taking Legal Action After Being Shot by Homeowner
• Leaked: GoPro to reveal entry-level 'HERO' action cam this week, will cost $200
• Tamron Says They Are Ready for Canon and Nikon Mirrorless
• What Should You Charge for Your Pro Photography?
• Instagram Updates | Hashtags And Profile Links In Bio & Feed Priority Options
• This New Instagram Shadowban Tester Examines Your Last 10 Posts
• Behind the Scenes for Selling Large Wall Art Using Samples
• Give Your Images the Cinematic Look in Just Two Minutes
• The camera is now the only smartphone feature that matters

Featured Photos Weekly Challenge

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_highorlow

Some fun shots, and duck butt, for this week's High or Low challenge! Something a bit different as it pushes you out of that static standing pose shooting for something a bit more dynamic. Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_dark2Photorec.tv gone dark! With warmer weather mostly here it's time to shoot a bit later or a bit darker for some fun shots. A good one to try would be some blue hour city shots as there's just that little bit of light left that makes the city lights pop.

Toby’s Features:

I wish there was something that offered a sense of scale but the image is still a stellar shot - love the pattern of the ice and the dark water

The angle and the dress spread on the floor work well together to really draw you right to the face

Great angle on a nice clean shot of a Joshua tree with that beautiful starry sky!

Roy’s Features:

I like how being down low in this really shows the scale with that wider lens.

A hint of texture gives a nice feel for this photo with the bridge nice and soft in the background.

This is a bit neat as it’s a much higher angle that puts the focus all on your subject.

For more info, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Photos from Space

The Crab Nebula, a composite image using photos from the Hubble, Chandra, and Spitzer space telescopes. Using different filters the Hubble shows the purple hues while the other two telescopes shot the white and blue for this neat image.

A crab walks through time - this new composite image of the Crab Nebula uses data from our Hubble (@NASAHubble), Chandra (@chandraxray) and Spitzer space telescopes and gives new insights to this celestial object. We've learned a lot over the years about this intriguing exploded star and its pulsating core. It was one of the first objects that our Chandra X-Ray Observatory examined with its sharp X-ray vision, and it has been a frequent target of the telescope ever since. There are many reasons that the Crab Nebula is such a well-studied object. For example, it is one of a handful of cases where there is strong historical evidence for when the star exploded. Having this definitive timeline helps astronomers understand the details of the explosion and its aftermath. In the case of the Crab, observers in several countries reported the appearance of a “new star” in 1054 A.D. in the direction of the constellation Taurus. Much has been learned about the Crab in the centuries since then. Today, astronomers know that the Crab Nebula is powered by a quickly spinning, highly magnetized neutron star called a pulsar, which was formed when a massive star ran out of its nuclear fuel and collapsed. The latest image of the Crab is a composite with X-rays from the Chandra X-Ray Observatory (blue and white), Hubble Space Telescope (purple) and Spitzer Space Telescope (pink). The extent of the X-rays in this image is smaller than the others because extremely energetic electrons emitting X-rays radiate away their energy more quickly than the lower-energy electrons emitting optical and infrared light. Credits: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optical: NASA/STScI; Infrared: NASA-JPL-Caltech #crabnebula #chandra #hubble #spitzer #telescope #astronomy #xray #nebula #space #nasa #astronomy #science #picoftheday #pictureoftheday

A post shared by NASA (@nasa) on Mar 16, 2018 at 11:23am PDT

Pick up a "Major Tom" spaceman LED light for your computer today. Part of Toby's Photos from space segment and it helps support the site. Click here to buy your own Major Tom on Amazon.Want to keep up with things happening this year? Sync your calendar with the solar system

That's all folks! We'll be back next week with even more of your photo news. If you guy's like the highlights leave us comments on the social media posts and we'll keep this going!